April's Reader's Digest

I think I like Reader's Digest because of its size.  It's great to tuck inside even a small purse and while some of it is still a bit mature for my taste, other sections are interesting and funny- ok, well there was this one joke that I had to read several times and I still didn't get it.  Maybe Reader's Digest is too mature for me!
April's issue had a lot of trivia-type items, which I love.  In a little section they called Mind the Gap, they highlighted some of the items that make up this year's (for the class of 2014) Mindset List compiled by Beloit College.  I suppose you have to be slightly mature to enjoy this- I know I did.  Check out the Mindset List online and chuckle over gems like #50:  Toothpaste tubes have always stood up on their caps.

Watch for more news in April.  I'm not fooling!

Dangers of acetaminophen

April's Harvard women's health watch warns of the dangers of both over-the-counter and prescribed acetaminophen.  The toxicity of this common pain reliever  should not be underestimated as overdose can cause liver failure.  Closely monitor intake of acetaminophen by following this article's advice:
- Don't take 2 over-the-counter medicines that both contain acetaminophen.
- Don't take more than the label recommends or your doctor prescribes.
- Don't take more than the recommended dosage in any 24 hour period.
- Don't mix with alcohol.
Stay safe and read all medication labels carefully.  For more advice sign up on the website for the free weekly HEALTHbeat e-newsletter from the Harvard Medical School.

People remembers Elizabeth Taylor

The April 11th issue of People remembers Elizabeth Taylor in a multi-page photo spread and brief biography of her accomplishments.  It almost runs like the 12 Days of Christmas song:
12- age she starred in National Velvet
10- length in years of her longest marriage
8- marriages
7- husbands
5- Academy Award nominations
4- children
2- violet eyes
1- Taylor-Burton diamond (69.42 carats)

Definitely more than 15 minutes of fame... if only we could all live this glamorously.

More magazine

It's nice to know maybe I'm not as old as I think, because many of the features in More magazine just don't really appeal to me.  Too bad for More because I don't think I'll be renewing my subscription.  The subtitle of the magazine is 'For women of style and substance.'  I thought that fit me, but maybe not.  I did find a couple things of interest in April's issue to share:
-women ages 55 to 64 are less likely to house clean daily (I'm not really close to that age bracket yet, but it's nice to know there is something to look forward to at that age)
-The back page feature called 'Big names, big brains' tells where 10 female stars went to college (some ivy league schools) and the degrees they earned (none went to Drexel though)
-A lengthy but very interesting article, A country of women, on older women living in Chernobyl's radioactive wasteland.  Is it coincidental that there were butchered animals in two of the photos?  A very eerie symbolism.

Why to drink organic milk

April's Health magazine features a guide on '11 Things it's best to buy organic' and milk is one of them.  I have to say since trying organic milk, I will never go back to regular milk.  I think the organic tastes just like the milk I used to drink as a kid.  The flavor is richer and it goes down smoother.  And it doesn't have to be whole milk either.  Organic comes in 2%, 1%, and skim (I usually buy the 2%) and all of them are just as good for drinking straight as in a nice cup of tea.  The main reason Health gives in favor of organic milk:
Organic milk is free of the hormone rBST, given to dairy cows which increases their milk production.  Studies show it may not be good for humans, though, leading to increased health risks.
Why take the risk?  Organic milk tastes better and it's truly worth the extra cost.

In my office...

April's Marie Claire has an article 'What does your desk say about you?'  Of course, everyone makes some kind of personality statement with what's in their office.  I thought I'd share a virtual trip to my office with you and take a look at some things I like with me when I'm working.
Yes, I do have my diploma (which Marie Claire says shows your boss they've hired a winner- I sure hope so!).  Actually it was just sitting on the floor at my apartment, where I'll never have as much room as in my office, so it's actually a space saver.
My coffee mug (vital)- I use a San Diego Wild Animal Park mug, mainly because I had two at home which I got when my daughter and I camped there.  (Marie Claire says don't go for a too cutesy design)
Box of tissues- Marie Claire says it makes you look compassionate.  Mine also double as napkins because I love to eat at my desk.
Moccasins- sometimes my feet hurt...MC says it shows you're "motivated and concerned about your well-being."  Ok, I just don't want achy feet.
Fingerless gloves- Mine are grey wool with red skulls (there's my personality coming through!)
US Holocaust Museum calendar- My fave charity...they send me one every year with my membership.
A soft shawl- A gift from the lady who retired from my job.  I think of her fondly every time I use it.
Sea salt grinder & pepper mill- Sorry about the sodium, but I need my veggies seasoned.
Two small plush bears- A white one & a brown one which were gifts from a wonderful friend and library volunteer.
My Lenox heart shaped candy dish- Always filled with peppermint LifeSavers...I'm addicted.
My bulletin board- Surprisingly for a librarian no cat pics.  I have a couple pics of my kids and monkeys (no, they are not one and the same!).  Also an article on how to behave in front of a gorilla, just in case one should happen through my office.
All in all, I think I'm pretty organized, but then I do have a lot of room to spread out.  Maybe I could further de-clutter my apartment by taking more stuff to work!

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire- 100 years later

In Sunday's NYT there was an article about remembering the Triangle Shirtwaist fire where over 140 workers (mostly female immigrants) died because of poor working conditions and slack fire inspection laws.  The 100 year anniversary is March 25th and will be remembered by events organized by Ruth Sergel, founder of the Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition.  The event was a catalyst for womens' involvement in worker's unions, building code improvements and worker's rights.  The NYTCityRoom blog has several feature entries this week on the history and remembrance of this tragedy that changed American labor and the Times Topic page has archive highlights.  A fascinating book on the subject is “Triangle: The Fire That Changed America,” a 2003 history by David Von Drehle.