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I consider myself an impulse purchaser.
Respondents who score 25 or higher would be considered compulsive buyers.
"We are living in a consumption-oriented society and have been spending ourselves into serious difficulty," researcher Kent Monroe, a marketing professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, told LiveScience. "Compulsive buying is an addiction that can be harmful to the individual, families, relationships. It is not just something that only afflicts low-income people."
Wondering where your score lies? "An individual could respond to the six items to check whether they may have these tendencies," Monroe said. "However, as with any attempt at self-diagnosing, it should be carefully done and honestly responded to."
Monroe and his colleagues found that compulsive buying was linked to materialism, reduced self-esteem, depression, anxiety and stress. Compulsive shoppers had positive feelings associated with buying, and they also tended to hide purchases, return items, have more family arguments about purchases and have more maxed-out credit cards.
Previous scales for identifying problem buyers are lacking because they depend in large part on the consequences of shopping, such as financial difficulties and family strain over money matters, the researchers note. But for compulsive shoppers with higher incomes, money matters could be non-existent.
A dwindling bank account is just one of the upshots of shopping 'til you drop. Others include family conflicts, stress, depression and loss of self-esteem.
The shopaholic test is just part of the answer.
"There needs to be more research not only identifying people who have a tendency to buy compulsively, but also on developing education and self-help programs for people who are buying things they do not need or use," Monroe said. "It can lead to a waste of resources and to deterioration in families and relationships."
The research is detailed in the December issue of the Journal of Consumer Research. Financial support for the research was provided by the J. M. Jones endowment fund at the University of Illinois.
Wooded. Private. Easy access from Bald Creek Road. Priced below tax value.
Legend Hotel Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City held a Christmas party at the hotel for physically challenged children in the city.
The party was held on December 20 at the hotel's Grand Ballroom for 65 children from Hoang Mai Center, a shelter that has taken care of children with disabilities for over 15 years.
Children got into the festive spirit with good food and live entertainment including balloon twisting and a magic show.
Each child also received a gift, besides the VND15 million donation given to the center. Part of the money and gifts came from funds saved by not sending printed seasonal greeting cards, hotel officials said.
A person had to be rescued from their car by firefighters after a three-car crash in Kenilworth this afternoon left them trapped.
Two fire crews from Kenilworth and Leamington were called to the crash on the junction of Albion Street and Park Road at just before 4.30pm.
One person was trapped in one of the cars. Firefighters used a hydraulic tool to remove the car door allowing paramedics to treat them.
The person was treated for minor injuries, while the other people involved had no injuries.
Clashes broke out in Baghdad after police arrested a local Sahwa leader and his aide. Overall, at least seven Iraqis were killed and 18 more were wounded across the country. Also, the Iraqi government is threatening to deprogram Iranian refugees they would like to see leave the country.
Tensions between the Awakening Councils (Sahwa) and the Iraqi government came to a head today when police arrested a Baghdad area leader and his aide. Four people were killed and 10 others were wounded in rioting that followed the arrest. Five Iraqi soldiers were kidnapped at the scene.
Relations between the Sahwa groups and the Shi’ite central government are still strained despite the handover of the group from U.S. to Iraqi control last year. The group had been paid by the U.S. to handle security in largely Sunni areas and is credited with reducing violence in Iraq. They are supposed to be completely within Iraqi control by the end of the month, but a hiring freeze could eliminate jobs the members are counting on. Many already claim they have not been paid their salaries in months.
The Iraqi government on the other hand does have good reason to be wary of the group as many members fought alongside al-Qaeda until switching sides. They maintain the right to arrests such members who may have committed crimes.
The central government is also threatening to relocate Iranian refugees at Camp Ashraf so they can be “detoxified.” They say they will separate the People’s Mujahideen of Iran (PMOI) leaders from their "brainwashed cult members" and deprogram the group. Saddam Hussein had invited the group to Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war but renounced violence after the US.-led invasion. They had been under U.S. protection until last year.
In Mosul, an Iraqi army officer was wounded during a roadside bombing. Gunmen wounded a policeman in a small arms attack. A bomb blast in Sumer wounded four people. Gunmen killed one civilian and wounded two others in the Palestine neighbhorhood.
