The Dirty Have Risen and Transformed Into Consumers

I know I usually talk about food so…I like movie popcorn. I do NOT like the new weird Skittles. There—done with that. Now on to what’s really irking me today.

I feel dirty, and not the good kind of dirty. I’m feeing the kind of dirty that comes from being tricked into watching a two-and-a-half-hour commercial and liking it. Yep, you probably all ready know where this is going. I went to see Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. I love it. Who doesn’t enjoy fighting, transforming giant robots shrouded in over the top, amazing special effects? Don’t look at me, because the inner nerd sings majestic when Optimus Prime puts his fist all the way through another robot’s face.

There was a scene where jets are taking off from a Navy carrier and soldiers are working their high-tech radar stations and I’m thinking, “Wow! That looks like an awesome job.” Inside my head, a little warning is going off—the one that goes off when I’m at the check-out counter picking up all the impulse items. I NEED an extra memory card, toothbrush, bug spray and mascara. I NEED to join the Navy, Air Force, Special Forces and….no I don’t. Try and tell me that isn’t an advertisement for the military. It totally is, and I’m not sure I care. read more

Zeer! You are what you eat!

The other night I was talking to my dad on the phone and he told me that he drinks three bottles of Mountain Dew a day, each at 64 oz.!  He claims that since there is orange juice in “Mtn Dew,” that his consumption is almost healthy.  I’m wondering why he doesn’t just drink orange juice.

I wanted to research his claim and I found Zeer. It’s a nifty site that gives nutritional value on all the crap we shovel in our faces daily.  At first glace I was put off by the tag line: “Consumer reviews for healthy eating, organic food and green products.” It turns out this site is chock full of the quick and unhealthy snacks normal people actually eat.  I tend to eat first and think about calorie content later.  By the time I’m wondering what I’ve just consumed, the wrapper is long gone to the garbage. The product reviews and nutritional guides are pretty handy, as well as the lists of any allergens and ingredients for anyone who’s interested. You can search for products by name or UPC number (if you still saved the wrapper!).  You can add your own reviews and join different communities that will suggest new products to you.  read more