Maybe you think you’re in control as you wheel around the grocery aisles. But you’re not. Food manufacturers have studied the best way to part you from your cash, says syndicated newspaper columnist Stephanie Nelson. Here’s what they don’t want you to know. Read the rest of this entry »

Do you want to kick back at lunchtime with a glass of your favorite vintage but need to stay sharp for an afternoon meeting? Vignette Wine Country Soda lets you do just that with their civilized and stylish new sparkling, booze-free soda.

One Last Thing… the movie

They come in three delicious varieties: Chardonnay, Rosé, and Pinot Noir. The sodas contain 50 percent varietal grape juice and are a refreshing 130 calories. Find them at gourmet and specialty stores, or you can order them online at

When back-to-the-earth advocate Carlo Petrini founded the slow-food movement, he wanted to protect the pleasures of the table and embrace everything that fast food (and munching at your desk) does not, including enriching every day by lingering over a meal. Here are good-for-you treats worth taking the time to relish. Read the rest of this entry »