First, a note of warning. The other day, for dinner, I ate a product containing lentils. After eating a few bites, I noticed that many of those lentils were crunchy, undercooked. Do not eat undercooked lentils, unless you enjoy 3 days of stomach cramps and trips to the bathroom. It seems that, whe undercooked, they contain toxins. I can verify that.
Now, what I really want to say is that you need to start acting and thinking locally. Deal with local businesses whenever possible. Produce stands and Farmers' Markets, small clothing stores and bookshops, locally owned and operated businesses. small owner operated restaurants, these are vitally important.
Why? Well, it seems that our current administration is corporate oriented. Trump was telling the truth when he said that he wanted Washington to give up control of businesses, What he didn't say, and it is becoming very apparent, is the he is giving much of that control over to Corporate America. Corporations thrive by picking off small businesses, thus growing their own interests. They are predators.
The thing is, once we give the Nation over to those mega businesses, we lose diversity and innovation. We also lose the drive to improve. We become mediocre, settling for what they tell us we want. We lose what has made this Nation such a dynamic place to live.
I hate to bring up the fascist label, but when the government combines with big corporations to control the country, that is, by the definition of the word, fascism.
I grew up in a thriving Nation, full of quirky, ornery, creative individuals. Without your support for local businesses, that will be lost and that will be a shame.
Yes, shopping locally may cost you a dollar or two more, but I guarantee you that you will get better quality and more variety. And, you will have the good feeling of knowing that you have helped preserve our fine American spirit.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Pesticides
I am issuing an alert to all gardeners. Try to avoid all pesticides. Grow pest resistant varieties of vegetables, fruits and ornamentals. If you have pests, try a non-chemical solution to the problem. There are two. One, keep an eye on your garden. If you see unwanted insects, pull them off by hand (wearing gloves, of course) and kill them. Or, put a high power nozzle on a hose a wash them off, then squash them. Also, realize that one or two bugs are not a problem; you just don't want an infestation.
Why the concern? Simple. Bees. As any gardener knows, bees are your friends. They are pollinators and darn near every plant you grow, needs pollination. An announcement was made the other day. We now have an endangered species of bees. This is a trend that has been going on for years. More and more bees are dying off, probably due to a combination of pesticides,, disease and loss of habitat.
I am not by nature an alarmist, but this is serious. Without bees, many crops will be difficult, if not impossible, to grow. Food prices will skyrocket and famine will result, and not just in all those third world countries that you see on the news.
We must change our cultivation habits.
Why the concern? Simple. Bees. As any gardener knows, bees are your friends. They are pollinators and darn near every plant you grow, needs pollination. An announcement was made the other day. We now have an endangered species of bees. This is a trend that has been going on for years. More and more bees are dying off, probably due to a combination of pesticides,, disease and loss of habitat.
I am not by nature an alarmist, but this is serious. Without bees, many crops will be difficult, if not impossible, to grow. Food prices will skyrocket and famine will result, and not just in all those third world countries that you see on the news.
We must change our cultivation habits.
Monday, March 20, 2017
Time
Time is money. So goes the old saying and it is very true. That is why, whenever you think about doing a job yourself, take a moment to figure out how long it will take. I am all for do-it-yourself job, but you need to think first.
For example. Say you have a plumbing problem and you are sure that you can handle the job yourself. Think of the steps involved. Once you diagnose the problem, you have to go get parts. Okay, you head to the hardware store. If, like many, you go to Home Depot, plan on being there a while. I have seldom been there when they have short lines (I have stood in lines at 6 AM). Of course, you also have your travel time. And there is an issue if you need help from a store worker; they are all too often overwhelmed with customers.
Then, of course, you have the time you spend doing the work. Be honest. How good are you at plumbing. Most folks see a job and think, "how easy, no more than a few minutes and I'm done." Well, if you are good at it, true. If you have never done it before, maybe not so true. Now, you have to learn some way and you cannot learn of you don't try, but think about how pressed you are. If you have hours with nothing to do, great. If you are trying to get done in a few minutes so you can make your kid's soccer match, think twice, because if you are not familiar with the job, believe me, it will take more time than you think and the more you rush, the longer it will take.
As a rule of thumb, figure the cost of parts and then place a value on your time. How much is up to you. Let's make up a number, $15/hour, not an outrageous price. Suppose you allow two hours to drive to your store, pick out the parts and wait in line and get home. Then figure and hour to do the job. Now, if the parts come to $25 (remember, I'm just making up reasonable estimates), you are looking at $70. It is possible that you may find a licensed handyman service that will do the job for less (it is unlikely that you will get a real plumber for less) And, remember, I am assuming that the work goes as planned. You never know what unexpected difficulties may arise.
