|
THE DIRTY DOZEN
|
Jun 15, 2011 5:26 am
942 Views
|
I am a fresh food enthusiast and cook from scratch I love fruit all fruit and eat a lot of it BUT THIS SCARY I wonder if this is the reason there is so much asthna and allergies these days
Fruits and veggies are an essential part of a healthy diet, but many conventional varieties contain pesticide residues.
And not all the pesticides used to kill bugs, grubs, or fungus on the farm washes off under the tap at home. Government tests show which fruits and vegetables, prepared typically at home, still have a pesticide residue.
You can reduce your exposure to pesticides by as much as 80% if you avoiding the most contaminated foods in the grocery store.
To do so, you need the latest info from the why the Environmental Working Group's "Dirty Dozen" list of foods most likely to have high pesticide residues. Since 1995, the organization has taken the government data and identified which type of produce has the most chemicals.
This year, celery takes the number one spot and both blueberries and spinach make an appearance (displacing lettuce and pears).
The best way to avoid pesticide residue on foods is to buy organic produce -- USDA rules prohibit the use of pesticides on any crop with the certified organic label.
Here's a closer look at the 2010 Dirty Dozen:
1. Celery
Celery has no protective skin, which makes it almost impossible to wash off the chemicals (64 of them!) that are used on crops. Buy organic celery, or choose alternatives like broccoli, radishes, and onions.
2. Peaches
Multiple pesticides (as many as 62 of them) are regularly applied to these delicately skinned fruits in conventional orchards. Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include watermelon, tangerines, oranges, and grapefruit.
3. Strawberries
If you buy strawberries, especially out of season, they're most likely imported from countries that have less-stringent regulations for pesticide use. 59 pesticides have been detected in residue on strawberries. Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include kiwi and pineapples.
4. Apples
Like peaches, apples are typically grown with poisons to kill a variety of pests, from fungi to insects. Tests have found 42 different pesticides as residue on apples. Scrubbing and peeling doesn't eliminate chemical residue completely, so it's best to buy organic when it comes to apples. Peeling a fruit or vegetable also strips away many of their beneficial nutrients. Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include watermelon, bananas, and tangerines.
5. Blueberries
New on the Dirty Dozen list in 2010, blueberries are treated with as many as 52 pesticides, making them one of the dirtiest berries on the market.
6. Nectarines
With 33 different types of pesticides found on nectarines, they rank up there with apples and peaches among the dirtiest tree fruit. Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include, watermelon, papaya, and mango.
7. Bell peppers
Peppers have thin skins that don't offer much of a barrier to pesticides. They're often heavily sprayed with insecticides. (Tests have found 49 different pesticides on sweet bell peppers.) Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include green peas, broccoli, and cabbage.
8. Spinach
New on the list for 2010, spinach can be laced with as many as 48 different pesticides, making it one of the most contaminated green leafy vegetable.
9. Kale
Traditionally, kale is known as a hardier vegetable that rarely suffers from pests and disease, but it was found to have high amounts of pesticide residue when tested this year. Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include cabbage, asparagus, and broccoli.
10. Cherries
Even locally grown cherries are not necessarily safe. In fact, in one survey in recent years, cherries grown in the U.S. were found to have three times more pesticide residue then imported cherries. Government testing has found 42 different pesticides on cherries. Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include raspberries and cranberries.
11. Potatoes
America's popular spud reappears on the 2010 Dirty Dozen list, after a year hiatus. America's favorite vegetable can be laced with as many as 37 different pesticides. Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include eggplant, cabbage, and earthy mushrooms.
