I like to get my salad off to a good healthy start by making a bed of leafy dark green vegetables. Lettuce is the traditional favorite, but stay away from the iceberg variety. Its lighter color gives it away as it is low on nutritional value. Choose instead from romaine, green leaf lettuce, and spinach. Better yet, mix in some of each. Baby green spinach is a real good choice too.
Raw Broccoli The Way To Go
Levels of the beneficial, cancer-fighting compound sulforaphane in broccoli are reduced by 90 percent when the vegetable is cooked, so I would think it would be a good idea for folks to get to eatin’ raw broccoli mixed in with their salad. At the very least once a week. Thing is you will have to either buy organic or grow your own. Just one more reason to get out there this spring and get to planting your own garden. I should say boiled broccoli is better than nothing, just don’t over cook it. Also best to eat it with tomatoes as the combination fights off cancer. My Opinion Only
Also remember my new Gardening book which will be out March 22/2009 great book for sure. Loaded with all kinds of gardening tips, recipies and help in getting that new garden of yours into being.
Friday Humor For Your Coffee
Parrot at Auction One day David went to an auction. While he was there, he bid for a parrot. David really wanted this bird, so he got caught up and thoroughly involved in the bidding. He kept on bidding, but kept getting outbid, so he bid higher and higher and higher. Finally, after he had bid much more than he had intended, David won the bid; the parrot was his at last. As he was paying for the parrot, he said to the auctioneer, "I hope this parrot can talk. I would hate to have paid this much for it, only to find out that he can't talk!" "Don't worry." said the auctioneer, "He can talk. Who do you think kept bidding against you?"
Canadian Flags, Made In China…
You know this article about where our flags are being made is just a tip of the ice- burg. I am glad however that it has been brought out into the open, only thing is will the Dalton Gang get to doing something about it. Not likely. It will soon be forgotten’ as everything else. Their little trick is, that when something like this comes along that is going against them,the powers that be, they just start other rumors and folks minds are swayed onto other things. I can’t see why folks let it happ,en but they do. Take A Look. My Opinion Only
More Problems With Our Food Supply Here In Canada
You know this article sure makes one realize that things are changing here in this country. Gotta’ say there is sure a lot of loonies out there. Shame too. Take A Look. My Opinion Only
First Day Of Spring In Port Loring
Well first day of spring here in Port Loring Ontario. Great day to be alive. Well any day being alive is better than the alternative. Sure doesn’t feel like it temperature wise though, as this morning it was down to 12 degrees old school. But there is warmth in the sun, so that is a sure sign things are moving toward them lazy hazy days of summer. Thought I would put together our holiday and vacation dates for ya. Take A Look.
March 2009
8th Daylight Saving Time Begins
17th St. Patrick’s Day
20th First Day of Spring
April 2009
1st April Fools Day
5th Palm Sunday
10th Good Friday
12th Easter Sunday
20th Passover
May 2009
10th Mothers Day
18th Victoria Day
25th Memorial Day (US)
June 2009
21st Fathers Day
21st First Day of Summer
July 2009
1st Canada Day
4th Independence Day (US)
Johnson & Johnson Products Made In China?
I never knew Johnson & Johnson products were made in China. Hmm, well guess I shouldn’t be surprised. But for those that are interesested might pay to keep an eye on what you are buying out there today. Take A Look. My Opinion Only
http://in.reuters.com/article/email/idINSP33924720090319
Chinese-Made Drywall
Kind of makes a feller think huh? Well……… just one more reason why we should be growing and building our own items right here in Canada. Take A Look. My Opinion Only
Officials are looking into claims that Chinese-made drywall installed in some Florida homes is emitting smelly, corrosive gases and ruining household systems such as air conditioners, the Consumer Product Safety Commission says.
Gas emitted from defective drywall corrodes copper wiring, turning it black, some Florida homeowners say.
Gas emitted from defective drywall corrodes copper wiring, turning it black, some Florida homeowners say.
The Florida Health Department, which is investigating whether the drywall poses any health risks, said it has received more than 140 homeowner complaints. And class-action lawsuits allege defective drywall has caused problems in at least three states — Florida, Louisiana and Alabama — while some attorneys involved claim such drywall may have been used in tens of thousands of U.S. homes.
Homeowners’ lawsuits contend the drywall has caused them to suffer health problems such as headaches and sore throats and face huge repair expenses.
The drywall is alleged to have high levels of sulfur and, according to homeowners’ complaints, the sulfur-based gases smell of rotten eggs and corrode piping and wiring, causing electronics and appliances to fail.
“It’s economically devastating, and it’s emotionally devastating,” said Florida attorney Ervin A. Gonzalez, who filed one of the lawsuits. It would cost a third of an affected home’s value to fix the dwelling, Gonzalez said.
