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

A Dog's Barking: When It Becomes Some Neighbors' Ear Stopper

A complete stranger approaching the front stairs of an individual's home; the four-legged family member  warns the two-legged house member that someone is at the door. As a result, he/she begins to make some noise, whether it is Ruff, Arf, or Yip. We all know that dogs bark for many different reasons, whether they are playing, for communication purposes, or just plain happiness! This type of barking is excellent, but sometimes the sound of barking can get to be a bit of a nuisance--at least for some of the neighbors.

Just in case anyone does not know about nuisance barking, it is such a ear stopper! It is something about their body language that spells out this disturbing noise; it is as if they want to jump out of their coat and skin. Many of us are dog owners and know how loud dogs could get. The barking can be as loud as one hundred dBA; this is enough for our heads to do a three-sixty twice! Some neighbors, of course the ones who are not fond of dogs--for the most part, are more likely to complain the second the dog begins to bark. In addition to the neighbors complaining about the dog's nuisance barking, our own Fido can sometimes be a pain in the muzzle, in other words, barking at unnecessary situations, such as barking at a butterfly or at moving traffic (think the 101 and 405!). This is enough to pull out anyone's head hairs.

There is good news for those wearisome neighbors and many dog owners. Here are a few ways to reduce the dog's nuisance barking sensation:

-Getting to learn what is driving these dogs to bark more than usual.
-Using positive reinforcements for the purpose of reducing the barking. There is a possibility that these dogs are barking as a result of stress and/or anxiety, just to name a few. So when the owners use the punishment method, this may make the dog's barking worse. The positive reinforcement may consists of repetitive exposure in which it will calm down the dog and encouraging him/her to stay quiet. There is also the distraction method, which can be performed through the issuance of treats and praise, among other examples.
-Searching for advice from professionals as in veterinarians, dog trainers and/or local organizations. This has to be by far the best type of help for dogs that are suffering from nuisance barking.

Dogs bark whether they are playing, "talking" to other dogs, or protecting their family members and property. The barks are usually very distinctive. Nuisance barking is entirely different from the normal one because it is nerve wrecking! Thank goodness there are many ways for the reduction of barking. With the reduction of barking, everyone can live together in peace--for the most part.


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bark_(Utterance)

Rawhides: What are They and Its Safety Issues?

Anyone that is a dog owner wants to see their four-legged companion engage in some type of fun-filled activity. One of these activities is chewing, whether it is a treat or toy. As with anything else, there are concerns about some of these chewing aids in terms of safety.

Am I talking about pet toys or treats? Generally speaking, some pet toys raise a few eyebrows. In this case, the rawhide treat is the topic the owners are raising questions.

Where does a rawhide come from? Rawhide comes from the inner layer of a cow's hide. It is cleaned and dried prior to the cutting, rolling, shaping or pressing into the different formations that exist. These dog treats appear in many appearances, hardness/softness, and texture as well as various sizes. In some cases, the rawhide has some flavor, of course, to the dog.

There are many different rawhide types to choose from: granulated, rolled/cut, chew flips (chips and strips), compressed and bully sticks:

Granulated: This is also referred to as the extruded rawhide. It is one of the softest rawhide that dogs can have an easy chewing session. The granulated rawhide is very easy to crumble, perhaps making it much quicker to consume. This is recommended for puppies and/or light chewers and should be given in small amounts.

Rolled/Cut: In the case of the rolled rawhide, this type is formulated into bone shapes, generally with a big know on each end. The bone that have a flat knot are softer than the bone that is rolled up. The average dog chewer can adapt to this rawhide.

Chew flips: The chew flips are a flatter and smaller piece that are derived from sheet of rawhide. These rawhide types are soften easily. This is the perfect size for swallowing the whole thing. Chew flips are not suggested for large puppies, active, or aggressive chewers due to its size.

Compressed: Compressed rawhide is generally composed of various rawhide layers that are shaped by compression, obviously. This rawhide is bone-shaped but minus the typical rawhide knotted ends. It is the hardest rawhide that is on the pet market. Compressed rawhide takes much longer to chew and aggressive chewers and puppies that are of larger breeds are the perfect candidates.

Bully sticks: There are the bully sticks. What are bully sticks? I know what many people are thinking--hold that thought--that is not the case. The bully sticks last longer in terms of chewing. These are also very enjoyable for the majority of dogs. The bully sticks are braided and usually six inches long. It has a very low odor, unlike other types of rawhide. Like all other rawhide types, it promotes healthy gums and teeth.

Regardless of the dog's size and life stage, they always find the pleasure of chewing on different toys. Chewing on a rawhide is no exception. However, many dog owners are expressing safety concerns, such as sharp edges on the rawhide during and after the chewing process. Suggestion: look for areas on the rawhide that is soft and large pieces, especially for smaller dogs. Owners should remove the pieces from the rawhide. If it gets to be nearly impossible for the dog to utilize, as in the piece becoming too small, then give them a new chew.

As far as safety goes, it is imperative that owners keep an eye on the things that their furry family members consume. This is only common sense. Dogs are like children in many respects.

Source:

http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com/rawhide-dog-chews.html

Get Your Pets Microchipped--It's a Lifesaver!

People are losing their pets at an alarming rate and as usual it is such a challenge trying to locate them. We see flyers displaying missing pets on a daily basis. As a result, there are advertisements that are encouraging pet owners to get this device embedded in their pets, whether it is a dog, cat, horse, or any domesticated animals.

This embedded tool is referred to as a microchip. It is an identifying integrated circuit that is injected under the skin of a dog, cat, horse or any other animal. The size of this chip is about as large as a grain of rice. Microchips uses the technology that is known as RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification. With the RFID, radio waves are used as a medium to send information. The tag keeps the data information in its memory bank by utilizing electromagnetic forces for power for the purpose of communication.

Many people think the RFID tags come in the same form. These tags have different forms. Microchips that are implanted in pets and other animals do not always have to be operating to send information--the information is stored due to the unique identification number for the pet. In other words, it waits to be read. The passive RFID tags require no batteries and no internal power source.