The bodies of two farmers were discovered in Amiriyat al-Fallujah.
A “special groups” leader was arrested in Aziziya.
Twenty detainees were cleared of charges and released in Fallujah.
Dog park would serve as a trailhead for extension of the future Great Miami River Trail hike/bike path.
Dogs and their owners find unexpected friendships at Cleveland Park's Canine Corner.
FAIRFIELD – Seven acres near Marsh Park will become the home of Fairfield’s first park dedicated to man’s best friend.
Planned for the west side of River Road, about one-third mile south of Gray Road, the dog park would also serve as a trailhead for an extension of the future Great Miami River Trail hike/bike path.
The dog park, trailhead and trail extension are part of the city’s Marsh Park Corridor master plan.
“Trails and a dog park are always on the top of surveys we do," said Ben Mann, the city’s engineer who is overseeing the project.
The conceptual plan, created by consultants Strand Associates Inc., also includes pre-fabricated restroom facilities that would be built up because the site sits in a floodplain.
The land would be divided into an area for large dogs, another field for small dogs, a combined space for all dogs, and a fourth field that would be used when the other fields were closed for maintenance.
The trail extension from Waterworks Park would go through and around the dog park along the Great Miami River to Marsh Park and then south to Hamilton County. There is no timetable yet for that but the city is exploring grant opportunities.
Each of the fenced dog areas would include play features for the animals. The pond would be about 100 feet wide, and up to 4 feet deep with zero depth entrance.
There would be a jumping dock, bubbler fountain, shallow play stream and a dual drinking fountain for humans and dogs.
Parking for 20 vehicles is included in the plan with an overflow area that could be paved when needed. Future items for the site not included in the initial project include an overlook, River Road pedestrian crossing, and signage.
A covered, central gathering space would provide shade, access to the dog fields and parking area, along with access to the bike/hike path, Mann said.
The cost of the project is estimated at $900,000 to $950,000, which would come from the city’s capital improvement program fund.
Mann said the project is included in this year’s list of improvements that City Council will review at its April 9 council-manager briefing and vote on in late April or early May.
Once approved, final, detailed plans for the park and trailhead will be developed with construction possible this fall and a spring 2019 opening, Mann said.
A runway sinkhole created chaos at Rhodes International Airport in Greece on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015.
A sinkhole opened up on a runway at Rhodes International Airport in Greece on Tuesday, causing the airport to temporarily shut down.
Some of the stranded passengers, many of them vacationers from the UK, were delayed for 24 hours as they waited for contractors to repair the runway.
"The airport was closed for 14 hours, the runway has since been repaired and reopened at 6 a.m. this morning (UK time)," Thomson Airways, one of the airlines affected by the closure, said in a statement. Contractors took 10 hours to repair the eight-meter hole. Once the hole was filled, flights resumed within an hour.
The sinkhole was caused by a crack previously on the tarmac that had been repaired, but reopened, growing much larger after the torrential downpour.
Travelers complained of long lines, a lack of information, and poor organization for passengers who were stranded overnight.
Few things can make us wee little humans feels as small as gazing at a giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), seriously! Consider this, the giant sequoia known as General Sherman tree – the largest, by volume, known living single stem tree in the world – reaches a height of 275 feet, diameter of 25 feet and estimated bole volume of 52,513 cubic feet. And its 2,300–2,700 years old! The Parker Group of giant sequoias, shown here in a photograph by Rick Derevan, lives in the same place as the General – Sequoia National Park in California – and is one of the finest clusters of the big guys in the park. Respect!
The former chief prosecutor of Romania's anti-corruption agency, Laura Codruta Koevesi, has been ranked first in the selection procedure to head the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), the Guardian reported. Koevesi investigated ministers, mayors and members of parliament, before Romania's justice minister dismissed her in July 2018. Twenty EU countries agreed in 2017 to set up EPPO to fight large-scale cross-border financial crime. It is set to open next year.
Stock Luxury Apartment Living, a division of Stock Development, is celebrating the grand opening of its clubhouse amenities at Inspira.
