Homer Simpson, Please Pick Up The White Chocolate Courtesy Phone

Posted Oct 2, 2006 by Jeff Houck

Updated Oct 2, 2006 at 07:40 AM

So, I was tooling around the megachain superstore yesterday.

Am I the only one who sees the problem with this product?

Not only do you have to not use any energy to brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush, you have to include molded plastic representations of the reason you’re actually brushing? Did Ben and Jerry’s have some sort of cooperative crossover going on this product? When did brushing your teeth become some sort of recreational activity?

Then I tool over to the shampoo aisle and find this:

I’ll go on record as being very much pro food-themed products, especially back in the 70s, when beer shampoo was the rage. Wisely, no one attempted a beer mouthwash. (Actually, they did. They just called it Coors.)

But I don’t want my hair smelling like some tropical breakfast beverage. I’d feel like someone was about to jam a little pink umbrella in my head and suck out my brain with a straw or something.

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Science Says Sickness Stays

Posted Oct 2, 2006 by Chris Chmura

Updated Oct 2, 2006 at 07:22 AM

Sick guests may check-out of hotels, but their germs don’t, according to a new study.

After watching this story, we may think twice about hitting the sack on the road. 

Ahh-choo!

But, I’ll say it again: A bad day on vacation is better than a good day at work.

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Workout On The Road

Posted Oct 1, 2006 by Patty Kim

Updated Oct 1, 2006 at 10:38 PM

This weekend, I was in beautiful Fort Lauderdale for the 2006 National Writers’ Workshop. I left Friday and returned Sunday refreshed and armed with tips to make my stories shine.

The conference was at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, which has a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment.

Despite being out of town, I didn’t want to take a vacation from my workout regimen.

Sessions ended at 5 p.m. Saturday, and I hit the workout room before heading out to dinner with friends at 7:30.

I got in a quick, 30-minute run on a treadmill and then hit a weight-training circuit. There was no guilt as I enjoyed my Mediterranean salmon dinner later. Mmmm.

Fitness on the road doesn’t have to be elusive. Most hotels have workout rooms equipped with cardio machines such as treadmills, ellipticals and stationary bikes. A pool is a great place to log a few laps and enjoy the scenery. Don’t forget to unwind in the hot tub.

Even if your hotel doesn’t have a gym, check to see whether they have special partnerships with local gyms in the area.

No worries if you don’t have access to a fitness center. Get out of the hotel and take a walk, especially if restaurants and shops are nearby. Explore the neighborhood.

Check to see if your hotel offers bike rentals. A ride can offer the perfect tour of the area.

If you’re staying on the eighth floor, don’t be afraid to take the stairs. That’s a great way to get your heart pumping with no equipment necessary.

If you’re really ambitious, don’t forget to pack bands, exercise balls, jumpropes or light weights to get a workout in the comfort of your own room. And if you just want to get back to the basics, try jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups and lunges.

If you’re flying, don’t let layovers get the best of you. Make the most of your time.

Check out the Airport Gyms site. Here you can find which airports include fitness centers, as well as gyms near airports that offer special day passes for travelers.

If you’re on the road and want to log a great run, visit the Road Runners Club of America. You can find running clubs across the country with links to their calendars and contact information. Not a bad way to make friends on the road.

If you’d rather be riding, check out the USA Cycling site.

Bottom line: There’s no excuse not to stay active away from home. Just do it!

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Trickle Down Travel

Posted Oct 1, 2006 by Chris Chmura

Updated Oct 4, 2006 at 02:31 PM

An article posted tongiht on Canada’s Globe & Mail illustrates exactly what I’ve been thinking:
Gas stations have lowered their prices as oil prices have declined, but airlines have not eased their “fuel surcharges.”

Some of those fees top $100.

Hmmmmm. Methinks we have a case of gouging.

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im sick

Posted Sep 30, 2006 by jriley

Updated Sep 30, 2006 at 09:35 PM

Well i have a bad stomach virus. my doctor wants me to do a bland diet until my appointment on Tuesday. So i will have to start my diet after that. But with a bland diet it is basically a diet. I have lost 10lbs of water. i am not dehydrated but i am worried as i am a cancer patient in remission. The symptoms are the same so it is a little scary. Tell everyone i am okay and will start the diet after i see the doctor. One good side effect is i have lost 10lbs. HA-HA

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