Microchips have been a tool used to locate lost pets and/or whenever the pet's ownership is in question. Organizations such as animal shelters and animal control centers reap the benefits of utilizing these microchip ID products. In addition to this circuit being a great assistance in returning the pets to their owners, it reduces many expenses as well. These expenses include feeding, boarding, medical attention and even the worst possibility--the pet facing euthanasia.

Shelters are not the only places that are using the microchip. Almost everyone that is a pet professional is making it their number one priority. This includes kennels, breeders, animal clubs and association and many more.

Many people are skeptical about letting their pet get the microchip. They fear their pets will require major surgery, which can be very costly. The good news is that the procedure requires no anesthesia. Just think of it as the pet getting a vaccination--the difference is getting a chip vaccination versus the liquid vaccination. Cost is also a big issue among pet owners. Some may feel the procedure is a little pricey. But it is pretty reasonable. Microchip costs run anywhere between twenty-five and sixty-five dollars plus the registration fees. The prices solely depend on the veterinary clinic and veterinarian the owner visits. Registering your pet along with the microchip is a must; otherwise the procedure is pointless.

Pet kidnappings have been in the news in recent times and the situation is only getting worse. If a pet owner are having doubts about the microchip, then it is suggested that he/she get their pets microchipped. This will be the best investment for the owner and their pets.


Sources:

http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/pets-travel/pet-microchip1.htm
http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/pets-travel/pet-microchip2.htm

Pets Can Also Have Food Allergies

When we hear about food allergies and intolerance, we usually associate it with people. Some of these food allergies and intolerance may include being lactose intolerant and allergic reactions due to certain food ingredients, just to name a few. But most of us do not think that pets can also suffer from food allergies. Believe it or not, it is true.

Food allergies are responsible for at least ten percent of the allergies that are present in dogs. It is one of the most common causes of allergies along with inhalant allergies. In addition, it is responsible for twenty percent of the itching and scratching that occurs in dogs.

What is the difference between food allergies and intolerance? It is a big difference between food allergies and food intolerance? With food allergies, it actually demonstrates the symptoms of itching, scratching and other skin dilemmas that are connected to dog and cat allergies. Unlike food allergies, food intolerance deals with the aftermath as in diarrhea, therefore does not respond to allergies on a normal basis. Pet food intolerance is very similar to their human counterparts vomiting after consuming foods that are greasy and spicy in nature. There is hope: these food annoyances can get some type of relief by switching the pet's diet to something that is allergen-free. These following pet food ingredients are some of the main causes of the annoyances: beef, dairy products, chicken, lamb, fish, chicken eggs, corn, wheat and soy.

Allergy Symptoms
Itchy skin is usually the main symptom in terms of the food allergies. It has an excruciating effect on everywhere from the face to the arm area. Other symptoms may be skin infections in response to an antibiotic, which returns after the end of usage, and hair loss, just to name a few. An increase in bowel movements may also be an issue.

Treatment
The best type of treatment for these pet food allergies is avoiding many of the food ingredients. To bring some temporary relief, antihistamines, garlic combining fatty acids and steroids are given. There are two different options for the pet owner: a homemade diet or a specifically formulated diet to feed the pets.

If the choice is a homemade diet, the owner has the option to introduce the pet to new ingredients, just to see the ingredient in which is causing the allergic reaction. If this type of diet is the choice, then the diet should be balanced, with the proper amount of vitamins, ingredients and minerals. Owners should seek advice from a veterinary nutritionist for accuracy.

Food allergies are usually the result of the ingredients that are present in everyday, commercialized pet foods. But if the pets are experiencing any symptoms of food allergies, owners should seek a veterinarian.

Source:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?=C=2+2111&aid=143

Furry Citizens

Furry Citizens

Dog Fragrances: An Owner's Sniff Test

Want to eliminate the typical "doggy" odor? No, this is not in reference to the elimination of pet urine or anything of that nature. We are talking perfumes and colognes for dogs. That right!--fragrances for our beloved pooches.

When we take Fido to the groomer for that summer haircut, the vast majority of these grooming professionals use some type of deodorant just to tickle their owners' olfactory nerves. Think about the Animal Planet show "Groomer Has It!" It is not that the dogs are barking about who's wearing which fragrance! In addition to giving their coat that extra and pleasurable "kick," some dog owners' other concerns are how to moisturize the coat and keeping the skin hydrated, just to name a few.

In almost every dog grooming salons and pet stores (where grooming services are available--think Petco), there are a shelf full of sprays, spritzes and perfumes. Not only the groomer are styling the dog's coat into its desirable look, he/she is encouraged to sell the products as well. Grooming salons and shops usually offer many different fragrances, for female and male dogs.

Recently, I wanted to purchase some dog fragrances for my pooch. I went to Petco, but did not find what was desired. A different approach was sought: the Internet! Dog.com and Bella Poochie have a variety of dog sprays and perfumes to choose from. Dog owners will find that these fragrances' names are similar to the designer fragrances that are made for people. The good thing is that it is not-so-posh in terms of pricing.

Here are a few of them that will pique dog owners' interests:

CK9: Remember CK1 for people? Just think of CK9 as the doggy version. Both genders can get a splash of this fragrance. Not too feminine or too masculine, CK9 is very neutral in terms of scent with a combination of pineapple, jasmine, papaya with a little bit of amber and green tea.

Beautifur: This is just like the perfume,"Beautiful," but the four-legged companion gets her glory with Beautifur. Beautifur is the more elegant perfume. In addition to the more sophisticated fragrance, it is also tangle-free. It is perfect for keeping up Ms. Fido's hair.

Pucci: It is very obvious how this cologne got its name! Does Gucci ring a bell?. Anyway, if you have a male dog, then Pucci is the perfect cologne for him--you will smell his masculinity. This is classy and sophisticated for the four-legged debonair. A classic, but a gem!