Located at the corner of Rattlesnake-Hammock Road and Grand Lely Drive, Inspira is a high-end, multifamily neighborhood that revolutionizes luxury apartment living with an array of residences and resort-style amenities with management services by Greystar.
Today, Sunday Nov. 18, Inspira is debuting its clubhouse from noon to 4 p.m. The public is invited to tour the clubhouse and its furnished models. There will be food, drinks prizes and entertainment onsite.
Inspira’s comprehensive package of amenities includes a two-story, 9,872-square-foot clubhouse with a 6,000-square-foot resort-style pool and spa, a 2,032-square-foot fitness and exercise center, a dedicated yoga and Pilates room, and a living area with a professional interior design.
A culinary kitchen offers cooking demonstrations and tastings, while a club room gives residents a place to relax.There is a game/card room, a media room and many gathering places indoors and outside. Fire pits and poolside cabanas are available for relaxation, while a conference room allows residents to work from the clubhouse.
Numerous large, flat-screen TVs will broadcast sporting events in high-definition. Residents will also enjoy the pickleball courts, a basketball court and bocce ball courts. There is a dog park for pet owners.
Furnished models are open at the on-site leasing office. New residents are able to sign a lease and immediately move into their brand new apartment and use the clubhouse.
The 304-unit gated community is at 7425 Inspira Circle at the corner of Rattlesnake-Hammock Road and Grand Lely Drive with convenient access to U.S. 41 and Interstate 75. Online at www.InspiraNaples.com.
Inspira offers a great location adjacent to Lely Resort and offers one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in buildings that fit perfectly with the architectural design standards set by Lely Resort.
Inspira apartments range from 784 to 1,348 square feet of living space. These luxury residences feature many of the upgraded interiors that Stock has perfected in its area communities.
The B2 model is a two-bedroom, two-bath design with 1,112 square feet of living area offering an island-style kitchen with bar seating and a dining area. The open plan features a living room beyond the kitchen with a door leading to the balcony. The master suite has a large walk-in closet and a walk-in shower. For privacy, the second bedroom is on the opposite side of the unit adjacent to the second full bath. It also features a walk-in closet. There is a washer and dryer bay that closes off from the rest of the home.
The A2 is a one-bedroom, one-bath home with 800 square feet of living area. This open floor plan features a large living/dining room beyond the island-style kitchen. Sliding glass doors open to the balcony. The bedroom offers a walk-in closet, while the bath has a walk-in shower. A laundry room closes off from the rest of the residence and offers a stacked washer/dryer.
Thirteen six-bay garages are available for resident’s vehicles. Prices begin at $1,527 per month.
Greystar is a leading, vertically integrated real estate company offering expertise in investment management, development, and property management of rental housing properties globally. Headquartered in Charleston, S.C. with offices throughout the United States, Europe, and Latin America.
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – Republicans are increasingly confident that their tax-reform bill is growing in popularity and will help them buffer the stiff political headwinds they face in the 2018 midterm elections.
At a gathering of donors affiliated with billionaire conservative activists Charles and David Koch, GOP lawmakers and donors said they see signs the public is warming to the bill after initial polling indicated the overhaul would be a massive drag on the party.
The Koch network spent $20 million in advertising in support of the bill before it passed and has pledged another $20 million to tout the bill before the midterm elections.
A CNN poll released on Dec. 19, just days before President Trump Donald John TrumpButtigieg on Mueller report: 'Politically, I'm not sure it will change much' Sarah Sanders addresses false statements detailed in Mueller report: 'A slip of the tongue' Trump to visit Japan in May to meet with Abe, new emperor MORE signed the bill into law, found that only 33 percent supported the GOP tax bill and 55 percent opposed it.
Those numbers were worse even than polling for the Affordable Care Act in 2010, which faced majority opposition but routinely pulled 40 percent support or more.
But Republicans say that as voters find out what is in the tax bill they are growing more supportive of it. They believe that shift in sentiment will continue when tax cuts are reflected in workers’ paychecks for the first time in February.
A New York Times-Survey Monkey poll released on Jan. 16 found that most voters still oppose the bill, with 49 percent saying they disapprove. But the tax law’s approval leapt from 37 percent in December to 46 percent in January.
