As someone who is prone to anxiety, I knew I shouldn't read a book with the word "death" in the title. Or "danger" and "secret" for that matter. But I did, and even though I have undoubtedly higher levels of anxiety, I'm glad I read  Slow Death By Rubber Duck, The Secret Danger of Everyday Things.

Scarier than your typical teen horror flick, this book is an eye-opener. The authors, Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie, used themselves as guinea pigs to demonstrate how everyday items, like rubber duckies and toothpaste (yes, toothpaste!), can pollute our bodies and environment with alarming results. Think cancer, respiratory disease and infertility, among other things. Exposing themselves to a multitude of toxins, the book "expose[s] the miscreant corporate giants who manufacture the toxins, the weak-kneed government officials who let it happen, and the effects on people and families across the globe."

This book will definitely make you look twice at the ingredient list on foods and products you use daily. A little education never hurt anyone, so give it a read, won't you?

Slow Death By Rubber Duck by Rick Smith & Bruce Lourie
Available at Amazon.com for $14.62 and at other major bookstores; jacket price is $25
http://slowdeathbyrubberduck.com

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How to describe the seemingly inseparable comedic duo of Rhett and Link?  They're like a good peanut butter and banana sandwich---kind of nutty, slightly odd and totally addictive.

I must confess that I have a little crush on Link, so I may be biased as far as their talent is concerned. What can I say? I've always been attracted to funny, nerdy, lanky types.

I happened upon Rhett and Link a few years back amid tax season. Yes, tax season, but let me explain. The pair entered TurboTax's rap contest (who knew Intuit's marketing department had a sense of humor?), and I was looking for ways to procrastinate. Sadly, they took second place, but not a bad finish. 

So if you're in need of a good laugh after you see your return (or lack thereof), check out their entry. Just be prepared to "waste" a few hours on Youtube.

Rhett and Link
PO Box 1842
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526
www.rhettandlink.com
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