Or, how about some refreshing flesh juice? Thanks to Innocent English! [Read more]

Ah, the Twinkie snack cake; what could be more emblematic of the U.S. of A? Try to mess with such cultural delights, and our citizenry gets up in arms. This happened recently when the Twinkie folks decided to fill our cakes with banana cream, instead of tried-and-true American vanilla. Turns out the banana flavor approach isn’t new after all. People in the early days of the Twinkie phase got their fix with this original filling. Due to a banana shortage in World War II, the filling turned vanilla, becoming the gastronomic delight that we eat today in versions that vary from deep-fried to a berry base when used as a poor man’s strawberry short cake. We can think of eating this not-so-new banana filling as being downright patriotic. So now... [Read more]

Americans love their dogs, and proof exists that cuddling a pup is good for your health and well-being. Our pets can do everything from lowering cholesterol and blood pressure to promoting quicker recovery from serious problems like heart attack. Smart folks who want to steal your money are taking advantage of our pooch love affair with the latest scam to take the name of Nigeria in vain. The American Kennel Club reports that fraudulent websites and MySpace postings tout ads for folks who must move quickly or have become “stuck” in Nigeria and other countries and need loving homes for their pups. Adorable puppy faces accompany these ads as you, tears in eyes, are asked to help. While the ads may offer the doggies for free, various “fees”... [Read more]

Photo: Hiromy Americans love to drink, as evidenced by cup holders provided in our vehicles, movie theaters and grocery carts. From super-size Slurpees to Macho Grande Mochas, we’ve got it going on. That’s why we need to be realize that calories in those beverages can add up, sabotaging our health plans. When you drink 8 ounces of orange juice, you swallow 112 calories, equal to eating about 5 Starburst candies. Think that doesn’t sound like much? If you drink an 8 ounce glass of juice daily for one year, that adds 41,000 calories (12 pounds of weight) to your diet—that’s a lot of Florida sunshine! A 20 ounce glass of Cherry 7 UP adds 250 calories, about the same as slamming back a quarter cup of M&M’s. Move up to a Starbucks... [Read more]

Photo: m.a.r.c. According to Chicago dietician Janet Helm, Americans may over eat, but that doesn’t mean we get all of the nutrients that we need. For instance, 70% of adults ages 19-50 in America don’t get enough calcium, while 44% lack Vitamin A, 31 % Vitamin C and 93% Vitamin E. Popping vitamins and supplements helps, but you won’t get all of the benefits that come with eating the good stuff. Here’s the what, why and the how for improving your diet: What: Calcium – 1,000 miligrams daily Why: Calcium helps retain normal blood pressure and promotes bone growth How: Make your latte light with 8 oz. of skim milk, snack on a cup of yogurt, AND top your dinner with 1.5 ounces grated cheese What: Vitamin A – Men need 900 micrograms,... [Read more]