The Taste of the Sweltering Chocolate

Throughout the years, chocolate has played a very significant role in satisfying those anticipating taste buds of mine. It does not matter whether it is served as a candy bar, icing on a cake, cold chocolate milk or even hot chocolate or hot cocoa, whichever suits one's fancy.

In this case, hot chocolate is the choice of drink. This drink has always been a personal favorite since it takes the place of coffee--at least from my perspective. Every time I place the ground, brown powder into the coffee mug, I feel a sense of vividness and vibration in a playful manner. It is the sweltering and strong chocolate aroma that makes me become more alert, which is always a good sign.

During my childhood, I heard people refer to this sweltering drink as either hot chocolate or hot cocoa. The curiosity has gotten the best of me. What is really the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa? No difference, right? It depends on the individuals from different parts of the world. From my learned knowledge and as a chocolate aficionado, hot cocoa is the type of powdered chocolate from the ground cacao beans--in this case--the cocoa butter is not included in the ingredient. In contrast, hot chocolate is the result of a chocolate bar in addition to the cocoa butter and sugar. So the real difference is the cocoa butter content. That really does not matter because it will be consumed religiously by a chocolate aficionado, regardless of its intensity or cocoa butter content.

Getting up early in the morning is a blast, especially when the hot chocolate is on the table. Many of us, mainly Americans, are very accustomed to opening a pack of the Swiss Miss or other powdered chocolate and pouring it into their mugs. Voila! There it is--instant hot chocolate!

Recently, I had the pleasure to try out a different type of hot chocolate--Mexican style! Anyway, it is hot chocolate that is composed of the usual suspected ingredients, but with milk and cinnamon. This type of hot chocolate is a big breakfast hit south of the border and in most Mexican communities. Mexican hot chocolate has a taste that is pretty intense. It has the chocolaty smell with a cinnamon twist, which will eventually grow on the unsuspected chocolate consumer with a few swallows! The taste is, well, quite different than most of us are used to. It will make the taste buds bud a bit--it is an excellent thing. Drinking Mexican hot chocolate made me appreciate the more creative ways to make this staple breakfast (or any part of the day an individual prefers) drink.

If hot chocolate or hot cocoa has the most basic ingredients (some of them from our own kitchen), then why not make it ourselves? We can stop at our local supermarket and invest in a bag full of chocolate pieces, milk and sugar. The result: homemade hot chocolate. This is a recipe that should not be refused.

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_chocolate

McDonald's Throughout the World

Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Egg/Sausage McMuffin and the One Dollar Menu have a great power mealhouse in common: the home with the big, yellow M arch--McDonald's.

Everyone knows that McDonald's is a worldwide phenomenon, but many people are unaware that there are approximately over thirty thousand local restaurants that cater to almost seventy million in one hundred and nineteen countries on a daily basis. But before its global success, McDonald's originally began as a barbeque joint in 1940 in San Bernardino, CA by Dick and Mac McDonald. Eight years later, the restaurant was reopened; this time it had only nine items, which were cheeseburger, soft drinks, milk, coffee, potato chips, hamburgers and pie. Then Ray Kroc founded the very first McDonald's in the Chicagoland area in 1955. On the grand opening, it made nearly $400--a lot of money in those days!

Although McDonald's is known on a global basis, most of their menus are very standard such as the Chicken McNuggets, Mac Fries and the Big Mac. However, some of their menus are adjusted according to different cultures and customs. For example, the majority of cuisines in India are vegetarian, as with the population. The McDonald's in India serve almost everything that the typical McDonald's serve up. There are a few fast food favorites that are quite different:

-The morning meal at McDonald's may consist of a Veg McMuffin, in contrast to an Egg/Sausage McMuffin. This breakfast sandwich ingredients include toasted English bread, cheese and of course, vegetables. However, if anyone were to travel to India, the Veg McMuffin is only available in selected venues around the Mumbai and Pune Bengaluru areas.

