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hybrid foods


When I go into Whole Foods and see the words, “seedless strawberries” and “seedless grapes” and “seedless watermelons” and “seedless raisins” etc. I wonder what exactly is going on with the altering of our food. Those “hybrid foods” are full of unnatural sugars, chemicals, and pesticides. They have no nutritional worth. The people who have taken it upon themselves to alter our foods are, shall we say (it’s important here to use the right words), a greedy bunch. The Creator made these perfect foods to nourish living creatures. Those who are mindlessly tampering with Earth’s bounty to make themselves rich are serving no one, not even themselves. Eventually, the greedy ones will have to pay the piper for thinking that the Earth is theirs to do with as they please.

This morning I picked up the book, Agartha by Meredith Lady Young and read the passage:
“While the use of chemicals has forced larger production, it is hollow production, for there is no integrity in this kind of bloom or grain. It exists without the permission of the plant. The plant is forced to produce-not allowed to produce-and herein lies the difference. Because violation of plants by this force-feeding method actually shortens its life cycle and eliminates any joy in the production process. Nature’s usefulness as a continuing food source is becoming diminished. The food which is produced is filled with the artificial, negative aspects of creation and lacks the overriding positive energy infused in the natural growing cycle. Even the water is becoming so acidic and filled with pollutants that basic water replenishment is no longer possible. How can health be produced from plants which are prevented from having a proper relationship with the essential elements which provide for joyful and complete growth? How is man to know that the planet suffers if he is deaf to any perceptual interchange?”

Agartha was published in 1984. I can only imagine what the greedy ones have done with our food since then.

Is there anyone who understands how the greedy ones can put money before living beings? Life is short, living at the expense of others is risky. Maybe they don’t believe in an afterlife, or in karma. Maybe they’re wrong. Maybe we need to find a way to set them straight so that Planet Earth will thrive once again. Does anyone have any ideas?

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Greediness, an excessive, extreme desire for something, often more than one’s proper share.
www.dictionary.com

www.livingfoodsinstitute.com/resources_articles_3.php

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bus stop boutique + etc.

Isn’t it a delight when you unexpectedly come across a shop that caters to your needs, one that doesn’t require an inordinate amount of time to find exactly what you want? That was the case when I happened upon BUS STOP + Etc. “Fancy That . . . Happy Accident!” What lured me into the shop was a piece of paper attached to the entrance door, sort of a lovely letter to anyone who’s thinking of entering. It was beckoning. Theirs was not a big selection, but better yet, they had the right selection of shoes, boots, stockings, along with a feel-good-atmosphere and friendly and helpful staff. I’m looking at a post card from BUS STOP that reads: “Travel to BUS STOP and it will be no accident. Our shop is chock-a-block full of eclectic shoe styles from all over the world! BUS STOP is a women’s and men’s shoe boutique on historic Fabric Row, owned by London-born Elena Brennan.”
750 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19147
215.627.2357
www.busstopboutique.com

So there I sat with my two boxes of possibilities while nearby an older and interesting man was hobnobbing with the staff. Then the conversation rolled around to winter and colds (maybe because customers were trying on boots), and he said something like this, “Half a raw onion every day prevents colds.” And the conversation took off as someone else said, “Yes, my family eats raw onions in the winter, and garlic is very good, too.” Suddenly I was lost in my own reverie as I thought, how did I forget that bit of information, my father always ate lots of raw onions in the winter, etc.

Burger Heaven is a coffee shop in Manhattan, and the establishment was always very generous with portioning out raw onions, and for many years they had a service of providing in their vestibule a small table with a bowl of chopped parsley for customers to chew to get rid of raw onion breath. I haven’t been there in a while, hopefully there’s still a bowl of parsley. What a good idea.
www.burgerheaven.com

So, before the day is done let’s not forget to buy a lot of delicious organic onions and garlic, and, oh yes, perhaps parsely, too.

Are you all enjoying the day?