Morning Humor, Young Versus Old
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Apparently, a self-important college freshman attending a recent football game took it upon himself to explain to a senior citizen sitting next to him why it was impossible for the older generation to understand his generation.
‘You grew up in a different world, actually an almost primitive one’ the student said, loud enough for many of those nearby to hear. ‘The Young people of today grew up with television, jet planes, space travel, man walking on the moon. Our space probes have visited Mars. We have nuclear energy, ships and electric and hydrogen cars, cell phones. Computers with light-speed processing… And more.’
After a brief silence the senior citizen responded as follows:
‘You’re right, son. We didn’t have those things when we were young … so we invented them. Now, you arrogant little xx#*, what are you doing for the next generation?’
Good Morning
Well Maple Syrup is on hold for today as it stopped running being so cold out there. Down to 18 degrees here this morning with snow flurries. It will be back in a day or so soon as the old sun makes its appearance. Still got a bit more to boil down though so will finish that off this morning then get to pouring a bit over some pancakes. Tea time here lookin’ out. Have a great day.
Good Morning From Port Loring
Well nice morning here. Sun is a shinnin’, maple syrup is running, so what could be better than that. Just got the shop stove going so going to be a maple syrup day here in Port Loring. Now don’t get me wrong we don’t make it big time like some, we just make enough each year for ourselves. We do up around three to five quarts which gives my wife and I a nice taste. So………..tea time here then get at it. Talk Soon
Almost Maple Syrup
For those that can’t afford or get out to buy real maple syrup this spring. Hers is a substitute. Myself, I am in the process right now of making real maple syrup. Tapped a few trees around my property, so shouldn’t be to long before I am having some of my wife’s home made pancakes covered with natures best.
1 c Brown sugar, Best to use raw sugar cane, tastes better and better for you.
1/3 c Water
1/8 ts Salt
1/4 ts Vanilla extract
In saucepan dissolve sugar in water. Add salt and boil for 1 minute. Add vanilla and mix well. Serve warm. Yield: 3/4 cup.
Acorn Squash, Pretty Tasty
Hm………Good,can’t wait till summer.
2 c Acorn squash (cubed)
2 ts Butter
1 ts Orange rind
1/4 c Orange juice
2 tb Sugar replacement
Cook squash in small amount of boiling water until crisp-tender; drain. Melt butter in saucepan. Add orange rind, juice and sugar replacement. Cook over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Add squash; cover. Continue cooking until squash is tender.
Afgan Police Get Fundings From Canada. Can You Believe It?
You know I just can’t understand the thinking in the way we hand out our tax payers money. Like this article. Take A Look.
Canada will put $21 million toward the salaries of Afghan police and prison guards over the next two years, it was revealed on Tuesday.
In my eyes this will do nothing to help that country. What they should be doing is looking after our own country. We have to learn that it’s a selfish world. We have to look after ourselves first then we can help others. We got enough going on here in this country without looking after other countries. This image of peace keepers us Canadians is suppose to have should have never been started in the first place. Peace keepers, nonsense, should be money giveres and the only reason we hand out money is to make money, but not for the tax payers. My Opinion Only, as usual.
High Cholesteral Isn’t As Bad as They Would Like You To Think.
I have always said the treating we are doing today for folks with high Cholesteral isn’t the right way to go about it. Cholesteral is a much needed item that we need to survivie. Take a look at this artilce, as always it’s your decision. My Opinion Only
If you’ve been religiously counting cholesterol grams in an attempt to eliminate it from your diet, you may be startled to hear the main function of cholesterol in the body is not to clog your arteries. The media has propagated cholesterol as a vile substance akin to trans fat, but in reality, it’s not so simple. Cholesterol is not all bad – in fact, it has important functions in a variety of vital processes in your body.
First it should be noted that cholesterol is not a type of fat; it is a high-molecular-weight alcohol made in the liver and other cells in the body. It is not water-soluble and cannot actually be transported freely in the blood. Instead, it is carried in lipoprotein throughout the body so it performs essential duties.
Banks and Powers That Be All Work Together Not For Us
Take a look at this article. Not good but after you read it take a look at Thomas Jefferson’s quote many years ago. Also more on this bank thing in past blogs.
The financial system remains fragile, despite a US$700-billion bailout of the banking system approved by Congress in October and U.S. President Barack Obama has said more money will likely be needed to repair debt-laden banks.
“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, it expects what never was and never will be.”
“If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation then by deflation, the banks and the corporations will grow up around them, will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered. The issuing power should be taken from the banks and restored to the people, to whom it properly belongs.”
“I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies.”
“I wish it were possible to obtain a single amendment to our constitution – taking from the federal government their power of borrowing.”