12. Grapes
Imported grapes run a much greater risk of contamination than those grown domestically. Only imported grapes make the 2010 Dirty Dozen list. Vineyards can be sprayed with different pesticides during different growth periods of the grape, and no amount of washing or peeling will eliminate contamination because of the grape's thin skin. Remember, wine is made from grapes, which testing shows can harbor as many as 34 different pesticides. Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include kiwi and raspberries.
|
|
|
6
Comments
|
|
|
IS PLATONIC FRIENDSHIP A THING OF THE PAST
|
Jun 14, 2011 4:32 am
1111 Views
|
Maybe it is just this site but I get the impression that when people meet if there is no physical attraction they move on and look for someone else
What’s wrong with forming a platonic friendship he /she may not be the person of your dreams but they may be a good friend
In the real world I have a couple of good male friends we have been friends for years there has never been any romance and there never will be
One even stays here with me for a few days at a time we go places and do things play cards (and he will learn to play Tx train domino's next time) lol
But that is all there is to it we enjoy each others company he sleeps upstairs I sleep down
I enjoy men’s company and these friendships are valuable we can trust each other and feel very comfortable there is no agendas
Sure I have many female friends also but sometimes it is nice to enjoy the company of a male and get a different perspective on life in general
When I was on the tour in the states recently there was such a couple and I do believe that I was the only person in that group that believed they were just friends I think everyone else thought they were partners lovers or such
I thought not maybe because I have friends that are purely platonic
I think kids seem to handle this type of friendship better than adults or i should say the kids i know
|
|
|
18
Comments
|
|
|
MEETING MS Educator and surviving Chicago
|
Jun 12, 2011 11:38 pm
769 Views
|
When I said I was going to Chicago…I was told OMG you are not serious You will get Robbed or Shot I replied ever since I saw Richard Gere (shall we dance) on the L train I wanted to ride on it
I got to thinking I had been through Ohare airport at least 5 times so there must be something good when I looked it up 2008, the city hosted 45.6 million domestic and overseas visitors I wondered well how come I never heard about them being robbed or shot 
I don’t scare that easy and I am totally aware that every city has good and bad areas including Aussie cities in fact I would not walk in parts of Sydney or Melbourne alone at night
BUT I had 2 BIG reasons for wanting to visit.
One was The Art museum hosts the best collection of impressionist paintings not only in America but possibly the world also many other collections thanks to generous bequests
The 2Nd reason was to meet Ms ED for sometime I have wanted to meet this lady she also likes the arts and we have a few similar interests
The day had come I was thinking it was almost time for her to arrive a txted her she replied I am just walking down the street as I looked up I saw this big smile and wave to greet me it was like old buddies meeting
Of course we wanted to chat first……..C’mon you know what these SFF ladies are like so we enjoyed a little refreshment in the sun
I had done a little walk about before meeting Ms ed and I was so surprised to find the beautiful water tower buildings they had survived the fire that fire was probably one of the worst disasters in America BUT then I wonder did it make the modern Chicago of today
What I had also found was Hersheys shop…….whatever way you say about chocolate it is good and You get free samples ..but there was more but we left that till later
Off on the L train the main purpose of this was to get a photo to show I survived Chicago…we laughed and chatted so much we for got the photo LOL
The Art institute was a treat and one I hope to visit again we both loved this and it was so good to have a friend with a mutual interest to share it with of course time was no where long enough so we will just have to do it again
We rode the bus back because we had one more visit to make and that was Ghirardelli chocolate shop…….we were met at the door with free samples then we saw some people with ice creams now I am a sucker for ice creams BUT these were to die for and so big they were a meal
We knew we had chosen well because a group of maybe 10 or 12 police went in the shop….For refreshments I always say follow a local they know the best places
We were close to the hotel and by now Chicago was living up to its name the windy city and it was freezing so we went back to the hotel for a couple of hours of fun laughing and sharing notes
The day just ended too quick
I have to return for many reasons BUT another place I want to go is the Navy Pier and I most certainly want to spend more time with this lady
In my opinion Chicago is a classy city and well worth a visit
That’s all folks
This is the last of the blogs where I met people
I did visit other places of great interest But not SFF people
|
|
|
18
Comments
|
|
|
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF INTERNET MEDICAL ADVICE?
|
Jun 11, 2011 4:28 pm
681 Views
|
Because I have been ill for the last 4 weeks I have been reading up on Internet medical advice.
In Australia it is illegal to give medical advice on the Internet unless you have a special licence.
