Top Five Fuming Foodies of 2011: The Good, the Bad, and the Preposterous

It's been a hell of a year, folks. We've had a lot of food and food industry-related news this year, and not all of it has been pretty.

As a nod to the upcoming year and as a way of reminiscing, I've gone back over my Fuming Foodie archives and amassed a list comprising the five most ridiculous, controversial, sad, and/or funny stories of 2011.

Have a happy New Year, and be safe!

5. Food Stamps for Fast Food
In some states, you can use food-stamp dollars to by Big Macs, Whoppers, et al. You shouldn't be able to. Apparently, plenty of people disagree with me, but I think this is a no-brainer.

4. Weight Loss Surgery Is Easy Way Out
In this piece, I discuss how people who go under the knife to achieve weight loss are simply taking the easy way out. I received everything from death threats (still here) to accusations that I have sex with my father (I don't), and I was even invited on a radio show so that the hosts could "educate" me (didn't work). I think most people took offense to my choice of words. Don't think I'll be calling an entire (zealous) group of people "spineless jellyfish" ever again (I'm lying).

3. Cut Off Food Stamps to Mercedes Owners
Should people who drive vehicles worth more than $15,000 be eligible for food stamps? It depends on the circumstances. This issue is not as black-and-white as it appears.

2. Women Shoots Self and Kids After Being Denied Food Stamps
Probably one of the saddest stories of the year, and one that could have been prevented, in my opinion, had the State of Texas been slightly more diligent.

1. Man Sues White Castle
This is one of my favorite stories of the year because it is a gleaming example of how ridiculous we as a nation have become. A fat guy actually sues White Castle because its booths are not large enough to accommodate him, and best yet, he says it's a violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act -- because being obese is a disability! Oh Lord, I shudder to think of this country's future.

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