Daily Candy Intake Leads to Crime?

This is one of those studies which may turn out to be an excellent example of "correlation does not equal causation." But researchers from Cardiff University are claiming that daily candy intake leads to a significantly increased risk of being convicted of a violent crime by 34. The researchers are careful to avoid blaming the sugary snacks themselves.

So, does this mean parents should ban sweets entirely?

Not necessarily, Moore said. A possible explanation for the candy-violence association is that giving children sweets and chocolate regularly may prevent them from learning to delay gratification. That, in turn, may encourage impulsivity, which is linked to delinquency.

"We think that it is more to do with the way that sweets are given to children rather than the sweets themselves," Moore said. "Using sweets to quiet noisy children might just reinforce problems for later in life."

I am sure that we'll see a contradictory study soon sponsored by the Nestle corporation conducted in the vicinity of Hershey, PA.

The Return of Soda Milk?

When I was growing up, I went through a few phases where I didn't want to drink ANYTHING but soda ("pop" to you midwesterners). My parents were understandably upset about this, since they wanted me drinking healthy juices and milk so that my little body didn't wither away for lack of vitamins and calcium. Rather than set up a direct battle of wills - my family is renowned for our stubbornness - Mom came up with a novel plan of attack. She invented "soda milk", a drink made from lots of milk and just a little bit of cola or root beer. It gave the milk a slightly sweet and fizzy texture, but made sure that most of what I was getting was the healthy stuff. Brilliant!

It now appears that Coca Cola's industrial espionage people have been listening in on my childhood stories, as they have now released Vio, a fizzy milk alternative drink. With no artificial flavors or sweeteners, it might not even be too bad for you. Although, I think I'll stick to the real stuff - juice and milk - now that I am a grown-up.

Sigh. My childhood is weeping.

From ExtraLife.Com. You know, some of us did enjoy these things as MORE than a toy commercial.

Truth in small packages

Transformers enter the Age of the iPod

I am not sure how many of our readers are fans of the original Transformers toys, but it was a central part of my childhood. The transforming robots were always close at hand for me, whether the others around me wanted to play GI Joe, Star Wars, Mask, or any of the other major toy lines. It was amazing how easily giant robots mesh with action figures. Anyway, it has tickled me to see that the Transformers are entering the MP3 age with a new version of Soundwave (a transformer who used to transform into a Walkman - tape player) which plays MP3! Or if you'd prefer to have an autobot on hand for your MP3s, that also offer iPod Optimus Prime!.