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By Robin Young SUN Columnist Mulling spices have been around since the second century, when the Romans began spicing and heating their wine. They traveled through Europe spreading their love for mulled wine. Later in time, people used the infused heated beverages to stay warm during harsh winters. It adapted its way into cultures as it became popular in harvest drinking rituals and celebrations.  Today, mulling spices are most commonly used to make a cozy, festive, favorite winter beverage. Th...

By Robin Young PREVIEW Columnist Those giggles and guffaws can seem like just silly throwaways. But laughter, in response to funny events, actually takes a lot of work because it activates many areas of the brain: areas that control motor, emotional, cognitive and social processing. Researchers now appreciate laughter’s power to enhance physical and mental well-being. Laughter’s physical power  People begin laughing in infancy, when it helps develop muscles and upper body strength. Laughte...