Free Republic

A 35-man fishing crew in Yemen netted themselves a hunk of whale vomit worth $1.5 million. Ambergris, known as "floating gold," is a rare substance found only in the bellies of sperm whales. The fishermen sold off the 280-pound hunk of ambergris and bought new houses, cars, and boats. Ambergris is particularly valuable for its use making perfumes' scents last longer. According to National Geographic, Chanel and Lanvin use ambergris in some of their high-end scents. The substance was a rare find. The fishing boat just happened to haul up a sperm whale's carcass while fishing in the Gulf of...

When Michelle Obama welcomed some of the nation's top chefs to the White House on Friday, she used the opportunity to showcase not one, but two festive tops. She rocked an '80s-inspired t-shirt (designer info to follow) to address Tom Colicchio, Cat Cora, Rachael Ray and other culinary celebrities. When it was time to work up a sweat in the garden, the first lady changed into an old favorite: a sleeveless Lanvin top. Which do you like best?

When Michelle Obama welcomed some of the nation's top chefs to the White House on Friday, she used the opportunity to showcase not one, but two festive tops. She rocked an '80s-inspired t-shirt (designer info to follow) to address Tom Colicchio, Cat Cora, Rachael Ray and other culinary celebrities. When it was time to work up a sweat in the garden, the first lady changed into an old favorite: a sleeveless Lanvin top. Which do you like best?

has taken casual to a haute new level. While volunteering Wednesday at a D.C. food bank, the First Lady sported her usual J.Crew cardigan, a pair of utilitarian capri pants and, on her feet, a sneaky splurge: trainers that go for $540. That's right: These sneakers - suede, with grosgrain ribbon laces and metallic pink toe caps - are made by French design house Lanvin, one of fashion's hottest labels. They come in denim and satin versions, and have been a brisk seller all spring.

Michelle Obama has taken casual to a haute new level. While volunteering Wednesday at a D.C. food bank, the First Lady sported her usual J.Crew cardigan, a pair of utilitarian capri pants and, on her feet, a sneaky splurge: trainers that go for $540.