-Thomas Jefferson
Auto Supplier Tells GM Where To Go
Good Article. Says a lot, little long but worth the read. Might get some folks thinking the right way.
As a supplier for the Big 3 this man received a letter from the President of GM North America, requesting support for the bail out program. His response is well written, and has to make you proud of a local guy who tells it like it is.
————-
Dear Employees & Suppliers,
Congress and the current Administration will soon determine whether to provide immediate support to the domestic auto industry to help it through one of the most difficult economic times in our nation’s history. Your elected officials must hear from all of us now on why this support is critical to our continuing the progress we began prior to the global financial crisis.
As an employee or supplier, you have a lot at stake and continue to be one of our most effective and passionate voices. I know GM can count on you to have your voice heard.
Thank you for your urgent action and ongoing support.
Troy Clarke
President,
General Motors North America
Response from:
Gregory Knox, Pres.
Knox Machinery Company
Franklin , Ohio
Gentlemen:
In response to your request to contact legislators and ask for a bailout for the Big Three automakers please consider the following, and please pass my thoughts on to Troy Clarke, President of General Motors North America.
Politicians and Management of the Big 3 are both infected with the same entitlement mentality that has spread like cancerous germs in UAW halls for the last countless decades, and whose plague is now sweeping this nation, awaiting our new “messiah,” Pres-elect Obama, to wave his magic wand and make all our problems go away, while at the same time allowing our once great nation to keep “living the dream.” Believe me folks, The dream is over!
This dream where we can ignore the consumer for years while management myopically focuses on its personal rewards packages at the same time that our factories have been filled with the worlds most overpaid, arrogant, ignorant and laziest entitlement minded “laborers” without paying the price for these atrocities. This dream where you still think the masses will line up to buy our products for ever and ever.
Don’t even think about telling me I’m wrong. Don’t accuse me of not knowing of what I speak. I have called on Ford, GM, Chrysler, TRW, Delphi, Kelsey Hayes, American Axle, and countless other automotive OEM’s throughout the Midwest , during the past 30 years and what I’ve seen over those years in these union shops can only be described as disgusting.
Troy Clarke, President of General Motors North America, states: “There is widespread sentiment throughout this country, and our government, and especially via the news media, that the current crisis is completely the result of bad management which it certainly is not.”
You’re right Mr. Clarke, it’s not JUST management. How about the electricians who walk around the plants like lords in feudal times, making people wait on them for countless hours while they drag ass so they can come in on the weekend and make double and triple time for a job they easily could have done within their normal 40 hour work week. How about the line workers who threaten newbies with all kinds of scare tactics for putting out too many parts on a shift and for being too productive.
(We certainly must not expose those lazy bums who have been getting overpaid for decades for their horrific underproduction, must we?!?)
Do you folks really not know about this stuff?!? How about this great sentiment abridged from Mr. Clarke’s sad plea: “over the last few years we have closed the quality and efficiency gaps with our competitors.” What the hell has Detroit been doing for the last 40 years?!? Did we really JUST wake up to the gaps in quality and efficiency between us and them? The K car vs. the Accord? The Pinto vs. the Civic?!? Do I need to go on? What a joke!
We are living through the inevitable outcome of the actions of the United States auto industry for decades. It’s time to pay for your sins, Detroit .
I attended an economic summit last week where brilliant economist, Alan Beaulieu, from the Institute of Trend Research , surprised the crowd when he said he would not have given the banks a penny of “bailout money.”
“Yes, he said, this would cause short term problems,” but despite what people like politicians and corporate magnates would have us believe, the sun would in fact rise the next day and the following very important thing would happen. Where there had been greedy and sloppy banks, new efficient ones would pop up. That is how a free market system works. It does work if we would only let it work.”
But for some nondescript reason we are now deciding that the rest of the world is right and that capitalism doesn’t work – that we need the government to step in and “save us”. Save us my ass, Hell – we’re nationalizing and unfortunately too many of our once fine nation’s citizens don’t even have a clue that this is what is really happening.
But, they sure can tell you the stats on their favorite sports teams.
Yeah – THAT’S really important, isn’t it.
Does it ever occur to ANYONE that the “competition” has been producing vehicles, EXTREMELY PROFITABLY, for decades in this country? How can that be??? Let’s see. Fuel efficient. Listening to customers. Investing in the proper tooling and automation for the long haul.
Not being too complacent or arrogant to listen to Dr. W. Edwards Deming four decades ago when he taught that by adopting appropriate principles of management, organizations could increase quality and simultaneously reduce costs. Ever increased productivity through quality and intelligent planning. Treating vendors like strategic partners, rather than like “the enemy.” Efficient front and back offices. Non union environment.
