How do we thrive? At her blog The Sweet Pursuit, former associate editor Margret Aldrich writes about the latest insights into human nature and emerging ideas for living richer, happier lives. Bringing critical analysis and dry humor to the proverbial pursuit of happiness, Margret flexes Utne Reader's alt-press library to find the most compelling news and concepts. From macro topics like fostering strong communities and building sustainable culture to more personal subjects like emotional intelligence and health/wellness, The Sweet Pursuit is the place to get inspired, informed, and engaged. http://www.utne.com/blogs/blog.aspx?blogid=2147483710 <p>The top five regrets of the dying tell us that we should be true to ourselves, keep friends close, and forget about working overtime....</p> <p> </p> http://www.utne.com/The-Sweet-Pursuit/How-to-Live-without-Regrets.aspx Margret Aldrich Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:40:27 CST <p>Kombucha, a fizzy, fermented drink purported to have healing properties, is steadily rising in mainstream popularity, finding success with commercial kombucha brewers, home brewers, and bartenders alike....</p> <p> </p> http://www.utne.com/The-Sweet-Pursuit/Kombucha-Fermented-Microbrew-for-What-Ails-You.aspx Margret Aldrich Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:29:37 CST <p>When Buffalo Street Books in Ithaca, New York, couldn't pay the bills, it tapped into the strength of its community with cooperative ownership. Less than a year later, the bookstore is thriving....</p> <p> </p> http://www.utne.com/The-Sweet-Pursuit/The-Triumph-of-the-Co-Op-Bookshop-Buffalo-Street-Books.aspx Margret Aldrich Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:26:31 CST <p>Seattle's sprawling Beacon Food Forest-the nation's largest public food forest-will grow a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables, free for the taking....</p> <p> </p> http://www.utne.com/The-Sweet-Pursuit/The-Incredible-Edible-Forest-Beacon-Food-Forest-Seattle.aspx Margret Aldrich Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:27:36 CST <p>An architect converts the obsolete payphones that line New York's city sidewalks into tiny public libraries....</p> http://www.utne.com/The-Sweet-Pursuit/Little-Phone-Booth-Libraries.aspx Margret Aldrich Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:52:57 CST <p>The urban homesteading movement has a dark side, sending hundreds of neglected backyard chickens and goats to city animal shelters that aren't equipped to care for them....</p> <p> </p> http://www.utne.com/The-Sweet-Pursuit/Homeless-Goats-in-the-City.aspx Margret Aldrich Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:31:05 CST