Happy Meal no longer happy...

The New York Times reported that promotional toys with fast food meals have seen its last days in Santa Clara, California. The promotional toys will be banned unless the child sized portion cheesburgers and chicken nuggets meet certain nutrition requirments.

“What we’re trying to do is de-link the connection between unhealthy food and toys.” Said Ken Yeager, the board president of the nonprofit Institute of Medicine.

To read the entire article visit New York Times

Fun Food Facts

Ice Cream is Chinese Food

The founder of McDonald's has a Bachelor degree in Hamburgerology

Carrots Really Can Help You See In The Dark!

You're More Likely To Be Hungry If You're Cold!

It Takes 3500 Calories To Make A Pound Of Fat!

The Average Person Eats Almost 1500 Pounds Of Food A Year!

For more fun food facts visit this website...fun food facts

Healthy Fast Food???

Who doesn't love fast food....but with fast food comes alot of extra baggage concerning calories and grams of fat. However it is possible to eat somewhat healthy when going to fast food establishments.

Here are a few tips...

1. Always gets water with your meal!
2. "undress" your food. Ask for no cheese or no mayo when you order
3. Avoid buffets....even salad bars

Here are more tips on how to eat healthy at fast food establishments....fast food

Mothers Day Gift Ideas

What would a mom love more than a brand new set of pots and pans, bread maker, or top of the line Espresso Maker. Mothers Day is coming up May 9th and if still don't know what to get your mom here a few great ideas on what to get her.

Most people tend to get scared when getting their mom cooking supplies, because it implies more work for them in the kitchen. But some of these ideas will surprise you, and your mother.

Top 10 Mother's Day Gifts

Hot Dog Eating Contest 2009!!!

Joey Chestnut wins the 2009 Nathan's Hot Dog eating contest for the 3rd year in a row, where he sets a new world record of 68 hot dogs, beating his previous record by 9 hot dogs!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb8PISPynCk

Michael Phelps Diet

Almost all of us are aware of Michael Phelps rediculious 12,000 calarie diet.

Here is specifically what he ate while training for the 2008 olympics

Breakfast: Three fried-egg sandwiches loaded with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, fried onions and mayonnaise. Two cups of coffee. One five-egg omelet. One bowl of grits. Three slices of French toast topped with powdered sugar. Three chocolate-chip pancakes.

Lunch: One pound of enriched pasta. Two large ham and cheese sandwiches with mayo on white bread. Energy drinks packing 1,000 calories.

Dinner: One pound of pasta. An entire pizza. More energy drinks.

The new list of the top 40 restaurants in the United States is out.

Nine of the 40 restaurants are located in New York. I was looking for some price range for some of these restaurants but couldn't find any. My guess is if you are able to afford these retaurants you really don't care what the price is.

Top 40 Restaurants in the US

Northwest Catering Review

I recently had an event catered by Northwest Catering. I ordered 4 dozen mini Chicago style pizza's, 3 dozen mini chicken quesidillas, and 3 gallons of lemonade. This cost $145. I can say that I was very disappointed with the amount of food I received for as much as I spent.

I was told this would be able to easily cater 40 people. When in reality if barely catered to 20. The most disappointing were the mini Chicago pizza's, which were the diameter of a quarter. While all the food was high quality, Northwest catering to say the least is very overpriced.

Unfortunately the other day I was a victim of food poisoning due to an undercooked burger. As summer is approaching many people will be grilling out, which can lead to many cases of food poisoning. Here are some warning signs to let you know if you have food poisoning.

There is some very interesting information on here that I was not aware of...such as food poisoning can sometimes take 4 WEEKS to occur.

Here is the link to the article....food poisoning

Here is a link I found with 10 affordable meals for college kids. So for those of you looking to stretch a dollar these meals would be a great way to do so.

10 Cheap Meals

Cinco De Mayo Recipes

Three Cheese Quesadillas

Nachos on the Grill

Don't forget the margaritas

Blogs: an effective job hunting tool?

