tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81184006858817044412024-03-13T22:53:19.426-05:00Is It Still MADE IN THE USA?Information and opinions about products, ideas and consumer concerns. And as always, wondering how to find stuff still Made In USA.Is It Still Made In The USA Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321828011150879919noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118400685881704441.post-43739938677288574162012-04-19T06:04:00.116-05:002014-04-12T10:47:41.488-05:00Vegetarians Are Weird<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Like most Americans, I was born in a family who considered meat a normal and healthy food. So later, when I had my own children, I raised them to eat meat as well.<br>
<br>Over the years I had only met one or two vegetarians. I thought the idea of not eating meat was unhealthy and that vegetarians were slightly odd people, a little weird even.<br>
<br>Although I enjoyed eating meat, there was one aspect I didn't like. Preparing the raw flesh for cooking grossed me out. Later, when I learned about the germs in that bloody mess, it not only grossed me out, but it worried me too. Every time I cut up a raw chicken, sliced a uncooked hunk of bovine or pork, I wondered would this be the meal of <a href="http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/bacteria/#4" target="_blank">E. coli/salmonella/staph infected meat </a>that would make us sick? (A fear I seldom have anymore, by the way).<br>
<br>When we ate out I also wondered about the sanitary food preparation of <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/facts.html#whattodoinrestaurants" target="_blank">restaurants</a> we visited. How careful were they with all that blood and guts and cross contamination? I tried not to think about it too much.<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We all know denial can be a powerful tool. So, for most of my life, I ignored the dangers and grossness and enjoyed my meat consumption.</span><br>
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Then one day, my son, now a grown man, returned home after living out of state for a couple of years. He had changed in a lot of ways. I was shocked to learn he no longer ate meat and in fact, he totally rejected the concept, the idea and the practice of eating meat.<br>
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It was a radical thing for me to wrap my brain around at the time. His rejection of meat eating was more than a dietary switch, it was a major shift in his personal, political and social philosophy. My son had stopped believing in the Human-as-top-of-the-food-chain and Master-of-the-Planet justification for how we use and view other species. He had embraced a new lifestyle, that of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethics_of_eating_meat" target="_blank">moral vegetarian</a>. <br>
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After several in-depth discussions with him, I soon began to see things differently. I likewise started to doubt my "right" and need to eat other animals. It wasn't long until I also became a vegetarian. <br>
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Now, 13 years later, I still don't eat meat but, I am no Saint. While I eat meatless meals 98% of the time, to my shame, I do occasionally eat a few water species. Perhaps two or three times a month, I eat a serving of salmon, tilapia, canned oysters, crab, sardines or clam chowder.<br>
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Right or wrong, I still consider myself to be primarily a vegetarian or more correctly a<span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pescetarianism" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" target="_blank"><span dir="auto">Pescetarian</span></a></span>. Still, each time I eat fish I feel a little guilty. <br>
<br><i>However,</i> I don't eat cows or chickens or other land species. Therefore, until I started writing this blog I had ignored most meat related issues. Now I realize the meat eater's world has become a little more dangerous and all around uglier.<br>
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For example, on <a href="http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2012/04/0136.xml&contentidonly=true" target="_blank">April 27, 2012 the USDA released an updated </a>statement which said the "<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">USDA confirmed the nation's 4th case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
(BSE) in an animal that was sampled for the disease at a rendering
facility in central California. This animal was never presented for
slaughter for human consumption, so at no time presented a risk to the
food supply, or to human health in the United States.</span>" Just in case your wondering, BSE is Mad Cow Disease, which <i>is</i> transferable to humans. But the USDA says not to worry, it wasn't a cow for eating, it was merely "<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">10 years and 7 months old and came from a dairy farm in Tulare County, Calif.</span>" It was a dairy cow, so humans <i>only</i> drank its milk, not ate its meat. For some reason, I don't find the USDA and the Dairy Industry assurances very comforting.<br>
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The L.A. Times published a recent article (April 15, 2011) titled <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2011/apr/15/news/la-heb-meat-bacteria-20110415" target="_blank">Meat Contaminated with Resistant Bacteria</a> which states that "<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">47% of the samples — contained </span><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">S. aureus</i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">, the researchers reported Friday in Clinical Infectious Diseases. Of those bacteria, 52% were resistant to at least three classes of antibiotics.</span>" Another article by The Translational Genomic Research Institute reports more on this issue in the article, <a href="http://www.tgen.org/news/index.cfm?newsid=1948" target="_blank"><span class="titlesTxt" style="color: #3333cc;">Nationwide study finds U.S. meat and poultry is widely contaminated.</span></a><br>
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<span class="titlesTxt">The FDA has reported that chicken feed laced with a chemical called <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_857725950" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">R</a></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_857725950" style="color: blue;">oxarsone </a><span class="titlesTxt"><a href="http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ProductSafetyInformation/ucm258313.htm" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">contains arsenic</a>. The arsenic was absorbed by the birds which ate the feed. The FDA (and </span>Pfizer Inc) have decided to take Roxarsone off the market even though they claim it is safe. This statement is not reasonable or true. If the drug were "safe" it would not be recalled, obviously. Additionally, <a href="http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ProductSafetyInformation/UCM257545.pdf" target="_blank">the results of studies done by the FDA </a>state that the type of arsenic (which is "safe") changes to the non-safe type of arsenic once absorbed by the chickens.<br>
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<span class="titlesTxt">The New York Times Op-Ed article by</span> <a class="meta-per" href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/opinion/editorialsandoped/oped/columnists/nicholasdkristof/index.html?inline=nyt-per" rel="author" title="More Articles by Nicholas D. Kristof">NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF</a> (Published: April 4, 2012) <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/05/opinion/kristof-arsenic-in-our-chicken.html" target="_blank">Arsenic In Our Chicken </a>mentions not only the addition of arsenic in feed but other chemicals as well, such as caffeine, active ingredients of Tylenol and Benadryl, and banned antibiotics which have been linked to the growth of "super bug" germs in humans. Imported chicken feed from China was also found to contain Prozac. There is speculation the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antidepressant" target="_blank">antidepressant</a> was used in the chicken feed in order to help the birds deal with the hellish and unnatural environment in which they survive.<br>
<br>For those concerned about global warming and pollution, studies have shown the <a href="http://woods.stanford.edu/evp.php?name=livestock" target="_blank">side effects of meat production </a>are not only harming people and the animals which are raised for food, but our shared environment as well. It is a fact that the momentary pleasure of a fatty, nitrate infused Hot Dog or plate of greasy fried chicken are not worth the long term cost to the human body or to our shared ecosystem. Practically and ethically it's just not worth the trade-off. </div>
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<div class="dateline">All the aforementioned chemicals, germs, pollution and dietary ills can be avoided by simply not consuming meat. But for those who insist on eating meat, please take the extra effort to shop l<a href="http://www.localharvest.org/" target="_blank">ocal, organic and private farms</a> instead of the toxic factory farmed foods which are found in most grocery stores. Support organic farmers and the environment by shopping at a local farmer's market or subscribe to a <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/csa/" target="_blank">Veggie Box delivery</a> service or co-op.<br>
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Organic meats, dairy and eggs which have been tested and stamped USDA certified usually show no trace of toxic chemicals or heavy metals. Yes, organic will cost more but your health and the health of your children are well worth extra the few dollars.<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beans Sprouted in a Jar</td></tr>
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<br>Ultimately, the safest and the tastiest food is food you produce yourself. You can start small and simple--grow your own sprouts in a recycled jar and herbs in pots on a sunny window sill. There are lots of free eatables you can grow from recycled fruit and veggies--plant the top of a fresh<a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Grow-Pineapples/" target="_blank"> pineapple to grow a beautiful plant </a>which will eventually give you another pineapple. Take the b<a href="http://chickensintheroad.com/farm-bell-recipes/re-growing-celery/" target="_blank">ottom root section of your celery,</a> stick in a pot of soil and grow your own celery to snip for a fresh salad. The same goes for heads of leaf lettuce. Cut off the bottom root section, plop it in a bowl with a little water, sit the bowl on a window ledge. In a few days, you can pot it up and watch it shoot up new leaves. Soon you can snip a leaf or two to put on a sandwich. <br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjxivZ2K5CM/T4_ZKFQDIsI/AAAAAAAABFg/VQFSSoZNcIo/s1600/mato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjxivZ2K5CM/T4_ZKFQDIsI/AAAAAAAABFg/VQFSSoZNcIo/s200/mato.jpg" width="200"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HomegrownTomato </td></tr>
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Or go all the way, raise your own fresh veggies in your own garden or get chickens for pets which will reward you with beautiful and healthful eggs to eat. There are dozens of great sites on the Internet chock full of gardening information.</div><div class="dateline"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="dateline">Gardening can be fun and healthy. It might also move you to consider becoming a vegetarian. After all is said and done, the reality is that veg<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">etarianism is the kindest, healthiest and according to Psychology Today, the </span><a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-scientific-fundamentalist/201005/why-vegetarians-are-more-intelligent-meat-eaters" target="_blank" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">smartest choice</a><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"> you can make.</font></div><div class="dateline">
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</div>Is It Still Made In The USA Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321828011150879919noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118400685881704441.post-91318800140487849352011-05-20T01:08:00.001-05:002011-05-20T01:11:21.180-05:00Exploding Fruit and MoreWant another good reason to shop Local and Organic when buying food for yourself and your family? Here it is: <a href="http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/05/17/growth-chemical-leads-to-exploding-watermelons-in-china/">Exploding watermelons</a> from China. Sounds like fun doesn't it?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-clmnaTWkTFs/TdX8OzdsRTI/AAAAAAAAAwI/yxuYaQMQYjA/s1600/l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-clmnaTWkTFs/TdX8OzdsRTI/AAAAAAAAAwI/yxuYaQMQYjA/s320/l.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Well, it ain't no Gallager joke. It's for real.<br />
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Several news agencies, including the Guardian, have reported that <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/17/exploding-watermelons-chinese-farming">farmers in China "accidentally" sprayed the chemical forchlorfenuron,</a> a growth accelerator, onto their crops of watermelons which caused the melons to grow so fast they became little fruit bombs.<br />
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The Guardian article goes on to relate this latest Chinese "boo-boo" and also reminds us of other reported Chinese "mistakes" such as the Oops!-we-put-heavy-metal-cadmium-in-the-rice flub, the now famous, we-got-toxic-melamine-in-your-milk blooper, ye olde arsenic-in-soy-sauce caper, the bleach-in-the-mushrooms faux pas and the detergent-borax-in-pork-added-to-make-it-resemble-beef snafu. Ya gotta hand it to them, the Chinese can really get creative with their toxic waste and food combos. Thanks again, China.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HuYVe6SFUSY/TdXs5uqt1QI/AAAAAAAAAv8/aIouheh2tbk/s1600/Chemical-growth-accelerat-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HuYVe6SFUSY/TdXs5uqt1QI/AAAAAAAAAv8/aIouheh2tbk/s320/Chemical-growth-accelerat-007.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The article goes on to say there is "a study by researchers at Nanjing Agricultural University that estimated a tenth of China's rice may be tainted with the cadmium, a heavy metal that can affect the nervous system. " Yikes! That's a lot of bad rice!<br />
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Yet another article, this time on Vietnamese based <a href="http://www.ngocentre.org.vn/print/content/chinese-imported-watermelon-seed-contain-carcinogenic-vietnam-authorities">VUFO-NGO Resource Centre website</a>, states "<span style="font-size: small;">Chinese-Imported Watermelon Seed Contain Carcinogenic."</span> The short aricle says that up to 70 tons of watermelon seeds imported from China to Vietnam’s central province of Binh Thuan, were found to contain a carcinogenic agent according to the Saigon Giai Phong newspaper (reported Dec. 21, 2010). Makes me wonder what kind of seeds they may be sending our way?<br />
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And then there is Japan. Remember <i>that</i> little nuclear disaster?<br />
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The US and China (!?) have recently<a href="http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/east-pacific/Ban-Grows-on-Japanese-Food-Imports-118687739.html"> banned the import of seafood from Japan</a> due to fears of radiation contamination. Seems the radiation is spreading...<br />
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And life is getting scarier and scarier.<br />
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What's the answer? Stop eating watermelon? Stop eating produce and milk and rice and seafood and mushrooms, etc, etc, etc.? Or just stop eating period?<br />
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Try this for a safer, greener, healthier alternative to our current food dilemma: Buy <a href="http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/eatlocal/">local</a>. Seek out a <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/">farmer's market</a> and shop there. At the regular grocery store buy organic as much as possible. Tell your grocer you don't want your food imported from China or other countries with "unsafe" farming practices. Use your consumer power for good.<br />
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Try your hand at growing your own food--even if it something simple (and easy) like herbs in a flowerpot on your windowsill or sprouts in a recycled jar. <br />
