These days, it's a piece of (low-calorie) cake to find sugar-free, fat-free, or even carb-free foods. Politic-free foods, on the other hand, are not so easy to come by. If you're worried about how food industry lobbyists have corrupted the government's dietary guidelines, fret no more: Harvard has created its own food pyramid! In 2005, the USDA replaced its 1992 food pyramid with a new version, which Walter C. Willett, Frederick John Stare Professor of Epidemiology and Nutrition, dubbed “a complete joke." The pyramid's recommendations (heavy on dairy, meat, and grains) are rife with political undertones, according to Jami M. Snyder, Communications Coordinator of Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS). “It's very convenient for the industry," Willett said. “Everyone's in the game." So Willett created his own food pyramid, displayed in Harvard's dining halls and his book “Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy." Willett's design distinguishes between good and bad fats and carbohydrates, less dairy than the government's dietary guidelines, and “sparing" servings of red meat and white bread.

Madeleine is more than a news story, she symbolises the dangers all ...

Like sitting in your back garden" & "Even if we'd been in the next room" Nothing like sitting in your back garden! & If you'd been in the next room the patio door would have been locked AND the 'abductor' would not have been able to observe your HalfHourTrips back and forth to <cough> check on your children. I wonder how the McCann's can keep a straight face; when now it is now clear to everyone, that they waited until their three babies were a-slumbering before they sneaked out, leaving their dear little trusting children alone night after night after night - behind an open door! The ultimate betrayal! .

Recipe of the Day

In medium saucepan, bring milk and salt to a gentle boil. (Watch carefully.) Stir in oats, cranberries and maple syrup. Return to a boil; reduce heat to medium.Cook 1 minute for quick oats, 5 minutes for old fashioned oats or until most of milk is absorbed, stirring occasionally. Let stand until desired consistency. Stir in wheat germ.Spoon oatmeal into four cereal bowls. Drizzle with additional syrup, if desired.Serve with milk or yogurt, if desired.Makes 4 servings.MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS: In 3-quart microwaveable bowl, combine all ingredients except wheat germ. Microwave on high 6 to 7 minutes for quick oats and 9 to 10 minutes for old fashioned oats or until most of liquid is absorbed. Let stand until desired consistency. Stir in wheat germ.NUTRITION INFORMATION: 1/4 of recipe: Calories 360, Calories From Fat 30, Total Fat 3.5g, Saturated Fat 0.5g, Cholesterol less than 5mg, Sodium 90mg, Total Carbohydrates 70g, Dietary Fiber 5g, Protein 15g.– Family Features .

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The guys who should be upset were the ones who were not on them but were competing against those who were."

The 5-foot-10 inch, 180-pound Ury sometimes found himself competing for spots against guys who were much bigger and stronger.

"I got beat out by guys who were 6-3, 220," he said. "They beat me out, and that is all I can say. Baseball looks at guys differently right now, partly because of how big and strong these guys have become. They're into the power and the speed. Maybe 20 years ago, I'd have a chance. I would get my hit per game, go 1-for-3 or 1-for-4, maybe hit a double. But a scout told me that scouts no longer go looking for Josh Urys. They look for the A-Rod's who are going to sell tickets. It has become all about power and speed now."

West Morris standout Josh Boyd had the day off from school Thursday and pondered baseball's steroid problem in the hours leading up to the 2:30 p.m.

Valentine’s Day

What these wingnuts don't realize about Mike Luckovich, is that in November when/if a Democrat becomes president, he'll start making fun of them. It's called political satire, and I guess alot of whiners here don't realize that is the purpose of political cartoons.

Shelter hoping for hometown help

Jamie Riley is a dog's best friend, and not just to her own pets, but to those without homes too.

"Everyone has their niche when it comes to trying to help someone or something, and I've always been a big fan of helping animals," she said.

Riley, along with friends and coworkers, annually organizes the "Food for Pets" fundraising drive which has for the past five years provided food and supplies to the animals at the Kenai Animal Shelter, the Soldotna Animal Control Center and Alaska's Extended Life Animal Sanctuary in Nikiski.

This year Riley hopes she has found another way to help pound puppies and cast-off kitties, through Hamburger Helper's "My Hometown Helper.com" project.

"I heard ads for it on the TV and radio, and thought it might be one more way to help homeless pets," she said.