Published: June 16, 2009 04:13 pm      

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: Falls still draws honeymooners

It may no longer have the same luster that it did decades ago as the Honeymoon Capital of the World, but Niagara Falls is still apparently on the minds of at least a few newlyweds-to-be.

An article posted on thefrisky.com named the Cataract City the No. 2 location in the world to elope, citing the view and the relatively minimal amount of red tape required to tie the knot.

“In a helicopter above the falls or on a cliff overlooking them, Niagara Falls is an inimitable place to get married,” the article read. “Couples who’ve taken the plunge at the falls claim the negative ions from the water reduce fatigue and act as a natural aphrodisiac. Since it’s in the states (and Canada is an extremely friendly northern neighbor), Niagara Falls is a stress-free and memorable destination.”

Tamarindo, Costa Rica, topped the list.

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A West Coast publication recently cited research conducted locally in a story that was written about people’s love of spicy foods.

San Diego magazine recently ran a piece on the health benefits and appeal of spicy food. The story cited research conducted worldwide in proving the slimming, muscle-building and brain-sharpening effects of spicy foods such as red pepper and curcumin (found in turmeric). Also cited was research conducted at the University at Buffalo that showed that spicy food makes mouths happy.

“Capsaicin (the stuff that gives spicy foods its bam), according to research done at the State University of New York at Buffalo, triggers pain receptors in the mouth that, in turn, signal your brain to release those feel-good endorphins,” the article read. “So that’s why hot, spicy glazes and RubRubs can be addicting and make us feel good — albeit while burning our tongues. It’s a benign addiction, so don’t worry.”

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Thomas Golisano’s supposed relationship with retired tennis great Monica Seles helped land Niagara University recently on one of the world’s biggest gossip Web sites.

Perez Hilton mentioned NU on his blog in discussing ... ur, degrading ... the reported romance between Golisano and the much younger Seles.

“Sure, the dude is a billionaire and owns the Buffalo Sabres hockey team. But the dude is twice her age. He could be her father,” Hilton wrote. “She has been seen sitting with him and former President Bill Clinton at a Sabres game, and she did tag along at a ceremony recognizing his $10 million donation to Niagara University. But honestly, what can a 35-year-old tennis hall of famer see in this old dude?”

No word on how receptive Golisano is to being called “dude.”

Contact Paul Laneat 693-1000, ext. 116.