Born Again American

Born Again American

Why Try to Change Me Now?

‘General, there is one more question which it is my duty to ask you. Can you forgive all your enemies?’

http://presidentialprayerteam.com/heritage/

Can beans help lower my cholesterol levels?

All beans and legumes, without question, can be heart-healthy parts of a balanced diet and helpful in lowering cholesterol levels. There are several aspects of this beans-and-cholesterol equation, however, that may have been misunderstood amidst all of the popular press writing about diet, heart health, and cholesterol.

One of those potential areas of misunderstanding involves amount. How many beans does it take to reduce cholesterol? And how great a reduction in cholesterol levels can you expect from eating beans? Research in this area is clear and consistent: you can expect to get a 5-15% reduction in your LDL-cholesterol level when you change your diet to include about 1.5 cups of cooked legumes 4 days per week or more over the course of several months. This same level of bean intake can also be expected to lower your risk of coronary heart disease, on average, by between 10-20%.

While there are many benefits from eating beans, their exact role in your overall health will depend upon your other risk factors (both dietary and lifestyle) and your existing cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association describes an LDL-cholesterol level of 130-159 milligrams per deciliter as "borderline high," levels of 160-189 as "high," and levels above 190 as "very high." Even though a 5-15% decrease in your LDL level would be desirable if your LDL cholesterol was in the very high range, it would not drop your LDL level below the "high range" under any circumstance.

A second area of potential misunderstanding involves nutritional factors in beans and legumes that are actually responsible for cholesterol reduction. Original studies in this area focused heavily on the soluble fiber content of beans as the primary reason for cholesterol reduction. Beans are definitely very good sources of dietary fiber, including water-soluble fibers like pectins, gums, and mucilages. However, these fibers are not the only mechanism-and may not even be the primary mechanism-through which beans help reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Proteins, isoflavones, saponins, and other phytonutrients are all under active investigation as bean components that may play key roles in cholesterol reduction and protection against heart disease.

George Mateljan

Brussel Sprouts! Yeah Baby!

Did you know that the phytonutrients found in cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, and kale, actually signal our genes to increase production of enzymes involved in detoxification? For about 20 years, we've known that many phytonutrients work as antioxidants to disarm free radicals before they can damage DNA, cell membranes and fat-containing molecules such as cholesterol. Now, research is revealing that phytonutrients in cruciferous vegetables, like Brussels sprouts, work at a much deeper level. The phytonutrients in crucifers initiate an intricate dance inside our cells in which gene response elements direct and balance the steps among dozens of detoxification enzyme partners, each performing its own protective role in perfect balance with the other dancers. The natural synergy that results optimizes our cells' ability to disarm and clear free radicals and toxins, including potential carcinogens— one reason why cruciferous vegetables appear to lower our risk of cancer more effectively than any other vegetables or fruits. So, while Brussels sprouts may be miniature in size, they are giants when it comes to helping to protect cellular structures and DNA from the damage caused by free radicals.

5-Minute Brussels Sprouts [from George Matejin]

Even if you have not been a fan of Brussels sprouts, I think you will love this Healthiest Way of Recipe. It not only has great flavor, takes little time to prepare, but one serving provides 870% of the daily value (DV) for health-promoting vitamin K, 326% DV for vitamin C and 40% DV for vitamin A. And they only take minutes to prepare. Enjoy!

Prep and Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:
1 lb Brussels sprouts
Mediterranean Dressing

3 TBS extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp lemon juice
2 medium cloves garlic, chopped or pressed
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Optional: 1 TBS dijon mustard, 1 TBS minced parsley

Snow in GA!

This was the view from my house on Friday. Ahhhhh. The snow DOES blanket the earth with a quiet that I miss from my home in MN. There is a peace that hushes even the birds, and a cleanliness that the untrodden, sparkly snow shows off so that it is almost a sin to walk upon it...

Are the outside leaves of romaine lettuce better for you than the hearts?

No, the outside leaves of romaine lettuce are not significantly better for you than the hearts. There are many varieties of romaine lettuce found in the marketplace. Some of these varieties are selected for their special ability to produce a true "heart" with a core group of younger leaves. Other varieties are selected for their more uniform development of a lettuce head. All varieties of romaine lettuce are healthy and nourishing. I greatly encourage purchase of organic lettuce, however, in order to avoid unwanted pesticide residues in the lettuce and to optimize the nutrient content. It's worth pointing out that the romaine hearts are usually more durable, will last longer in your refrigerator and stay fresh for a longer period of time than the outer leaves.

One difference that you can often notice between the outer leaves of romaine lettuce and the hearts is their shade of green. Since the outer leaves have more exposure to sunlight, they will develop more chlorophyll than the hearts, and you will see this additional chlorophyll reflected in a richer shade of green. (The hearts still contain plenty of chlorophyll-just less than the outer leaves.) Chlorophyll is a pigment with definite health-supportive properties, although I have yet to see any research that suggests the amount of chlorophyll found in the outer leaves of romaine lettuce is more health-supportive than the amount found in the hearts.

--George Matejan

You'll either get this or not...

VOTE 11-2-2010!!!

Talk about a disconnect!

Dolphins. Cool.

Are colored potatoes healthier than white potatoes? Hmmm...

The differences in color between varieties of potatoes are basically differences in carotenoid and flavonoid content. Virtually all types of potatoes provide significant amounts of approximately seven to ten nutrients. While Americans are accustomed to potatoes with a white inside, potatoes in other parts of the world more commonly have starchy yellow insides. In the U.S. we call potatoes with yellow insides "specialty potatoes." However, worldwide they are the norm rather than the exception.

