Best and Worst Summer Coffee Chain Drinks

Find out which coffee drinks have the least fat and calories, and which sugary drinks to avoidWith the summer heat already in full swing, it's time to bring on the icy coffee drinks - along with the calories. While many are trying to keep their bikini bods in check, the sugary temptation of an ice-cold drink can be too much to resist. But just how fattening are these seemingly innocuous beverages? Fitness and nutrition professional Bryan Renaud shed some insight on how to get your sugary drink fix this summer without the harmful effects.

Click here to see the Best and Worst Summer Coffee Chain Drinks
In light of the recent conversation about the sugary drink ban, health officials are investigating other ambiguous beverages to determine which drinks will be affected by the ban. Starbucks Frappuccinos, for example, may qualify as milkshakes, which will not be affected by the ban.
But if the ban does eventually affect the ubiquitous Frappuccino, will the Light options still be available? That is yet to be determined, but according to Renaud, the calories and fat saved with the light option may not necessarily be healthier. "Everybody thinks it's healthier to order the skinny version," he says. "They don't count the calories, but it's the same harmful ingredients going into your body. To make something fat-free or sugar-free, it requires putting all this unnecessary stuff in there. It's the same chemical stuff, just repackaged."
The problem with these chain coffee drinks isn't just the milk, it's the sugar. Mark Bittman, author of How to Cook Everything and New York Times columnist, agrees, calling sugar "the tobacco of the 21st century." But where should legislators draw the line? "Sugar or sugar alternatives affect your body the same way," said Renaud. So when ordering your next coffee drink, be wary of the light options, or even the teas and lemonades you think are so much healthier: sugar is sugar, in one form or another.
Click here to see Starbucks' Secret Menu: The Ultimate Guide

Consider yourself educated. If you're trying to watch your calorie intake, or are looking for a safer way to indulge, look no further. We've researched the best and worst drinks from popular coffee chains to tell you which ones to sip, and which ones to avoid. Here are a few tips on how to make your favorite drink a little healthier:

• The easiest thing to cut, but often the most dearly missed, is the whipped cream. Because of those nifty plastic dome-shaped cups, baristas can put more on top of cold drinks than on hot ones, meaning that during the summer the calories stack up.
• If you don't specify what kind of milk you want, most coffee chains will default to whole milk. "If you want to replace something, replace the milk," said Renaud. "Almond or coconut milk are great options to get some nutritional value out of your drink. If you're going to drink cow's milk, 1 or 2 percent is fine. We need some good fat in our diet."
• Eliminating pumps of syrup will save you about 20 calories and 5 grams of sugar. While there are sugar-free syrup options, the artificial ingredients in low-cal sweeteners can be just as harmful to your health.
• Remember - size matters. "If I'm going to order a coffee drink… I just order a smaller size," said Renaud. "The quantity is just completely out of control. People have no idea how much is going on in there." Scaling down from a venti size to a tall can make a huge difference in terms of fat and calories. You don't need 20 ounces of your favorite drink, or the calories and fat that come with it.
While your favorite large coffee drinks are still on the menu, take a moment to educate yourself on the most fattening coffee-chain beverages and their healthier alternatives.
*Unless specified, calorie counts are taken from a Grande size made with whole milk.
With additional reporting by Emilia Morano-Williams.

Credit: Flickr/ owlpacino McDonald's
Worst: Chocolate Chip Mocha Frappé (530 calories/ 24 grams of fat]
Better: Iced Coffee (all flavors) (140 calories/ 5 grams of fat)
Best: Regular Coffee (0 calories/ 0 grams of fat)
McDonald's Chocolate Chip Mocha Frappé may seem over-indulgent, and it is. This drink manages to put 530 calories and 25 grams of fat into the single serving size. While an iced coffee would normally be a better option (it certainly is a healthier option on most menus), steer clear of the McDonald's version. With a laundry list of ingredients and a high calorie count - it comes with added milk and sugar - this drink clocks in at 140 calories and 5 grams of fat. Must go to the McCafé? Choose the regular coffee and add the milk and sugar yourself.


Credit: Flickr/ revrev Caribou Coffee
Worst: Espresso Cooler (210 calories/ 4 grams of fat)
Best: Iced Northern Lite Mocha (140 calories/ 3 grams of fat)
While words like "mocha" generally indicate a high-calorie drink, the Iced Northern Lite Mocha at Caribou Coffee is one of the better options to satisfy your craving for a frosty drink. With 140 calories and 3 grams of fat, it packs less of a punch than some of their other, unassuming drinks. Despite the innocent name, the espresso cooler will give you 210 calories and 4 grams of fat for a small.


Credit: Flickr/ NeoXerxes
Dunkin' Donuts
Worst: Iced Caramel Mocha Latte (220 calories/ 3 grams of fat)
Best: Iced Caramel Mocha Coffee (120 calories/ 0 grams of fat)
Headed to Dunkin' Donuts to satisfy your sweet coffee craving? If it's the caramel-mocha combo you crave, the Iced Caramel Mocha Coffee is your best bet. With 120 calories and zero grams of fat, it'll satisfy your sweet tooth without destroying your diet. Ditch the Iced Caramel Mocha Latte, which, at 220 calories and 3 grams of fat for a small, will leave you with a sugar and caffeine high.


