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For-Profit Charity Groups Hurt Non-Profits, Local Charities Say
Some charities are concerned that for-profit clothing donation organizations are doing more harm than good in their quest to purchase clothing. The Daily Item reports that many charity organizations that specialize in collecting and re-purposing used clothing claim that for-profit donation companies are funneling off much needed funds and resources from them, using the money…
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Study: Steroids No More Effective Than a Placebo in Treating Sciatica
A new clinical trial has found that steroids treat sciatica pain no better than a placebo, and that taking oral steroids leads to only a moderate improvement in function for sciatica patients. “When we compared the [oral steroid] prednisone to placebo, there was a modest improvement in function,” researcher Dr. Harley Goldberg, director of spine…
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Don’t Try This At Home, Kids — Why People Are Suddenly Trying Do-It-Yourself Dentistry, Despite Many Risks
Ranging from home repairs to colorful manicures, the Do-It-Yourself trend has fully made its way off Pinterest and into the average American home. And, apparently, it’s already taking over the dental industry. That’s right — DIY dentistry is now a trend. For example: just a couple weeks ago, a boy named Anton Androshchuk posted a…
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Governor’s New Energy Efficiency Law Is Simply Not Enough, According to Environmental Experts
Earlier this month, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed a law that will help the state increase its energy efficiency, along with reducing oversight by the state of any major utilities’ energy efficiency programs. Under the new law, utility companies can now develop their own energy efficiency programs, which are then approved by the Indiana Utility…
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British Inventor Rolls Out “Smart-Floor” Technology
A British entrepreneur wants to turn your footsteps into electricity, and he claims the technology already works. The U.K. startup Pavegen is raising money for the high-tech flooring on a website called Crowdcube, a British crowdfunding service similar to KickStarter. “Pavegen’s technology converts footsteps into electricity to power services in high-footfall locations and provide real-time…
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Fifty-Six Years Later, Hudson Valley Florist Still Doing Well
After more than 50 years in the floral business, Alders Wholesale Florist in Campbell Hall, New York serves as a shining example of the virtues of hard work when it comes to running a family business. The Times Herald-Record reports that Henry Alders, the founder of Alders Wholesale Florist, has been in business for 56…
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Dogs and Humans Have Been Companions For Thousands of Years Longer Than Previously Thought, New Study Suggests
By a 70% to 20% margin, Americans describe themselves as “dog persons” rather than “cat persons,” and why shouldn’t they? Science has found that dog owners are less likely to be depressed than non-pet owners, that dog owners have a lower rate and blood pressure, and that dog owners get plenty of exercise. Obviously, things…
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Salmon Steals Fishing Rod, Only to Be Caught Later With Rod Still Attached
Any experienced angler knows that salmon fishing isn’t just a waiting game, but also a contest of strength. After all, the world record king salmon, which was caught in Alaska in 1985, weighed a whopping 97 pounds. Just ask Arlyn Tietz of Lewiston, Idaho, who recently went fishing on the Clearwater River, about how tough…
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Cell-Related Crashes on the Rise Despite Hands-Free Legislation
Cell phone-related crashes now account for about 27% of all vehicle accidents, according to an estimate released earlier this week by the National Safety Council. This is the third consecutive year that the figure has risen, despite hands-free legislation of some kind being enacted in a growing number of states. The number of crashes involving…
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Florida Lags Behind on Solar Panel Initiatives
Despite the state’s famous moniker, Florida lags behind other states in developing solar energy. The Associated Press reports that the Sunshine State ranks 13th in the country in solar power generated, even though it ranks 3rd in rooftop solar power potential. Recent initiatives in other states, such as California, have promoted solar power for both…