Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:

MUSIC: Bird Of Youth – Fronted by noted music journalist Beth Wawerna, Brooklyn-based Bird Of Youth has come onto the New York scene strong. Produced by Will Sheff of Okkervil River, Bird Of Youth’s debut is full of interesting and soulful (yet laid-back) alt-country. Fans of Lucinda Williams ought to check out the brilliant album-opener “The Sound Of One Name Dropping.” (myspace.com/birdofyouthmusic) 

BOOK: Geoff Colvin “Talent Is Overrated” – Read regularly in Fortune Magazine and heard daily on CBS Radio, Geoff Colvin is known as an authority on topics like leadership, management, and globalization. A precursor of sorts to Malcolm Gladwell’s New York Times best-seller “Outliers,” Colvin’s book “Talent Is Overrated” is sub-titled “What Really Separates World-Class Performers From Everybody Else.” Let’s just say that Colvin may have you re-thinking what “talent” is and if it has anything to do with why many people succeed. (geoffcolvin.com)

SERIES: Between Two Ferns – Having become more of a household name via starring in “The Hangover,” Zach Galifianakis is the host of “Between Two Ferns,” an online series exclusive to Funny Or Die. Although each episode is under five minutes in length, such is enough time to show the humorous nature of Galifianakis as he struggles to get through celebrity interviews. Fans of guests like Jon Hamm, Natalie Portman, and Charlize Theron ought to tune in. (funnyordie.com/between_two_ferns)

TOOL: Spotify – In the process of being imported to the U.S., Spotify is a free music-streaming service that originated in Sweden. Enabling users to listen to major label and independent artists alike, Spotify is along the lines of Last.fm and Pandora yet a downloadable application. Keep checking the website to find out when it is set to launch, or better yet, when more beta testers will be needed. (spotify.com/en)

ARTICLE: Chris Guillebeau “The Case For The $100 Business” – Another recommended post from the “Art Of Non-Conformity” blog, Chris Guillebeau discusses how everyday people can start up a business with minimum capital or outside help. Guillebeau provides a plethora of ideas to readers at no cost, just as other the site’s readers in post replies. The beauty of it all is that no one is expecting anything in return for having shared some free advice. (chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/the-case-for-the-100-business)      

As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned for another 5 picks...

© 2009 - Column used with permission from and syndicated by Darren Paltrowitz.  All right reserved.

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:

MUSIC: As Tall As Lions – The band’s third full-length release, “You Can’t Take It With You” finds New York-based As Tall As Lions creative as ever. Few tracks you’ve ever heard, if any, sound like the dynamics-heavy and string-enhanced album opener “Circles.” Altogether, the collection goes all over the map sonically and stylistically -– somewhere between Dredg, Radiohead and Death Cab For Cutie, perhaps -- yet is the group’s first to crack the Billboard Top 100. See ATAL on the road with Mute Math this fall. (myspace.com/astallaslions) 

BOOK: Jim Collins “How The Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In” – Studying a number of Fortune 500 companies from the 20th and 21st centuries, author Jim Collins is able to deduce why it is that many businesses fail. Without spoiling too much of the story, he is able to explain the five-step process of a company’s descent. Interestingly, research for the book began long before our country’s current economic predicament, showing the timely relevance of Collins’ knowledge. (jimcollins.com) 

SERIES: Man Vs. Food – One of the newest (and most popular) shows on The Travel Channel, “Man Vs. Food” follows food fanatic Adam Richman as he attempts eating challenges in different cities. Before attempting each episode’s competition, he visits at least two other restaurants, talking with locals and restaurant staff to get the real story. One need not be a foodie to enjoy “Man Vs. Food” as Richman’s warm personality is mixed with strong improv skills, bringing plenty of humor to the series. (travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Man_v_Food)

TOOL: Roku – Most people seem to know Netflix as an Internet-based service where a subscriber can have DVDs delivered straight to a mailing address in pre-paid envelopes. However, with a Netflix subscription and the $99-priced, sandwich-sized Roku device, a subscriber can also stream over 15,000 movies and television episodes at no extra cost. Also tied in with Amazon On-Demand and Major League Baseball, consider Roku a one-time investment that quickly recoups its cost. (roku.com)

ARTICLE: Chris Guillebeau “28 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Traveling” – Chris Guillebeau is widely-known as the blogger behind The Art Of Nonconformity blog. A piece that first ran into May 2008, “28 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Traveling” provides tips that Guillebeau has observed within his globe-trotting, self-employed lifestyle. With articles indexed by “Life,” “Nonconformity,” “Travel,” “Work” and “World Domination,” perhaps not all of Guillebeau’s ideas apply to your life, but there is undoubtedly something for everyone on the site. (chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/28-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-i-started-traveling)     

As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned for another 5 picks...

© 2009 - Column used with permission from and syndicated by Darren Paltrowitz.  All right reserved.

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:

MUSIC: Maplewood – Self-described as “canyon rock from Brooklyn,” Maplewood is a New York quartet comprised of members of Nada Surf, Champale and Koester. Their first new album in five years, “Yeti Boombox,” brings more of the familiar Bread and America-influenced sounds that fans heard on their debut. In fact, not only did America opt to cover Maplewood’s “Indian Summer” on their 2007 comeback album, but America’s Gerry Beckley can be heard on “Yeti” along with Sparklehorse’s Alan Weatherhead. A lot of name-checking, sure, but of course worth checking out.  (myspace.com/maplewood)

BOOK: Chris Anderson “Free: The Future Of A Radical Price” – A noted journalist about technology and Internet happenings, Chris Anderson’s latest is a controversial New York Times best-seller. Not only explaining the possible consequences of companies eliminating pricing from their products, it shows such in action with plenty of recent case studies. In turn, readers are expected to come away not only questioning if they are getting the best deals possible, but also if they may be able to implement such economical theories into their professional lives. (thelongtail.com) 