Credit: Flickr/ yoshimov
Starbucks
Worst: Tazo Chai Frappuccino Blended Crème (360 calories/ 15 grams of fat)
Better: Tazo Iced Chai Tea Latte (270 calories/ 7 grams of fat)
A blend of sugary chai tea, whole milk, and ice, topped with whipped cream, can set you back 360 calories. While the iced versions of these tea lattes do lower the calorie count, watch out for the hidden calories still lurking in your favorite drink. For a healthier chilled chai experience, try a nonfat Tazo Iced Chai Tea Latte, with 200 calories. It's not the healthiest tea drink on the menu, but it'll still satisfy your cravings.


Credit: Starbucks
Starbucks
Worst: Strawberries and Crème Frappuccino Blended Crème (470 calories/ 17 grams of fat)
Best: Strawberry Smoothie (300 calories /2 grams of fat)
All the milk and whipped cream added to your Strawberry Frappuccino drink cancels out any nutritional value it would have had. For a fruity flavor without the unnecessary indulgence, swap the Frappuccino for the Strawberry Smoothie and save 170 calories and 15 grams of fat. With strawberry purée, a whole banana, and whey protein inside, this smoothie satisfies even the strongest sweet tooth while nourishing your body.


Credit: StarbucksStarbucks Worst: Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino Blended Beverage (480 calories/19 grams of fat)
Better: Mocha Frappuccino Light Blended Beverage (130 calories /.5 grams of fat)
Best: Iced Coffee (90 calories/0 grams of fat)
Starbucks is promoting the Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino as its new summer drink, but this fat-laden Frappuccino contains roughly the same calories and fat as a McDonald's Double Cheeseburger. To get a similar chocolate and coffee frozen blend with significantly fewer calories, try a Mocha Frappuccino Light Blended Beverage and save a whopping 350 calories and 18.5 grams of fat. While it may be the best of the cold coffee beverages, just be aware that Starbucks sweetens its iced coffee when they brew it, so before you add any milk or sugar, your coffee is hitting the 90 calorie mark.

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World's Best Hotels 2012

Everyone wants recommendations where to stay when they travel, and for 17 years running, Travel + Leisure has asked our readers to vote on the hotels they love most. The resulting World’s Best Awards are a collection of the properties that go above and beyond.

Tired of spending layovers in an airport?  Download Yahoo! TimeTraveler on your iPhone to create custom itineraries based on your location and amount of time you have to spend.


Some hotels at the top of the list, like Montana’s Triple Creek Ranch and India’s Oberoi Udaivilas, are perennial winners. But there were also some surprising newcomers this year. The romantic Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens, near Costa Rica’s Arenal volcano, debuted at No. 6—the first Costa Rican hotel to break into the Top 10. And Australia’s Southern Ocean Lodge, the country’s first wilderness luxury retreat, surged to the top of the list at No. 3.
You can find great hotels all over the planet, of course, but here are the best of the best.

No. 1 Singita Grumeti Reserves
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Score: 98.25

Pioneering Singita has done it again with the new Singita Explore, a mobile safari camp that's the latest addition to the company's 340,000-acre concession in Tanzania's majestic Serengeti. Other lodges include tented (and stationary) Sabora, with mahogany chests, worn-leather campaign chairs, and thick Persian rugs. Faru Faru, with six chalets overlooking the Grumeti River, channels a Swahili beach resort; a swimming pool curves in front of an open-air lounge, where guests sip sunset cocktails as elephants gather at the watering hole below. The reserve's flagship is Sasakwa, an East African ranch house on a plateau. There are seven cottage residences, each with a garden and cliff-top plunge pool. Tennis courts, a spa, and a yoga center occupy guests between twice-daily game drives, where sightings include elephants, wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. Active travelers can take in the scenery via horseback or mountain bike.

Triple Creek Ranch, Darby, MT (Photo: Courtesy of Triple Creek Ranch)

No. 2 Triple Creek Ranch
Darby, MT
Score: 98.22

Triple Creek is a service-driven, adults-only property in Montana’s Bitterroot Mountains. The 40-acre landscape has 23 plush log cabins, each outfitted with wood-burning fireplaces, hot tubs, original oil paintings and sculptures, and fit-for-a-rancher feather beds topped with locally woven woolens. Itineraries are tailored to guests’ interests and can include fly-fishing, dinners at the chef’s table, and helicopter tours. The Baker and Boulder cabins are the least expensive, but still have a sitting area and fireplace and offer access to a hot tub. In winter, don’t miss a snowshoe excursion across the Chief Joseph Pass—explored by Lewis and Clark in 1805—or the chocolate chip cookies served by cowboy-booted staffers on your return.

Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia (Photo: Courtesy of Baillie Lodges)

No. 3 Southern Ocean Lodge
Kangaroo Island, Australia

Score: 97.87

On a sparsely populated island 30 minutes by plane from Adelaide sits this lodge, which is contemporary in design and green in attitude. The 21 spacious suites have limestone floors, locals' artwork, and outdoor terraces. Air-conditioning is unnecessary: the property was constructed to take advantage of natural weather patterns. Owners James and Hayley Baillie developed only one percent of their total acreage on the wildlife-filled isle, leaving the rest of the land in a preservation trust. Guests learn about the resort’s sustainability policy upon check-in, underscoring the Baillies’ appreciation of the area’s natural beauty.

Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India (Photo: Courtesy of Oberoi Udaivilas)

No. 4 Oberoi Udaivilas
Udaipur, India

Score: 97.50

This palatial, 30-acre property, located in central Rajasthan, presides over the banks of Lake Pichola, preserving the enchantment of a bygone era through a distinctly Mewari lens. Royal service is ensured from your arrival as a private boat ferries you across Udaipur's domed palaces. You're also provided with a personal butler who guides you to your room, situated in a private courtyard with silken parasols and views over the jagged Aravalli Mountains. It's hard to believe you're less than 3 miles from the city center and its landmarks like the 16th-century City Palace; the resort can arrange for an English-speaking expert to guide you through its countless corridors and gardens.

Discovery Shores, Boracay, Philippines (Photo: Courtesy of Discovery Bay)

No. 5 Discovery Shores
Boracay, Philippines

Score: 96.77

Barefoot elegance is undoubtedly the vibe on this tiny island, where the 2 and a half-mile stretch known as White Beach is often singled out for being the softest in the world. The 88 spacious suites all have large glass walls that look towards a scenic rock garden, but chances are you'll spend more time by the water. Take a dip in the infinity pool, or jet-ski on the crystalline sea. For people-watching, head to The Sandbar, where they stir up delicious mojitos, infused with local flavors like lychee and mango. Once you're sufficiently refueled, karaoke your heart out, with over 1,000 songs (mostly in English) to choose from at the resort's recreation lounge.

Nayra Hotel, Spa & Gardens, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica (Photo: Courtesy of Nayara Hotel)

No. 6 Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens
La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica

Score: 96.36

Tucked away towards the base of the still-active Arenal Volcano, Nayara could very well be considered the definition of oasis. The resort has views of the volcano, surrounded by a rainforest that bursts with Costa Rica’s trademark bright colors, whether it’s tropical flowers or vibrant creatures (like a blood red dragonfly). With a focus on romance and seclusion, the 50 casitas include private outdoor Jacuzzis and sheer curtains surrounding the four-poster beds. Explore the surrounding wilderness by guided hike, zipline, horseback ride, river rafting, or wildlife tour. Then unwind with cocktails at the swim-up bar or a rose petal-adorned massage.

Singita Kruger National Park, South Africa (Photo: Courtesy of Singita Game Reserves)

No. 7 Singita Kruger National Park
South Africa

Score: 96.33

Singita has become the gold standard of the safari industry, and it's easy to see why at these two lodges in a 33,000-acre concession in Kruger National Park. Every need is anticipated (hot water bottles and blankets for warm morning game drives), staff remember your preferences, and every day brings a surprise, whether candlelit bush dinners to surprise fireside performances. The treehouse-cum-urban-loft aesthetic affords dramatic views of the N'wanetsi River and Lebombo Mountain foothills. Lebombo's 15 glass-fronted suites have roughly hewn wood ceilings and pillars mimicking the surrounding trees. The all-glass front allows for game-viewing from bed, or you can laze on the elevated deck. Neighboring Sweni's six suites have a similar design. Both have access to a gym, a spa, an art gallery, a boutique and a wine cellar specializing in innovative African vintages.

Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt, Buenos Aires (Photo: Courtesy of Park Hyatt)

No. 8 Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt
Buenos Aires

Score: 96.13

This Park Hyatt feels like two hotels in one. The original 23-room mansion, built in 1934 by French architect Leon Dourge, defines Belle Epoque elegance: elaborate ironwork, glass chandeliers, and Persian rugs. Next door is the 142-room Posadas building, a sleek, minimalist tower that opened in 2006. What unites the two spaces—in addition to an underground art gallery—is impeccable service. And while the rooms' appearances vary according to their era (hardwood floors and silk curtains in the Palacio, a natural palate and contemporary furniture in Posadas), all have the highest-end technology, rain showers, soaking tubs, and bathrooms bedecked in Travertino marble. At the Vinoteca, a sommelier and maitre fromager pair wines from among 3,500 bottles of Argentine vintages with regional cheeses and chutneys.

Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, Arusha, Tanzania (Photo: Courtesy of Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge)

No. 9 Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Arusha, Tanzania

Score: 95.85

Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge's perch on the eastern rim of the crater offers some of the best access to game viewing on the crater floor. They even have their own access road in, a serious perk allowing you to beat the traffic-jam crowds of jeeps heading out on game drives each morning from other lodges.  The location makes up for the uninspiring design of the 96 rooms with dated 80s-ish cream and burgundy bedspreads and souvenir-shop tchotchke-style accents. Still they're cozy, and with the big five spread out like a theatre below you, you'll likely spend more of your time on the quaint rocking chairs in your glass-enclosed balcony. 

Singita Sabi Sand, Kruger National Park Area, South Africa (Photo: Courtesy of Singita Game Reserves)

No. 10 Singita Sabi Sand
Kruger National Park Area, South Africa

Score: 95.74

South Africa's most luxe safari experience awaits in the Sabi Sands reserve bordering Kruger National Park. Service could not be more friendly or personalized—butlers remember your coffee preferences, pre-preparing mugs for your morning gamedrives. Equally impressive? The design. Ebony's 12 suites, fresh off a 2011 renovation, have a Ralph-Lauren-goes-bush elegance with weathered leather club chairs, stone fireplaces, and massive four-poster mahogany beds. Each villa overlooking the Sand River has an outdoor shower, private plunge pool and bathroom with a romantic clawfoot tub. Neighboring Boulders embraces a more contemporary aesthetic with burl wood tables and natural accents like cream hide rugs and baskets of ostrich eggs. Both have gyms, spas and access to the lodge's wine program, which includes limited-release vintages not available elsewhere. You can purchase these bottles to ship home as well as African jewelry and homegoods. Families and groups should consider booking the exclusive-use Castleton Camp, which comes with its own pool, staff and chef.

