Strawberries taste like strawberries!!

A few years ago I recieved some strawberry seeds in one of my *Easter baskets. I followed the instructions on the little pot but was not rewarded with much more than a sprout. I took it from the kitchen window to the garden and it withered away. To my surprise, vines started popping up and spreading throughout the garden and now - two years later - tons of berries are growing and ripening each day. I guess sometimes you just have to give time time.

*Yes, my mom and big sister still dutifully put together Easter baskets for me.

Bear in Baltimore!!

O.M.G.

Police in Baltimore County said they have recieved calls about bear sightings in the Owings Mills area today. The bear (pictured) was last seen on Bond Avenue and Timbergrove Road and was also seen in the 900 block of Timber Run Road. Police advise anyone who sees the bear to hand over their picnic baskets and call 911 or Baltimore County Animal Control at 410-887-5961.

Phthalates

Apologies for not alerting everyone to the episode of 60 Minutes that discussed these chemicals on Sunday night. Watch it here:

Back to the serious stuff

Commercial Whaling. Ugh. What can we say?

Back in 1975, Greenpeace started the world's first-ever Save the Whales campaign that eventually led to the International Whaling Commission's decision to ban commercial whaling (1986 to be exact). Apparently President Obama's delegation to the IWC has decided to back a plan that would legitimize commercial whaling for the first time since that ban was passed more than 20 years ago.

The Greenpeace Activist Network is right on top of the issue and headed to Washington next week but they still need your support. Please take a few moments to sign this petition to keep whales safe and out of politics!!

While we're on the topic...

How poorly thought out was this ad campaign?

Wowzers.

20 Worst Drinks in America

Men's Health published their annual list of beverage-like-substances that are beyond terrible for you and all I can say is: Damn. Sugary shakes are my weakness - especially as the summer heats up. The photographic depictions of the "sugar equivalent" for each are almost as upsetting as... as quite a few on this list. I'm too upset to type... Just check 'em out:

1.) Cold Stone PB&C
2.) Smoothie King Peanut Power Plus Grape
3.) McDonald's Triple Thick Chocolate Shake
4.) Cosi Double Oh! Arctic Mocha
5.) Krispy Kreme Lemon Sherbet Chiller
6.) Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Soda
7.) Traditional Red Lobster Lobsterita
8.) Dairy Queen Caramel MooLatte
9.) Starbucks White Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream (pictured left)
10.) Auntie Anne's Wild Cherry Lemonade Mixer
11.) Starbucks Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha with Whipped Cream
12.) Arizona Kiwi Strawberry
13.) Arizona Rx Energy
14.) Tropicana Fruit Fury Twister
15.) Sierra Nevada Bigfoot
16.) Sunkist
17.) Starbucks Vanilla Frappuccino
18.) Rockstar Energy Drink
19.) Sobe Green Tea
20.) Snapple Agave Melon Antioxidant Water

Weed. It's what's for dinner.

Some of you may recall that around this time last year we talked about the superfood growing wild in our own backyard: weeds. Because weeds not only survive but flourish sans human aid, it is no surprise that they are naturally high in antioxidants and a great addition to your summer salads. Dandelion leaves tend to taste a tad bitter though so we figured it's about time to look into some other options. Check 'em out:

Chickweed: When cooked it tastes like spinach. When raw it tastes like corn.

Lamb's-Quarters: Consider it a mild spinach or chard substitute packed with calcium and fiber.

Purslane: Succulent, citrusy, tart, crisp and versitile. Toss it into any sauce or soup to pack a powerful punch of alpha-linolenic acid (a highly sought-after Omega-3 fatty acid).

Japanese Knotweed: Most closely comparable to rhubarb. Rich in resveratol and vitamin C. Veteran greenies suggest eating the shoots.

*Note: Never eat any plant that you can't positively identify - especially if pregnant or nursing. Check out this guide for important tips regarding plant edibility and identification.

Local Treehuggers

Namaste, friends. We here at JustSaying have been in a state of speechlessness since the series finale events of LOST last night so all I've got this morning is this fun page on baltimoresun.com that encourages local treehuggers to submit photos. Hopefully this plug can help the page garner a few more pics and stories!

Countdown to Ice Cream Happy Hour

Mmmmmm.... Ice cream. I know a least two people who are counting down the minutes to some "tastes good and good for you" ice cream at Dominion Ice Cream this evening in Charles Village, but for those of you who aren't intrigued by the mere thought of spinach and sweet potato ice cream, perhaps you'd like to know about the latest and greatest creations from The Skinny Cow: Single Serving Cups.

Like the company's trademark (and delicious) ice cream sandwiches, the cups pack about 150 calories a pop (never more than 170 calories). Find your favorite flavor here.

Stephen Colbert on FDA Salt Regulation

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
FDA Salt Regulation - Lori Roman & Michael Jacobson
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Fox News