SERIES: The Dana Carvey Show – In the mid-1990s, ABC did a great deed for comedy in giving “Saturday Night Live” star Dana Carvey his own weekly sketch-comedy series. And then did a very bad thing in canceling such after seven episodes. Shout! Factory recently released the complete series on DVD while Hulu hosts the series via free streaming. Anyway you watch it, you are enjoying the talents of future stars like Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Robert Smigel, Louis C.K. and Elon Gold. (hulu.com/the-dana-carvey-show) 

TOOL: Criticker – With so many opinions and outlets out there, it is often difficult to figure out which movie you ought to rent or go out and see. Criticker aims to be a remedy to this with its tagline “Film Recommendations & Community.” After creating a log-in and rating some films –- much like Netflix -– it is able to make immediate suggestions for you. All the while, no obligation to purchase anything at all. (criticker.com)

ARTICLE: David McCandless “If Twitter Was 100 People…” – Somewhere between Criticker and Chris Anderson’s book comes this illustration and brief article by David McCandless. Discussing a recent study involving Twitter users, the majority of users are noted to be inactive and/or only reaching a small niche of followers. In turn, readers ought to be careful when reflecting on writing that favors Twitter as the end-all of Internet-age promotion. (informationisbeautiful.net/2009/if-twitter-was-100-people)    

As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned for another 5 picks...

© 2009 - Column used with permission from and syndicated by Darren Paltrowitz.  All right reserved.

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:

MUSIC: Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents – Previously known for fronting The Downbeat 5 and The Dents, Jenny Dee is a Boston indie icon. Ditching her punk past for a “girl group” soul direction, her debut EP has already made waves in Spain, where her and band has already toured. Produced by Matt Beaudoin and Q Division’s Ed Valauskas, the recordings are sonically-fitting to tracks like “Let Me Go” and “Keeping Time,” which are presently posted for streaming on MySpace. (myspace.com/jennydeemusic)

BOOK: Jerry Heller “Ruthless” – Jerry Heller first conquered the music industry in the 1960s and 1970s as a booking agent in Los Angeles. In the 1980s, he discovered hip-hop and went on to meet rapper Eazy-E. Such led to the formation of N.W.A. -– who he regularly refers to as the “Black Beatles” –- and founding of Ruthless Records. In the years that follow, he is plagued with dissolved business partnerships and false accusations from ex-N.W.A. associates. This book is Heller’s first public response to many of said allegations, and it is at all times interesting and compelling. (ruthlessamemoir.com) 

SERIES: Wainy Days – As noted in the last edition of “Keeping Up,” MTV released a DVD set of its sketch-comedy series “The State” nearly 15 years after the fact. David Wain, one of the members of “The State,” has steadily worked as a writer and director since the aforementioned MTV show went off-air, having been part of films like “Role Models” and “Wet Hot American Summer.” Available for free streaming, “Wainy Days” is a semi-non-fictional online series that recounts Wain’s attempts to meet women in New York City. Among the cameos in the four seasons made thus far are Elizabeth Banks, Amanda Peet, Jonah Hill, and Paul Rudd. (wainydays.com) 

TOOL: “How Far Will My Salary Go In Another City?” – As the grass is always greener elsewhere, these hard economic times have many folks considering a relocation. This tool, as provided by CNN, is a calculator requiring users to input their current salary and location, and where they envision living. The results will tell you how much groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, and healthcare are known to cost in the new market. At worst, consider this productive daydreaming. (money.cnn.com/tools/costofliving/costofliving.html)

ARTICLE: Jonathan Mead “How To Live Without The Clock” – Featured on the Zen Habits blog, Jonathan Mead’s piece talks about time. His underlying point is that we the people cannot control time, despite believing otherwise. That said, he explains how a person can live “without the clock.” Ultimately, as the author asks, would you rather be in control or happy? (zenhabits.net/2009/08/how-to-live-without-the-clock)   

As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned for another 5 picks...

© 2009 - Column used with permission from and syndicated by Darren Paltrowitz.  All right reserved.

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:

MUSIC: Reel Big Fish – Few bands survive having a hit major label album, let alone lasting more than another decade beyond that. Reel Big Fish can not only be heralded for survivors in the music field, but for also remaining consistent as a good times party band. In fact, when seeing them live, even a casual music listener may actually realize they know a lot of songs that Aaron Barrett and crew are performing. Presently on the road with the also-legendary Dave Wakeling-fronted The English Beat, Reel Big Fish is supporting “Fame, Fornication and Fortune,” their recent collection of pop and rock covers, and just-released, budget-priced live DVD, “Live! In Concert!” (myspace.com/reelbigfish)

BOOK: Don Felder with Wendy Holden “Heaven And Hell: My Life In The Eagles” – When the average music fan hears “The Eagles,” he or she is likely to think about Don Henley and/or Glenn Frey. However, the band had other partners and songwriters in the mix, and Don Felder was one of them from 1974 until 2001. As the principle writer of “Hotel California” – in addition to work as a solo artist, sideman and writer for other projects – Felder’s book discusses his many highs and lows in the business. While his ex-bandmates have not opted to comment on Felder’s book, Felder comes across in print as a sincere and appreciative person who recognizes that he has been blessed with his success. (donfelder.com) 

DVD: “The State” – Almost 15 years since its last new episode, MTV cult-classic series “The State” is finally out on DVD. A five-disc set including all four seasons, commentary and other extras, this is the first time some members of the 11-member comedy troupe have gone on-record about the series. Seeing as how members of The State have since starred in programs like “Reno 911,” “Stella” and “Michael And Michael Have Issues,” this DVD release is not only ideal for fans of sketch-comedy but all Comedy Central viewers. (thestateondvd.com) 

TOOL: DropRecord – When sending large files over e-mail, there is a high risk of such unknowingly hitting your recipient’s spam box. In turn, many Internet users opt for YouSendIt, MailBigFile or a similar site. However, those services have limits on the size of the file that can be sent at no cost. By comparison, DropRecord gratis enables users to send files that are up to 500 megabytes. You’re welcome. (droprecord.com)

ARTICLE: BillShrink Guy “The Recession And The Airline Industry” – This column often discusses ways to save money in these troubling times, but many of us still have the urge and/or need to travel. The blog name “BillShrink” is fairly self-explanatory, and this article by “BillShrink Guy” helps to break down how and when U.S. airlines are hitting you with charges. Illustrated in a graphic-enhanced chart, the 11 airlines are ultimately rated on the Skytrax system, helping readers draw a conclusion about where money can be truly be saved when traveling.  (billshrink.com/blog/hidden-airline-fees)  

As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned for another 5 picks...