Gardner, M. (2009, January 26). Blogs: an effective job hunting tool? Retrieved from http://ezproxy.nwmissouri.edu:2112/us/lnacademic/results/docview/docview.do?docLinkInd=true&risb=21_T8816845679&format=GNBFI&sort=RELEVANCE&startDocNo=51&resultsUrlKey=29_T8816845686&cisb=22_T8816845685&treeMax=true&treeWidth=0&csi=7945&docNo=74
In this article the author shows that blogs can be used as a tool for finding a job. Job seekers recently have been using blogs to market themselves to employers. It allows them to publicize themselves in a way that most people haven’t thought to do. David Atkins outlined two areas of interest on his blog, one as a start up technology leader, and the other as a strategic consultant. When he responded to a freelance job posting the company was familiar with his postings and hired him immediately. Before this article I was not aware of people using blogs as job search tools. This further supports my thesis that blogs are a helpful research tool, and are more than just a way for people to vent their opinion.

Corporations and Blogging

Byrne, E. (2008, October 13). Corporations must blog to keep up. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.nwmissouri.edu:2112/us/lnacademic/results/docview/docview.do?docLinkInd=true&risb=21_T8816845679&format=GNBFI&sort=RELEVANCE&startDocNo=51&resultsUrlKey=29_T8816845686&cisb=22_T8816845685&treeMax=true&treeWidth=0&csi=235906&docNo=67
The author of this article gives reasons on why corporations need to blog. I main reason for corporation’s blogging is so that readers feel engaged with conversations instead of having press releases. Blogs are also being used now to report breaking news. The readers of these blogs feel more engaged because they have the ability to comment and interact in the conversation. However only 74 of the Fortune 500 companies use blogs. Corporate communication will need to adapt to the new reality and new expectations. This article also supports my thesis by showing that corporations and business’s need to maintain blogs in order to keep up with the advancements in communication and technology.

Has Blogging Peaked?

Shr, M. (2010, March 8). Has blogging peaked? Retrieved from http://ezproxy.nwmissouri.edu:2112/us/lnacademic/results/docview/docview.do?docLinkInd=true&risb=21_T8816845679&format=GNBFI&sort=RELEVANCE&startDocNo=51&resultsUrlKey=29_T8816845686&cisb=22_T8816845685&treeMax=true&treeWidth=0&csi=7945&docNo=62
In this article the author says that blogs have been replaced by facebook and twitter. People now find it much more convenient to write 140 characteristics or update their status rather than writing several paragraphs on their blog. Twitter and facebook also are more frequently checked by viewers now. People who once started blogs to be part of the online conversation probably wouldn’t do that today, they would use facebook. This will be useful for my thesis because it argues against my thesis showing that blogs aren’t useful for research tools because they are dying off.

Blogging and Politics

Yeow, D. (2008, April 19). Blogging the in-thing for politicians. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.nwmissouri.edu:2112/us/lnacademic/results/docview/docview.do?docLinkInd=true&risb=21_T8816845679&format=GNBFI&sort=RELEVANCE&startDocNo=1&resultsUrlKey=29_T8816845686&cisb=22_T8816845685&treeMax=true&treeWidth=0&csi=151977&docNo=25
In this article the author reports on how blogging effects political campaigning. Political blogs these days are being referred to as the “online wars”, where if a politician loses an election he is quick to blame blogs. Some political blogs have turned into a copy and paste job of news reports. The topic of political blogging is one that is very controversial and is something I will cover in great detail in my paper. The pros and cons for this argument seem to be endless.

Journalists and Political Views

Morton, John. "Staying neutral: journalists should not reveal their political views, Twitter or no Twitter." American Journalism Review 31.5 (2009): 60. Academic OneFile. Web. 15 Mar. 2010.
In this article the author talks about the issue on whether or not reporters should have to be unbiased on their blogs pertaining to news events. The Washington Post issued a set of rules on how its reporters should behave on sites after one of its writers wrote something that was perceived to be too “preachy” on his blog. However the author argues that reporters should be allowed to post what they want on their blogs. He believes that in a generation where newspapers are becoming a thing of the past, we should promote these blogs. These blogs will engage readers in discussion. This article was unique due to how controversial it was. Again this blog will benefit my thesis by showing the usefulness of blogs and will also allow me to show some arguments against the use of blogs.