I do not want to discourage ant do-it-yourselfers. I am all for saving money by fixing things yourself, but I do believe it a good idea to make sure you are really saving money. Remember, time is money.
For example. Say you have a plumbing problem and you are sure that you can handle the job yourself. Think of the steps involved. Once you diagnose the problem, you have to go get parts. Okay, you head to the hardware store. If, like many, you go to Home Depot, plan on being there a while. I have seldom been there when they have short lines (I have stood in lines at 6 AM). Of course, you also have your travel time. And there is an issue if you need help from a store worker; they are all too often overwhelmed with customers.
Then, of course, you have the time you spend doing the work. Be honest. How good are you at plumbing. Most folks see a job and think, "how easy, no more than a few minutes and I'm done." Well, if you are good at it, true. If you have never done it before, maybe not so true. Now, you have to learn some way and you cannot learn of you don't try, but think about how pressed you are. If you have hours with nothing to do, great. If you are trying to get done in a few minutes so you can make your kid's soccer match, think twice, because if you are not familiar with the job, believe me, it will take more time than you think and the more you rush, the longer it will take.
As a rule of thumb, figure the cost of parts and then place a value on your time. How much is up to you. Let's make up a number, $15/hour, not an outrageous price. Suppose you allow two hours to drive to your store, pick out the parts and wait in line and get home. Then figure and hour to do the job. Now, if the parts come to $25 (remember, I'm just making up reasonable estimates), you are looking at $70. It is possible that you may find a licensed handyman service that will do the job for less (it is unlikely that you will get a real plumber for less) And, remember, I am assuming that the work goes as planned. You never know what unexpected difficulties may arise.
I do not want to discourage ant do-it-yourselfers. I am all for saving money by fixing things yourself, but I do believe it a good idea to make sure you are really saving money. Remember, time is money.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Mushrooms
It to write today about one of my favorite foods, mushrooms. Mushrooms are a fascinating life form. They are not animal, but they are also not exactly plants. Some biologists think they belong in a separate kingdom.
But, this is not a biology blog. Mushrooms are too frequently relegated almost to a garnish. Folks throw a few on a steak or salad to fancy them up. Sometimes, maybe some are tossed in a pasta sauce or omelet as a flavor element, but they actually do very well as the main ingredient.
Let mushrooms take the center and enhance them with garlic, onions, etc. and they taste will amaze you. They are cheap, cook quickly, and satisfy hunger nicely, filling bur not too heavy. They are also nutritious.
In recent years, all sorts are available, portabellas, porcini, criminis, shitakes, and many others, but, today, I want to sing the praises of the button mushroom.
In the past, in America, the button mushroom was the mushroom of choice. Then, came all of the more exotic types, and, suddenly, the button became a shunned ingredient. While all the others are very good, the button is easily as tasty and has one bug advantage - it is much cheaper.
Just because an ingredient is exotic, does not make it more desirable, and it certainly does not justify higher cost. Use the button mushroom, save, money and enjoy its pleasant flavor. Use mushrooms to enhance flavor and as a main dish ) they are excellent meat substitutes.
One word of warning: unless you are highly trained, do not eat wild mushrooms. You may get lucky and pick a good one, or you may wind up in an emergency room.
But, this is not a biology blog. Mushrooms are too frequently relegated almost to a garnish. Folks throw a few on a steak or salad to fancy them up. Sometimes, maybe some are tossed in a pasta sauce or omelet as a flavor element, but they actually do very well as the main ingredient.
Let mushrooms take the center and enhance them with garlic, onions, etc. and they taste will amaze you. They are cheap, cook quickly, and satisfy hunger nicely, filling bur not too heavy. They are also nutritious.
In recent years, all sorts are available, portabellas, porcini, criminis, shitakes, and many others, but, today, I want to sing the praises of the button mushroom.
In the past, in America, the button mushroom was the mushroom of choice. Then, came all of the more exotic types, and, suddenly, the button became a shunned ingredient. While all the others are very good, the button is easily as tasty and has one bug advantage - it is much cheaper.
Just because an ingredient is exotic, does not make it more desirable, and it certainly does not justify higher cost. Use the button mushroom, save, money and enjoy its pleasant flavor. Use mushrooms to enhance flavor and as a main dish ) they are excellent meat substitutes.
One word of warning: unless you are highly trained, do not eat wild mushrooms. You may get lucky and pick a good one, or you may wind up in an emergency room.
Monday, March 13, 2017
Manners
I was raised in a society that valued manners. It worked.
Now, I am seeing a culture that seems to have little use for the niceties of life. It does not work.
I am not talking Emily Post manners. I don't care of you don't use the right fork at a dinner or fail to hold out your pinky when sipping tea.
