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Future Of Food

OAKFIELD — Cows that can withstand hotter temperatures. Cows born without pesky horns. Pigs that never reach puberty. A company wants to alter farm animals by adding and subtracting genetic traits in a lab. It sounds like science fiction, but Recombinetics sees opportunity for its technology in the livestock industry. But first, it needs to convince regulators that gene-edited animals are no different than conventionally bred ones. To make the technology appealing and to ease any fears that it may be creating Franken-animals, Recombinetics isn’t starting with productivity. ...

A Matching Tradition

Amy and Kevin Wilson began giving their three sons matching pajamas at Christmas for a reason: They wanted their little ones to get excited about going to bed so that they, the adults, could get ready for Christmas morning. Now, more than 15 years later, the pajamas have become a cherished ...

Fashion Show Blends Cuban Private Enterprise

HAVANA (AP) — Models in Cuba strutted in paint-stained shirts and leather construction boots Thursday night in an unusual blend of local private enterprise and American corporate sponsorship. The open-air fashion show put on by the Cuban label Clandestina and internet giant Google was titled “Country Under Construction” and took place outside Havana’s Museum of Fine Arts. Google is one of the American companies that have had the greatest success in building relations with the Cuban government since the declaration of detente by Presidents Raul Castro and Barack Obama. It has ...

Tips To Keep Hosts, Houseguests Happy

The holiday season often means houseguests. What does it mean to be a good host — or a good houseguest? “Remember the spirit of the holidays. It’s easy to get caught up in wanting everything to be perfect. The point is to have fun, and whether you’re a guest or a host, flexibility and thoughtfulness go a long way,” says Leslie Yazel, editor in chief at Real Simple magazine. Here are some tips from the pros to keep things running smoothly and minimize stress. FOR HOSTS ¯ Talk with guests before they arrive about any allergies, dietary restrictions or preferences, and get ...

For Crafty Gifts, Pair How-To Books With Supplies

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Santa has his crew of crafty elves, but those of us living south of the North Pole could use a little help. Sure, your creative friends and loved ones will appreciate a how-to book full of new projects for an existing hobby, or ideas that could spark a new one. But consider going the extra mile by putting together a DIY kit with supplies that allow them to dive right in. Want to really make it special? Make one of the projects yourself and tuck it in with the book and supplies as inspiration. I’ve been lucky enough to be on the receiving end of this idea. ...

Kovel Antiques: The Right Mermaid Items Can Fetch A Handsome Price

Mermaids and mermen have been “seen” and pictured since the Babylonian era. In past centuries, Greece, Japan, Ireland, Russia and Scotland have believed in local mermaids. There have been exhibits of mermaid skeletons; the 1837 Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, “The Little Mermaid”; the 1989 Disney movie adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” starring Ariel; and a fake documentary on television in 2012. In the 19th century, mermaids were part beautiful long-haired women and part fish, with a fish tail instead of legs. Collectors look for stories and art about mermaids and other ...