Thanks for the article reference. Indeed this society is so wasteful oriented. We have the erroneous belief that if we just mass produce we would end hunger, but ended up with more waste and currently have just as much, if not more hunger as a result. The present bovine fast food diet we have in mass produced beef industry actually is harder for the livestock to digest, thus creates an environment of increased bacterium. This is what leads to increases of methane gas. Not all farms use these methods though, so it's asonine to use a couple of extreme examples as the average to calculate the whole. To suggest ethical decisions that go against nature's laws and natural animalistic reactions in man is against logic. To truly be ethical, it must be based on the logical, thus suggesting a particular diet for all of man kind to obtain that is not in accordance to the biological aspect of omnivorism in man, is not ethical at all because it is not logical. This is the same problem that occurs when someone tries to enforce any philosophy or religion upon an entire society, then expand across borders. They will come across the nature of man that has variances in experiences and conditions in life that the philosophy or religion is against their own morals. It denies fellow men as an "end," but rather as a means to their personal ends. This dehumanizes man when one tries to enforce personal opinioned "ethics" upon others in order to achieve an end by using another man as a "means." For more, read Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals from Ethical Theories by Dr. A. I. Melden

Some artists have fought with internal demons and demonstrated it within their works of art. One example is The Starry Night by Van Gogh which demonstrated a swirling chaotic mass of vibrant colors, giving hint to the torrential feelings he felt inside. Van Gogh was Schizophrenic. The following is about the side effects of a psych drugs that lead to a torrential emotional feeling, and yet, though the effects are undeniably difficult to cope with, the writer is left with a feeling of desire to revisit the experience. Psychosis A vivid swirling mass of sky; The colors clashed with violent highs. Emotions rage that push against, A life that felt its touch, immense. The world that no one else could see, Nor hear the roarings, like a sea. Never felt the world we love, He only knew what lay above. Why not, they feel the intensity, Nor know the presence of entities? Ever present amongst us all, But only in a mind of awe. Raging, screaming spirits stream, Pushing past the border?s seam. When the journey?s flight doth end, Though laughing stops, hunger begins. Though body has no change within, The memories strong of secret whims. Like shattered glass, its fragments dark, Till light anew anoints its mark. June 04, 2009

It is written in an art appreciation book that everyone has some creativity. But it takes one who is willing to work to actually develop a creation of art. According to Picasso, Art is not simply a copy of what is seen, but is derived from how the Artist sees it. Anyone can copy a line, or some words, or speak in the same manner as another ideal. But can you draw, paint or speak of that which does not exist, until it is finally created? That is when you know you have a true artist: they are creators of something new. The Artist How the artist?s mind, doth reaches my heart; With his words, he finds me; that sets him apart. Like a beautiful flower, he displays his glory; Through his ingenuity, his soul opens each morning. He is just a man, it is plainly seen; Yet, it is his heart, open upon the scene. Like thunder of a storm, his masterpiece swarms; Winding, entangling me within its charms. Neither lovely, nor beautiful, these words can?t express; What I see, that lies beneath his breast. Unexplainable, unfathomable, I?m caught in its snare; Trapped by its enchantment, I no longer can bear. I must speak or write, but I find myself speechless; The intensity violent, and storming to confess. Full of emotions, raging, my lips only stutter; I am stunned to quiet; I silently suffer. June 10, 2009

If you eat a healthy balanced diet, you should be getting your basic nutritional requirements fulfilled. You don't need oodles of Vit. C every day. But govt daily recommendations vary depending on region to region. http://www.ajfand.net/Issue-VIII-files/pdfs/AJFAND%20Vol%205%20No%201%20Peer%20Reviewed%20Article%20No%206.pdf Many foods like strawberries, oranges, and even potatoes (esp sweet) have vitamin C in them. Foods tend to lose nutritional effect during processing though. Try to make your own foods and steam or eat raw veggies and fruits when possible to decrease losses. Avoid commercially processed, esp. canned foods and try to make your own. Many commercial products are too high in salt and preservatives. Use whole grains, reducing white grains as much as possible, perhaps only as an occasional empty calorie "treat." I say empty calorie, because that's what processed flours are. High calories with low nutritional benefits. Use variety in your diet. Traditional one-types of foods have been associated with metabolic conditions, such as traditional beans and rice found to be associated metabolic syndrome amongst Puerto Rican older adults. http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?SEQ_NO_115=239065 The following is a study (on mice) showing supplemental Vit c did was not shown to be effective protection against gastric Cancer, although Low Vit C in humans is associated with gastric cancer and more severe H-pylori gastritis. http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?seq_no_115=217763 High vitamin C intake is associated with lower bone loss in elderly men. http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?seq_no_115=227719 USDA research suggests taking Vit C supp (and E) are safe. http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/Publications.htm?seq_no_115=181421 BUT--because I'm trying to be objective and fair, JAMA did a study on potential mortality rates related to antioxidant intakes. In Conclusion they stated: "We did not find convincing evidence that antioxidant supplements have beneficial effects on mortality. Even more, beta carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E seem to increase the risk of death. Further randomized trials are needed to establish the effects of vitamin C and selenium." http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/297/8/842 These are mainly 2005-2007, keep in mind. Now, according to Oprah, you can "shake, shake shake" a liquid diet and lose pounds of fat. Then she bloats up like a dead dog on the side of the road. So she goes on another fad diet. Then bloats back up. And another, and another...bloat, bloat. FADS DON'T WORK! I have worked with doctors that prescribe Vit C drips on their patients while in the ICU. It creates havoc when you have a patient that only has one good vein and most meds can not be mixed with the drip. If you do feel as if you're not getting enough from your foods and are worried about whether you should take supplements, don't use Oprah or any other Hollywood spangled person as your guide. Call your doctor. Don't allow yourself to stress out about something you're unsure about. Too much stress is bad for your health too. Too much of anything can be toxic, but inefficient amounts are unhealthy too.

gorda:

MsBeckie:

" . . . I like chocolate . . . "

Chocolate! I love chocolate! Have you ever tried Nutella? It's chocolate with hazelnuts! It comes in a jar! It's delicious! You can spread it on bread or dip strawberries in it! I love it!

