Hot Pot Column

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Stuart Beaton

'Miracle diets' feed false promises to weight-watchers

Breakfast time in our house was, until quite recently, a chore for me. My wife, Ellen, had taken to eating bowl after bowl of mung bean soup, and it was my job to buy and cook them.
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Sandra Lee

Different shades of beauty under the sun

I received pictures of my daughter floating in bliss on a lake in California. Yes, right there under the sun during the hottest time of the day.
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Nadine Hudson

Sinking our teeth into local experiences

"You are so brave," the dentist exclaims over and over again, tapping Michael's shoulder, until my husband explodes and lets her know that he is not indeed brave and that he wants an injection.
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Stuart Beaton

Taking a walk on the wild side

As Ellen wheeled her bike out the door, on her way to work, she stopped and asked, "Stu, why don't you ride a bike?"
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Yi-Ling Liu

Enjoying cycle lanes free of cars

While stuck in a traffic jam at Chang'an Avenue, immobile and frustrated, I had the tearful realization that, Beijingers have outgrown their bicycles.
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Nadine Hudson

Following the path to happiness

"Walkies!" We don't have to tell them twice. Our two dachshunds, Lulu and Alex, point their ears and bark excitedly.
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Stuart Beaton

Fame more than a name

The other day, Ellen was reading a magazine, and I glanced over her shoulder at a photograph of a rather plain looking woman.
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Karyn Piechule

Beijing belly, way to beat the heat

While touring the Forbidden City one day in early July, I was fascinated by the intricate architecture, the enormity of the complex, and the vast history of the palace. But, another thing that grabbed my attention was the heat.
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Lisa Carducci

The pajama dilemma: Comfort first?

Once, a worker rang my doorbell at 8:10 am to repair the toilet. "I was expecting you early," I said, "but not so early."
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Stuart Beaton

Turning it on in the kitchen

I never knew I was fashionable. Not until I got an e-mail telling me I was.
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