Something to think about.
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/mobile-phones-more-dangerous-than-smoking-or-asbestos-802602.html?r=RSS
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
The 59 Ingredients in a Fast Food Strawberry Milkshake
http://www.guardian.co.uk/food/Story/0,,1759910,00.html#article_continue
No, I am not kidding.
The phrase "artificial strawberry flavour" offers little hint of the scientific wizardry that can make a highly processed food taste like a strawberry. For example, if you wanted to make a strawberry milkshake at home, here's all you'd need: ice, cream, strawberries, sugar and a touch of vanilla.
Now take a look at the ingredients you might find in a fast-food strawberry milkshake: milkfat and nonfat milk, sugar, sweet whey, high-fructose corn syrup, guar gum, monoglycerides and diglycerides, cellulose gum, sodium phosphate, carrageenan, citric acid, E129 and artificial strawberry flavour.
And what does that "artificial strawberry flavour" contain?
Just these few yummy chemicals: amyl acetate, amyl butyrate, amyl valerate, anethol, anisyl formate, benzyl acetate, benzyl isobutyrate, butyric acid, cinnamyl isobutyrate, cinnamyl valerate, cognac essential oil, diacetyl, dipropyl ketone, ethyl butyrate, ethyl cinnamate, ethyl heptanoate, ethyl heptylate, ethyl lactate, ethyl methylphenylglycidate, ethyl nitrate, ethyl propionate, ethyl valerate, heliotropin, hydroxyphrenyl- 2-butanone (10% solution in alcohol), ionone, isobutyl anthranilate, isobutyl butyrate, lemon essential oil, maltol, 4-methylacetophenone, methyl anthranilate, methyl benzoate, methyl cinnamate, methyl heptine carbonate, methyl naphthyl ketone, methyl salicylate, mint essential oil, neroli essential oil, nerolin, neryl isobutyrate, orris butter, phenethyl alcohol, rose, rum ether, undecalactone, vanillin and solvent.
No, I am not kidding.
The phrase "artificial strawberry flavour" offers little hint of the scientific wizardry that can make a highly processed food taste like a strawberry. For example, if you wanted to make a strawberry milkshake at home, here's all you'd need: ice, cream, strawberries, sugar and a touch of vanilla.
Now take a look at the ingredients you might find in a fast-food strawberry milkshake: milkfat and nonfat milk, sugar, sweet whey, high-fructose corn syrup, guar gum, monoglycerides and diglycerides, cellulose gum, sodium phosphate, carrageenan, citric acid, E129 and artificial strawberry flavour.
And what does that "artificial strawberry flavour" contain?
Just these few yummy chemicals: amyl acetate, amyl butyrate, amyl valerate, anethol, anisyl formate, benzyl acetate, benzyl isobutyrate, butyric acid, cinnamyl isobutyrate, cinnamyl valerate, cognac essential oil, diacetyl, dipropyl ketone, ethyl butyrate, ethyl cinnamate, ethyl heptanoate, ethyl heptylate, ethyl lactate, ethyl methylphenylglycidate, ethyl nitrate, ethyl propionate, ethyl valerate, heliotropin, hydroxyphrenyl- 2-butanone (10% solution in alcohol), ionone, isobutyl anthranilate, isobutyl butyrate, lemon essential oil, maltol, 4-methylacetophenone, methyl anthranilate, methyl benzoate, methyl cinnamate, methyl heptine carbonate, methyl naphthyl ketone, methyl salicylate, mint essential oil, neroli essential oil, nerolin, neryl isobutyrate, orris butter, phenethyl alcohol, rose, rum ether, undecalactone, vanillin and solvent.
Sky Angel
Well, we ordered our SkyAngel. www.skyangel.com
We are really happy with it. We now can let the kids watch TV and not worry about the sleazy commericals anymore! Even when we were watching something appropriate for the kids we still were disgusted by the commercials and even some of the cartoons are horrible, even on Disney and especially Nick.
Anyways, if anyone decides they would like to try the SkyAngel it would be much appreicated if you gave them our refrenece because then we get a month free which is cool. RAF-6DRR Talk to you all later!
We are really happy with it. We now can let the kids watch TV and not worry about the sleazy commericals anymore! Even when we were watching something appropriate for the kids we still were disgusted by the commercials and even some of the cartoons are horrible, even on Disney and especially Nick.
