Paula & Al on Today Show (source: The Atlantic)

The big news this morning is Southern food maven Paula Deen’s announcement on the Today Show that she has type 2 diabetes. She’s had it for a while, apparently, and now she’s also come out as a spokesperson for a diabetes drug.

The media and everywhere online have been giving her a lot of flack about it. Some even go as far as to insinuate that she somehow deserves it given all the “un-healthy” food she promotes.

I feel bad for her. Truthfully, I enjoy watching her show! Some of her recipes, especially the extreme ones like the cheesburger on Krispy Kreme donut leave that queasy, sick feeling in my throat just watching it, but hey, it’s amusing in a morbid kind of way. That’s why I watch it. It’s like all you rubber neckers who clog up the highways whenever there’s a wreck. We all slow down to take a look even if it makes us cringe. Admit it.

I liked watching Paula Deen because she seemed to genuinely love food. Relished it! You can see it in her body. At least she’s not matchstick skinny and pretending to enjoy all the rich, calorie laden food she cooks. You can tell the woman eats what she cooks! No crime in that.

I do, however, don’t agree with this new venture she’s going into as a paid spokesperson for the diabetes drug company. She will also be promoting ways to manage diabetes through healthier diet and exercise on a website sponsored by the drug company. It’s all and good, I suppose. Maybe someone will see it, take heed and make a difference in their lifestyle.

Personally though, I would probably have had more respect for Paula if she had just told everyone to “Kiss my grits!”
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Durham has always been the overlooked corner of the Triangle; the Triangle being that of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. Durham is the loud alcoholic uncle everyone wants to disown or at the least deny being related to. We who live in and love Durham though have never understood this and are often offended when we are bypassed and ignored over and over again when the Triangle area is mentioned.

But there are benefits for living in a city that is underrated and largely undiscovered. For one, real estate prices in Durham is still reasonable. Second, traffic remains stress free unlike our big neighbor, Raleigh. Third, we are not yet over run with transplants. Most Durhamites still know each other and you can be sure to run into someone you know wherever you go. People you don’t know still speak and say hello when you cross paths and amazing acts of kindness can still be witnessed in this city that is supposed to be rife with crime and gangs. We still have a ‘small town’ feel despite us being a growing city that is host to some of the biggest businesses in the state and some of the largest and prestigious universities. Not to mention a first rate medical institution that earned us the label “City of Medicine”.

The biggest secret about Durham though is that it is a terrific home for the arts. Durham has a burgeoning art culture. Also, the city is small enough that it has a very palpable ‘boho’ feel that is truly charming. We have great eateries, a world class performing arts center and don’t forget this is the home of the champion Durham Bulls.

The downtown area which has been slowly coming to life this decade garnered Durham a spot as one of the 41 Places go according to the NY Times which compiled a list of lesser known but worthwhile destinations to discover this year. So if you’re looking for a new place to discover, come and visit! Just don’t tell anyone. We kind of like our little uncrowded and undiscovered corner.

Do you blog about food and travel? You may be interested in the email that I received regarding this awesome opportunity for a blogger to travel across five Asian countries and be paid $10,000! I wish I could apply. How about you, would you go for it? 

ULTIMATE BLOGGER OPPORTUNITY:
PEI WEI LAUNCHES SEARCH FOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT
One blogger will be selected to travel and blog across five Asian countries for $10,000
 
WHAT:   Pei Wei Asian Diner is searching for an international correspondent to accompany Executive Chef Eric Justice as he travels to Thailand, Vietnam, China, Japan and Korea in search of culinary inspiration for Pei Wei’s next dish.  Via blogs, photo posts and video uploads, the correspondent will document the journey and share the international experience along the way. The selected blogger will eat everything from street food to five-star cuisine, trek from remote villages to world-renowned cities, and meet everyone from rural farmers to cutting-edge chefs.
 
In addition to the experience of a lifetime, the blogger will receive $10,000 for his or her time and skills.
 
WHEN:          Applications Accepted: Now – December 20, 2010
                       Winner Announced: Week of January 17
                       Culinary Tour: Late February – early March, 2011
 
WHERE:       Entry Page: www.PeiWei.com/BlogAsia
                      Website: www.PeiWei.com
                      Facebook Fan Page: www.Facebook.com/PeiWei
                                              
WHY:   Pei Wei’s menu is influenced by the cuisine of five Asian countries and Chef Eric’s foreign travels help bring the exotic flavors of Thailand, Vietnam, China, Japan and Korean into the restaurants. The Pei Wei blogger will play a pivotal role in uncovering new dish ideas and sharing the discovery process with a worldwide audience.
 
WHO:    So what does it take to be the Pei Wei blogger? A talent for writing, a boundless appetite, a willingness to experiment with the unknown, an eye for the unforgettable image and the ability to capture it, comfort both on-camera and behind the lens, a spontaneous spirit but a grounded work ethic, and a passion for Asian cuisine.
 
About Pei Wei
Pei Wei Asian Diner, owned and operated by P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, offers a menu of fresh, high-quality Asian cuisine. The restaurant provides a comfortable, quick and casual dine-in experience as well as the flexibility, speed and convenience of take-away service.  From the exotic aromas rising from the sizzling 600-degree woks, to relaxing environment and hip décor, Pei Wei Asian Diner serves freshly prepared & made-to-order dishes from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam in a modern diner environment.  Pei Wei currently operates 168 restaurants in 22 states.  For more information please visit www.peiwei.com.

I have been reviewing books for the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing and have been having a great time doing it. In addition to their Blogging for Books program, they also sponsor some awesome giveaways. Here’s a few of them: (click on the links below to enter)
The Great Christmas Gift Giveaway – win $500 for yourself and $500 for the charity of your choice. Ends 12/10

Blogging for Books Best Review Contests – Post the best Blogging for Books book review in the month of December and you could win an eReader, Nook or Kindle. If you win – you pick which one you want! Ends 12/31

Win a copy of Too Rich for a Bride by Mona Hodgson – To win your copy of Too Rich for a Bride , simply click here to submit your entry. In the “contest code” field enter the code “ALLYOU”. Ends 12/1

Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest – If you’ve got something hideous for Christmas in your closet, this may be the time you finally get some benefit out of it.