Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
May 21, 2012
Artist Victoria Selbach logged on to her computer one morning and discovered her Facebook account had been disabled due to “objectionable content.” With no prior warnings or notification, it was puzzling. She filed an inquiry with Facebook, but received no response.
Selbach, an artist whose hauntingly beautiful and tasteful nudes were featured here previously, reached out to her network of realist artists, who rallied around her. They posted her dilemma on their own walls, with a link to her website. Selbach’s site traffic soared to more than 6000 hits over night.
“There is an incredibly supportive group of realist artists networking on Facebook. It really makes you think about how much we get from each other through the community we have created and yet feels quite bizarre to know how little ownership and control we can count on from what we have built. A visual artist’s Facebook page almost becomes a curated work in it’s own right, and certainly a journal of past and future opportunities, yet we don’t really have any ownership over it.”
It is a sad commentary on our culture, when fine art is considered objectionable, but someone’s drunken party photos are not.
Tags:arts, facebook, Facebook Exile, nudes, objectionable content, victoria selbach, visual artist
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May 17, 2012
We all know the obesity rate in the United States is climbing rapidly. This epidemic is attributed to over eating and under exercising, right? Well, maybe it’s more than that.
According to an article on the Co. Design website, it could be what we eat, not how much we eat that is having an adverse effect on our waistlines.
While the article acknowledges that Americans consume more calories than any other country in the world, it isn’t substantially more.
The average American consumes 3770 (!!!) calories per day and spends about 6.9% of their income on food. Currently 34% of the population is considered obese.
Just as a reference point, it takes 3500 calories to make a pound and the average salary in the U.S. is $46,326 per year. That means about $8.75 per day is spent on food.
Comparatively, Italians eat 3660 calories per day, and spend 14.7% of their income on food. Italy’s obesity rate is 15%.
So what’s contributing to the difference?
It seems that Americans are obsessed with cheap food sources. In the 1950’s mechanized foods, such as canned, frozen, and fast foods were considered a sign of our country’s progressiveness. Cheap, processed foods became a source of pride for our nation.
Other countries held fast to their cultural traditions, and continued to enjoy their national cuisine. Using the freshest and finest ingredients to produce regional delicacies is far more costly than the pink slime consumed in our country.
Although it is clear that 3770 calories a day is way too much, especially when the average American is fairly sedentary, it appears that the quality of our food may play as great a role as the quantity we consume.
photo: Glasshouse Images
Tags:amount spent on food, calories consumed in Italy, calories consumed in the US, calories per day, cheap food, Co. Design, fast food, fresh foods, health, healthy living, high quality ingredients, mechanized foods, nutrition, obesity, processed foods
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May 15, 2012
While visiting a friend in the hospital this weekend, I was struck by a sign on a vending machine in the patient’s lounge. It read:
“The health risks associated with obesity, along with the increase in diabetes and heart disease are so substantial, that the Mount Sinai Medical Center has taken the lead and now prohibits the sale of high fructose beverages in our vending machines.”
The vending machine was filled with every flavor of diet soda you can imagine. Do they really believe that chemically sweetened diet soda is better for you than the original versions? Many renowned researchers disagree.
A recent study from the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute and Harvard University found that the more soda a person consumes, regardless of whether or not it is sweetened with sugar or artificially sweetened, increases one’s risk for stroke.
A previous study, found an increased risk of stroke, heart attack and vascular related deaths in older adults who drank diet soda.
A 2009 Nurse’s Health Study of 3,256 women, found that those who drank 2 or more diet sodas per day had a 30% drop in kidney function. Although there is no final word on the matter yet, it is thought that artificial sweeteners may scar kidney tissue over time.
The acid content in soda has been found to be harmful to tooth enamel. Both regular and diet soda contain phosphoric and citric acids, which promote carbonation, and eat away at tooth enamel, the main barrier to decay.
Drinking soda can lead to bone loss. The phosphoric acid in soda also causes the calcium in the bloodstream to be excreted more quickly than normal. The bones give up some of their supply, to keep the blood calcium level constant. This results in weakening of the bones over time.
Ironically, diet soda has been associated with obesity, since it is thought that the sweet taste sends the brain a signal, causing it to suggest to the body that high calorie foods are en route. When they don’t arrive, the appetite is increased, as is the “sweet tooth”. Another theory suggests that people believe that they are saving so many calories by drinking diet soda, that they indulge in other fattening foods.
Given the information readily available on the health risks associated with soda intake and artificial sweeteners, it is mind-boggling and irresponsible for a hospital to supply it to their patients and visitors.
What do you think?
photo: Glasshouse Images
Tags:bone loss, calcium deficiency, citric acid, Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute, Diabetes, diet soda, Harvard University, health, health risks associated with drinking soda, healthy living, heart attack, kidney function, Mount Sinai Medical Center, nutrition, obesity, phosphoric acid, soda, stroke, tooth decay
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May 10, 2012
Monday evening was the Met Ball, the fashionista’s equivalent of the Superbowl. Models, designers and celebs of all sorts came together to fete the opening of the Metropolitan Museum’s most recent fashion exhibition, wearing their most spectacular attire. The A-list guest list was personally approved by Anna Wintour, editor in chief of Vogue Magazine, and tickets cost $25,000 each!