I do care about folks being civil to each other. If someone does something for you, thank them. I you say 'hello, you should get an answer. A few cordial words exchanged is even better, but some response is not asking too much.
In personal matters, manners are nice. On business, they should be mandatory.
In stores, in recent years, I find many, if not most employees to be rude. I am sometimes ignored or get a curt, half-mumbled response. I hear employees talking, across aisles about their personal issues, often interspersed with loud obscenities.
I assume that management no longer cares about this because, frequently they are standing nearby during these conversations. Sometimes they are even participating.
I am not overly sensitive and I have no objection to people talking while they work, but I do believe that some restraint and common courtesy is called for.
A polite society is one that shows it respects each individual. I am convinced that we no longer do so and that is a shame. Try showing some respect and manners and you will get my business.
Now, I am seeing a culture that seems to have little use for the niceties of life. It does not work.
I am not talking Emily Post manners. I don't care of you don't use the right fork at a dinner or fail to hold out your pinky when sipping tea.
I do care about folks being civil to each other. If someone does something for you, thank them. I you say 'hello, you should get an answer. A few cordial words exchanged is even better, but some response is not asking too much.
In personal matters, manners are nice. On business, they should be mandatory.
In stores, in recent years, I find many, if not most employees to be rude. I am sometimes ignored or get a curt, half-mumbled response. I hear employees talking, across aisles about their personal issues, often interspersed with loud obscenities.
I assume that management no longer cares about this because, frequently they are standing nearby during these conversations. Sometimes they are even participating.
I am not overly sensitive and I have no objection to people talking while they work, but I do believe that some restraint and common courtesy is called for.
A polite society is one that shows it respects each individual. I am convinced that we no longer do so and that is a shame. Try showing some respect and manners and you will get my business.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Buy Local
I wrote recently about the dangers of eating imported produce, even when just imported from the other coast. This warning applies to other foods as well.
And this is not just for safety reasons. Quality is also an issue/ The longer something is stored the more the quality goes down. If you but tomatoes locally grown, you will likely get a ripe, juicy flavorful tomato. If you get a tomato grown across the country, that tomato was picked green, shipped, then gassed to appear ripe. It will be tasteless.
Have you ever eaten fresh killed poultry. The taste is nothing like poultry that has been frozen and shipped. I have nothing against frozen or even canned poultry, but if you have a market dealing in fresh killed poultry, take advantage.
I certainly have nothing against frozen or canned vegetables or fruit. They are much better that so0called fresh produce that is picked and shipped thousands of miles. But, if you have a local farmer's market, again, take advantage while things are in season.
The same applies to seafood. Be careful though. Fish that is frozen is frozen as soon as it leaves the water, and the taste is almost as good as fresh. What is sold on markets as fish, is often frozen that has been defrosted. The problem is, fish starts to go downhill very quickly. Even if it has never been frozen, be careful. If it still has its head and the eyes are dull, it is not very fresh. Even if it is headless, skinless and fileted, there is a way to tell if it is old; it will smell. If the smell is very fishy, don't buy it.
One more thing. There is more and more seafood that is farm raised. Now, if you live near a fish farm, you are quite lucky and will have a nice supply of fresh fish. Most of us do not. If you are buying farm raised seafood, find out where it is raised, If raised in the USA, it's fine. Same if it is European. But, if raised in South or Central America or Asia, run quickly away. The farms there are not well regulated and most often the product is raised in filthy water, over crowded conditions, and fed hormones to grow them fast and antibiotics just to keep them alive. They are not fit to eat. If you cannot buy this product locally, at least buy USA or European products.
One more factor. Food is shipped by rail, truck or ship. That requires a lot of fuel. Until we find hydrocarbon alternatives, the less fuel we use, the better off we all are, and the better off the businessmen and women in our home communities are. Buy local whenever possible.
And this is not just for safety reasons. Quality is also an issue/ The longer something is stored the more the quality goes down. If you but tomatoes locally grown, you will likely get a ripe, juicy flavorful tomato. If you get a tomato grown across the country, that tomato was picked green, shipped, then gassed to appear ripe. It will be tasteless.
Have you ever eaten fresh killed poultry. The taste is nothing like poultry that has been frozen and shipped. I have nothing against frozen or even canned poultry, but if you have a market dealing in fresh killed poultry, take advantage.
I certainly have nothing against frozen or canned vegetables or fruit. They are much better that so0called fresh produce that is picked and shipped thousands of miles. But, if you have a local farmer's market, again, take advantage while things are in season.
The same applies to seafood. Be careful though. Fish that is frozen is frozen as soon as it leaves the water, and the taste is almost as good as fresh. What is sold on markets as fish, is often frozen that has been defrosted. The problem is, fish starts to go downhill very quickly. Even if it has never been frozen, be careful. If it still has its head and the eyes are dull, it is not very fresh. Even if it is headless, skinless and fileted, there is a way to tell if it is old; it will smell. If the smell is very fishy, don't buy it.
