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April 28, 2008

SUGAR SYNC!

I learned of this amazing resource through IGC Member Rossanna Figuera. SugarSync allows you to access all of the documents on your computer remotely, and sync documents from mulplie computers. Far cheaper and easier than getting your own server. It has already made a huge difference in my productivity and flexibility! Great for those who work from multiple locations...hint hint.

April 20, 2008

STUNNING SEAMSTRESS SHOW!

Wow. We are so excited about the new art exhibit at IGC. Photographer Sam Lamb came all the way from Oklahoma to bring us: The Sea, The Surge, and The Seamstress; A Story about Salt & Morning Light. The pictures, presentation, and story are absolutely enchanting, as is Sam herself. We will be celebrating the Official Opening on Friday, April 25th, 7-9pm, so please join us for drinks and snacks.
You can see Sam's work online at:
http://www.samanthalambphotography.com/

April 13, 2008

WE LOVE OUR PRODUCTS, BUT DO THEY LOVE US?

I am a product lover. Once I have found a product that I like, I will usually stick with it for years. I have a stocked supply of the same face wash, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, perfume, lotion, etc. Recently, I have been replacing some of my tried-and-trues with newer organic and all natural products. Before, products really only had to pass the "smell-test" in order to get selected. Then, thanks to the influence of Marta Edmisten, owner of green cleaning business, Plain Jane's, I began instituting new criteria into the selection process...such as the "can I pronounce all the ingredients?" test, and the "do I see the word paraben anywhere on here?"

Today, however, I learned of a new way to evaluate products: Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Database (referred by Marta again, of course). Skin Deep catalogs and rates thousands of products based on toxicity levels. It is easy to use, extremely comprehensive, and has managed to capture my attention for the last hour or so. I am thrilled that several of the items that I use have received lower toxicity scores, and am a bit surprised and horrified by those that didn't - silly me to assume that things I buy at WholeFoods are A-Ok.

You can use Skin Deep to see each category's worst offenders and best performers. Perhaps the best feature however is the comparison factor, which allows you to see how your product of choice compares to other products in the same category. For example, my deodorant has a toxicity score of 4 out of 10 (not bad), but reportedly 52% of other deodorants are better for you (hummmm). Unfortunately my face wash scored as an 8 out of 10 (yikes) and is bested by 82% of other face washes (get to the store STAT). I am thrilled to report however that my body soap received a toxicity score of 0 and is only beat by 2% of other cleansers. At least I am doing one thing right...

As an FYI, you can learn more about the toxicity of products and other things in your home at Marta's upcoming seminar:

Spring Greening: Detoxify Your Home
Marta Edmisten, founder of plain jane’s green cleaning products will discuss the hidden (and not-so-hidden) toxins found in the home and simple, healthy alternatives. Ms. Edmisten will teach you how to clean “smarter, not harder” and how to make your home safer for your family, your pets and yourself! Topics covered will include: “How we got here” - the history of chemical production in America, non-toxic house cleaning, laundry alternatives, cosmetics, safer food storage, reducing household waste and easy ways to “go green”.
www.plainjanes.biz

WHEN: Wednesday, April 23 12:30-2:00
WHERE: In Good Company, Large Conference Room


REGISTER: Email Adelaide at
Adelaide@ingoodcmpny.com to secure your spot. Free for members



April 7, 2008

JOIN THE MOVEMENT - HELP A REPORTER OUT

Some of you may know that Help A Reporter Out started as a facebook group, but has recently launched as it's own website. It is a FREE service that helps to connect reporters with sources and experts. If you sign up you will receive three emails a day with a list of reporter requests. Peter Shankman, the founder, has gotten tons of press recently and is attracting of reporters and readers. This is a potentially great way to connect with press prospects. I have thought of many IGC members as I have read the listings over the last couple weeks.

If you can stand to get just 3 more emails a day - I highly recommend it. However, please heed Peter's warnings! As tempting as it might be to reply to as many queries as possible, it is important to reply only to those queries for which you are qualified. Read the reporters requests closely and follow the directions!

April 6, 2008

VERY YOUNG GIRLS: A GEMS BENEFIT


I have known of GEMS (which stands for Girls Educational and Mentoring Services) for sometime and respect the work they do a great deal. Rachel, their executive director, recently sent me information about a special screening of a documentary, Very Young Girls, they produced and are showing at the Tribeca Grand Hotel this Thursday (April 10th).

Very Young Girls is a Showtime documentary that highlights the experiences of the girls that GEMS serves. This compelling film provides an opportunity to hear the girls’ tell their own stories in their own words.
Help support the cause to end commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking by joining GEMS for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 6:00pm and for the screening which begins promptly at 7:00pm.

To purchase a ticket, visit
http://www.gems-girls.org/donation.html, follow the link to Network for Good, and designate your $300 or $500 donation for the Very Young Girls screening.

All proceeds benefit GIRLS EDUCATIONAL & MENTORING SERVICES.