I had a Coke today. I normally don’t care much for carbonated soft drinks, but this can hit the spot. I know some people take their soft drinks seriously. A few years ago we changed vendors and Dr. Pepper disappeared (temporarily) from our campus soda machines; people were ready to go get their pitchforks and torches. I saw a doc use a very effective prop once, a plastic soda bottle empty except for sugar, an amount about equal to what the drink actually contained. It was a lot, certainly more than what I’d want myself or my kids to consume with any sort of frequency. Why bring it up? There’s a pilot project being kicked around to put some healthier choices in a few of the drink vending machines on campus, primarily those in areas where there are a lot of children. The idea is to offer more water and flavored waters, non-sugary juices and diet drinks. Given the national problem we’re facing with childhood obesity and all its health problems and complications, it would seem like a smart–if small–step. But I’d be interested in how people on campus feel about it. Let me know…