Is It Bingeing Or Not?

A matter of perception: Nine videotapes of a person eating glazed doughnuts were shown by Indiana University researchers to 459 young men and women.

Most of the women called every doughnut eating episode a binge, whether the actor ate three doughnuts slowly or gobbled five quickly. Only half the men called gobbling six doughnuts a binge.

The women said bingeing would make them feel depressed, ashamed, nauseated and stuffed; the men said they would feel satisfied and relaxed, although uncomfortably full. (Source: Allure)

Getting off on the right foot: When part of Canada’s Northwest Territories becomes the independent nation of Nunavut in 1999, the parliament of this country of Inuits will be gender-balanced.

An initiative mandates each political district in the country be represented in parliament by a man and a woman. “(The initiative) is a living tribute to aboriginal traditions and a practical strategy for a higher standard of living,” writes Irshad Manji in This magazine.

Just for context: In the United States, women comprise more than 50 percent of the population yet make up 12 percent of the U.S. House of Representatives and 9 percent of the U.S. Senate. According to the United Nations, the United States ranks 24th of 54 Western democracies in women’s representation in national legislatures. (Source: This)

Get started: Someone you know might benefit from a Men’s Health December to-do list: Dec. 6: Might as well start looking for a tree. No, not on your neighbor’s lawn. Dec. 10: Nobel Prize award ceremonies today. Is there a category for abdominals? If so, we’re clearing room on the mantel! Dec. 21: A dark day as winter begins - and Phil Donahue turns 62, outliving his usefulness yet another year. Dec. 24: You bought the gifts, but pigeons could wrap presents better. No sweat. Use a small bag with handles to dump gifts into and then crumple some tissue paper over the top of the bag. Done. And remove the tags, brainiac. Dec. 25: Christmas. Whatever she gives you, express deep gratitude. Whatever you give her, keep the receipts.

Final thought: We like this sentiment from a Reebok ad: “I was backing my car out of the driveway to head to the gym when I accidently ran over my insecurities. I freaked out and pulled forward but it was too late.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo

MEMO: Susan English is the Weekend Editor at The Spokesman-Review, contact her by mail at 999 W. Riverside, Spokane, WA 99201; by e-mail at susane@spokesman.com or by phone at 459-5488.