KFC is Selling Fireplace Logs That Smell like Fried Chicken

Today Kentucky Fried Chicken announced the return of its fireplace logs which, of course, smell like those 11 secret herbs and spices.

The fan-favorite is exclusively available at Walmart starting today.

“In a year of unpredictability, nothing is more comforting than knowing that you will once again be able to cozy up next to a fried-chicken scented fire while enjoying the mouth-watering taste of KFC’s world-famous fried chicken,” the announcement declares.

The chicken is sold separately, but the logs are a partnership with fireplace-fuel Enviro-Log—and they’re made with recycled materials, for an eco-friendly bent. Walmart’s online store lists the regular price as $19.98 but is offering the logs for only $15.88 apiece.

Studies have shown that taste and smell are closely linked. Food-related odors have also been shown to increase rated appetite, and induce salivation and release of gastric acid and insulin. Not only does the smell of food make you hungry, but it makes you hungry for that specific type of food.

A study from the University of California, Berkeley, and published in Cell Metabolism found that one’s sense of smell is linked to weight gain. The findings suggest that the odor of what we eat may play an important role in how the body deals with calories. If you can’t smell your food, you may burn it rather than store it.

Are you always feeling hungry?

When blood glucose levels remain abnormally high ( hyperglycemia) for long periods of time, glucose from the blood cannot enter the cells – due to either a lack of insulin or insulin resistance – so the body can’t convert the food you eat into energy. This lack of energy causes an increase in hunger.

We’re honored to celebrate Luther Vandross and his musical legacy as well as raise awareness for eating disorders and diabetes health-related complications (such as stroke) on our annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast.

Guests include ‘Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat with Diabetes’ Author Dr. Michelle May, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, R & B Singer Alyson Williams, ‘Here & Now’ Songwriter and Entertainer Terry Steele, Seveda Williams, Luther Vandross Historian Leon Petrossian and Luther Superfan John Price.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from the album entitled ‘Busy Body’ courtesy of SONY Music. On ‘Busy Body’, Luther Vandross’ third album features ‘Superstar’, ‘For the Sweetness Of Your Love’, and the duet with Dionne Warwick entitled ‘ How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye’.

09/29/202009/29/2020

So Amazing White Apple Martini Cocktail Recipe

Today, September 29, FANDROSS celebrates the AMAZING songwriting skills of Luther Vandross. To mark this special occassion my friend and bartender, Erich Courage from GYM Sportsbar NYC created this Apple Martini inspired by Luther’s song ‘So Amazing’.

Join us as we raise a glass to toast the musical genius of Luther Vandross!

So Amazing White Apple Martini

Ingredients

1.5 fluid oz of Skyy Green Apple Vodka

.5 oz of clear Apple Juice

.5 oz Apple Schnapps

Splash of Spring Water. ( if needed to cut sweetness)

Directions

Place all ingredients and some ice in shaker glass. Shake vigorously. Strain into chilled martini glass, Garnish with a slice of green apple with one end that’s been lightly dipped in brown sugar, Place on rim of glass.

If you have diabetes, drinking alcohol may cause your blood sugar to either rise or fall. Plus, alcohol has a lot of calories. If you drink, be mindful of your blood glucose levels. Talk to your healthcare team for suggestions.

Divabetic celebrates the musical legacy of Luther Vandross and raising awareness for diabetes health-related complications (such as vision loss) on 2020’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast.

Diabetic eye disease, caused by diabetes, is a leading cause of blindness and vision loss. Because of the high risk for eye disease, all people with type 2 diabetes should receive an annual dilated eye exam.

A 2019 Vision Source study of 1,000 U.S. consumers found that more than 50% had issues with their vision in the past year, and 34% did not go for a professional eye exam. The major barriers to having an annual eye exam included not thinking they needed one (33%), unsure of where to go (25%), lack of insurance, (22%) and expense (22%).

Comprehensive eye exams are key to overall wellness and preserving a high quality of life. In addition to evaluating vision, annual eye exams can detect serious health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, and even cancer.

Guests include Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown, Nat Adderley Jr., Dr. Khoshnevis, Danny Clay, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s album, ‘The Night I Fell In Love’ courtesy of SONY Music.

09/05/202009/05/2020

Diabetes Late Nite Podcast Inspired by Angela Bofill in October!