Social Networking in Local Government

Antil, Pamela Weaver. "Join the movement: how to embrace social networking in local government." Public Management 91.9 (2009): 14+. Academic OneFile. Web. 15 Mar. 2010.
In this article the author stresses the point of how important it is to network by using blogs and social networking sites to help further your career. In order to not be referred to as a dinosaur by your fellow co-workers then it is important to stay up to date with social networking. The author makes the point that carbon paper has evolved into copier machines, from typewriters to computers, from receiving letters to now receiving emails, and now the use of blogs and facebook. It is also important to keep in mind that if you are going to use a blog for the purpose of your business it should not be used to vent about meetings, and colleagues. People have been fired in the past for posting rants on their blogs. This source was unique in the fact that it offered so much advice on why people should use social networking for the purpose of their career. It again ties into my thesis by showing how blogs are valuable in more ways than one.

Library Blogs

Bardyn, Tania P. "Library blogs: what's most important success within the enterprise?" Computers in Libraries 29.6 (2009): 12+. Academic OneFile. Web. 15 Mar. 2010.
In this article it is the authors purpose to show people why library blogs are important and what factors it takes to make sure these blogs are useful. For library blogs to be useful there are two givens (Adequate blog software and creative librarians to run these blogs). Library blogs offer advantages such as reducing costs in printing and reduction in of email spam. I think this source is unique because it talks about library blogs, a resource tool that isn’t very well know to students. This will be a valuable source for my thesis because it shows how versatile blogs can be.

Blogging for Fun

Allen, Jeffrey. "Blogging for fun:." Experience Wntr 2008: 37+. Academic OneFile. Web. 12 Mar. 2010.

The author in this article describes essentially what a blog is and how to get your own started. While much of this information is considered to be common knowledge in today’s standards he makes several interesting points on why blogs are a helpful tool to some. Many people start blogs for the purpose of sharing their thoughts on a hobby they enjoy, politics, religion, etc. But in this article Jeffery Allen points out that blogs also can be used for business owners to potentially recruit new clients. If you maintain a blog about a law firm and you post different thoughts you have on certain cases or just the practice of law in general, a person looking at your blog might like what you say and want to have you represent them. This could apply for any type of business.

View this Article

Educational Blogging as a research tool


Ghosh, M. (2004, August 18). Educational blogging as a research tool. Retrieved from C:\Documents and Settings\s501844\Desktop\Classes\SPRING 2010\Comp 112\Educational blogging as a research tool « Weblog Tools Collection.mht

In this article the author argues about educational blogging as a research tool. The author states that blogging is a great venue to chat with others about certain issues or problems but in a more public manner. It is recommended that classes now have “class blogs” that enable the students to get on and discuss assignments and post resources valuable to the entire class. Not only does this benefit the students in the class currently but it also can be made available to future students who take that course. Even separate courses can benefit from this as well. Say you are working on a lab for a polymer science course and the same material is being covered in a architectural engineering class, these two classes could look at each others’ notes and both benefit from each other.

Senior Citzen Bloggers Defy Stereotypes

Johnson, Carla K. "Senior Citizen Bloggers Defy Stereotypes; Increasing numbers of blogs are being created by older people, who say their hobby keeps them up on current events, lets them befriend strangers around the globe, and gives them a voice in a society often deaf to the wisdom of the elderly." InformationWeek (2005). Academic OneFile. Web. 8 Mar. 2010.

In this article the author focused on how there is an increasing number of senior citizens now partaking in the world of blogging. Many of the elderly that are maintaining blogs love having their thoughts and opinions heard at an age where their thoughts aren’t as respected as they once were. The increasing number of senior citizens that are maintaining blogs is defying the stereotype that blogging is a hobby for people in their twenties. It also breaks away from the stereotype that the elderly don’t even use computers. Statistics show that three percent of senior citizens that use the internet now have blogs. This number may not sound like a lot but in comparison only thirteen percent of 18-29 year olds have blogs.

View this Article

Healthy Chicken Jalapeno Pizza:
Prepared by D.J. Brooks and Jared White

For those of you who are trying to eat healthy and get that beach bod for spring break but don't want to give up some of the little pleasures in life I highly recommend this recipe.