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Also, support and stay in touch with your government agencies such as the <a href="http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome">USDA</a> and the <a href="http://www.fda.gov/">FDA</a>. Tell them what you think about food safety and imported foods. Call and/or email your State and Federal elected representatives to let them know what you think. In case you are not sure who your reps are<a href="http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml"> click here</a>.<br />
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And lastly, try to relax.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YjehlcFbSq0/TdX2f7LWp4I/AAAAAAAAAwE/d-GjLSda_Rg/s1600/sunflowers2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YjehlcFbSq0/TdX2f7LWp4I/AAAAAAAAAwE/d-GjLSda_Rg/s320/sunflowers2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4raIX1jq9_c/TdX1yyoCpwI/AAAAAAAAAwA/DMzXmwg60S4/s1600/sunsetNov12-e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Is It Still Made In The USA Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321828011150879919noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118400685881704441.post-20467488552464024852009-07-14T05:34:00.051-05:002009-07-15T21:51:51.437-05:00THERE WILL BE GUM<a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/SlxjRqaQ_qI/AAAAAAAAAX0/lwOOt9elmmo/s1600-h/machine.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/SlxjRqaQ_qI/AAAAAAAAAX0/lwOOt9elmmo/s320/machine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358266811757428386" border="0" /></a> <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;" >A</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">s anyone with little kids in their life knows, where there are kids, there will be gum. Kids not only love gum but they have gum radar. They can ferret it out in the most obscure places-- the dark </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">bottom of a cluttered purse, amidst the lint in the pocket of last winter's coat, in the gritty crack of a car seat</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">. And if there is a gumball machine within a hundred yards, forget about it, a kid is go</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">ing to zero in on its location and drag you there to beg for, <span style="font-style: italic;">gum! gum! GUM!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">And while kids have remained relativ</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">ely unchanged in their simple love of gum, unfortunately, gum itself has not. Starting in the 1960’s with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trident_%28gum%29">Trident S</a></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trident_%28gum%29">ugarless</a> (and dozens of others which soon followed), gum has become increasingly more </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/Sl5snA8OyYI/AAAAAAAAAYs/vg32r56vpJw/s1600-h/CigarsLightBox.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 138px; height: 138px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/Sl5snA8OyYI/AAAAAAAAAYs/vg32r56vpJw/s200/CigarsLightBox.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358840024140794242" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">chemicalized.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> As for me, when I was a kid, I sure didn</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">’t want sugarless gum. I couldn't stand</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> its weird metallic afte</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">rtaste. Usually I chewed Juicy fruit or Wrigley’s Spearmint </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">or </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">a hard square of Bazooka with Bazooka Joe comics or spi</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">cy Clove gum or my least favorite, but oddly hard to resist, the <a href="http://www.oldtimecandy.com/bubble-gum-cigars.htm">bubble gum cigar</a>. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />Then, I grew up. It was the eighties and I became a mom. After I had my own kids, gum took on a whole new perspective in my life. No longer</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> just a chewy</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> treat to enjoy, it became a little visitor, often unwanted and uninvited, who decided to come and stay...in the carpet, on the bottom of a shoe,</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> on the underside of the table, stuck to the unsuspecting dog’s tail or perched on the e</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">dge of a dinner plate. Worst of all, sometimes it morphed into</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> the dreaded hairy Gum Monster and latched onto the back of a child’s head. This sticky snarly mess could only be banished with gobs of peanut butter along with intense combing, which usually evolved into a greasy scuffle of hair pulling, screaming and crying.<span style="font-style: italic;"> Ouch!</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">Accidents weren't the only problem I had with gum. </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">Just like the foods they ate,</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> gum was going into my young'uns mouths, so </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">I worried about its ingredients</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">. I wanted whatever went into their mouths to be non-polluting to their bodies and hopefully, good for them.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">I could see that </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">gum was not the same as when I was a kid. </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">The wrappers were brighter, cuter and more colorful</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">, the gum itself was softer, easier to chew and the flavor lasted longer and sometimes squirted </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">(weird) </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">stuff when you bit it. But </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">deep inside things weren’t looking very pret</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">ty. </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">The number of chemicals found in a simple piece of gum had increased.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> There were more artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives and chemicals than anyone could have expected (or wanted). And the chemicals were constantly changing, their list growing and showing up in more and more brands of gum.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">So, I took a stand and banned all gum which contained artificial s</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">weeteners and those with a long list of chemicals. In order to maintain that ban </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">I became a gum watch dog. And like any good watch dog, I didn't allow just any gum </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">on the property</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> or near my kids. I checked ingredient lists, I sniffed, I read, I listened and looked. Accordingly I accepted some and ch</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">ased others into the trash can. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Still, by and large, even in the 1980’s gum selection wasn't a big deal. It was </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">pretty easy for me to find acceptable gum that contained regular sugar. Juicy Fruit, W</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">rigley’s,</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> Hubba Bubba and many others, sometimes had a smattering of artificial colors or lab produced flavors but overall</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> did not contain artificial sweeteners.</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />Then, my kids became teens and forget about it, they chewed whatever they wanted. I was off the hook and released from my guard duty. Gum took a back seat in my life once again.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Fast forward to today. Now, gum is an “issue" </span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> in my life </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">yet one more time</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">--a small issue, but an issue nonetheless. Why? One word: grandkids. And guess what they (well, at this point, only one of them, the other is just growing his first teeth and can't ask for much of anything--<span style="font-style: italic;">but just wait</span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">) asks for a lot? Yes, it's gum.</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />Therefore, I was forced to put on my guard dog collar and watch out for gum-<span style="font-style: italic;">again</span>. And upon looking what did I find? I discovered this ain’t the `80’s and chewing gum had gotten worse. </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">Most gum in the supermarket and convenience stores have ingredients so far from natural they should be in the pharmaceutical rather t</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">han the candy aisle. For example here’s the ingredient </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">list for <a href="http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=302650&id=prod1073933#nutrition">Trident Sugarless Gum with Xylitol, Tropical Twist</a> :</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Ingredients: </span> <span style="font-family:georgia;">Sorbitol, Gum Base, Xylitol , Natur</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">al and Artificial Flavori</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">ng, Mannitol, Glycerin , Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassiu</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">m, Soy Lecithin, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40, Blue 1, BHT - to Maintain Freshness</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />Or how about <a href="http://www.wrigley.com/brands/spearmint.do">Wrigley’s Spearmint gum</a>:<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">Ingredien</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">ts: sugar, gum base, dextrose, corn syrup; less than 2% of: natural and artificial flavors, glycerol, soy lecithin, aspartame</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">, a</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">cesulfame k, colors (yellow 5 lake, blue 1 lake), BHT (to maintain freshness).</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;">P</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">HENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE.</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />Or <a href="http://www.wrigley.com/brands/hubba_bubba.do">Hubba Bubba gum</a> (for kids): </span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Ingredients: sugar, gum base, corn syrup; les</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">s th</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">an 2% of: glycerol, natural and artificial flavors, soy lecithin, acesulfame k, aspartame, color (red 40 lake), BHT (to maintain freshness). PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">The last two, Wrigley’s and Hubba Bubba, aren't even “sugarless” gum, yet they both contain artificial sweeteners! <span style="font-style: italic;">And a warning!</span> Eeek!</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">And why the warning? It's because <a href="http://www.food-info.net/uk/qa/qa-fi12.htm">phenylalanine</a> can be deadly to people who have a disorder called <a href="http://www.pkunews.org/about/intro.htm">PKU</a>. Additionally, many gum ingredients such as the artificial sweeteners Acesulfame Potassium and <a href="http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/phenylalanine-000318.htm">Aspartame</a> are thought to cause cancers, brain</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> tumors and even infertility. The health and safety issues of artificial sweeteners have been debated intensely since the 1960’s and there are people on both sides who are sure they are right and have the data to prove it.</span><br /><br />Myself, <span style="font-family:georgia;">I prefer to err on the side of caution. I think,</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> if some people want to be human lab rats and trust the CEO’s of major corporations to be honest and forthright, Ok for them. If these same people want to believe the makers and sellers of suspect products filled with suspect chemicals do not have profits as their primary motivator and likewise don’t have the public good some</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">where lower on their What’s Important list, then so be</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> it, let these guileless people gamble with their health and the health of their children.</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;">Let them chew gum all willy-nilly.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">But not me. When I hand my grandchildren (or any child) a piece of gum, I want to feel good about it. I don’t want to give them a little bit of toxic waste wrapped in sugar or sugar-like substance. I want them to have gum like I had as a child, real gum, safe gum. I refuse to give them gum that might give them cance</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">r or add to their body burden of chemicals or make their future kids be muta</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">nts. Gum just ain’t worth that kind of risk.</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/Slx15VHB1HI/AAAAAAAAAYU/MQn7khuG1FI/s1600-h/logo_gleeguy2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 117px; height: 102px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/Slx15VHB1HI/AAAAAAAAAYU/MQn7khuG1FI/s200/logo_gleeguy2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358287284443665522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">Needless to say, I w</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">as really happy when I happened across Glee Gum at </span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://www.terratoys.com/">Terra Toys</a></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">, our local (and</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> very cool) toy store here in Austin. Glee Gum is shaped into little squares, like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiclets">Chiclets</a> gum and has a candy coating which gives a nice little "<span style="font-style: italic;">crunch</span>" when you bite into it. I was glad to see that it comes in a small box made of cardboard, so it is completely recyclable--no packaging waste! The box design is also very cute and very retro-looking</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">. But most of all I was thrilled when I read the ingredients list. <a href="http://www.gleegum.com/">Glee gum</a> is all natural and is vegetarian/vegan friendly. Thus it is lactose free, dairy f</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">ree, wheat free, gluten free, casein free, egg free, yeast free, nut free, soy free, and peanut free. It </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">has no artificial preservatives, artificial flavors, artificial col</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">ors, artificial sweeteners. And yes, Marie, Glee gum is also yummy.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">To find out more about the company, I went online. And according to their website, <a href="http://www.gleegum.com/about-us.htm">Glee gum</a> is owned and manufactured by Verve, inc. “an independent, </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">family-owned business, dedicated</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> to linking wo</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">rld communities and creating environmentally and socially responsible products and activities.”</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/Slx1ZShdWYI/AAAAAAAAAYM/IE4VhS8rgNI/s1600-h/logo_gleegum2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 102px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/Slx1ZShdWYI/AAAAAAAAAYM/IE4VhS8rgNI/s200/logo_gleegum2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358286733993400706" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I googled and found more information. In an article </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">titled <a href="http://www.projo.com/food/content/fd-glee-gum_05-06-09_M3E833M_v19.213802b.html">Rhode Island’s Glee Gum pa</a></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://www.projo.com/food/content/fd-glee-gum_05-06-09_M3E833M_v19.213802b.html">rt of sustainable-harvest effort</a> , Gail Ciampa, the food editor of the Providence</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> Journal, writes about meeting Debbie Schimberg, owner of Glee Gum. She states that she “learned so very much not just about the gum but about Schimberg and her passion for supporting all things sustainable. She is the</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> founder of th</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">e Southside Community Land Trust, which started as a neighborhood garden and is now a national model for its urban farming programs.”