The UK branch of the North Carolina megachain plans further expansion throughout England. Kind of a shame, but definitely a step up from the canned hot dogs in brine I bought in Sheffield earlier this year. And two steps up from this. Scotland and Ireland are next. A complete UK takeover - excluding Wales - is planned by 2010.

Picture courtesy of Mattrock.

Barack Obama has dispatched 10 assistants to the Pepsi Center in Denver to prepare for the Democratic convention. Along with controlling costs and scouting office space, part of their duties include enforcing a mandate banning fried foods at the convention, instead opting for locally grown plates consisting of at least 50 percent fruits and veggies. But as Politico reports, an unidentified Democratic correspondent claims that as members of the media show up to scope the Pepsi Center they’re greeted by young volunteers repeating the phrase “welcome to the fried food zone” and offering Donuts.

As an avid locavore I’m all for a Colorado-sourced menu. But as an avid Donut-eater I think there really need to be Donuts at the convention. Why not just get local Donuts from Marty’s 47 Street Donuts or this place in Littleton simply - and aweseomly - called Donut? Everyone wins.

In lieu of Donut material, here’s Blognut on whiskey. Happy 4th.

“When we first arrived, sleepy-eyed Sunday regulars seemed puzzled by the sudden swell of chattering patrons taking up space at the café tables in the open-air dining area. But the aura of matrimonial bliss, goodwill, and doughnut-love was so overwhelming that even strangers got into the swing of things”

Full story here.