Not all of these dog fragrances are "posh." There are some fragrances that are suited for the "common" dog:

Therapet Pet Cologne: This cologne consists of many of the top-notched fragrances and made into the imitation ones. The good news is that it smells nearly like the "posh" stuff. Therapet Pet Cologne is not only easy to apply, but the dog's nemesis, the cat is also welcome to use it. The scent last for more than forty-eight hours. Aqualina Pink Sugar and Island Kiss are phenomenal for female dogs, and Hugo Boss is wonderful on their male counterparts.

Earthbath Mango Tango Dog Spray: Earthbath Mango Tango is just the answer to the relief of a not-so-pleasant odor. This can be used in-between baths. Not only this spray gives the owners satisfaction of eliminating bad odor, but it also give moisture to the skin and coat.  Earthbath Mango Tango also gives the coat its softness minus the residue. The special components of this doggy spray is that it contains all natural ingredients and pH balanced. This product is safe on dogs six weeks old and not recommended for cats. What a bummer!

Whether your dog wears the classy and/or elegant fragrance or the sporty and common type, there is a scent for every dog and their owner. Dog owners: seize the fragrance, whichever is chosen!

The Great Nature

The great nature rules.
Nature is so calm and lovely.
Clear blue skies are wonderful to look at.
A sense of peacefulness is wonderful.
Hearing nature sing sounds very lovely.
The great nature is beautiful.
It is a lovely reflection of the outdoors.
Watching the leaves being carried away is a wonderful vision.
Writing beautiful music is beyond great. 

Nature is...great, wonderful, and lovely! 

Poisonous Foods to Dogs

Own Fido? Chances are if you are a dog owner, you have purchased him/her some treats, or, maybe you have the desire to make homemade dog treats. But before you whip up that batter, there are some things that you should be informed on.

The following are common ingredients that are used in dog treats that should not be used:

Baby food: Baby food is fine, but in trace amounts. On the contrary, it may include onion or onion powder along with an ample amount of sugar and salt. This is terrible for a dog's diet.

Cheese and milk: Although these two dairy products are not toxic to dogs, some dog's systems are intolerant of dairy products. In the case of a dog having intolerance to dairy products, owners can use substitute milk for the recipe, as in almond milk, soy milk, or other milk that is lactose-free. Here is another alternative: beef broth, chicken broth, or water can take the place of milk. Good news: lactose-free cheeses, soy, or cheeses from almond can be used.

Chocolate: Dogs should avoid chocolate in every form because of its toxicity. If dogs ingest any chocolate, then vomiting and diarrhea may occur. Depending on its consumption level, it can also cause conditions, such as tremors, irregular heart rhythm, seizures, and in most extreme instances—death.

Onions: Ingesting onions alters the red blood cells; as a result, causing anemia. Skip all onion products for the pooch.

Liver: Dogs cannot resist the liver treats—the smell is irresistible to them. But as with anything, too much consumption of liver can result in vitamin A toxicity. A rule of thumb: do not overindulge their digestive tract with one type of ingredient.

Macadamia nuts and walnuts: Nuts are very dangerous to dogs. Macadamia nuts and walnuts have toxins that may cause muscle tremors, paralysis, and eventually become weak. Although other nut varieties are deemed to be safe, they are likely to have a substantial amount of salt and fat. Avoid the macadamia nuts and walnuts; as for the rest of the nuts—use in moderation.

Potato: Potatoes in doggie treats are just fine—beware of the green parts due to its toxicity. In potatoes, if the consumption of the green parts is substantial, it is considered dangerous. Other than the green part, dogs can dig in their potatoes!

Salt: By all means, salt should be avoid in a dog's diet. Unlike humans, dogs do not have as many taste buds. Therefore, they do their “taste test” through their keen sense of smell. If dogs consume a lot of salt, then numerous health problem can arise, such as kidney problems and sodium toxicity.

Sweetness/sugar: Trust me, Fido is not going to miss the sugar cravings! If dogs were to eat sugar, it can cause tooth decay, weight gain, and hypoglycemia. As for sweeteners, avoid it as well.

Now that you know what common foods are toxic for dogs, you—the owner—can make healthier choices for them, even it you decide to beat the batter for those tasty, homemade doggie treats. Doggies—snack on and be in good health!

Source:

www.dogtreatkitchen.com/foods-poisonous-to-dogs.html

The Water Myths

Our lives are very dependent upon water, whether it is drinking, cooking, or bathing. Big deal, right? Water is one of the purest elements on planet Earth. So why are there myths about water? The demands for water is a possibility.

Here are some of these water myths:

Myth: We have less water in the present time than we did in the past.

The Truth: The same amount of water that exists on our planet today is unchanged from when the Earth came into existence. The demands on water these days are much greater. As a result, water have regulations, treated and are sold.

Myth: Once the water is used up, no more will be produced.

The Truth: Water is not short of supply; in fact, it is recyclable and goes through this cycle numerous times. There are some water that is rapidly recycled and will be reusable during a week's time, and other parts of water will not probably be used for a few months or a few years.

Myth: There is lead in the water; the water treatment plant is responsible.

The Truth: The majority of the lead that is found in water can be traced to the plumbing system in the home. There is a possibility that the plumbing may include lead pipes and/or lead solder somewhere in the connections. Lead is harmful to anyone, especially for children and pregnant women. If any individual have issues about the lead water, he/she should get in touch with the local public health department of water utility to see how the water can be tested by a laboratory that is certified. If the result of the water lead test is fifteen parts of a gallon, then it is time to have reduction of the water lead content.

Myth: Bottled water is much safer than tap water.

The Truth: Think again! This is not always the case. Bottled water have regulations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in which the water quality requirements are almost the same as the regulations from the EPA for public water supplies. However, public water supplies and bottled water are not guaranteed to be one hundred percent contaminant-free. The end result of the product should meet every federal, state, or provincial water standards for drinking.

Myth: Water will automatically purify; we should not be concerned.

The Truth: We should be concerned about the condition of our drinking water. Water is supposed to be one hundred percent pure, but unfortunately the environment is composed of so many harmful elements, it can get into the drinking water supplies.

