A Little Girl’s Project Shows Us Why We Need To Choose Organic Produce

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As part of a simple school project a young student by the name of Elise was tasked with discovering how long it would take for a fully grown sweet potato to grow vines. The project itself is quite simple, and is a regular part of many elementary school curriculum’s since all that it involves is the sticking of toothpicks into the sweet potato and the suspension of it into a glass of water. If left near a window that receives sunlight the sweet potato should grow vines, which is the exact process that Elise was looking to monitor. (Click HERE for an exact step-by-step guide on how to do this)

Elise’s discovery however went a lot further than this when she initially purchased sweet potato failed to grow vines after three weeks of following the given instructions. Here is the full video featuring Elise’s discovery:



What initially started as a simple science experiment quickly evolved into a potent and unintentional piece of evidence in support of the purchase of organic rather than conventional produce. As Elise so adorably mentioned as a part of her explanation, the conventional sweet potato was sprayed with bud nip, alternatively known as Chlorpropham. Bud nip is just one of the many chemicals widely used in non-organic farming and agriculture.

What Is Bud Nip?

Bud Nip is a plant growth regulator used for the control of grass weeds on several fruit and vegetable plants. In potatoes, such as the sweet potatoes that we conventionally purchase, bud nip is used primarily to inhibit potato sprouting -the exact process that Elise was looking to create as a part of her experiment. On the surface bud nip seems relatively harmless, however certain studies show that it also comes with a fair level of potential side effects -many of which Elise mentions -that do more than an adequate job at justifying the ‘caution’ warning that it is labelled with.  Bud nip is considered moderately toxic for ingestion, an irritant for the eyes and skin and was responsible for a number of side effects and even death of several of the animals that it was tested on. Despite this, bud nip is regularly used directly on an abundance of non-organic produce, and indirectly on other produce due to its highly soluble nature in both soil and groundwater. This could potentially explain how even the organic sweet potato that Elise had purchased from the conventional grocery store did not sprout nearly as impressive as the final one that she had purchased from the organic food market. Elise’s experiment serves as a simple yet profound reminder of the option that we have to grow or purchase organic produce. It may currently be the more expensive of the two product options that exists, but when it involves our health it certainly cannot be overlooked.

Read more about fruits and vegetables you should always buy organic...

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Collective Evolution

Warmhearted cop gives the shirt off his back to homeless man shivering in freezing New York City

Officer Carlos Ramos saw Robert William shivering in the freezing New York weather on Friday morning.  He had only a thermal undershirt on and was ripping up his other shirt to wrap around his feet as socks.  Ramos gave William the sweater he was wearing under his uniform

One New York City cop gave the sweater he was wearing to a homeless man who was dressed only in a thermal undershirt Friday when temperatures dropped to 23 degrees.

Officer Carlos Ramos, 29, was assigned to look for suspicious activity near the United Nations in midtown Manhattan when he spotted Robert William sitting on a sidewalk outside the Robert Moses Park dog run.

William was sitting barefoot because his shoes had gotten soaked, and had taken off his outer shirt to try and wrap it around his freezing cold feet.

Warm heart: NYPD Transit Bureau officer Carlos Ramos stopped and gave Robert William a sweater off his back in the frigid New York morning on Friday

Grateful: Robert Williams' shoes were wet and he had only a thermal undershirt on

'I saw he was in need and it was my job to help him,' Ramos told the New York Daily News.

'I saw he had no coat,' he said. 'It was a very cold day, because I was very cold even bundled up.'

He offered the thick, navy blue Champion sweatshirt he was wearing under his uniform and coat to William, who initially refused. 

'My concern was for him - his concern was for me staying warm,' Ramos told the Daily News.

Ramos finally convinced William to take the sweatshirt.

'He gave it to me. He said, "Don’t worry about it,"' William told the New York Post. 

'I felt good about having it.'

Makeshift: After Ramos left, William, wearing his new sweater, tore up his shirt to wear as socks.

The warmhearted officer told the Daily News that he regularly helps people out, especially when the weather is cold.

'A nice cup of coffee, a tea, whatever seems appropriate,' he said. 

Ramos has been a NYPD officer since 2007. He works in anti-crime and counterterrorism for the Transit Bureau.