“Support is clearly growing for it,” said Americans for Prosperity President Tim Phillips.
A December survey from Harvard CAPS-Harris found that a 64 percent of voters oppose the bill, but that support for the overhaul spikes to 51 percent when voters are told that it will reduce overall tax rates for individuals, double the child tax credit and repeal the ObamaCare mandate.
Still, the Harvard CAPS-Harris survey found that 59 percent oppose reducing the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent — the bill’s signature issue.
Republicans will need all the help they can get in 2018 as they try to hold on to majorities in the House and Senate.
The party in power typically loses seats in the midterm elections and generic ballot polling finds Democrats with a double-digit lead in the House. Trump’s approval rating is historically low for a first-term president and there are worries he will be a drag on the party.
Liberals are energized in opposition to Trump and are emboldened by recent elections held in swing states or red states such as Virginia and Alabama.
Community leaders and longtime supporters of FiftyForward gathered at the patrons party that precedes the upcoming annual Crown Affair.
Community leaders and longtime supporters of FiftyForward gathered at the patrons party that precedes the annual Crown Affair, to be held on April 26. Former Crowning Achievement Award honorees welcomed newly named honorees “into the fold” at a gathering at the home of former FiftyForward board member Teresa Corlew and Wes Allen.
Among the honorees this year is longtime FiftyForward board member and supporter Jana Parham, and community leaders D. Billye Sanders and Eleanor Willis. Representing this year’s Corporate Crowning Achievement honoree, Nissan North America, was Vicki Smith, senior manager, Corporate Social Responsibility.
The Crown Affair, a FiftyForward signature fundraising event, raises funds to benefit the seven FiftyForward lifelong learning centers in Davidson and Williamson counties as well as agency programs and services such as FiftyForward Care Management, FiftyForward Meals on Wheels and FiftyForward Adult Day Services.
This year The Crown Affair is chaired by Jenni Hargrove, a charitable marketing coach, founder of Nonprofit Jenni and member of the FiftyForward Junior Board. Held at the FiftyForward Patricia Hart Building, the 29th annual Crown Affair will feature a cocktail reception and silent auction at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and awards at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $250. For information or to purchase tickets, contact Elizabeth Ralph, 615-743-3409 or eralph@fiftyforward.org.
As the temperatures rise, pipes frozen by the low temperatures will begin to thaw.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – As the temperatures rise, pipes frozen by the low temperatures will begin to thaw.
And while it may sound like a good thing, it could create plumbing nightmares.
“Most likely, once it warms up and the pipes thaw out, then that’s when you’ll see either a small drip,” says plumber Marc Coleman of Michael & Son Services, who adds it could be even worse.
By Tuesday afternoon, Michael & Son had 180 calls for frozen pipes in the D.C. area, Coleman says. One of the biggest culprits is outdoor hose bibs. Water lines that supply outdoor spigots should be closed and hoses emptied of water to prevent ice from making its way into inner water lines. Failure to do that can result in a leak or a burst pipe.
“The water inside the hose will come back into your faucet and then burst the pipe that way,” Coleman says.
Coleman’s best advice is to check for leaks.
If there is a leak, shut off the water to the area and call a plumber.
“If the water damage isn’t caught immediately, then that’s when problems start to mount,” he says.
Kent Bacci of Alexandria, Va., called Coleman to his home because his downstairs faucets froze during the night.
After turning on the heat downstairs, Bacci’s pipes thawed on their own with no damage done.
Coleman says not everyone is that lucky and repairs for burst pipes can range from $150 to $450. And the cost doesn’t include damage to the home.
There’s no proven technique that can guarantee pipes will be safe, but it’s important to shut off water to outdoor faucets before a freeze.
Also, many water companies, like D.C. Water, recommend letting a faucet drip during cold nights so water doesn’t sit in the line and freeze.
LIVERPOOL are closing in on a £16m deal to sign Bayern Munich star Xherdan Shaqiri.
According to German newspaper Bild, the Reds have opened talks over a possible move and are willing to offer £16m for the winger.

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