One more thing. There is more and more seafood that is farm raised. Now, if you live near a fish farm, you are quite lucky and will have a nice supply of fresh fish. Most of us do not. If you are buying farm raised seafood, find out where it is raised, If raised in the USA, it's fine. Same if it is European. But, if raised in South or Central America or Asia, run quickly away. The farms there are not well regulated and most often the product is raised in filthy water, over crowded conditions, and fed hormones to grow them fast and antibiotics just to keep them alive. They are not fit to eat. If you cannot buy this product locally, at least buy USA or European products.
One more factor. Food is shipped by rail, truck or ship. That requires a lot of fuel. Until we find hydrocarbon alternatives, the less fuel we use, the better off we all are, and the better off the businessmen and women in our home communities are. Buy local whenever possible.
Monday, March 6, 2017
Cook Your Food
I love salads, but I seldom eat them anymore. I have grown suspect of raw vegetables, with good reason.
We get a lot of our produce from other countries now, especially Central American countries. Nothing against the nice folks in those lands, but their in the field hygiene seems to be a bit lacking. Produce from those countries seems to come in, all too often tainted. Now, usually that is an ecoli problem. Yes, you can wash that off, but you best not miss a millimeter of the surface or by the time you eat it, the little germs will have multiplied at an alarming rate.
In addition, there are certain tiny monsters, mostly protozoans, who get inside the produce and these cannot be washed off. You must kill them by cooking and you best cook them well.
I live in Georgia and, like many, a lot of produce comes from California and, yes, that produce is often contaminated. This may be because they use many imported workers to pick and process that food. Maybe the problem has another source, but I cannot imagine what that would be.
If you can get locally grown produce, in season, do so. If not, cook your fruits and vegetables. I have had an ecoli infection and, trust me, you do not want one.
We get a lot of our produce from other countries now, especially Central American countries. Nothing against the nice folks in those lands, but their in the field hygiene seems to be a bit lacking. Produce from those countries seems to come in, all too often tainted. Now, usually that is an ecoli problem. Yes, you can wash that off, but you best not miss a millimeter of the surface or by the time you eat it, the little germs will have multiplied at an alarming rate.
In addition, there are certain tiny monsters, mostly protozoans, who get inside the produce and these cannot be washed off. You must kill them by cooking and you best cook them well.
I live in Georgia and, like many, a lot of produce comes from California and, yes, that produce is often contaminated. This may be because they use many imported workers to pick and process that food. Maybe the problem has another source, but I cannot imagine what that would be.
If you can get locally grown produce, in season, do so. If not, cook your fruits and vegetables. I have had an ecoli infection and, trust me, you do not want one.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Take Advantage of Opportunities
I keep coming back to this topic and I don't wish to bore people, but I have to say this again.
Remember a TV show called Dirty Jobs? The star, Mike Rowe, is promoting job training programs for trade jobs such as welding, plumbing, etc. He was on TV bemoaning the fact that he is seeing little interest in these programs from the young people who need to be taking advantage of them.
I am appalled by this. What is wrong with you people. Face it kids. You are going to have to work during your lives. Here you have a chance to take advantage of schools that will get you certified for good jobs and you are not taking advantage. Shame on you.
Nor everyone can be a doctor or lawyer. Not everyone can make it in IT work, but most folks can develop the skills needed to practice one of the many skilled trades out there. These jobs are not the most glamorous and they do require real work, but any job you will find requires work and all of them have their boring days. Get over yourselves. You need skills and you will have to work.
These jobs will allow you to make a good living and live a reasonably comfortable life. Your alternatives are limited, to say the least. If you don't learn to do something , you need to practice the following phrase: "would you like fries with that?"
Remember a TV show called Dirty Jobs? The star, Mike Rowe, is promoting job training programs for trade jobs such as welding, plumbing, etc. He was on TV bemoaning the fact that he is seeing little interest in these programs from the young people who need to be taking advantage of them.
I am appalled by this. What is wrong with you people. Face it kids. You are going to have to work during your lives. Here you have a chance to take advantage of schools that will get you certified for good jobs and you are not taking advantage. Shame on you.
Nor everyone can be a doctor or lawyer. Not everyone can make it in IT work, but most folks can develop the skills needed to practice one of the many skilled trades out there. These jobs are not the most glamorous and they do require real work, but any job you will find requires work and all of them have their boring days. Get over yourselves. You need skills and you will have to work.
These jobs will allow you to make a good living and live a reasonably comfortable life. Your alternatives are limited, to say the least. If you don't learn to do something , you need to practice the following phrase: "would you like fries with that?"
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