</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">Ciampa goes on to write, “her Glee Gum is also groundbreaking — for how it uses an ingredient that supports sustainable harvest across the border. It’s all natural, made from chicle, which flows from trees in the rainfore</span>+<span style="font-family:georgia;">st of southern Mexico and northern Guatemala. Because the trees are tapped for chicle, they provide ongoing income for the local farmers who harvest the chicle. Keepi</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">ng the trees for chicle harvest, rather than cutting the</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/SlxncroubBI/AAAAAAAAAX8/qaUfSXvI_Jg/s1600-h/allflavors.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 151px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/SlxncroubBI/AAAAAAAAAX8/qaUfSXvI_Jg/s200/allflavors.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358271399111584786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">m down for lumber, supports the rainforest. “</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Explaining further, </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">Ciampa states,</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> “Verve, also donates a percen</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">tage of profits to scholarships for the families of chicle farmers.”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">So, not only does this little square gum taste great, but it is safe for kids to put in their mouths, it is safe for the environment, (specifically the rainforest) and it is also a gum whose manufacturer has a social conscience. And lastly, </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">(d</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">rum roll) the manufacturer is located right here in the U.S.A. What more could a gum chewer ask for?</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/Slx2i8ssv0I/AAAAAAAAAYc/Q4uf5zeCSFg/s1600-h/mini-variety-white3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 151px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/Slx2i8ssv0I/AAAAAAAAAYc/Q4uf5zeCSFg/s200/mini-variety-white3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358287999445286722" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Since discovering Glee, I’ve gone online and <a href="http://www.gleegum.com/order.htm">ordered from the Glee website</a>. I bought a case of Spearmint which is 12 regular size boxes (18 pieces per box), the Bubblegum Mini boxes which come in bag of 80 and the Mini Glee Variety Pack which is 21 mini boxes with 4 pieces of gum in each box. We have che</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">wed and enjoyed them all. I especially like the mini boxes for the kids. Four pieces is just the right amount for one child to enjoy without the threat of wasted gum or hair disasters.</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">By the way, here is the GLEE GUM Spearmint flavor INGREDIENTS:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">CANE SUGAR, GLUCOSE, GUM BASE (CONTAINS NATURAL CHICLE), RICE SYRUP, SPEARMINT FLAVOR, GUM ARABIC, RESINOUS GLAZE, BEESWAX, CARNAUBA WAX AND CHLOROPHYLL.</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />Simple and simply beautiful.<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.gleegum.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/Sl5pE99yAYI/AAAAAAAAAYk/LWdsDyhJGQQ/s320/DSCN3697.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358836140691554690" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />Oh, and in case you’re wondering, my old favorite <a href="http://www.topps.com/candy/faq/">Bazooka Bubble gum</a> is</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> still made by the Topps Co. but it is </span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> no longer hard and square or made in the USA. It’s softer, rounder and made in Mexico.</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;">Too bad. *sigh*<br /><br /><br />For more information about artificial sweeteners check out these links:</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.apa.org/releases/sweeteners0208.html">ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS LINKED TO WEIGHT GAIN</a></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soundandfury.tv/pages/sweet%20misery.html"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Sweet Misery Documentary</span></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Center for Science in the Public Interest: <a href="http://www.cspinet.org/new/200706251.html">FDA Should Reconsider Aspartame Cancer Risk</a></span><a href="http://www.cspinet.org/new/200706251.html"> </a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span>Is It Still Made In The USA Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321828011150879919noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118400685881704441.post-42711594700621842792009-03-26T05:25:00.033-05:002009-08-03T16:16:21.564-05:00Do Something<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/Sc3bUeLYgaI/AAAAAAAAAXk/B0VIqhfh_WU/s1600-h/Do-Something.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/Sc3bUeLYgaI/AAAAAAAAAXk/B0VIqhfh_WU/s320/Do-Something.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318147879739097506" border="0" /></a><br /><br />With all the upset and turmoil in our economy, I thought I would write a blog about the huge debt the USA has to China and how finally this fact is being reported by the mainstream media.<br /><br />As usual, I did a little research before beginning to write my blog. Unfortunately, the more I researched, the more complicated and alarming the subject matter became. The realization that<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treasury_security#Top_Foreign_holders_of_U.S._Treasuries"> China is our biggest “investor”</a> (mostly in securities like US Savings Bonds and Treasury bills) was very depressing. China dangles this debt of $1.4 trillion over our heads like the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damocles"><b>Sword </b></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damocles"><b>of Damocles</b></a>. Only the thin hair of national cooperation and "good will" between our countries keeps it from falling.<br /><br />Adding insult to injury, China--the same people who sold us a cornucopia of deadly pet foods, lead poisoned and dangerously shoddy goods for our children, tainted seafood, mislabeled medications, unsafe medical devices, leaking condoms, exploding tires, electrical motors which burst into flames and so much more, now have the gall to blatantly issue us “<a href="http://www.kansascity.com/business/story/1085606.html">words of concern</a>” and “warnings” about their "investment." They are trying to tell us how to handle our economy, our policies, our country. In other words, after ringing our door bell, they not only sell us the huge bag of flaming dog crap on our porch, they want to tell us how to stomp it out. Jeeze!<br /><br />Next I read that wealthy <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2008/dec/07/business/fi-chinahomes7">Chinese have been coming to the US and snapping up homes at bargain prices</a> due to the housing market collapse.<br /><br />A few more clicks in my browser and I was seeing articles which stated that not only are the Chinese coming here and purchasing real estate but they are coming here and <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/27/AR2008012702380.html">buying local US </a><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/27/AR2008012702380.html">businesses</a>. And yet, on the flip side, <a href="http://www.statesman.com/search/content/shared-gen/ap/Finance_General/AS_China_Coca_Cola_Rio_Tinto.html">US companies, like Coca Cola</a> have not been allowed to purchase local businesses in China.<br /><br />And now, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/23/AR2009032301782.html?hpid=opinionsbox1">Chinese officials are telling everyone who will listen-- the US dollar is weak</a> and should no longer be considered the “benchmark currency” of the world. They want us (and our money power) replaced and/or kicked down a notch. The Chinese, they love us . . . to death.<br /><br />The more I searched for data, the more depressing and scary our situation looked. I didn't want to just write about this gloomy stuff. It would make my blog a total downer. So, what to do?<br /><br />Focus on the positive, I thought.<br /><br />But what could I find positive in this situation?<br /><br />Just this; I think this current hard patch can be a good thing for us. It can push us to do the things we know we should be doing but haven't. Like all the people who started taking public transit when the gas prices went up. Suddenly, saving money was more important than convenience. And the end result was a bonus for the environment.<br /><br />So, let's imagine the worst; China cashes in it's chips and wants a payoff on its investments. Or we have a total breakdown in trade between our nations. Everything comes to a grinding halt. We implode.<br /><br />Well, if we continue to buy locally created goods--Made in USA products, in all their forms, at least some of our companies may weather the storm. Or at least, we can feel better about ourselves because we tried to <span style="font-style: italic;">do something </span><span>to</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span>help them weather the storm</span>.<br /><br />Even if this doesn't happen, even if we just continue to drag our broken wing behind us like a eagle hit by a SUV, there still could come some good. This dark time can give us the kick in the butt needed to get moving on the road to change . . . change our attitude . . . change our lifestyle. It can push us toward a dedication to a life of low impact. And hopefully, force us to show respect toward our ecosystem, our planet, our home, whether we want to or not. Sacrifice for the greater good, or else.<br /><br />I don't expect anyone who isn't thinking on that track already to embrace this concept easily or quickly. It has taken me years of baby steps and small epiphanies to adopt a more sustainable, less materialistic life. In a hundred little ways I try to be and do what I think is “a good thing,”-- to lessen the harm. My religion is now the Church of the Three R's - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.<br /><br />Every time I throw something in the trash, I think, “nothing goes away, it just gets moved around.” And I get a little prick of panic behind my eyes. The earth can only hold so much crap and I hate adding to the pile.<br /><br />Along this line, I think it is better to reuse or repurpose something versus recycling. Recycling takes energy, causes pollution and is only slightly better than trashing the item-- though, I would <span style="font-style: italic;">never</span> recommend trashing over recycling.<br /><br />Repurposing, on the other hand, saves energy, pollution and usually money. And when items are repurposed or reused, it is one less item which must be manufactured or less resources tapped into to make a new one.<br /><br />Practicing the three R’s has become a game, a challenge for me. Few items are too small or insignificant for me to blithely toss them. I feel a small thrill every time I find a way to repurpose or reuse something. It is a relief to give it a second life, instead of sending it down the recycle stream or worst of all, the trash heap.<br /><br />For example, I rescue mesh produce bags and find a new life for them as cute and functional items like a bib holder to hang on the back of a high chair. I simply add a little crochet edging, an old button or two, stiffen the bottom with a sheet or<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/Sc2u3_W1AxI/AAAAAAAAAXE/awblx1RKvWk/s1600-h/P1010037.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 152px; height: 114px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/Sc2u3_W1AxI/AAAAAAAAAXE/awblx1RKvWk/s200/P1010037.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318099011917644562" border="0" /></a> two of aluminum made from soda cans which is punched with a hole punch and crocheted along the punched edges. In the end, I have turned something which would have gone to the trash into a useful item, and guess what? I had fun doing it.<br /><br /><br />The list of items I have retrieved and reused is long and varied: I flatten and cut aluminum cans into sheets. I emboss, cut, punch and use them for all kinds of projects: book markers, tags, crocheted bags, ornaments, etc. I have given some of these items as Solstice (Xmas) gifts and others I use around the house.<br /><br />I make magazine holders from cereal boxes and used USPS Priority Mail boxes. I cover them with old wrapping paper or wallpaper samples or spray paint. I cut the bottoms off sturdy plastic (juice) bottles and use as drawer organizers or to hold nails/screws or gardening items. I decoupage tin cans to use as pencil holders or small flower pots.<br /><br />I nab all <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/Sc22QsffoRI/AAAAAAAAAXU/vK0L2YLCUmQ/s1600-h/DSCI0155.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/Sc22QsffoRI/AAAAAAAAAXU/vK0L2YLCUmQ/s200/DSCI0155.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318107132931842322" border="0" /></a>kinds of containers; yogurt containers, Styrofoam cups, take-out containers, etc. I use them for growing seedlings and rooting cuttings. The plants which come from the seeds I use in my garden or give away as gifts.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">In my raised bed organic garden and containers I grow vegetables, herbs and flowers. I recycle by saving the seeds from my plants for replanting or trading. By saving the cut off tops from store bought pineapples and potting up I can grow them into new plants and eventually, new food. Last summer one of my rescued pineapple tops bore it’s first fruit. Yes, I grew a pineapple. It was delicious. This year I hope to have another.<br /><br />I also planted up several seeds I saved from Texas grapefruits we bought at the store. I now have several little grapefruit trees in pots. I’m not sure what will happen with these plants but it’s fun to imagine one day picking grapefruits from my own trees I raised from seed.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/Sc23kc78a9I/AAAAAAAAAXc/hJMYGV-Ek7Q/s1600-h/DSCN3558.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/Sc23kc78a9I/AAAAAAAAAXc/hJMYGV-Ek7Q/s200/DSCN3558.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318108571865213906" border="0" /></a>Though technically, not one of the three R's, whenever I bake bread from <a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/Artisan-Bread-In-Five-Minutes-A-Day.aspx">scratch every Saturday</a> I feel very earth friendly. At least I am taking a tiny fraction of burden off the environment by producing my bread at home: no fuel to truck the bread, no packaging to produce or add to the trash. And I also grow my own sprouts in a sprouting jar. And I've been mulling over plans to make my own yogurt and I think I have it figured out (I was trying to find a simple/easy heat source). I've decided to try my seedling heat mats. Hopefully, I will be making a batch in the next few days.<br /><br />And of course, I compost.<br /><br />I donate unneeded items to charities and what I can’t donate or recycle I <a href="http://www.freecycle.org/">freecycle</a>. Even simple things like egg cartons (you’d be surprised how many people want used egg cartons), packing peanuts, cardboard boxes and more are given away or freecycled.<br /><br />I could go on and on but I think you get the picture.<br /><br />And yes, I know crochet net bags and aluminum can crafts are not going to "save the planet," that's not the point. The point is the attitude of doing more with less. Using the imagination to find solutions instead of taking the lazy route and throwing something in the trash just because it's easy to do so. Being lazy and selfish is not going to pull the wagon out of the mud. We have to all do our part. We have to all try. We have to all <span style="font-style: italic;">do something</span>.<br /><br />So, where do I get a lot of my ideas, tips, information and inspiration? I read <a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/">Mother Earth News magazine</a> for one thing. I think this is one of the best publications on the planet. Every time I get a new issue I glance at the cover and think it is sort of bland and boring. It’s not flashy, there are no commercially glib shots of Martha Stewart or some actress/model cooking or holding a product or any eye-candy at all. The covers are usually unremarkable, predictable even, but I have grown to take comfort in this predictability. The word reliable pops to mind.