SPAM: IT'S A DAMN GOOD SKIN MOISTURIZER

SPAM: IT'S A DAMN GOOD SKIN MOISTURIZER

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (Wireless Flash) -- That miracle mystery meat known as SPAM makes for more than good eating: it's also a good skin moisturizer. That's according to food columnist Carolyn Wyman, author of the new book "SPAM: A Biography" (Harcourt Brace & Company). Wyman says World War II soldiers often used pieces of leftover SPAM as a Vaseline-like skin moisturizer. They also used it to lubricate gun parts and even used slices of SPAM slices as substitute playing cards. Other odds and ends about SPAM... -- The name SPAM is short for "spiced ham." -- The recipe for the low-brow SPAM was actually created by a fancy French chef named Jean Vernet. -- And, finally, in Korea, SPAM is considered a "gourmet" item and is sold in pricey "gift boxes" at $75 a pop.

CONTACT: Carolyn Wyman (out of town until June 9); Arrange with Emily Miles Terry; Boston, MA; (617) 547-5560