Light Ragu Sauce
Mushrooms
Jalapenos
Southwestern Corn
Chicken flavored with cayan pepper

Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

This was probably the best pasta dish I have ever eaten. While it is somewhat expensive to make, I highly recommend making it.

Recipe Link
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/shrimp-scampi-with-linguini-recipe/index.html

Canola oil—Is it a healthy fat or an unhealthy fat?

One of the most common cooking oils is canola oil. For years now the debate has been brought up about whether or not it is a healthy fat or an unhealthy fat.

From my limited knowledge of nutrition I was lead to believe that Canola oil is a healthy fat due to its high level of unsaturated fats. However Mary G. Enig, Ph.D., Director Nutritional Sciences Division Enig Associates, Inc. says, "A problem is that it is too unsaturated to be used exclusively in the diet; some of the undesirable effects caused by feeding canola can be rectified if the diet is made higher in saturated fatty acids.” Another argument that canola oil is not good for your diet is that the seeds used in making this oil have poisoness qualities. However in the United States most vegetables oils are refined with antioxidants that help prevent these harmful emissions.

Valentine Day Dishes

For those of you who are not wanting to go out and deal with a crowded restraurant this valentines day here are some recipes that you can make at home for you and your significant other...

Appetizer:
Lobster Parfaits with Teardrop Tomatoes, Hearts of Palm, and Cilantro-Avocado Dressing
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/lobster-parfaits-with-teardrop-tomatoes-hearts-of-palm-and-cilantro-avocado-dressing-recipe/index.html

Main Dish:
Rack of Lamb with Rosemary Roasted Potatoes and Shallot Vinaigrette
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/the-best-of/rack-of-lamb-with-rosemary-roasted-potatoes-and-shallot-vinaigrette-recipe/index.html

Side Dish:
Lemon-Butter Green Beans with Pine nuts
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/lemon-butter-green-beans-with-pine-nuts-recipe/index.html

And of course what is valentines day without Dessert:
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/chocolate-covered-strawberries-recipe/index.html

Honey Glazed Chicken with Green Pea and Mint Sauce

This recipe got mediocre reviews by some of my roommates and myself. While the sauce definatly made it more exciting than regualar grilled chicken that college students are use to eating...I feel if there was less white wine vineger added to the sauce that it would not have made the taste quite so intense.

My advice to you is add less vineger and maybe less sauce in general. As you can see in my picture I somewhat drenched my chicken in the green pea mint sauce...taking away the honey glazed aspect of the meal.

"Grill It" with Bobby Flay

So when watching the State of the Union Address last week I started to think about how much do White House Chef's make....
While their salary is not disclosed I found an intresting article where the former head White House chef, Walter Scheib, (who was fired by Laura Bush) gave us some juicy details on how much he made and the eating habbits of the former first families.

He stated that the salary was in the range of $80,000 to $100,000...but it's not the money that mattered he said. It was considered just an honor to serve the first family.

Hillary Clinton collected dozens of hot sauces; George W. Bush and Bill Clinton ate junk food when their first ladies weren't around; Chelsea Clinton's sudden vegetarianism caused major kitchen complications; the Bush twins received calorie counts for meals; and and both first families loved enchilada dinners.

Here is the article link
http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=2059729&page=1

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/grilled-honey-glazed-chicken-with-green-pea-and-mint-sauce-recipe/index.html

Grilled Honey Glazed Chicken with Green Pea and Mint Sauce
This is the recipe I will be preparing later on this week courtesy of Bobby Flay. The difficulty of this recipe is considered to be "easy" my hope is that by the end of the semester to have worked my way up to advanced recipe's.

Hi all,

This blog will more or less be a tribute to the food network. Over the past few years cooking became somewhat of a fascination to me and what better way to increase your knowledge of cooking than by watching the food network.

This blog will mainly consist of three types of postings.
1.) recipes that I find intriguing off the food network
2.) I will provide cooking tips and techniques that I learn.
3.) I will try to prepare a meal that is taught on the food channel once a week. I will then review the meal and share my thoughts on the process of making that meal.