by Action Advisor on January 27, 2012
One would imagine anything certified as organic would ‘naturally’ be of quality health standards? Think again, whilst the source of origin maybe pure, processing afterwards could invite a host of horrible bacterias. This topic sparked an investigative piece for NPR by science journalist Nancy Shute.
In her expose ‘The (Un)usual Suspect: Why Organic Spices Aren’t Always Safe’ – Nancy highlights the potential for any produce organic or otherwise to pose a risk of contamination. This story is a must read for devotees of organic produce, primarily because it illustrates a vital point – ‘pesticide-free does not mean pathogen-free’.
Read the Full Story
Source: NPR’s The Salt: Food Blog
by Action Advisor on January 26, 2012
No one expects to stumble across a cache of Picasso’s works in the middle of a desert. So who would think that just off bustling Wilshire Boulevard, tucked between the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the national headquarters of the Screen Actors Guild, lie buried some of the most exquisitely preserved fossils in the world?
The fossils of the La Brea Tar Pits are just that. They were first discovered in Maj. Henry Hancock’s asphalt mine in the 1870s, when Los Angeles was but a village. Since the early 20th century, more than one million bones have been excavated from the pits; when reassembled, they provide an extraordinary time capsule of the creatures that roamed Southern California 10,000 to 40,000 years ago.
Read the Full Story written by Sean B. Carroll for the New York Times.
Source: New York Times Science
by Action Advisor on January 24, 2012
Humans are complicated genetic jigsaw puzzles. Hundreds of genes are involved in determining something as basic as height.
But man’s best friend is a different story. New research shows that almost every physical trait in dogs — from a dachshund’s stumpy legs to a shar-pei’s wrinkles — is controlled by just a few genes.
Writer Evan Ratliff has been looking into dog genetics for National Geographic Magazine. He tells weekends on All Things Considered host Guy Raz that that quirk makes it extremely easy for breeders to develop new, custom-designed dogs — like the German hunters who bred the original dachshunds a few hundred years ago.
Read the Full Story this link also offers an audio option.
Source: NPR Science News
by Action Advisor on January 23, 2012
This Australia Day (Jan 26th), celebrate the land downunder with a refreshing ice tea made from native herbs. Nothing quenches thirst in the peak of summer like an icy beverage – better still, one with health benefits and a uniquely indigenous flavour and aroma. Australia boasts a wonderful array of medicinal plants with ancient heritage, utilised for healing and culinary purposes by our indigenous tribal cultures.
Today, these herbs embrace a modern twist crafted into native teas that envelop the senses with the spirit of our great country ~ “The fragrance of a lemon-scented gum tree on a hot summer’s day.”
Mim Beim, one of Australia’s best-loved naturopaths, has over twenty years of experience as a herbalist and believes passionately that herbs are the way forward for our health and our planet. With that belief at the centre of her practice, Mim creates herbal tisanes that are of the purest quality, hand-blended, and use organic Australian-grown herbs.
Just in time for Australia Day, Dinky Di is a delicate and refreshing brew, ideal for your morning cuppa – or for whenever you need a lift throughout the day! Aromatic native lemon myrtle (backhousisa citriodora) boosts immunity, while tropical lemongrass and ginger help to settle the tummy and licorice root soothes the nerves.
Dinky Di is perfect served hot or as a cooling iced tea to beat the heat, and is available in six sizes. Click here to view the full range of Beaming with Health teas and Celebrate Australia Day the Native Way!
by Action Advisor on January 22, 2012
As generations evolve their expectations and methods of communication do also – this intern demands innovation of advertising to ensure one’s message engages the Millennial mind!
Perhaps considered archaic by comparison to virtual experiences which enable global access to species databases and artefacts of historic and cultural value – Zoos, Aquariums and Museums along with most non-profit organisations, must reinvent their PR platform in order to attract visitors with iPads.
Millennials (otherwise known as ‘Generation Y’) source cultural stimulation via online mediums that render old fashioned lines of communication obsolete, therefor clever marketing which targets technology is the best means for enticing a ‘live’ visit from a virtual traveller.
Tina Wells explores Generation Y Technology Trends for 2012 with valuable insight into the Millennial Mind offering said organisations strategies for moving forward in these arenas. Shifting perspective could see 2012 as the year of Millennials and Museums.
Read the Summary: Top 8 Tips for Museums and Nonprofits to Engage Millennials in 2012 by Colleen Dilenschneider.
