So... people are a flutter about the negative effects of High Fructose Corn Syrup and it's inclusion as an ingredient in, well, practically everything that's been processed in any way. Given that it's a more refined product than naturally occuring cane sugar, and given that reliable sources back it up, I'm inclined to conclude that HFCS is generally something to avoid. Still, having just spent 30 minutes reading wikipedia and the links that it recommends, it seems that small amounts of it are probably not a big deal, and that high amounts of any sugar will likely lead to trouble. So... "cane sugar" is marginally better, but keeping sugar away in general is the best move. In the US, it seems even most bread, including top-brand whole wheat bread is packed with added sugar of varying forms. So is almost anything, including things labeled "natural". It takes a long consious effort to go back to less-sweet foods, but once you do, you realize how ridiculously sweet everything had been before and discover all sorts of new appreciation for food.

(graph swiped from wikipedia)

blah how is it possible to be so stinky?

One of the great mysteries of the Bay Area is the proliferation of eateries that specialize in both Chinese Food and Donuts. If you live in San Francisco, you've undoubtedly seen these places and thought "What in god's name is that all about?" Well, I'm sorry to say I still don't have an answer, but the best I can come up with is the economies of scope resulting from owning a large deep fryer. Still... these places freak me out.

In n' Out Burger is revered by Californians at an iconic level. They make some pretty good burgers, and as fast food goes, they're certainly among the better. Anyway, turns out the also have some extraordinary customer service: The drive thru line was getting really long last night at the In n' Out Burger in the strip mall zone outside Fairfield, but the In n' Out staff went outside and started taking orders car by car, then relaying the orders inside to speed things up. Impressive.

I have just been introduced to Newman's Ginger O's and I do believe they are among the finest cookies ever made, combining gingersnaps and Oreos. I just ate about 20 of them. These things rule! Newman's Ginger O's - I highly recommend purchasing a bag today.

Every corner of this city yeilds a new surpise and I'm infinitely lejos de aburrido ya. From a distance, I'm definitely starting to miss London, but I have to say, that city's cuisine has hardly left me wanting. Just got back from the deli with a couple of phenomenal ham and cheese baguettes, a jar of white asparagus and a couple bags of fresh olives... and two bottles of wine, which by the way cost 12 euros in total. Man, you can't brush your teeth for that kind of money in the UK.

Pittsburgh: Apparantly Blue Ketchup is about to make it's debut. As with most people, my initial reaction is "my god, what fools, it will never sell", even if it is just an irrational reaction to a tasteless color additive.

Thing is, that dosn't matter. Apparantly, by messing with tradition and promoting weird stuff that no one will buy, sales of regular ketchup will probably rise. People will think: "man, that blue ketchup sure is weird...speaking of ketchup... i think my supply is running low, better get some of the red stuff quick!"

Or will they?

10% Juice is definitely wishful thinking. I've just spent 25 minutes on the CocaCola website and the Fanta website and cannot dig up a list of ingredients or anything that describes Fanta as anything other than an "experience", "association" or a "brand." It's actually really fascinating how these things are created and marketed.

Among the more interesting quotes: "Consumers around the world, particularly teens, fondly associate Fanta with happiness and special times with friends and family. This positive imagery is driven by the brand's fun, playful personality, which goes hand in hand with the bright color (particularly orange), bold fruit taste, and tingly carbonation. "

As for me, I clearly associate Fanta with gangs of hot chicks dancing on the beach. Every time I open a can from now on, I will be swept away to the Caribbean. Ah... yes, that explains my newfound fondness.

Good lord, I've become a Fanta addict. I always hated that stuff, but I just started drinking it the other day, and now I can't stop. It's awful. My rationalization is that it's slightly better than Coke, and slightly better than coffee. And I find the sugar rush far more effective in getting work done than caffeine. Maybe this stuff has caffeine, it dosn't say anything on the can. God only knows.