McFlipside

Alright kids. Settle down.

While on one end of the country, we have McDonald's representatives giving McSeminars to little kids about how to eat healthier...at McDonald's... we have, on the left coast, San Fransisco BANNING the sale of Happy Meals. Maybe, in Oklahoma, McDonald's serves up reasonable portions, uses fresh ingredients, and operates more like an In-N-Out. Not good for you, not bad for you...

Anyway. It's all happening... in San Fransisco. This week, across the Golden Gate, they have successfully curbed the Golden Arches' youth marketing. The San Fransisco Board of Supervisors has approved an ordinance that effectively bans the Happy Meal. The guidelines of the ordinance give specific nutritional qualifications that all restaurants must meet, if they want to include a toy with a meal. This comes as an effort to combat childhood obesity.

The parameters of the ordinance include maximum sodium, fat, and saturated fat levels, calorie guidelines, and require that either fruits or vegetables be sold with a meal if a toy is to be included.

Theoretically, this doesn't eliminate the possibility for Happy Meals in SF, but it does drastically change the face of the childhood treat.

McDonald's has voiced a protest on the grounds that the ordinance not only restricts businesses, but also takes away parental control.

Personally, I say go forth, SF, and fight for your kids. I understand the concern about freedoms being taken away from America's consumers. But we have ourselves an epidemic. An epidemic of children who can't run more than ten yards without wheezing, and not because of respiratory problems. No one has banned the Big Mac. No one has outlawed the Hamburgler. It's just a step to make sure that tomorrows children can, well, take steps.

If it's just a toy you're after, come in and see us. We have some pretty cute and PC toys, without the grease!


Song of the Day Soul Food- The Goody Mob

Here We Go Again

"ATCHOOOOOOOO. CHKKKKKKKK TOOOO!" Oh man. Fall is beautiful. Flu season isn't. We all know lots of ways to prevent catching the nastiness. Hand washing, sleeping, eating right, not running around in the rain; all good ways to not get sick.

However, should those little beleaguering bugs make their way to your membranes, what can you do to get rid of them, and fast, without taking things that will make you worse in the long run? I did a little bit of quest, because I too, like many people this month, am feeling invaded. I found some tips on naturalholistic.org that I'd like to pass on to all of you soon to be sickies.

• Garlic: Keeps more than just the Vampires away. It helps to ease that sore throat and boost your immune system. Garlic will protect the body against infection, and detoxify, all while tasting delicious. Sulfur compounds in garlic are responsible for making it a super food. Garlic soup is easy to make, and will get you feeling better faster than you can say Gilroy.
  
  

• Marshmallow: I was disappointed to find out this was something other than that puffy white pillow of deliciousness. It is, in fact, an herb, whose use goes back to Roman times. Both its leaves and root contain a gummy substance called mucilage, which, when mixed with water, forms a slick gel that is used to coat the throat and stomach. It relieves the symptoms of many ailments, including those of cold and flu.
  
  

• Slippery Elm Bark: This is one of the few herbal remedies for a sore throat, cold and flu symptoms that has actually been acknowledged by the FDA.
  
  

• Ginger: The antiviral properties in ginger can relieve pain and fever, reduce coughing, and make it easier for you to sleep. Too bad this doesn't apply to gingerbread cookies.
  
  

• Mullein: Another herbal decongestant and sleep aid.
  
  

• licorice: Finally something sweet that's good for you...if you like licorice. (I don't think RedVines count.) Oh, you're just talking about the root? What about Jagger? No? Ok. Any way, licorice root is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its ability to improve mucous quality.
  
  

• Onions: Onions are closely related to garlic and share the precious antiviral properties. No wonder they taste so good together. One folkloric remedy suggests steeping raw onions in honey overnight, and taking it as a couch syrup.
  
  

Ok. Three course meal? Garlic and ginger stew, spinach salad with a honey onion vinaigrette, and a gingerbread house with sticky marshmallows and black licorice on top. (This last one is a bit of a stretch.) Either way, hope this helps you all relieve the discomfort and get back on your feet quickly. When you do, come see us at The House of Bamboo for your holiday needs. CHHHHHKKKKK......TCHOOOO.

Song of the Day: Here It Goes Again-OK Go

Don't Stress It

So, it's that time of year once again. For some, the rain, the holidays, and the cold, are all part of the festive nature of fall and winter. However, for others, this time of year can mean stress and winter doldrums. Being that everyone wants to eat more this time of year, I thought it might be appropriate to find out which foods can reduce stress levels, and lift spirits, keeping you chill through the chill. Here are nine cortisol controlling yum yums.

1. Agent Oranges: a great cortisol fighter and an immune system booster. The high vitamin C content in an orange can bring blood pressure and cortisol levels back to normal in a stressful situation, as well as fight off bugs that wear down your defenses.
   
   
2. How sweet it is: Often we crave sweets when under duress, but sugary snacks and simple carbs can only serve to make our stress levels worse (much like drinking water after eating spicy food) Sweet Potatoes, however, can curb that sugar craving and give you long lasting, fiber full energy. Additionally, they are high in beta-carotene, amongst other vitamins, to help keep your brain sharp and functioning under pressure.
   