Anyways, if anyone decides they would like to try the SkyAngel it would be much appreicated if you gave them our refrenece because then we get a month free which is cool. RAF-6DRR Talk to you all later!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Facing the Giants
Jason and I joined a Small Home Fellowship on Friday. They recommended a movie to us called Facing the Giants. I know I have seen it but it was a long time ago when it first came out and I honesly didn't remember a whole lot about it. I also think my walk with the Lord was at a different spot in my life so I don't think it meant as much to me then. Plus, it is a movie about FOOTBALL!! Don't get me wrong, I love sports but the only sports I truly love to watch are the ones I am watching in person. There is just something about watching it on TV that i can't get into. Anyway....back to the movie. We rented it last night because Jason really wanted to see it. I have to say this. It was the best movie I have ever seen. THE BEST! It would take a lot for me to say that. I never had really any movies stand out to much as being my favorite and one that I would watch over and over again. In fact, I think the only movies I have ever seen more than once are the kids movies we own. This movie however, I could watch a million times and never get tired of it. Even the kids liked it. I think some of it was a little over their head but they liked it because for once they were able to watch a adult movie with us where usually we don't let them because there is always something objectionable in it. Even PG movies are very crass and crude and many of the cartoons as well.
I found this movie to be very inspiring. It will appeal to men and women and also teenagers as well. I will tell you a little about it without ruining it for you in case you decide to watch it.
A football coach is coaching at a Christian Academy for 6 years and has never had a winning season. He has many personal and professional crises and is ready to throw in the towel on both accounts. Until someone shows him that God is good. No matter what. You need to praise him when you lose and praise him when you win. When you lean on God and only on God, He will provide for you and the blessings will come. Whether the blessings are big or small, they will come. You just have to be open to see them.
It is a good story with Third Day and Casting Crowns (Christian artists) having songs in the movie. Yes, I did cry. But, I cry at everything. Anyway, please, please, please,watch this movie and let me know what you think of it.
I found this movie to be very inspiring. It will appeal to men and women and also teenagers as well. I will tell you a little about it without ruining it for you in case you decide to watch it.
A football coach is coaching at a Christian Academy for 6 years and has never had a winning season. He has many personal and professional crises and is ready to throw in the towel on both accounts. Until someone shows him that God is good. No matter what. You need to praise him when you lose and praise him when you win. When you lean on God and only on God, He will provide for you and the blessings will come. Whether the blessings are big or small, they will come. You just have to be open to see them.
It is a good story with Third Day and Casting Crowns (Christian artists) having songs in the movie. Yes, I did cry. But, I cry at everything. Anyway, please, please, please,watch this movie and let me know what you think of it.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The Dirty Dozen--What is worth eating Organic and why
http://green.msn.com/galleries/photos/photos.aspx?gid=164
There is an article on MSN's green website that talks about foods that are really worth eating organic and why. Let's put it this way....I won't be looking at fruit the same way again. GROSS!
I will post the info here in case you want it. I got it from a friend in an email so I figured I would pass this on.
Not all of us can afford to go 100% organic. The solution? Focus on just those foods that are laden with the highest amounts of pesticides, chemicals, additives and hormones and deploy your organic spending power on buying organic versions of these whenever possible. Can't find organic versions of these foods? We've listed safer alternatives that contain the same valuable vitamins and minerals.
Beef
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, "meat contains higher levels of pesticides than any of the plant foods." Pesticides end up in the environment, then in the animal, and then in you. When eating organic beef you’ll know exactly what is—and what isn’t—getting into your system.
Milk
The fat in dairy products is another haven for pesticides, antibioltics, and bovine growth hormones. These get passed on to you through commercial milk, cheese, and butter. Organic dairies do not use chemicals or growth hormones like rGBH or rbST.
Coffee
Many of the beans you buy are grown in countries that don't regulate the use of chemicals and pesticides. Look for the Fair Trade Certified label on the coffee package or can; it will give you some assurance that chemicals and pesticides were not used on the plants. It will also mean that fair prices were paid for the end product in support of the farm that supplied the coffee, and that the farm workers are treated fairly.
Peaches
Forty-five different pesticides are regularly applied to these delicately skinned fruits in conventional orchards. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Watermelon, tangerines, oranges, and grapefruit.
Apples
Scrubbing and peeling a fruit doesn't eliminate chemical residue completely so it's best to buy organic when it comes to apples. Organic apples taste sweeter than conventionally grown, too. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Watermelon, bananas, and tangerines.
Sweet Bell Peppers
Peppers have thin skins that don't offer much of a barrier to pesticides. They're one of the most heavily sprayed vegetables out there and may be coated with nearly 40 commonly used pesticides meant to keep them insect-free. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Green peas, broccoli, and cabbage.
Celery
Celery has no protective skin, which makes it almost impossible to wash off the twenty-nine different chemicals that are used on conventional crops. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Broccoli, radishes, and onions.