We’re talking about the symptoms, causes and prevention for stroke with musical inspiration from Angela Bofill. With her strong, distinctive alto, Angela Bofill carved a niche as an outstanding interpreter of soul ballads and became a mainstay on the Quiet Storm radio format.

TUNE IN

Angela Bofill suffered a stroke in 2006 and was paralyzed on her left side. She suffered a second stroke in July 2007 which required therapy and left both her speech and mobility impaired. One thing the strokes couldn’t take was Bofill’s positive, humorous personality and her fighter spirit. After she lost the ability to sing, she returned to the stage for “The Angela Bofill Experience” in which she skillfully narrated her life story, while her band and other singers sang her hit songs.

Podcast guests include Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Patricia Addie-Gentle, and Rose Hall from Tessie’s Teas.

Throughout the podcast we will featuring music from Angela Bofill’s first two albums, Angie and Angel In the Night courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic’s monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their health care providers, a translator of clinical speak and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence.

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications.

Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org

07/31/2020

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts, Day Thirty One

Divabetic (Divabetic.org) presents a month-long showcase celebrating 10 years of diabetes podcasting. Each of the featured podcasts spotlights our favorite guests, topics, poems, games and/or musical inspiration. Enjoy!

On Day 31, we’re spotlighting Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Maria Callas from January 2020. We’re talking about ways to help minimize the drama in our daily diabetes lives.

Maria Callas changed the way we listen to opera—and charged the ambition of the singers who followed her. Her ability to interpret a wide variety of different roles truly set her apart, establishing her as a phenomenon, an operatic diva. She was able to fully exploit the dramatic strength of her low vocal range as much as the high and bright notes of her high range.

Opera takes any type of dramatic story and tries to make it more exciting and more believable with the help of music. Symptoms and situations related to diabetes are often dramatic and come on very suddenly. But how do you react to them? Are you ‘drama queen’?

If there’s drama in multiple areas of your diabetes life, be honest with yourself—you’re the constant. Are you creating it? We don’t do anything repeatedly unless there’s something in it for us, so, what’s the payoff?

Every time we find ourselves immersed in something that seems overwhelming, we have an opportunity to learn how to deal with challenges better.

Guests include Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport LCSW, PsyD, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Lorraine Brooks, American Heart and American Diabetes Association’s Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador Rob Taub, Yoga for Diabetes Author and Director Rachel Zinman and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN,CDE.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from the Grandiose Stimmen: Maria Callas album courtesy of SONY Music.

Our monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their health care providers, a translator of clinical speak and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications. Since its inception, Divabetic has presented outreach programs in 15 major U.S. cities, reaching hundreds of thousands of women, their families and health care professionals.

Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org

https://youtu.be/sLcbfF9ypmM

07/27/2020

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts, Day Twenty Seven

On Day 27, we’re spotlighting Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Patti Austin podcast from July 2018.

Grammy Award-winning Singer Patti Austin is in constant demand globally for live performances, thanks to a legacy of recordings that started in 1955, continued through the ‘60s with success as a teenage R&B star before establishing herself as a mainstay among jazz and soul audiences through her ‘70s recordings. By the ‘80s, Austin became known to the wider international audience as a result of the Grammy-nominated “Baby Come To Me” and “How Do You Keep The Music Playing”, her early ‘80s classic duets with James Ingram.

In New York, they referred to Patti Austin as the “Queen of Studio” for her singing abilities. When she arrived on set to work for Randy and Michael Brecker, Patti met Luther Vandross for the first time.The moment created a lasting friendship.

“Another thing (besides music) that bonded me to Luther was our weight issues,” she said. The two dialed each other often. “When touring, if we were in the same city, we attended movies together.” “He would usually pick some silly movie like [Scary Movie]” she said, expanding on the personal side of their relationship in a loving, humorous way.

“I had type 2 diabetes,” says the former 285- pound singing sensation. “I had obesity-driven diabetes,” continued the now 140-pound Austin. To reach her new weight, Patti Austin had gastric bypass surgery and the result has been remarkable.

Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout this podcast we will be featuring songs from ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’album courtesy of SONY Music.

Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org

07/25/2020

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts, Day Twenty Five

On Day 25, we’re spotlighting Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Whitney Houston from November 2017.