   
3. Apricots to the rescue: Apricots are rich in magnesium, which is a natural stress buster and muscle relaxant.
   
   
4. Now that's just nutty: Almonds are rich in E and B vitamins, boosting your immune system. Walnuts and Pistachios, like oranges, can lower your blood pressure, leaving you calm, cool and collected.
   
   
5. Gobble: Up the turkey, because the main amino acid in that Thanksgiving bird, l-Tryptophan, has been proven to produce Serotonin in the brain, leaving you relaxed, and even sleepy. (If only people had just eaten turkey instead of taking ludes.)
   
   
6. "I'm strong to the finish!": Spinach, like apricots, contains a significant source of Magnesium (up to 40 percent of your daily dose in one cup!) Bluto, take note. There's a cure for those explosive outbursts.
   
   
7. Something's fishy: Salmon, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, is not only good for the brain and the heart. This sea faring creature will keep adrenaline and stress levels from peaking when, say, you can't seem to find that parking spot, or the girl at the counter has just gotten your order wrong for the third time (seriously, what does she get paid for?)
   
   
8. It's a fruit! It's a fat! It's a... stress reliever? Avocados are high in potassium, the consumption of which, according to the National Heart, lung, and Blood Institute (how official) can significantly lower your blood pressure. Delicious and nutritious.
   
   
9. Good for, well, everything: Is there anything green veggies CAN'T do for you? Well, maybe they can't give you the power to levitate, or make you an omnipotent being, but they can, in addition to bettering your digestive health, improving the efficiency of your brain, giving you longer lasting energy, healthier skin, hair and nails, and curing anemia, replace vitamins lost during times of stress, and boost your immune system. Seriously folks, eat your kale and your broccoli.
   
   

In addition to eating these nine super foods on a regular basis, it is important to get enough sleep, water, regular exercise and laughter in order to keep your cool and get through your day. Avoid caffeine and sugar, as these can throw your blood sugar off balance, leaving your reasoning skills compromised. Find some alone time and read a book or write a book! Chill out and enjoy the season! Since it's getting colder, come in and get some winter wear from Dreamsacks to curl up in. Fun facts provided by MSN.com

Song of the day "By Myself" by the Susie Arioli Swing Band.

Bonus Video: Don't Tase Me Bro.

Some like It Hot. Those People Are Healthier.

Well, I suppose the heat wave is almost over. I can tell because I'm currently not dripping with sweat, sticking to my chair, or wishing I would die. However, all of this hot stuff has got me thinking about hot things: tea, snuggies, and spicy foods. Then the curry craving came, and well, we all know how that goes. Which brings me to today's topic... the many benefits of spicy food.

It may seem weird, especially if you're one of those people who goes out to Thai and sticks with the fried rolls, sweet and sour sauce and a Thai Tea. However, despite the very counter intuitive notion that such striking pain in your mouth could be good for you, that the hot pepper that sent you to other people's tables, drinking their water, just might save your life. (Or at least make it last a bit longer.) Here are ten very noteworthy health benefits to sucking it up and ordering those noodles Thai hot.

• If you want that disgusting Slim Fast you're drinking to actually work, I suggest throwing some Tabasco in it. Or, you could just eat real food that has a bit of a bight to it. (I prefer the second option.) Studies have shown that hot peppers and curries can increase your metabolic rate and decrease your appetite. How's that for a waist trimmer?
  
• While you may think you're about to have a stroke from the fire you just swallowed, it's quite the opposite. Capcaisin, or the spicy stuff, can help get rid of blood clots, lower cholesterol and the chance of stroke, decrease swelling of the arteries, and significantly lower your chances of a heart attack.
• Not just good for your heart, but your circulation too, spicy foods raise the internal body temperature and get the blood flowing. This, in the long run, will lower your blood pressure and keep your vascular system healthy. Peppers are high in vitamins A and C, and therefore aid in strengthening the blood vessels.
  
• Capcaisin can not only help to prevent cancer, being that it is an anti-oxidant, but it can kill certain types of cancer cells before they become a problem. In countries with higher spice consumption (such as Mexico and India) there is a lower rate of certain types of cancers.
  
• There can often be a lot of blame placed on spicy food for digestive problems. In reality, it's most likely everything else that's in your chili dog that's giving you gas and heartburn. Capcaisin will increase blood flow to your stomach as well as the mucus lining. Additionally, spicy foods can kill bad bacteria in your stomach and cure/prevent ulcers.
  
• As before mentioned, many spicy foods have anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, Turmeric, in particular, can decrease joint swelling in arthritis sufferers, fight bone decay, and help relieve arthritic pain.
  
• It's almost sick season, so this bit should come in handy. Capcaisin can reduce the discomfort of cold and flu symptoms, make you sweat out bacteria, and open the sinuses. Additionally, the aforementioned vitamin C content can help you out on the prevention side of things.
• Instead of reaching for that Ambien, grab a pepper. In Australia (I don't know why, but that makes perfect sense to me) researchers have found that regular consumption of spicy foods can help you sleep better and wake up rested and chipper.
  
