LeeHouck's Profile

Having a propane tank is not illegal in Manhattan. However, using them (or getting caught using them) on a terrace, balcony, or roof is illegal. You are welcome to use a propane-fueled grill in your home as long as you have no more than two, and you are on the grounds (garden or yard) of your one or two-family home. Hence -- Manhattan grilling is difficult, unless you want to use charcoal.

The other thing to remember, is that getting caught with a propane tank in any of the tunnels going in and out of Manhattan is VERY unpleasant, and can result in HUGE fines. So -- if you're carting them around, take the bridges.

As for formaldehyde pellets: it is illegal in most places where syrup is produced, including Vermont, however there are sometimes stories floating around about people still using them. (For the record, I don't know of any sugarmaker who does; or at least they don't admit it.) Additionally, the standards set by the Vermont Sugarmaker's Association are especially high for maple syrup since it's such a well-known product around the world, and of course they do not allow for any formaldehyde. You don't want to be caught with chemicals in your product, either.

The best thing to do if you're worried about formaldehyde is to ask the farmer!

I think if you want to do the Master Cleanse for whatever reason--the main one being that it makes you feel good--you should do it. But I think many people do it without being clear about their purposes, much like any dieter might choose a diet for one reason or another. It's not going to cure you of anything--but it may "reboot" your psychology, in that it forces you to focus on what goes into your body after you finish the cleanse, and I think a lot of people make better eating choices after they've been "good" to their bodies for a number of days. Remember that FOOD is what keeps your body healthy, not lack of food.

Thank you, Nina, for giving us this fabulous dialogue!