[gratefully borrowed from http://www.care2.com/greenliving/know-which-food-is-genetically-modfied.html]
One of my friends sent me a great article today on how to know which food is genetically modified, as well as which food is organic, or just conventionally grown.
Did you know that an amazing 80 percent of processed foods are genetically modified? I wasn’t a big fan of processed foods before I read that, but will be even less enthusiastic (if that’s possible) now.
In an article published on FriendsEat.com, Spencer Cooper tells us the codes to look for in determining what type of food we’re getting. You’re looking for the number in front of the four-digit Price Look Up, or PLU, code on the product you’re about to buy and subsequently put in your mouth. A 9 means organic, an 8 means genetically engineered (GE) or genetically modified (GMO); and just the four-digit code means conventionally grown (i.e. pesticides, chemical fertilizer, stuff like that).
The example Cooper gives us is clarifies all this:
A conventionally-grown banana will have a code of 4011
An organic banana will be 94011
A GE or GMO banana will be 84011
So cool! I had no idea. I buy organic whenever possible, but now will be on the lookout for the telltale eight or missing fifth number.
- Jocelyn Broyles
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
10 Reasons to Hate Veg*ans
It's continually amazing to me how intense are the feelings of meat eaters when they become aware they've come into contact with a veg*an (vegetarian/vegan). Rarely do they ask pertinent questions: "Why did you decide to abstain from animal products?"; "Have you found your diet/lifestyle to be beneficial?"; even, "How are you doing with your decision?"
Instead, they either step back, aghast and fearful of infection with the disease, or they attack: "What're you some kind of hippy nutcase?"; "There's nothing in the Bible that says eating meat is a sin - IN FACT! God tells us to eat meat!"; and the fake caring, "Oh dear! How do you get your protein? Aren't you afraid you'll get sick?" (Like they go around counting how many grams of protein, etc. they eat!)
So many of them wind up getting all confused and tangled up in their false claims and fears, it's rather sad to watch them. Therefore, I thought I'd help our my carcass-eating friends with a list of good, solid reasons to hate veg*ans:
Instead, they either step back, aghast and fearful of infection with the disease, or they attack: "What're you some kind of hippy nutcase?"; "There's nothing in the Bible that says eating meat is a sin - IN FACT! God tells us to eat meat!"; and the fake caring, "Oh dear! How do you get your protein? Aren't you afraid you'll get sick?" (Like they go around counting how many grams of protein, etc. they eat!)
So many of them wind up getting all confused and tangled up in their false claims and fears, it's rather sad to watch them. Therefore, I thought I'd help our my carcass-eating friends with a list of good, solid reasons to hate veg*ans:
- Them durn veg*uns are always tellin me how meat and good stuff will hurt me! How dare they stick their ol noses in my business? If I want to ruin my and my kids' health, that's my own business! I can push any dangerous substance on my kids I want to, like hamburgers, hot dogs, cigarettes, beer, meth, milk, sodie pops. They're my kids!
- Looking smug while sitting there all skinny and healthy and all! If I want a 52 inch waist line, I'll durn sure have one! I don't need your ol pink cheeks grinnin at me when I try to get up from my chair.
- They don't hold up their end on supporting the healthcare industry. Why is it, me and my kids have to be sure the doctors and hospitals and clinics stay in business? Stoopid veg*ans don't have to go to them near as much as we*uns do. Just ain't fair! (Where's my heart pills, Mother, I'm a gittin worked up!)
- And how come I have to pay more for life insurance then them? If I'm gonna die sooner, seems like mine should cost less!
- They don't have to walk near as far as I do when they go grocery shopping! There dumb ol produce department is always at the front of the store, while my meat, cheese, and budder is all the way at the back! Don't the grocery store people know we get short of breath quicker?
- They make me sick, goin on and on about how my beloved meat is hurting the environment. Who cares about the chicken, cow, and pig poop anyways? That's just good fertilizer to grow more crops to feed my animals. Who cares if it takes a whole lot more veggies to make a little bit of meat? Ain't like people's starvin, is it?
