Soft Drinks

Why are soft drinks 'soft'?  I had to think about this one a bit, but had to revert to googling the answer.  It is because they are not 'hard' (Duh, right?), or a distilled alcoholic beverage.  It can be a carbonated or non-carbonated drink, but is most likely referred to as the carbonated type: a soda (also called pop, coke, fizzy or other variations).

Soft drinks are probably the unhealthiest drink because of its high sugar content and/or high fructose corn syrup in most.  It is alleviated through diet alternatives, but some, like me, would not prefer the taste.  Beware of the diet sodas; they create brain trickery!  It tastes sweet and your brain expects the calories to give your body energy, but it disappoints. This leads to more food intake to compensate for the empty feeling and is associated to causing obesity.1

Soda may not quench your thirst thoroughly, but it does leave you feeling good.  When I have my favorite pop in my belly and more in my glass or bottle, it promotes good vibes to my brain.  I don't think of the consequences, especially since I do not consume it that often.

The Consequences of a Coke:
Burp! (repeat)
Bad breath (see Burp!)
High sugar (Wheeeee!!!!  Wheee! Weaa..::crash::..wah)
Caffeine (WOOHOO  it's 3AM!)
High calories (50 minutes of jogging burns one bottle ~250 cal)
Yellow/bad teeth (I better use a bendy straw)
Thirsty (still thirsty! need more and more fizzies!)

The Benefits of a Coke:
High sugar (The Wheeeeee!!! part)
Caffeine (The WOOHOO part)
Delicious (AHH!)
Cold and refreshing ("milk was a bad choice")
A Party drink (popular for young and old crowds)
Can combine with liquor to become a hard drink (yes please)
Pairs well with a variety of food (a hamburger or pizza in particular)
Inexpensive (99 cents for a 2 liter Coke)
Convenient - (in vending machines and most food vendors)

Citations:

1. Diet sodas may confuse brain's 'calorie counter' By Janet Raloff

July 14th, 2012; Vol.182 #1 (p. 14) : Wednesday, June 13, 2012

The Fifty States: Maryland

This is fifth in a series of states, where I highlight my time spent in a state.  These are my own recommendations of restaurants and things to do, and I hope to share my perspective. I hope to visit all 50 states in my lifetime to see the sights and learn about each area.

Maryland

I think I am the rustiest on this state and will need an immediate revisit to up any sort of credibility here.

-Baltimore

95 and 83 are the main highways through this city.

The National Aquarium is great to visit.  It is expensive for a ticket; about $30 for adult, which you buy somewhat outside the site.  They do this so you can buy the ticket and then get in line to enter.  This place tends to get very crowded come lunch time on a weekend.  Go when it first opens and explore all of the tanks surrounding you in peace.  There is a dolphin show that is popular, and you'll need to line up to enter this as well.  The gift shop is noteworthy.

Around the Inner Harbor, where the aquarium is located, there are many shops, restaurants (mostly seafood), and museums. The Oriole Park at Camden Yards is nearby for a baseball game.  Babe Ruth's birthplace is a few blocks away from here.

Any suggestions of where else to visit within Maryland would be appreciated!

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FYI: Geographically located within the state is Washington DC, the capital of the United States, but it is not considered part of Maryland state!

The Fifty States: New York

This is fourth in a series of states, where I highlight my time spent in a state.  These are my own recommendations of restaurants and things to do, and I hope to share my perspective. I hope to visit all 50 states in my lifetime to see the sights and learn about each area.

New York

The best way into New York City is I-95 from NJ, PA or south of here.  The train is $30 round trip from Trenton. If you really don't have to drive, use the train or other public transportation.  The streets are crowded with mostly taxis, and the parking is expensive.

If you do not like crowds, I would not recommend going to downtown Manhattan after Thanksgiving through New Year's Day.  Not only is it crowded, it is cold, and there is a lot of walking around the city to get to place to place.  Your toes will be numb and face wind burn from the cold air, so bundle wisely!

I would go in the morning and during the day to get a head start.  Head up to the Empire State Building first.  The lines on a busy Friday or Saturday are very long, so be prepared to wait at least an hour or two.  See 360 degree views of the city with the sights of the Chrysler Building, the Statue of Liberty, and others.  A Statue of Liberty visit needs reservations to take the boat out to Liberty Island. These are sometimes booked up a few months in advance.  Be prepared to walk up many steps to get to her crown.

If you must see the holiday decorations around the city, start with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and join in the crowds for some fun events. The sites at night, such as Times Square and the Rockefeller Tree are particularly tourist worthy.  For night life, catch the Rockettes at Rockefeller Center or a Broadway show.

There is a huge celebration on New Year's Eve in Times Square.  This is a ridiculous gathering that rings in the new year by watching the ball drop on this main street of New York.

Do not miss these art and history museums: MOMA, Guggenheim Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of Natural History.

Central Park could be a day's journey.  It contains a zoo, an ice skating rink, Belvedere Castle, Bow Bridge and other bridges, a Carousel, sports fields, playgrounds, conservatories, memorials, trails and more.

Take a moment to reflect and visit Ground Zero, where the World Trade Center once stood.

For restaurant ideas in Manhattan, try one of Gordon Ramsey's restaurants, such as The Maze at the London.  Pizza and bagels are New York City's staple foods.  Have a cupcake at the Magnolia Bakery.

Visit Long Island for the beach in the summer.