Trans fat in New York

In Ohio, we were told we just must have gambling because all the gambling money was going to West Virginia or Michigan or someplace out of state. Therefore, it was essential that we too rob from the poor so that the rich can play.

Well, why doesn't this apply to donuts for New Yorkers? If a New Yorker wants to get a decent donut, he has to drive to New Jersey or some other state!

"On December 5, 2006, the Board of Health approved an amendment to the Health Code to phase out artificial trans fat in all NYC restaurants and other food service establishments. It is now in full effect. The phase out of artificial trans fat in restaurant foods took effect in two stages. First, as of July 1, 2007, NYC food service establishments have been prohibited from using oils, shortening and margarine containing artificial trans fat for frying or as a spread that have 0.5 grams or more of trans fat per serving. The second and final deadline was July 1, 2008. As of July 1, 2008, all foods must have less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving if they have any artificial trans fat. Packaged foods served in the manufacturer's original, sealed packaging are exempt."

It's been over two years now--are New Yorkers healthier, or are they making underground trips to neighboring states for trans fat items they can't buy in their own state?

New York City's War on Fat
New Jersey Bakers

SpudNuts redux

Certain blog entries get hits regularly--broken zippers, frozen car doors, the auto show, Fornesetti plates, Roger Vernam--and SpudNuts. I blogged about this treat which I enjoyed on the Urbana side of the University of Illinois campus in the 1950s and 1960s here.

In rechecking the sites that mention this delectable donut, I found an article written about the inventors, the Pelton Brothers, in the April 1952 Modern Mechanix magazine. The whole article is scanned and almost as tasty as the Spudnuts I remember. However, I'm not sending you to the link, because right after I enjoyed it, I got a notice from McAfee that I had a virus, various messages appeared, and then everything went down. But it's out there, if you want to pursue it. The virus might be totally unrelated, but just thought I'd mention it if any SpudNut fans are reading this.

Update on pedometer: Currently at 8802, which means I'm about 6,000 steps behind. Not easy to get stepping in bad weather.