Posts Tagged ‘542542’

Today’s pulse on 542542: Fruitcake

Thursday, December 24th, 2009
Fruitcake EP album cover
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kgb_ Special Agents are tireless and relentless in their search for the answers to America’s questions.  And what does America want to know, you ask?  Well, today’s buzz centers on a maligned holiday confection, fruitcake:

So what’s actually in fruitcake anyway?

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Millions of Americans dread the thought of receiving it…until perhaps they receive a good one.  Historically, fruitcake in the United States has tasted, well, unsatisfying.   However, today’s fruitcake bakers say it’s the media’s fault.

Johnny Carson once said “I have a theory for many years that there’s only one fruitcake in the entire world, and it keeps getting passed on.”  Each year in Manitou Springs, Colorado, there is an annual fruitcake toss.  The 15th Annual Fruitcake Toss will be January 9, 2010.

The Woullet Bakery in Minnesota sells about 1000 pounds of fruitcake to folks willing to lend a deaf ear to the bad rap and give fruitcake a chance.

What makes the Wuollet fruitcake desirable?  Pecans, cherries, pineapple, dates and a dollop of butter cake batter combine with rum and that’s pretty much it.  The fruit is glazed and candied and the dates are rolled in sugar.  They bake it in 25-pound sheets and then cut it up to avoid crispy edges.

The big secret of the Woullet’s success however is the fact that they tossed a primary ingredient of traditional fruitcake…citron (candied fruit peels.) They just never liked it and decided to make a new kind of  fruitcake.

Fruitcake folklore from the Fruitcake Page

“The First Recorded Fruitcake was in Roman Times, and some believe the fruitcake to be the cause of the fall of the Roman Empire.”

“A little publicized method of determining whether a woman was a witch during the Salem Witch Trials was to offer the suspect a piece of fruitcake. If she ate it and lived, it was considered proof that she was, in fact, a witch.”

Making Christmas Fruitcake

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Source:    Good Question: What’s The Story About Fruitcake?

The Fruitcake Page

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Today’s pulse on 542542: New reads for 2010

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

kgb_ Special Agents are tireless and relentless in their search for the answers to America’s questions.  And what does America want to know, you ask?  Well, today’s buzz centers on reading in 2010:

Any good books coming out in 2010?

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Here’s what’s looking hot for 2010…

Angels.  Angelology by Danielle Trussoni  will be out in 2010.  This follows Trussoni’s memoir, Falling Through The Earth, published in 2006 to great acclaim.

Look for Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris.  Harris tells the story of Harper Connelly who is struck by lightning at 15, leaving her with a red spider’s web all over her body. This is coupled with a unique talent for finding dead folks.

A la Twilight…look for Fallen by Lauren Kate which tells the tale of teenager Lucinda who falls in love with Daniel, a fallen angel who is smart and, of course, drop-dead gorgeous. (Oh that’s right, he already is dead).

Ian McEwan will have a new book out called Solar which will focus on climate change.

Martin Amis will offer up The Pregnant Widow.  Peter Carey serves up Parrot and Olivier In America about a surprise friendship between an aristocrat and a servant.

We’ll be seeing autobiographies of Denise Welch, Carol McGiffin and Lynda Bellingham.  Look for wrestler Hulk Hogan, Aerosmith frontman Steve Tyler and Corrie’s Bev Callard.

The buzz on children’s literature is starting to surround The Death Cloud, the first in a new series by Andrew Lane featuring a young Sherlock Holmes. The iconic detective is reinvented as a brilliant yet troubled teenager.

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Source:  Merry Christmas and a happy new read

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Today’s pulse on 542542: Faith the dog

Thursday, December 17th, 2009
Faith the biped dog
Image by matneym via Flickr

kgb_ Special Agents are tireless and relentless in their search for the answers to America’s questions.  And what does America want to know, you ask?  Well, today’s buzz centers on dogs with physical challenges:

Can a two-legged dog walk like a human?

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Faith Stringfellow is a lab-chow mix who walks around on two legs like a human.  Faith and her owner, Jude Stringfellow tour the country inspiring folks with disabilities with their “Faith Walks” campaign.

Born to a junkyard dog, rejected, abused and having two shriveled front legs, Faith was rescued by Jude’s son Reuben.  He brought the puppy home to his mother and asked “Can we fix her?”

In the beginning, the family carried Faith around to keep her off her chest and chin.  Then they started using peanut butter as a reward to get her up and moving on her back two legs.  With plenty of Peter Pan and practice, Faith learned to walk on her two hind legs and has become a brisk, steady walker. She runs, hops, skips, and trips less than most humans.  Fortified with vitamins and joint supplements, she’s as healthy as a horse.

Faith and Jude have been on the talk show circuit since 2003 and Faith’s spirit has inspired two books. The pair get more than 200 letters and emails a day from folks inspired by the upright walking dog.  They write about Faith’s powerful message of overcoming adversity.

