Happy Halloween!

Published 9:39 pm Friday, October 29, 2010

Cook wear: As adults, at least chronologically speaking, prepare for Halloween parties this evening, health authorities are warning people against donning a Lady GaGa-inspired meat dress because of the likelihood of an infection of campylobacteriosis, which can produce fever, muscle ache, diarrhea and dysentery.

If you insist on wearing meat, make sure it’s properly cooked by using a meat thermometer: 145 degrees for steak and fish, 160 degrees for ground beef, pork and eggs, and 165 degrees for poultry.

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Don’t know much about history: On this day in 1926, magician Harry Houdini died of gangrene and peritonitis.

The master magician contracted the disease after attempting to free himself from a straightjacket made of pork loin.

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Identity crisis: More than 11 million Americans fell victim to identity theft last year. Credit advisers recommend keeping a close watch on your and your children’s personal information, particularly Social Security numbers.

And if you really want to startle people at your Halloween party tonight, forget the meat suit and dress up as an identity thief.