Life

Water Cooler: Petraeus, Twinkies, young old man

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

November 18, 2012 - 2:04 am

Here are a few things in news, entertainment and pop culture that caught our eye last week.

■ Gen. David Petraeus resigns as CIA director after admitting that he had an affair with his biographer. Upcoming James Bond movie: "The Spy Who Was Really Dumb."

■ A work stoppage forces Hostess to close three plants and consider liquidating the company. Fortunately, they've got a backlog of Twinkies that won't spoil for decades.

■ A study argues that humans began losing the evolutionary pressure to be smart thousands of years ago. No, no, it'd just be way too easy.

■ A 16-year-old British boy is convicted of robbing jewelry stores while wearing prosthetics to make him look like an old man. Police became suspicious when the elderly guy would leave only with diamond-encrusted grills.

JOHN PRZYBYS (jprzybys@reviewjournal.com)

Setting a reading goal for the year or joining a local library’s winter reading challeng ...

How to revive your love of books in 2026

By Adithi Ramakrishnan The Associated Press

December 30, 2025 - 8:00 am

People stop reading in adulthood for lots of reasons. But it’s never too late to close the book on old habits and start again.

“Planks can build strength quickly because they make your whole body work at once,&#x201 ...

This simple exercise builds strength faster than weightlifting

By Beth Ann Mayer Parade

December 30, 2025 - 7:45 am

Personal trainers say bodyweight exercises can be super effective, and some even rival weightlifting.

Las Vegas therapist Tabitha Johnson is certified in a type of therapy called eye movement desen ...

Using a new year to envision a new version of ourselves

By Sheldon Jacobs Mental Health Matters

December 30, 2025 - 7:30 am

The turning of the calendar is an opportunity to reflect on the highs and lows of the past 12 months, and to move toward progress and growth.

While regular strength training can protect against bone and muscle loss, people over 60 should ...

One exercise to avoid if you’re over 60 and want to protect joint health

By Emily Laurence Parade

December 30, 2025 - 7:15 am

While regular strength training can protect your bones, there is one type of exercise people over 60 should avoid to protect their joints.

Laura Dern poses at the premiere of the film "Is This Thing On?" on Thursday, Dec. 18 ...

Laura Dern treasures this ‘timeless advice’ from late mother

By C.L. Gaber Special / RJ

December 30, 2025 - 7:00 am

Beloved actor Diane Ladd had a knack. She could condense the most meaningful life advice into just a few sentences.

To get a breakdown on exactly how much your claiming age affects your benefits, use Social Secu ...

At what age do most Americans start taking Social Security benefits?

By Jim Miller Savvy Senior

December 30, 2025 - 6:30 am

You can sign up to begin your Social Security benefits at any time after age 62. However, you can increase your monthly payments by delaying them.

An elder law attorney or legal aid center can help you draft a power of attorney, medical power ...

3 important documents in a medical emergency

By Toni King Toni Says

December 30, 2025 - 6:00 am

The Toni Says Medicare team advises everyone to seek an elder law attorney or legal aid center to draft three key legal documents.

Jeffrey R. Holland, member of the quorum of the twelve apostles, speaks during a news conferenc ...

Jeffrey R. Holland, next in line to lead LDS church, dies at 85

By Hannah Schoenbaum The Associated Press

December 28, 2025 - 8:38 am

Jeffrey R. Holland, a high-ranking official in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who was next in line to become the faith’s president, has died.