-There is the Spicy Delights, a true must-have from India, which is known for its wonderful and exotic spices. With the Spicy Delights comes the Big Spicy Paneer Wrap. This sandwich wrap has the tasty components of paneer along with crispy battering and a bunch of exotic seasoning and vegetables. As for the topping, it is very creamy with mustard and melted cheese.

-Here comes the Core Menu--just think of the McVeggie. What is the McVeggie? The McVeggie has everything from peas to Indian spices and potatoes. The topping components are lettuce, leaf, mayonnaise and bun that is toast-like and has sesame seeds.

McDonald's is one of the most popular food service retailers in the world. Individuals can learn about the different food customs by just going to this restaurant in addition to the standard food menus. Either way, fast food can be tasty, regardless of culture, customs and anything in between throughout the world.


Sources:
http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/our_company.html
http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/museums.html
http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/content/mcd/our_company/mcd_history.html
http://www.mcdonaldsindia.com/menu.html
http://www.mcdonaldsindia.com/spicy-delights.html
http://www.mcdonaldsindia.com/breakfast-menu.html

World of the Latte

Every visit to a coffee shop means one thing: to get something to drink besides H2O, soda and alcohol beverages. Why would anyone go to a coffee shop in the first place? Obviously, to drink specialized coffee and to socialize a bit.

Whenever I get a chance to visit a coffee house shop, I find myself ordering coffee that is not from the home kitchen--Maxwell House-type. It is usually coffee that is common in other parts of the world. In this case, it is the latte, which literally means the combination of coffee and milk and it is Italian. How did I guess that? Just a lucky guess! In addition to it being formulated with expresso and milk that is hot, it is usually prepared in the home and served during breakfast--at least in Italy. If anyone wants to make the later the Italian way, the Moka Pot is used in the coffee making process and is mixed into the the warm milk, which is not foamed. Have to try it--Italian-style!

As for the rest of us from an international perspective, we can also have our simulated Italian-style latte. The catch is having the proper equipment that consists of an eight-ounce cup of expresso, one shot, which can either be single or double along with warm milk. Foamed milk that is half an inch thick on top and one layer is also included. This is not the only way the latte, or caffelatte can be served. The drink can be served with strong coffee along with hot milk. That's my kind of coffee--decaffeinated to a point, since I am not much of a coffee drinker. As an occasional coffee drinker, the latte has to be my favorite. With drinking latte, there are the best of both worlds--coffee and milk. There is the taste of caffeine and at the same time, the taste of Elsie's milk. An admission: the caffelatte's flavor has the resemblance of coffee.

Some people have complained about the prices of some of the exclusive coffee houses in terms of the coffee product. So what is the solution: according to many individuals, brew up a bootleg latte. Yes, bootleg, as in a bootleg movie. The difference is that it is coffee. In the bootleg latte business, the consumers get a chance to customize their own drink. This is conducted by ordering a cup of expresso at a very low price and combining with milk and the "extra" ingredients. These "extras" are sold for free at the bar that has the condiments.

The bottom line: whether the latte is made at someone's home kitchen, at an exclusive coffee shop or a bootleg latte, the main purpose is the same. Drink and be merry!


Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latte

Pet Owners and Foreclosure

We live in such unpredictable times, such as in a bad economy and as a result of the country's bad economy, there are many foreclosures that are taking place. The most vulnerable and misplaced victims are often pets.

During foreclosures, many families with pets are often faced with the decision to either keep them or to give them away. There are many cases in which pets are let loose or abandoned.

There is good news: replacements are available for those pets whose owners are facing foreclosure. Here are a couple suggestions if pet owners cannot leave the foreclosed home with them:
-If finding temporary placement is close to impossible for pets, then there are numerous local animal shelters and animal rescue organizations. Petfinder.com will assist pet owners in locating these services. This way, he/she will have the option of giving up ownership minus euthanizing adoptable animals. There are many shelters that give boarding to pets. The catch is if owners do not reclaim their ownership within an allotted time, then it is possible the pets will be placed for adoption. It is a must that owners inquire if this option available.
-Another option: owners can give up their pets to a local shelter that has an open admission. For those pet owners that are unaware about an open admission animal shelter, it must take in all animals; strays are no exception. The chance of these pets becoming adopted are not guaranteed. However, if these shelters are over the capacity, it is likely these animals will be euthanized.

