CRATE CATCH-UP

 NEFF ZONE -- BY JIM NEFF

CADILLAC NEWS -- NOVEMBER 8, 2025

While I've been away attending to the KISS Cadillac 50 Reunion, items have been accumulating in the crate beneath my desk. Most of these are not earth shattering, but many are just fun to know. 

 

With winter around the corner, getting enough exercise is a challenge. This may not be a difficult as you might think if it comes ion the form of a snack. “Short bursts of purposeful activity — such as walking around the block or lifting small weights — may be the best way to get in the habit of exercising. Bite-sized bits of exercise also improve heart and muscle fitness, a study published in BMJ Sports Medicine found.” 

 

An exercise snack is defined as a bout of vigorous physical activity that lasts less than five minutes. “The activity has to be done at least two times a day on at least three days per week, for four to twelve weeks.” More benefits at: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/exercise-snacks-short-activity-bursts-heart-health-muscle-strength-rcna236192. 

 

As long as you're exercise snacking, another study adds that doing just about anything is better with a friend. “These results suggest that happiness thrives in the company of others. “The study suggests that we are leaving some happiness on the table by engaging in everyday activities alone.” (https://nicenews.com/humanity/almost-all-activities-more-enjoyable-with-others/)

 

An additional study indicates that to get comparable results in one health area men have to exercise more than women. “Men may need to exercise twice as much as women to achieve the same reduction in coronary heart disease risk. Scientists found that the risk of heart disease fell thirty percent in women who clocked up 250 minutes of exercise each week. In contrast, men needed to reach 530 minutes, or nearly nine hours, a week to see the same effect.” (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/oct/27/men-need-twice-as-much-exercise-as-women-to-lower-heart-disease-risk-study-finds)

 

When it comes to exercise, Nike has developed something that is not on the market yet, but may be in your future. “Nike announced Project Amplify, the world’s first powered footwear system. Much like e-bikes provide pedal assistance, Project Amplify uses a lightweight robotics system to boost running and walking speed.” 

 

They claim this will be for ordinary people. “Project Amplify resembles an ankle brace, with a motor, drive belt, and rechargeable battery concealed in a fairly svelte design. It’s aimed at 'athletes' (anyone with a body) who are running at a roughly twelve minutes per mile pace.” (https://www.theverge.com/news/805664/nike-powered-show-project-amplify)

 

If all that exercise makes you hungry, how about snacking on some cheese? It turns out there is plenty to go around. “A treasure trove of around 1.4 billion pounds of cheese sits a few hundred feet beneath the ground in the US, having been stashed there by the government.”

 

Why? It's a long story involving the dairy industry and several political administrations. This surplus is stored in caves in the hope it can be used. “There’s method to the madness as the cool and stable temperatures in the caves keep the many, many cheeses nice and cool. For now, the domestic reserve of cheddar, Swiss, and American cheese endures while dairy farmers continue to search for innovative ways to boost the purchase and use of cheese.” (https://www.iflscience.com/have-you-heard-about-americas-government-cheese-caves-theyve-got-over-600-million-kilograms-of-the-stuff-stashed-away-81292)

 

One thing to do with cheese is to melt some on an English muffin. The challenge is spiting the halves without mangling the muffin. Do you use a fork or knife? AllRecipes.com has come up with a better strategy. “All you need to do is squeeze the sides gently while rotating it in your hands. It should open easily, with all the precious nooks and crannies preserved.” (https://www.allrecipes.com/how-to-open-an-english-muffin-11747270)

 

Sometimes a crate item can pose a challenge. Here's one. Can you guess which ten U.S. cities are the most popular city-inspired baby names? I'll give you the top finisher. “With more than 12,500 babies receiving this name in 2024, Charlotte (North Carolina) is the most popular baby name inspired by a U.S. City.” You are on your own for the rest of the list at: https://10best.usatoday.com/travel/popular-baby-names-us-cities/. 

 

A bit of nostalgia always finds its way into the crate. In this case it's about hit songs. The Nostalgia Machine allows you to do this. Just select a year (after 1951) and all the hits are listed. When I was a senior in high school the big hit was “Wooly Bully” by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs. The fun is at: http://thenostalgiamachine.com/.

 

Finally, there's nothing like a good quote to start your day on a positive note. There are seventeen of these that remind us why “We Love Lucy.” (https://inspiringquotes.com/17-quotes-that-remind-us-why-we-love-lucy/)

 

 Of course, I'm referring to Lucille Ball of the TV series. About longevity she advised: “The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.” Along that same line, she reminded us: “Life takes guts.” 

 

 

Jim Neff is a local columnist. Read Neff Zone columns online at CadillacNews.com and NeffZone.com/cadillacnews.