<br /><br />Just as predictable as the cover is my reaction once I open the magazine. Glancing at the table of contents, I am hooked. For days I carry the magazine from room to room, trying to snatch a few minutes to finish an article or two between chores or projects. Every time I read Mother Earth I learn something new, I am encouraged and I am inspired. I want to try new things, be more independent, be a better person. I love this magazine. And guess what else is good about Mother Earth News? It is, of course, 100% Made In the USA.<br /><br />In keeping up with the times, Mother Earth News has a web site. On the web site is an archive of most (if not all) their past articles since the 1970's. The best thing: the articles are free. I received, as a gift, the Mother Earth News set of 4 cd’s: all the magazine articles from 1970-2007. It is an awesome bundle of information and inspiration. I highly recommend them.<br /><br />Another site I find rewarding is <a href="http://www.instructables.com/">Instructables</a> which bills itself as the “the Biggest How To and DIY community where people make and share inspiring, entertaining, and useful projects, recipes, and hacks.” I putter around this web site often. It is fascinating and silly and wonderful and useful and sublime all at once. The step-by-step projects range from geeky electronic gadgetry to green living how-to’s and much more. If I need an idea or have a question or just wonder how to do or make something, I can usually find it somewhere on this site...or Mother Earth News.<br /><br />Also stocked with information (as well as entertainment) is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a>. It isn’t just dancing hamsters and dumb people doing dumb stunts anymore. It actually has lots of useful how-to videos online like those at the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/makemagazine">Make Magazine</a> profile and many member contributed tutorials.<br /><br />Along this same vein, another good diy site is <a href="http://www.craftzine.com/">Craft Magazine</a> (associated with Make Mag), which is no longer in print. They only have the online version now.<br /><br />And of course, there is <a href="http://www.diynetwork.com/">DIY Network</a>, from TV. It has lots of interesting and useful stuff but is very heavy on the commercial aspect.<br /><br />I love looking at the things people make and sell. One web site for truly local home grown, Made In USA items is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a>. The sellers on Etsy are creative and the prices are very good. And best of all, Etsy is a home, a jumping off place, for small businesses in the US. Etsy is by the people, for the people. Etsy is great.<br /><br />Anyway, the point is, now is the time to not only support our economy by purchasing USA made goods but also to look to ourselves to save ourselves. If you are worried about money, make your own bread, it’s cheaper. If you worry about salmonella in your spinach or your peppers or your salsa--make/grow your own. Save on the packaging and the calories. You’ll be glad you did.<br /><br />If you worry about China poisoning your children with lead painted toys, buy from Etsy or one of the toy companies listed on my blog or make your own. Or practice the three R's; shop your local thrift store and buy vintage American toys, dishes, whatever you need/want. Give the natural world a break from the pollution of the industrial world by buying used instead of new. Because ultimately, that is the best option.<br /><br />And lastly, I want to tell you about another DIY craft I did. I took a dollar store night light which had an ugly picture in a frame in front of the bulb. I removed the picture and replaced it with another. Now when I go to my kitchen the night light illuminates the darkness with a photo of the blue and green planet Earth with one word floating above it: <span style="font-style: italic;">HOME</span>.<br /><br />May we never forget what's really important.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:verdana;">HOME</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/ScthAU72RWI/AAAAAAAAAW8/6H8HOxj_hFU/s1600-h/images-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 116px; height: 116px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/ScthAU72RWI/AAAAAAAAAW8/6H8HOxj_hFU/s200/images-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317450443288626530" border="0" /></a></div>Is It Still Made In The USA Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321828011150879919noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118400685881704441.post-61599575954432007232008-10-26T00:43:00.013-05:002008-11-08T19:28:29.919-06:00Tagless Tag Bites Babies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/SQQD4ddLJcI/AAAAAAAAAUU/K5wRntmS6jw/s1600-h/1048885-1070840-599.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 142px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/SQQD4ddLJcI/AAAAAAAAAUU/K5wRntmS6jw/s320/1048885-1070840-599.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261334533190133186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >A</span>nd then there were <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rash">rashes</a>, mysterious yukky rashes. And what’s worse than mysterious yukky rashes? Answer--mysterious yukky rashes on babies. <span style="font-style: italic;">Argh!</span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">On October 24, 2008, the </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09023.html">U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning</a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> to parents about tagless labels in Carter’s brand kids and babies wear. It seems the tagless tags printed on the back, inside of Carter's clothing for infants is causing skin rashes on and about the necks of babies who wear the clothing. The CPSC states that “a small percentage of babies and infants have developed rashes on the upper back after wearing Carter's clothing with heat-transferred, or tag-less, labels.” <span style="font-style: italic;">A small percentage?</span> Gosh, it's a wonder they bother to mention it at all.<br /><br />Still, the CPSA must do their duty and send a mild warning to the public. And as usual the warning is accompanied by pictures and information about the labels.<br /><br />So, guess where the suspect clothes are manufactured? Which country would be making such weird, rash inducing tagless tags for our kids? Come on, we’ve played this game before, just guess. Go ahead, guess...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">You got it. China!</span><br /><br />Again.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Hey, hey! Go China!</span> Go China! Go China! It's not your birthday, but still congrats, on another dumper on the US consumer. Go China. Go China.<br /><br />No, really. GO CHINA! Leave us alone!<br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-style: italic;">*Sigh*</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">But to be fair, some of the suspect labels and clothing (as displayed on the CPSC website, as well as the </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.carters.com/corporate/tagless_message.aspx">Carter’s web site</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">) are also from other countries such as the Philippines, Thailand and Cambodia.</span><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/SQQF5iu3DSI/AAAAAAAAAUc/D8r9-UBIaOs/s1600-h/Fall2007Labels.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 170px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/SQQF5iu3DSI/AAAAAAAAAUc/D8r9-UBIaOs/s320/Fall2007Labels.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261336750809615650" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">But, I'll wager a $1 bet that when the dust settles, the toxic trail will lead right back to our big ol’ smilin' friend, China. Maybe <a href="http://flagspot.net/flags/cn.html">ol' big red</a> provided the paint or the know how or just the idea to these other countries. Maybe it's something as simple as giving them a wink and a nudge and pointing out that big dumb sucker in the corner who will buy their crappy stuff for a good price...ie. the US or rather, us.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">What to do?<br /><br />Well, once again I urge you to buy clothes that are safe, made in the USA, eco-friendly and cheap. In other words, buy </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;" >used</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">. <br /><br />There are so many reasons to buy used stuff but only a few to buy new. For one, why buy new, when there are clothes already here, just waiting for good homes and someone to love them? Hmmmm...where have I heard that before?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Never mind.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">And if you are determined to buy safe, USA made, Carter’s brand clothes for your little ones, then I suggest you accept the reality you will buy them second hand. I assure you, you aren’t imagining that Carter’s<span style="font-style: italic;"> used</span> to be made in the US. They were, but now they’re not.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Still, some people hate buying used stuff. Why? They want everything new and shiny. But this concept is not new, it's old. It's the old stuck-in-the-rut of consumer-hungry-commercially-fed-corporate-puppetmaster-to-slave-brain-implanted compulsion. We want new, because the commercials say we want new, because they want our money.<br /><br /></span>What's really new, is choosing to buy used...when you can afford new. That's new, and smart.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Remember garage sales? Remember how much fun they used to be? And how about shopping at your local thrift store, (not Goodwill, they’re corporate and greedy), wasn't that fun or at least satisfying on some basic level?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">If you can't or won't get out of the house to browse the re-purpose sites, then you might check out your local online give away or </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.freecycle.org/">Freecycle</a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> group. You'd be surprised at the stuff people just give away for free. And lastly, if you're really desperate for Carter's, there’s always </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.ebay.com/">eBay</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">But don’t forget to check out some of the links to the sites listed on the (right) side column of my blog. You won't find Carter's or </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.oshkoshbgosh.com/about/index.aspx">OshKosh B'Gosh</a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> (as they are both SELL OUTS) but you may find something you like better and something less destructive to our economy and our environment.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Now, excuse me but I’ve got to help my daughter-in-law weed out some Carter’s from my grandson’s chest of drawers. Seems she slipped in some foreign goods when I wasn’t looking and now she's in a tizzy realizing her mistake.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Kids.<br /><br /><br /></span>Is It Still Made In The USA Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321828011150879919noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118400685881704441.post-67809558063052402572008-10-13T17:24:00.015-05:002008-10-13T18:42:52.324-05:00Baby Safe Feeder<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/SPPPQn3gTJI/AAAAAAAAAT8/H8E7T8mvo0E/s1600-h/teething.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/SPPPQn3gTJI/AAAAAAAAAT8/H8E7T8mvo0E/s200/teething.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256773074558143634" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We are lucky enough to have a sweet new baby in our house. Before he was born, his mom, my daughter-in-law, ran across a promising looking little item. It seemed like a good idea. So she put it up and waited for the right time to use it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, the time finally arrived. We started using the strange looking little gadget a few weeks ago. And as it turns out, the item wasn't just a good idea, it was a great idea!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The item I am talking about is called the <a href="http://www.babysafefeeder.com/home10.htm">Baby Safe Feeder</a> by Designs 2-U, Inc. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/SPPSUn0Bk4I/AAAAAAAAAUE/94uT3MtuMzM/s320/feeder_med2.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256776441797907330" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The BSF is an odd looking little made-for-babies gizmo. It consists of a mesh bag on a plastic ring with a handle. It is a simple tool designed to help get the baby (and the parents) through the ever trying period called Teething. Ouch!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While using the BSF over the past few weeks, we discovered not only is it easy to use, safe for baby and eco friendly but it works just like it is supposed to work. Best of all, the baby loves it! In my opinion, that rates as one totally successful product.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">And as if all that isn't enough, then get this . . . the BSF is made, where? Right here in the USA. Yay!!!<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">FYI: To use the BSF, just unscrew the ring from the handle, insert a clean mesh bag (they are washable and re-usable), fill with a piece of fresh fruit and replace the ring, screwing on tightly. Hand it to the baby of your choice and then stand back and watch the slobbering and chewing begin.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The BSF has been great for keeping our baby occupied for several minutes at a time, as well as giving him a means to eat fruit without the danger of choking. He just gums away to his heart's delight. (Warning: Bib recommended.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And if you're thinking I have a hidden agenda here, think again. Once more let me lay this disclaimer out there -- I am in no way affiliated with this company or product. I am just trying to share the discovery and promote buying USA made.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/SPPWOQhyN1I/AAAAAAAAAUM/AJtpu2d97K0/s400/BSF_bottom_nobar.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256780730514683730" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Is It Still Made In The USA Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321828011150879919noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118400685881704441.post-11201113918529593052008-09-19T00:49:00.014-05:002008-10-07T15:47:27.220-05:00Poisoned Infant Formula<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/SNM_jgG-yRI/AAAAAAAAAPI/NVPvd5AUdFM/s200/Sweet-Cute-Baby-Showing-Tongue-512X384-13.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247607869963946258" /><div>Remember the poison pet food from China? </div><div><br /></div><div>Well now it's baby formula from China.</div><div><br /></div><div>So far, 4 infants in China have died and over a thousand are seriously ill from melamine tainted formula, according to <a href="http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24367173-2703,00.html">The Australian News</a> online. The Chinese people are in an uproar of course. Parents there are scrabbling to buy imported formula.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a grandmother of an new infant, I am very worried. He is a breast fed baby usually, but when his mom goes to work he drinks formula. <a href="http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01883.html"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01883.html">According to the Food and Drug Administration, we have no need to worry, however.</a> The agency assures us, the public, that babies in the USA are safe from the poison formula. The statement on the FDA web site claims all US made baby formula is closely monitored and tested. </div><div><br /></div><div>But oddly, I could find no clear statement that none of the ingredients come from China, or other imported sources. And so, I went to <a href="http://www.gerber.com/Public/Default.aspx">Gerber's</a> website and searched for information on the subject there, but found no mention of either the melamine issue or an assurance that their products are safe.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I called their customer service line and got a representative named Renee. She was a little vague on the subject but said Gerber (Nestle) was "aware" of the problem and she was certain none of their ingredients came from China. When I asked why there wasn't a mention of this fact on the Gerber web site, Renee didn't have an answer. She simply said the web site was "in transition." Hmmm. Odd.