Digital not always the best choice in the end


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This past week the bibliophile in me took a bit of a hit. Borders, one of the largest bookstore chains in the country, filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy and announced it will be closing around 30 percent of its stores. Having spent much of my youth inside stores like Borders, this was not pleasant news. How […]

New findings are not a real source of panic


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The caramel color found in cola drinks such as Coca-Cola is contaminated with carcinogens, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a non-profit consumer advocacy group. The type of caramel coloring used for sodas isn’t what might come to mind when you think of the word “caramel.” Instead of simply melted or […]

American Idol hype does not equal success


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For those who haven’t tapped into the reality television world for a few years, a quick glance at the TV Guide listings can come as a bit of a shock. Survivor is still on the air? I’ve been asking that same question every new season for the last 10 years. It’s amazing how repetitive reality […]

Shark fin legislation one-sided


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Sharks don’t die quickly after being finned. Once they hit the water, sharks usually sink. It’s hard for the shark to swim without the dorsal fin, which keeps it upright and stable. Immobilized, the shark will either suffocate or suffer death by the jaws of another predator. Shark finning, the act of harvesting the expensive […]

U.S. record labels need to see benefits of digital streaming


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The music world’s battle with digital streaming and illegal downloading rages on, but one of the newest computer programs shows the problem to be most prevalent in the United States. Spotify is a computer program that allows completely legal and ad-supported streaming of a wide variety of music. It’s somewhat akin to the original Napster, […]

Work out while giving back with local races


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Try mentioning the word ‘run,’ and most people are sent running, though not for the treadmills. Over time, people have misconstrued running as a sport designed solely for those blessed with superior lung functions and shiny, strong calves. But such assumptions shouldn’t be an excuse for avoiding participation in one of the most exciting community […]

USDA decision works against farmers’ best interests


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The government doesn’t always get it right. I’m no Tea Partier, but it’s true: the government doesn’t always make the right calls on the important issues of our time. This is often the case when it comes to food legislation, which has largely been hit-and-miss over the years. That’s not to say that the USDA’s […]