Those are some of the drinking water myths that we often hear. Unfortunately, most people take drinking water for granted, even with the bottled water. The bottom line: we should pay more attention to the water resources so that we can protect them from contamination and make sure that the public water utilities have excellent resources to be able to give the general public safe drinking water supplies.

Source:

www.nsf.org/consumer/drinking_water/ww_myth.asp?program=waterTre

Return of the Pet Food Recall

In the news: there has been another pet food recalling. First, there was recalling of the pet canned food a few years ago. Now, it is bags of cat food that is making the headlines. Purina is hitting the air waves, but this time in a negative perspective.

Purina has recalled some cat food that stands the possibility of being contaminated by salmonella. It has recalled the bags of three and a half pound and seven pound Purina One Vibrant Maturity 7+ Dry Cat Food, which is formulated for senior cats.

These bags of food were originally made within a single production that was started during the second half of 2010. According to the press release that is posted on Purina.com, this stuff were sold to pet owners/consumers in at least twelve Midwestern states, such as Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin, just to name a few.

The following recall is for the product that has a “Best by” date of May 2012. This information is found on the bottom corner of the bag:

-3.5 pound bags with production codes of 03341084 and 03351084 and UPC codes of 17800 and 01885.

-7 pound bags with production codes of 03341084 and 03351084 and UPC codes of 17800 and 01887.

According to Keith Schopp, spokesman for Nestle Purina PetCare Company, the decision for the recall was made over a two-day course at the manufacturing facility in Davenport, IA. He was not clear on the amount of the food that was made within a couple of days. Schopp also stated that Nestle Purina was unaware of the contamination and was notified from the Food and Drug Administration. There is good news—no other pet food products from this company were not affected by the salmonella possibility.

What is up with all of these pet food recalls? Is the Food and Drug Administration thoroughly monitoring these food manufacturing plants? If they were really inspecting these places, then how come there are numerous pet food recalling. Believe it or not, there are more pet food recalls that anyone would think.

The question is did any pet owners purchase any of these products and if so, did their pets become sick? But it is advised to discontinue use, of course, until further notice, and discard it. It also gives warning about people handling the cat food. Anyone that purchased this particular product can get their refund by visiting the website, www.purina.com or they can give them a call at 1-800-982-6559.

Source:

www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-purina-recalls-pet-food-contaminated-by-salmonella-20110801,0,299161.story

For the Love of Bacon

Many of us begin our mornings with a cup of coffee along with a bagel and/or a couple slices of bacon. But as we will find out that bacon is more than just a breakfast meat.

Bacon is that piece of breakfast meat that comes from a pig—obviously, for the most part. It is cured by utilizing a substantial amount of salt, either in a brine or dry packing. As a result, fresh bacon is born. This is also called green bacon. But before we can indulge our teeth into this tasty, hickory-like meat, it has to be cooked.

Did you know that bacon really mean “buttock,” “ham,” or “side of bacon.” It comes from the Old High German word, bacho. There is also a possibility that it comes from a region in northwestern Hungary called Bakony. This is very interesting, knowing that many individuals are actually eating strips that come from Porky's rear end. Creepy but interesting!

When many individuals eat bacon, we just chew on it without thinking about the various bacon cuts: Here are a few:

Side bacon, also known as streaky bacon, is part of the pork belly, which has fat, long layers that is parallel to the rind. Not to mention, this is the most eaten bacon cut in the States.

There is the middle bacon. This is referred to as the pig's side. The good thing is that the flavor is somewhere between side, or streaky bacon and back bacon. It is not very costly.

Speaking of back bacon, it is part of the loin in the back of the pig, which is in the middle. This part of the piggy is very meaty and contains less fat compared with the rest of the cuts. It is pretty much resembles ham. Back bacon is mainly common in the UK.

Cottage bacon is a thin slice of bacon that is lean; it has an oval shape and full of meat. This cut is cured and sliced into circular slices and is used for frying and baking.

Remember the bacon with the skin rinds on the sides? That is slab bacon, which has a moderate amount of fat. It comes from the pig's side, belly and fatback. Many people think that slab bacon is actually salt pork, but it is not. Salt pork is uncured and, of course, much saltier.

When we cook the bacon, regardless of cuts, there is always the extra part that comes out: the bacon fat. This becomes liquid when the bacon drippings are the result of heating. When it becomes cool, it turns into lard (if it is meat that is not cured) and in the case of rendered bacon fat (if the meat is cured). Bacon fat has a wonderful flavor and it is used for many cooking cuisines, particularly in British and American Southern cuisines. In addition, it is used for cooking many different things, e.g. cornbread and salad dressing. Regardless of the small nutritional value, this is still the staple food ingredient in the Deep South in the United States.

Bacon is so popular in the United States that some of the most unusual products that people would think twice about is cashing in on the bacon fever. These products range in everything from bacon peanut brittle, bacon toothpaste, bacon mints to bacon air freshener, just to name a few. The list goes on.

It seems that the entire world has gone awry, just for the scent and flavor of bacon. As much as I like bacon, whether it comes from a pig or a turkey, I do not think that I want to spray my house with bacon air freshener or brush my teeth with bacon toothpaste. That is just pushing it a little bit far! That's just me!

Source:

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

Breakdown of the Pet Food Label

Many of us that own domestic pets, whether cats or dogs, have to buy food for them to be healthy, right? Regardless of the food type—wet food or dry food. But the vast majority of pet owners fail to read the nutritional information on the labels. For those of us who carefully read the pet food labels often have a difficult time knowing the labeling system. Guess what? Some of the information is misleading.

Here is the true breakdown of the label listings on these pet food labels:

Product name

This is the first part that the pet owners see; often this information determines his/her decision to purchase the product. In order to appeal to the consumers, these manufacturers use much fancier names. For example, if a dog food has a specified name, such as “Lamb Food for Dogs,” the ingredient, Lamb, should not be less than ninety-five percent of the overall weight if the water is a requirement for processing is excluded. This cannot be less than seventy percent if the inclusion of water is calculated.