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park slope, brooklyn

If I lived in Park Slope I might be a wee bit heavier. How can it not be that way when there are so many small high-quality speciality eating establishments. Walking along 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th Avenues, and meandering over to all the other neighborhoods bordering Park Slope, is a feast for the eyes. It’s a trip to eating paradise having only one problem: deciding on which direction to walk.

Once upon a time Manhattan had many butcher shops, and most went the way of many of its wonderful small bookshops; they disappeared. Now Park Slope has its very own butcher shop. The reason butcher shops are important is because butchers have knowledge, skill with the “right” knife, and tips for their customers that open up a whole new way of cooking. It’s rare to find that kind of personal attention in the meat departments of those very cold and very, very large supermarkets. So, here’s to: Fleisher’s of Kingston, NY and their Grass-Fed and Organic Meats at 192 Fifth Avenue (at Sackett Street), Park Slope, Brooklyn, ph: 718-398-mooo (6666).

Park Slope/Gowanus has Four & Twenty Blackbirds, a pie shop that tends to be busy. And should you want a special kind of pie on any given holiday place your order, or prepare to wake up early to stand in line and hope that they don’t run out of your selection. The story is that the sisters who started the pie shop began with their grandmother’s recipes. I think now they’ve taken it to a whole new level and are having a great time partnering this and that ingredient for a pie-eating experience that’s indeed memorable.
Four & Twenty Blackbirds at 439 3rd Avenue, Ph: 718-499-2917
www.birdsblack.com


We can’t keep talking about food because we’ll find ourselves opening the refrigerator, cupboards, drawers, searchng for that perfect treat. We’ll ponder the goodies at one more place and then think of delicious, nutritious salads.

The whoopie pies at Trois Pommes take me back to my childhood in New England; however, Trois Pommes’ jelly donuts remind me of “the donut man” of long ago who operated a shop in his garage. When the garage door opened it was like stepping into donut heaven. He was an elderly man and was proud of his little donut shop, He’d watch us choose and then we’d watch while he pumped jelly into some of the donuts. And out we’d walk with a big bag of donuts for two dollars. Or was it one dollar? Trois Pommes has jelly donuts only on weekends. They disappear quite quickly – sometimes one is left and so it’s shared, and a jelly donut shared by three people is, well . . . you know what I’m trying to say.
Trois Pommes, 260 5th Avenue, Ph:718-230-3119.

We haven’t really begun to explore all the fine food places of Park Slope and its neighbors. I’m thinking that maybe you’ll enjoy doing that on your own. Up and down the streets you go; take your time, relax, and have a day of pure eating indulgence – a little bit here and a little bit there; a little bit of this and a little bit of that.

Have a wonderful day!

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thinking about bees and thinking about skin

Finally an answer to the puzzle of why bees are dying off in developed Western countries. After many scientific studies it’s been realized that “one group of agricultural toxins – neonicotinoid pesticides – is a major contributor to their rapid demise.” It’s good to know that bees are returning to the four European countries that have banned these products. Check out the websites urging us to help save the bees.
Thank you, www.NaRichmond.com for the information.

and thinking about skin:

Parabens or any ingredient that ends with this word – affects hormones

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) – toxic contaminant

Sodium lauryl, or laureth, sulfate – contaminant that may cause skin damage

Triclosan and triclocarban antibacterials – present potential thyroid concerns

Triethanolamine (TEA) – contaminant that may trigger allergies

Dimethylol Dimethyl (DMDM) hydantoin and Imidazolidinyl urea – preservatives that release formaldehyde

Fragrance and dyes – may cause allergies or cancer and affect the nervous system

Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone – preservatives that may cause allergies and affect the nervous system (Phew! Need to watch the spelling of those words).