Faith’s Story

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Source:  Two-legged dog gives hope to disabled Army vets

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Today’s pulse on 542542: Random acts of kindness

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009
Photo #34: The kindness of strangers
Image by elycefeliz via Flickr

kgb_ Special Agents are tireless and relentless in their search for the answers to America’s questions.  And what does America want to know, you ask?  Well, today’s buzz centers on kindness at holiday time:

What happened at the diner in Philadelphia?

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The Aramingo Diner is a fixture in the Port Richmond section of Philidelphia, PA.  Last Saturday, a couple came in for breakfast, ate their meal, and then paid their check.  Then they did something else…they paid the tab for another table of folks at the restaurant.

The warm and fuzzy part is there is no evidence that they knew the folks they paid for, they just did it.

The wait staff at the diner report that something crazy and wonderful happened after that – for the next several hours, patron after patron after patron, dozens in total, kept it going and picked up someone else’s check.

There were no mentions of concern about the price – tabs ranged from $12 to $30 dollars – they were just quietly paid (including the tip).

All the patrons simply passed the kindness forward.  Like magic.

Diners spread good will by picking up tab

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Source:   Mystery pair at diner spark cascade of giving

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Today’s pulse on 542542: Nail mats

Friday, December 11th, 2009
According to Herbert Ponting hindu sadhu, who ...
Image via Wikipedia

kgb_ Special Agents are pointed and relentless in their search for the answers to America’s questions.  And what does America want to know, you ask?  Well, today’s buzz centers on the “bed of nails”:

What is a nail mat?

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Inspired by the classic “bed of nails” famously used by ancient Hindu yogis, the new take on the bed of nails is the Shakti Mat (nail mat).  Touted as a cure-all, the mat is sold to facilitate mental and physical renewel and has taken Europe and the United States by storm.

Over 300,000 of the modern version of the bed of nails have been sold.  Recently, approximately 3,000 people gathered in Sweden to lay on their mats and chant.

Prices range from $50-$115 for a mat containing 4,000-8,000 spikes.  Claims are being made that the nail mats can help decrease pain and inflammation, reduce stress, increase metabolism, improve the complexion, induce relaxation and release tension, and lower blood pressure.

Further claims suggest that the mat can strengthen the immune system, and alleviate headaches, fatigue, depression and insomnia.  The list goes on to include claims that the mat can treat spinal problems, eliminate illness and disease and so on.

With its home base in Sweden, the manufacturers of the Shakti Mat state that the bed of nails is a “well-tested tool” citing the thousands of years it has been in use.  It has a lengthy history of healing the body and improving the mind.

Creation of the Shakti Mats includes rituals and mantras in the temple-factory where they are built.  If you purchase a Shakti mat, it is recommended that you store it hung up in the northeastern corner of your home to insure prosperity, harmony, and accident protection.

For best results, use the bed of nails daily for sessions of 20-40 minutes.  There is a milder version of the product for beginners and those with sensitive skin.  There’s even a “green” version of the nail mat with environment-friendly spikes!

Simon Borg-Oliver on the Shakti Mat

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Source:  “Bed of nails” fad, patterned on ritual of ancient Hindu yogis, engulfs Europe & USA

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Today’s pulse on 542542: Humanure

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009
VACAVILLE, CA - APRIL 20: a worker holds fini...
Image by Getty Images via Daylife

kgb_ Special Agents are tireless and relentless in their search for the answers to America’s questions. And what does America want to know, you ask? Well, today’s buzz centers on the latest in composting:

What is humanure?

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Writer Joseph Jenkins has buckets in the five bathrooms in his house. When the buckets are full, he carries them over to his backyard compost pile and dumps the contents. He eventually uses it as fertilizer in his vegetable garden.

Jenkins refers to his routine as a no-waste sanitation system and has even published a guide called the Humanure Handbook: A Guide to Composting Human Manure. The 255-page guide is a popular one and has been translated into five languages and is in its third edition.

Jenkins touts that, when appropriately managed, human manure is odorless. His big audience is ecologically-minded city folk who want to do more to help the environment than just recycling their newspapers or riding a bicycle to work.

Some tips for those who choose to go back to basics in this unique way: Add sawdust to the bucket, it neutralizes odors and speeds up decomposition. Proponents cite that human waste is loaded with nitrogen and the no-longer-flushed water savings are immense.

One ecologist zealot in Chicago inspired 22 neighbors to save their poop. In three months she processed 1,500 pounds and gave it all back to her neighbors in the form of fertilizer – sans any detectable fecal bacteria.

Humanure activists are organizing and becoming politically active as evidenced by the sprouting of McPOOP, Marin Composting Portable Odorless Outhouse Project in California. The group is dedicated to establishing humanure toilets in county parks and tourist areas where the committee can take advantage of a good, steady supply.

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Source:  Humanure: Goodbye, Toilets. Hello, Extreme Composting

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Today’s pulse on 542542: The Sun-Maid raisin girl

Friday, December 4th, 2009
First Sun-Maid packaging to feature a likeness...
Image via Wikipedia

newsunmaid

kgb_ Special Agents are fruitful and iconic in their search for the answers to America’s questions.  And what does America want to know, you ask?  Well, today’s buzz centers on advertising imagery:

Who is the Sun-Maid raisin girl?

