Maureen Pratt

Seems every day we hear about another food that's good for us - or bad for us. I digest these stories with more than a grain of salt (pardon the pun). But a new study that indicates how good chocolate is for us has really caught and held my attention. In part, the news story about this very delightful study says, "In a presentation at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2011 Congress, British investigators are reporting that individuals who ate the most chocolate had a 37% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 29% lower risk of stroke compared with individuals who ate the least amount of chocolate." Of course, there are the usual caveats that the fat content of chocolate products is not exactly beneficial for the waistline, and that moderation is important. But it does my heart good (besides the benefits of chocolate) to see that hardcore scientists are softening up to the idea that one of the most delicious things on the planet CAN be good for us, too. Mmmmm!  Read More 

I've found myself saying, more often these days, "What were they thinking?!" Take the tragedy at the Indiana State Fair, for instance. Midwesterners are no naifs when it comes to violent weather - winds, rain, snow, tornadoes. What were the fair and concert organizers thinking to carry on with the concert during a horrible wind/storm event? And what were the concertgoers thinking to remain on the grounds as blustering gusts wreaked havoc upon and around them? As a native Midwesterner, I find great direction and comfort in relying upon common sense. . Read More