Learn how to become your own ‘Diabetes Bodyguard’ ! Our team of experts share ways to safeguard you and your family from experiencing diabetes health-related complications including

Heart disease and stroke: People with diabetes are two times more likely to have heart disease or a stroke as people without diabetes
Blindness and other eye problems:
- Damage to blood vessels in the retina (diabetic retinopathy)
- Clouding of the lens (cataract)
- Increase in fluid pressure in the eye (glaucoma)
Kidney disease: High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys and cause chronic kidney disease (CKD) pdf icon[PDF – 1.08 MB]. If not treated, CKD can lead to kidney failure. A person with kidney failure needs regular dialysis (a treatment that filters the blood) or a kidney transplant to survive. About 1 in 3 adults with diabetes has CKD. You won’t know if you have CKD unless your doctor tests you for it.
Nerve damage (neuropathy): One of the most common diabetes complications, nerve damage can cause numbness and pain. Nerve damage most often affects the feet and legs but can also affect your digestion, blood vessels, and heart.
Amputations: Diabetes-related damage to blood vessels and nerves, especially in the feet, can lead to serious, hard-to-treat infections. Amputation can be necessary to stop the spread of infection.
And more:
- Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and increased blood sugar, making diabetes harder to manage. Gum disease can also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Diabetes increases the risk of depression, and that risk grows as more diabetes-related health problems develop.

Diabetes health-related omplications usually develop over a long time without any symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to make and keep doctor and dentist appointments even if you feel fine. Early treatment can help prevent or delay diabetes-related health conditions and improve your overall health.

Guests include Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Constance Brown Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, Mindy Bartleson, T1D, blogger at “There’s More to the Story”, and author, Hairstylist & Salon Owner, Karline Ricketts, and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, Kathie Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’.

Enjoy an exclusive first listen of “Whitney Houston – I Wish You Love: More From ‘The Bodyguard’” ahead of the album’s release date courtesy of SONY Music. This 25th anniversary of “The Bodyguard” soundtrack album features the hit song, “I’m Every Woman” echoing the recent statistics that 1 in 10 women are now living with diabetes.

Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org

07/17/202007/17/2020

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts, Day Seventeen

On Day 17, we’re spotlighting Diabetes Late Inspired by Sara Bareilles from January 2014. “I came out as a gay man on this episode of Diabetes Late Nite,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “A few months before this podcast, I was the target of homophobic remarks after I presented a diabetes outreach program at a prominent African American Methodist Church in Philadelphia. I was crushed by those words. I’ve never wanted my sexuality to be the reason for someone to turn away from our diva brand of diabetes outreach but I felt that I had to come out to the Divabetic community for my own personal wellness. I am not ashamed of who I am nor will I be shamed because of my sexuality. I have never regretted my decision.”

Singer, Songwriter Sara Bareilles achieved mainstream success in 2007 with the hit song, Love Song, which brought her into the number one spot on the Billboard Pop 100 chart. She has sold over one million records and over four million singles in the Untied States alone and has been nominated for a Grammy Award five times. Sara Braeilles‘s latest album, The Blessed Unrest is nominated for Album of the Year Grammy Award. Her song, Brave is nominated for Best Solo Performance Grammy Award. Throughout the podcast, we will be playing clips of Sara Bareilles songs courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

The podcast also includes a Diabetes Hot Topics discussion, a Diabetes Numerology Puzzle, Prize Giveaways and a Mother Your Diabetes commentary.

Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Neva White MSN, CRNP, CDE, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, SONY Music Executive Jeff James, Mama Rose Marie and Mike Lawson from San Francisco, CA

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications. Since its inception, Divabetic has presented outreach programs in 15 major U.S. cities, reaching hundreds of thousands of women, their families and health care professionals.

Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org

07/16/202007/16/2020

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts, Day Sixteen

On Day 16, we’re spotlighting Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by the Pointer Sisters from December 2013.

“This podcast was a game changer for Divabetic,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.”It was the first time we featured music from various SONY music artists on our broadcast.”

The Pointer Sisters began their formal vocal training in their father’s church, The Church of God in West Oakland, California. June, Anita and Ruth Pointer achieved its greatest commercial success in 1983 with their biggest-selling album ever with Break Out. The Break Out album features the hits, Jump (For My Love), Automatic, Baby Come And Get It, I Need You, Neutron Dance and I’m So Excited.