The real breakdown: The specified ingredient is the real requirement in making up in a quarter of the overall product. The primary ingredients cannot be described. The manufacturers are not necessarily liars when it comes to saying what is being used. However, the consumers should be aware that he/she may not be getting what is really wanted for their furry family members.

Net Quantity Statement

This information lets the pet owners know how much food is in the container. There are a number of FDA regulations that apply to the formatting, size, and even the net quantity statement. Not many people know this, but this statement also determines the product costs. A good example is a sixteen-ounce pet canned food may be the mirror image of the one-pound canned food adjacent to one another. Dry food also falls into this category, in terms of density. If a dry food bag is holding thirty pounds, then in reality it is really holding twenty-five pounds of food in a “blown-up” bag. As a result, one cost-per-ounce, or per pound product comparison is pretty crucial.

The real breakdown: Many pet food brands are sold in different sized bags. In other words, if the bag is of small size, then it is likely that the pet owner will pay more than for a larger bag. If a pet owner were to purchase a five-pound bag of pet food, then it will cost approximately eight dollars, which is $1.60 price per pound. In contrast, if a pet owner bought a forty pound bag of food, it cost thirty-two dollars, but it was $0.80 price per pound. So, in the long run, pet owners are paying twice as much when purchasing smaller bags. Suggestion: Just to save money, pet owners should invest in a vacuum food sealer to separate the large bag into smaller sections.

Ingredient List

The ingredient list is a must-know for all pet owners, if he/she is concerned about what their pets are eating. It is listed in accordance to weight, which is determined by adding to the formation of the food that includes water content. The common name must be used in the listing process. According to the definition provided by the AAFCO official publication, “listed in order of predominance of weight,” simply means the food weight before the processing takes place.

The real breakdown: Pet owners should consider seeking out the first named source of fat that is included in the ingredient list. If anything is listed prior to that, is the main component of the food, and the rest of the items are included in smaller quantities just for the flavor addition, which plays a pivotal role as being preservatives or dietary benefits, as in vitamins, minerals, etc.

Guaranteed Analysis

The analysis in the pet food label must tell the pet owners about the guarantees for the minimum percentages for the crude protein and crude fat and the maximum percentages for the crude fiber and moisture. For those that do not have any idea about the word crude in terms of pet food, it is a very particular way of product testing, not to the nutrient's quality.

The real breakdown: There are various protein, fat sources and valuable nutrients that are essential to keeping good health. The food that your pet has to eat relies on the nutrient's concentration that exists in the product. These are the digestible values for proteins:

-Egg whites and whey protein: 100%

-Muscle meat, as in chicken: 92%

-Organ meats, as in liver: 90%

-Fish, whole soybeans (leftover fragments not included): 75%

-Rice: 72%

-Oats: 66%

-Yeast: 63%

-Wheat: 60%

-Corn: 54%

Although the pet food label has a ton of information, it is subject to be very tricky to the pet owners who did not reveal the information. Until a more pet owner-friendly and believable labeling system comes into existence, most pet owners will be influenced by tricky marketing antics and claims due to the fact that these entertaining TV and radio commercials is the selling point. Most of the pet owners will not take the time to comprehend the pet food label—that is the advertisers' plan!

Source:

http://www.dogfoodproject.com/index.php?page=labelinfo101

Precious Water

Water is about
the purest thing
that exists on
planet Earth,
whether it is for
drinking, cooking,
and everything else
in between.

It is good for the
body; at the same
time, it's quite
intoxicating that
causes a water
imbalance in
the brain.

Water has such
an impact that
the soda, coffee,
and tea has
joined in the
water revolution.
Don't count out
the mildly diuretic
caffeine, which blocks
our good friend,
water, from entering
the body.

When we talk about
water, almost no one
mentions the flushing
toilet; that big tank
uses almost eighty to
one hundred gallons
of water. That's a
lot of water!

Why do the experts
tell people that they
should consume eight
cups a day when in
fact all our foods have
water in it!

By the way, if anyone
ever have the thirst
temptation, keep one
thing in mind: the
body has lost about
a percent of the
overall water
amounts.

Drink in moderation,
even with water!

Truth About Breast and Belly Mutilation

In the United States, girls that are going through their adolescence have the breast talk, but it is usually about the size or whether she should get breast augmentation. But to many of the girls in some regions in Africa, this is a very serious issue.

Approximately four million girls in Cameroon, a country in Africa, experience this very horrible and inhumane practice of breast ironing. Sadly, this practice is on the rise. Not only this exists in Cameroon, it is also prevalent in countries such as Togo, Benin, and many other locations in West and Central Africa.

What is breast ironing? Breast ironing refers to the young girls' breasts being flattened, massaged, and even pounded by a method of using coconut shells, hot stones, and other harsh objects. According to these mothers from Cameroon, their purpose is to hold back their daughters' breast development. Otherwise, the temptation of men will be enforced due to their breast. These mothers really believe that breast ironing will decrease their chances of being sexually harassed, raped, and the prevention of teenage pregnancy, which can ruin the family name in Cameroonian society.

The impact on girls are very devastating as a result of breast ironing. This practice can result in many physical dilemmas as in deformities and burns. It can also have very dire consequences in terms of the psychological aspects, such as the girls growing into women without feeling attractive. Breast ironing also increases the chances of having breast cancer. This is very painful and damaged tissues are an issue, which it will be impossible to breast feed an infant.

Breast ironing is not the only type of female genital mutilation that takes place in Cameroon and many other countries in Western and Central Africa. There is belly ironing. Belly ironing is another form of female genital mutilation. It consists of a very traditional broom that is placed in boiling water. The purpose of this method is to beat the woman's belly after giving birth. There is a towel that is soaked in boiling water for massaging the various areas of the body. In some parts of the country, these women have to sit on a bucket in which hot water is included. The penetration of the vapors reaches the vagina and uterus. Vaginal infections, burns, or scarring are often the end result. Unfortunately, Cameroonian women still have this belief. The only reason that these women have gained acceptance is because of tradition. Tradition is the importance of allowing the afterbirth to leave after having a baby.

Now, there are many campaigns that are addressing this issue concerning female genital mutilation. These girls and women deserve to live a normal life without having to worry about any barbaric acts to be performed on them.