© 2009 - Column used with permission from and syndicated by Darren Paltrowitz.  All right reserved.

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:

MUSIC: Meeting Of Important People – Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, Meeting Of Important People is a trio that leans in the indie-pop direction. In turn, it is not surprising to report that the band has shared the stage with Blonde Redhead and Secret Machines. Start with tracks five (“Dead Man”) and seven (“Mothers Pay More”) from the self-titled debut and see if you dig the vocals and songwriting of frontman Josh Verbanets as much as this columnist does. (myspace.com/meetingofimportantpeople)

BOOK: Leo Babauta “The Power Of Less” – Founder of popular blog Zen Habits, Leo Babauta has been making waves with his new book, “The Power Of Less.” Focused on increasing productivity while eliminating unnecessary clutter in one’s personal and business lives, effective minimalism is the underlying theme. One reader’s essentials may vary entirely from another reader’s essentials, but it is important to realize that not every element of one’s existence must be as it is now. (zenhabits.net) 

FILM: “Iron Maiden: Flight 666” – When the phrase “world’s biggest band” is thrown around, names like The Rolling Stones, U2, and Coldplay are generally brought up. Yet these days, Iron Maiden seems to be doing as great internationally as those aforementioned artists. “Flight 666” is a documentary chronicling the British rockers’ 24-day journey in which 23 concerts were performed on 5 continents. All the while, frontman Bruce Dickinson is the pilot of the band’s airplane. Seriously. At some times humorous, but at all times rocking. (ironmaiden.com/flight666) 

TOOL: Packwhiz – A self-proclaimed “packing list generator,” Packwhiz enables users to create a checklist for upcoming travel. Providing suggestions as based on destination and accommodations, it is a cost-free tool that encourages the more forgetful of travelers. In turn, it becomes less likely to forget essentials and absorb unforeseen new costs in your travels. (packwhiz.com)

ARTICLE: Productivity 501: “Productive Time Of Day” – As discussed in prior columns, I enjoy articles in which multiple perspectives are presented. In this piece, readers are treated to a variety of opinions about how and when to get things done (“GTD”). Then, of course, there are the reader replies below for even further thoughts. While it may absorb a fair amount of time to get through everything, consider this a temporary hindrance on your productivity for long-term gain. (productivity501.com/interview-productive-time-of-day/3981) 

As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned for another 5 picks...

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:

MUSIC: Cheap Trick – Recently celebrating their 35th anniversary as a rock & roll super-power, Cheap Trick is still recording and touring as much as ever. Presently on the road with Def Leppard, the Rockford quartet is out there in support of their new studio album, “The Latest.” Track two, “When The Lights Are Out,” is a Slade cover mixed with elements of long-time fan favorite “ELO Kiddies.” Summer movie fans will also be able to catch Cheap Trick’s music in the new “Transformers” movie for which they recorded the theme song.  (myspace.com/cheaptrick)

BOOK: John Lloyd & John Mitchinson “The Book Of General Ignorance” – A book like that of John Lloyd and John Mitchinson’s definitely doesn’t make you feel smarter at first. In fact, a couple of pages in, you will probably question how much of your public education was worthwhile. However, after admitting your shortcomings and starting to read this, you will have the chance to learn everything from the origins of chicken tikka masala (not India) to the most common material in the world (not oxygen, carbon or water). Retaining all of this information after reading is a whole different story, of course.   (randomhouse.com) 

SHOW: Head Case – The star of “Head Case,” Alexandra Wentworth, is an acclaimed comic actress that got her first big break as a regular on “In Living Color” and a few years after that made a lot of people hate her in “Office Space.” However, Starz original series “Head Case” has proven to be her true break-out role. Playing Dr. Elizabeth Goode, a shrink to Hollywood stars, viewers will be quick to discover that Goode has more problems and insecurities than any of her clients. Free of a script and laugh track, the show lets its stars and guest-stars shine in truly-improvised nature. (starz.com/originals/HeadCase)

TOOL: FindABetterBank – Curious if your bank is giving you the best deal possible? FindABetterBank lives up to its name in doing just that. Users enter their zip-code and then go through a checklist to denote how essentials particular account features are; the categories of such are “don’t care,” “nice to have” and “must have.” Almost instantaneously, the site then matches up accounts from dozens of banks up against what you are seeking, showing the total similarities in percentage form. Fortunately, it turns out that I’m in the bank account most suitable to me. (findabetterbank.com)

COMEDY: Comedy Below Canal – It is easy to find comedy in a city or major market, but necessarily worthwhile live stand-up comedy. Hosted at the 92YTribeca in downtown Manhattan, Comedy Below Canal is a weekly event in which the hosting comedian changes from week to week; recent hosts include Janeane Garofalo, Paul F. Tompkins, and David Wain. Rounded out by an alternating lineup that generally includes comics you’ve seen on Comedy Central and other networks (plus the occasional musician), tickets are never more than $15. Thus, worthwhile and affordable entertainment in a pleasant atmosphere for those in the Greater New York area. (92y.org/92yTribeca)

As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned for another 5 picks...

© 2009 - Column used with permission from and syndicated by Darren Paltrowitz.  All right reserved.