The Pointer Sisters won several Grammy Awards, American Music Awards and have been inducted onto the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic is ‘so excited’ to host this hourlong whirlwind of wellness inspired by the Pointer Sisters with superstar guests including music journalist Christian John Wikane, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Kathy Gold RN, CDE, Neva White MSN, CRNP, CDE, Evetta Petty, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Laura Laria and Lindsay from Baton Rouge, LA living with diabetes. Show highlights include Mr. Divabetic’s ‘Favorite Things’ list of great gift ideas to keep you happy and healthy.

Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org

07/12/2020

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts, Day Twelve

On Day 12, we’re spotlighting our Diabetes Fairy Tales podcast from 2013. Fairy tales aren’t just for children. Adults need them too. Fairy tales can teach us about the higher qualities of ourselves and others, make us feel like we can conquer our fears and give us hope for the future. Additionally, we think the ‘Land of Make Believe’ can help you to stay healthy and upbeat about your diabetes self-care.

Joining Mr. Divabetic are Connie Frazier RD, CDE, Lori Bednarz RN, CDE, Makeup Artist and Esthetician Sue Perez, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Lorraine Starsky RN and Neva White CRNP, CDE in celebration of Divabetic’s sixth year of headlining the American Diabetes Association Expo in Pittsburgh, PA.

Mr. Divabetic and his merry band of diabetes educators presented Divabetic’s stage show extravaganza, ‘Diabetes Fairy Tales’ in the Divabetic Pavilion at the American Diabetes Association’s Expo in Pittsburgh, PA. The program is based on nine popular Fairy Tales including Snow White, Cinderella, Pinocchio, Beauty & The Beast, Rapunzel, Hansel & Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood and more! The Diabetes Fairy Tales stage show in Pittsburgh will feature Little Red Riding Hood self-care games, 3 Bears fitness demonstrations, Hansel and Gretel Food Aisle Face-Offs, and diabetes care advice for damsels in distress from the experts.

Poet Lorraine Brooks added a diabetes twist to the popular Beauty & The Beast fairy tale.

‘Beauty & The Beast’ by Lorraine Brooks

A beauty named Belle, says the story,

Was a lovely and humble young lass,

She was regal in all of her glory,

But she had diabetes, alas.

She thought diabetes was just a big beast

READ MORE

Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org

07/11/2020

Quiet Storm Fans: Lyrics Lovers Game 1

Can you identify the artist and the song of this popular Quiet Storm ballad just by looking at the lyrics from the 2nd verse? Good Luck!

After all this time
Slip on your nightgown
Step into our bedroom
First I want to take sometime

I just want to look at you
Girl you are so fine
I can’t believe you’re mine
And all I want to do

I want to make love to you
Tonight will be a special night
A minute more to come
And I’m so proud to be with you
So proud to share you’re love

Watch this video to see the answer

The smooth R&B programming nicknamed ‘the Quiet Storm’ starting in 1976 and came to prominence in the mid-80s, breaking artists including Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, and Sade, and establishing hit-makers like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and LA Reid and Babyface. It was an alternative to funk, disco, and boogie that also gifted “old-school” R&B artists with the extended careers that classic rock artists enjoyed.

An urban alternative to soft rock or easy listening, Quiet Storm ignores most of the programming rules of commercial radio. Songs can be current or decades old, deep cuts or singles, and are more likely to be a live version or extended length than a radio edit. Instrumentals also get burn; jazz fusion is a favorite.

The Quiet Storm was and is multipurpose mood music; perfect for everything from sexy-time to just general wind-down.

Excerpts from Naima Cochrane’s Vibe magazine article, May 2019

The Quiet Storm Fans page is moderated by Luther Vandross’s former assistant, Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek.

“My aim is to empower quiet storm music fans to learn more about the health conditions affecting their favorite artists and apply it to their own lives,” says Max Szadek. “For example, Quiet Storm legend, Barry White suffered from chronic hypertension, like many of his fans, which caused severe kidney damage before his death. In fact, the prevalence of high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) in African-Americans in the United States is among the highest in the world. More than 40 percent of non-Hispanic African-American men and women have high blood pressure. For African-Americans, high blood pressure also develops earlier in life and is usually more severe according to the American Heart Association.

https://youtu.be/bwn7ztGyY3M