Author: James Fishman

James Fishman has been involved in the world of online magazines for more than 15 years. He helped launch Sunstone Online and continues to improve the magazine as site editor and administrator. His writing focuses primarily business and technology. To be in touch with James, feel free to contact him at james[at]sunstoneonline.com.

Strawberries- The New Sunscreen?

Sunscreens and other sun-related products are considered some of the most important in skin care. A recent study has discovered a natural, less oily substance that possesses similar qualities: the strawberry.

The research team, comprised of both Italian and Spanish scientists, tested the effect of strawberry extract on human cell structures in concentrations of 0.05, 0.25 and 0.5 milligrams per milliliter. The study’s results proved that the anthocyanins, which are responsible for the red coloring in strawberries and other plants, protect the skin from UVA rays and reduce long-term skin damage from the sun.

“We have verified the protecting effect of strawberry extract against damage to skin cells caused by UVA rays,” said Maurizio Battino of the Universita Politecnia delle Marche.

“These aspects are of great importance as they provide protection for cell lines subject to conditions that can provoke cancer and other skin-related inflammatory and degenerative illnesses.”

Though the findings are undoubtedly significant, their everyday practicality is still under debate.

Sara Tulipani of the University of Barcelona explained:

“These compounds have important anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumor properties. At the moment the results act as the basis for future studies evaluating the ‘bioavailability’ and ‘bioactivity’ of anthocyanins in the dermis and epidermis layers of the human skin, whether by adding them to formulations  for external use of by ingesting the fruit itself.”

 

Soy Sauce Ice Cream Supports Tsunami-Damaged City

A collaboration of professionals has recently developed a new ice cream flavor in support of Rikuzentakata- a Japanese city that was destroyed by the 2011 tsunami.

Kunihiko Shirokawa of Hirota, a confectioner involved in the project, explained:

“It’s a mixture of soy sauce and ice cream, producing a well-balanced salty, yet sweet, ice cream which is perfect for the summer.

“We’re planning another product for autumn.”

Hirota, based in Tokyo, joined forces with Takata’s Yamani Soy Sauce to create the ice cream, which looks like your typical vanilla but tastes salty and vaguely nutty, according to Reuters.

Seki Kinya, the leader of a Tokyo entrepreneurial consulting company, initiated the plan.

“I was in Takata during the clean-up efforts, and happened to meet an associate of Yamani,” Kinya explained. “Afterwards, the mayor talked about his hopes of revitalizing local businesses and creating job opportunities. It was all a coincidence, really.”

The new ice cream has been added to trademark cream puffs to create a populsr summertime treat. These morsels are now going for $1.92 each, and a percentage of the proceeds are donated to several organizations involved in revitalizing the city.

The Pet Umbrella

This season’s inconsistent weather has been inconvenient in so many ways. Many people in your household have surely been affected… But so have your pets and the cleanliness of your home.

Walking a dog in the rain, snow or sleet is never a fun task. Unexpected summer showers present similar issues; wet floors, wet furniture, muddy paw prints, and the persistent smell of wet dog in your home.

Enter the pet umbrella.

A relatively recent invention, the doggibrella provides a solution for you and your dog in any weather-related crisis. Not only will it make walks more enjoyable- it will help protect your household items, clothes and guests when you get home.

This (theoretically) easy-to-use contraption includes a clear plastic umbrella piece to shield your pooch from the elements while enabling total visibility, as well as stylish trim, a comfortable handle and a built-in leash.


One product description on Amazon.com explains:

“If you just can’t take the heartbreak of telling your furry friend that it’s raining or sleeting or snowing outside, whip out this magic weather stopper (umbrella). The pet umbrellas feature blue plaid waterproof fabric, with a clear PVC window center on the pet umbrella. A nylon leash under the umbrella attaches to your pet’s collar and also adjusts for a comfortable length. Polyester fabric with aluminum handles. Slide open/close. For leash-trained pets only.”

What do you think…?

