Pivoting to the use of lard actually started a few years ago. And a cookbook, "Lard: The Lost Art of Cooking with Your Grandmother's Secret Ingredient", lead the way making the case that lemon nut cookies and buttermilk pound cake made with lard tastes good. Published by “Grit magazine: Rural American Know How,” the book describes the rediscovery of lard as it becomes new normal for home cooks. They even went as far in the book to suggest lard might be good for you, or at least not as bad for you as other stuff, according to a report in 2012 by NPR. According to lipid chemist from Iowa State University Tong Wang, lard is healthier than hydrogenated shortening like Crisco, but not as healthy as unsaturated omega-3 oils like olive oil. Wang cautioned if lard is consumed in moderation, it’s fine. Replacing healthy oils with lard as a common alternative is a bad idea. There are healthy oil alternatives to using trans-fats: Oil from olives, peanuts, grape seeds, and walnuts to mention a few. Learning to cook with the variety of oils is not only healthier but also expands the cook’s resources to add complexity and taste. Will the J.M. Smucker Company, producers of Crisco, begin diversifying to leaf lard? First introduced in 1911 by Procter & Gamble, Crisco was the first shortening to be made entirely of vegetable oil. R.J. Reynolds tobacco company saw the writing on the wall in 1964 when Luther L. Terry, M.D., Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service, released the first report of the Surgeon General's Advisory Committee on Smoking and Health. The cigarette producing giant diverted to non-tobacco businesses. Smucker is already mainly a food producer and supplier, so the change would not be as radical, but it will be interesting to see if they decide to make the switch to leaf lard to maintain customer base. There is a possibility that Smucher could follow what corporations like the Swiss company Nestles and tobacco corporations have done and create an international customer base in foreign countries to sell their products not allowed or discouraged in the US. For now home cooks will have almost three years to pivot to leaf lard, and as the demand increases stores should start stocking it. Right now leaf lard is difficult to find, although regular lard is a common item. Resources http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/24/opinion/the-trans-fats-that-wont-leave.html?ref=todayspaper&_r=0 http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2012/05/02/151868208/lard-is-back-in-the-larder-but-hold-the-health-claims http://www.grit.com/
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“It was the best year for wildflowers that many of us have ever seen on Mount Diablo. A once-in-a-generation experience,” they said. UC Davis Professor of Environmental Science and Policy and main author of the years’ long study Susan Harrison says, “Fifteen years ago, you had just these wonderful wildflower years. The good years aren’t quite as good anymore and the good years aren’t as frequent anymore.” In the future, university research will be focusing on scenarios that might play out as the diversity of wildflowers is compromised because of drought conditions and climate change. Dormant seedlings sprout in rainfall, but die back before reaching maturity without continued rain; therefore, the production of new seeds is hindered or even non-existent. At stake is the “diversity” of California’s native plants, Harrison said. “Diversity is a term for the number of species.” Without diversity, she said, California plant populations would become “a monoculture,” Harrison said. Monoculture is the cultivation or existence of one species. “Our study shows that 15 years of warmer and drier winters are creating a direct loss of native wildflowers in some of California’s grasslands.” Such diversity losses may foreshadow larger-scale extinctions, especially in regions that are becoming increasingly dry,” she said. The researchers confirm that drought-intolerant species suffered the worst declines. The California Native Plant Society’s executive director Dan Gluesenkamp commented on the study in terms of the wide range of ecosystems and how wildflowers behave differently in each of them saying, “In California, variability is the norm,” he said. “They [UC Davis] have 15 years of data. … For California grassland, that’s not a lot of time.” “Gluesenkamp, whose organization has roughly 10,000 paying members, said the best way to protect California native plants is to identify which plants are threatened and set aside habitat for them in trusts and parks. He also called for more native plant restoration.” “I wouldn’t worry about the sky falling because of climate change,” he said. “But keep watching,” in the Sacramento Bee report. Global food chains negatively affected Despite claims by climate change deniers, the repercussions from climate change and drought reach not only in California but also to Mediterranean environments like southern Europe signaling greater awareness of the connection between extreme weather patterns in semi-arid regions around the globe. Researchers believe future grassland communities of California and beyond will be less productive, provide less nutrition to herbivores, and become more vulnerable to invasion by exotic non-natives, the study says. Preserving native wildflowers in grasslands has effects beyond the aesthetic. University researchers expect the negative effects to cascade up through the food web—affecting insects, seed-eating rodents, birds, deer, and domesticated species like cattle, all of which rely on grasslands for food. Seed banks could be the answer—maybe if we act now The study provided some hope for saving wildflowers in grasslands during the current drying period through their extensive seed banks. Seeds can be dormant for decades waiting for the right conditions to germinate. Heirloom seeds have been discovered after being dormant for years. Some predictions, however, warn California’s drought will intensify in the next decades which could make some attempts to rescue native species as being too late for some species. Seed banks are preparing for the worst case future scenarios. There are approximately 400,000 known species, and the Millennium Seed Bank aims to conserve 25 percent in the form of seeds by 2020. The seed bank is located on the grounds of Britain’s Royal Botanical Gardens, which were constructed by King Henry VII and are now considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Focused on conserving seeds from plants that can be used for food production, the Millennium Seed Bank currently holds seeds from over 10 percent of all plant species. As the connection between ensuring the world food chain by protecting native plants species is discovered, seed banks everywhere should consider saving a variety of seeds including those obtained from wildflowers. Resources http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article25204135.html http://www.futurity.org/wildflowers-california-947712/ http://blogs.worldwatch.org/five-global-seed-banks-that-are-protecting-biodiversity