William told the New York Post that he doesn't know how long he's been homeless for, but that he used to live uptown at West 163rd and St Nicholas Ave before an argument with a roommate saw him turfed out onto the streets.

Good Samaritan: Larry DePrimo won a host of fans last November when a photograph of him kneeling down to give a pair of boots to a homeless man in Times Square went viral

As winter sets in and temperatures drop below , the plight of homeless people who make their beds on the streets of New York City becomes critical.

Ramos' warm-hearted deed comes almost exactly a year after a New York police officer Larry DePrimo won fans after buying Jeffrey Hillman, 54, a homeless man, a pair of boots.

Hillman was sitting barefoot in Times Square with blisters on his feet from the cold.

DePrimo bought Hillman a $100 pair of Sketcher's boots from a nearby store after Hillman told him he was fine - and that he'd never had a pair of shoes.

DePrimo was recently promoted to detective.

                                                (http://www.njnewsday.com/national...)

Top 10 Most Common GMO Foods

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Genetically Modified Organisms (referred to as GM or GMO) are found in up to 80% of the food sold in American supermarkets. GM plants are much more common than many people realize too. Here is a list of the 10 most common GMO foods so you can be more aware while grocery shopping.

1. Soy

Up to 90% of soybeans in the market have been genetically modified to be resistant to an herbicide called, RoundUp. This increased resistance to the herbicide allows farmers to use more RoundUp to kill weeds. However, this results not only in a genetically modified food product, but also a food product loaded with more chemicals.

2. Corn

Half of the US farms growing corn to sell to the conglomerate, Monsanto, are growing GMO corn. Most of this corn is going to be used for human consumption. Genetically modified corn has been linked to health problems, including weight gain and organ disruption.

3. Canola oil

Canola oil is derived from rapeseed oil. It is considered one of the most chemically altered oils sold in the US.

4. Cotton

Even cotton has been genetically modified to increase yield and resistance to disease. Most concern relates to the cotton oil which is a is a high-value cooking or frying oil and is sometimes used to make margarine. Cotton originates from India, and China, in particular, is considered higher risk for personal health.  

5. Milk

One fifth of the dairy cows in the United States has been given growth hormones to help them grow faster and increase their yield. These hormones can be found in some of the milk produced by these cows. These growth hormones have been shown to act in the human body.

6. Sugar

Genetically modified sugar beets were introduced to the US market in 2009. These sugar beets are modified to resist Roundup, like corn.

7. Aspartame

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used instead of sugar by many people. There is some question concerning the safety of aspartame in the body, including its possible link to certain cancers. Aspartame is manufactured from genetically modified bacteria.

8. Zucchini

Genetically modified zucchini contains a toxic protein that helps make it more resistant to insects. This introduced insecticide, has recently been found in human blood, including that of pregnant women and fetuses. This indicates that some of the insecticide is making its way into our bodies rather than being broken down and excreted.

9. Yellow squash

Yellow squash has also been modified with the toxic proteins to make it insect resistant. This plant is very similar to zucchini, and both have also been modified to resist viruses.

10. Papaya

Genetically modified papaya trees have been grown in Hawaii since 1999. These Papayas are sold in the United States and Canada for human consumption. These papayas have been modified to be naturally resistant to the Papaya Ringspot virus, and also to delay the maturity of the fruit. Delaying maturity gives suppliers more time to ship the fruit to supermarkets.

These are just 10 of the most prevalent GMO foods found in the supermarket. There are many others currently for sale and being grown for the market. If you want to stay away from GMOs, always keep an eye out for a label that indicates food is organic or non-GMO.

Source:
http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2013/06/18/top-10-most-common-gmo-foods/

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DISCLAIMER

This article is for informational purposes only, and is educational in nature. Statements made here have not been evaluated by the FDA.  This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please discuss with your own, qualified health care provider before adding in supplements or making any changes in your diet.

