I was still recovering from a nasty case of Fiscal Cliff Fatigue when my current-events radar started picking up vague references to a "trillion-dollar platinum coin" that was somehow connected to the looming debt-ceiling crisis our elected officials have prepared for us as a kind of late (and awful) Christmas gift. At first I figured it was another brilliant piece of satire from The Onion. But no… Read More >>

When a billionaire like Bill Gates whips out his checkbook to help the less fortunate, it's not so surprising. But it was cool to find out, at Reddit's Today I Learned (TIL), that: • Dana Carvey had heart-bypass that was done incorrectly. He was awarded $7.5 million for medical malpractice which he donated entirely to charity. (wikipedia.org, via lgunn1) If you get the… Read More >>

David Milarch is a pioneering spirit who believes that cloning huge ancient trees—such as the remaining Giant Sequoias in California— is the key to saving the planet.  He explains: "Because they are survivors—several hundred to several thousand years old—they hold the entire genetic history of their species and they are one of the key components of… Read More >>

Ever since I first read "The Falls," the dark and powerful final short story in George Saunders' 2000 collection, Pastoralia, I've devoured every piece of writing he's done while impatiently anticipating his next collection. After six years, his latest, Tenth of December, is finally here, and it's even more than I expected. Tenth of Decemberis Saunders' deepest collection to date; each story captures… Read More >>

Recent studies show that sitting for long chunks of time significantly impacts your health—and not in a good way. Scientists have noted, for example, a correlation between hours spent sitting in front of the TV and a decline in life expectancy: According to the Times, spending an hour watching the tube might reduce your lifespan by nearly 22 minutes if you're… Read More >>

In an age where we can get almost anything we want when we want it, it's no surprise that instant 3D printing has taken off. Need a firearm for the apocalypse? Print it at home. Looking to escape in a getaway vehicle? Grow-a-jet-engine (and hope you have a piloting license). Searching for spare parts on the front lines of war? Try the backpack-sized printer, a work-in-progress for the US Army. So it was only a matter of time before this cutting-edge… Read More >>

The start of a new year has become nearly synonymous with weight loss pledges and fresh diet kickoffs. But what do you do if you can't decide which food choice will help you meet your healthy eating goals? Head over to twofoods.com. It's a super simple food comparison site that can help find the healthiest meal selection for you. Just plug in the two foods you're torn between… Read More >>

I recently spoke with Mike Isabella, the proud New Jersey native and Top ChefAll-Stars Runner-Up who's currently owner of two Washington, D.C. restaurants--Graffiato and Bandolero. After we talked about his exciting career, I posed a simple question: "What's the one trick that's changed your life in the kitchen?" Without missing a beat, he replied "A cake tester!"… Read More >>

With greyhound racing on the decline nationwide, more and more greyhounds (and hound-mix breeds) are in need of homes. The Massachusetts-based organization, Greyhound Friends, is helping out by placing hundreds of  dogs into loving homes every year. Currently greyhound racing is only permitted in seven states,including Florida, Texas, Alabama and Arkansas. Racing requires an… Read More >>

Want to come out ahead in 2013? According to the Forbes.com article, "Ten Resolutions the Most Successful People Make and Then Keep," which is aimed at business goals but applicable for personal gain too, you should: • Spend more time on your not-to-do list

• Do what's essential first, then email second

Anti-resolutions showed up on Inc.com, which among other ideas suggested you: • Not make excuses • Not cheat • Not waste time Speaking of…