The Rusing family of Tucson, Arizona, run a remarkably successful lemonade stand. The stand began as a way to keep the kids occupied, but turned into a bit of a money maker. It's been so successful, in fact, that it's now in the running for the title of Best Lemonade Stand in America. Yes! There is such a thing. Cute, huh?

The Rusings donate the proceeds from the stand to diabetes research. The stand is named "The Mighty Quinns" for Quinn Rusing. Quinn, who is four-years-old, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age three. He helps run the lemonade stand, along with mom, Carolyn, and six-year-old twin sisters, Cali and Olivia. The secret to their success appears to be the free cookies. That's right. Free Famous Amos cookies with each 25-cent glass of lemonade purchased.

Spot anything odd about this story? Lemonade stand with free cookies as a diabetes fundraiser?? Um, what about all that sugar?! I spotted this story about the Rusings on the Tucson Citizen website. Another reader has posted this comment: "With 60 grams of sugars in a 12 ounce glass, the shareholders of Bristol-Myers-Squibb and Merck are gonna be in real good shape."

The B.A.D Ride was born ten years ago in Southern California. B.A.D as in Bikers Against Diabetes. Rip Rose, a biker and photojournalist for Easyriders, wanted to bring the biker nation together in the fight against diabetes. Today, that dream is a reality.

On Sunday morning, June 10th, nearly two dozen Harley-Davidson motorcycles roared to life, heading out to Oak Canyon Park in Irvine, where they were joined by hundreds of other riders from Southern California at a fair with bands, food, vendors and a ride-in bike show. Sunday's event marked the ride's 10th anniversary. Rip's B.A.D Ride partners with the American Diabetes Association, and 80% of the money raised goes to diabetes research.

This story goes out to my dad, Bizzle. He's a HOG (a member of the Harley-Davidson Owners Group). He's told me they are the nicest people you will ever meet and that is why he enjoys his open road adventures. It looks like he's right. I think he would love to join a Rip's B.A.D Ride. Those of you HOGs interested in upcoming rides for diabetes, checkout the schedule. Thanks to all those who fire up for the sake of diabetes!

I have been giving this a lot of thought, and I don't think that I will be asking for anything traditional this year for Christmas.

This year for Christmas I would like a years worth of willpower. Yes, willpower. You can do it, Santa. I've been praying for strength but somehow it's getting lost in translation. I'm practically as strong as my potential boyfriend and something feels a little wrong about it. I don't want to get into it, but I'm just saying - you don't ask your butcher for a dozen roses, right? My prayers have been answered in all fairness. The strength I'm looking for is apparently more of a magic trick. You're notorious for feats of magic. Does my Christmas Wish qualify?

Anyhow, I'm sure you've noticed I have had my share of naughty and nice moments this year. Upon reviewing my scorecard you will see the nice far outweigh the naughty. If you could be so kind, I would appreciate my gift of willpower to be rationed throughout the next 365 days, beginning January 1st. Who needs willpower on New Years Eve anyway?

I will anxiously await your safe arrival, Santa. Should your mouth be parched and your tummy empty as you're passing through, you will find 2% in the fridge and Fifty-50 Oatmeal Cookies in the panty. Help yourself!

Love always,
Allie B