- They make me feel uncomfortable with all their talk about sufferin and tortured animals. I can't help it if animals gotta be penned up tight all their lives so I can eat a big ol greasy burger. It ain't none a my business how the food gets to my plate, just so long as there's plenty of it!
- If they're so concerned about the starving children in third world countries, let them kids raise their own cows and pigs and chickens! I don't know what they'll feed their animals! Send them some food for the animals! Starvin kids across the world ain't my concern, as long as my kids get hot dogs and pertater chips!
- It also annoys me when they start off talkin about God meanin for us to be veg*uns in the beginning. That was then, in the Garden of Eden. I don't care what God wanted us to do. I ain't never killt no body - not directly, anyways. I CAIN'T LIVE WITHOUT MY MEAT!
- When we all get old, I've heard them veg*uns will be stealing our wives and husbands in the nursing homes! It ain't fair! Not only will they live longer, they'll be in better shape! Stoopid veg*uns! Wow! muy hearts a'poundin outta my chest! Mother! where's them heart pills? Better call 9-1-1 agin, Mother. I'm having another one of them attacks!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Christine O'Donnell Anti-Evolutionist
Bill Maher, in his never ending quest to make fun of everyone who disagrees with him - which would be fine if he'd just stay in his basement to do it - has pulled out old footage of a past show in which her makes fun of Christine O'Donnell's beliefs. I guess mostly to show how open minded liberals are.
Watch the clip:
Sweet, huh? Maher just can't get enough of poking fun at someone who believes in God and His Word. It seems like the more we exercise our Constitutional rights to free speech, the more angry and threatened those "liberals" get.
Have you ever looked up the word liberal? It means, "• favorable to or respectful of individual rights and freedoms : liberal citizenship laws. • (in a political context) favoring maximum individual liberty in political and social reform." Maybe the "liberals" should learn to read a dictionary! Poke a hole in their evolution religion and they go ape! (Sorry) Their first line of defense is to belittle anyone who disagrees with their theories.
How far we've drifted in America from a time when to make fun of God or religious beliefs was considered rude, if not wicked altogether! Well, any religious beliefs besides Islam, that is. For over 200 years, this culture showed respect toward our country's Christian heritage, and tolerance toward other beliefs. But today we've DEvolved into a swamp of gleeful atheists who demand their right to attack us, while refusing us the right to even exercise our religious and Constitutional rights to freedom of religion.
I'm right on the verge of becoming ashamed to associate myself with the new American image. This new culture, which has spring up in the last 20 or so years has culminated in the Obama/Pelosi administration's move from traditional Judeo/Christian values to no values at all within a socialist agenda. Reading visitors' comments on some of the O'Donnell evolution stories you find hate filled bile spewed out against anyone who stands up for Godly values or Biblical history.
We have been called a City on A Hill, because of how we have championed Christian liberty in the world. America is quickly becoming a garbage heap on a pile as we rush to sound just like every backward tribe in the world. We have lost our edge and our willingness to stand up for Right against the World and their ignorance and wickedness. Obama's urgency to turn us into just another failing third-world cliché is simply a reflection of our culture's slide into degradation.
Public figures like Christine O'Donnell who are willing to risk defamation and mocking in order to be a voice of reason in the wilderness are heroes. "IF you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you," you will not only be a "Man" (i.e. human, adult, courageous, with morals), but you will be a hero to others who have any integrity.
Watch the clip:
Sweet, huh? Maher just can't get enough of poking fun at someone who believes in God and His Word. It seems like the more we exercise our Constitutional rights to free speech, the more angry and threatened those "liberals" get.
Have you ever looked up the word liberal? It means, "• favorable to or respectful of individual rights and freedoms : liberal citizenship laws. • (in a political context) favoring maximum individual liberty in political and social reform." Maybe the "liberals" should learn to read a dictionary! Poke a hole in their evolution religion and they go ape! (Sorry) Their first line of defense is to belittle anyone who disagrees with their theories.
