IT’S TODAY: It was Dec. 7, 1941, “the date which will live in
infamy” when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, prompting
America’s entrance into World War II. The comment, of course, was
made by President Franklin Roosevelt and, his words have been
verified over time. Few dates in American history carry so much
significance.

POPCORN: Ever notice how scrumptious the popcorn is at the local
movie theater?

Jim Guelfi, executive director of Bradford Creative &
Performing Arts Center, tells us the popcorn served at the Dipson
theaters wins “best tasting” every year in the Art Voice paper,
Buffalo, N.Y.

The popcorn is popped in partially hydrogenated soybean and
cottonseed oil which has 16 percent saturated fat. The oil
is cholesterol free, and the popcorn itself contains no artificial
coloring or flavoring. All they add for flavoring is salt. “We also
use 100 percent REAL butter if butter is requested,” he
reports.

While the product zeroes out in most of the nasty things
(sodium, carbs, cholesterol, sugar etc.) that doesn’t mean it’s
completely guilt free. Total calories for a single portion? Nearly
900 calories for a large popcorn.

“Everyone needs to remember, every thing in moderation!” Jim
writes.

Meanwhile, if you get a craving at home for something salty, our
Diet Detective Charles Stuart Platkin recommends microwave popcorn
— a true calorie bargain if you shop wisely. Eight ounces of potato
chips is 227 calories while the same amount of popcorn is 187.

Air-popped popcorn has 14 more grams of protein than chips and
22 more grams of fiber, making it an easy way to sneak more whole
grains into your diet.

What to look out for: Microwave popcorn is a quick-and-easy
treat, but steer clear of butter-flavored varieties, which are full
of bad fats and questionable chemicals. Look for plain or low-fat
varieties or labels that read 94 percent fat free.