All colorful potatoes provide carotenoids (and some also provide flavonoids) that white potatoes do not. Carotenoids and flavonoids are pigments, and according to nutritional research, they provide us with many health benefits, including cancer protection. For example, the darker the starchy yellow flesh of a yellow potato, the greater quantity of carotenoids, including beta-carotene (and, in some cases, lutein) that is present. The blue in blue potatoes comes from their flavonoid content. Both the flavonoids found in blue potatoes and the carotenoids found in yellow potatoes help promote good health!

Some carotenoid- and flavonoid-rich potatoes currently available in different regions of the U.S. include: Yukon Gold (currently the best-selling yellow potato in the U.S. marketplace), Michigold, Donna, All Blue (also called "Purple Marker"), Purple Viking, Saginaw Gold, Red Gold, Rose Gold, and Ruby Crescent.

The presence of carotenoids and flavonoids, however, does not affect the carbohydrate content of potatoes. Potatoes all contain about one gram of carbohydrate for every four calories—they're basically all-carbohydrate when it comes to calorie content.

Technically, you'll get more fiber and minerals per bite from smaller potatoes of any kind, since they have more surface area (skin) per amount of starchy inside (total volume). The three to seven grams of fiber contained in a medium-sized potato are mostly in the skin, so consider enjoying it as well as the potato's insides the next time you cook some spuds. Of course, unless your potato is an organically grown one, you'll be getting most of the pesticide residue here—in the skin—as well, which is one of the reasons I am a big advocate for purchasing potatoes (and other foods) that are organically grown. Although there are some differences among potatoes, if you are seriously looking to lower carbohydrate intake, you need to switch to a different category of vegetable, like the leafy green vegetables.

George Mateljan

IT'S A L I V E!!!

Here's my new [well...used...Ebay -- these things are frackin expensive! saved $70 big ones] automatic sprouter.

I have NO idea what I am doing.

First seed I tried were sesame seeds. I finally figured out that the reason they weren't sprouting was because they were hulled and I needed to use un-hulled seeds.

Now I am trying out barley. It's day 3, or something, and they have like 1/2 inch tails. So something is happening! It's exciting and I have no life!

The instructions that came with this sprouter were limited, and the info online hit and miss.

Yesterday I decided to add the extra tray on top of each 'bin', which places them on top of the existing seeds. I read that I was supposed to do it that way. Then today I took one out of one of the bins and left the other in the other one. I'm afraid the little tails will be squished between the trays.

Like I said. I have no idea what I'm doing.........

"Bone Builder Cocktail"

3 kale leaves

2 collard green leaves - didn't have so um didn't add

handful parsley

3 carrots

1 apple

1/2 green pepper - used red instead

Juice everything using carrots and apples to help push through the greens, and you get 211 calories and 6,639 RE vit A!, 5.6 g protein!, 110 mg vit C! 212 mg calcium!, 102 mg magnesium!@, 1,384 mg potassium! plus carb, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, iron, etc.

Dude. Awesome.

Truthfully, for me, a 3 stars out of a possible 4. But still a do-over. Also added Brewer's Yeast.

I remember watching the Red Skelton Show when I was a wee bit of a girl. His skits were very funny to me. Every once in awhile he had something a bit more serious to say...

Creamy Pineapple

1/2 pineapple
1/2 bag frozen mango
1 c fresh blueberries
1/2 c Greek vanilla yogurt
...all organic

Juice first three, then stir in yogurt. Does it look like I par took prior to snapping of this pic? Well, duh. And yum! The serving size for this was for two, but I drank it all before I realized that. Heh. [I also added a bit of Brewer's yeast.]

This came from The Juicing Bible, which was a Christmas gift to me from my son. Great book.

The mystery juice

I took this pic before the holidays, and for the life of me, cannot remember what I juiced. Looks good though, doesn't it? :>

Tilapia has been growing in popularity...

According to the American Tilapia Association, it is currently the 6th most popular seafood consumed in the United States. It is a low-calorie, low-fat fish with a light, mildly sweet flavor, which can be prepared many different ways. Since the tilapia you purchase is very likely to have been farmed, I do believe it is important to purchase either organically farmed tilapia, or tilapia that have been farmed in the United States. Other countries that are large exporters of tilapia-including China, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Egypt-do not appear to have the same quality control systems in place to assure you of high-quality fish. For more detailed information in this area, you can visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Farmed Tilapia Report.

-- George Mateljan

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics : Video: A Closer Look

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics : Video: A Closer Look

Newt Gingrich: Impeach judges - Crush and Replace the Left - 2012 "Victory or Death!"

Why is range-fed and grass-fed meat and poultry better?

The natural behavior of cows, chickens turkeys, pigs, and other animals commonly eaten for food in the United States is to live outdoors and to consume food that is part of the natural habitat. For example, in the case of ruminant animals like cows, there is a long history of development in which the digestive system of the cow has adapted to foraging and consumption of plants often referred to as "forages." These plants include many grasses and legumes.