Avocado Seeds

Surprising health benefits and uses of Avocado Seeds:  http://positivemed.com/2013/05/27/avocado-seeds/

The New Food Fight: Big Mac Vs. Big Organic

Read more: http://www.rd.com/food/fun/the-new-food-fight-big-food-vs-big-organic/#ixzz2jFDojSZG

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Make The Homeless Smile

Important Facts you need to know about ASPARTAME:

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5 Natural Ways to Lose That Belly With These Helpful Dieting Tips

Regardless of the cause of the gain, hormonal changes, heredity or age, adding additional fat on the midsection is especially hazardous to everyone's health. This type of bodily change increases the potential of generating diabetes, certain cancers, heart problems and a decline in physical activity with slowing your metabolism. When the word "fat" is mentioned a mental picture is created of hand grabbing the bulge out front instead of the more healthy flatter stomach. So just get back your healthy Midsection with some of these easy and at home tips to lose body fat deposits around your belly.

Read more at http://worldfactualy.com/Helpful%20Dieting%20Tips.html#EOS5yTHql30sfqPi.99

Last ingredient on any cooking spray - propellant

What exactly is propellant? According to the Times it includes “petroleum gas, propane, and butane.”  How about a little side of that with your pancakes!  It pays to read labels!

Homemade nonstick cooking spray. Healthy and get rid of all the chemicals that are in Pam! Have to make this since I just discovered there is propane in Pam!!!!!

HOMEMADE COOKING SPRAY

Ingredients

1 part olive oil (or your choice of oil)
5 parts water
1 misting spray bottle

Instructions

Mix in your spray bottle 1 part olive oil to 5 parts water. In a 12 ounce bottle, pour in 2 ounces of olive oil and add 10 ounces of water. Shake well and you’re done. That’s it. Store in a cool, dark place.

Source:  www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com

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6 Toxic Relationship Habits Most People Think Are Normal

Read More:  http://markmanson.net/6-toxic-habits

Life Tips You Need to Know

#8 Grilled Cheese

Put bread and cheese in the toaster sideways.
It makes a DIY toaster oven that makes great, crunchy grilled cheese sandwiches.

via http://4.bp.blogspot.com/

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What's In Our Food

  Easy Ways to Change the Food System  

Find organic, local foods

Find locally grown produce, Community Supported Agriculture programs, and even great organic restaurants with the Eat Well Guide. Type in your zip code and find out what’s in season near you. Find out more at EatWellGuide.org.

Factory Farming

Nearly all of the approximately 10 billion animals raised and killed in the US annually suffer inhumane conditions at industrial farms. Not to mention the workers and surrounding communities that are affected by the unsafe conditions. Find out more at HumaneSociety.org.

Pesticides

Cancers, autism and neurological disorders have all been associated with the use of pesticides. Learn about what pesticides are in your food and their effects. Find out more at WhatsOnMyFood.org.

Environmental Impact

Did you know that the average food product travels about 1,500 miles to get to your grocery store? And that transporting food accounts for 30,800 tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year? Find out more at CoolFoodsCampaign.org.

For more actions you can take to fix our food system, click on the gallery below.

  9 Ways to Fix the Food System  

Hungry for change? Take these simple steps right now! Find out more.

Links:

➢ TakePart.com/FoodInc/Action

➢ WhatsOnMyFood.org

Be A Conscious Consumer

By purchasing organic and local produce it is possible to consciously make a positive environmental impact. Organic farming methods over time can reverse the harmful effects of conventional farming. 

Conventional farming uses engineered fertilizers and pesticides that pollute drinking water, contaminate animal and human habitats, and diminish the nutrients from the soil. 


Organic farming uses no engineered products so it produces no harmful run off and organic soil allows plants to sustain themselves more successfully in a drought than conventionally sprayed plants. Organic farming utilizes fertilizers such as cow manure and compost, these fertilizers actually add minerals and can, over time, help damaged soil become healthy again. A more complete eco system can thrive around an organic farm.  


The quality of the Earth’s water supply is diminishing as global population rises to over seven billion people. Conventional farming methods are contaminating precious water supplies via run off of concentrated fertilizers and pesticides. These chemicals are seeping into human and animal water supplies and infecting our bodies. Organic farming is a water saving grace. No concentrated chemicals are used to spray crops and water sources around the farms are allowed to flourish with plant and animal life. By switching from conventional to organic it may be possible to reverse the damage done by the engineered framing. In an era of where global population is steadily increasing and the quality fresh water supply is steadily decreasing it is critical time to make organic farming the standard.  

