Review-The Solution Revolution

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The Solution Revolution: How Business, Government and Social Enterprises are Teaming Up to Solve Society’s Toughest Problems, William D. Eggers and Paul Macmillan, 2013, ISBN 9781422192191
Government, by itself, can no longer fix all of society’s problems. Perhaps it is time for a partnership between government, business and new organizations that that are shrinking the gap between what citizens need and what government can provide.

Does your town have a rather dismal home recycling rate? Instead of spending tax money on a recycling PR campaign, visit a site called Recyclebank. They have helped towns to double or triple their recycling rate in just a few months. Is downtown clogged with traffic? Instead of imposing some sort of downtown driving fee, consider a car-sharing service like ZipCar.

It is now possible to mobilize huge amounts of resources around societal problems, while the costs plummet. In this new solution economy, the exchange and creation of value (currencies) are happening in new ways. The new currency could be data, credits, reputation or social outcomes (like reduced sickness). There are also new ways to trade these new currencies. They range from prizes and challenges, to crowdfunding platforms, to two-sided markets (with no middleman), to arrangements that pay for success. Can the same system work for international issues, like human trafficking or providing inexpensive housing for India’s poor?

How can government or business help to bring about a solution economy? Government can use their purchasing power to create demand, be open to other avenues to reach a desired outcome, open up public data, avoid over-regulating the solution economy and recognize social enterprises as a new kind of business. Business can help by looking at their operating procedures against social criteria, make a bold commitment, change their sourcing practices, and find a way to leverage that open data.

This is a really interesting book. Perhaps it will inspire others to find social needs that are not yet being met, and do something about it. The only bad part of this book is the lack of a list in the back of the websites mentioned in the book (there are quite a number of them). Aside from that, this book is very much worth reading, for businesses and individuals.

Paul Lappen is a freelance book reviewer whose blog, Dead Trees Review, emphasizes small press and self-published books.

Party Planning and a NOT so Best Buffalo Wing Sauce

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Last Saturday, a friend of mine celebrated her birthday early and gathered all her friends for some video karaoke sessions. Of course, such celebration warrants some food and drinks to keep the party going. I’m very picky of food in video karaoke places so I opted to have my dinner before going to the venue. In fairness to the organizers, food was never really a problem. Aside from the food ordered by the guests, we also had a dessert spread for the much needed sugar rush.
One dish that caught my attention was the Buffalo Wings. For a recipe known for its spiciness, the sauce they used was a letdown. It was like eating sweet & sour wings. I could barely taste the spicy, tangy kick of the sauce. The best buffalo wing sauce is mixing the hot sauce and butter perfectly to coat crispy fried chicken wings. It’s a common fixture on the menu during viewings of sports matches. It’s a messy dish too. Perhaps it’s the heat of the sauce that keeps them all riled up to cheer for their favorite team. Going back to that disappointing Buffalo wings, I think it would’ve worked if they had developed a spicy hot wing sauce recipe specifically for the establishment’s menu. It’ll keep guests coming back for more and make their Buffalo wings one of their signature dishes.

Good thing we were treated to a sumptuous spread of dishes that night. Chicken lollipops, squid rings, nachos w/ salsa dip were just some of the finger foods served. My friend was lucky because someone organized the party on her behalf. But before you think that party planning is all glitz and glam, it is definitely not for the faint of heart. You need to reserve the venue, confirm the guest list and make sure everything goes without a hitch during the big day. You need to be in control and still look fabulous. Do you fancy a similar career? Here are some tips I’ve gathered based on my friend’s experience:

1. It’s all about the planning. Get initial details months ahead of the celebration. It’ll give you time to come up with a back-up plan if the first choice doesn’t work out. 2. RSVP. The more extensive the guest list, the sooner you need to confirm the number of attendees so that you can reserve the venue. Text or call them for confirmation if they refuse to reply via Facebook private message or Twitter. 3. Guests will always remember the food. Do not sacrifice quality for quantity and make sure you serve nothing but the best gustatory delights without sacrificing your budget. Canvass around for the best caterers. If you’re entertaining from home and is quite the whiz in the kitchen, now is the time to impress them with your culinary knowledge. 4. Know your guest list and plan activities that are age-appropriate. 5. Just enjoy the party. This is why you were hired to organize it in the first place.

Buffalo wings disaster aside, I can say I enjoyed my Saturday night. Thanks to the establishment’s vast music selection, our video karaoke party was a huge success. People hammed it up by imagining they were contestants on the hit reality TV show, The Voice. It was fun hanging out with former college block mates who are now busy career individuals themselves. Maybe one of these days we can have a potluck dinner at the home of one friend and enjoy simple healthy dinner recipes. Getting friends together for a good meal and some quality face time is one of life’s much needed luxury in today’s busy environment.