However there are many sites by the AMA fellowship of Doctors etc that are legal
What they said followed more or less what I believed
Much to my Family and friends horror I didn’t consult a Doctor in person
When I really needed to go I was too sick
What do you do for the flue……REST lots of fluids COUGH MEDICINE and chicken soup
And eventually it will get better it all takes it course
The flue did get better eventually but then I lost my voice and was completely silent for 2 weeks and now my voice is just a poor shadow of what it usually is and still completely disappears at times
They did say the swelling of vocal chords associated with the flu causes it
In my case I think it was the terrible bouts of coughing I had
I still think with rest it will return to normal I did read where it could take up to
Three weeks which looks like it will in my case
I am wondering though had I gone to a Doctor would It have made any difference maybe I would have prevented the secondary infections and got better quicker or maybe it would not have made any difference
|
|
|
17
Comments
|
|
|
THE ONE YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR ☺
|
Jun 10, 2011 3:10 pm
642 Views
|
In the air again touch down this time was in Tampa with 2 great smiles and hugs to greet me yes this was my time with Jack and Lucy.
I swear that dog remembered me from last time..the cats well they are a different story LOL they avoid me they were just kittens last time and I have never seen such lively kittens they have grown now and the mischief has grown out of them
After a good restful arvo catching up with all that had happened in our lives and families we met with Shertj and Alpha for dinner
I would have called this place a pub………..more fun with a waitress and my accent
Then of to their place to see the new TOY OH wow what fun this was a new motor home (I think that’s what you call it) and all those gadgets and things to try
One thing I learnt about Alpha I didn’t realize although we have met a few times before….HE LOVES WHEELS 
by the time we had finished we needed coffee so to there place and Shertj had another treat in store for us
Lucy makes beautiful quilts and so does Shertj and Alphas neighbor and she bought a selection over for us to see my goodness these people have patience
We had a grand night.
I was to have another pleasant surprise Jack had a parcel for me it was from Honest injun .he had sent me a Seneca Flag with a Card Welcoming me and the people of my country
I have that flag in my souvenirs
The next day we do our usual walk on the beach for 5 miles this is something we all enjoy and the Seahawks were putting a great display for us they are such graceful birds I never tire of watching them.
Last year we collected shells or I should say I collected broken ones LOL
I am always surprised when we do these walks how everyone stops and chats to Jack…..i think he looks like a local ☺
It was just as well we did the walk yesterday because I had developed a bad cough and I am not sure I would have been able to do it the next day but we did something else
Lucy and I share common interest we have had for years and that we are both textile artists although they are very different techniques we use
She had been having trouble with her machine and had it to various places but still was giving her grief I can tell you if a machine doesn’t work properly it is as bad as a pc that doesn’t do what you want
Someone had suggested she do such and such and she said I am never brave enough to do that I said to use an Aussie expression Sydney or the Bush You can always put it back…….we held our breath while she did a trial run…YIPPPPEEEEE it worked we felt pretty pleased with ourselves considering she had sent it to the professionals to be fixed
I was not the best of company with this bad cough but with the care they gave me I was fit again for the tour I was to do through Jacksonville Jekyll island Savannah and Charleston
For the time being I was leaving the SFF friends and would be traveling on my own again
|
|
|
6
Comments
|
|
|
|
|
NAIVE OR MISCHIEF MAKING
|
Jun 7, 2011 4:25 pm
1057 Views
|
I read a blog that disappointed me so much crucifying a man this person seems to make a habit of it
How many times have you done this under many names
You were very careful to identify this man without naming him BUT anyone that knew this man would know who you were talking about.
Myself and others met this man recently and I am sure everyone would have to agree he was a Gentleman courteous helpful and a great sense of humour
If you were stupid enough or Naïve to go on any road trip with any man You had not spent some time face to face with ….
