When economics and the environment collide it’s usually the latter that suffers.  Development in previously undeveloped countries causes habitat and species loss and a domino effect of environmental problems. Kenya is one such country wrestling with balancing the prosperity brought on by increased tourism to the beaches of Dinai and severe habitat loss which threaten one of Kenya’s biggest draws – it’s diverse animal population. One animal threatened by human encroachment is the Angolan... [Read more]

Few professions engender disdain like that of the actor. Lawyers might come in a close second, but they are feared. Culturally, actors are thought of as lazy, unintelligent, fake, drug addled, self-absorbed, talking heads lacking any real artistic talent. This means, as an actor, you’re either treated like a god (the less than 1% of professional actors who are recognizable and make a living doing it) or a roach (the 99% who aren’t and don’t). No one likes actors – not really. Even if you... [Read more]

Reducing our consumption is an imperative.  Recycling is now a fact of life, but for some reason we still seem a bit squeamish about reusing.  Perhaps we don’t want to look “cheap” or maybe there’s a stigma in using items others have considered trash.  I believe some of the most inventive solutions and fun items on the market today are repurposed. Here are 10 of the coolest recreated goods from across the web: 1) Sometimes you still need to send a letter instead of an email.  When you... [Read more]

At 11 p.m. on Friday night Matt and I pulled up to the gates of Pierce Bother Cemetery. A chipper round head popped into the window. “Are you here to see the Vietnam Memorial?” So many ways to answer: “No, we’re on a date. Just wanted to go to the cemetery.” “No, it’s 11 so perfect time to steal bodies.” I leaned over from the passenger seat; to get a better look at the khaki clad Boy Scout who was clearly excited to be up past his bedtime, “I’m here to read names at the Memorial.” “Great,”... [Read more]

Sitting at the knitting table, finishing up volunteer activity number 32, I noticed that all the ladies were working on scarves. I asked what the scarf party was all about and Nancy told me they were making them for Operation Gratitude. Op Grat makes care packages for soldiers, which include: scarves, candy, beanie babies* (which the soldiers give to local children), and hand written letters of appreciation from American citizens. My ears perked up at the mention of the letters. I am constantly... [Read more]