How far we've drifted in America from a time when to make fun of God or religious beliefs was considered rude, if not wicked altogether! Well, any religious beliefs besides Islam, that is. For over 200 years, this culture showed respect toward our country's Christian heritage, and tolerance toward other beliefs. But today we've DEvolved into a swamp of gleeful atheists who demand their right to attack us, while refusing us the right to even exercise our religious and Constitutional rights to freedom of religion.
I'm right on the verge of becoming ashamed to associate myself with the new American image. This new culture, which has spring up in the last 20 or so years has culminated in the Obama/Pelosi administration's move from traditional Judeo/Christian values to no values at all within a socialist agenda. Reading visitors' comments on some of the O'Donnell evolution stories you find hate filled bile spewed out against anyone who stands up for Godly values or Biblical history.
We have been called a City on A Hill, because of how we have championed Christian liberty in the world. America is quickly becoming a garbage heap on a pile as we rush to sound just like every backward tribe in the world. We have lost our edge and our willingness to stand up for Right against the World and their ignorance and wickedness. Obama's urgency to turn us into just another failing third-world cliché is simply a reflection of our culture's slide into degradation.
Public figures like Christine O'Donnell who are willing to risk defamation and mocking in order to be a voice of reason in the wilderness are heroes. "IF you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you," you will not only be a "Man" (i.e. human, adult, courageous, with morals), but you will be a hero to others who have any integrity.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Immunize Yourself!
Scientists have recently discovered that vitamin D, known to support bone health and much more, is a crucial component in our body's immune system. This often overlooked vitamin serves to activate T cells so they can fight off viral and bacterial invaders.
Researchers have found that T cells rely on vitamin D in order to activate and that they remain dormant if vitamin D is lacking in the blood. In other words, if there’s not enough vitamin D in the blood, then the T cells remain passive and no immune response occurs. Their study was published in the journal Nature Immunology.
Professor Carsten Geisler, of the Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, explains that “when a T cell is exposed to a foreign pathogen, it extends a signaling device or ‘antenna’ known as a vitamin D receptor, with which it searches for vitamin D. This means that the T cell must have vitamin D or activation of the cell will cease. If the T cells (white blood cells) cannot find enough vitamin D in the blood, they won’t even begin to mobilize.”
And that could spell trouble—especially since 75% of U.S. teens and adults are deficient in vitamin D.
Make sure your T cells are activated this season. T cells are part of the adaptive immune system. That means that they function by teaching the immune system to recognize and adapt to constantly changing threats.
T cells are white blood cells that can transform into two types of cells—at least once they’re activated. One type searches and destroys infectious agents, while the other type records information about the invading pathogen and communicates that knowledge to other parts of the immune system. That’s why the latter cells are called “helper” cells; they help the immune system respond quickly if there is a future infection with a similar invader.
The key here is that these T cells must be activated in order to function properly. If they’re not activated, then they just sit there—with no immune response—and those invaders can march right on in and gain a foothold.
So what activates these killer T cells? Vitamin D.
You heard right. To make sure your family has a healthy immune system during this coming flu season, you don't have to rely on a very questionable flu shot which many are avoiding like the plague. Instead, help your bodies' own natural immune systems by supplying your family with enough vitamin D to fight off the invaders themselves, naturally.
Researchers have found that T cells rely on vitamin D in order to activate and that they remain dormant if vitamin D is lacking in the blood. In other words, if there’s not enough vitamin D in the blood, then the T cells remain passive and no immune response occurs. Their study was published in the journal Nature Immunology.
Professor Carsten Geisler, of the Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, explains that “when a T cell is exposed to a foreign pathogen, it extends a signaling device or ‘antenna’ known as a vitamin D receptor, with which it searches for vitamin D. This means that the T cell must have vitamin D or activation of the cell will cease. If the T cells (white blood cells) cannot find enough vitamin D in the blood, they won’t even begin to mobilize.”
