Author Archives: By ABBY ELLIN

A Day Out With | Eddie Izzard: Visiting Ellis Island With Eddie Izzard

Eddie Izzard runs for charity and plans a run for Parliament.Eddie Izzard feels a bond with immigrants who endured Ellis Island to become Americans.


Skin Deep: Forget Jenny Craig. Hit the Drive-Thru.

Taco Bell and other fast-food businesses have jumped on the reduced-calorie bandwagon, but experts have conflicting opinions on whether fast food is a healthy dieting tool.


Seeking a Cure for Optimism

Dr. David Spiegel says his research shows that breast-cancer victims don’t live significantly longer because of positive support.The power of positive thinking is under assault, with a number of writers and researchers questioning the notion that looking on the bright side makes much of a difference.


Skin Deep: A Few Cookies a Day to Keep the Pounds Away?

Cookie diets are popular, but critics say the weight-loss plans are neither effective nor healthy.


Fitness: Exercise Tailored to a Hijab

Loretta Riggs and her daughter, Sarah Al-Abassi, at a park outside Pittsburgh.Muslim women face particular challenges in keeping fit and upholding principles about modesty.


Skin Deep: A Slimmer You May Be a Whiff Away

Can certain products curb hunger just by sniffing or inhaling them?Can the manipulation of smell really lead to weight loss? A handful of niche products would have you believe just that.

Skin Deep: A Simple Smooch or a Toxic Smack?

The level of lead in lipsticks has advocacy groups clamoring for stricter F.D.A. guidelines. Again!

Skin Deep: Pressing Açaí for Answers

Workers in a Brazilian kitchen producing açaí juice in Brazil. Skeptics are questioning marketers for proof of the açaí berry’s benefits.

What’s Eating Our Kids? Fears About ‘Bad’ Foods

Many experts worry that some parents are becoming overzealous in efforts to engender good eating habits in children.

The Recession. Isn’t It Romantic?

Angie Ross and Joe Howe get acquainted at the Rocky Mountain Singles Summit in Denver.In a rough economy, stock numbers are down, but online dating is up.