Dear Reader,
No one would ever mistake my dad for Aristotle or Sir Francis Bacon. When I was young, my well-meaning father would often mix up conventional words of wisdom, uttering such gems as “it’s six of one, a dozen of the other.” What he was attempting to recall, as you might have guessed, was the popular advice “six of one, a half-dozen of the other” when trying to decide between essentially equal choices.

But, when it came to doling out good advice, dad hit the nail on the head with this one: Never underestimate the power of a smile. The benefit of smiling is backed by the weight of some impressive scientific research.

Perhaps the most interesting is a 2010 Wayne State University study that measured the smiles of hundreds of 1952 Major League baseball players (as seen on their baseball cards). The study found that players who had "no smile" (a blank stare into the camera) lived an average of 72.9 years; those with "partial smiles" (the muscles around their mouths slightly raised) enjoyed a life span of 75 years; while "full smile" owners (those with a wide grin) could expect a lifespan of nearly 80 years (79.9).

Need something a little more "scientific"? Consider Charles Darwin's facial feedback response theory. Darwin argued that smiling could actually create a positive emotion, and wasn't just a consequence of that emotion. Numerous studies have confirmed his claim. Smiling also has documented therapeutic effects, including lowered blood pressure, reduced levels of stress hormones like cortisol and increased endorphins that make you feel happier.

At SAS Education your learning is always our top priority, but your health and well-being is a close 2^nd. That's why this month, we're giving you reason to smile - with free stuff.

First up, free access to our newest e-lecture series, What's New in SAS BI Clients 4.3. This course bundles eight lectures that address what's new in the latest release. You can access this e-Lecture series for FREE by using the activation code S1147261970.

Want more? How about a free video? You can learn how to profile a cluster analysis with this video tip we just added to our Video Library. Our video site posts answers to frequently asked questions about SAS programming and other hot topics, and is a great resource for SAS users; check it out if you haven't already.

Finally, don’t forget about the online educational resources we post through our social media channels. Join SAS training on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter to learn new programming tips and tricks, get the inside scoop on SAS Certification, network and share ideas with other SAS users and meet the SAS training staff. Also, be sure to check out the SAS training blog, The SAS Training Post, providing you with practical information to help you become a better SAS user.

I hope the free stuff and other information in this month's issue of SAS Training Report will make you smile just a little. It would make me happy to know that it did. I'd like to be able to say I was responsible for adding another 7 years to your life. (You can thank me later.)
 
Larry LaRusso
Editor, SAS Training Report