 

 

Five Must-See Stops During the Olympics

Whether you’re in London right now for the opening of the Olympics, you just happen to be traveling at the same time, or you live near the city, there are many things to do in the area right now. Of course, if you’re lucky enough, you’ll go to see some of the sporting events. For those on a more strict budget, or for those who didn’t get tickets, here are some other activities that will be sure to keep you busy in this lovely city.

  1. Be a tourist – you can always take in another visit to Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and other hot spots around London. There is enough to do as a tourist in London to occupy days, if not longer. Take a look around and get started!
  2. Enjoy time at London’s famous museums. Check out the British Design 1948-2012 exhibit at the V&A right now through August 12th.
  3. Enjoy the Royal Collection exhibit at Buckingham Palace. As part of the Jubilee celebration, they have an exhibit at the moment called Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration.

  4. Check out the unique pop-up museum coming from the AOTO in Florida. The Art of the Olympians Museum and Gallery is bringing over some of its works by past and present Olympians at UCL’s Main Wilkins Building on Gower Street in Central London.
  5. Enjoy the London 2012 Festival which will include 12,000 art, film and food events, concerts, plays and more. It is running now until September 9th, when the Paralympics ends. Come and be part of the fun with film director Mike Leigh, singers Leona Lewis and Damon Albarn, artist Tracey Emin and more.

South Korean Builds Homemade Satellite to Inspire Others to Pursue Their Dreams

In an effort to encourage people to pursue their dreams, 34-year-old Song Hojun built a satellite in his basement.

The South Korean spent years collecting pieces from back-alley electronic stores to create his $500 OpenSat, which will be launched into space later this year.

“Making a satellite is no more difficult than making a cellphone,” Hojun claims. “I believe that not just a satellite, but anything can be made with the help of the internet and social platforms. I chose a satellite to show that symbolically.”

Though universities and other science-focused organizations have launched ‘homemade’ satellites in the past, Hojun believes his is the first that was completely designed and funded by an individual.


Hojun is known to combine art and technology, seeing as he is an engineering student in university. He was inspired to begin his Open Satellite Initiative, which incorporates the two fields, after working for a private satellite company. He explained that the fact that he was just one guy actually helped him throughout the process.

“I’m just an individual, not someone working for big universities, corporations or armies, so they open up to me and easily give out information,” he said of the space professionals that he contacted around the world.

Hojun’s satellite will be launched, with the help of technology company NovaNano, from Kazakhstan in December.

Missy Franklin: the New Face of the Games

Missy Franklin Wins the Gold

Missy Franklin’s name has swept across the 2012 Olympics like a storm. The seventeen year old teen won the 100-meter backstroke on Monday, less than 15 minutes after barely qualifying in a 200 freestyle semifinal. This gold medal marks Missy’s first individual final in London, and the first first-place win of her Olympic career.

With a sunny disposition and inspiring youthful enthusiasm, Franklin has become the face of the Games for both Americans and international Olympic fans.

“They’re fun for me,” Franklin exclaimed after her 200-meter semifinal. “I love getting out there and swimming and getting those nerves out of the way and then coming right back and swimming again. It’s so exciting for me. I have so much fun with it. It makes the experience easier to take in, I guess. I know I’m not going to have these many opportunities. I love it!”


What people love so much about Franklin is her fresh take on the whole affair. Though expected to win, Franklin managed to maintain a simple image without all of the flair, prepackaging, brand names and corporate sponsors. Franklin talks excitedly about her upcoming senior year in high school, and about her dreams to swim in college, but keeps up both the title and demeanor of a passionate, but innocent, amateur.

“I was trying to sing,” Franklin explained after standing at the podium during the national anthem. “But I was, like, crying at the same time and I forgot the words because I didn’t know what I was doing. I was just a huge mess. But seeing that flag being raised was so incredibly unbelievable. I could have never dreamed it would feel like that.

“It’s definitely going to be hard with everything that’s coming up. But I’m not thinking about that right now. I’m waiting for the end of the meet, but we’ll see what happens. Swimming collegiately is something I’ve always wanted to do. I have a passion for it.”