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:

MUSIC: Metric – “Fantasies” is the fourth album by Canadian band Metric, and perhaps their strongest yet. Delivering more of the same sweet, catchy, keyboard-heavy pop-rock that Metric fans have come to expect, frontwoman Emily Haines sings in a way that seems personalized yet also ready for the masses. Lead-off track “Help I’m Alive” and the Stones/Beatles-referencing “Gimme Sympathy” are great starting points for the uninitiated. (myspace.com/metric)

BOOK: Evelyn McFarlane & James Saywell “If…, Volume 2” – Admittedly I’m many years late on this title, having recently picked it up at a Los Angeles thrift store. A sequel to original best-seller, Evelyn McFarlane and James Saywell’s follow-up effort is sub-titled “500 new questions for the game of life.”  While philosophy is an acquired taste for many folks, “If…” leads readers to ponder what they would do in specific given situations. Ultimately, it is a perfect tool for a long flight or a lengthy sitting in a café. (randomhouse.com) 

SHOW: Delocated – A faux reality show headed by veteran comedy writer Jon Glaser, “Delocated” is a series within the Cartoon Network lineup known as Adult Swim. Lead character Jon is a New York City transplant that happens to be in the witness protection program. Thus, his face is hidden and his voice modified as he lives a routine urban existence. Almost needless to say, hilarity ensues. (adultswim.com/shows/delocated)

TOOL: Voyji – Tagged “the best sales and specials from your city,” Voyji is a search-enabled travel resource that partners with Orbitz, Expedia and similar sites. Also synced with Twitter technology, users are able to look for deals based on their airport of choice and preferred date of departure. Thus, travelers need not plan far in advance when hoping to take an affordable dream vacation. (voyji.com)

ARTICLE: Adam Pash “Quickly Prioritize Your Tasks By Urgency And Importance” - Adam Pash’s piece is a fresh take on the aforementioned concept of GTD: “getting things done.” Pash’s article branches off tasks into four categories: UI (“Urgent/Important”), “NUI (“Not Urgent/Important”), UNI (“Urgent/Not Important”), and NUNI (“Not Urgent/Not Important). And as with all Lifehacker pieces, readers are able to provide comments on Lifehacker content, thus providing varied perspectives and more to learn from, leaving more potential for personal productivity. (lifehacker.com/5270297/quickly-prioritize-your-tasks-by-urgency-and-importance)

As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned for another 5 picks...

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:

MUSIC: Metric – “Fantasies” is the fourth album by Canadian band Metric, and perhaps their strongest yet. Delivering more of the same sweet, catchy, keyboard-heavy pop-rock that Metric fans have come to expect, frontwoman Emily Haines sings in a way that seems personalized yet also ready for the masses. Lead-off track “Help I’m Alive” and the Stones/Beatles-referencing “Gimme Sympathy” are great starting points for the uninitiated. (myspace.com/metric)

BOOK: Evelyn McFarlane & James Saywell “If…, Volume 2” – Admittedly I’m many years late on this title, having recently picked it up at a Los Angeles thrift store. A sequel to original best-seller, Evelyn McFarlane and James Saywell’s follow-up effort is sub-titled “500 new questions for the game of life.”  While philosophy is an acquired taste for many folks, “If…” leads readers to ponder what they would do in specific given situations. Ultimately, it is a perfect tool for a long flight or a lengthy sitting in a café. (randomhouse.com) 

SHOW: Delocated – A faux reality show headed by veteran comedy writer Jon Glaser, “Delocated” is a series within the Cartoon Network lineup known as Adult Swim. Lead character Jon is a New York City transplant that happens to be in the witness protection program. Thus, his face is hidden and his voice modified as he lives a routine urban existence. Almost needless to say, hilarity ensues. (adultswim.com/shows/delocated)

TOOL: Voyji – Tagged “the best sales and specials from your city,” Voyji is a search-enabled travel resource that partners with Orbitz, Expedia and similar sites. Also synced with Twitter technology, users are able to look for deals based on their airport of choice and preferred date of departure. Thus, travelers need not plan far in advance when hoping to take an affordable dream vacation. (voyji.com)

ARTICLE: Adam Pash “Quickly Prioritize Your Tasks By Urgency And Importance” - Adam Pash’s piece is a fresh take on the aforementioned concept of GTD: “getting things done.” Pash’s article branches off tasks into four categories: UI (“Urgent/Important”), “NUI (“Not Urgent/Important”), UNI (“Urgent/Not Important”), and NUNI (“Not Urgent/Not Important). And as with all Lifehacker pieces, readers are able to provide comments on Lifehacker content, thus providing varied perspectives and more to learn from, leaving more potential for personal productivity. (lifehacker.com/5270297/quickly-prioritize-your-tasks-by-urgency-and-importance)

As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned for another 5 picks...

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:

MUSIC: Fastball – Fastball first came into the public’s consciousness in the late 1990s with hit singles like “The Way,” “You’re An Ocean” and “Out Of My Head.” Having recently released their fifth full-length, “Little While Lies,” the Austin-based band is active as ever. As evidenced by a performance this writer was able to attend at Manhattan’s City Winery, the hooks of Miles Zuniga and Tony Scalzo remain appealing, energetic and harmony-driven as ever. (fastballtheband.com)

BOOK: Tom Davis “Thirty-Nine Years Of Short-Term Memory Loss” – As a writer for “Saturday Night Live” starting with the first season and Al Franken’s writing partner for nearly 20 years, Tom Davis has some stories to tell. While he’s the first to admit that his memory is not as sharp as it ought to be, Davis is able to keep readers entertained with anecdotes that explore his “SNL” existence and beyond. Expect cameos from Dan Aykroyd, Jerry Garcia, and other greats along the way. (groveatlantic.com/grove)

TOOL: The Savvy Explorer – Led by editor Michael Tulipan, The Savvy Explorer picks up where Lonely Planet, Fodor’s and other sources have often fallen short. A travel site written by regional experts, readers can expect information that focuses on quality but also provides tips on how money can be saved. In its infant stage, the site currently features cities on four continents, with more content being added almost daily. (thesavvyexplorer.com)

FILM: “Tyson” – Mike Tyson has long been one of the most controversial athletes due to many of his actions outside of the boxing ring. Directed by James Toback, “Tyson” is a documentary told entirely in the boxer’s words, as mixed with archival footage. Within the film, Tyson sheds light on a number of events on which he has rarely commented before, showing unexpected emotion in the process. Not a lot of laughs to be expected, but such is not necessary when the story is this compelling. (sonyclassics.com/tyson)

ARTICLE: David A. Kessler “The War On Our Waistlines” – In the final issue of Best Life Magazine, David A. Kessler provides insider knowledge, as learned in being the former commissioner of the FDA. Going “inside the wild world of food processing,” Kessler explains how many Americans are unknowingly falling prey to food additives. In turn, consumers are unable to maintain ideal health and/or fitness. The article is not meant to be a total killjoy, rather a means of leading more people to eat mindfully. (bestlifeonline.com)

As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned for another 5 picks...