Source:

http://www.tropicpost.com/breast-ironing-mutilation/

The Effects of Jet Lag

Many of us travel by airplane occasionally and really have fun with our trips. But there are some people that travel to their destinations and end up carrying more than themselves and luggage. They take a little bit of the bug with them. Does jet lag ring a bell? This could be the case.

Jet lag, or desynchronosis, is a condition that is accompanied by fatigue, insomnia, and many different symptoms which comes from traveling by air across various time zones. In addition to fatigue and insomnia, a person suffering from this condition may have a bout of constipation, anxiety, diarrhea and headache, just to name a few. Nausea and memory loss also may be an issue.

Why do some people suffer from jet lag? When many individuals are traveling, his/her body many have a very difficult time adjusting to the time in a different time zone. While the body is trying to make the time zone transition, it may go through a few changes of its own. For example, an individual may be used to utilizing the public facilities in one time zone. He/she is on the airplane from Seattle to New York City; constipation sets in. The body is having a hard time making the quick transition.

Here is the thing. Many individuals do not realize that it matters which direction that they are traveling. People that are traveling north or south via airplane within the same time zone suffer the least. This is due to the time and/or day is unchanged from where the flight began. In many cases, individuals may also have some difficulties dealing with climate, culture, and diet differences if traveling for a great period of time; time is not usually an issue under these special circumstances.

It is a known fact that people traveling across a couple of time zones may be able to adapt to them without very obvious symptoms. However, it he/she is traveling across more than a few time zones may run into a few issues with jet lag. The symptoms are usually more intense, and it also have variations in terms of how many time zones are passed and the travel direction.

There is hope for dealing with jet lag. Here are some suggestions for combating the problem with jet lag:

-Get in shape

-Seek medical advice

-By all means, alcohol is unacceptable

-Drink plenty of water

-Wear clothing and shoe apparel that is of great comfort

-Try to avoid sleeping medications, if possible

Do not let jet lag ruin that wonderful vacation. Just follow these suggestions and the trip will be fun and sick-free.

Sources:

http://www.rxlist.com/jet_lag/article.htm

http://www.rxlist.com/jet_lag/page2.htm

http://www.rxlist.com/jet_lag/page3.htm

Wheatgrass: Its Benefits

Since we live in a very health-conscious society, many of us are constantly looking for products to eat and/or drink that are not only tastes great but also beneficial to our health. There are many herbs that will help us achieve our health goals. Wheatgrass is one of these herbs.

What is wheatgrass? Wheatgrass is comprised of the cotyledon, or seed leaves of the wheat plant, which is also known as Triticum aestivum. It comes in juice and powder concentrate form. According to individuals that tried this herb, it boosted their energy level, cleared the skin complexion, and gave great relief to different ailments, allergies and even a cough.

There are four main health benefits of wheatgrass. The first benefit is that the red blood cell count boost up for the delivery of oxygen and along with other types of nutrient consistently. In addition to chlorophyll boosting metabolism, it also plays a vital role in increasing extra amount of energy and alkalize the blood. Wheatgrass is excellent for cleaning out the body. It gives the body the majority of the nutrients, which is essential for energy and survival. This herb contains the vitamins E, C, B, and carotene. It is great for getting rid of the free radicals that can be present in the body. Wheatgrass has the ability for cleansing the gastrointestinal tract, blood, along with the organs. This herb have a significant amount amino acids, which allows for the building of proteins, the cells' growth and reginerating. The juice form has an ample amount of animo acids. The amino acids are alanine, lysine, aspartic adid, glycene, serine, arginine, absenic, leucine, just to name a few. The juices and powders of wheatgrass are vital in the promotion of the immune system to fight off different ailments and infections. It is also great for maintaining beta carotene and it has various enzymes, which allows the breakdown of fats, weight loss and many functions biologically. Wheatgrass is anti-bacterial, therefore when consumers utilize this herb, it can cause detoxification with the blood and lymph nodes and the elimination of toxins from the body in a more desirable manner.

When wheatgrass is consumed, the reduction of carcinogen absorption and at the same time, allowin the cells to be stronger. It also detoxify organs as in the liver.

Wheatgrass has many health benefits as well as having a very natural taste. If anyone wants to detoxify and cleanse their bodies without using harsh chemicals, the wheatgrass is the way to go.

Source:

http://www.herbwisdom/com/herb-wheatgrass.html

Potato Chips: Its Existence

Ok, you are preparing to give a party--let's say a tailgating party. Included are the barbecue meats, refreshments, and, of course, alcohol. But something's missing--the dip and the bags of very thin and crunchy chips, potato chips. As these chips are eaten, one cannot help to wonder how are these potato snacks are cooked and stay fresh for a certain duration.

Until the idea of sealed bags were born, potato chips were anything but a household name in terms of being a snack food. Before the colorful, shiny bags that we know that the potato chips are in, these thin little chips were kept in barrels in glass display cases. Guess who came up with the brilliant idea of keeping the potato chips fresh, dry and tasty? A woman by the name of Laura Schudder, an entrepreneur from California. The only thing she did was put together two pieces of wax paper and ironed them. Very smart and innovative! The potato chips are in business. Bagged potato chips are allowed for self-service; no weighing in on these thin potatoes!

These tasty potato chips were cooked in small kettles. They were cooked that way until the invasion of mass production. The invention of the continuous fryer had created massive economies and as a result, the smaller businesses of kettle cookers were quickly snuffed out. In the present time, potato chips are no longer peeled by hand like in previous times; instead, they are cut by a built-in machine blade. Times have changed drastically for the potato chips.