By all means, pets should never be left behind during the event of a foreclosure. Leaving pets behind is purely inhumane act and in many jurisdictions it is considered illegal. In fact, criminal animal cruelty laws may take effect, as in pet negligence; this also depends on the the state the pet owner resides.

If owners decide to leave his/her pets with someone else, then it is their duty to check on them from time to time. However, there is a possibility that animal cruelty law violation may be taking place.

Foreclosure is a devastating situation for everyone that is involved, including pets. During the foreclosure period, owners should make sure their pets are safe and sound. Pet owners should also make sure that a criminal case is not pending for pet abandonment and/or negligence. If owners take these suggestions, families and pets will have much healthier and fulfilling lives.


Source:
http://www.petfinder.com/after-pet-adoption/pet-owners-foreclosure.html

Dogs: The Halitosis Problem

Bad breath is known as a social havoc to many individuals. It prevents us from being socialable, as in mingling with other people and/or going to public events. But what if it is the four-legged companion walking around with a breath that will cause the owners to take five steps back? Dogs can also suffer from bad breath, or halitosis.

What causes dogs to suffer with bad breath?
As most individuals would guess, the bad breath in dogs is the result of the build-up of tartar and plaque. In addition, dental and/or gum disease plays a pivotal role in the halitosis dilemma. If the bad breath is more serious, then this is an indication that the oral health issue could extend to other organs, the respiratory system, and gastrointestinal tract.

Sometimes the dog's breath can have a very particular smell--the smell that most dog owners would not expect to scent out from the olfactory organ. Here are a couple of signs that the bad breath needs some urgent treatment:
-The dog's breath smells fruit-like. This can be a sign of diabetes, especially if the dog is consuming more water and urinating more than normal.
-Breath that has the smell of urine can indicate kidney disease.

Prevention
There are some ways that the bad breath dilemma can be solved. Taking care of the oral health is very imperative. These are some of the preventive measures that can be take to avoid halitosis:
-The dog should have checkups and examinations on a regular basis to ensure that there are no issues that may be the onset of halitosis.
-Veterinarians should be on the lookout to see any changes in the dog's teeth and health.
-Dog's teeth should be brushed regularly. Rule of thumb: do not use toothpaste that is made for human's teeth; it may cause the stomach to become irregular. Use toothpaste that is for dogs only.
-Always have a sturdy but safe chewing toy that the dogs can clean their teeth--the natural way.

Halitosis is a horrible smell in terms of the oral health matter. Sometimes it may be caused by something as simple as food getting caught between the teeth; at times it may be a more urgent matter as in the respiratory system. The best solution in resolving this dilemma is to seek the advice of a veterinarian. He/she will guide the owners in the right direction with outlining the causes and providing tips on prevention.

Source:
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/bad-breath-dogs

Pets and Tear Stains

As living creatures, we have tears that come out of the eyes on a daily basis. The purpose of the tears are to protect the eyes from foreign materials, such as pollen. But unfortunately, some tears produce stains underneath the eyes in cats and dogs.

What are exactly tear stains?
Tear stains refer to the hardened, crisp stain that are present in the eyes of cats and dogs. Unlike humans, who have a drainage system (which happens to the nasal passage) that controls the flow of a massive amount of tears, cats and dogs do not possess this special drainage system. Since these animals do not possess this drainage system, their large flow of tears are collected underneath their eyes, which is covered with fur. As a result, the substance becomes dry and hardened and it becomes a stain. The stained area of the eye is also a potential candidate for bacteria and eye infections.

