The Story Of Stuff: A Review

The Story of Stuff: 1. Extraction, 2. Production, 3. DistributionAnnie Leonard, a former Greenpeace worker, is fascinated with material things, especially garbage.  She says when she looks at a cell phone, sweater, or paper cup “it's entire life cycle flashes before [her] eyes.”  It's an obsession that lead to a popular animated short and follow-up book called "The Story Of Stuff" [published in March, 2010].  And along the way,...

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Autumn's Purple Haze

There was a time when only an emperor or the Pope could afford to wear purple because it took many shellfish to make the pigment.  Interestingly enough, Byzantine princesses delivered their aristocratic children in purple chambers.  That's how it was for centuries, until German chemist, William Henry Perkin, created a synthetic purple dye in 1856, making the color of privilege available to the masses.  Purple was rock legend Jimi Hendrix's...

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Go On A Skin Diet

It's common sense: Want beautiful skin?  Eat a diet fortified with foods that keep you young.  A junk food diet, consisting of grease, sugar and white flour, will take a toll on your health and the texture of your skin, hair and nails.  So if you want to look your absolute best and have glowing skin as long as you live, plan meals with a good balance of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.  Below are some nutrients...

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Fashion's Night Out

Madison Avenue hosts Fashion's Night Out tomorrow for a second year in a row.  Stores stay open until 11pm and offer live music, champagne, h'orderves and, of course, the latest fashion to the public.  Some have reductions of 20%, or more.  Other events include photo booths, games with free giveaways and celebrity appearances.  You will find tons of style at every price point.  Conceived in 2009 by Vogue editor, Anna...

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Easy Labor Day Fare

Well here we are ... approaching another long weekend.  Why not celebrate the last summer holiday with easy-to-prepare summer food and an icy summer drink?  I love a great burger grilled to perfection, with just a touch of coarse salt, pepper and maybe a sprinkle of Worcestershire sauce, plus all the fixings like purple onion, romaine lettuce, pickles and a slice of tomato.  The trick to a great burger is, don't mess with it. ...

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