Another fellow chocoholic, I see. Chocolate comes from the Americas and was introduced to Corte'z by Moctezuma II as cacahuatl ( Nahuatl for bitter waters). It was known as the food of the gods. This was taken back to Spain, then was made as a candy in England and as milk chocolate in Switzerland. Baker's chocolate was introduced when a Dr. Baker discovered a chocolate connoisseur in New England, and financed him to sell the chocolate. It became what is known today as Baker's chocolate. It kind of reminds us why it's important to appreciate other cultures and ecosystems, yes? Vanilla comes from the Americas too. Where would we be without it?

Uh oh. I found this online. Here you go guys. You can make some substitutions like carob for chocolate, stevia or splenda for sugar, and 0-transfat margerines, etc. http://makelifedelicious.com/2009/07/kit-kat-cookie-bars/ Home made kit kat bars " Ingredients 81 Keebler club crackers 1 cup margarine (2 sticks) 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup white sugar 1/2 cup milk 2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels 3/4 cup peanut butter Directions Spray a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray. Line with 27 crackers. In a sauce pan, melt margarine and add both sugars, milk and graham cracker crumbs. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. This makes 3 cups of filling. In microwave melt chocolate morsels and peanut butter. Pour half (1 1/2 cups) of filling on top of first row of crackers. Line another layer of 27 crackers on top of this filling. Pour remaining half of filling on top of these crackers and top with remaining 27 crackers for third layer. Pour chocolate and peanut butter mixture on top of this third layer of crackers and spread evenly. Refrigerate until the chocolate-peanut butter layer is set. Cut into squares and serve. Makes about two dozen cookies. " Here's another recipe for kit kat bars: http://www.food.com/recipe/kit-kat-bars-75971 ? "60 christie toppable crackers ? 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers ? 3/4 cup brown sugar ? 1 cup white sugar ? 3/4 cup butter ? 1/3 cup whole milk ? 1 cup butterscotch chips ? 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips ? 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter" And another...: http://kidscooking.about.com/od/barcookies/r/kit-kat-bars.htm ?"60 buttery crackers, such as Keebler Club Crackers ?3/4 cup butter ?3/4 cup granulated sugar ?3/4 cup firmly-packed brown sugar ?1/3 cup milk ?1-1/2 cups crushed graham crackers ?2 cups semisweet chocolate chips ?1/2 cup peanut butter" Goodbye manufactured garbage bag food products (waves) RIP!

I'm not into the meatless Monday thing as that I refuse to pretend I'm not an omnivore. However, deforestation is causing us to lose more than just carbon sinks. The rain forests have many medicinal options in them that natives know about. But when some scientists thought they had made a breakthrough on treatment for AIDS, they found the tree they had used the bark off of had been logged along with the whole area. The possible break through opportunity was lost--into a logger's pocket book. Indigenous people and animals also make use of the forests for their homes, food, and protection. It also is important in the rain cycle around the equator, due to transpiration. Turning the world into a desert is not wise. I like chocolate, but can just as easily make my own candy using other products, or looking around to find chocolate through smaller companies that are not too big for their conscienceness. How about a Manufactured food-free Monday, or other day? Then try to make it two days, then three, etc. Take baby steps until you make (all) your own, as Kathryn O suggests. You can make bit batches of desserts, candy, and meals ahead of time and preserve your own through canning and freezing to help save time when you are working late or just don't feel like making a big meal. If you eat legumes, they don't carry all 20 essential amino acids for a complete essential protein for cell wall production. Improper protein availability can lead to fluids moving to interstitual cell fluid and then what is called Third Spacing. You'll know if you have third spacing because your skin will bubble up and fluid will leak out of it. If you get that, it's usually because you're really sick, often with heart problems or cancer, or something. Add (brown) rice with the beans, or use corn tortillas instead of flour. White processed flours are basically empty calorie garbage anyways and much of the important B vitamins are gone as a result of the processing. Corn and lima beans (succotash) make a great protein as well. Basically the idea is use a wholegrain with a legume.

My dog used to chase and eat bees. Wierd!

I don't know what they serve their pets, but I once saw a recipe for a wholegrain organic home made dog biscuit. Dogs are omnivores and can eat either, but don't feed them scraps with spices or high fat. I've been told by my vet that high fat diets to dogs can lead to arthritis, especially in the hips. Cats are actually carnivores. Mine was a ferrel cat I rescued and she still hunts for herself. She brings red and brown squirrels, moths, mice, and moles to the door and sets them in her food dish. She'll eat them when she's ready.

I've just read some articles stating that around 25-30 million Americans were going carb free. The Atkins craze is continuing to grow. This means more people are eating more meat. This leaves more veggies I can throw at my chickens. My eldest son and hubbie hates veggies. They won't eat them. I have to be like the mother on the commercial for spaghetti and hide some in the meat dishes. Some day people are going to find out that following every latest craze is insane and resolves nothing. But that will come later.... According to some articles, around 7.3 million Americans are vegetarian. I live on a farm and am satisfied to follow my own heart. I never follow anyone else. I don't join the latest crazes. But good luck to you all. ~~An Omnivore.