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile Mead Johnson, the makers of <a href="http://www.meadjohnson.com/app/iwp/Content4.do?dm=mj&id=-10542&iwpst=B2C&ls=0&csred=1">Enfamil,</a> have issued a statement denying any Chinese or other imported ingredients are used in their infant formulas. They are pretty clear in their denial. Let's hope they're telling the truth.</div><div><br /></div><div>Abbott Nutrition, the makers of Similac, have likewise issued <a href="http://abbottnutrition.com/news_and_media/press_releases/pressReleaseDetail.aspx?ContentTitle=Abbott%20Nutrition%20Statement%20on%20Infant%20Formula%20Contamination%20in%20China&year=2008">a statement of assurance</a>. Their statement claims all ingredients come from the USA, New Zealand and Europe. They, like Mead Johnson, swear their formulas have no ingredients from China, nor contain melamine.</div><div><br /></div><div>I want to feel relieved. I want to trust our government and the assurances of US corporations. But I still remember all the pets who got sick and died from food that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">appeared</span> American made. I also remember how long it took <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">before</span> the government took action and the corporations pulled the items from circulation. And as I recall, it didn't say anywhere on those packages--Made in China. Yet there it was, a silent poison wrapped in fancy packaging and sold by US companies to its citizens. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I just hope the FDA is right this time. I hope that American companies who sell baby formula have maintained their safety standards. I hope we don't have another disaster in our midst.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, I'll hold my breath and continue to buy Made in USA, fingers crossed.</div><div><br /></div>Is It Still Made In The USA Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321828011150879919noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118400685881704441.post-50776754922019280492008-05-12T06:37:00.013-05:002008-12-10T21:48:59.184-06:00Garlic<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/SCgw5kLLwWI/AAAAAAAAANI/92cA0VB_ZfI/s1600-h/garlic1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/SCgw5kLLwWI/AAAAAAAAANI/92cA0VB_ZfI/s200/garlic1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199459535320498530" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >G</span>arlic or <span style="font-style: italic;">Allium sativum L</span>, is a bulb. It is a member of the onion family <span style="font-style: italic;">Alliaceae</span>. This smelly but delicious little plant is also closely related to shallots and leeks.<br /><br />As an organic gardener, I have grown garlic as well as onions and shallots. But the easiest and cheapest for me to grow is garlic. When I can't grow it, I buy it at the grocery store.<br /><br />I can't imagine not having garlic in the kitchen. Yet, in all the years I've eaten garlic, cooked with garlic and bought garlic, I've never stopped to wonder where the garlic was grown. I just assumed grocery store garlic came from the US. Somewhere.<br /><br />Well, I was right and I was wrong. Up until recently most garlic came from right here in the United States. A lot of it came from California--Gilroy, California to be exact. But now (and for the last few years) the US garlic industry is in danger. It has been fighting a loosing battle against a foreign invader. The battle is not in the garlic fields but in the market place. The US garlic industry, like so many other US industries, is being muscled or rather <span style="font-style: italic;">drowned</span> out of existence by the flood of cheap imported garlic from, guess where?...China, of course. <span style="font-style: italic;">*sigh*</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />For more information on this issue you can read the article "</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11613477">U.S. Growers Say China's Grip on Garlic Stinks</a>"</span> on the NPR web site. The article details Gilroy, California's garlic growers struggle with<a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11613477"></a> the Chinese incursion into the US garlic market.<br /><br />What can you or I do about this situation? Well, for a start, try to make sure you are buying US and not Chinese garlic, of course. But how?<br /><br />I learned this great tip for identifying domestic garlic on a gardening show:<br /><br />First, check for a label, hopefully it will state country of origin and that will answer the question.<br /><br />If there is no label, then inspect the garlic. Look at the bottom of the bulb. Chinese garlic will very likely have the root end cut out. So, if the bottom is smooth and concave, like the garlic in the picture on the right, then odds are it's imported.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/SCgzdELLwXI/AAAAAAAAANQ/hoaI7WcLECI/s1600-h/GarlicWithMesh.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/SCgzdELLwXI/AAAAAAAAANQ/hoaI7WcLECI/s200/GarlicWithMesh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199462344229110130" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/SCgz-kLLwYI/AAAAAAAAANY/sAPG5mo6sZA/s1600-h/garlic02.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/SCgz-kLLwYI/AAAAAAAAANY/sAPG5mo6sZA/s200/garlic02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199462919754727810" border="0" /></a><br />On the other hand, California garlic will look more like fresh from the garden garlic. It will still have some dried root "hairs" on the bottom of the bulb, such as those in the photo on the left.<br /><br />To reiterate; when shopping, take a second to see if you can determine where the garlic was grown <span style="font-style: italic;">before</span> you buy it. Be sure to look for a label, but also, take a peek at the bottom of the garlic bulb itself.<br /><br />It may be a small thing, choosing USA grown garlic, instead of Chinese. But if we don't make this small effort now-- while we still can, there may come a day when we won't have to bother. Because one day, garlic and everything else we buy, may come from the same place--China. And then, we won't have a choice.Is It Still Made In The USA Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321828011150879919noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118400685881704441.post-43027055387862622322008-02-13T19:43:00.009-06:002008-12-10T21:48:59.443-06:00Organic Fabrics: Bamboo or Cotton?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R7Oem5nG5wI/AAAAAAAAAFo/pOUNmuKTaGs/s1600-h/bamboo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R7Oem5nG5wI/AAAAAAAAAFo/pOUNmuKTaGs/s200/bamboo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166647588661159682" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >I</span>f you’re into the eco-friendly concept at all, then you have probably heard of, or bought something made of organic bamboo fabric. Bamboo is an abundant, renewable, cheap and well, great, source for textiles and many other applications. I love bamboo. It is one beautiful plant.<br /><br />And who doesn’t want the word “organic” stamped on their purchase somewhere? I know I do.<br /><br />But did you ever wonder where that wonderful organic bamboo fabric comes from, hmmm? I’ll give you three seconds to think about it.<br /><br />Give up?<br /><br />The answer is <span style="font-style: italic;">CHINA</span>! Gee who woulda thunk it? Not only is China the sole supplier of organic bamboo textiles for the world, but the reason for this monopoly is because they slapped a patent on the process. So now no one else (ie. more earth-friendly <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> trust worthy) could take advantage of this miraculous resource. *sigh*<br /><br />I learned this info quite by accident when I emailed a company featured on another Made in the USA web site. The online retail store which specialized in USA made products offered organic clothing for babies and kids. The company is called <a href="http://www.shirtsofbamboo.com/index.php?gclid=CJ2ArpTKwpECFRdPagodVH0hCg">Shirts of Bamboo</a>.<br /><br />I went on the site to snoop around. I followed up with an email to their customer service department asking them where their fabric was manufactured. Here is my email and their response.<br /><br /><br /><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">-----Original Message-----<br /><br />From: Maxine Columbia [mailto:madeinusablogger@gmail.com]<br />Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2008 3:07 PM<br />To: Shirts Of Bamboo Customer Service<br />Subject: Contact from Shirts Of Bamboo: Other: Country/state of origin<br /><br /><br />Other: Country/state of origin<br /><br />Where do your fabrics come from? What state or country? I need to know this information before I can purchase any goods from you.<br /><br /><br />-----Reply Message-----<br /><br />RE: Contact from Shirts Of Bamboo: Other: Country/state of origin<br />1 message<br />Heather Brodesser <heather@shirtsofbamboo.com> Thu, Feb 7, 2008 at 3:23 PM<br />To: Maxine Columbia <madeinusablogger@gmail.com><br /><br />Currently China holds the patent on bamboo textile manufacturing .That fabric is then imported and sent to our manufacturers in the U.S. The</madeinusablogger@gmail.com></heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><madeinusablogger@gmail.com> manufacturing is done in non-sweat shop environment.<br />Please contact me if you have any other questions.<br /><br />Thank you for your interest in bamboo the eco-friendly fiber.<br /><br />Heather C. Brodesser<br />Wholesale Representative</madeinusablogger@gmail.com></heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><br /><heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><madeinusablogger@gmail.com>727-388-6913<br />x505<br /></madeinusablogger@gmail.com></heather@shirtsofbamboo.com></blockquote><br /><heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><madeinusablogger@gmail.com>True, their products<span style="font-style: italic;"> are</span> assembled here in the USA but they are not 100% made in the USA. Further, I would question their "eco-friendly" status as well. The main component of Shirts of Bamboo products --the fabric-- comes from <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2007/jul/18/china.pollution?picture=330216042">China</a>, a country not know for it's toxic-free<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> environment or concern for worker safety.<br /><br />So, if you are seeking organic bamboo fabric grown in the US or other (safer) countries than China, you are wasting your time.<br /><br />On the other hand, you <span style="font-style: italic;">can</span> find safe, 100% made in USA, </madeinusablogger@gmail.com></heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><madeinusablogger@gmail.com>organic, cotton clothing. Texas has a struggling but determined group of farmers who grow organic cotton. I say struggling because they, like so many US producers, are fighting a losing battle against cheap imports and big agri-business.<br /></madeinusablogger@gmail.com></heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><br /><heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><madeinusablogger@gmail.com>One of these home grown organic cotton grower/sellers is <a href="http://www.sosfromtexas.com/">SOS from Texas</a>. They don’t have a wide selection of clothing but what they do have is good quality and at a good price. And best of all, they are completely made in the USA.<br /><br />Last fall I bought some organic cotton t-shirts and baby items from SOS and was very happy with my purchase. I’m hoping they will expand their selection soon.</madeinusablogger@gmail.com></heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><br /><heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><madeinusablogger@gmail.com><br />Another certified organic cotton company is <a href="http://www.earth-wear.com/">Earth Wear</a> out of Tennessee. I haven’t bought anything from them, but I plan to.<br /><br />Other Links of Interest:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.organicessentials.com/index.php?module=ContentExpress&file=index&func=display&ceid=1&meid=6">Organic Essentials</a></madeinusablogger@gmail.com></heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><madeinusablogger@gmail.com><br />http://www.organicessentials.com/index.php?module=ContentExpress&file=index&func=display&ceid=1&meid=6<br /><a href="http://www.texasorganic.com/"><br />Texas Organic Cotton Marketing Cooperative</a><br />http://www.texasorganic.com/<br /><br />Though I have been offering ideas and information about buying American made clothing in this blog, I have a final thought and a heartfelt plea I want to make. Before you run out and buy <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">any</span> new clothes, please stop and read this article by Stan Cox of Alternet.org entitled “<a href="http://www.alternet.org/environment/69256?page=entire">Dress for Excess: The Cost of Our Clothing Addiction</a>.” It is an eye-opening and important article about how American clothing gluttony is harming our environment. This article really shook me up and made me think. After reading it I made a promise to myself: </madeinusablogger@gmail.com></heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 153); font-style: italic;font-family:lucida grande;" >If you don't need it, don't buy it. But if you do need it, buy it used or buy it USA</span>.<br /><br /><heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><madeinusablogger@gmail.com>On the positive side, this article also made me feel better about my love of thrift store shopping. Yeah!<br /><br /></madeinusablogger@gmail.com></heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><div style="text-align: center;"><heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><madeinusablogger@gmail.com><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 153); font-style: italic;font-family:lucida grande;" ></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></madeinusablogger@gmail.com></heather@shirtsofbamboo.com></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><madeinusablogger@gmail.com><span style="font-family:verdana;">Remember love your country but most of all, love your planet</span>.</madeinusablogger@gmail.com></heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><br /><heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><madeinusablogger@gmail.com></madeinusablogger@gmail.com></heather@shirtsofbamboo.com></div></blockquote><heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><madeinusablogger@gmail.com><br /><br /></madeinusablogger@gmail.com></heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R7OnRZnG5xI/AAAAAAAAAFw/5s9LdRQkn24/s1600-h/cotton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R7OnRZnG5xI/AAAAAAAAAFw/5s9LdRQkn24/s200/cotton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166657114898622226" border="0" /></a><br /><heather@shirtsofbamboo.com><madeinusablogger@gmail.com><br /><br /></madeinusablogger@gmail.com></heather@shirtsofbamboo.com>Is It Still Made In The USA Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321828011150879919noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118400685881704441.post-12840685570204739822008-01-30T01:50:00.000-06:002008-12-10T21:49:00.168-06:00Toothbrushes & Toothpaste<div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*********~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R6A4f1hEMFI/AAAAAAAAAFI/2QjSBpSncdo/s1600-h/3346873.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R6A4f1hEMFI/AAAAAAAAAFI/2QjSBpSncdo/s320/3346873.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161187292559454290" border="0" /></a><br /><!--This file created by AppleWorks HTML Filter 6.0--><span style="font-family:georgia;">Remember the summer of `07 scare about </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/02/us/02toothpaste.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print&oref=slogin"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 221);"><u>poison toothpaste</u></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> from China? The FDA warned consumers to discard toothpaste made in China as it may be tainted with diethylene glycol, a component of antifreeze. Ouch!<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />As far as I know, a major recall of toothbrushes hasn’t happened yet </span><span style="font-size:100%;">but, any day now I expect to see warnings about toothbrushes made in China. My guess it will be for lead in the plastic. But maybe the Chinese figure they have played out the</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> And-</span><span style="font-style: italic;">the-secret-ingredient-is-LEAD!</span> trick</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> by now, so they wil</span><span style="font-size:100%;">l have to come up with some new and horribly cunning way to poison us. I’m not willing to wait for that</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> day, so I am buying <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;">Made In USA</span> dental hygiene products from here on.