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Five High-Paying, Low-Stress Jobs

Imagine the following scenario. Someone asks you how work is going and you say, “Not bad. The pay is great and the stress is manageable.” According to research from online salary database PayScale.com, that could be your reality if you choose one of the following well-paying jobs where workers report below-average levels of stress.

PayScale.com collects salary and job information from employees around the country and has found that the most enviable gigs are typically knowledge-based and require highly specialized training and education.

“Being smart at something really helps you feel happy,” says Katie Bardaro, lead research analyst at PayScale.com. “The more preparation you put into a career, the more you can define your career, such as being able to set your schedule and your tasks.”

She adds that not having the pressure of being “a cog in the machine alleviates some stress.” It seems that being able to walk into a room and command everyone’s attention as you share your expertise makes you less likely to crave that sixth cup of coffee.

Perhaps the promise of a career like this will inspire you to get the degree or additional job training you need to land one of these five high-paying, low-stress jobs.

1. Optometrist
Median Annual Salary: $99,200
Good attention to detail and a strong background in the sciences help optometrists diagnose vision problems, prescribe vision-correcting eyewear and help manage eye diseases like glaucoma. In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree and doctorate, optometrists must pass state and national exams. After all that, apparently, they are pretty happy. Job prospects are excellent, with 24 percent job growth expected through 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Find optometrist jobs.

2. Materials Scientist
Median Annual Salary: $90,600
Synthetic fibers, lubricants, leak-proof materials -- these are a few of the products created by materials scientists. They need strong chemistry backgrounds and at least a bachelor’s degree to get started. Those holding a PhD often specialize in areas such as analytical chemistry or polymer chemistry.

Find materials scientist jobs.

3. Economist
Median Annual Salary: $85,600
Economists pay attention to the distribution of goods and resources. They may focus on money, natural resources or other valuables, and often work to predict future outcomes. Those with a PhD fare best in what can be a very competitive job market. You have to be willing to produce plenty of reports and analyses based on hours of number crunching. The government employs the majority of economists, according to the BLS.

Find economist jobs.

4. Aeronautical Engineer
Median Annual Salary: $82,800
Who wouldn’t feel inspired working on the wonder of flight every day? From lowering aircraft weight and fuel needs to improving safety, aeronautical engineers spend a lot of time rethinking and improving how we travel through the air. Aeronautical engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree to start, but many earn master’s degrees and pass both licensing and professional advancement exams.

Find aeronautical engineer jobs.

5. User Experience Designer
Median Annual Salary: $79,100
User experience (UX) designers optimize any experience where humans interact with objects, such as board games, ATMs and cars. For example, in a world where nearly anyone can create a Web site in hours, leading companies often hire UX designers to make their site more attractive and easy to use. UX designers come from a variety of disciplines, including psychology, industrial design and anthropology.

“I work on projects just as they start or even initiate the project myself,” says Mike Bibik, a senior UX designer in Seattle. “This affords [me] a greater amount of influence, and I am not dealing with the stress of project decisions or directions with which I disagree.”

Find user experience designer jobs.

Source: All salary data provided by online salary database PayScale.com. Salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with five to eight years of experience and include all bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

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Bethenny Frankel’s Tips on Staying Slim, Sexy, and Fabulous

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She’s wrapped up another season of her Bravo hit, Bethenny Ever After; has published her first novel, Skinnydipping; and has launched a talk show produced with Ellen DeGeneres, but Frankel made time to dish out words of wisdom on how we can all get the body, love and shoes we deserve!

Eat good stuff

“I used to starve, then binge, and I was 25 pounds heavier. I tried every diet from Beverly Hills to South Beach. Any diet that says to limit eating watermelon but processed protein bars are good means we’ve become stupid. Now I eat what I crave and make sure I’m having a balanced variety.”

Realize there is no perfect.

“I’m confident because I know there is no ‘right’ way of doing things. So I stay in my own lane and do what I do. The more you see that your ideas work, the stronger you’ll feel.”

Cry if you want to.

“Martha Stewart told me that women in business don’t cry. I say crying’s fine as long as you’re doing your job. And obviously, when you’re the boss, do whatever the hell you want!”

Avoid fashion don’ts.

“Never wear culottes, balloon pants or acid wash. Or any outfit with more than one animal print.”

Send thank-you cards.

“It’s about networking. I’ve always been a connector and someone who hustles. I got on The Real Housewives by going to a polo match in the Hamptons, where I met the producers. I’d rather be shot than go to one now, but I cherish the RH experience.”

Don’t go into debt.

“I was anxious about money but still spent too much on dumb things. At one point, I owed like $20,000. It was suffocating.”

Fight smarter.