The following website will guide us in learning about products that won’t harm our skin:
CosmeticsDatabase.com

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“The situations, circumstances, events and relationships that you encounter in your life are a reflection of the state of consciousness you are in. The world is a mirror. If you are anchored in your nonlocal self the whole world is available to you.” – Deepak Chopra, The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire

“All the greatest beings who have ever strolled through the Earth’s gardens have been people of transcendent faith. Every one of them had a tranquil attitude and a calm belief in the helpful powers of invisible forces. These forces are always available to everyone!” – David Wolfe, The Sunfood Diet Success System

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ruka

When Christmas shopping has come to an end, I walk into a favorite shop and buy something for myself. A little special something, not a splurge, something only I would call exciting. That something has to be small enough to fit nicely into a suitcase. I never know beforehand where I’ll end up, or when. As in today when I passed Ruka at 114 South 19th Street in Philadelphia, and it hit me – here is the place; now is the time.

It’s always a pleasure to browse and shop at Ruka. There were desert bells hanging on the wall. I took them down. And there were a wonderful array of mala beads. I chose the simplest. Then a little hand bell looking old, and sounding wonderful called to me. I placed these three on the counter. A customer picked up a round metal container, and asked what it was for. It holds spices, someone called out. I’d seen that box in the home of a friend. It holds her fragrant spices, – those she uses most often, and can’t cook if she doesn’t have them. A spice box will one day be mine, too. Not just yet; I’m very good at knowing when it’s time to go. “Ruka offers a treasure trove of items to delight and entice the spirit.” www.ruka.com

Now at my place the mala beads are waiting to be fingered, the desert bells are on a hook and sound as sweet as they did in the shop, and the small hand bell has its own perfect place.

Enjoy the season.

May peace be ours the world over.

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consider philadelphia

Historical places, good restaurants, easy walking city, theatre, museums, fine hotels and B&Bs, the best Philly cheesesteak sandwich, and sports are what visitors expect when in Philadelphia. It’s easy to collect a long list of things to see because the city gets better every year. And people tend to know this because more people are coming as tourists, and as residents. Philadelphia is about history, and about museums (many are along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway), there’s Chinatown, small new shops, interesting walking tours, dueling piano bars, comedy clubs, jazz, Reading Terminal Market, Fairmount Park, a terrific zoo, and a Philadelphia Convention Center being expanded for bigger and better meetings. At the Independence Visitor Center at the NE corner of 5th and Market Streets well-informed people stand behind a long counter ready to answer questions and distribute the appropriate pamphlets for neighborhoods of choice. And a cafe awaits nearby for regrouping and sorting of plans. Maybe you can find Albert Lee. www.independencevisitorcenter.com

Though Philly is a fairly small city as cities go; it has all that’s expected of a city without the maddening crowds. The Christmas lights are up, at Macy’s the Wanamaker organ is ready for glorious Christmas music, and Rittenhouse Square Park feels good when walking pass the simply displayed, with a touch of elegance, Christmas lights.

Tour buses, walking tours, horse drawn carriage tours, a Duck tour, or a pointed finger will guide you to the buildings surrounding the Independence Visitor Center where history is waiting. Hungry and feet tired yet? Want a relaxing meal? You won’t have to go far.

With feet rested and energy replenished it’s time to see more of what’s uniquely Philadelphia. If you’re still in the general area of Market Street, a walk on 3nd toward Arch Street offers splendid shopping, and Betsy Ross’s house and Benjamin Franklin’s final resting place are on Arch Street. If Elfreth’s Alley was by-passed earlier, now is a good time to take a look.

And should there be an interest, a nice walk north on 3rd Street toward the 600s, and a turn east toward 2nd Street, will find a retail shop belonging to Penn Herb Co. Ltd. at 603 North 2nd Street, and also where an up-and-coming neighborhood is enjoying a new look. www.PennHerb.com A stroll on 3rd rather than 2nd will find a fine array of shops. However, if someone wants to take a glance on 2nd Street, or other streets leading toward the 600s, why not.