When cows are fed in a non-natural way, digestive tract problems can develop, and medications may be needed to offset problems caused by the cows' non-natural diet. For example, when being raised to provide non-organic beef, it is not unusual for a cow to be fed more than 10 pounds of corn per day. Since the cow's digestive system is poorly matched to this large volume of grain in the daily diet, it is placed at risk for certain problems including bursting of the stomach from excessive amounts of gas that can be produced by fermentation of grain. In the case of non-organic beef, medications that prevent gas formation (like poloxalene) may be given to cows on a preventive basis as part of their standard diet to prevent this gas formation. However, the routine administration of a medication like poloxalene cannot be carried out in the raising of certified organic beef. Research studies have made it clear that cows remain healthier when they are fed and raised in a natural way. Healthier cows also mean healthier meat for all individuals who include meat in their diet.

One great benefit of grass feeding is the increased presence of omega-3 fatty acids in beef provided by grass-fed cattle. I've seen two studies on Australian beef that clearly document this trend, which stems from the natural presence of alpha-linolenic acid (also known as ALA, the omega-3 fatty acid that serves as the building block for all other omega-3 fats) in pasture grasses and legumes. While more complicated omega-3 fats like EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are not present in pasture crops, these critical omega-3 fats are produced in the cow's body from the ALA present in the pasture plants and you can receive substantial amounts of EPA and DHA from pasture-fed beef along with its ALA. These amounts are still very low, however, in comparison with the far greater amount of EPA and DHA provided by an equivalent amount of an omega-3-containing fish like salmon. The amount of ALA in grass-fed beef is also very much lower than the amount of ALA provided by plant foods like flaxseeds and walnuts, which are rich in this omega-3 fatty acid.

I want to point out that the purchase of certified organic beef, poultry, and other meats does not guarantee range-feeding. Unfortunately, the livestock living conditions spelled out in the National Organics Program only includes "access to the outdoors" and "access to pasture" and does not specify any required period of time for natural outdoor living. Nor does it require any amount of foraging crops in the diet. For this reason, you'll need to look for the terms "range-fed" or "grass-fed" on the label in addition to the organic certification. Organic meat that is not labeled either "range-fed" or "grass-fed" is still a very good option for you in the market, but if organic combined with range-fed or grass-fed is available, I encourage you to consider that combination as your best option.

--George Mateljan

It's that BPA baby! Ick!

This vid took a turn I wasn't expecting...

Trapped in Traditional Thought by Scott McKain

In this recent blog, McKain points out that a thirty second spot on the number one television show, "NCIS" costs $133,304 while a thirty second spot on "Grey's Anatomy" costs $240,462. Given the fact that "NCIS" has four million more viewers than "Grey's Anatomy", why would the ads cost less for "NCIS"?This contradiction points to the traditional agency approach and thinking when it comes to what population segments to target. The demographics for "Grey's Anatomy" are younger and the agencies believe that younger viewers will be more easily influenced and become brand loyal over time. McKain points to the fact that his brand choices during his younger years have indeed changed over time. In his younger years, he drove a Chevy and now he drives a BMW, he drank Pepsi and now drinks Diet Coke, he listened to a Sony Walkman and now listens to an iPod, etc.Matt Thornhill, in his book, Boomer Consumer, states that Baby Boomers are no where near done consuming. They will be buying things marketed to them for the next 20 years. And they represent a very large segment of the population. He also points out that with age comes wisdom and that Boomers are not particularly brand loyal. They are ripe for conversion, if a product appeals to their needs.So why should the advertisers and ad agencies focus more on Boomers than the younger generations? Let's start with the fact that Baby Boomers spend $2 trillion a year on consumer products and services. That is $400 billion more annually than their younger generation counterparts. Baby Boomers represent one of every three adults in America. Almost 80 million Americans are Boomers!Boomers like to travel, they buy lots of tech gadgets, they are still buying cars and homes, they are into fitness, and they eat out regularly. Given that a large portion of the Boomers are empty nesters with disposable income, they should be the prime targets of the marketers and advertisers in this country. And even the Boomers who aren't empty nesters, keep their kids clothed, fed and supplied with plenty of music and electronics.Baby Boomers control 70% of the wealth in America. So why don't the advertisers and ad agencies target them more? It is beyond comprehension. And as a Boomer, believe me when I say, we would really prefer fewer advertisements about erectile dysfunction and bladder issues. Keep in mind, Baby Boomers on average feel like they are 14 years younger than their actual age. Treat them as seniors or older Americans and you won't sell them anything.Use words like mature or senior in your ad and the Baby Boomers will tune you out in a New York minute. So if you expect to capture their attention, don't try to take them back to the sixties or seventies or use age related content. Most Boomers still believe that they are young and vital. Treat them as such and you will be more successful. Don't over do it, though. If you treat them like twenty or thirty year olds, then you will miss the boat and waste your ad dollarsThe characters portraying Boomers in advertisements should be cool, hip, and youthful, not grandpa or grandma. Baby Boomers remain idealistic, eager to embrace change, and believe in self empowerment. Don't expect them to march in lockstep or be influenced or persuaded by traditional approaches. If an ad agency expects keep its clients, it had better begin targeting this segment of the population and use non-traditional, innovative approaches when designing the campaigns.Finally, when creating the ads, the agency should understand that Boomers are more receptive to the ads that tell a story. Boomers expect the ad to appeal to their generation, so make sure you personalize the pitch to them. When using personalities in an ad, ensure that the Boomers can identify and relate to the personalities. Be sure to include a "what's in it for me" connection. Follow these simple rules, create a compelling ad and you should be able to capture this lucrative market segment.

I agree with the majority of what this article says...

Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Ditch the Climate Change Debate by Ron Jones

A recent editorial cartoon that I ran across cleverly expressed a great deal of my own thoughts around the climate change debate. The cartoonist (Joel Pett, Lexington Herald-Leader) depicts an obviously unconvinced audience member at a presentation where benefits of clean energy are being displayed on the stage screen. The attendee is shown demanding an answer to a question similar to the following:

"What if it turns out that climate change is all a big hoax and we create a better world for nothing?"

The presenter he is questioning has a list of goals on the screen including:
• Energy Independence
• Preserve Rainforests
• Sustainability
• Green Jobs
• Livable Cities
• Renewables
• Clean Water, Air
• Healthy Children

In a single frame, and with surgical irony, the cartoonist has masterfully steered us to the question I have been asking myself and others for a long time, which is essentially, why are we not able to shift the dialog onto a productive level that leaves the polarization and bickering behind so we can just get started on the enormous task of cleaning up the mess we've been helping to make?

We don't have to reach some final, indisputable conclusion on the "climate" debate to know that there are plenty of good reasons to take steps to replace 18th and 19th century technologies and the polluting energy sources that have been fueling them.

The answer must reside somewhere deep in human nature. There seems to be an irresistible force of passion that makes us dig in our heels and refuse to budge when we feel strongly about something. In this case, it doesn't really matter if we're talking about those who view "climate change" or "global warming," as some prefer to refer to it, as the great challenge of our time or those who are absolutely convinced that it is the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on mankind.
It seems that those who have taken a passionate stand either way are prepared to fight over this for as long as takes, and unfortunately, the fact that people in both camps seem determined to drive to an "all or nothing" resolution keeps getting in the way of potential progress on the things we could agree on.

Even the most hardcore climate skeptics don't try to make their case by denying or stating opposition to goals like those listed by the cartoonist, they just refuse to go there. At the same time, their counterparts, who are every bit as passionate in their insistence that mankind's activities are at the center of all the problems in the world, often appear to be pushing for absolute and immediate solutions with little or no willingness to explore common ground. The net result is an ongoing bitter conflict that is often stalled by distractions leaving those of us in the middle stranded and feeling like we can't do anything meaningful to influence the outcome.
I am personally convinced that we are indeed witnessing measurable levels of global climate change. I only make this statement based on personal observation and certainly not because I believe the reports of governments, including our own, or the findings of scientists I have never met. I have reached my conclusion because I have observed certain evidence with my own eyes. I've visited glaciers from Alaska to New Zealand that are receding at unprecedented and alarming rates. I have flown over millions of acres of America's western forests and seen the beetle kill that is resulting from milder winter temperatures to the detriment of not only the trees, but also virtually every species in that ecosystem.

What I have no way of verifying on my own is how much of this shift is attributable to the activities of the human species. I seriously doubt that it is the primary factor. Both sides of this debate agree that the scale and complexity of the Earth's atmosphere and its global climate have seen numerous dramatic shifts to one extreme or the other over time.

What I do know is that I have seen the contrast between the air in Beijing and other cities in the Northern Hemisphere with that of still pristine regions of the South Pacific. The calamity is there for anyone who is interested to see. I have also fished a variety of streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs throughout North America where the fish populations face collapse from human-caused pollution and where signs are posted to warn against consuming the fish that are there.
Put simply, we have used our one and only planetary home and all of its natural systems as a garbage dump of one kind or another for practically all of recorded human history. Sadly, the situation has only worsened over the last few centuries as we made industrial "advances" and as human population has swelled. We have treated it like a trash can and no matter how big the can is, it can only hold so much. We are reaching that point and before it's too late we need to revise our practices. It's time to clean up our act and "create a better world"—whether global warming is a hoax or not.

Where are regulations regarding organic foods heading?

It's important for all of us to be aware that the USDA's process for certifying organic foods is constantly evolving. Already, the organics process has seen proposals to allow genetically engineered food and irradiated food within the scope of certified organic labeling. Proposals to allow sewage sludge in the cultivation of organic food have also been introduced. Thanks to widespread public involvement, including letter writing and in-person testimony, none of these proposals were adopted and certified organic food is still free from genetic engineering, irradiation, and sewage sludge. However, many changes will continue to be proposed. For example, much current debate is focused on a proposal to allow organic certification of fish and shellfish products, and the details of this process are still being discussed and formulated. For more information about current issues in organic labeling, or to become more involved in public comment opportunities related to organic regulations, you can visit the National Organics Program (NOP) website. The NOP Newsroom can be a good place to start to learn about recent notices and announcements related to proposed changes in the organic certification process.
George Mateljan

Where can we find the best source of antioxidants?

There is only one place outside the body where we can count on finding the health-promoting combinations of antioxidants that are necessary for optimal health. That place is a balanced diet containing natural, whole, minimally processed and organically grown foods. The reason is simple. We need more than just vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, glutathione, or other single nutrients for our antioxidant health. We need all of the food components that provide natural colors and flavors to food, the flavonoids and carotenoids and other types of pigments that can only be found in whole natural foods. You cannot get a complete antioxidant team when you take a dietary supplement, no matter how high in quality. Nor can you get a complete antioxidant team when you eat processed foods with artificial flavors and colorings in place of natural flavonoids and carotenoids. It takes a whole, natural foods diet to provide you with genuine antioxidant teamwork. That's one reason I feel so strongly about the value of the World's Healthiest Foods.

