Hypothesis: Dynamic museum exhibits and observatories can convince even the toughest critics that science is still cool.

As young children, most of us are fascinated by science. We wonder why the sky is blue and watch with astonishment as baking soda and vinegar make paper mache volcanoes spring to life. But somewhere between the ages of about nine and thirteen, for most people, that spark of interest in science dies out. (more…)

Last weekend’s Live Earth concert proved that environmentalists can have it all. For millions of dollars, that is. Not long ago, people spearheading efforts to go green and address global warming were usually seen wearing faded, hemp-spun clothing or sporting long, shaggy beards. Live Earth however is the latest milestone for environmentalists who want to bring a sense of fashion and panache to their cause. Eco-couture or eco-chic refers to this strange marriage between tree-huggers and fashionistas, and for celebrities like Natalie Portman who loves her animal-friendly Charmone wedges or Arnold Schwarzenegger who recently had hybrid engines installed in his sleek, black SUVs, it’s a great look. But, as always, high fashion comes at a high price, which leaves this intern wondering, can you be eco-friendly and look good without the multi-million dollar price tag? Is it possible, on $450 a week, to be both eco-chic and eco-cheap? Or is the irony of consuming in order to conserve just too good to be true? (more…)