Merriam-Webster has announced that “culture” is the English dictionary’s word of the year for 2014.

The company selects its word of the year based on number of online searches, and overall presence in the media, among other criteria.

The definition of “culture,” according to Merriam-Webster, is the “beliefs, customs, arts, etc., of a particular society, group, place, or time.”

Among the other most notable words of the year included “feminism,” insidious,” “innovation,” “morbidity,” “autonomy,” “surreptitious,” “nostalgia” and “je ne sais quoi.” The Merriam-Webster 2013 word of the year was “science.” “Capitalism” and “socialism” shared top honors in 2012.

“Culture” was not connected with any single event in 2014, but rather dominated the news headlines on a consistent basis due to its many uses. Popular topics this year included “company culture,” “rape culture” and “celebrity culture.”

Online searches for the word “feminism” remained strong throughout the course of 2014, according to company leaders. “Feminism” was used in correlation with the Gamergate controversy and the Hobby Lobby decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. When Time Magazine released its annual list of the “100 Most Influential People” – featuring Pharrell Williams, Miley Cyrus and Beyonce – the word saw another major spike in online traffic.

Along with its main publication, Merriam-Webster has published dictionaries of Spanish/English, slang, sports terms, medical terms, proper names, biography, geography, English usage and synonyms.  Non-dictionary publications available around the world are Encyclopedia of World Religions Collegiate Thesaurus, Encyclopedia of Literature, Manual for Writers and Editors, Secretarial Handbook and Collegiate Encyclopedia.

Merriam-Webster was created by researcher Noah Webster in 1828 as a way to expand the conversation about language among cultures around the world. In his quest for greater knowledge, he learned a total of 26 languages, including English, Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, Aramaic, Hebrew, Russian, Welsh, Dutch, French, Spanish, Italian, Latin, Greek, German and Gothic.

Huntsville is perhaps best known for being the home of engineers, military personnel and expensive rockets. A new study shows that the Alabama city is also known for an abundance of satisfied workers.

The Quantum Workplace survey ranks Huntsville first in terms of employee recognition. The organization examined surveys from nearly 400,000 employees at 5,000 organizations throughout the United States in order to determine which locations had the happiest employees.

The forms of recognition include praise from senior leadership, time off for vacations, access to training and learning opportunities, and pay increases.

In Huntsville, 73 percent of employees said they felt comfortable with the level of recognition given by their superiors. Nashville (69 percent) assumed runner-up position, with Austin, Texas; San Antonio, Texas; and Washington, D.C. finishing in a three-way for third with 68 percent.

The top ten rankings were Atlanta, Georgia (67 percent); Charlotte, North Carolina (67 percent); Orlando, Florida (67 percent); Raleigh, North Carolina (67 percent); and Tampa, Florida (67 percent).

Employees said that pay raises are the best possible way to recognize excellent work, followed by promotions, bonuses, time flexibility and training opportunities. On the other hand, managers should bypass company-branded merchandise such as medals and plaques. Only 5 percent of employees said that these items were important to them.

Quantum Workplace collaborates with organizations across the United States to increase financial success and client loyalty by making work more enjoyable and effective. Quantum Workplace offers strategic advice and survey tools to improve organizational culture and employee engagement.

The Best Places to Work survey is completed in partnership with various corporate sponsors, chambers of commerce, associations and other organizations. As the survey’s leading force, Quantum Workplace offers the analytical know-how to power 5,000 surveys each year and deliver results to participating businesses.

There are hundreds of different diets and myriad confusing guidelines for how to eat. Even the experts can’t seem to come to a consensus on the best diet to follow: no-carb, paleolithic, no-fruit, only fruit, etc. In reality, however, there isn’t just one nutritional plan that’s right for everyone. By following guidelines set forth by the USDA, most Americans can achieve health, energy and a better body.

The USDA recommends a number of foods that should be consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Avocados are a must-eat food. They are a great source of healthy fats and help your body absorb nutrients.

Berries are jam-packed with vitamins, fiber and antioxidants. Blueberries have the highest dose of those powerful antioxidants.

Cinnamon is one of those must-have spices everyone should work into their diets. Research shows that less than a teaspoon a day can help regulate blood sugar.

Eggs have received a bad reputation due to their high cholesterol content. However, research shows there is limited evidence linking egg consumption to heart disease. Besides, this high-protein food only has 70 calories and numerous vitamins and minerals.

Olive oil is a triple win because it’s full of antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, and it’s still delicious.

Nuts are loaded with protein, antioxidants, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Kale is a leafy green vegetable loaded with vitamins A, K and C, calcium and fiber. Kale is also packed with many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

Quinoa is a grain that is a complete source of protein and is packed with fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

Greek yogurt has twice as much protein as regular yogurt and is filled with probiotics, which help keep the immune system strong.

Almond milk has the consistency of cow’s milk but half the calories without the dairy. It’s great for someone with lactose intolerance.

Exercise is one of the best ways to alleviate stress, but one of the biggest challenges for working professionals is carving out the time. Everyone knows it is important to stay in shape, but work and family obligations always seem to get in the way. What the busy executive often fails to see is that everything and everyone suffers when he or she neglects his or her health.

In a perfect world everyone could commit a one- to two-hour time slot in the middle of their day to dedicate to healthy activities, but with all the responsibilities and time constraints of a busy life exercise is rarely seen as a priority. The good news is that new studies indicate it isn’t necessary to dedicate an hour or two at a set time of day to realize the benefits of exercise. And it isn’t necessary to head to the gym to get a workout.

Everyone has a few minutes of downtime each day. Five or 10 minutes here and there throughout the day are fairly easy to find. Contrary to what most people think, it is not necessary to exercise in one continuous block of time. As little as 20 minutes spread throughout the day can produce results. If you have a few minutes before the next meeting or lunch, do 15 or 20 push-ups or sit-ups. These are examples of exercise that can be performed at home, in the office, or in a hotel room when traveling. No equipment necessary.

Find ways to be creative about activities. Park away from the building and walk, use the stairs instead of the elevator, do a few toe touches and jumping jacks. Sitting doesn’t have to mean relaxing. There are several exercises that can be performed in a chair to strengthen and tone the upper and lower body and core muscles. A quick Internet search will provide details of chair exercises.
A body in motion is a good start toward being healthier and looking better, so don’t sit if you can stand and don’t stand if you can walk. Beginning today, set some reasonable goals and get moving.