Additionally, medical devices that can be worn are a growing industry and expected to be $8 billion by 2018—because everyone benefits from them. “Caretakers get some much-needed peace of mind that aging family members will always be under a watchful eye; seniors surrender their privacy but, in many cases, hold on to the independence that comes with staying out of assisted-living facilities,” according to the report. DNA tests provide valuable data A growing number of people, perhaps millions, are willing to give up DNA information to discover valuable information about medical predispositions. In 2013 the Federal Drug Administration stopped personal genetics testing service. Currently the government approves targeted, direct-to-consumer genetic test for Bloom Syndrome, which is an inherited disorder that predisposes those with the marker at increased risk for cancer. Genentech is launching a new drug development division, directed at creating new drugs to fight genetic disorders, and have partnered with 23andMe and Pfizer to study Parkinson’s and Lupus. “While the data is anonymous, the research wouldn’t be possible if people hadn’t agreed to expose themselves to technology in new ways—and entrust their most personal health information to a company. 23andMe says 80 percent of its more than 950,000 customers have agreed to donate their DNA information for the purpose of medical research,” they said. Employees wear mobile devices to measure performance Employers are eager to have full surveillance of employees, and the benefits for workers are subtle and in some cases rewarding for those employees who recognize the positive aspects and maximize the benefits. The data collected from employees wearing surveillance devices include relationships with co-workers, job performance, daily habits of exercise and diet—all of which benefit the employer as they seek to improve productivity and cut costs. Employees can benefit as well from workplace monitoring and even substantiate raises and promotions by performance assessments derived from the monitoring. “Wellness programs, too, are emerging with tangible personal benefits: At British Petroleum, U.S. employees who wear company-supplied Fitbits have a chance at lowering their insurance premiums for themselves and their dependents,” according to the report. The logical question for employees is can they trust employers with the information? Some believe a “moral renaissance” in business will dawn a new and improved corporate benevolence driven by ethical management purported by bestselling business consultant Gary Hamel. Proof of this concept will require a track record of trust among participants, which could take years of statistical analysis. In the future giving up privacy will need to be balanced and assessed on a case by case basis to facilitate informed privacy decision making. One thing is certain, however, if a surveillance device or DNA test involves the knowledgeable of a second or even third party of the information, all those participating need to not only be aware of the benefits, but also the risks. Confidentiality guaranteed through contractual methods will become even more important as science and technology become omnipotent in our daily lives. Resource http://www.wired.com/2015/06/3-privacy-tradeoffs-might-worth it California water wars among cities, farmers, salmon conservation The California drought is in its fourth year, and tensions are mounting in many cities where water is scarce. Mountain House, California together with 113 areas with senior water rights face the possibility of having their water supply cut. The state water-access rights established as far back as 1903 are being suspended. Mountain House is searching for alternative water sources before the city of 14,000 is left high and dry. According to the Public Policy Institute, statewide average water use is roughly 50% environmental, 40% agricultural and 10% urban. However, the percentage of water use by sector varies dramatically across regions between wet and dry years. The tensions center mainly on the disparity between agricultural use and what cities and homeowners use. Approximately nine million acres of farmland in California are irrigated, representing roughly 80% of all human water use. This week the conflict between the two groups escalated when a consortium of mostly urban water districts filed a complaint alleging Delta farmers are stealing water, according to a report in the Sacramento Bee. The urban group of 27 agencies, including the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, said farmers in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta put water quality at risk by diverting more water than is within their rights. The consortium, called the State Water Contractors, and made the filing with the State Water Resources Control Board. “These landowners in the Delta have long-standing water rights that entitle them to water when nature provides it – but those rights do not entitle them to stored water paid for by others and intended for the environment,” said Stefanie Morris, acting general manager of the contractors group. “If nature ran its course, the Delta would not be suitable for drinking or farming this summer,” they said in the report. Dante John Nomellini, who represents the Central Delta Water Agency, said the complaint amounts to the water agencies “playing a game.” His district serves about 120,000 acres in the heart of the Delta. “When it comes down to us, they claim we’re taking their stored water,” he said. “Well, it’s commingled with our water. And the law is clear when you commingle your water with somebody else’s you cannot deprive them of the water to which they’re entitled ...” Protecting California salmon State and federal officials stated they will continue to restrict water flows out of Lake Shasta to protect endangered salmon. Shasta is the largest reservoir in the Central Valley Project, which is the federal