© 2009 - Column used with permission from Darren Paltrowitz.  All right reserved.

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:

ALBUM: Guns ‘N Roses “Chinese Democracy” – Released in late 2008, I am late to the game in realizing the greatness of this album. Is it 14-years-in-the-making great? That is an entirely subjective matter, but “Better” has to be one of the best singles I have heard in recent years. Fingers crossed that GNR can hit the road for a summer 2009 tour in support of the album. (gunsnroses.com)

BOOK: Greg Prato “Grunge Is Dead” – At the polar end of “Chinese Democracy” – in spite of participation from ex-GNR bassist Duff McKagan – “Grunge Is Dead” is the story of Seattle’s alternative music scene. Presented as an oral history, Long Island native Greg Prato interviewed dozens of people who were there for the rise and fall of what most folks call “grunge.” Members of Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and Mudhoney are among the participants, making this a book that even less-frequent readers will enjoy. (ecwpress.com/books/grunge_dead)

TOOL: Thrive – A cost-free service created by The Lending Tree, Thrive considers itself as a “24/7 financial advisory for young adults.” If you sign up and add in your log-in information for your banking, credit cards, and investments, Thrive will provide live-time analysis of your financial well-being. In turn, users get advice about how they can improve their budgeting and credit score. For the record, this writer now knows where to a higher-yield online savings account. (justthrive.com)

FILM: “Anvil! The Story Of Anvil” – As hinted by introductory testimonials from members of Metallica, Motorhead and GNR – three mentions in one column! – Canada’s Anvil has long been one of the influential bands that never got the attention of the general public. Director Sasha Gervasi – a follower of Anvil since his teens – compassionately explores why the things did not pan out as expected. While some will peg this as a “real life Spinal Tap” due to the similar situations and overall story arc, it is a heart-warming story that will undoubtedly give Anvil (still featuring original frontman/guitarist Steve “Lips” Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner) their overdue acclaim. (anvilthemovie.com)

ARTICLE: Mark Burnett in Best Life Magazine, April 2009 – Mark Burnett first became a household name when he created the reality program “Survivor.” Since then he has worked to develop over a dozen other prime-time programs, from “The Apprentice” to “Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?” In this article, Burnett gives back, talking about how his salad days as a Los Angeles nanny – following a past in the British military – taught him a lot of what he knows. Ultimately, readers ought to come away with an inspiring message that not only is anything possible, but also that knowledge often comes when least expected. (bestlifeonline.com)

As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned for another 5 picks...

© 2009 - Column used with permission from Darren Paltrowitz.  All right reserved.

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:

ALBUM: Mandy Moore “Amanda Leigh” – One of the albums most likely to turn heads in 2009 is “Amanda Leigh.” Produced and co-written with Mike Viola with additional contributions from Inara George, Lori McKenna and Tracy Bonham, the songs are introspective and organic while melodic and catchy. Expect to see Mandy on talk show circuit with clavinet-driven first single “I Could Break Your Heart Any Day Of The Week” serving as a good first taste. (mandymoore.com)

BOOK: Peter Ellenby “Every Day Is Saturday” – Years ago Peter Ellenby accidentally became the house photographer of San Francisco venue Bottom Of The Hill. In turn, he was onto a whole lot of recording artists before they struck gold. “Every Day Is Saturday” is a coffee table book collection of Ellenby’s shots from gigs and photo shoots. It is accompanied by a 21-track CD – including songs by Death Cab For Cutie, Rogue Wave and Beulah – and a foreword from X frontman John Doe. Excellent photography, to say the least. (ellenby.com/everydayissaturday.htm)

SHOW: “Anytime With Bob Kushell” – Best known as a TV writer and producer with “The Simpsons,” Bob Kushell’s show refers to itself as “a five-minute talk-fest.” Dressing his garage up as a talk-show set, Kushell’s program is partly a satire with its (piped-in) crammed-in-the-garage-corner house band and inserted laugh tracks, yet entirely a funny web series. The first episode features Jon Cryer while following ones include Jim Gaffigan, Alex Trebek and Jenna Elfman as sit-down guests. For those keeping score, a new edition goes up every Tuesday. (crackle.com/c/Anything_with_Bob_Kushell)

TOOL: HitTracker – This column generally neglects sports fans, but HitTracker ought to appeal to baseball die-hards and statisticians only. This site tracks Major League Baseball home-runs, providing video footage of said home-runs, their distances and the surrounding weather conditions at time of hit. That’s all. Now imagine if that mind power were applied to fixing this country’s problems. (hittrackeronline.com)

ARTICLE: Jonathan Mead “Seven Productivity Tips For People That Hate GTD” – What is “GTD,” you ask? It is an abbreviation for “getting things done.” Jonathan Mead tones up the sarcasm to enforce some points about productivity. And as usual with a Zen Habits post, readers can and do post relevant feedback that proves worth reading. (zenhabits.net/2009/04/seven-productivity-tips-for-people-that-hate-gtd)

As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned for another 5 picks...

© 2009 - Column used with permission from Darren Paltrowitz.  All right reserved.