From time to time, I eat a bag of potato chips (usually plain). The interesting part is inside of the bag, it has this very greasy look and feeling. I guess that when these chips are sealed, the grease is absorbed in the bag. When anyone sticks his/her hand in the bag, there is a handful of oils that is the end result of those lovely chips. Believe it or not, potato chips were unseasoned until the 1950s. Salt had came into the potato chips' lives. It was in a packet inside the sealed potato chip bag. Such a bad idea. My question is why do they put so much salt on these potato snacks. It takes away the authentic potato taste and it becomes one big salty paradise. It seems like the potato chip industry is just overdoing it with the additional flavoring. The thing is that in the States, potato chips have a variety of flavors. These flavors can range from sour cream and onion, barbecue, salt and vinegar, and even original, either salted or plain. Don't get me wrong, I like the different type of flavoring, but I still want to taste some potato and not so much of the salt and the "simulated" flavor.

Speaking on the salty issue, in recent years, there have been concerns about the nutritional value of potato chips and with good reason. During the birth of potato chips, health was not really an issue--the only concern was achieving that good taste. But now, in our health-conscious society, individuals are questioning the percentage of sodium, trans fats along with other valuable nutritional information. When we purchase a bag of potato chips, there is usually a large amount of sodium present in them. It is a good thing that the nutritional fact label is included on all of our foods, including potato chips. Potato chips are classified as junk food, of course--it contains ingredients that are very unhealthy for our bodies, such as the cooking oil.

Potato chips have came a long way from what had originally began as a mistake. It just goes to show that in many cases, a mistake can become very mainstream, popular and become one of the world's favorite snack from the sack!

Sources:

http://www.thenibble.com/REVIEWS/main/snacks/chip-history3.asp

http://www.thenibble.com/REVIEWS/main/snacks/chip-history4.asp

Sherbets and Sorbets: Is There a Difference?

Summertime is now officially here. Everything is heating up and so is our appetites, so why not add a little sweetness and flavor to it! One way to cool our appetites is, of course, to eat something that does not require heat; let's try sherbet, or perhaps sorbet!

What is so good about sherbets and sorbets are that they are both frozen desserts. The difference is that sherbet has milk in it. The dairy taste is very present in it. Ice cream enthusiasts will automatically know the difference. According to the International Dairy Foods Association, sherbet should have at least one to two percent of milk fat in the finished production. Sorbet is similar to sherbet-it contains flavored syrup, but unlike sherbet, it does not contain dairy ingredients. That should be good news for the lactose intolerant.

Here in North America, sherbets and sorbets begin with the sugar syrup. It is only natural that sugar and water are part of the ingredient as well as fruit juice, milk and/or wine. In addition to these essential ingredients, herbs, spices, and/or the infusion of flowers are included in the base syrup. However, if there is a little more than enough sugar in the sorbet, then it stands a greater chance of not freezing to its normal state. The best sorbets are made from just water, sugar, and some sort of flavoring. But, some of these recipes call for the usage of egg whites, or gelatin, which will act as stabilizers, particularly sorbets. It melts very fast and also it is used when fruits have a high level of pectin. At times, the egg whites are included to act as meringue, as in some of the higher-end sorbets.

There is some rich history that is involved with sherbets and sorbets. When most individuals think about sherbets, he/she immediately think about the orange sherbet. But during the 1980s and 1990s, people had regained their interest in sorbets. Tradition was almost out of the question. What is considered to be the traditional sorbet flavors? Lemon, lime or champagne. Sorbets were suddenly converted into vanilla or even chocolate. The purpose of this conversion: to have competition with the typical ice creams that are lurking the freezer.

Unlike regular ice creams, sherbets and sorbets are lower in fat. But their sugar base gives these tasty slushies a higher sugar content and higher in calories than most people would perceive. However, the milk that is contained in sherbets does not have an ample amount of fat, protein, vitamins and mineral. Sherbets and sorbets that are composed mainly from fruits contain very little vitamin C. But in order to reap the "real" benefits of vitamin C, he/she would have to eat over half of the container!

After all, there is very little difference between sherbets and sorbets. Bottom line: this stuff tastes very good, but not a requirement for keeping the body healthy and functioning properly.

Source:

http://www.enotes.com/food-encyclopedia/sherbet-sorbet

The Essence of Rain

The essence of rain
represents nature's calling
in a calming way.

The Fourth

Each year when the Fourth
arrives, the smell of barbecue
ribs and burgers invade the
privacy of our backyards. Also,
those wonderful and colorful
fireworks come to life with
extraordinary designs that
wow the crowd; however
those pesky little pets are
quite bewildered and afraid.

The Fourth is also a time when
those family members gather
around to do everything from
eating up every piece of scrappy
meat to drinking into inebriation
and talking about nothing!

I thought that the Fourth was
supposed to be a celebration of
independence; this is why it is
called "Independence Day." Instead,
cookouts, firecrackers, fireworks,
getting drunk and traffic tickets are
being celebrated! Not that I have a
problem with the cookouts, firecrackers,
and fireworks--they're fun!
Just a thought!

Coconut Water: What Is This Stuff?

Want to drink something that is a little tastier than the good old H2O? Not Pepsi, not Mountain Dew or anything that fizzes in your face. It is water, but with a bit of a tropical flavor. It is coconut water.

Yes, there is a such thing as coconut water. What is coconut water? It is obvious that it is water that comes from the coconut. But there's more. The essence of indulging in coconut water has a number of health benefits: 1) it contains low carbohydrates, 2) low amounts of sugar, 3) fat-free, for the most part, as in ninety-nine percent. Coconut water is dubbed as being one of the best drinks to hydrate the body, besides water and Gatorade.

I must say that when I first went to the supermarket and saw some coconut water on the shelf, skepticism crossed my mind. My thought was that it was going to have a very bland taste, although I am a coconut fan. Once the small box of this stuff was opened and liquid was consumed, it was pure heaven! Coconut water was so good until I returned to the store to stock up!

Not only it tastes so good, it can also be an assistance for cooling off the body at its normal temperature. It replenishes the body, which coconut water, is known as an isotonic beverage, especially after an exercise workout. This water increases the metabolism as well as allowing the opportunity for weight loss. It also help cells to gain oxygen and nutrients.