Again, I could go on and on, but I really wouldn’t be telling anyone anything they really don’t already know down deep in their hearts.
I have six children, so I am not unfamiliar with the concept of wanting someone to bail you out of a mess that you have gotten yourself into – my children do this on a weekly, if not daily basis, as I did when I was their age. I do for them what my parents did for me (one of their greatest gifts, by the way) – I make them stand on their own two feet and accept the consequences of their actions and work through it. Radical concept, huh. Am I there for them in the wings? Of course – but only until such time as they need to be fully on their own as adults.
I don’t want to oversimplify a complex situation, but there certainly are unmistakable parallels here between the proper role of parenting and government. Detroit and the United States need to pay for their sins.
Bad news people – it’s coming whether we like it or not. The newly elected Messiah really doesn’t have a magic wand big enough to “make it all go away.” I laughed as I heard Obama “reeling it back in” almost immediately after the final vote count was tallied. “We really might not do it in a year or in four.” Where the Hell was that kind of talk when he was RUNNING for office.
Stop trying to put off the inevitable folks. That house in Florida really isn’t worth $750,000. People who jump across a border really don’t deserve free health care benefits. That job driving that forklift for the Big 3 really isn’t worth $85,000 a year. We really shouldn’t allow Wal-Mart to stock their shelves with products acquired from a country that unfairly manipulates their currency and has the most atrocious human rights infractions on the face of the globe. That couple whose combined income is less than $50,000 really shouldn’t be living in that $485,000 home.
Let the market correct itself folks – it will. Yes it will be painful, but it’s gonna’ be painful either way, and the bright side of my proposal is that on the other side of it all, is a nation that appreciates what it has and doesn’t live beyond its means and gets back to basics and redevelops the patriotic work ethic that made it the greatest nation in the history of the world and probably turns back to God.
Sorry – don’t cut my head off, I’m just the messenger sharing with you the “bad news”. I hope you take it to heart.
Gregory J. Knox, President
Knox Machinery, Inc.
Franklin , Ohio 45005
Drug Companies
Interesting
Drug companies used to sell products for the treatment of disease. But it didn’t take long for Big Pharma to figure out that the number of diseased people is limited, and therefore so are drug profits. To bypass this problem, they began inventing diseases and marketing them to the public as a way to create new demand for high-profit pharmaceuticals. This is how “bi-polar” came into existence, for example. Same story for ADHD, social anxiety disorder and even high cholesterol (which isn’t a disease in the first place).
But even this disease mongering strategy had its limits. Only a limited number of gullible doctors and consumers can be convincingly deluded into believing in fictitious diseases and psychiatric disorders. To really expand its profits, Big Pharma was going to have to do something revolutionary: They were going to have to figure out a way to sell drugs to people who weren’t sick at all.
Or, put another way: They needed a way to sell drugs to healthy people.
Eggs Are Good For You So Enjoy!
For more than 5,000 years, humans have enjoyed what may be one of nature’s most convenient and nutritious foods — the egg. Today per-person consumption averages around 300 eggs a year.
Why eggs are healthy Eggs provide high protein content for relatively low cost. They’re also relatively low in calories — one medium-sized egg contains just 78 calories.
Eggs contain vitamins B12, C, D, E, and K, as well as the minerals iron and zinc. They’re also a rich source of choline, important for brain functioning and health.
It’s no joke that egg yolks offer infection-fighting vitamin A and phosphatidylcholine, a nutrient that protects the liver and arteries and that can actually prevent the oxidation of cholesterol.
In spite of the egg’s reputation for increasing cholesterol, research has shown that adults can consume at least two eggs per day without increasing their serum cholesterol level.
Dates And Things On Book Signings
Hi Folks, well just thought I would let you know that Gulliver’s Quality Books and Toys at 157 Main Street West in North Bay, Ontario will be holding a book signing for my new book, called “Join Me In The Garden” on May 9/2009 from 1 – 3 in the afternoon.
Also here in Port Loring the Argyle Community Libarary will be holding a book signing for my new book “Join Me In The Garden” on Monday April, 27/ 2009, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, also on Wednesday April 29/2009 I will be reading a story or two out of my first book and talking a bit on my second book along with awnsering questions. They will both be held in the Argyle Public School on HWY 522, in Port Loring, so mark it down on the callender as I sure would like to see you there.
Also on July 17–18 & 19th I will be at “Books Of The Bay” in Callander Ontario and will be speaking with my lovely wife who did the all the illustrations in the book on the 18th. There again I will be reading a couple stories from both books and will even give you a quick glance of the upcoming book, called “Moments In Time” which will be coming out in April of 2010. So should make for an intersting summer. Again, sure would like to see you folks drop by and say hello. Other upcoming events concering my book will be added as they unfold. Talk Soon