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:

ALBUM: Roger Joseph Manning Jr. “Catnip Dynamite” – Roger Joseph Manning Jr. has long stood out in the music business for a number of reasons. First, he was a founding member of Jellyfish and Imperial Drag. Second, he is one of the most in-demand keyboardists, having played and/or toured with everyone from Morrissey to Jay-Z, from Beck To Neil Diamond, and so forth. “Catnip Dynamite” is another sugary power-pop album by RJMJ, full of the harmonies and psychedelic that his prior bands were known for. Those who already own the Japanese version of the album will notice a different tracklisting. (rogerjosephmanningjr.com)

BOOK: “The Clash” by The Clash - The legacy of The Clash lives on in this heavy (literally!) book. Told in the band members’ own words, “The Clash” is a history starting with their childhoods and ending in the mid-1980s. Laid out with press clippings, rare artwork, and tour photos, there is almost as much to look at in the text as the columns of the pages. Not just recommended for fans of Strummer, Jones and crew, but fans of good music itself. (theclash.com)

SHOW: We Need Girlfriends – One of the perks of the Internet is the availability of cost-free, network-quality scripted comedies. “We Need Girlfriends” is not only one of the best series I have discovered online, but it turns out that CBS has begun developing it for eventual broadcast. Created by the team of Steven Tsapelas, Brian Amyot and Angel Acevedo –- also known as Ragtag Productions --  the show follows a trio of recent college graduates who have also come out of long-term relationships. They live together in Queens and are simultaneously coming to grips with adulthood, in spite of having learned most of their life lessons from popular film and television. Fans of “WNG” may also love Ragtag’s new series, “I Live With My Parents.” (weneedgirlfriends.tv)

RADIO: Masters Of None – As noted in the “show” section above, another perk of the Internet is podcasts. “Masters Of None” is practically the further grown-up version of “We Need Girlfriends.” The hosts -– Jay Wolf, Arty Scorsese, and frequent contributor Mike Gogel –- are settled into their lives, but still not over discussing whether ranch dressing “sucks or rules,” who the greatest movie characters are of all-time, or who the dumbest athlete of all-time is. But as this is not terrestrial radio with any means of censorship, you may want to keep the kids away. (mastersofnone.podbean.com)

ARTICLE: Anna from Productivity 501 “Free Tax Preparation Sites” – To the pleasure of those anticipating a federal and/or state rebate, it is now tax season. But for those independent contractors fearing the worst, yes, there are only a few more weeks to file without an extension. Anna’s posting here provides some links that may help those who haven’t file get a free or low-cost filing. Productivity 50 is generally a helpful blog for life hacks and such, so if you are RSS-enabled, I recommend subscribing. (www.productivity501.com/free-tax-preparation-sites/3784) 

As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned for another 5 picks...

© 2009 - Column used with permission from Darren Paltrowitz.  All right reserved.

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:

ALBUM: MC Lars “This Giant Robot Kills” – A pioneer of laptop-based hip-hop, MC Lars has long been renowned for combining topical lyrics with hooky choruses. The first release on Crappy Records, the new label headed Bowling For Soup’s Jaret Reddick and producer Linus Of Hollywood, “This Giant Robot Kills” is more of the same from Lars, only with a star-studded ensemble cast. Featuring many cameos -- “Weird Al” Yankovic, members of Cobra Starship, The Donnas, Simple Plan, The Aquabats and Suburban Legends, among others -– the cameos generally add an extra dimension of entertainment. For a taste, check YouTube for a video for “Guitar Hero Hero,” as featuring Mr. Big’s Paul Gilbert and Nerf Herder’s Parry Gripp.  (crappyrecords.com)

BOOK: Ernest Borgnine “Ernie” – Few have experienced the career-longevity that Ernest Borgnine has.  He was an Academy Award winner for “Marty,” an Emmy-nominated star for “McHale’s Navy,” and remains an a voiceover actor on “Spongebob SquarePants.” In his autobiography, “Ernie,” Borgnine covers everything from his Italian-American upbringing and his military days, to his 5 marriages and 70-plus years of acting. Along the way, readers are treated to the author’s wisdom and many lessons learned, making this a fun and interesting read. (kensingtonbooks.com)

IDEA: Josh Freese – Josh Freese is best known as one of the top drummers in the music industry. Playing with Devo, Nine Inch Nails, The Replacements, and Guns ‘N Roses – to name a few – Freese is less known as a solo artist who has made a handful of solo albums.  His latest album, “Since 1972,” holds its own in not only offering a pay-what-you-want model, but in providing unique upselling. Additional money enables buyers to have speak on the phone with, have lunch with, go to Disneyland with, take items from the closet of, and/or be the subject of songs written by Mr. Freese.  Fingers crossed that this becomes a normal business model for artists, as fans are likely to love this level of access to their favorite artists; meanwhile, artists would be able to directly reap the rewards without industry pressure. (joshfreese.com)

SHOW: Arrested Development – Admittedly, I have missed the boat on quite a few television shows during their network runs. The latest of which has been “Arrested Development.” After hearing yet another rave review from a friend, I opted to borrow the DVD of Season 1. Long story short, my wife and I went through all 3 discs in less than 72 hours. Hopefully, an “Arrested Development” movie – as long rumored – will go into production. I do not believe that I could ever get enough of an ensemble cast that includes Will Arnett, Jeffrey Tambor, David Cross, Jason Bateman, and Portia de Rossi. (bluthfamily.com)

TOOL: Knowzy – Learning ought to be a life-long process, and Knowzy is an interactive means of engaging in such. Similar to Wikipedia, it enables readers to post what they know. Although it is currently categorized by 3 topics – Computers, Entertainment, and Personal Finance – Knowzy does not impose limits on topics covered. In turn, with increasing site popularity will come more content. (knowzy.com)

As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned for another 5 picks...

© 2009 - Column used with permission from Darren Paltrowitz.  All right reserved.