Guess what? This is just the beginning for coconut water. Not many people know this about this water, but it is much healthier than a whole gallon of milk due to it having not as much fat and zero cholesterol; it is also healthier than orange juice. That's very surprising. So much for vitamin C, huh? What a surprise! Coconut water is considered to be sterile water, which is permeated with the assistance of the filtering husk. Did you know that coconut water is the mirror image with that of the human blood plasma? Yes, it is true due to its purity state.

If anyone want to reap the healthy benefits and at the same time enjoy the taste of the drink, the coconut water is the way to go. This stuff works wonder. My suggestion: try it!

Source:
http://www.knowledgebase-script.com/demo/article_320.html

Barbie and Ken: Is This It?

Everyone that is alive today knows about the Ken and Barbie saga. This "fairy tale" story is still continuing, but with a different issue: the environment.

The problem is that Greenpeace, the environmental organization, has been putting out a campaign against a pulp manufacturer in Indonesia called Asia Pulp and Paper. According to Ian Litshitz, who is an executive for Asia Pulp and Paper, the organization is making allegations that does not make sense and they believe that with Mattel's investigation will confirm that the products' packaging are made from mainly recycled products. Mattel stated that the company does not promote deforestation and will begin seeking the reasons for the allegations against Asia Pulp and Paper.

Now, Greenpeace's next target: Mattel Company Headquarters, which is also Barbie and Ken's "dream home" in El Segundo, CA. According to Greenpeace, more than thirty percent of this "deforestation" stuff that was located in certain toy packages, such as Barbie, were utilizing tropical wood. In fact, the protesters from Greenpeace showed up at Mattel Headquarters. Some of these people were dressed as Ken dolls, and eight of his buddies, whomever they are, broadcasted a large banner stating that Ken was "ending the relationship" with Barbie due to her support of deforestation. The banner clearly says, "Barbie, it's over: I don't date girls that are into deforestation." Ken's face has a grimaced look as if he was in disbelief. He did not appear to be upset that Barbie was into "cutting down the forest," but instead was upset because his hair looked terrible!

This is not the first time that Ken Carson and Barbie Roberts had ended their long-running relationship. While Ken and Barbie were split, she had moved on to another love, an Australian surfer dude by the name of Blaine. But a couple of years later, Barbie and Ken supposedly got back together (in private). It looked like he had quite a workout, not only with his body, but also with his hair.

This protest sounds pretty ridiculous, especially when it comes to toys! I can understand the efforts that Greenpeace is making to help keep the environment safe and pristine. Most people are for saving the trees because of its beautification factors among other things. The situation that is really disturbing is the fact that Ken had "broken up" with Barbie because of her "belief" in deforestation. How can dolls have a relationship in the first place? They have no heart, no desires; therefore no emotional and sensual feelings toward one another. These people are just taking and living out their fantasies a bit too far--they're out of touch with reality. Ken and Barbie are the "ultimate plastic" and replicas of a man and a woman--for crying out loud! Who cares! Now that Barbie and Ken have officially "broken up," maybe they can go their separate ways: Barbie should pursue a career in the fashion industry and Ken should continue his work to save the environment and fight against deforestation.


Source:

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_18246377?nclick_check=1

In a Tofu State of Mind

Most people that have a connection with me, whether they are family members, friends, or associates, would say that my taste buds have "traveled the world." I would say so myself.

The reason that my family and friends said that my buds have "traveled the world" because I have eaten foods that originated from other parts of the world. This is due to the fact that I have lived around and are surrounded by people from different races and ethnicities. To date, one of my favorite foreign dishes is the paella. Paella is a Spanish soup that is cooked in a very large pot and consists of many vegetables and chunks of meat. My knack for tasting different foods does not stop here.

My next challenge: the tofu. Although I have eaten tofu, I wanted to learn more about it. All I knew that when I ate it, it was totally lacking any type of flavor and smell. Recently, I read about tofu and its health and nutritional benefits.

For starters, tofu consists of soy milk that has been coagulated by the curds being pressed into these blocks, which are white and very soft. As I stated earlier in the story, the flavor is very limited as well as the smell. As a result, tofu is often used in foods and cuisines that are sweet and/or full of savor. It can also be seasoned and/or marinated for the purpose of the dish.

This soft, cushioned food is low in calories and fat and high in iron. It can also have a high amount of calcium and/or magnesium, depending on the grade of tofu, plus it is high in protein.

Wow! That is good news to hear on a health basis.

However, the soy isoflavones have not been proven for the post-menopausal reduction (yes, I am talking about those hot flashes!) or for the prevention of breast, uterine, or prostate cancers. Therefore, anyone who have any of these conditions should avoid foods and supplements that contain soy isoflavones.

There are different types and styles of tofu and are so many that I could only talk about two of them. The firm and the soft tofu. The firm tofu is usually used for alternative meats and other things that one requirement consists of holding together, as in the case of barbecue. On the other hand, the soft tofu can be used for stuff as in desserts, soups, and sauces, just to name a few.

This food's texture can often be changed by the processes of cooking and freezing. This can match the flavors and the looks of foods as in bacon and eggs--just like "normal' looking everyday foods.

Anyone that have eaten tofu may think that it is the new phenomenon in the American society. This is not the case. In fact, the very first tofu company was opened one hundred thirty-three years ago. But due to many people taking interest in veganism and vegetarianism in the Western society, tofu has become the food of choice. In the world of the healthy-conscious, especially to vegetarians and vegans, it serves as a protein--non-animal style!

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

In the World of Slackers

What are slackers?
In a nutshell, these are
people who make the 
habit of not working a
nine to five.

Sometimes these people
are linked to laziness;
that is the case in 
many occasions.

Remember Beavis and Butthead?
Oh yeah, those two ugly and
gross-looking boys that lived
for MTV.
They went to high school, 
but they were always 
throwing punchlines in 
the classroom. I don't think 
they ever did any homework;
everyone gets a ton of homework
during the high school years.
Bottom line: these boys were
the ultimate poster boys for
"slackerism."

It seems that every time
we turned around during
the 1990s, there was a
movie that depicted slacker
life. Think Mallrats!
But all the slackers were boys!
Where were the slacker girls?
For every slacker, there should
be a slacker girl! Just a thought!