George Mateljan

Key Lime Pie -- in the raw :>

Okay. No way does this look like the traditional key lime pie. Well. The truth is, whenever I make these 'raw' recipes, the NEVER work out, or look like, how they're supposed to!

All that said, ladies and gentlemen, I am here to tell you that I have sneaked a nibble or two or three while preparing said raw key lime pie -- and it is scrumptious!

Crust: coconut, macadamia nuts, walnuts, sea salt, medjol dates

Filling: avocados, lime juice, honey, blueberries, kiwi

Crust is frozen for 20 min and then filled and then in freezer for at least 2 hours.

I will be tasting this later today, and I cannot wait. The flavors will be outstanding.

Visually though...not so much.

Graffiti Boys..

When you graffiti outside my office door like this...well...on some level I don't mind so much. :>

"Climategate"

December 10, 2009SummaryIn late November 2009, more than 1,000 e-mails between scientists at the Climate Research Unit of the U.K.'s University of East Anglia were stolen and made public by an as-yet-unnamed hacker. Climate skeptics are claiming that they show scientific misconduct that amounts to the complete fabrication of man-made global warming. We find that to be unfounded:* The messages, which span 13 years, show a few scientists in a bad light, being rude or dismissive. An investigation is underway, but there's still plenty of evidence that the earth is getting warmer and that humans are largely responsible.* Some critics say the e-mails negate the conclusions of a 2007 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, but the IPCC report relied on data from a large number of sources, of which CRU was only one.* E-mails being cited as "smoking guns" have been misrepresented. For instance, one e-mail that refers to "hiding the decline" isn't talking about a decline in actual temperatures as measured at weather stations. These have continued to rise, and 2009 may turn out to be the fifth warmest year ever recorded. The "decline" actually refers to a problem with recent data from tree rings.

Factchecker.org

What's the problem with refined grains?

When it comes to grains, most people also eat far too many refined grains. Extensive processing of grains can leave very little in the way of nutritional value. It can also leave grain products that are rich in the simpler carbohydrates and elevate blood sugar levels in a problematic way. Refined grain flours are usually defined in terms of "percent extraction." Wheat flour is 60% extraction when only 60% of the original whole grain remains in the flour, and the other 40% has been removed. Most of the wheat flour products in the United States have been made from 60% extraction flour. Unfortunately, over half of the original nutrients in whole wheat are lost from 60% extraction flour because extraction involves the removal of the germ and bran, which are the primary sites for nutrient storage in the grain. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that refined grain products cannot serve as the basis of a healthy diet.

George Matlin

What type of cookware should I use for microwave cooking?

Pyrex, a special type of glass known as thermal shock resistant glass, is a cookware material we like, especially if you have decided to do microwave cooking. Pyrex is a fairly stable material that includes both boron and silicon, two minerals not present on the 2007 ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) priority toxin list.

We are highly concerned about migration of plastics from containers into food. Therefore, we would suggest avoiding its use in cooking situations including in the microwave. (For the same reasons we would avoid using "boil-in-a-bag" type vegetables.)

The George Mateljan Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation with no commercial interests, is a new force for change to help make a healthier you and a healthier world.

2 tomatoes, 1/4 green pepper, handful of parsley and of spinach, and some wheat grass.







And walla! Budweiser! Seriously, this is one of my all time favorite juice drinks. I added a scoop of hemp protein power and sucked it all up.

New study finds synthetic musks in umbilical cord blood.

Today, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics founding member Environmental Working Group released a new study that found 232 chemical contaminants in umbilical cord blood samples from 10 newborn American babies. Among the findings: two synthetic musks, components of fragrance, were found in 7 of the 10 cord blood samples.

Artificial musks commonly added to fragrances and personal care products can be absorbed through skin or inhaled, and concentrate and persist in our bodies - so our many small exposures can add up fast. Synthetic musks have also been found in human breast milk and fatty tissues, and are ubiquitous in wastewater and rivers.

The cosmetics industry and other industries that use "fragrance" in their products use a whopping 9,000 tons of synthetic musk annually, despite the fact that little is known about the safety of these chemicals. Unfortunately, preliminary research raises concerns: musks may disrupt hormones and are toxic to aquatic life.

Because of a loophole in labeling law, the ingredients in "fragrance" are considered trade secrets, so companies don't have to tell us what's in scents - often dozens or even hundreds of synthetic chemical compounds like synthetic musks and other ingredients linked to harm.

Biomonitoring studies like this one make clear that chemicals - many of which have never been tested for long-term safety or are known to be harmful - used in everyday products are ending up in our bodies and in our ecosystem. At the same time, cancer, infertility, and behavioral and developmental illnesses linked to many of these chemicals of concern are on the rise.

As consumers and citizens, we can fight the fragrance loophole. Here are three ways you can make a difference:

Contact the manufacturer of a cosmetic product in your bathroom that lists "fragrance," "perfume" or "musk" on the ingredient label, and ask the maker to use non-toxic ingredients and fully disclose all ingredients on products labels. Click here for contact info, talking points and a short response form so you can let us how your conversation went!

This holiday season, choose gifts free of synthetic fragrance. Consult the list of companies that have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, and use EWG's Skin Deep database to run an "advanced search" of products without synthetic fragrance.
Check out our DIY cosmetics recipes for creative, fresh gifts for you and yours!
Thank you for making a difference in 2009, whether you wrote a letter to a company or Congress, contacted the FDA or switched out your old products for safe alternatives. You're a vital part of our work for safer cosmetics and smarter laws that protect our health.