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:

MUSIC: Tinted Windows – Set to make their live debut at SXSW, Tinted Windows is an all-star band to be reckoned with. Fronted by Taylor Hanson, the group also features Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, Fountains Of Wayne bassist Adam Schlesinger, and Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos. Shortly after their first gig, the group’s first album will be released through S-Curve Records on April 21st. Power-pop fans ought to be on the look-out for this project, which looks to be more than a one-off. (myspace.com/tintedwindows)

BOOK: Kathi Elster and Katherine Crowley “Working With You Is Killing Me” – At some point, everyone is bound to be have a difficult co-worker that makes their employment complicated. As international business consultants, Kathi Elster and Katherine Crowley address this and other matters in their book. Ultimately, the authors aim to bring readers towards reflecting before entering stress mode. Definitely not a bad reference guide to keep on-hand. (wwyikm.com)

ARTICLE: David Kushner “When Man And Machine Merge” – Ray Kurzweil can be classified as a “futurist,” since he has long been on the forefront of subjects like transhumanism and artificial intelligence. In this Rolling Stone Magazine article, David Kushner speaks directly with Kurzweil and gets perspective as to when man and machine may merge into one. While many scientists and historians alike may aim to refute Kushner’s beliefs, readers are treated to a distinct perspective about how things could progress in current trends continue.  (rollingstone.com/issue1072)

TOOL: Living Wage Calculator – It is unlikely that anyone reading this is entirely unaffected by the current economic conditions. While this column aims to provide some form of escapism from economics, the Living Wage Calculator is a free tool that enables visitors to see the average wages and expenses of their town, county, and state. At the very least, on a personal level, this ought to provide some guidance as to whether things are bad as they seem.
(livingwage.geog.psu.edu)

SHOW: Star-Ving – David Faustino is best remembered as the actor portraying Bud Bundy on sit-com “Married With Children.” In a semi-autobiographical (very-loosely, if that) online series, Faustino portays a broke, out-of-work, divorced version of himself in Los Angeles. His partner-in-crime is fellow child star Corin Nemec from “Parker Lewis Can’t Lose.” Free of censorships, commercials, and laugh tracks – but heavy on guest stars -- the episodes are risqué. Viewers will need a Flash-enabled web-browser to watch “Star-Ving.”  (crackle.com/c/Star-ving) 

As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned for another 5 picks...

A 3-5 day cruise?  Brilliant idea.

A cruise more than 5 days in length?  Bad idea.

For 3-5 days, it's relaxing to be in new settings without work stress but with infinite food.

For more than 5 days, you become so wrapped up in the cruise environment that you lose track of what's going on (e.g. current events, e-mail, happenings at home).

No obligation to take my advice, of course...although I'm thankful to have had that cruising experience.

I'm going on a family vacation tomorrow for 9 days.  It's a cruise.  I haven't taken a non-work-related trip in 3 years.  Or maybe 4 years.  I think it will be difficult to just "be" for a while.  Relaxing frightens me.  Especially in that my wife isn't along for the trip.  Then again, things could be much, much, much, much, much worse.

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:

MUSIC: Superdrag “Industry Giants” – Original lineup in tact, “Industry Giants” is the first new studio album from Superdrag in more than half a decade. Furthermore, it is the first album to feature songwriting and lead vocal contributions by bassist Tom Pappas and guitarist Brandon Fisher. Older and wiser, the tempos, dynamics, and lyrical themes are all over the place. But for a taste of manic, high-energy rock, start with the John Davis-penned album opener “Slow To Anger.” Touring in support of the album will start in March with appearances at SXSW 2009. (superdrag.com)

BOOK: David Foster “Hitman: Forty Years Making Music, Topping The Charts, and Winning Grammys – If you say the name “David Foster,” the average person probably won’t know who that is. But the guy is either the most famous not-famous person in existence, or the least famous…well, you probably get the point. As a producer and songwriter, he’s been responsible for hits by a diverse catalog of artists from Chicago and Earth Wind & Fire, to Whitney Houston and Natalie Cole, to Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion, to Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban. While his career couldn’t be much hotter, Foster’s autobiography recounts his personal shortcomings (e.g. marriage, fatherhood, education). But no matter how grim things get, Foster always bounces back and helps to inspire. (davidfoster.com)

VIDEO: Hoobastank “My Turn” – While I am not a devoted fan of Hoobastank, I believe that their “My Turn” is creatively a step in the right direction. A standard music video of the song can viewed on YouTube and the usual sites, but this special edition enables fans to get interactive and customize the clip. The possibilities are seemingly endless with all of the available characters and backgrouns. Hopefully, it is a sign of things to come for other mainstream recording artists. (myturn.hoobastank.com)

TOOL: Google Latitude – Call them “Big Brother” all you’d like, but Google seems to do little wrong. Applications like Gmail, Google Maps, and Google Reader have become an important part of my life in making information readily available.  Latitude is a new application that adds onto Maps and enables people to track one another in almost real-time, similar to a “Buddy List,” thanks to cell phone GPS technology. For some people, it may be frightening for a spouse, family member or friend to know where they are at any given second, but for others it may be comforting. The technology may not be perfect yet, but I’m enjoying it for now. (google.com/latitude)

ARTICLE: J.D. Roth “Making A Living Doing What You Love” – A book review of Jonathan Fields’ “Career Renegade,” this article is featured in the positivity-favoring blog titled “Getting Rich Slowly.” So after you have read the favorable review, you can browse through the user comments regarding making a living pursuing your passion(s). As someone who was briefly self-employed, I realize the pros and cons of such, and why it was not ideal for me in the long-term. But that may not also be the case for you. In an era where telecommuting is possible in many careers and industries, there is no reason you shouldn’t give such a little thought. (getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/02/08/career-renegade-make-a-living-doing-what-you-love)

As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned for another 5 picks...

© 2009 - Column used with permission from Darren Paltrowitz.  All right reserved.

