Coconut Water: It's about the image.

The new "it" drink is Coconut Water. Wasn't pomegranate juice the big thing last year...or the year before.
NPR's Planet Money looks at the phenomena of coconut water. As one consumer says, "The only thing that really counts is image." "If people see me carrying around this coconut water with my yoga mat this will show that I like yoga and I'm really conscious and enlightened."
Studies about the benefits associated with coconut water suggest those benefits are overstated. Check out this article in the Huffington Post. Coconut Water Health Claims Not Supported, Study Says
For the consumer quoted above, it's more about the image. Carrying around the bottle of coconut water is an important accessory. 
It's a lot like when I lived on the East Side of Milwaukee. The Sunday accessory that was at the coffee shop or the bookstore was the Sunday Edition of the New York Times. In fact, living on the East Side may have been an image thing. 
A twelve pack of coconut water is running $24 on-line.
The story is a part of their series, "What's it been a good year for..."

Louisiana Coastal Erosion Explained

Coastal Erosion in Louisiana has become a major problem. Diminished wetlands intensified flooding during Katrina. There's a documentary airing on Louisiana Public Television Sunday that explains the issues of coastal wetland erosion. Filmmaker Christina Hendrick Melton's documentary also includes recent findings from the Mississippi River flooding from earlier this year. It may be too late to save it all. There's more in The Times Picayune.Times Picayune

Reversals on Health Care Mandates

Reversal On Health Mandate Came Late For Gingrich And Romney
It can be hard to find where candidates actually stand on issues during elections. NPR's Julie Rovner reports in NPR's Health Blog that both Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich have reversed their opinions.
In fact, Gingrich supported Romney's Massachusetts plan.
You can read more on the blog.

Good King Wenceslas: advocate for the poor.

The Good King

Tom Manoff filed an interesting story in NPR about The Duke of Bohemia, King Wenceslas. The carol has been one of my favorites for a long time. (even more fun that the wassailing tune). Wencesals was an early advocate of social justice and an early Christian. The last line of the carol sums up the King's Christian mission. "Ye who now will bless the poor / shall yourselves find blessing." 
Perhaps, a good reminder for the 1% or, at least the politicians who claim to be their champions.
Take a moment to listen to Manoff's report on NPR.

The Evil Bother

According to an article in Wikipedia he was the duke of Bohemia from 921 until his assassination in 935. His younger brother, Boleslaus the Cruel, was complicit in the murder. A group of nobles allied with Boleslaus plotted to kill him. The King was invited to a feast. At the feast three of the nobles attacked him. His brother is said to have Wenceslas through with a lance.
There's more about Wenceslas and traditional caroling in the second hour of today's "On Point."

Wait, Wait on BBC America Reviewed

David Hinckley of the New York Daily News reviews NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell which airs Friday in BBC America. His conclusion is Wait, Wait is perfect for the radio...not television. Hinckley says the TV version does not have as much life as the radio version.

A Surprise in David Bianculli's Top Ten

I've always enjoyed this segment on Fresh Air as David Bianculli picks the best and worst TV shows from 2011. David even picked  his best, and most surprising, moment for him from Parks and Recreation. During the episode, Amy Poehler's character is being interviewed on Public Radio. The parody hits the mark. Listen to the interviewers question and Amy's response. It's about 25 minutes into the segment.

Good News for FOCUS

The FOCUS Center for Autism received good news this week. According to the Courant Website, The FOCUS Center for Autism is the November recipient of a "One Good Turn Project" donation sponsored by Phoenix-based Commotion Promotions, Ltd.


FOCUS works with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum through educational and extended day programs using milieu therapy. FOCUS has a transition program for young adults seeking positive outcomes for those young adults. They also offer sessions for families affected by autism.


One Good Turn Project President Karen Kravitz says, "The motivation for this program evolved from the current hardship facing nonprofit organizations due to the decrease in financial funding and private donations," 


This is an example of positives that come from the interconnectedness of the web and social media. At least, I hope it's positive. I'm in the board at FOCUS. So I have an interest in this. The article was shared with me through email. I shared the article on Google+ and Facebook. And now, I'm sharing the positive attributes of social media on this blogsite. My expectations? If I get a couple dozen hits I've increased awareness about Autism and FOCUS. I hope I'm using interconnectedness to promote the greater good.