But then, there you are all the way north; perhaps now you have time to go south checking out what’s on Walnut Street, or continue walking south to the antique shops, and the Italian Market, and much more. Or you can wend your way west to the University City area to see what’s going on there, or perhaps you want to go to the theatre. A little reading of maps and pamphlets, a decision, and away you go. Keep it uncomplicated, Philadelphia has been here a while, and you can always come back, right?

Whatever or do, wherever you go, enjoy.

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african bird cayenne and a coffee wand

I have been hearing that African Bird Cayenne is the best quality of any cayenne that can be bought. It is not easy to find. After calling around the Philadelphia area, I was told Penn Herb is the place to check. I did, and it is true. www.pennherb.com There is a lot on their website, and it looks all good. Over three generations have operated this worldwide company, and I bet the quality is excellent. Initially, I thought things had to be ordered online, however, the website lists two retail stores in Philadelphia.

When checking out the Penn Herb website (highly recommended), I found a link advertising a coffee wand which seemed like the perfect gift for a coffee lover. I was curious. Well, may I say that www.singleservecoffee.com is very special.

Perhaps you will think so too.

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vegetables and fruits – organic or not

This was on aol’s site, July 2008: The Environmental Working Group doesn’t necessarily advocate organic, but does suggest that consumers be aware of the following non-organic foods having the highest pesticide levels. They are: peaches, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, peas, imported grapes, spinach, lettuce, and potatoes.

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at goodwill

Marisa, a friend of mine, wanted to go to the local Goodwill shop. It seems that in the past year whenever she’d compliment someone on a jacket or blouse, they’d say they got it at Goodwill. It’s not where Marisa usually buys her clothes, but finally she had to see for herself what was going on there, and perhaps pick up a designer piece for a pittance. Off we went. And as we entered the shop, we both said, “Not bad, not bad at all.” And soon after that, a knee-length, light, mustard-colored spring coat for $7.50 started calling to me. It had a Christian Dior label. It wasn’t in its prime, but something about it said, “buy me. I still look pretty good, and I’ll show you how I can fit in with the other things hanging in your closet.” So, I bought it because it has great style and the material flows so nicely.

However, my usually very accommodating and nice Korean seamstress at the cleaners clearly didn’t see it that way. Her face scrunched up when I took it out of the bag. “you buy that?” she said. “Lots of holes, dirty.” Actually, it had a tiny hole where a Goodwill employee had put a tag and it was a little frayed and slightly dirty at the cuffs. “And that’s why I’m here.” I explained to her. Her face was still scrunched when she picked it up for more inspection, and said, “Hem no good.” We looked together and it turns out the lining needed to be tacked under the arm. She sent an exasperated sigh my way. Really, I wasn’t prepared to have to defend my newly-acquired coat, but was determined that somehow that coat was going to leave in better shape than the way it came in. I smiled and walked out wondering whether I’d left it in the hands of the right person. I’ll find that out tomorrow. And Marisa, she didn’t find a designer piece for a pittance, but she’s ready to return because she knows “It’s all about the timing.”

One day in Raleigh, Michael and I tried to leave a few bags of clothes at Goodwill at the area where donations are accepted, and discovered that that huge space was jam packed with boxes and bags, and couldn’t handle any more donations. Often new and unused items-beautiful things worn only a few times or used only a few times-are given away. It’s possible to find something that calls out to you, “buy me. I’m just what you need.” What’s that they say? – One man’s _________ is another man’s ________ .

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dansko shoes

Alicia and I went shopping at Triangle Center in Raleigh. I bought a pair of Dansko shoes because for two years she wouldn’t stop talking about how comfortable they are. Alicia was right; they’re comfortable, and good looking, too. That’s always a bonus with comfortable shoes. When buying a pair of Dansko you need to know that they’re hand-made. Therefore, every pair fits differently. You won’t want to rush this purchase. If the first pair you try is not extraordinarily comfortable, try another. If the second pair you try is not extraordinarily comfortable, try another. That’s the way it has to be until the salesperson brings out a pair that, when you try them on, the first words that come to mind are, “Yes, these are them.”
www.dansko.com