Finally, Express Gains Some Momentum

I usually rush to Express for a few trendy pieces, but their Spring collection left me speeding out of the store. Thankfully, Express British bohemian designer Celia Birtwell brings Express up to speed. My favorite piece is her Volume Sleeve Dress for $128. Still, the problems with mass-designed clothing lines are that everyone has it and it's not all that cheap. On the other hand, if you can wear it and own it, then you can make it your own.

View The Collection

Tuck Ever-Lasting Longer

Jeanne Calmet holds the record for world's longest lifespan at 122 years
(1875-1997)

Americans seem to be fascinated with the prospect of living a longer life. Perhaps it's because science could bring biblical character's centennial-plus lifespans into a feasible reality.

Barbra Walter's special, "Live To Be 150", which airs tonight explores just that.
I imagine that Barbra Walters will investigate how living a quality life
and a longer life are two interchangeable factors. But the part of the quest of quantity that irks me is the extreme measures people will go to extend their lifespan and the oversight of the quality of life.

For instance, there has been research involving whether an extremely limited diet might prolong a lifespan. There's still no hard evidence it does. (See "Starve Yourself Live Longer.")

And while I am a supporter of emerging science that could make 40 the new 20; I still can't comprehend why outrunning the Reaper for longer makes you more admirable. See Michael Kinsley of The New Yorker's humorous take on the subject: "Mine Is Longer Than Yours."

We should exercise, temper bad habits, and eat well enough to sustain our lifestyle, but even if we have the potential to 150 in the future; we're still a mere speck in the scheme of things. So relax, enjoy and eat that cupcake with the butter-cream frosting. There's no reason to deprive ourselves of a quality life.