November 26, 2006

New York City housing market is increasingly difficult for would-be renters, with one national background-checking service alone rating 41 percent of applicants as either 'reject' or 'maybe'; city's annual income threshold of 40 to 45 times monthly rent, far higher than national average of 36 percent, is major stumbling block, often forcing potential tenants to offer extra cash upfront or guarantors; less than sterling credit history and any record of involvement in landlord-tenant court case are near guarantees of rejection; advice on researching credit history; drawing; photos (M)

Even as science, medicine and government have defined obesity as threat to nation's health and treasury, fat studies is emerging as new interdisciplinary area of study on campuses nationwide; it is most often women promoting study and is still fringe area of scholarship, but gaining traction; professors in variety of disciplines are incorporating discussions of fat into their teachings and research; photos (M)

One year after Notre Dame and Southern California played a back-and-forth epic in South Bend, the Trojans confidently controlled the rematch at the Coliseum.

Electronic mail has almost done away with formal sign-off people generally associate with business correspondence; conventions are still evolving; sign-offs can be fraught with awkwardness, partly because people read so much into those last words; Netmanners.com, site dedicated to online etiquette, offers advice; photos (M)

Dozens of housing developments designed for aging population can be found in Rhode Island, which ranks sixth in nation for proportion of residents over 65; project undertaken by Chinese Christian Church of Rhode Island is example, with 17 one-bedroom rental units in converted jewelry factory that offer amenities aimed at reducing isolation of elderly residents; state's affordable senior housing comprises 204 federally subsidized developments providing nearly 20,000 units; other options include dozens of assisted living facilities and 'active older adults communities' aimed at those over age 50; photos (M)