Elle Magazine for Women Worldwide

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Elle is one of the foremost fashion magazines in the world today. Considered a style icon in the publishing sphere, Elle is acclaimed globally for its focus on not just fashion; but fitness, lifestyle and more. It has over 49 international spread over 60 countries, making it a part of the most circulated magazines in the world. Every edition of ELLE magazine has memorable articles covering the newest trends from around the world. With content that is so fresh, informative and innovative, it is no doubt that they have successfully completed over70 years in the industry, as their popularity continues to rise.

History and Fame:

The magazine has its foundation in France, the birthplace of fashion. The creators of ELLE dedicated their efforts towards building a magazine to enable women everywhere to express their individuality. The magazine’s high desirability quotient among women can be attributed to the well-pieced features on affordable fashion and living. ELLE has millions of ardent followers all around the world making it the world’s largest fashion magazine; with 5 million readers from the United States alone. Subscribers of ELLE often compliment the editorials; a feature that is consistently impressive and flawless.

Who does ELLE appeal to and why:

ELLE has captivated readers between the age of 15 and 49, owing to its sensitive coverage of articles that relate to several issues, experiences, anecdotes and so much more about women. It showcases talent from around the world serving as an inspiration to women everywhere. Every single issue of the magazine is packed with insightful content while carefully also advertising products that largely appeal to women. The layout of the magazine is well designed and not overly cramped; a huge attractor-factor for readers. ELLE also publishes a teen magazine that is exclusively dedicated to fashion and fitness for younger audiences. A good number of young girls who haven’t quite tuned in to fashion, adore ELLE Magazine for interviews, book reviews and articles on health and fitness.

Digital ELLE Magazine:

The more recent surge in digitization; digital platforms in particular, has seen the present generation take to magazines like never before. Digital magazines have turned into champions; linking countries, continents, publishers, advertisers and readers. ELLE seized the opportunity and bringing digital copies of their magazine to readers everywhere. Furthering digital magazines are newsstand apps that can be downloaded for free onto several smart devices. Users can browse, click and buy ELLE magazines directly through their smart phones, iPad, iPhone, Androids, Windows 8, other tablets and the web.

Digital magazines have quickly become extremely popular as they are priced less than print copies. Savings on digital magazine subscriptions go upto 70%! As they are eco-friendly you save a few trees and also reduce the carbon footprint with every digital purchase you make. ELLE offers a very affordable cost per issue and prices that can further be reduced by choosing an annual subscription option. Special sales on newsstands bring ELLE at even better prices; quite phenomenal when compared to the print editions.

Another major advantage of the digital magazine is its instant availability. The digital format of the magazine often contains interactive quizzes, polls and contests for readers to engage in. They can click on interesting links and play videos directly, without leaving the issue. Users can easily search for older issues of the magazines and buy them when required. Digital versions of magazines are most convenient as they does not require any storage place and your coffee table will never be cluttered.

Herbal Health Elixir: Harnessing Nature’s Remedies

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Discovering the Potency of Herbal Elixirs

Herbal health elixirs stand as a testament to the wisdom of traditional remedies, passed down through generations. These elixirs, infused with the power of nature’s herbs, hold the promise of vitality and holistic well-being. In this article, we explore the world of Herbal Health Elixirs and their profound impact on our health.

The Wisdom of Botanicals

What sets herbal health elixirs apart is their foundation in centuries-old knowledge of medicinal plants. From the soothing properties of chamomile to the invigorating effects of ginseng, these elixirs draw upon the therapeutic potential of botanical wonders. With each sip, we partake in a legacy of healing that spans cultures and continents.

Nurturing Vitality from Within

Herbal elixirs, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offer a nourishing embrace to our bodies. They are a natural source of vitality, replenishing what the demands of modern life often deplete. Whether it’s a boost to the immune system or support for digestion, these elixirs work in harmony with our bodies, restoring balance and vigor.

A Holistic Approach to Well-being

True well-being encompasses not only physical health but also mental and emotional harmony. Herbal health elixirs, with their adaptogenic and mood-enhancing properties, address this holistic spectrum of wellness. They uplift our spirits, promote mental clarity, and create a sense of equilibrium that resonates in every facet of our lives.

Crafted with Care: Homemade Herbal Elixirs

While the market offers an array of herbal elixirs, there is a unique satisfaction in crafting them at home. Homemade elixirs allow us to select the finest, freshest herbs and infuse our concoctions with intentions of well-being and healing. From steeping dried herbs to creating tinctures, the process itself becomes a meditative act of self-care.

Conclusion: Embracing the Healing Legacy of Herbs

Herbal health elixirs are more than just beverages; they are a bridge to the healing wisdom of our ancestors. They remind us that the remedies we seek are often found in the embrace of the natural world. As we welcome these elixirs into our lives, we embark on a journey of reconnection, allowing the potency of herbs to guide us towards a state of vibrant well-being.