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:

MUSIC: Parry Gripp Song Of The Week – First coming into the spotlight as the singer and songwriter of Nerf Herder, Parry Gripp has maintained a cult following for almost 15 years. From Nerf Herder’s 1996 radio hit “Van Halen” to Internet viral phenomenon “Do You Like Waffles?” Gripp has consistently crafted catchy and topical songs that showcased his charisma. Now doing things the 21st century way, Gripp now posts a new song almost every week on his website. Visitors can listen to the whole song, and if they like it, they can download via iTunes, eMusic or Amazon MP3. Fans craving even more ought to check out his debut solo album, “For Those About To Shop, We Salute You,” which contains over 50 commercial jingle-like tracks. (parrygripp.com)

BOOK: Martin Eidelberg, Thomas Hine, Pat Kirkham, David A. Hanks & C. Ford Peatross “The Eames Lounge Chair: An Icon Of Modern Design” – Not everyone appreciates furniture as anything more than something used to sit on or decoate a room. However, the authors of this title aim to bring appreciation to the Eames Lounge Chair, as helmed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956. The evolution of the chair itself is explored while shown in social and cultural contexts. Weighing about 3 pounds with its hardcover shell, your coffee table will need to be strong to support this book.  (secure.thenile.com.au/books/Martin-Eidelberg)

FILM: Michael Kantor “Make ‘Em Laugh” – In 2009, people are rarely in agreement as to who or what “funny” is. But the legends and originators of comedy tend to be universally-respected. From Charlie Chaplin and The Marx Brothers to Bill Cosby and Richard Pryor, this six-part documentary covers icons of silent films, stand-up, and movies alike. Merging archival footage with modern-day interviews, “Make ‘Em Laugh” provides both information and entertainment and is likely to leave viewers adding a lot of new titles to their Netflix queue. (pbs.org/wnet/makeemlaugh)

TOOL: Boxee – It is undeniable that sites like YouTube and Hulu have changed television, since the TV networks themselves are now posting episodes for streaming. As a “social media center,” Boxee is by all means a 21st century invention, combining social networking with the aforementioned TV media and other audio and visual media. In other words, from your computer, you can not only watch programming from CNN or Comedy Central, but see what your friends have also enjoyed watching. All of this at no cost legally, that is. So if the programming you prefer is on major networks and/or basic cable, there should be nothing stopping you from canceling your cable subscription. (boxee.tv)

ARTICLE: Leo Babauta “Why You Should Celebrate Your Mistakes” - In an article from popular blog Zen Habits, author Leo Babauta lets out an important point: “without mistakes, we could not learn or grow.” Babuata ultimately questions the learning process of the individual, looking at trial and error as one related component. After reading the article, readers are treated to over 90 comments from other readers, which further enforces the subject area. Hopefully reading this far into my column does not lead to your celebration, if you get what I am saying. (zenhabits.net/2009/01/why-you-should-celebrate-your-mistakes)

As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned for another 5 picks...

© 2009 - Column used with permission from Darren Paltrowitz.  All right reserved.

Here are 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:

MUSIC: The Methadones “21st Century Power Pop Riot” – Cover albums tend to polarize serious music listeners.  Some fans may look at them as a band’s excuse to not write new material, while other fans enjoy hearing interpretations of tracks that inspired the musicians.  In this case, the Illinois-based Methadones – led by ex-Screeching Weasel member Dan Schafer – take on songs of the 1970s and 1980s, mostly of the power-pop, glam, and punk rock varieties.  Fans of Cheap Trick, Elvis Costello, and Joe Jackson ought to take note and look at this wrongly-overlooked 2006 release. (myspace.com/themethadones)

BOOK: Angela Nissel “The Broke Diaries” – Unfortunately, this is yet another title that I am a few years behind the curve on.  Angela Nissel is now known as the co-founder of online hip-hop community Okayplayer.com and as a contributor to sit-com “Scrubs,” but things were not always so rosy for her.  In “The Broke Diaries,” Nissel hilariously recounts her days as an economically-struggling student at the University of Pennsylvania.  You are bound to find yourself sympathizing with the author – the book is a collection of her blogs entries from this era – but are bound to feel good at the book’s end in realizing her current successes. (angelanissel.com)

COMEDY: Drinking With Bob – While briefly living in Queens, I noticed a show called “Drinking With Bob” as I browsed through the menu of my DVR.  I set it to record thinking that the title alone made it worth it.  The weekly show – unfortunately still only carried via Time Warner Cable in Queens – features a combination of rants, skits, and music videos, as overseen by writer, producer, and overall mouthpiece Bob Thompson.  Fortunately, the rants of Thompson can be viewed on the show’s website, and are absolutely recommended for anyone who has ever found Lewis Black or Denis Leary entertaining.  (drinkingwithbob.com)

FILM: “The Wrestler” – As confessed in an earlier column, I find enjoyment in modern-day professional wrestling.  Say what you will, but its combination of athletics, choreography, dramatics, and production tend to be a whole lot more interesting than most sporting events.  The Darren Aronofsky-directed takes a different look at the medium, focusing on the life led by a post-prime, over-the-hill wrestler.  Mickey Rourke plays the title character and in the process takes enough abuse that you can barely separate the acting from reality.  This was probably the best movie that I saw in 2008, and it would be a shame if it remained on limited-release. (foxsearchlight.com/thewrestler)

ARTICLE: Adam Pash “Popular Medical Myths Put To Rest” – Oftentimes it takes getting ill to get a person concerned about their health.  In this series of articles from the British Medical Journal – as summarized and linked by Adam Pash  for Lifehacker – readers are given insight into some long-believed health tips that are believed to be bogus after all.  Some may dare to disagree with the assessment of these factoids as “myths,” but personally I would prefer to believe that eating at night is not contributing to my waistline, and that reading in dim light is not harming my eyesight.  (lifehacker.com/5122460/popular-medical-myths-put-to-rest)

As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned for another 5 picks...

© 2009 - Column used with permission from Darren Paltrowitz.  All right reserved.

Brings me great pleasure to be part of The One Love.

When creativity hits, I'll be posting.  Otherwise, I'll be posting my column "Keeping Up,"
 which runs in a few newspapers every 2 weeks.

In the meantime, a great weekend to you and yours..

-Darren