“People say, ‘Just communicate.’ That’s kind of BS. To have a strong relationship, you have to argue in a healthy way. Sometimes, you’ve got to back down. Don’t escalate things, and don’t bring up unrelated stuff.”

Be authentic.

“Power is not how bold you are or how much you say. It’s about being true to yourself. Be the person you believe you are.”

Have your makeup done right.

“Before I could afford a pro, I’d go to the department store counter. The first time, the girl threw attitude and was like, ‘Um, you have to buy two items.’ I said, ‘Slow down, piranha. I plan to, and I’ll tip you, too, so do my face.’ It cost $50 and was worth it!”

Look hot for less.

“If you’re fit, you don’t need to buy expensive clothes. But don’t skimp on the essentials, like a really good bag and shoes. You can go cheap on costume jewelry, scarves and belts.”

Gelato rules.

“Years ago, on a trip to Italy, I decided that I wasn’t going to diet. I was going to try everything and still fit into my jeans when I got back. So I had the gelato and pastry and pasta and wine, but I stuck to small, reasonable portions. It was really revolutionary for me.”

Find your sex sweet spot.

“Like Nike says, Just Do It! Figure out the pattern that works for both of you. I’m tired at night, but I’m in a ‘place of yes’ in the morning if I wake up before Bryn does. Jason loves it anytime, any way he can get it, so he’s happy whenever.”

Get real.

“I’m happiest when it’s just us, like when I’m on the floor with Jason and the baby, making a tent with blankets. Right now, I’m looking for some peace. I’m not really sure what I’m doing anymore with reality TV. I experienced a miscarriage on TV. I didn’t need that.”

Don’t take no for an answer.

“People have said no to all my ideas along the way. No to my first book, which turned out to be a best seller. No to my Skinnygirl Cocktails. Never assume that anyone is smarter than you are. Trust your gut, and keep it simple.”

Do the plank pose.

“It’s the best for getting flat abs. I do yoga two or three days a week for myself and for my state of mind. I’m not all caught up in my body anymore. How often am I strutting around naked? I exercise to get the kinks out, to feel healthy and to keep things not jiggly.”

Wear lingerie on date nights.

“Or on special occasions. I can’t always be a minx—I need to support my breasts. And I’m not comfortable in underwear that’s like dental floss.”

Radiate sexiness from within.

“It’s definitely not about being the skinniest woman in the room. That’s not as sexy as looking like Sofía Vergara, Christina Hendricks, Jennifer Hudson or anyone else who is rockin’ her curves. People are attracted to confidence.”

Love a daily dose of celeb gossip? Get your star fix, including celebs’ fave workouts and playlists here!

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KFC Copycat Fried Chicken: Better Than the Colonel’s

"Everybody has eaten Kentucky Fried Chicken, and if they tell you they haven't, they are lying," James Boyce, chef/owner of Commerce Kitchen in Huntsville, Alabama, tells Yahoo! Shine. "The crust is perfect every time." Although Boyce has dug into his share of buckets, especially during his teens and early twenties (he remembers the coleslaw and biscuits as "winners"), when he first opened his clubby chophouse, Commerce Kitchen, he wasn't planning on serving fried chicken. But, being Alabama, "every one asked for it."
Related: Healthy Fast Food Options
Boyce started researching how to make classic Southern fried chicken at the local library. "They have an amazing archive of recipes," he explains. As everyone knows, the KFC recipe, developed by Colonel Harland Sanders, is still a mystery, and supposedly locked in a safe at company headquarters. Although some food sleuths claim to have identified the eleven secret herbs and spices used in the original, others say that KFC changed the recipe to plain old salt, pepper, and MSG when Sanders sold the chain back in 1964. Not so finger lickin' good.
Related: Top 5 Most Expensive Burgers
Boyce developed his succulent, crispy fried chicken by playing with traditional recipes and experimenting with the cooking process, eventually settling on a nine-spice blend and a slower fry. "What's great is how moist it stays," he says. "It takes a little longer but develops a beautiful crust and cooks evenly down to the bone." His method is especially appealing to home cooks who are intimidated by the idea of deep-frying. While you can use a screen to protect from splatters, Boyce says, "If your stove is getting covered with grease, your heat is too high."
Commerce Kitchen Fried Chicken (adapted from James Boyce)
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons pepper
4 tablespoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon French thyme, ground
1 tablespoon dried sweet basil, ground
1 teaspoon oregano, ground
1 tablespoon Jamaica ginger, ground (regular ground ginger will work too)
2 cups buttermilk
2 2 ½- 3 lb. chickens, cut into 8 pieces each
Vegetable oil for frying (canola and peanut oil work too)
Directions:
Mix dry ingredients in large bowl. Set aside.
Put chicken and buttermilk in two large plastic Ziploc bags or a flat dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours, turning every 30 minutes. This tenderizes the meat as well as removes any blood.
When ready to cook, remove chicken pieces from buttermilk, shake off excess liquid. Toss with dry ingredients. The chicken should be lightly covered, but it's okay if there are a few missed spots. You can also shake chicken with the dry ingredients in a large Ziploc bag.
Fill a large, heavy bottomed skillet or deep pot with enough oil to cover halfway up the largest piece of chicken. Heat oil to 325-350 degrees. If you don't have a cooking thermometer, wait for small bubbles to form.
Adjust heat so the oil bubbles are steady but not too rapid. Working in two or more batches, place the coated chicken in the hot oil. After about eight minutes, the chicken will be golden brown underneath. Turn over once and cook for an additional eight minutes or until nicely browned on both sides. The cooking process will agitate the pieces slightly, so you don't need to shift them around in the pan.
After frying, place chicken on a metal sheet tray covered in a paper towel and transfer to 200-degree oven to keep warm until serving. The chicken will stay moist for up to an hour.

