Whine...

Observation of the Day: Conservative/libertarian whine sounds exactly the same to my ears as liberal whine. (And it's not a pretty sound.)

Is Michelle Obama Trying to Kill Me?
I just saw a picture of Michelle Obama on Drudge with a storyline underneath exclaiming “Apple Slices in Every Happy Meal!” I headed over to the linked article and read:

An apple a day may keep the doctor away. But when you put it in a Happy Meal, it might help keep regulators at bay too. McDonald’s on Tuesday said that it would add apple slices and reduce the portion of French fries in its children’s meal boxes beginning this fall, effectively taking away consumers’ current choice between either having apples with caramel dip or fries as a Happy Meal side.

Great, I’m allergic to apples as are many people because of the pollen allergy. I have a friend who has very low sodium levels and when she goes to restaurants in New York City where she lives, she actually needs the salt. Mayor Bloomberg’s efforts to ban salt leave my friend frustrated and annoyed. I wonder how many kids have apple and/or pollen allergies? Human physiology varies from person to person. One person’s apples are another’s poison. Are regulators and perhaps Michelle Obama trying to kill me with their “good intentions”? And don’t they care about the children?

Hint: If you are in the minority of the population that is allergic to apples (or those skinned, chemicalized apple slices that come plastic-wrapped in the Happy Meals), try this solution:
Don't order the Happy Meals.
Problem solved.

Now I definitely disagree with this way of thinking: Yay! Without smaller portion sizes, I'd never have thought to think: Does my body need to consume this now? Government interference for my own good: what could I do without it?

Apples and Oranges By Ta-Nehisi Coates
I guess it's good that McDonald's is putting fruit in their Happy Meals, though I'm more excited that they're reducing the portion size of their french fries. I think making people think before making that second order of french fries is a really good thing.

But maybe modern-day parents need the help because they've surrendered so much control already to their children. (?)

Personally,
when I go to McDonald, I do order -- as an adult -- the hamburger/apple/milk Happy Meal, with a side order of medium coffee, please leave an inch at the top. Then, I pour the milk into the coffee (McDonalds has free refills, along with their free WiFi), eat the burger and apple slices, and supplement the meal with fresh, raw vegetables. (either with me, or later at home). Also get a free little toy to take to the nieces and nephew when I visit...

Add it up. Ordering individually a milk, burger, and (you can't get fruit short of that sugary parfait on the grownup menu) small fries comes to more than getting it grouped as a kids' meal. And no "prize" either.

A decent diet, and thrifty too!

ADDED: For those of you who think of McDonalds franchises, and their employees, as the bottom of the urban barrel in terms of food choice, remember: they're franchised. Plenty of newer ones up here, with competent employees in it for the second-job in the family. It's a basic meal, not poison, but better than nothing on the days when you haven't cooked yourself.

Balance, balance, balance.