• If the fall blues are about to get you down, spicy goodness can help there, too. Because there is some physical pain when you bite into the spicy gold, the brain will release endorphins and serotonin, giving you relief from the pain and a sense of well being. As a result, this can help fight depression and relieve stress.
• Breathe easy, you chose Thai. Hot foods can relieve symptoms of virtually all common respiratory problems, and, as you probably know from the pile of tissues in front you that you've acquired after being inspired to get some spice in your life, hot foods will always clear your sinuses.

There you have it: ten reasons to go for level 10 spicy, or at least as hot as you can take it. Come on, don't be a wuss. My Grandmother is seventy and eats Jalapenos whole (that's probably how she got to be seventy.) Maybe just don't go for a Bhut Jolokia. See you all at Spike's for their crazy hot wings? This message brought to you by Bambu Batu and life Mojo.

Bonus Video: Dummy eats world's hottest pepper.

Hung Over Daze

Welcome new Poly students. You'll find SLO won't always be this hot. You will find that all of the bars on Higuera street will be crowded, that locals aren't too fond of you, and for the entire duration of your stay here, there will be no parking, anywhere, ever.

A week or so back, Mr. Hornaday wrote a little something on feeding your brain the right foods. As we all know, you can eat healthy all you want, but, when you're a fresh fish, regular hangovers are as common as syphilis in Isla Vista. I attended a wedding last night, and am feeling a bit off kilter myself. (hangover off kilter, not syphilis ....) So I got to thinking, what IS a hangover exactly? I've heard different stories; dehydration, sleep deprivation, blood sugar imbalances, etc. But what goes on in your body when you're hung over? I thought, maybe if we all knew, we'd collectively drink a little less (thereby leaving alcohol alley a bit less crowded, AND helping you, the new student, keep yourself in tip top studying shape.)

• Veisalgia, or a hangover, comes from the Norwegian word for "uneasiness following debauchery" (kveis), and the Greek word for pain (algia). I'm sure we're all familiar with the symptoms. Two of the most notable ones are dry mouth and dehydration. See, that second forty of Mickey's goes through you quickly, because alcohol consumption suppresses Vasopressin (the anti-pee- your pants-hormone produced in the pituitary gland.) Because of this effect, your kidneys send water directly to you bladder, as opposed to reabsorbing it in to the body. For every 250 ml of Mickey's you consume, you will expel four times as much water. Hence the dehydration.
• Beer before liquor... There's a reason for this old, and wise adage. Different alcohol's contain different levels of congeners, or the byproduct of the fermentation process. The darker you drink of choice (red wine and bourbon, for example,) the more congeners it contains, and the worse your hangover will be. Additionally, mixing different levels of these toxins will result in a compromised ability to process them. Which is why you puke purple when you've had a glass of cab, two Manhattans, a shot of whiskey and some Guinness. Beer speeds up the effects of booze on the body, so when you drink that Mickey's BEFORE your Franzia, you can't keep up with the rate of intoxication. Besides just increasing your chances of winding up naked on the frat house lawn, this has negative effects on the kidneys, liver, and bladder.
• This one may get a bit technical, so bare with me. When you drink, your liver produces an enzyme to break down the booze. The process of breaking down creates a very toxic byproduct called Acetaldehyde. This is actually what causes that headache. In moderation, your body can quickly rid itself of the nasty stuff with a chemical called glutothione and an enzyme called acetaldahyde dehydrogonese. To put it in simpler terms, the acetaldahyde is the initial first two or three zombies of the zombie apocalypse, and the glutothione and acetaldehyde dehydrogonese, are your friends with machetes. But, you only have so many friends with machetes. When you run out (and continue to drink) the poison zombies will eat your brain and give you a headache in the morning.
  
• Ever feel pretty tired when you're hung over? It's because alcohol suppresses glutamine, your body's natural stimulant. During sleep, after a night of heavy drinking, your body will over produce glutamine to make up for the suppression of it earlier in the night, leaving your mind to wander and keeping you up thinking about strange things, like how Noah and Tron are similar for example.
  
• Oooof, and then you and your roommates had to draw straws for who had to clean to toilet...
  Alcohol is absorbed directly through your tum tum. Because of this, the cells that line the stomach may become irritated. (does your tummy huwt?) Booze also creates hydrochloric acid in the body. When this happens, your stomach will send a message to your brain saying that what's in your stomach is hurting you resulting in vomiting. This same irritation is what causes nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and good old diarrhea the next day.

There are plenty of wives tales about hangover cures: greasy foods, spicy foods, etc. There are a few guaranteed hangover cures, and they're fairly obvious. Vitamins, juice, water, eggs, bananas and aspirin are all great reliefs to your suffering. Good music can help too. But really, the first cure is prevention. Don't be an idiot, drink moderately. Try and limit it to four for the whole night, drink water, eat food, DON'T play beer pong (that's just gross... it's not even good beer) and drink as infrequently as possible. This will keep your brain sharp and your pocket book full. That way, you can come shop here, at Bambu Batu. Fun facts provided by Discovery Health.

Song of the day "Alcohol" The Barenaked ladies