Remembering I.W. Marks
Iconic jeweler Irving William “I.W.” Marks, who died in late February at the age of 73, was known not only for his commitment to quality and customer service in the jewelry business, but also for his varied and generous contributions to the arts in Houston
Marks was known for his contributions to everything from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to the Houston Grand Opera. He served for many years on the board of Crime Stoppers of Houston, provided the funds for a much-needed therapeutic gym at Memorial Hermann TIRR, and he was a patron of the Houston Symphony, the Houston Ballet, the Society for the Performing Arts, the Alley Theater and the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music. 
Marks was a beloved local figure and a success story that made Houstonians proud. He began in Houston by opening a small jewelry store on Bellaire Boulevard 30 years ago. His vision was to provide customers with high-quality diamonds, settings, and gemstones and a level of service and craftsmanship that chain stores couldn’t provide.
His success was stunning.
The first store eventually grew from 500 square feet to over 10,000 square feet. Marks later opened a second store in Sugar Land. His two sons, Daniel and Bradley Marks, have continued the family tradition.
“Whatever Irv did, he gave 100 percent,” says Leroy Shafer, chief operating officer of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
I.W. Marks will be missed.
Hottest Celebrities
For over a decade now, Beverly Hills’ most sought after celebrity plastic surgeons, Richard W. Fleming, M.D. and Toby G. Mayer, M.D., have released the results of their annual “Hollywood’s Hottest Looks” survey.
The survey indicates the physical attributes that people find most attractive in popular celebrities. Here are the latest results:
Do Anti-Cellulite Creams Work?
Claims for anti-cellulite products sound promising: “Clinically proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite within eight weeks.” “Refines the body contours by minimizing the appearance of dimpled, orange-peel skin.”
For years, women have been desperately searching for ways to get rid of this troublesome fat. They’ve tried surgery, deep massage, roller techniques, wraps, pills and potions. Anti-cellulite creams from many leading cosmetics and skincare companies, including Avon, L’Oreal and Neutrogena, are supposed to help improve the appearance of women’s cellulite–without exercise. 
Anti-cellulite creams are popular in Europe, especially France, and are becoming more popular in the U.S. Is it possible these products, made of ingredients such as caffeine, vitamins and green tea extract, are the answer to the prayers of millions of women who would do almost anything to get rid of that lumpy flesh that leg-lifts can’t conquer and diets can’t kill?
Yes indeed, say the believers. “They absolutely, positively work to improve the appearance of cellulite,” says Mitchel Goldman, a dermatologist in La Jolla, Calif. “The questions are: To what degree, how long do they work and which product is best?”
“The primary benefit of our product comes from retinol,” says Art Pellegrino, director of research and development for Johnson & Johnson, the makers of RoC Retinol Actif Pur Anti-Cellulite Treatment. “It’s working on the skin so you don’t see the uneven look of the fat coming through the skin. It does make the skin’s epidermis (the outer protective layer) thicker.”
Theresa Chen, scientific affairs project leader for Neutrogena, says the company’s anti-cellulite cream contains retinol, which increases skin density, thus helping the skin hold its shape better. Another common ingredient in these creams is caffeine, which is added based on the theory that it may affect blood flow or fluid in the skin, or possibly act on the fat beneath the skin. The bottom line? Combined with diet and targeted exercise, anti-cellulite creams may indeed improve the appearance of unsightly cellulite.
Remember, not all anti-cellulite products are equally effective. Many products indicate that they need to be applied several times a day for up to eight weeks in order to be effective. At prices of up to and over $50 for six ounces, these products can be expensive. One useful website to help sort through the maze of anti-cellulite products is ConsumerHealthDigest.com/celluliteproducts.htm.