What was most amazing to me, were the serious fashion faux pas, committed by some of the most admired people in the business. Let’s take a look, shall we?
Marc Jacobs, designer extraordinaire of multiple eponymous labels, and Louis Vuitton, is possibly the greatest fashion influencer of our time.
His black lace shirt dress, with white cotton boxer briefs, is not likely to inspire others to follow in his Pilgrim shoe clad footsteps.
Beyonce, hailed by People Magazine as the most beautiful woman in the world, also donned see through lace in this Givenchy Couture Gown. Hey Bey, at least Marc wore underwear! One day a peacock, another day a feather duster.
Coco Rocha, super model, wore a vintage Givenchy Couture “pant-set “in bright yellow and fucshia. It used to belong to Elizabeth Taylor, Um, Coco, didn’t anyone ever tell you that 2 wrongs don’t make a right? Pass it on to the Golden Girls, and don’t look back!
Diane von Furstenberg, in her own design. Puzzled by her choice? So are we!
Taylor Tomassi Hill, former Marie Claire fashion director, and artistic director at Moda Operandi, said it best today, when she took to her Twitter to offer her opinion on the evening. She suggested that people who dressed badly should be banned from the event for a year, and all ensembles would be subject to approval prior to being allowed to return.
Judging from this year’s selections, if Ms. Tomasi Hill’s idea took effect, it would be a very small, intimate event next year!
Tags:Anna Wintour, beyonce, black lace dress with boxer briefs, Coco Rocha, Diane von Furstenberg, fashion, fashion exhibition, fashion faux pas, Fashion Superbowl, feather duster, Givenchy Couture, marc jacobs, Marie Claire, Met Ball, Metropolitan Museum., Moda Operandi, People Magazine's Most Beautiful, pilgrim shoes, style, Taylor Tomasi Hill, Vogue Magazine
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May 9, 2012
Everyday, I start out sitting at my desk with near perfect posture. That very quickly deteriorates into a slouch, and by 4:00 I have slipped down so low in my chair, that my feet are under someone else’s desk.
Sound familiar? Guess what? There’s an app for that!
LUMOback is currently developing a flexible wireless sensor, that will monitor and measure the wearer’s posture. When the user slouches, it will send gentle vibrations to the small of the back, as a reminder to sit up straight. The sensors are connected to a mobile app that not only monitors the user’s posture, but also offers advice on back health.
The LUMOback app is still in development but expects to be ready to launch their Beta program soon.
Check out their website to be part of the trail.
photo: Glasshouse Images
Tags:app, computer, healthy living, LUMOback, poor posture, posture app, slouching, slumping, technology, wireless sensors
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May 2, 2012
I admit it; I am a bit of a germophobe. I wipe down the equipment at the gym before I use it, and douse myself in Purell the minute I get off the subway. I hate food that others have freely touched (Salad bars? Yuck!) and wash my hands the minute I get in the door.
It is no surprise that I love this little invention: a device that sanitizes your cell phone while it charges.
PhoneSoap consists of a box with UV lights on either side to simultaneously clean both sides of the phone. The box can be used alone, or with the USB cord provided to charge it at the same time.
Three to five minutes of UV exposure is enough to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses and is considered safe for humans.
With one in every six phones testing positive for fecal matter, we think everyone needs one of these (or needs to stop pooping and texting at the very least!)
PhoneSoap is currently available for preorder on Kickstarter for $39 and will be delivered in August 2012.
Tags:cell phone sanitizer, fecal matter, fecal matter on cell phones, gadgets, germophobes, kickstarter, PhoneSoap, technology, usb cord, UV lights to sanitize. cell phone charger, UV rays
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April 26, 2012
I was shopping at my local drugstore this week, and asked the pharmacist where the Maalox was. She replied that it had been voluntarily pulled from the shelves over a month ago. The most similar product, Mylanta, had also been recalled. Since different companies make the products, it couldn’t have been a manufacturing glitch. This caused me to seriously question the safety of an over the counter drug that I have been using regularly for many years.
Armed with a bottle of Tums, I sat down to research natural remedies for stomach acid. Surprisingly, most of them can be found in your kitchen cabinets.
Apple Cider Vinegar has been found to prevent and relieve heartburn.
Sipping a mixture of one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 4 ounces of water before meals, is thought to prevent the over production of stomach acid.
Drinking a couple of tablespoons of the vinegar has been known to neutralize stomach acid and relieve the burning sensation.
Gum: Chewing gum increases the production of saliva, which helps to neutralize the stomach acids and prevent reflux.
Bananas and apples are thought to have natural antacid effects.
Sipping chamomile tea, or ginger tea may also relieve heartburn symptoms. Ginger root capsules, or eating candied ginger are also effective.
Baking soda, mixed with water is another natural way to deal with stomach acid. Just mix ½ – 1 teaspoon in a glass of water, and drink it down. Be prepared to burp as the solution works it’s magic!