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Sylvester Stallone releases statement asking for ‘compassion’ after son’s death

Sylvester Stallone and son Sage. (Wireimage)Two days after his 36-year-old son Sage was found dead, Sylvester Stallone released a statement to the public asking for sensitivity. "When a parent loses a child there is no greater pain. Therefore I am imploring people to respect my talented son's memory and feel compassion for his loving mother Sasha," the 66-year-old actor told TMZ Sunday night. "This agonizing loss will be felt for the rest of our lives," Stallone said. "Sage was our first child and the center of our universe and I am humbly begging for all to have my son's memory and soul left in peace."

He also called for an end to "the speculation and questionable reporting" surrounding Sage's death. Reports circulating on Friday and over the weekend had blamed his death on prescription pills, speculated suicide, and had stated that he been dead anywhere from three to seven days prior to his body being discovered in his Los Angeles area home by a housekeeper on July 13, though initial reports said the police had been called to do a welfare check after Sage had not been heard from for some time.
Sage with his parents, dad Stallone and mom Sasha Czack. (Willi Schneider/Rex/Rex USA)
An autopsy was conducted on Sunday, but the outcome will not be released until the results of the toxicology tests are received.
"We don't know what the circumstances are around it," Sage's attorney George Braunstein told NBC Los Angeles on Sunday. "He was in good health, great spirits. He was thinking of getting married, working on a lot of film projects."

The identity of the girlfriend attorney Braunstein is referring to is not known, but Sage was previously married to a woman named Starlin Wright. The marriage ended in 2008 after a year.

Sage — who played the son of his dad's iconic character, Rocky Balboa, in the 1990 film "Rocky V" — was Stallone's eldest son and one of two children he had with first wife Sasha Czack, whom he split with in 1985 after 11 years of marriage. Stallone went on to have three daughters with his current wife, Jennifer Flavin.
Just a day prior to learning the devastating news, Stallone had participated in a buzzed-about panel to promote his upcoming action sequel "Expendables 2" at San Diego's popular Comic-Con convention on Thursday. He and co-star Arnold Schwarzenegger received standing ovations upon arriving, exchanged jokes, and reminisced about their first meeting over 30 years ago.

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Six Careers for People Who Don't Like People

Not a people person? That shouldn't be a problem in these careers.

By Jennifer Berry
Do you long for a job where you can work in peace and quiet, without people constantly bugging you?
If you're not a people person, don't feel like you have to pretend to be one to get a good job, says Nancy Ancowitz, a business communication coach and author of "Self-Promotion for Introverts®: The Quiet Guide to Getting Ahead."
"After all, who wants to interact with a waiter, salesperson, or doctor who would be happier playing the professional equivalent of Solitaire?" Ancowitz asks. "Not everyone thrives in a customer-facing role - particularly the customers you're facing if you're not a people person."
The good news is that you don't necessarily have to be a people person to thrive in every career.
Keep reading to learn about some great options for people who just want to be left alone.

Career #1 - Accountant

Are you happier focusing on spreadsheets and actually getting things done versus listening to coworkers or customers talking all day? Consider career options in accounting.
"As an accountant or auditor, concentrating on solitary tasks involving financial records, budgets, and tax code is far more important than being a social butterfly or showman," Ancowitz says.
In fact, accountants often spend their days organizing and maintaining financial records, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. You might also study your company's financial statements to make sure they're correct, or think about new ways for your company to reduce costs and improve profits.
Click to Find the Right Accounting Program Now.
Education Options: The Department of Labor says "most accountants and authors need at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field."

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Career #2 - Technical Writer

Wish you could be left alone with your thoughts a little more - and deal with people a little less? Consider pursuing a career as a technical writer and you just might get your wish.
"Many writers live a rich life inside their own heads," Ancowitz says. "Depending on what type of writing you do, your need to interact with the outside world may be more dependent on how well you stock your fridge than a burning need to 'party.'"
As a technical writer, for example, you might write instruction or operating manuals, says the U.S. Department of Labor. That could mean spending your days gathering and organizing technical information, and figuring out how to explain complicated products or processes so customers can understand them better.
Click to Find the Right Communications Program Now.
Education Options: According to the Department of Labor, a college degree is usually required. You might want to consider earning it in journalism, English, or communications, as these are degrees employers generally prefer, says the Department.

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Career #3 - Graphic Designer

Do you dream of spending your days alone with your creativity, uninterrupted by noisy coworkers or customers? Consider pursuing a career as a graphic designer and your creativity might get to flow without interruption.
"The rest of the world mainly uses words to express themselves and visuals are an afterthought," Ancowitz says. "But for [graphic designers], visuals are your mother tongue and words may not flow so easily. You may enjoy lots of downtime so you can allow your creative thoughts to swirl around your head."
However, Ancowitz warns that some offices may come with coworkers that "may distract you from your creative process," so you'll want to pick and choose where you work wisely.
So what exactly do graphic designers do? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, they often need to figure out what clients need and how to best communicate their message visually. As part of the job, they might create logos or develop layouts for advertisements.
Click to Find the Right Graphic Design Program Now.
Education Options: The Department of Labor says graphic designers usually need a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field. The Department also notes that you'll need a good portfolio when it comes time to look for work - so make sure to focus on developing a strong body of work while you're in school.