In addition to infecting our water with harmful chemicals, conventional farming contaminates humans and animals with harmful substances in plant matter that is consumed. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S Department of Health and Human Services has found; out of the 25 most commonly used chemicals in conventional farming 17 are proven to cause genetic damage, 10 are harmful to reproductive organs, 18 are harmful to skin, eyes and lungs, 5 are toxic to the nervous system, 6 cause hormone disruption, and 12 contain cancer causing chemicals. 






These harmful substances are on the conventionally grown foods we eat, are fed to the conventionally raised livestock we eat, and seeping into the earth. Organic farming utilizes fertilizers that occur naturally from human, animal, and plant waste. Organic fertilizers do not contain concentrated amounts of chemicals proven to cause health problems.  





The elements that harm our bodies and water are also harming the soil. Soils that are continuously sprayed with fertilizers and pesticides used in conventional farming are depleted in minerals and lack the ability to sustain plants in a drought. A healthy soil contains over 50 essential vitamins and minerals that are absorbed by a plant growing in the soil, those vitamins and minerals are then transferred to a human or animal body when they eat the produce. Since spray agriculture has become the standard in America, American people are seriously lacking essential vitamins and minerals. A conventionally grown piece of produce will not contain more than 10 essential vitamins and minerals. These are called essential vitamins and minerals because humans need to consume all of them in order to stay healthy. 

Is it a wonder why America is the world’s leading country in health care problems? How can we be healthy if our water, soil, and our bodies are contaminated with toxins and even the most essential parts of our diet are being depleted by conventional farming practices? Now an even more important question, how can we help organic farming become the standard practice in America? The answer is easy and you can start to make a difference. Use your hard earned money to purchase organically grown and raised foods.  

Submitted Article From Ashley Lauren Heil

Society Gone Wild

Today as I was watching the TV, switching from DayStar, then to the Today Show, I was noticing that both stations were talking about the same thing. They were talking about how to raise your children...of course the Today Show was a bit off on what peoples' children should watch as a family.   A little nudity is no big deal??  What?   

Right then I stopped listening, then I saw the headlines at the bottom of the screen.   It was like the fine print that goes unnoticed.    All of the headlines were stating some very negative things such as:  Boy Scouts will admit openly gay boys, but will not hire gay leaders & Obama: ‘No apologies’ for seizing journalists’ phone records.

(‘No apologies’ for seizing journalists’ phone records) (Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Openly Gay Boys)

What in the world is happening to our society?

I remember that I was at Walmart the other day. While I was walking past the Kids Movies, I was expressing to my friend, "I think all of the weird movies are concentrated in the Kids Section. "She replied, "Yes, they like to start them out early."   Which brings me to the title of this article...

History Tells All

In the year of 92, I was born in Dallas, Texas.   I had a very good upbringing.  I remember being raised around some very innocent cartoons...the good stuff. 

Then 1996 came and with it was the release of Pokémon.  Since then cartoons have taken on a very dark demeanor with very negative messages.

When I do have children I will make sure that I have plenty of the innocent cartoons that I grew up with
  

You Get Out What You Put In

I don't think the younger generation ever noticed this change. Somehow we all are being programmed by the stuff we allow into our hearts.  

“We get out of life what we put into it. The way we treat others is the way we ourselves get treated.”

― Ben Carson, Think Big: Unleashing Your Potential for Excellence

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Take-A-Look

Wow - C-section newborn with amniotic sac intact. The baby still breaths & feeds from the placenta, it doesn't even "know" it has been born yet.



A Greek doctor snapped this amazing image during a caesarian section. Unusually, the amniotic sac remained intact as the birth progressed. Typically it breaks, but this time it did not -leading to the baby not even being aware it had been born. ____ This baby was born safe and healthy.

So please tell me what there's to complain about

Read More:  http://brandonwprather.wix.com/Im-21

Your Daily Health Tips

Rock Climbing Gear Guide

Rock climbing is one of the most popular and addictive sports nowadays. Climbing either indoors or outdoors demands skill, concentration, balance, good body shape and of course, the proper climbing equipment. The appropriate gear will keep you safe allowing you to fully enjoy the thrill or reaching the summit of the rock formation.