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />Recently I asked my daughter-in-law to conduct an informal survey of toothbrushes on her next shopping trip. (She does most of the family grocery shopping.)</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />A couple days ago she went to a local Target here in Austin. She looked over each of the toothbrushes and here is the breakdown on their country of origin as sold by Target:</span><br /><p style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></p><blockquote style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><u><span>BRAND............ COUNTRY......... MODELS<br /><br /></span></u></span><span style="font-size:100%;">CREST.............. China.................. All</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">REACH</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.............</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> China</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.................</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> All</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">COLGATE</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.........</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> China</span><span style="font-size:100%;">...................</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.2</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">.........................</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> Switzerland </span><span style="font-size:100%;">..........</span><span style="font-size:100%;">1</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">ORAL-B</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.............</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> USA </span><span style="font-size:100%;">....................</span><span style="font-size:100%;">4</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">..........................</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> Germany</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.............</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.1</span></div></blockquote><p style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />The results of this survey may be incomplete and totally anecdotal, but they do tell us</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> one thing for sure; toothbrushes made in the USA are getting harder to find. And also, that you can’t trust any product, no matter how well-known, to be made here in the US and not in China. </span></p><p style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.crest.com/home/index.jsp"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 221);"><u>Crest</u></span></a> and <a href="https://www.mrreach.com/contactus.jsp"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 221);"><u>Reach</u></span></a> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">are two of the biggest, most well-known brands of toothbrushes and they <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">are</span> made in China. These companies are sell outs. Their CEO's don’t care about you or me or our</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> country. They only care about their profits. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I don't know about you, but I am really getting sick of big corporations taking our $$, selling us crappy products and sending jobs overseas to China. It is really starting to make me mad.<br /></span></p><p style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I say, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">show these companies your displeasure by shunning their products. And while you're at it, call their customer service department and voice your anger, send an email or write a snailmail to them. I sent an email to Crest and Johnson & Johnson, and it made me feel a little better.</span></p><p face="georgia">And if you are really fired up, how about sending an email or a letter or phone call to your government representative and/or the White House. (To locate the name and contact info for your government rep <a href="http://www.vote-smart.org/">click here</a>. For the White House, <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/">click here</a>. And for your state governor, <a href="http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Governors.shtml">click here</a>.)</p><p style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Here is the snail mail and phone contact info for <span style="font-weight: bold;">CREST</span>:</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><blockquote>Procter & Gamble Co.<br />Address: P.O. Box 599<br />City: Cincinnati<br />State: OH<br />Zip Code: 45201<br />Telephone Number: 513-983-1100<br />Fax Number: 513-562-4500<br />Toll Free Number: 800-543-7270<br /></blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">Johnson & Johnson</span>, is the maker (or rather distributor, since the Chinese are the real makers) of <span style="font-weight: bold;">REACH</span> toothbrushes. Here is their contact info:</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><blockquote>Johnson & Johnson<br />Address: 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza<br />City: New Brunswick<br />State: NJ<br />Zip Code: 08933<br />Telephone Number: 732-524-0400<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">**********<br /></div></blockquote></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R6BFk1hEMII/AAAAAAAAAFg/9Cx4dqJtZz8/s1600-h/new-toothbrush-hippo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 127px; height: 104px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R6BFk1hEMII/AAAAAAAAAFg/9Cx4dqJtZz8/s200/new-toothbrush-hippo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161201672109961346" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> On a more positive note . . .<br /></span></p><p face="georgia"><span style="font-size:100%;">While shopping at <a href="http://wheatsville.coop/"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 221);"><u>Wheatsville</u></span></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">our local food co-op, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">my daughter-in-law discovered a <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;">Made in USA</span> brand of toothbrushes. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">She bought everyone in the family a little surprise; a new toothbrush they could trust. The brand is <a href="http://www.oralhealthproducts.com/"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 221);"><u>POH</u></span></a>. It is simple in design, inexpensive and safe.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R6BCAFhEMGI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/aWCaiOzNzRI/s1600-h/275_POHLOGO-07.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 83px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R6BCAFhEMGI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/aWCaiOzNzRI/s200/275_POHLOGO-07.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161197742214885474" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >So far, I have been very happy with my unpretentious, but well made <a href="http://www.oralhealthproducts.com/">POH</a> toothbrush. The look and feel of the brush reminds me of my childhood.</span><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br />As I do for any product or company I write about on my blog, I traveled to their web site to gather a little more information.</span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >On the <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 221);"><u><a href="http://www.buypoh.com/home.html">POH</a></u></span> web site it says they have been supplying toothbrushes and dental floss to the US military PX’s and BX’s since 1961. Unfortunately for POH, they say they lost their floss contract with the Army/Air Force Exchange Service in 2006. I wonder what floss the Army/Airforce is using now? One from China maybe? <span style="font-style: italic;">hmmm.</span><br /><br />While on their web site, </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >as a show of support, I ordered some POH dental floss (<span style="font-style: italic;">also</span></span><a style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R6BD_1hEMHI/AAAAAAAAAFY/X0cUMmkmUSo/s1600-h/214_NWCLSPLwFLa-cropt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 103px; height: 106px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R6BD_1hEMHI/AAAAAAAAAFY/X0cUMmkmUSo/s200/214_NWCLSPLwFLa-cropt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161199936943173746" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > <span style="font-style: italic;">cuz I need some floss</span>). The POH floss comes in a metal and plastic canister which looks really cool and cost $3.00. I ordered several and some additional toothbrushes ($1 each) for the family. I’ll post an update after I’ve tried the floss to let you know how I like it.<br /></span><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >As for toothpaste, there are two <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;">Made In USA</span> brands that I have used (and still do). The first is <a href="http://www.tomsofmaine.com/"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 221);"><u>Tom’s Of Maine</u></span></a>, which is pretty easy to find in most stores. Tom’s toothpaste is, of course, all natural and comes in several flavors, both with and without fluoride. I have been using Tom’s of Maine since the 70’s and it is a good brand.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">But my current personal favorite is </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.natures-gate.com/index.asp"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 221);"><u>Nature’s Gate</u></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> toothpaste. I just started using the </span></span>Cool Mint Gel Natural Toothpaste<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"> and I like the taste better than any of the Tom’s of Maine that I have used so far.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">BTW, the Department of Dental Hygiene, at Texas Woman's University in Denton did a </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Cmd=ShowLinkOut&Db=pubmed&TermToSearch=2095314&ordinalpos=1&itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVAbstractPlusDrugs1"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 221);"><u>comparative study of the plaque removal ability of toothbrushes</u></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> in 1990. One of the brands they chose to use for the test was POH. I have included the text of the summary of the study. They compared the POH against the Alli-Croc (?) children’s toothbrush and the POH won.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Interesting!</span><br /><blockquote><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">From the </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez">NCBI/PUB MED database</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Comparative analysis of the plaque removal ability of .007 and .008 toothbrush bristles. Beatty CF, Fallon PA, Marshall DD.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Department of Dental Hygiene, Texas Woman's University, Denton.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">A two-phase study was conducted to compare the plaque-removal effectiveness of a .007 toothbrush and a .008 toothbrush when used in an unsupervised home-care program. In the first phase of the study, two children's toothbrushes, a .007 toothbrush (POH Junior #8) and a .008 toothbrush (Allie-Croc), were compared in a population of third through sixth grade children. The .007 group had a greater reduction of plaque from pretest to post-test than the .008 group in all grades, with statistically significant differences favoring the .007 toothbrush for fourth and sixth grades. In phase two a .007 adult toothbrush (POH #4) was compared to a .008 adult toothbrush (Oral B 40) in a population of nursing and dental hygiene students. Both toothbrushes performed equally well with a significant decrease in plaque and gingival inflammation observed from pretest to post-test regardless of toothbrush used. Any changes in soft-tissue abrasion were negligible and not statistically significant. Based on the results of this study, both brushes appear to be safe and effective and can be recommended with confidence.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">PMID: 2095314 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</span><br /><br /></blockquote></span></p>Is It Still Made In The USA Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321828011150879919noreply@blogger.com86tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118400685881704441.post-54570900923243925782008-01-21T22:24:00.000-06:002008-12-10T21:49:00.546-06:00Speaking of Sell Outs: Baby Jogger<div style="text-align: center;">*************************************************<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R5Vxy0nVWEI/AAAAAAAAAFA/k3SWcMYOg1I/s1600-h/safetyfirst.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R5Vxy0nVWEI/AAAAAAAAAFA/k3SWcMYOg1I/s320/safetyfirst.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158154066153789506" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">A</span></span>s I stated in my <span style="font-weight: bold;">About Me</span> section, I am about to have a new grandchild in the family. We expect him/her to arrive in April `08. So, of course, everyone in the family is excited and fluffing the nest in anticipation of the little stranger. We are hunting and gathering items, hoping to find good, safe, eco-friendly, MADE IN USA, products.<br /><br />One of the items we have been searching for is a stroller, any stroller, made in the US. So far, we have had zero results in this area. My daughter-in-law checks every time she shops in a store that carries strollers. I have Googled repeatedly, searched every stroller maker’s website I can think of and even set up a Google alert which sends me search results daily. Still, we cannot find any US manufactured baby strollers.<br /><br />I thought I had finally found one when I came across <a href="http://babyjogger.com/index.htm">The Baby Jogger</a>. I had seen it mentioned several times by other bloggers, as well as on several websites, each stated it was a US company which manufactured baby (jogging) strollers in the US. I went on their web site to investigate. Their<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R5Vwq0nVWDI/AAAAAAAAAE4/aqPwY-vcCe8/s1600-h/BJClogomain.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R5Vwq0nVWDI/AAAAAAAAAE4/aqPwY-vcCe8/s320/BJClogomain.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158152829203208242" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://babyjogger.com/history.htm">About Us/History</a> page briefly mentions the original maker of the baby jogger stroller as “Phil Baechler, a local newspaper journalist” who established "The Baby Jogger Company” in 1984. The rest of the page is bloated with boasting about the “high quality” and claims to be the “leading designer and manufacturer of high performance jog strollers.” Wow, I thought. Perfect!<br /><br />So, just to be sure, I emailed the Sales department and asked if I could tour their factory. Here was the response I got:<br /><br /><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"></blockquote><blockquote><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">BJ Sales <sales@babyjogger.com><br />to --- <-----@gmail.com>,<br />date Jan 21, 2008 9:07 AM<br />subject RE: Product question about baby joggers<br /><br />hide details 9:07 AM (10 hours ago)<br /> <br />Reply<br /><br />Dear -----,<br /><br />Thank you for taking the time to contact the Baby Jogger Company. Our products are manufactured in China, not the US, and unfortunately it is a private factory that is not open to the general public.<br /><br />Please let me know if I can answer any further questions for you.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Erica Jutzin<br /><br />The Baby Jogger Company<br /><br />800-241-1848 x1139 (PH)<br /><br />804-262-6277 (FX)<br /><br />ejutzin@babyjogger.com<br /><br />www.babyjogg</sales@babyjogger.com></blockquote><sales@babyjogger.com><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">er.com</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"> www.dynamicbrands.org</span><br /></sales@babyjogger.com></blockquote><sales@babyjogger.com><br />*Sigh*<br /><br />So, we are still searching for a baby stroller manufactured here in the USA. If anyone out there knows if such a thing exists, please email me ASAP.<br /><br />TIA<br /><br /><br /><br /></sales@babyjogger.com>Is It Still Made In The USA Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321828011150879919noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118400685881704441.post-85158889677564284852008-01-18T20:31:00.000-06:002008-12-10T21:49:01.232-06:00Wine: Buy domestic, not imported<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R5Fnk0nVWCI/AAAAAAAAAEw/m13qwleHk30/s1600-h/PCH4041X-set.