It's Tradition!

The day after Thanksgiving...setting up the Christmas decorations

Labeling packaged food...

"When I shop these days, I can't help but notice the number of competing health logos on packaged foods. As you are lured to purchase "natural," "smart choice" or "high fiber" foods, their meanings have become fuzzy and unreliable. Labeling that was initially intended to aid consumers to make healthier food choices has turned into a nightmare of confusion and even distrust.

According to our Breakthrough News for this week, in the United States, health and nutrition statements on our prepackaged foods have never depended on genuine, overall food quality. It goes on to say that a kid's ready-to-eat cereal can contain over 2 teaspoons of sugar per cup, have sugar as its number one ingredient, and still claim "now provides fiber." A good example of this is the recent labeling of Froot Loops as nutritious enough to sport a big checkmark on the front of boxes signifying that choosing the cereal was indeed smart.

When people ask me what makes the World's Healthiest Foods so special, one of my first answers is "because they are nutrient-rich." That's why I was so heartened by the potential use of a new research tool developed by researchers at Nutrition Impact, which measures nutrient-richness and overall food quality to lead the way in providing reliable food labeling for consumers.

Nutrient-richness takes into consideration the number and quantity of nutrients in relation to the number of calories a food contains, so we are never just focusing on one nutrient. That's why a food such as romaine lettuce, which contains only 16 calories in a two cup serving but supplies a good, very good, or excellent source of almost 20 nutrients, is one of the most nutrient-rich of the World's Healthiest vegetables."

-- The George Mateljan Foundation

2 Tom, 1 Red Pepper, Wheat Grass, Hemp Powder

It's a fire-crackin' drink, baby! Yum!

Zesty Cranapple

1/2 c cranberries - organic OF COURSE! Doh! A handfull of red grapes - better for you than the green ones, 1/2 lemon - well, I used bottled juice - sue me, 2 apples - ORGANIC.



Now does this not look GOOOOD? 206 calories, Vit A, D, E, folic acid, potassium, and a bunch of other stuff.

How you doin'?

It's Vitamin D, Stupid

George Mateljan Article - What does GMO mean?

"GMO" stands for "Genetically Modified Organisms," and in the case of food, it usually refers to foods which have been genetically engineered for reasons unrelated to health or nourishment. You may also see the term "GE foods" (which stands for "genetically engineered" foods) or terms like "genetically altered" or "genetically modified" or "genetically improved" to describe these foods.

The process of genetically modifying foods is very new to the world of agriculture. In 1994, there were zero acres of GE food crops in the entire United States. At present there are more than 100 million acres! The Center for Food Safety, a non-profit public interest and environmental advocacy group headquartered in Washington, D.C., estimates that 70-75% of all grocery store products contain at least one genetically modified ingredient. You have almost certainly already consumed many GE foods, whether you knew it or not!

Uncertain health risks with GE foods

The health risks associated with GE foods have not been clearly identified. However, many scientists have speculated that these foods are more likely to trigger allergic reactions in some people. Additionally, they suggest that they may change the protein composition of foods in a way that could present problems for the body's immune, inflammatory, digestive, and cellular signaling systems.

GE soybeans and GE corn are of special concern

In addition, a 2004 survey conducted by the Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology determined that 45% of all corn, 85% of all soybeans, and 76% of all cotton produced in the U.S. were genetically engineered. This very high percentage of genetic engineering for corn and soybeans is alarming because corn and soybeans are processed into so many commonly used ingredients in processed and prepackaged foods.

For corn, of course, the most common processing product is HFCS, or high fructose corn syrup. This product is found in literally thousands of processed foods, including sodas, baked goods, and many other foods. Other processed food ingredients that often come from corn include corn syrup, corn syrup solids, malt, maltodextrin, maltose, maltol, ethyl maltol, malt syrup, mannitol, dextrose, dextrin, and polydextrose. Of course, corn starch, corn flour, and corn oil are also corn-based ingredients.

As the most common GE food in the U.S., soybeans can be even more difficult than corn to identify in processed and prepackaged foods. The list of processed food ingredients derived from soybeans is a long one and includes: hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), textured vegetable protein (TVP), textured soy protein (TSP), textured soy flour (TSF), lecithin, meat analogs, isolated soy protein, isolated vegetable protein, soy protein concentrate, and structured protein fiber (SPF). Of course, soy bran, soy fiber, soy nuts, soy oil, soy sauce, soy grits, soy meal are also made from soybeans.

Unless you stick with certified organic foods, you will need to avoid any products with the ingredients listed above if you want to minimize your risk of GE foods. There are simply too much GE corn and soybean crops being raised for you to be sure that your non-organic foods are "GE safe".

Organic will help you avoid GE foods

Since the National Organics Program forbids the genetic modification of foods to be certified as organic, you can go a long way in avoiding GE foods by purchasing organic. For example, a food that is certified as 100% organic cannot contain any of the ingredients listed above if those ingredients have been derived from genetically engineered corn or soy.