Health food stores carry papaya enzymes in pill form, which is a natural digestive aid. Papaya enzymes are also an anti-coagulant, and are not recommended for anyone with risk of stomach bleeding.
Always remember that even holistic remedies can have health risks if they are not right for you. Consulting a doctor before taking any kind of supplement, is highly recommended.
photo: Glasshouse Images
Tags:acid reflux, apple cider vinegar, apples apple cider vinegar, baking soda, bananas, chamomile tea, chewing gum, ginger root, ginger tea, health, health food stores, Maalox, Mylanta, natural antacids, natural digestive aid, natural remedies, papaya enzymes, stomach acids
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April 24, 2012
Cauliflower is an amazing vegetable. It tastes great roasted, and can masquerade as mashed potatoes. I recently started hearing about cauliflower pizza crust, and became intrigued. A little searching led to me a few recipes. This one is taken from “Eat, Drink, Smile” and adapted a bit. It is low calorie, and wheat and gluten free. It yields a soft, almost quiche-like crust that requires a fork to eat. It’s not a traditional pizza, but it is an interesting, tasty and healthy one.
Cauliflower Pizza Crust:
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
Cut one head of cauliflower into florets and put them into the bowl of the food processor. Pulse until it is the consistency of grain.
Place the cauliflower in a glass bowl and microwave it without adding water for about 7-8 minutes, depending on your microwave. Allow it to cool.
In a medium sized bowl, mix about 2 cups of the cauliflower with 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 eggs beaten, a finely minced clove of garlic and about ½ tablespoon each of dried oregano and dried basil and some sea salt to taste.
Cut parchment paper into circles (about 8-9”) to use as a guide to create the crusts. Place them on a cookie sheet, and spray with cooking spray. Spread the mixture onto the parchment rounds in a fairly thin, even manner. Bake the crusts for about 15 minutes or longer, taking them out before the edges get too brown.
Add the toppings of you choice. I used a chunky tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese, and added pepperoni for those who desired it,and sprinkled it with chopped arugula when it was done.
Put it back into the oven under the broiler for a few minutes, until the toppings are hot and bubbling.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Photo: Spencer Jones/ Glasshouse Images exclusively for Indigo Jones
Tags:arugula, basil, cauliflower, cauliflower pizza, chunky tomato sauce, clove of garlic, dinner, Eat Drink Smile, eggs, Food, gluten free pizza crust, indigo jones, mozzarella cheese, oregano, pepperoni, pizza, tomato sauce, vegetarian
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April 10, 2012
Today was a fairy tale.
Unfortunately, there was no handsome prince to take me far, far away. There was no pot of gold, or even a guarantee of a happily ever after.
This morning I went to the gym and discovered that there were new pedals on the spinning bikes making it impossible to clip in my cycling shoes. The teacher had to come by and shove my foot into the clip, making me feel like one of Cinderella’s ugly stepsisters trying in vain to get that glass slipper on.
After class, I showered and walked to work. The winds was blowing so hard, it felt like the Big Bad Wolf was going to blow, and blow, and blow my house down!
Once I got to work, I started to feel like one of the Three Bears. Someone had clearly been sitting at my desk. I had wiped it down before I left on Friday, and there were telltale traces of coffee rings on it. Hmmm.
I turned on my computer and started to work. My document, a 150-page fashion tome, had been replaced with another “cleaned up” version, without my backup material on the sides. I plodded through the day and looked forward to coming home for dinner.
In my quest to avoid food waste, I planned to use up the remains of last night’s feast for dinner tonight. Given that I am not a meat eater, and usually follow a low carb, gluten free diet, I had my sights set on the array of leftover roasted vegetables and some chicken broth. I looked into the stuffed refrigerator and pulled out the pot of soup. Next I found a big bowl of roasted potatoes and some herbed lamb. I kept pulling things out but someone had eaten my roasted vegetables and they ate them all up! Damn you Goldilocks, wherever you are!!
I am now sitting here sipping some tea and contemplating sleep. I am so tired I feel like I could sleep for 100 years! Just to play it safe, if anyone tries to offer me an apple, I am just going to say no!
photo: Glasshouse Images
Tags:apples, big bad wolf, Cinderella, fairy tale, far far away, Goldilocks, handsome prince, pot of gold, sleep for 100 years, Three Bears
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April 6, 2012
Here are a few things that people were buzzing about this week:
Beyonce’s tumblr :
Beyonce unveiled her tumblr page entitled “Beyonce/ I am” and took the photo blogging world by a storm. Although the site is professionally done, it is filled with personal photos.
Check it out for a look inside the superstar’s life.
Google’s Project Glass:
Google’s new Project Glass, features “augmented reality glasses” that will be able to function much like your smart phone, via a pair of high tech glasses.
The project is well into it’s concept phase, and it is speculated that they could be released as soon as late 2012, and retail for somewhere between $250-600.
Check out the video on their site, to see a hypothetical day in the life of a Google Glasses user.
Tags:beyonce, Google, Google Glasses, I am, Project Glass, tumblr. Beyonce/ I am
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