Somedays I'm so tired of reading news articles about the war, the threat of recession, the next boost in gas prices and countless stories about murder, mayhem, and the electing of the next president that I don't even want to slip my morning paper out of its plastic bag.

Then there are days like today when a story hits my radar and makes me smile.

Today I heard about a researcher who speculates that a big red fruit could be a natural form of the little blue pill.

Men with performance problems, could eating lots of watermelon give you that amorous, um, lift when you need it? 

If so, why are we only hearing about it now?  This scientist says it has to do with an amino acid called citrulline.  Apparently more citrulline is present in the juicy, red fleshy part of the watermelon than they knew.  Citrulline converts into the amino acid arginine which is a precursor for nitric oxide, and the nitric oxide helps in blood vessel dilation.  I guess blood vessel dilation removes the dys and emphasizes the fun in erectile dysfunction.

Naturally there's no hard scientific data to back up this speculation.  More research would be needed, of course.  Other scientists and doctors dismiss the possibility.

Lots of people celebrate the 4th of July holiday with picnics.  Shoppers, you might want to stock up on watermelon, just in case.  If Uncle Jack lies on the ground and offers himself as a substitute for the horseshoe stake, you'll know.