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Career #4 - Software Developer

Do you prefer the reliability of machines to the unpredictability of people? You might want to consider pursuing a career as a software engineer.
"A lot of your work will probably entail sitting for hours on end at your computer rather than sitting at meetings all day," Ancowitz says.
And if you really want a workspace you're comfortable with, you'll probably be thrilled with this bit of news: Many software developers are able to telecommute to work, says the U.S. Department of Labor. This could be perfect for people who don't like the distractions of a busy office.
In terms of what you'll be doing, the Department of Labor says that as a software engineer, you might spend your days designing applications or even testing your software to make sure it works correctly.
Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program Now.
Education Options: Software developers generally have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field - though a degree in math might also be okay for some employers, according to the Department.

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Career #5 - Medical Laboratory Technician

Are you happiest when you know exactly what you need to do, following specific instructions to the letter? You might want to consider a career as a medical laboratory technician.
"Medical lab technicians often work with one patient at a time as well as behind-the-scenes," Ancowitz says. "This job may be appealing to you because it doesn't entail campaign speeches, back-to-back meetings, or nonstop schmoozing."
In fact, one of the things you might do as a medical lab technician working under the supervision of a medical laboratory technologist or laboratory manager is collect samples of body fluids, tissue, or other substances from patients - and then perform tests on them, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Click to Find the Right Medical Laboratory Technician Program Now.
Education Options: You'll usually need a medical laboratory technician associate's degree or certificate to get started in this field, says the Department of Labor. Check and see if your state requires medical laboratory technicians to get licensed or certified as well.

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Career #6 - Information Security Analyst

Do you like the idea of thwarting criminals before they can cause major damage - but don't want to deal with people face to face? Consider preparing to pursue a career as an information security analyst.
"This is another career that is great for those who like to remain behind the scenes," Ancowitz says. She notes that this could be perfect for someone who's "got the mind of a sleuth, the energy of a watchdog, and the patience and persistence to solve complex technical problems."
The U.S. Department of Labor says information security analysts can use firewalls and data encryption programs to protect their company's computer systems from cyber attacks. You may also spend a lot of time keeping up-to-date on the latest cyber attacks and new security technology.
Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program Now.
Education Options: The Department of Labor says information security analysts generally need a bachelor's degree in computer science, programming, or another computer-related field. The Department also notes that employers prefer analysts who've earned their master's in business administration (MBA) in information systems.


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21-pound lobster caught off coast of Cape Cod; fate uncertain

Elise Costa holds the 21-pound-lobster (Elise Costa/WBZ)It's not the largest lobster on record, but a giant 21-pound lobster caught off the coast of Cape Cod, Mass., has claws nearly a foot long.

"I had its tail on my shoulder and I had each claw in one of my hands, and it was as long as my arms and as big as my torso, " said Elise Costa, restaurant manager of Capt'n Elmer's, to WBZ NewsRadio. "It's giant."

Back in February, a 27-pound-lobster was caught off the coast of Maine, setting the record for the largest known lobster in the state's history. Elaine Jones, education director for the state's Department of Marine Resources told Reuters that its claws were big enough to snap a man's arm. "All the weight is in the claws," Jones said. "It would break your arm."
Maine state law prohibits fisherman from keeping lobsters longer than five inches. So, the 40-inch behemoth, described as roughly being the size of a 3-year-old human baby, was returned safely to the ocean waters.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest lobster in history was caught off the coast of Nova Scotia in 1977 and weighed 44 pounds.
However, because it was caught in an unrestricted area, the fate of the 21-pound Cape Cod lobster remains uncertain.

"Usually, for every four and a half pounds of live lobster, once you cook it and clean it, you get one pound of meat. So 21 divided by four and a half, that would give you about five pounds of meat," Costa said, in what could be a foreboding analysis of the crustacean's fate.

Costa said the lobster would remain on display for a few days before either being sold or raffled for charity. A benevolent benefactor seems to be the lobster's last hope for survival.

"Often when we have lobsters this large, people come in to catch them, and they like to release them, which is kinda cool," Costa told WBZ.

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Can two bedrooms make one happy marriage?

By Jennifer Nelson

It’s now officially a substantial trend: a study by the National Sleep Foundation found that 25 percent of couples sleep in separate rooms. That’s one in four couples! Many who choose to sleep separately are reluctant to discuss it, but for most people, the decision to sleep in separate beds is a practical decision. It seems that sleep is elusive when you bed down with a partner who snores, tosses relentlessly, traipses to the restroom repeatedly, hogs the covers or is drenched in sweat each night.

One partner often retreats to a guest room, kid’s bed or the family room sofa while hoping that people won’t assume the worst about their relationship. By 2015, The National Association of Home Builders says that it expects 60 percent of custom-built homes to include dual master bedrooms for this exact reason. “It’s important for couples facing these issues to try their best to avoid being influenced by negative social stigma and [others’] judgment around sleeping apart and be as creative and innovative in finding solutions that work for them,” says Manhattan psychologist Dr. Joseph Cilona. And while sleeping in separate beds may solve some issues, it’s not always a perfect solution. Sleeping separately may mean you’re both getting better rest, but will it chip away at the romance or take a toll on overall intimacy? Some folks think that sleeping apart robs a marriage of its special connection.