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Like her colleagues Betty Crocker and Mrs. Butterworth, the Sun-Maid raisin girl has been made over and some are sqwawking about it.

The face of the original Sun-Maid belongs to one Lorraine Collett Petersen who has been the cover girl since 1915.  Corporate execs discovered her in her parent’s backyard in Fresno, California.  She posed for a watercolor featuring her long black curls, sunbonnet and basket of grapes.

While Petersen’s image has been tweaked here and there over the years to keep up with the times, all variations have been based on the original watercolor pose.

Well, Peterson’s image is now a faded memory as computer animation has created the new Sun-Maid.  The new version sports a buxom bustline and form fitting bodice to accentuate this new feature.  Some critics report the Sun-Maid has had implants.

Company execs feel the modernization was reasonable and they look forward to depicting the new Sun-Maid going to the gym and shopping.

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Source:  ‘Sun-Maid Girl’ Makeover Sparks Controversy

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Today’s pulse on 542542: Human placenta and bird poop facials

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009
A Facial mask.
Image via Wikipedia

kgb_ Special Agents are tireless and relentless in their search for the answers to America’s questions.  And what does America want to know, you ask?  Well, today’s buzz centers on the beauty industry:

What is a placenta facial?

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If you happen to be in Dubai, you can stop by the Biolite Skin Clinic for a human placenta facial, specifically a “Placenta Diamond Facial.”

The facial starts off with a thorough cleansing and exfoliation with steam.  A placenta facial cream and placenta eye gel is used along with massage and low-level laser treatment.

The placenta products used are sold by EMK Placental.  The products are formulated from placenta extract harvested from the placentas from women giving birth in Russian maternity units.

The treatment costs $545 (USD). Most get the treatment for a special occasion like a wedding.

The placenta facial is popular with celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Eva Longoria-Parker.  Customers report healthy glowing skin after the treatment.  Fine lines are gone and the skin appears tighter and brighter.  The results last for about five days and salon owners report that the secret is the combination of the human placenta products with low-level laser treatment.

The placenta facial treats dehydrated problem skin, pigmentation issues, acne and general anti-aging concerns.

Of course, if the thought of a placental facial makes one a bit squeamish, there’s always a bird poop facial formulated from nightingale droppings. That will only set you back $180 in a New York City day spa.

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Source:    Human placenta facials? Whatever next?

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Today’s pulse on 542542: Black Friday Crowd Control

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009
SECAUCUS, NJ - NOVEMBER 20: Bargain DVDs are ...

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

kgb_ Special Agents are tireless and relentless in their search for the answers to America’s questions.  And what does America want to know, you ask?  Well, today’s buzz centers on Black Friday:

What are stores doing to prevent stampedes on Black Friday this year?

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Many Black Friday shoppers are concerned about safety this year.  Sadly, you may recollect that a Wal-Mart worker died after being trampled by a crowd of early-morning shoppers.  Eleven customers were also injured.

Retailers expect Black Friday to be busier than last year and the U.S. Government has issued guidelines for stores to follow to keep everyone safe.  Wal-Mart has already announced modifications for this Friday, including:  Lines in front of the store instead of a mass crowd, more dedicated staff to manage shoppers and even a “crows nest” where crowds can be monitored from above. Wal-Mart will be open at 6am on Thanksgiving Day and remain open which might ease Friday crowds.

Shopper surveys suggest that 52% of Americans will shop on Black Friday – up from 42% last year.

OSHA has detailed guidelines for stores to follow and they can be viewed here.

If you shop on Black Friday, look around and size up the situation.  If there appears to be no crowd management plan in place at your local retailer, proceed with caution.

Use the Web to plan Black Friday deals

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Source:  Cloud from trampling hangs over Black Friday

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Today’s pulse on 542542: Silly Bandz

Thursday, November 19th, 2009
Choices
Image by MGShelton via Flickr

kgb_ Special Agents are elastic and animal-like in their search for the answers to America’s questions.  And what does America want to know, you ask?  Well, today’s buzz centers on a collectible fad:

What are Silly Bandz?

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Silly Bandz are taking the pre-teen world by storm and school administrators are shaking their heads.

The animal-shaped elastic bands are manufactured by Brainchild Products, LLC, based in Toledo, Ohio.  Sold in packs of 24 bands, they feature assortments like pets, zoo animals, sea creatures, dinosaurs and more.  There’s a pack of holiday symbols as well.

The animal rubber bands are made of silicone and die molded into the shapes.  When you take them off your wrist or if they are holding something and you take them off, they spring back into their original shape.  Kids collect them, wear them, and trade them.

Schools are starting to ban the bandz due to classroom disruption as well as safety concerns.  School principals report that kids shoot them at each other and have spats over trades gone bad.  Some kids wrap them so tightly around a finger that blood circulation concerns exist.  School personnel also warn that those under the age of five warrant close supervision as they are a potential choking hazard.

Knock-off brands exist but savvy kids appear to be able to tell the difference and reject the fakes.  Some college students trade them for a kiss.

Silly Bandz Sales Boom In Birmingham

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Source:

Shaped arm bands take region by storm

Silly Bandz

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