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 146px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R5Fnk0nVWCI/AAAAAAAAAEw/m13qwleHk30/s200/PCH4041X-set.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157016930612500514" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Wine. Mmmmm. I love wine. Wine with cheese. Wine with chocolate. Wine with fruit. Wine with fondue. Wine with chips and dip. Wine with anything, really. Did I say I love wine?</span> </span><p style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But alas, I don’t drink wine or any alcohol anymore (doctor’s orders). If you do however, <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> you want to support our US economy, <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> you want be more green by shopping locally (shorter shipping = less fuel waste = better for the environment)--consider buying domestic instead of imported wines. Put your money where your principles are, I say.<br /><br />Here in Texas we are lucky, we have our own little “Napa Valley” thing going on in the hill country. Personally, I used to love to drink <a href="http://www.llanowine.com/default.aspx"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 221);"><u>Llano</u></span></a> and <a href="http://www.fcv.com/"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 221);"><u>Fall</u></span></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.fcv.com/"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 221);"><u> Creek</u></span></a> wines, they are both delicious.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R5FiY0nVV_I/AAAAAAAAAEY/kr1xt6W9Y9w/s1600-h/label_cache2005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R5FiY0nVV_I/AAAAAAAAAEY/kr1xt6W9Y9w/s200/label_cache2005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157011226895931378" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">For a list of Texas wineries and tour information you can go to <a href="http://www.texaswinetrail.com/index.html"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 221);"><u>Texas Hill Country Wineries</u></span></a> home. Or for an even bigger list of US wineries, check out <a href="http://www.chiff.com/wine/n-america/USA.htm"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 221);"><u>Chiff.com</u></span></a><br /></span></p><p style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R5FmqUnVWBI/AAAAAAAAAEo/9OgQxE6-Ddo/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R5FmqUnVWBI/AAAAAAAAAEo/9OgQxE6-Ddo/s200/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157015925590153234" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Buying local wine is one easy AND fun way to do the right thing.</span></p><p style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Cheers.<br /><br /></span></p>Is It Still Made In The USA Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321828011150879919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118400685881704441.post-70507414714430063542007-12-27T18:01:00.000-06:002008-12-10T21:49:01.643-06:00American Girl Dolls<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R3RA4EnVV8I/AAAAAAAAAD8/9z4PiIYAJnE/s1600-h/KDP_main_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R3RA4EnVV8I/AAAAAAAAAD8/9z4PiIYAJnE/s200/KDP_main_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148811606046889922" border="0" /></a><br />My granddaughter received an <a href="http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/static/home.jsf">American Girl doll</a> for our Winter Solstice Present Day celebration (OK, what ya’ll call <span style="font-style: italic;">Christmas</span>). I was a little worried when it arrived because a quick online check showed that American Girl dolls, by Mattel, are not made in the US but are manufactured in China.<br /><br />And while an article by <a href="http://cbs11tv.com/local/american.girl.dolls.2.607983.html">CBS 11 of Dallas/Fort Worth News</a>, dtd Dec 10, 2007 admits that American Girl dolls are manufactured in China it says that CBS had an American Girl doll (and accessories) tested for lead. They state that “experts say the doll and its toys are perfectly safe.”<br /><br />I don’t know what “experts” CBS used as they do not say in the article but according to HealthyToys.org, American Girls dolls are not completely safe. They rated as MEDIUM on the safety scale. While it is true the dolls are lead-free, the one American Girl doll they <a href="http://www.healthytoys.org/product.details.php?getrecno=1271">tested came up positive for the chemical Chlorine</a>.<br /><br />About Chlorine, HealthyToys states the following:<blockquote>“Detection of chlorine in a toy component indicates the likely use of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or vinyl, a widely used type of plastic that is of concern to the environment and public health during all phases of its life cycle.”</blockquote><br />I won’t bore you with all the details about chlorine, PVC and vinyl but I will provide a few highlights. For example, vinyl contains phthalates [pronounced thal-ates] which are a group of industrial chemicals that add flexibility and resilience to many consumer products. Phthalates have been associated with disturbed hormonal processes, birth defects of the genitals, altered levels of reproductive hormones in male babies, an increased risk of breast cancer and asthma, among many other things. In short, PVC is NOT something you want kids playing with if you can help it.<br /><br />And while the plastic and vinyl industry claim that phthalates and vinyl are “perfectly safe” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Jeeze, where have I heard </span><span style="font-style: italic;">that one</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> before?)</span>--others, lots of others, disagree. You can check out some additional scary details about vinyl on the <a href="http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/vinylchl.html">EPA website</a>. Eeesh!<br /><br />So, yes, American Girl dolls probably don’t have high levels of lead but they are made out of vinyl which more than likely contains unhealthy and perhaps dangerous levels of phthalates.<br /><br />And lastly, American Girls are not made in America, anymore.<br /><br />Luckily, the doll my granddaughter received was an original version of the Kristin doll which was manufactured by the <a href="http://www.americangirl.com/corp/html/aboutpc.html">Pleasant Company in Middleton, Wisconsin</a> in 1991. (Mattel bought out the Pleasant Company in 1998.)<br /><br />My granddaughter’s other grandmother bought the doll for her on eBay. It came with clothes and accessories whose tags state they were made in Germany. So, at least the clothes are definitely safe.<br /><br />I’m not really feeling too secure about the whole vinyl issue with this version of the doll but at least I’m not worrying about lead. I am hoping that perhaps the vinyl is stable now or has at least, off-gassed most of the toxins. Who knows? *sigh*<br /><br />Anyway, if you’re looking for a safe American made doll check out the <a href="http://www.stuffington.com/">Stuffington</a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R3hFYknVV9I/AAAAAAAAAEE/a-NKvwOqhUs/s1600-h/yhst-58972465335818_1983_524327.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R3hFYknVV9I/AAAAAAAAAEE/a-NKvwOqhUs/s200/yhst-58972465335818_1983_524327.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149942462345992146" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.stuffington.com/"> Bear Factory</a>. While they don’t have plastic dolls, they do have lots of very cute stuffed animals and outfits to dress them in. I purchased a green bunny and a couple of outfits. The little handmade clothes are so adorable and the bunny is well made. And most important of all, they are completely safe, made in the USA and my granddaughter loves them.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.stuffington.com/">Stuffington Bear Factory</a> is located in Arizona. It’s web site says they have been in business since 1959.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">------=====------<br /></div>Is It Still Made In The USA Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321828011150879919noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118400685881704441.post-66101396519882328502007-12-22T15:04:00.000-06:002008-12-10T21:49:01.805-06:00DISHES & COOKWARE: Corelle, Pyrex and more<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R22Dp0nVV7I/AAAAAAAAAD0/PSvSgNnK2TU/s1600-h/71160045248.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R22Dp0nVV7I/AAAAAAAAAD0/PSvSgNnK2TU/s200/71160045248.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146914703675840434" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><div dir="ltr" align="left" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> <div align="left"> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p></div></div><div dir="ltr" align="left"><div align="left"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:trebuchet ms;" align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;">I like Corning, Pyrex and Corelle but I cannot give them a 100% Made In USA stamp of approval as some of the products under these name brands are imported from yes, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jDbdtiJRVg&NR=1"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">China</span></a>. I emailed World Kitchen, LLC asking where Corelle and other products were manufactured and this is the answer I received. (See email below.)</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:trebuchet ms;" align="left"><br /></p><p face="trebuchet ms" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;">Shop wise. Shop USA.<br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" align="left"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" align="left"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" align="left"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ></span></p></div></div><blockquote style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-style: italic;"><div dir="ltr" align="left"><div align="left"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Consumer Help Center <helpcenter@worldkitchen.com> </helpcenter@worldkitchen.com></span> </td> <td style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-style: italic;" align="right"> <span style="font-size:100%;"> Wed, Dec 19, 2007 at 12:29 PM </span> </td></tr><tr style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-style: italic;"> <td colspan="2"> <span style="font-size:100%;"> <div> To: madeinusablogger@gmail.com<br /></div> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" align="left"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" align="left"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Thank you for contacting World Kitchen, LLC</span></p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > <p>Most of our Corelle dinnerware is made in the USA. All of the plates and bowls from the Livingware, Lifestyles, Impressions, Ultra and Corelle Square collections are made in the states. The mugs and glasses in our sets are made in China. Also, our Corelle Hearthstone dinnerware collection is made in China also.<span> </span><span>Pyrex glassware is made in the USA as well. Pyrex metal bakeware is manufactured abroad. </span><span>Corningware, Revere, Bakers Secret, Chicago Cutlery, EKCO, Magnalite and Visions cookware lines are all manufactured outside of the USA. We hope this information is helpful. </span></p></span> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >For further assistance, please contact our Help Center at 800-999-3436.<span> </span>Representatives are available from 8am to 6pm, EST, Monday through Thursday and 8am to 5pm on Friday, and will be more than happy to assist you.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Sincerely,</span></p></div></div> <div> </div> <div align="left"><span style=";font-family:Harrington;font-size:100%;" >Linda</span></div> <div align="left"><span style=";font-family:Harrington;font-size:100%;" >1-800-999-3436</span></div> <div align="left"><span style=";font-family:Harrington;font-size:100%;" >World Kitchen LLC</span></div> <div align="left"><span style=";font-family:Harrington;font-size:100%;" >Consumer Help Center</span></div></blockquote><div align="left"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:Harrington;font-size:130%;" ></span></div> <div align="left"> </div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="left"></div>Is It Still Made In The USA Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321828011150879919noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118400685881704441.post-27435295405924408822007-12-16T03:15:00.000-06:002007-12-22T19:25:52.684-06:00NEWS: CHINESE SHOP FOR USA TOYSWow, it seems even the Chinese won't buy crappy toys made in China.<br /><br />Click on the following link to read the AP article entitled "<a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22262800/">Chinese parents favor foreign-brand toys</a>" as published on the MSNBC website, dtd 12/14/2007. The article says educated and/or wealthy Chinese parents look for USA and European made toys for their kids. Makes ya go "Hmmm," don't it . . .<br /><br />UPDATE: According to another article, this time on <span style="text-decoration: underline;">ChinaSuccessStories.com</span>, <a href="http://pressroom.ups.com/chinasurvey/learnmore.html">UPS</a> has released the results of a survey which says the Chinese version of the yuppie, called a "chuppie," prefers USA made products (instead of Chinese) also.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">--------------------:::::::::::::::::--------------------<br /></div>Is It Still Made In The USA Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321828011150879919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118400685881704441.post-87890943425574607342007-12-06T04:31:00.000-06:002008-12-10T21:49:02.994-06:00HEATERS: VORNADO<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R1pARuA_5mI/AAAAAAAAADs/Qr7OnYuQGj8/s1600-h/SY137E.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 587px; height: 7px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R1pARuA_5mI/AAAAAAAAADs/Qr7OnYuQGj8/s200/SY137E.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141492597751015010" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R1fUS-A_5jI/AAAAAAAAADU/7gN7yV8llsA/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R1fUS-A_5jI/AAAAAAAAADU/7gN7yV8llsA/s320/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140810922016630322" border="0" /></a><br />The weather is finally getting colder here in Austin. So, one of the things I have been searching for is a portable space heater. Ideally, I would like one that is made in the USA.<br /><br />I never thought it would be such an ordeal to locate such a simple thing as a heater manufactured in the US.<br /><br />First, I called Home Depot and then, Lowes stores. I asked the salesperson(s) if they sold ANY space heaters made in the USA? The answer at both stores was the same: “<span style="font-style: italic;">NO.</span>” <span style="font-style: italic;">Where were they made</span>, I asked? The answer: <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11656278">China</a>, of course.<br /><br />Next, I called Sears. I got the same answer. <a href="http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Business/2007/12/06/chinese-made_heaters_recalled/1250/">China</a>.<br /><br />Lastly, I called <a href="http://breedandco.com/">Breed & Co</a>., a local hardware store here in Austin. It is well known for<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://breedandco.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R1o9UeA_5kI/AAAAAAAAADc/I6LZmln_TpU/s200/logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141489346460771906" border="0" /></a> carrying quality products. The salesman told me to hold on and he would go check their stock of heaters. He came back and said, “<span style="font-style: italic;">Yes, Lakewood heaters are made in the US.</span>” I was giddy. (A silly response, I know, but hey, I was <span style="font-style: italic;">freezing</span>!)<br /><br />My daughter-in-law was going out to run errands so I asked if she would stop and pick up a couple heaters. She did.<br /><br />When she got home and we pulled the heaters out of their boxes, guess what was stamped on the bottom of each one? <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml05/05145org.html">Made in China</a>. <span style="font-style: italic;">ARRGH!!</span><br /><br />So, we returned the heaters to Breed & Co. and I turned my attention to google. I searched and searched and finally found the <a href="http://www.vornado.com/">Vornado</a> line of heaters. The company had several models still made in the USA (I had to click on the FEATURE button to get this info).<br /><br />Anyway, I ordered one for myself , the <a href="http://www.vornado.com/products/heaters/gallery/vh2.htm">VH2</a> and also an <a href="http://www.vornado.com/products/heaters/gallery/avh2.htm">AVH2</a>, for my son and daughter-in-law (for a Solstice present).