Here’s how couples can combat living as roomies and keep close, cozy and connected even if they sleep in different beds:

1. Stay touchy-feely with each other. Even when couples don’t hold each other all night long, a lot of touching goes on while you’re falling asleep. Touch enhances the sense of intimacy and it also has a measurable biological effect: it stimulates the production of oxytocin, the hormone that deepens human bonding.

Separate-bed solution: “Make a real effort to stay touchy-feely during the day. Don’t just walk by each other; stop for a casual kiss or a loving pat. Hold hands on the couch and cuddle while you watch TV in the evening before bed,” suggests Beverly Hills psychiatrist Dr. Carole Lieberman, author of Bad Girls: Why Men Love Them & How Good Girls Can Learn Their Secrets (Cogito Media Group, 2010). “Couples need to make an extra effort if they sleep apart to consciously make up for the loss of loving touch. It’s not only important for holding onto the romance — touch is vital to emotional and physical health.”

2. Engage in pillow talk. You may have lots of focused conversations about your kids, the car, work and the dog, but there’s also intimacy in the kind of pillow talk couples engage in as they relax before falling asleep. Good marriages thrive on these private, unplanned conversations that may vanish when you start sleeping separately.

Separate-bed solution: Try to fall asleep together in the same bed with the understanding that if one partner disrupts the other’s sleep, that person will slip off to a different room during the night. The one who wakes up first can join the other for pillow chat in the morning. Lieberman suggests taking your pillow talk “to go” — while snuggling on a porch, in front of a fire, in the garden or in any cozy corner of the home — with candles, soft music, strawberries and whipped cream before retreating to separate sleeping arrangements.

3. Plan your romps between the sheets together. If you’re not snoozing together, you might end up having less sex. But psychologists say that many couples’ sex lives are enhanced by sleeping in separate rooms — in fact, it can even lead to greater desire for a partner or more frequent sexual encounters.

Separate-bed solution: “Instead of the ‘familiarity breeds contempt’ effect that sleeping together can bring — along with morning breath and bed head — you can present yourself at your most appetizing best,” says Lieberman. Women should forego their flannel pajamas for sexy lingerie instead. Light candles, take a bath or shower together, and invite your partner “over” to the bed he or she doesn’t usually sleep in. Create a “love nest” atmosphere and be spontaneous about where you will make love that night before you go to sleep.

4. Find other ways to sustain your emotional connection. It’s easy for any couple to get caught up in the daily grind and take each other for granted. If you’re not sharing a bed nightly, it may be even easier to miss each other’s cues for connecting emotionally.

Separate-bed solution: “Look for ways to be able to lie down together, even if it’s not sleeping with each other every night. Just some quiet time [spent] holding each other can help deepen your relationship,” says Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, psychologist and author of A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness (Morgan James, 2009). Look for other ways to connect outside the bedroom, such as having at least one date night each week, engaging in a hobby or fun activity together — not just paying bills and doing household chores. Make breakfast dates (and keep them fresh) by planning a picnic on the floor, for example; other ideas could include eating on the porch or enjoying breakfast in bed together. “You shouldn’t sleep and eat separately — or it’s a recipe for disaster and divorce,” says Lieberman.

Jennifer Nelson (www.byjennifernelson.com) is a Florida-based freelance writer whose work appears in Self, O - The Oprah Magazine, Redbook, Family Circle, Women’s Health and many others. She also regularly writes about health, lifestyle and relationships for Parade, Glamour, MSNBC.com and WebMD.


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Ohio High School Kingpin Arrested in Major Drug Bust

ABC News
By RUSSELL GOLDMAN

Ohio police have arrested an alleged drug kingpin, a 17-year-old accused of running a multimillion dollar ring that distributed high-grade marijuana through two school districts and netted $20,000 a month.

When cops raided the boy's bedroom at his parents' home, they found over $6,000 in cash, prosecutors said.

Authorities have not released the student's name, because he was a 16-year-old minor at the time he committed the alleged drug deals. Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell said the boy will be tried as juvenile.

Cops first became aware of a high-grade marijuana of marijuana being sold for $350-$400 an ounce in the Mason school district near Cincinnati last year. An undercover agent began making buys at Mason High School, where the teenager was a student, and uncovered a dealing operation headed by the arrested student.

"The undercover officer uncovered six students or former students working for that individual and trafficking drugs in two school districts," Fornshell told ABC News.

"The group supplied an overwhelming amount of marijuana in the Mason and King school districts," Fornshell said.

The marijuana previously sold in the areas was a lower-grade variety smuggled into the U.S. through the border, but the weed they began seeing last year was a much more expensive product.

The student helped lead cops to uncover a major grow operation, run by locals out of warehouses and other buildings in three nearby towns.

Six other adult individuals were ultimately arrested for their role in growing and distributing the drug.

Authorities seized 600 plants from the three grow houses, with an estimated street value of $3 million.

All of the individuals have been indicted by a grand jury, but have yet to be arraigned or enter pleas.

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Ramadan Greetings for our Muslim Brothers

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