The Force is still with us Hard to believe that "Star Wars," the six-part saga that first hit movie screens in 1977, would remain so relevant. But here's Adidas hopping onto the World Cup bandwagon, promoting its "Star Wars" collection of athletic shoes and clothing in a cool commercial that places soccer wonder David Beckham in the famous cantina scene -- along with other celebs and futbol players. See it at tinyurl.com/39pkg69. Why do we mention this? Because it makes the press release from Williams-Sonoma seem a little less time-warpy: W-S is selling an exclusive collection of "Star Wars" cookie cutters with shapes for Yoda, Darth Vader, Boba Fett and a stormtrooper. Decorating the cookies can be Martha-esque or plain as a Tatooine landscape. A set of four spring-loaded cutters is $19.95 at www.williams-sonoma.com or in stores.

At my signal, unleash bacon They're calling them "bacon gladiators," these contestants who will descend upon O'Gara's Bar and Grill, 164 N. Snelling Av., St. Paul, on July 18 for the Minneapolis/St. Paul Bacon Takedown, sponsored by Hormel Foods. The contest is hosted by Matt Timms, a New Yorker who oversees various unconventional food competitions called "takedowns" that have grabbed national attention and appetites. Twenty local amateur chefs will compete, using up to 15 pounds of Hormel Black Label bacon as their main ingredient. Or you can pay $15 to sample and help judge the bacon entries. For the details and ticket sales, visit www.chili takedown.com/?p=1354. A portion of all sales goes to support the Feeding America hunger-relief charity.

Think about it People, get a grip. Really. According to researchers from the University of Michigan, consumers mistakenly believe that organic food, in addition to having little or no pesticides or additives, also has fewer calories. When more than 100 student participants were offered a regular Oreo cookie and one made with organic flour and sugar, almost four in 10 thought the more healthful cookie also was less fattening, even though the labels clearly showed that each kind tallied 160 calories for two cookies. The researchers' concern -- beyond the obvious for an informed democracy -- is that people may eat larger servings of organic foods and thus more calories than they realize. Dumb is one thing; dumb and chubby is another.

KIM ODE