Causes
The cause of tear stains that exist in dogs and cats are linked to tear ducts that are blocked and/or is absolutely too much hair around the eye area. In addition to the blockage of tear ducts, tear stains may be caused by eye allergies, eye inflammation, and an irregular eyelid. If tear stains remain untreated, then there is a possibility that an eye infections and/or the pet becoming blind may occur.

Treatments for Getting Rid of Tear Stains
There is hope for getting rid of tear stains that occur in dogs and cats. There is the traditional method and the natural method. With the traditional method of treatment, it includes everything from antibiotics to many abrasive chemicals. A vast number of these chemical treatments have a disclaimer that clearly states it is pretty toxic if in direct contact with the pet's eyes. If the owner is a bit skeptical about these chemically-based cleansers, then there is the natural method of treatment. For the most part, the natural method of treatment is a bit gentler than its chemical-based counterparts. Here are two examples of natural ingredients that are contained in some tear stain treatments:
-Dandelions: This is a cleanser whose natural properties include anti-fungal as well as anti-bacterial.
-Eyebright: Eyebright is excellent with treating many aspects of the eye inflammation diseases.

Although tear stains can be an unattractive sight for a dog and cat, there are methods to getting rid of these painful and hardened crust under their eyes. If owners keep the tear stains under control, then the elimination of eye infections will be possible.

Source:
http://www.holisticpetinfo.com/conditions/tear_stains.htm

Breed-Specific Legislation: Why Should These Dogs Suffer the Consequences?

In the headlines, we hear reports about someone being attacked by a vicious dog, whether it is a child or an adult. Most of the times, the breed of these dogs is either a Pit Bull or a Rottweiler. These breed of dogs have a very terrible reputation. This is a for a very good reason--everyone knows why!

Just in case most individuals do not know is that in some jurisdictions, there is a law that bans certain do breed types from dog ownership to encourage the reduction of dog bite incidents. It is called breed-specific legislation, or BSL. Breed-specific legislation refers to laws that crack down or ban very distinctive breeds from jurisdictions for the prevention of dog attacks and reported incidents. In contrast, the dilemma with these potentially vicious dogs will not be changed by these very narrow-minded laws. This is called discrimination--in this case, specified breeds are the main focus.

There is some good news: some states do not discriminate against the dog breeds. They focus on the real issues as in regulating these vicious dogs on an individual basis. These states basically forbid the breed-specific legislation law. Texas, Illinois and New York are few of the states that says no to this law.

In many jurisdictions, the breed-specific legislation law is not limited to breeds such as the Rottweiler, American Pit Bull Terrier and English Bull Terriers, just to name a few. There are breeds of dogs on the list that almost no one would think of as being a threat in terms of attacking anyone (think Dalmations--they are the fire department symbol and the Disney cartoon 101 Dalmations--very kid-friendly!)

This law can have a huge impact on pet ownership, in many cases in a negative manner. Often, the good dog and owners have to pay the price for the bad owners' actions. Many of these dogs are well-trained as well as supervised and socialized; unfortunately, they fall victim to the regulated stereotypical breed. Ultimately, the good dog owners must obey the law concerning the breed-specific legislation or else he/she will be faced with many legal challenges, which may result in going to court or possibly jail time.

The law proves to be such a bad idea because it allows irresponsible owners to go under the radar with these potentially dangerous pets. It is attractive to any pet owner that are breaking the law that concerns animal welfare. Some of these lawbreakers even brag about their illegal "adventure." The ownership of the Pitbull with many people is the perfect example. Many pit bulls are trained to fight for profit. There are many reports of Pitbull fights (as seen on Animal Cops Detroit on Animal Planet.

According to CDC, aggression in dogs go beyond the breed specifications. Factors as in heredity, early life experiences, method of training and socialization may play a vital role.

The bottom line is the breed-specific legislation law is very discriminatory. Why should certain breed of dogs suffer from negative circumstances their irresponsible owners have caused? They should not suffer. Suggestion: instead of discrimination, law enforcement should hold these owners responsible for their actions--either give them a very stiff fine or serve some prison time.


Source: http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/dog-fighting/breed-specific-legislation.aspx