Strawberries
On average, strawberries receive a dose of up to 500 pounds of pesticides per acre. If you buy strawberries out of season, they're most likely imported from countries that use less-than-stringent regulations for pesticide use. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Blueberries, kiwi, and pineapples.
Lettuces
Leafy greens are frequently contaminated with what are considered the most potent pesticides used on food. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
Grapes
Imported grapes run a much greater risk of contamination than those grown domestically. Vineyards can be sprayed with 35 different pesticides during different growth periods during the season and no amount of washing or peeling will eliminate contamination because of the grape's permeable thin skin. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Blueberries, kiwi, and raspberries.
Potatoes
America's popular spud ranks highest for pesticide residue. It may also be tainted by fungicides added to the soil for growing. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Eggplant, cabbage, and earthy mushrooms.
Tomatoes
The standard regimen of pesticides used on conventionally raised tomatoes numbers 30. Their easily punctured skins are no match for chemicals that will eventually permeate the whole tomato. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Green peas, broccoli, and asparagus.
If the cost of buying all organics isn't within your budget, fear not. Check out The Daily Green's top ten list of fruit and vegetables you don't need to buy organic, with tips for buying, cleaning, storeing, and useing them in delicious recipes.
There is an article on MSN's green website that talks about foods that are really worth eating organic and why. Let's put it this way....I won't be looking at fruit the same way again. GROSS!
I will post the info here in case you want it. I got it from a friend in an email so I figured I would pass this on.
Not all of us can afford to go 100% organic. The solution? Focus on just those foods that are laden with the highest amounts of pesticides, chemicals, additives and hormones and deploy your organic spending power on buying organic versions of these whenever possible. Can't find organic versions of these foods? We've listed safer alternatives that contain the same valuable vitamins and minerals.
Beef
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, "meat contains higher levels of pesticides than any of the plant foods." Pesticides end up in the environment, then in the animal, and then in you. When eating organic beef you’ll know exactly what is—and what isn’t—getting into your system.
Milk
The fat in dairy products is another haven for pesticides, antibioltics, and bovine growth hormones. These get passed on to you through commercial milk, cheese, and butter. Organic dairies do not use chemicals or growth hormones like rGBH or rbST.
Coffee
Many of the beans you buy are grown in countries that don't regulate the use of chemicals and pesticides. Look for the Fair Trade Certified label on the coffee package or can; it will give you some assurance that chemicals and pesticides were not used on the plants. It will also mean that fair prices were paid for the end product in support of the farm that supplied the coffee, and that the farm workers are treated fairly.
Peaches
Forty-five different pesticides are regularly applied to these delicately skinned fruits in conventional orchards. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Watermelon, tangerines, oranges, and grapefruit.
Apples
Scrubbing and peeling a fruit doesn't eliminate chemical residue completely so it's best to buy organic when it comes to apples. Organic apples taste sweeter than conventionally grown, too. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Watermelon, bananas, and tangerines.
Sweet Bell Peppers
Peppers have thin skins that don't offer much of a barrier to pesticides. They're one of the most heavily sprayed vegetables out there and may be coated with nearly 40 commonly used pesticides meant to keep them insect-free. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Green peas, broccoli, and cabbage.
Celery
Celery has no protective skin, which makes it almost impossible to wash off the twenty-nine different chemicals that are used on conventional crops. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Broccoli, radishes, and onions.
Strawberries
On average, strawberries receive a dose of up to 500 pounds of pesticides per acre. If you buy strawberries out of season, they're most likely imported from countries that use less-than-stringent regulations for pesticide use. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Blueberries, kiwi, and pineapples.
Lettuces
Leafy greens are frequently contaminated with what are considered the most potent pesticides used on food. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
Grapes
Imported grapes run a much greater risk of contamination than those grown domestically. Vineyards can be sprayed with 35 different pesticides during different growth periods during the season and no amount of washing or peeling will eliminate contamination because of the grape's permeable thin skin. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Blueberries, kiwi, and raspberries.
Potatoes
America's popular spud ranks highest for pesticide residue. It may also be tainted by fungicides added to the soil for growing. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Eggplant, cabbage, and earthy mushrooms.
Tomatoes
The standard regimen of pesticides used on conventionally raised tomatoes numbers 30. Their easily punctured skins are no match for chemicals that will eventually permeate the whole tomato. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Green peas, broccoli, and asparagus.
If the cost of buying all organics isn't within your budget, fear not. Check out The Daily Green's top ten list of fruit and vegetables you don't need to buy organic, with tips for buying, cleaning, storeing, and useing them in delicious recipes.
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