YOU have no room to complain do you take any responsibility for your actions
I have come to the conclusion this guy didn’t come across with what you wanted so lets destroy him
Anyone knows I have travelled far and wide in many countries and never had the experiences you claim to have I have to wonder how come you can have so many at your back door…..BUT maybe I have different agendas
I don’t travel the world to HOOK UP with men I travel to meet people enjoy the cultures of different countries and learn of the history
As for some of the women that responded without knowing any details or even knowing the man I am disappointed in you also
There is 3 sides to every story yours his and the TRUTH
For Goodness sakes if at a mature age you cant choose your friends wisely and be responsible for your actions …..GET A LIFE AND GROW UP
How easy it is to ruin a persons reputation with so few lines
I myself have been a target of malicious lies and gossip which I can only put down to Jealousy of my lifestyle…hey I don’t feel guilty I worked hard for my lifestyle and I don’t intend to waste it
We are forever hearing how many have left this site it is these actions that are responsible for many leaving it is a site where great friendships have been made with all its faults it is still a good place to meet people
For those that like to listen and repeat the gossip You too are just as guilty
People should be judged for themselves NOT BY WHAT YOU HEAR
And yes I will always speak up for the underdog
My name is Gossip.
I have no respect for justice.
I maim without killing.
I break hearts and ruin lives.
I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age.
The more I am quoted the more I am believed.
I flourish at every level of society.
My victims are helpless.
They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face.
To track me down is impossible.
The harder you try, the more elusive I become.
I am nobody's friend.
Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same.
I topple governments and ruin marriages.
I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartache and indigestion.
I spawn suspicion and generate grief.
I make innocent people cry in their pillows.
Even my name hisses.
I AM CALLED GOSSIP.
|
|
|
31
Comments
|
|
|
CHATTANOOGA DAY 2
|
Jun 7, 2011 4:57 am
553 Views
|
One of the things I love about these get togethers is meetings for breakfast you just never know who you are going to meet ☺
Today was the day to explore first was to the
Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
A major Confederate victory on Chickamauga Creek in Georgia, September 19-20, 1863, was countered by Union victories at Orchard Knob, Lookout Mountain, and Missionary Ridge in Chattanooga, Tennessee, November 23-25, 1863. This was the first and the largest national military park established by Congress at the end of the 19th century.
This was amongst the most horrendous battles of the civil war as the film we watched showed
We drove through the memorial drive like all military places of remembrance cared for perfectly .
Then on to happier things THE CHOO CHOO….
I had shown this to the little people at home and intended to buy them a replica…….BUT no such thing oh I could get other trains which incidentally they loved my thoughts were well there never really was a Chattanooga choo choo just a great song with the lyrics by Glenn Miller
Back to the motel for more fun and chat and meeting some more that had arrived while we were gone
We did manage a very quick game of Mexican train Dominos enough to get me hooked
This had been a great relaxing couple of days meeting with old friends and making new ones
The eagles club was so good some opted to return
As I was flying out again in the morning I decided to repack my bags. And have an easy night
The next morning was the last get together for breakfast and then all the sad goodbyes………I hate this part
I must give a special thanks to Dan GA Bunz and Belle
I will miss my traveling companion BUT then I am on to more adventures and I know we will do more in time to come 
It had been a great week lots of happy people I never heard anyone complain nor did I hear anyone running anyone down it was great to be among so many happy people
After being to the two bash’s I would have to say anyone that didn’t enjoy themselves at these get togethers if they have the right attitude they are guaranteed a good time great friendship and lots of fun and laughs
People often say to me you are just like I expected I think that is how it should be
Of course never enough time to spend with the individuals. BUT then there is always another time and place
Just some of the Happy crowd 
|
|
|
12
Comments
|
|
|
CHATTANOOGA………..CHOO CHOO AND ALL
|
Jun 6, 2011 3:58 pm
549 Views
|
Day 1
The run to Chattanooga was in torrential rain at times blinding I take my hat off to Belle for the driving
We arrived at the hotel still in the same rain so we made a dash for it I know why Belle wears a hat …….we were like drowned rats me worse than Belle because of the hat and Guess who was waiting in the Lobby to welcome us none other than 1GA.with a big hug by the time we had hugged he was like a drowned rat also.
