July 2010

  • Confessions of a Recovering Caffeine Addict

    By msarko on 7/7/10 10:41pm
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    Caffeine is, by far, the most popular psychoactive compound consumed by humans. It exists in significant quantities in some of our favorite foods and beverages, including coffee, tea, chocolate and the soda-related kola nut. We've been downing the stuff since the Stone Age and today the average American adult consumes at least one caffeinated beverage a day. Caffeine isn't a particular dangerous substance, but it's not without its risks. It is a physically addictive stimulant that, when taken in sufficient quantities on a chronic basis, can lead to some pretty nasty health problems. There was a time when I consumed an unhealthy amount of caffeine every day and this led me to a struggle to curb my habit that lasted for two solid years. Here's the basic science and the subjective experience of caffeine addiction.



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  • The McDonalds Mocha Frappe

    By erika on 7/5/10 11:50am
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    I had my first McDonalds Frappe this weekend and I have to say, I was not impressed.  I want to say "Starbucks has nothing to fear," but on the other hand, McDonalds has made a bazillion dollar a year industry out of delivering bland over-processed flavorless fat bombs to the undiscerning American public.  So maybe Starbucks SHOULD be worried.

    I was curious about how this thing would be made, but most of the process took place behind a big black and silver machine that was clearly meant to look like a proper espresso bar's espresso maker. 

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