And that could spell trouble—especially since 75% of U.S. teens and adults are deficient in vitamin D.
Make sure your T cells are activated this season. T cells are part of the adaptive immune system. That means that they function by teaching the immune system to recognize and adapt to constantly changing threats.
T cells are white blood cells that can transform into two types of cells—at least once they’re activated. One type searches and destroys infectious agents, while the other type records information about the invading pathogen and communicates that knowledge to other parts of the immune system. That’s why the latter cells are called “helper” cells; they help the immune system respond quickly if there is a future infection with a similar invader.
The key here is that these T cells must be activated in order to function properly. If they’re not activated, then they just sit there—with no immune response—and those invaders can march right on in and gain a foothold.
So what activates these killer T cells? Vitamin D.
You heard right. To make sure your family has a healthy immune system during this coming flu season, you don't have to rely on a very questionable flu shot which many are avoiding like the plague. Instead, help your bodies' own natural immune systems by supplying your family with enough vitamin D to fight off the invaders themselves, naturally.
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment. Find a doctor who is open to alternative, natural cures and not just brainwashed by the pharmaceutical industry!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
When I Am the Brat
Twila Paris sings a song, The Warrior is A Child, about a Christian minister who falls into his Father's arms when he gets hurt or tired, despite others thinking he is a tough warrior. I love that song because it so clearly depicts the parent's or stepparent's dilemma. We are supposed to be strong, to remain calm and wise, to bear all the stepkids' attacks and our own children's tests, and to be saintly to our dear spouse. But we can be just as weak and just as prone to failures as anyone else in our family ... can't we?
I lost it last night. I have excuses. Input overload; tired from pressures of work; frustrated over numerous small problems; a slow Internet signal; cats determined to steal some of our cheese dip; on and on. You know, life. Anyway, one straw too many was dropped onto this camel's back and I sort of, you know, ... exploded at everyone. Threw a fit. Had a tantrum. Acted inappropriately. And ruined what had been until my outburst a perfect evening at home. My darling wife had blessed me with a short nap when we got home, then a wonderful dinner, then a quiet evening together. And I blew it.
On my way to work this morning I stopped at a little park on the way and gathered the fragments of my mind for a moment by the lake. It is a perfectly still, cool morning today, so the surface of the lake is like a sheet of glass. No ducks or geese make trails across the water today. As I look at the lake, I see so clearly the trees, rocks, and walkers on the other side of the lake, reflected in the pristine surface. An occasional bubble from a bottom feeding turtle breaks the surface and causes ripples that disrupt the serene picture in the liquid mirror, but overall it's perfect.
The Bible says, "Be still and know that I Am God." And, once again, He is right.
When I am at peace, I more clearly reflect God. Looking at that lake surface, you have to really focus to see the lake itself. Instead, you see what is reflected on it's peaceful face, in this case, the beautiful natural setting on the other side of the lake. When I am at peace, you do not at first see me. You see what I reflect.
However, on a windy day when waves disrupt the lake, or when outside forces disturb it (like ducks or rocks thrown by someone), the lake itself jumps into view. You lose the serene picture of the reflection and are jolted back to looking only at the lake and what's disturbing it.
How much time do you devote to peaceful meditation and prayer? How many times during the day do you sit aside the jangling issues of your life to find your peaceful, quiet center? ("Be still and know that I Am God.")
If you are a spouse to someone you value; if you are a parent to a normal child; if you are a stepparent to a "typical" stepchild, you need to "renew your strength" on a regular basis. To be who your mate, your children, and your stepchildren depend on, you must give them the gift of a peaceful you. And in order to have that peaceful you available for them, you must take time for your surface to grow calm.