"Non-GMO" or ""GMO-free" on food labels

Unfortunately, no labeling laws for GE foods exist in the United States, even though England, France, Germany, New Zealand, Switzerland, China, Indonesia, and over 25 other countries require labeling of GE foods. (Some GE food crops are actually banned in many countries, including England, Japan, Brazil, Norway, India, and Thailand). In the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has generally discouraged the use of terms like "GMO-free" or "non-GMO" on food labels and has expressed concern about these terms as being misleading. From the FDA's perspective, any statement that implies superiority of a "GMO-free" food is misleading because they note that there is no scientific evidence to support any increased health risks associated with GE foods. While I agree that scientific studies are sadly lacking in this area, I also believe that GE foods can logically be expected to bring with them added health risks, and I would like to see all GE foods and non-GE foods clearly labeled for this reason. However, until such labeling is widely adopted, the only way to lower your GMO risks is to stick with certified organic foods. Fortunately, with the exception of water and fish, every single one of the World's Healthiest Foods is available as certified organic!

References

Center for Food Safety. (2008). Genetically engineered food. Campaign report available online at: http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/geneticall7.cfm.

Fernandez-Cornejo J and Caswell M. (2006). The First Decade of Genetically Engineered Crops in the United States. U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service, Economic Information Bulletin No. (EIB-11) 36pp. Available online at: http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/EIB11/.

Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology. (2004). Genetically Modified Crops in the United States. Pew Charitable Trusts, Washington, D.C. Available online at: http://www.pewtrusts.org/news_room_detail.aspx?id=17950

Tomato Salad Express

Here's what you juice together: 2 tomatoes, 1/4 green pepper, handful of parsley and of spinach...and wheat grass - very cool.



Here's where you juice it...



Add a little Hemp powder and badda bing badda boom. This alone takes care of almost 5 of my required daily 10 fruits/vegetables. How you doin' so far?

And no, it's not a Heineken.

Erm...

I don't even know where to begin..l

What are the basic organic standards for livestock (animals)?

Quite simply, organic livestock must be fed organic feed.

The NOSB recommends that conventional feed be allowed only if the organic feed supply has been compromised by a national, state or local weather emergency, or by fire or flood on an organic farm.

Growth promoters and hormones, and plastic pellets for roughage in feed are prohibited. Synthetic vitamins and minerals are allowed.

Organic Livestock Production

Standards for organic livestock production are meant to assure both an organic product to the consumer and living conditions for farm animals that limit stress and promote good health. They address substances used in health care and feeding, as well as herd or flock management and housing.

Livestock includes cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, fish, wild or domesticated game and horses raised for slaughter or used as draft animals. There are even standards for organic bee-keeping.

Regardless of whether they're raised as breeding stock, as dairy animals, or for slaughter, all livestock is covered by the Act.

The following highlights address some of the questions most frequently asked about the NOSB Recommendations for Organic Livestock Standards.

Housing and Health Care for Organic Livestock

Healthy living conditions and attentive care are considered first steps in the prevention of illness. Therefore, animals must not be overcrowded, and must be allowed periodic access to the outdoors and direct sunlight.

Antibiotics, wormers and other medications may not be used routinely as preventative measures. See The National List for specific details on medications recommended by the NOSB for use in organic livestock health care.

Recordkeeping for Organic Livestock

Records must be kept on all feeding and health care practices for each animal or flock, and there must be a verifiable audit trail to trace any animal or flock back to the farm.

I crack myself up...

People of Walmart

Okay. This is by FAR the FUNNIEST thing I've seen in awhile. It's a toss up which is funnier, the pics or the captions. Hilarious!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ADAM!


Who needs cake? Pie! Although, kind of ruined the presentation when Mom inadvertently blew out a few of the candles. /sigh


Helmet cam


Kewl, right?


A Goofball for....

Give Me A Hug! Incredible...

Doh!

THIS is amazing!

Yes kiddies...

...this is a PINK Mustang complete, I might add, with PINK bucket leather seats. Some things should NEVER EVER be P-I-N-K!!!

Remember Inspector Gadget...?

See more funny videos and Entertainment Videos at Today's Big Thing.

American capitalism gone with a whimper - Pravda.Ru

American capitalism gone with a whimper - Pravda.Ru

Posted using ShareThis

Check it out...

IRS Debunks the Rich Not Paying Fair Share of Taxes

8/5/09 9:37 AM
July 29, 2009

Tax Burden of Top 1% Now Exceeds That of Bottom 95%
by Scott A. Hodge

Newly released data from the IRS clearly debunks the conventional Beltway rhetoric that the "rich" are not paying their fair share of taxes.

Indeed, the IRS data shows that in 2007—the most recent data available—the top 1 percent of taxpayers paid 40.4 percent of the total income taxes collected by the federal government. This is the highest percentage in modern history. By contrast, the top 1 percent paid 24.8 percent of the income tax burden in 1987, the year following the 1986 tax reform act.

Remarkably, the share of the tax burden borne by the top 1 percent now exceeds the share paid by the bottom 95 percent of taxpayers combined. In 2007, the bottom 95 percent paid 39.4 percent of the income tax burden. This is down from the 58 percent of the total income tax burden they paid twenty years ago.

To put this in perspective, the top 1 percent is comprised of just 1.4 million taxpayers and they pay a larger share of the income tax burden now than the bottom 134 million taxpayers combined.

Some in Washington say the tax system is still not progressive enough. However, the recent IRS data bolsters the findings of an OECD study released last year showing that the U.S.—not France or Sweden—has the most progressive income tax system among OECD nations. We rely more heavily on the top 10 percent of taxpayers than does any nation and our poor people have the lowest tax burden of those in any nation.

We are definitely overdue for some honesty in the debate over the progressivity of the nation's tax burden before lawmakers enact any new taxes to pay for expanded health care.

