Feature Articles

Yes, it's true. Most experts agree that Fortune Cookies are another great American invention. These thin, crisp cookies, folded so that a slip of paper with a fortune can be placed inside, are probably not even Chinese. There is much debate over the origin of these tiny treats, but in the U.S.A., they have become a staple dessert in Chinese cuisine.

Andrée Putman, the acclaimed French designer and interior architect, once said, "I love America, and I love American women, but there is one thing that deeply shocks me......American closets. I cannot believe one can dress well when you have so much."

Remember Peter Falk? He's an actor best known for his role as Lieutenant Columbo in the TV series Columbo. As the star of that 1970's show, he was "everyone's favorite rumpled television detective", writes historian David Fantle. The beauty of Columbo was watching how he unraveled the mysteries and crimes.

Sometimes one phone call can change your life. Robin Sachs never anticipated the impact of the call from an art director she'd worked with before. He told her he was developing an ad campaign and he wanted her to take photos of Jewish Family Service (JFS), a nonprofit in Dallas.

After attending a presentation by David Zyla at Saks last week on his new book, The Color of Style, I just had to leave with the book in hand. It seems everyone felt that way, as the books were nearly sold out by the end of the night. Zyla’s philosophy on style sounds simple: wear the colors that look the best on you, and avoid colors that are not flattering.

Our life expectancy has doubled in the last century. We need brains robust enough to match our bodies' new life span. Dr. Sandy Chapman focused on the importance of brain care at a recent session of the UTD Center for Brain Health lecture series. We can't neglect our brains' health.

Julie Hersh surprised me the first time she read her work. This woman, who looked to me a lot like Jackie Kennedy Onassis, had written a riveting account of her depression and attempted suicide.

The notion of a hardwired brain can be a handy excuse. The brain can be blamed for a lot that would otherwise be seen as lack of initiative. Well, watch out fellow procrastinators, Norman Doidge is in town to set the record straight. Actually he was in town last week, and I was lucky enough to get a ticket to hear him at the University of Texas - Dallas Center for Brain Health's annual lecture series called The Brain: An Owner's Guide.

Our GNG garden expert, Julie England, called the other day to remind us that it's  almost time to prune the roses.  She also sent along some very useful information from the horticulture department at Texas A&M University- click here.