I know, I know. In a hectic daily grind life of work, chores, responsibilities, parenting, marriage, and everything else, it can seem impossible to find your quiet self. But of all your tasks, this one is one of the most important. You MUST do it. In order to be the person your family is depending upon, you MUST repair your soul regularly. Join a prayer group or a Bible study class or a yoga class. Find a quiet park on the way to work and leave early enough to stop there. Hire a coach to guide you.
Get something in place to help you. Because, if you're like the vast majority of overburdened individuals out there, you'll set it aside and place your serenity last. If you put it off, if you let it slide, you will wake up someday ashamed and disturbed at what you've become. You owe it to your family, your God, and yourself to do this.
If you just cannot find a way to find your peaceful center otherwise, I will help. But whatever method or assistant you choose, DO IT. Your future is counting on you.
God bless your whole family!
STEPcoach Bob Collins
To hear Twila Paris' song and read the lyrics, you can go here: http://artists.letssingit.com/twila-paris-lyrics-warrior-is-a-child-dcc26pg
I lost it last night. I have excuses. Input overload; tired from pressures of work; frustrated over numerous small problems; a slow Internet signal; cats determined to steal some of our cheese dip; on and on. You know, life. Anyway, one straw too many was dropped onto this camel's back and I sort of, you know, ... exploded at everyone. Threw a fit. Had a tantrum. Acted inappropriately. And ruined what had been until my outburst a perfect evening at home. My darling wife had blessed me with a short nap when we got home, then a wonderful dinner, then a quiet evening together. And I blew it.
On my way to work this morning I stopped at a little park on the way and gathered the fragments of my mind for a moment by the lake. It is a perfectly still, cool morning today, so the surface of the lake is like a sheet of glass. No ducks or geese make trails across the water today. As I look at the lake, I see so clearly the trees, rocks, and walkers on the other side of the lake, reflected in the pristine surface. An occasional bubble from a bottom feeding turtle breaks the surface and causes ripples that disrupt the serene picture in the liquid mirror, but overall it's perfect.
The Bible says, "Be still and know that I Am God." And, once again, He is right.
When I am at peace, I more clearly reflect God. Looking at that lake surface, you have to really focus to see the lake itself. Instead, you see what is reflected on it's peaceful face, in this case, the beautiful natural setting on the other side of the lake. When I am at peace, you do not at first see me. You see what I reflect.
However, on a windy day when waves disrupt the lake, or when outside forces disturb it (like ducks or rocks thrown by someone), the lake itself jumps into view. You lose the serene picture of the reflection and are jolted back to looking only at the lake and what's disturbing it.
How much time do you devote to peaceful meditation and prayer? How many times during the day do you sit aside the jangling issues of your life to find your peaceful, quiet center? ("Be still and know that I Am God.")
If you are a spouse to someone you value; if you are a parent to a normal child; if you are a stepparent to a "typical" stepchild, you need to "renew your strength" on a regular basis. To be who your mate, your children, and your stepchildren depend on, you must give them the gift of a peaceful you. And in order to have that peaceful you available for them, you must take time for your surface to grow calm.
I know, I know. In a hectic daily grind life of work, chores, responsibilities, parenting, marriage, and everything else, it can seem impossible to find your quiet self. But of all your tasks, this one is one of the most important. You MUST do it. In order to be the person your family is depending upon, you MUST repair your soul regularly. Join a prayer group or a Bible study class or a yoga class. Find a quiet park on the way to work and leave early enough to stop there. Hire a coach to guide you.
Get something in place to help you. Because, if you're like the vast majority of overburdened individuals out there, you'll set it aside and place your serenity last. If you put it off, if you let it slide, you will wake up someday ashamed and disturbed at what you've become. You owe it to your family, your God, and yourself to do this.
If you just cannot find a way to find your peaceful center otherwise, I will help. But whatever method or assistant you choose, DO IT. Your future is counting on you.
God bless your whole family!
STEPcoach Bob Collins
To hear Twila Paris' song and read the lyrics, you can go here: http://artists.letssingit.com/twila-paris-lyrics-warrior-is-a-child-dcc26pg
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