It looks like they're gaming. But are they? Hmmmm....

Nora

I've said it 1000 times: cats rule. Let me say it 1001. Dogs could never play the piano because their slobber would ruin the piano keys. Blech.

The Story of Stuff with Annie Leonard

The Story of Stuff with Annie Leonard

Amy Lee, man!

I don't appreciate many female singers. Amy Lee I do.

Search history history

Unfreekenbelievable

I have said to people before that the government can do what ever it wants whenever it wants to. That the laws that are in place now will simply be revised or removed at the pleasure of the government to serve its needs. Democracy is on fade.....

See more funny videos and TBT Videos at Today's Big Thing.

Check out how after the guy does this stunt he appears to keep looking back to the slide like he's amazed he's conscious! Heh.

Slap Chop It Baby

Slap Chop Rap Remix - watch more funny videos

I LUV this guy! Best commercial since Aflac and the E-Trade commercials.

Break-it-down!

Fireworks

These videos may not seem especially outstanding. But realize that I am shooting this in my lawn chair laying almost prone with my head tilted all the way back and shooting straight up over my head. The fireworks were directly above me.

Before it got too dark to see, we could see the mortor tubes being lit and fired into the air. Cool beans.

As it happened, we ended up seeing three series of fireworks this year. Not planned. But cool none the less. :>

Aflac?

Do the math babies!

Exactly..

Food, Inc.

Land of the Lost

The discription of this movies begins, "Space-time vortexes suck." Hey. This movie sucks. I can't remember the last time I saw a movie this bad. And the fact that this movie was actually done four years ago and Will Ferrell has since then further perfected his craft [which IMO is highly debateable], who cares? The best parts were the previews on TV, and they weren't all that terrific. I can't believe I got suckered and went to this. Too bad. There was a lot of potential here.

Btw. I realized that I don't think I have ever seen the original Land of of the Lost. Am I the only one on the planet then?

Visiting Mom

Haven't posted in a bit. Stuff. You know...

At Mom's for two weeks. Heading back this weekend. Been busy with yard work: edging the driveway [that was more like taking a shovel and a pick axe to the sod growing over the driveway], cutting overhanging branches off of some trees [you really have no idea how many trees there really are until you start doing this], planting flowers, killing ants [they were living in paradise until I arrived], and sweeping and raking those propellers that sail down from the trees this time of year [this goes back to before with all the trees...the propellers pile up on mounds there are so many...when the wind blows it looks like it's snowing].

The weather has been perfect while where I live it's in the full throws of summer heat. Neener neener. :D

Mom on the other hand is another story. Since Dad died it's a new experience for me to see her this way. It's scary. It stresses me, but I certainly don't complaint because of what she is going through. The depth of despair that comes from another human being is something to behold.

Cougar vs Bear

Crazy Hilarious

Ferrari in paris

Finally, a video that LASTS for awhile while zipping through the countryside, or city as it were...or Paris for THAT matter! I thought the shifting and handling of this car was amazing. Obviously an expert was driving.

Yes, this is what I thought, only to read afterwards that there is a possibility this could be fake in some way.

I don't care. I choose to play dumb, and enjoy. Cuz this will be the closest I'll ever get to doing this; living vicariouly through this video....

"On an August morning in 1978, French filmmaker Claude Lelouch mounted a gyro-stabilized camera to the bumper of a Ferrari 275 GTB and had a friend, a professional Formula 1 racer, drive at breakneck speed through the heart of Paris early in the morning . The film was limited for technical reasons to 10 minutes; the course was from Porte Dauphine , through the Louvre, to the Basilica of Sacre Coeur.
No streets were closed, for Lelouch was unable to obtain a permit.
The driver completed the course in about 9 minutes, reaching nearly 140 MPH in some stretches. The footage reveals him running real red lights, nearly hitting real pedestrians, and driving the wrong way up real one-way streets.
Upon showing the film in public for the first time, Lelouch was arrested. He has never revealed the identity of the driver, and the film went underground."

Kermie drove me to work this morning...

There's a Birthday in the House

The Birthday Boy turns 1! Look at Birthday Boy blow out his candle. Poor Kermie...

Walk On

The Demographics of the Muslems

Intolerance:

Tolerance:

Ever wonder what a God-given gift sounds like?

Amazing! I get exhausted watching!

April Snow Showers? In Georgia? It's definately the end of the world...

I spent all of my dream researching and investigating a newly discovered book in the Bible. The name of the book is......Frank. Yep. Matthew Mark Luke John..............and Frank. This is what happens when you mix antihistamines with wine. :P

We used to go to this restaurant in town almost every Saturday. The food got bad for some reason so we stopped going there. But every Saturday the same corvette would arrive. So, after some time of not eating there, we stopped in -- and who should be there??? :>

[Is the food any better? Great of you don't count grissle.]

Aahh!



Aaaaahhhhh!!



AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

"...devalued Prime Minister of a devalued government"

Karma Kula

Men's Brain vs Women's Brain

ROFL

This is a direct quote from a podcast I listened to from Scott Sigler done in his ever so familiar lilt of sacasm that he does so well:

"When the bell rings an angel gets its wings, an Ancestor comes along and bites its head off."

C r a c k e d me up! Of course you'd have to know the context to get it. Don't? Too bad.

Cool

My son showed me this pic -- and it does look like the seal is a camera hog! Heh!

Hilarious

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