<br /><br />The heaters arrived today. I wrapped and hid their heater but I am using mine now. It works great (so quiet and so powerful!). I am very happy with my purchase. Yay MADE IN USA heaters!!!<br /><br />ps. If you decide to order a Vornado for yourself online, make sure you click on the FEATURE button for each heater and check the manufacture location before ordering. One or two of the more expensive models are made in China. (What a switch, huh?)<br /><br />pps. They have some really cool (`xcuse the pun) "vintage" fans also on the Vornado web site, but I don't know if they are made in the US. I can't locate the info on their website. (I'll have to email the company again.) While I was looking over the fans, I noticed they have a cute little fan called the Zippi but it is manufactured in...you guessed it -- China. sigh...<br /><div style="text-align: center;">---------======------======--------<br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">UPDATE: 12/22/07</span><br /><br />I have been using my Vornado heater and it works great. I know this sounds like a gushing commercial but I can't help it. (And NO, I have no connection with this company or any company other than as a consumer.)<br /><br />Over the years, I have bought probably 12 or more personal heaters but this heater is one of the best, if not <span style="font-style: italic;">the </span>best one I've ever owned. It is very quiet, gets hot super fast, yet the case (plastic) stays cool to the touch. It quickly heats a whole room. I seldom have to set the dial higher than 2 (I think it goes up to 6). My only <span style="font-style: italic;">slight</span> complaint is the size -- it is bigger (but oddly lite weight) than I thought it would be but, overall this is not a problem.<br /><br />I highly recommend the Vornado heater btw. Highly.Is It Still Made In The USA Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321828011150879919noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118400685881704441.post-39328954279996743752007-12-02T21:18:00.000-06:002008-12-10T21:49:03.720-06:00TOYS: Roy Toys Vs Lincoln Logs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R1N4jOA_5gI/AAAAAAAAAC8/7SQDPUl4X50/s1600-R/logo.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R1N4jOA_5gI/AAAAAAAAAC8/utrTuaCEDiw/s320/logo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139584146212906498" border="0" /></a><br />On the Roy Toy web site the <a href="http://roytoy.com/about.html">About Roy Toy</a> history page is an interesting read.<br /><br />According to the information on the site, the original owner/founder was <span style="font-family:geneva,arial,helvetica,verdana;">Roy K</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R1N6t-A_5hI/AAAAAAAAADE/I4bO-krLafI/s1600-R/roydennison.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R1N6t-A_5hI/AAAAAAAAADE/ttNeR6XY_Ok/s320/roydennison.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139586529919755794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:geneva,arial,helvetica,verdana;">. Dennison. The company began making it's wooden toy construction sets in Maine in the 1930's. It went out of business in the 1960's.<br /><br />Fast forward thirty years and </span><span style="font-family:geneva,arial,helvetica,verdana;">grandson, Bruce Dennison, revives the company and brings it to the Internet. The company is still located in Maine.<br /></span><br />I emailed the Roy Toy company. I asked if <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span> their products were made in the USA? The customer service rep (?) reply is below: (btw, the answer is YES!)<br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><span style=""><b> customerservice@roytoy.com <customerservice@roytoy.com> </customerservice@roytoy.com></b></span> </td> <td style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" align="right"> <span style=""><b> Sun, Dec 2, 2007 at 7:38 PM </b></span> </td></tr><tr> <td colspan="2"> <span style=""> <div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> Reply-To: customerservice@roytoy.com</span> </div> <div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> To: LeadFree<<b>madeinusablogger</b>@gmail.com</div> </span> </td></tr><tr> <td colspan="2"> <table border="0" cellpadding="12" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td> <span style=""> </span><div link="blue" vlink="blue" lang="EN-US"> <div> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:navy;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:navy;" >We do manufacture all of our products100% in Maine USA.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:navy;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:navy;" > </span></span></span></p> <div> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;color:navy;" ><span style="font-style: italic;color:navy;" >Thank you for supporting USA products,</span></span></i><span style="color:navy;"><span style="color:navy;"> </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;color:navy;" ><span style="font-style: italic;color:navy;" >Sue Dennison</span></span></i><span style="color:navy;"><span style="color:navy;"> </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;color:navy;" ><span style="font-style: italic;color:navy;" >Roy</span></span></i><i><span style="color:navy;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:navy;" > Toy Manufacturing</span></span></i><span style="color:navy;"><span style="color:navy;"><br /><i><span style="font-style: italic;">599 Jacksonville Road</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-style: italic;">East</span></i><i><span style="font-style: italic;"> Machias, Maine 04630</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-style: italic;">Ph: (207) 255-0954 Fx: (207) 255-0955</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="mailto:sdennison@roytoy.com" target="_blank">sdennison@roytoy.com</a></span></i><i><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.roytoy.com/" target="_blank">www.roytoy.com</a></span></i> </span></span></span></p> </div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>On the other hand, a message on <span class="nlHeader">the K'NEX company website by <a href="http://www.knex.com/Shop/Made_In_USA.php?cp=2&startnum=0&partType=standard">President/COO, Michael Araten</a></span>,<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R1Ot6eA_5iI/AAAAAAAAADM/CKbuhWeWXyQ/s1600-R/product_image.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R1Ot6eA_5iI/AAAAAAAAADM/QyHY4mbmRVI/s200/product_image.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139642819761137186" border="0" /></a> says,<br /><br /><blockquote>"K'NEX Brands manufactures and sells building sets under the KID K'NEX® and K'NEX® brand names and Lincoln Logs®.* We are also the exclusive distributor of BRIO® products in the U.S. and Canada. Lincoln Logs are manufactured in China by an ICTI certified factory. "<br /></blockquote><br /><br />K'NEX bricks are made in the US however. But then, a lot of LEGO'S are too.<br /><br />Lincoln Logs on the other hand are no longer manufactured in the US at all, they are now made in China.<br /><br />So if you're looking for "Lincoln Log" type toys, buy Roy Toy. Besides being made right here in the USA, the Roy Toy log sets are less expensive and look cooler than Lincoln Logs.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~****************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><div style="text-align: left;">UPDATE: Jan 23, 08<br /><br />I bought the<span style="font-family:geneva,arial,helvetica,verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>250+ pc. Deluxe Building Set</span> (<b><span style="font-family:geneva,arial,helvetica,verdana;">$49.95) </span></b>of Roy Toy logs for my granddaughter for a Solstice present. The set is huge! The logs fit together well and it is a good bit of construction style toyworks. My granddaughter and I have played with it several times, building the farm house, barn and fences. It was a lot of fun, once we finally figured out how to build them.<br /><br />Overall, it is a great toy but I do have a couple minor complaints. One is the instructions that come with the set. They are rather sparse and unhelpful. I wish the company had included better instructions or at least offer some to download from their web site...maybe a PDF or two...that would be nice.<br /><br />Also, the bag that the logs come in is pretty useless for storage. In order to play with the set you must dump all 250 pieces out and sort thru them (imagine a jigsaw puzzle of 250 logs) to build anything. This takes forever. To solve this problem, I fashioned an open top storage tote out of the shipping box. I cut the lid flaps off, put a couple slits in each and slide them together to make cubby holes -- one for each size/color of logs. A little pink duct tape for reinforcement and we now have a nice little organizer for the set.<br /><br />If you have a little kid that enjoys building stuff, then get them a Roy Toy set. It's a sturdy, imagination inspiring, safe, USA made toy. But make sure you buy or better yet, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">make</span> an organizer to keep the parts sorted and ready to put together. It makes playtime much easier and more fun for everyone.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><p><b><span style="font-family:geneva,arial,helvetica,verdana;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family:geneva,arial,helvetica,verdana;"></span> </p></div><br /></div>Is It Still Made In The USA Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321828011150879919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118400685881704441.post-25852771443425206292007-11-30T16:35:00.000-06:002007-12-02T23:00:34.498-06:00TOYS FOR THE HOLIDAYSHere are some links to MADE IN USA toy companies.<br /><br />One of the best seems to be <a href="http://www.holgatetoy.com/">Holgate Toys</a> of PA. Their website says they have been in business since 1789! Wow! The toys are wooden, well-crafted and awesome. Unfortunately, they seem to be overloaded with orders this year and so they have a disclaimer stating that shipping may take a little longer to process.<br /><br />Here are some other interesting USA toy makers/sellers:<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /><a href="http://www.fatbraintoys.com/">Fat Brain Toys</a> have an online "<a href="http://www.fatbraintoys.com/specials/made_in_america.cfm">Wizard</a>" (database) of toys you can search by interest, age, gender, price ranger and country of origin. Just click on the <a href="http://www.fatbraintoys.com/specials/made_in_america.cfm">USA map</a> or the link next to map on any of their pages.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.northstartoys.com/">North Star Toys</a>, located in NM. A family owned and ran business since 1979.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mainetoys.com/index.html">Maine Toys</a>, located in Maine, since 1973. They sell wooden, handcrafted, lead free toys both online and in local stores. For a list of their local retailers, <a href="http://www.mainetoys.com/Outlets/outlets.html">click here</a>.<br /><br />Freep.com (powered by The Detroit Free Press) has published an article entitled "<a href="http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071201/COL23/712010369/1026/FEATURES01">Not Made In China: Toy shoppers worried about lead can find wonderful gifts in new places</a>" which lists safe toys manufactured in the US but also some made in other countries such as Germany and Mexico. I say, buy US if you can. Support your country and your economy.Is It Still Made In The USA Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321828011150879919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118400685881704441.post-72882969242081308982007-11-27T21:15:00.000-06:002008-12-10T21:49:04.215-06:00LUNCH BOXES: ALADDIN VS THERMOS BRAND<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R0z9ECNdWNI/AAAAAAAAACo/4XtYruTafwk/s1600-h/1_blue_line.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R0z9ECNdWNI/AAAAAAAAACo/4XtYruTafwk/s320/1_blue_line.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137759520677517522" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R0zmFCNdWMI/AAAAAAAAACg/z_JyHXb6H6A/s1600-h/hopalong_lunchbox.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hq9qNbZNcE0/R0zmFCNdWMI/AAAAAAAAACg/z_JyHXb6H6A/s320/hopalong_lunchbox.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137734249089947842" border="0" /></a><br />I looked at the tag inside my granddaughter's soft-sided lunch box and guess what I found? Of course, it said <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=3634281&page=1">made in China</a>. So, I began a search for lunch boxes made in the US.<br />Here is what I discovered:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Aladdin has been an America company for more </span>that 90 years. The first character lunchbox it made, Hopalong Cassidy, was manufactured in 1933.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">At the bottom of this message is an email response I received from </span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" href="http://www.aladdin-pmi.com/">Aladdin industries</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> when I asked which of their products are still made in the USA. Sadly, the answer is <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">NONE</span>.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">The company sold out and moved to China in 2001.<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.thermos.com/product_catalog.aspx?CatCode=LUNC&SubcategoryID=13">THERMOS</a> Brand <span style="font-weight: bold;">hard plastic</span> lunch boxes, on the other hand, are still manufactured in the USA and they are inexpensive (usually about $5). I received an email response from the company rep, John Golden (john.golden@thermos.com) stating:<br /></span><blockquote>Thermos LLC has manufacturing facilities domestically and in Asia. All<br />Vacuumware, Soft-Sided Coolers and Lunch Kits are manufactured in our Asian facilities and the Hard Plastic Lunch Kit is manufactured domestically.<br /><br /></blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">I repeat, only the Thermos hard plastic lunch kits are made in USA, not the soft-sided. </span><br /><br />Email from Aladdin:<br /><table style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" class="BwDhwd"><tbody><tr class="UszGxc"><td colspan="2" class="sA2K5"><span class="EP8xU" style="color: rgb(0, 104, 28);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><blockquote><table style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" class="BwDhwd"><tbody><tr class="UszGxc"><td colspan="2" class="sA2K5"><span class="EP8xU" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">From:</span> Belinda Steele</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> Belinda.Steele@pmi-worldwide.com</span><br />To:<br /><br />Date: Nov 26, 2007 12:26 PM</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Subject: Re General Inquire</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Aladdin Industries was sold in 2001 and at that time, all manufacturing</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">was moved to our factories in China.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">We have maintained the same workmanship and quality as when the products</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> were made in the States.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Regards,</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Belinda Steele Consumer Customer Service Rep. U.S.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">DIRECT 615-750-1909 - MAIN 615 750 1900 - FAX 615 370 0546</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">PMI - Aladdin - Stanley - </span><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://www.pmi-worldwide.com/" target="_blank">www.pmi-worldwide.com</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Aladdin and Stanley are registered trademarks of PMI. Property of PMI -</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">When replying, please include all previous correspondence.<br /><blockquote></blockquote></span></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Additional thought:</span> Several brands of soft-sided or vinyl lunch kits (even those made in the US) have been shown to contain lead or other toxins. Many parents have opted to purchase safer and more eco-friendly options like canvas bags or handmade non-toxic bags such as those on <a href="http://www.reusablebags.com/">ReuseableBags.com.</a> Other options are to visit your local thrift shops, garage sales and/or <a href="www.freecycle.org/">FreeCycle</a> groups to search for "vintage" metal lunch boxes made by Thermos...and sometimes, if you're lucky, maybe Aladdin. We have several at our house (made in the 80's & 90's) which were found at thrift stores for a dollar or two.Is It Still Made In The USA Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321828011150879919noreply@blogger.com