Now how’s this for Hospitality knowing there was no coffee makers in the room Bunz and He had decided to bring one for us ..they know me well and knew I would be wanting for a cuppa just one slight problem it was still in the box and need two people to get it out I swear that coffee maker was stuck like glue ☺
Some had already arrived when we got there including those other Aussies and YES they had my sign
CJC was armed with leaflets on WV for me all with the Autumn colours oh yeah she knows me well also and knows I am a sucker for the colours since I have been home I have read these from cover to cover.
Richard is my cricket Buddy in fact the only American I have met that knows what cricket is.
What a pleasant afternoon chatting and catching up meet some new friends
No doubt and Dan and GA they had it well worked out a buffet dinner, which I love it, gives me the opportunity to try different foods
I still don’t know who paid for mine I suspect it was GA as when I went to pay he said it had been taken care of.
Dan had plans for a club some went some chose to take it easy back at the hotel and rec room me well I just do as told ah ahaha
Now this was something I had never seen before lots of pool tables and people playing with another room well it looked like it was going to be Karaoke and dancing …..until the crowd arrived and they looked like our kids and grandkids in no time Dan said I have another idea LOL
So we moved on to an Eagles club as we walked in the music sounded like it was more like us
I had never heard of the Eagles club but they had a promotional number plate with an eagle on it ah ha my son would like that so I asked questions
For more than a century, the Fraternal Order of Eagles has had a major positive influence on our region, nation, world... And most importantly on our communities
we are the Eagles and we are "People Helping People
Day 2 to follow
|
|
|
14
Comments
|
|
|
FUN IN NASHVILLE
|
Jun 5, 2011 3:52 pm
567 Views
|
For years I have enjoyed reading about the Nashville Bash’s they are always fun
I will never attend because they are held in the summer and the states is way to hot for me in summer .
So it was fun to go to the haunts I had read about
It was an easy run to Nashville so we had time to wander and enjoy the atmosphere as usual we walked the streets enjoyed the music looked at boot shops and more boot shops of course most know I LOVE boots as does my travelling mate
The best I saw was a sign …..BUY one pair get two pair free…..and I never had room
Ii had mentioned to ms Belle that I was hoping to hear some bluegrass music when I got further along on my trip in SC surprise we saw a sign on a bar that said Live Bluegrass music ……..How lucky can you be and this was in Nashville where all I expected to hear was Country music
We enjoyed this music but I said to Belle we must be wrong time of day this is not Bluegrass but good country ..while we were having this conversation a lady came up and said Do you want an Ice cream?
She had bought it for her husband and already had one for herself …….he didn’t want it beer was his choice of refreshment …..they left shortly after I had not even finished the Ice-cream and it was good……… I think they had a fight LOLOL
We stayed at the Fiddlers Inn those that have been to the Bash will know it is just across the road from JOHN A’s….which has to be the best place I have been
Did I say that Belle knew all the best places ………….Ha Ha
The very first song they sang was Amanda …now my granddaughter name is Amanda and she was named after Don Williams song …I still love that song
After a while a bloke sat next to me and said do you come here often…….I grinned well not really…..OH he said I can see that now I am from Toronto
He had noticed they had a spare microphone and he wanted to know did they let other people sing. he wanted to sing on my suggestion of ask them he went up and he sang and he was not too bad but he was happy
While this was happening a young bloke and his dad (I think) were waiting for a take away meal he went up and said I want to sing too the problem was he wanted to sing …IF I SAW YOU IN HEAVEN that wonderful song written by Eric Clapton…well the band did not know it but this young bloke sang a line at a time for the first verse and this wonderful band picked it up OH BOY could this bloke sing the kind that sends shivers down your back
I think by the time they left the meal would have been cold
Then there was this wonderful elegant lady that came in she had been married that day and she was a star in a TV show which I had never heard of she also sang
What a great night it was
Tomorrow off to Chattanooga
|
|
|
13
Comments
|
|
To link to this blog (spotheaussie) use [blog spotheaussie] in your messages.
|
|
|
| Sun |
Mon |
Tue |
Wed |
Thu |
Fri |
Sat |
| |
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
161
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
31
|
Most Recent Comments by Others
|
