“TGI-Thursday” Twin Cities! Why are we so excited it’s Thursday, you might ask? Well, here at Twin Cities Live, it already feels like the 4^th of July! In honor of the Taste of Minnesota, we’ve been cooking up a storm in the studio with some of the chefs featured at the festival all week, and today we channeled the summer spirit with delicious ribs from Hell’s Kitchen.

With the beautiful weather, the smell of barbeque’d perfection wafting around the studio, and the country music jam session I had with our executive producer Mandy Grosser today… I think the TCL staff has left for the long weekend early. In honor of her country-themed wedding, I asked Mandy for recommendations on her favorite country artists and songs—and she delivered. In fact, I think we both decided that we work better when there’s music jamming in the background. Things here at TCL just got way more fun…if that was even possible.

Other than Hell’s Kitchen and a whole lot of excitement for the long weekend, a big topic of discussion on the show today was the health risks and benefits of a natural “cleanse.” Our very own Elizabeth Ries is going through a body cleanse, but we wanted to get the scoop on whether or not a cleanse works at all, or if it could possibly harm your body, rather than help it. I must admit, the idea of cleaning your body of all the toxins and harmful foods we ingest daily does sound appealing. However, after our panel of doctors discussed the issue on the show, I’m not so sure anymore.

Hand over the hot dogs and cheese burgers, because I will not be “cleansing” my body for this 4^th of July weekend. Tomorrow on TCL, we’re live at the Taste of Minnesota AND we do another popular audience makeover! See you then!

- TCL Intern, Natalie