In particular:

1. Ropes

There are generally four different types of climbing ropes; statics, dynamic singles, dynamic doubles and dynamic twins. All four types have different uses and abilities. Specifically:

- Statics

Statics ropes are exclusively used in rappelling and rigging due to their unique ability not to stretch. Especially in abseiling, statics ropes are the only appropriate type. On the other hand, statics are harshly forbidden for guide climbing.

- Dynamic Singles 

As the name implies, dynamic singles are an excellent choice for either natural rock formations or artificial ones. Their ability to stretch under any load and absorb the impact force of a possible fall makes them your number one friend. Thin dynamic singles are highly suggested mostly due to their light weight and longer lifetime.

- Dynamic Doubles

Professional climbers recommend the dynamic doubles for double rock climbing or difficult courses. Dynamic ropes are in fact double ropes making it easier for you to cover longer distances. Additionally, they maximize protection mostly because they are significantly stronger comparing to single ropes.

- Dynamic Twins

Dynamic twins are generally used in ice climbing. Being extremely solid, the dynamic twins ropes promise prolonged lifetime as it is rather hard to get cut by sharp rocks.

- Dry Ropes

All climbing ropes come into two major types; customary and dry ones. When climbing indoors, it is best to purchase the customary ropes but for ice or difficult outdoor courses, it is highly suggested to choose the dry ones. Dry ropes are waterproof preventing water to turn into ice in low temperature.

How+to+Use+Dynamic+Ropes -- powered by LIVESTRONG.COM

2. Climbing Harnesses

Choosing the right harness may be a daunting task but it is essential as it provides protection to the climber. There are three major types of climbing harnesses; sit strings, chest harnesses and full-body harnesses. Professional climbers suggest the sit strings as they offer full body motion and flexibility. Nevertheless, if your backpack is full, then you should choose the chest harness transferring all loads to it. Full body harnesses are ideal for climbing with children. Rescuers also prefer the full body harnesses as they offer full control.

Important tip: try before you buy! Make sure that the harness you will choose fits you properly being neither too tight nor too loose. A tight harness may block circulation and a looser one may end up extremely dangerous.

   

3. Helmet

The climbing helmet is essential as it can literally save your life during a fall. Moreover, it protects you from falling rocks keeping you safe and in track. As with harnesses, it is vital to try a helmet before purchasing it. Lighter helmets are usually preferred without tiring you up or causing headaches. Make sure it made out of quality and durable material able to protect you in all cases. Again, ensure that it fits you properly and it does not slip off your head. Finally, many climbers choose the head torch helmets providing efficient light for night courses.

4. Belay Plate

The belay plate is generally used in rappelling. Made out of aluminum, it is ideal for carrying a heavy load without breaking. Most important, it can absorb vibrations and the impact force of a fall making it easy for you to control the rope that holds your partner. If you are both an indoor or outdoor climber, then the double-rope plate is ideal for you.

5. Rock Climbing Shoes

Purchasing the right pair is critical; in case of a bad choice, you may severely harm your toes and feet. If you are new to rock climbing, avoid purchasing a cheap pair as they definitely will not provide you the safety and comfort you need. Professional climbers usually suggest all-around climbing shoes able to protect you for cuts and abrasions. Make sure they feel totally comfortable and allow full motion without tiring you up. Visit a well-known mountain shop and ask everything you need to know. Try the shoes before you buy and make sure they fit you properly. Some stores have artificial rock formations enabling you to try equipment while in action. This way, you will be sure that you have made the right choice.

The basic rock climbing equipment is crucial to boost your climbing experience. A mistaken choice may put your and your partner's life in danger. If you are a rookie and wish to save money, subscribe to a rock climbing school. This way, you will be sure that you wish to keep on climbing before purchasing your own equipment. Moreover, you will know which type of equipment fits you the best saving you from expensive mistakes. Rock climbing is an addictive sport; choose wisely and enjoy the thrill it has to offer!

Sources:

1. http://www.rock-climbing-guide.com/

2. http://www.rockclimbing.com/gear/