Metro - Your Life

US – Monday, March 15

Not your average island getaway

We promise not to get that annoying Beach Boys song stuck in your head — impossible now that we’ve brought it up. Aruba, heading up that list of tropical islands sung about in “Kokomo,” is often incorrectly lumped with the Caribbean, when in fact, it couldn’t be more unique from the rest.
Like the others, Aruba has the gorgeous beaches and stunning coral reefs. What it doesn’t have are hurricane seasons. Tourists never have to worry about planning a vacation to the island that lands in the middle of hurricanes Brad, Manny or Zach. Instead you’ll be met with cacti and warm, dry breezes.

Time for some risky business

To most professionals, the worst job crisis since the days of silent films and soup lines might seem like an inopportune time for a risky career swap — at least that’s what some career experts have observed. This workforce, they say, seems particularly reluctant to give up reliable day gigs, no matter how unrewarding or dull.

Get to know ... KIDZ IN THE HALL

Like Kid Cudi and the Cool Kids, hip-hop group Kidz in the Hall are often labeled hipsters. They don’t necessarily take issue with that.

Photo: GETTY IMAGESGive your dog a nutritious bone

As much as we obsess about the carbs, proteins, calories, whole grains and other buzz words in our food, dogs generally just scarf down dinner in one happy, goofy gulp. Which is why it’s up to you to read what’s in that bag.

My Education

Overweight preteens more likely to eat school lunches

Students who regularly eat lunch provided by their schools are more likely to be overweight, and have higher levels of cholesterol than those who eat meals brought from home, a Michigan study found.

My Education

3 Hidden costs of studying abroad

In certain frustrating moments, studying abroad can feel like signing up for a new credit card: plenty of hidden fees. “Meals, housing, the visa, required excursions … There’s a lot to consider,” says Kristina Wegscheider, co-founder of Do It While You’re Young, a travel Web site. “Tuition and airfare is one thing, but it’s important to research the other costs.” Here are three snags to keep in mind as you book that semester abroad.

My Career

Brand development tips

Personal branding isn’t just for A-list celebrities, authors and athletes anymore. Now, anyone who is serious about their career has to manage their brand or lose the ability to compete in the global marketplace. These seven skills are critical for personal brand development.

CLICK ON CHART TO ENLARGE

CLICK ON CHART TO ENLARGE

Photo: COURTESY OF WILLIAM MORROW

Food

One ‘Delight’ after another

Don’t confuse Sophie Dahl’s new cookbook for any skinny girl mantra.

My Wellbeing

Is his interest in you pure, or purely based on stereotypes?

Q: I am an Asian-American female and I am often pursued by non-Asian men. People tell me that there are men who have an “Asian fetish”. How can I tell if those men want to date me because of me or because I’m Asian? How can I also tell if a non-Asian man is pursuing me just to say he was with an Asian woman? What is this attraction to Asian women? If a guy likes blondes, does it mean he has a “blonde fetish”?

My Technology

Gamers’ flock of sequels

Game developers love sequels. They move units and make boardroom execs happy. They also, sometimes, make gamers happy. Here are reviews of two new sequels that’ll put smiles on your precious little faces.

Real Estate Search for New York City powered by StreetEasy

The March MMMpod features conversation and music from Surfer Blood and The Allman Brothers Band (There's a double-bill you're not too likely to see. However, Gregg Allman does mention Hannah Montana!). We also speak with Vampire Weekend and the Dropkick Murphys.

‘Lindsay’ sues E*Trade over ‘milkaholic’ ad

NEW YORK. The actress Lindsay Lohan has sued E*Trade Financial Corp. for $100 million, saying a “milkaholic” baby girl who appeared in a recent commercial was modeled after her.