network pumping water to the entire state. The current temperatures in Shasta are warmer than expected because of low levels which are also keeping the water release on hold. The California State Water Resources Control Board manages and regulates the release of water from state and federal projects, dams and reservoirs in order to keep stream temperatures cool enough for Chinook salmon to spawn. In an unfortunate release in 2014 from Lake Shasta the water was too warm and caused a die off of incubating salmon eggs in the upper Sacramento River; therefore, steps are being taken to prevent another occurrence. Fall El Niño could bring rain El Niño occurs when ocean water temperatures climb above average across the central and eastern Pacific, centered on the equator. “The warmer sea surface water strengthens the storm track over the Pacific Ocean and across the southern United States, especially during the winter, spring and autumn months of the year," reported by Accuweather.com. El Nino brought relief to the Texas drought; therefore, meteorologists are pondering whether the same phenomenon will provide relief for California this fall. Early predictions indicate the current El Niño pattern will strengthen and peak sometime in the autumn of 2015. "If this is the case, then California has a good chance at being pretty wet for the upcoming winter. Conversely, if El Niño peaks at moderate level or weakens by early fall, it becomes more dicey in terms of storms and rainfall for California,” they said. The El Niño of the winter of 1997-98 was one of the strongest on record and delivered storm after storm to California. The storms unloaded 20-30 inches of rain in California with yards of snow in the Sierra Nevada. This would be exactly what California needs; however, water restrictions and conservation should remain the new normal in the state. The future of water in California can no longer rely on rainfall and snowpack to supply the growing agricultural needs of the state. Resources http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article24683440.html#storylink=cpy http://www.ppic.org/main/publication_show.asp?i=1108 http://www.capradio.org/50298 http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/could-el-nino-help-bust-califo/47878546
The US Food and Drug Administration announced their will be a ban on trans-fats by 2016 because they are consider unsafe and cause fatal heart attacks. Doctors say trans-fats are the worst type of fat you can eat. Trans-fat raises your LDL (bad) cholesterol and lowers your HDL (good or healthy) cholesterol. When a high LDL cholesterol is combined with a low HDL, your risk of heart disease increases and is the leading killer of men and women, according to the Mayo Clinic. What is a trans fat? Some meat and dairy products contain small amounts of naturally occurring trans fat. But most trans fat is formed through an industrial process that adds hydrogen to vegetable oil, which causes the oil to become solid at room temperature. This partially hydrogenated oil is less likely to spoil, so foods made with it have a longer shelf life. Some restaurants use partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (PHOs) in their deep fryers, because it doesn't have to be changed as often as do other oils. A 2016 ban would save lives by preventing fatal heart attacks, according to the FDA. Food suppliers have been required to show trans-fats information on food labels since 2006 but health experts say Americans still consume too much. "The FDA's action on this major source of artificial trans-fat demonstrates the agency's commitment to the heart health of all Americans," said FDA's Acting Commissioner Stephen Ostroff. "This action is expected to reduce coronary heart disease and prevent thousands of fatal heart attacks every year." Trans-fats facts
Since the FDA started labeling trans-fats, the agency estimates that consumption of them decreased by 78% in the US. The UK has been calling for a ban on trans-fats for several years. In Denmark, almost all trans-fats have been banned since 2003. The Mayo Clinic defines trans-fat in your food as follows: · Baked goods. Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat. · Snacks. Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavor the popcorn. · Fried food. Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process. · Refrigerator dough. Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts. · Creamer and margarine. Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. The list of foods to be affected by the ban is significant, but home cooking and baking is going to be affected as the use of PHOs in baking has been used in many recipes, particularly those requiring the use of shortening. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of recipe books include the use of PHOs. Home cooks will need to begin making adjustments in recipes to replace shortening. Resources http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-33154168 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/trans-fat/art-20046114 For those who follow politics, you probably remember when former presidential candidate John Edwards spoke in 2004 at the Democratic National Convention. He expressed passionately the economic disparity in the United States as being “two Americas.” Clinton’s speech had a similar tone at Roosevelt Island, as she energized the crowd. And her presence definitely electrified the supporters present and those who viewed the speech on television. There was another rally the next day not publicized as much, but no less eager to support the former First Lady, with only a cardboard figure of Hillary Clinton flanked by volunteer legions epitomizing the heart and soul of political campaigning: grassroots. One group of grassroots folk are super organizers, as they proudly call themselves, are not affiliated formally with the Clinton campaign. “They're the "HRC Super Volunteers" -- a group of near obsessive Hillary Clinton supporters who travel, on their own dime, to volunteer at the Democratic presidential candidate's campaign events,” according to a report by ABC News. Super volunteers knock on doors, canvas, make phone calls, and conduct online rapid response and the myriad of other activities that grassroots organizers do best. They pay all their own expenses and are as exuberant and committed as those enjoying formal recognition; however, the Clinton campaign related they were unaware of the group attending the rally. One of the life-long Hillary Clinton supporters noted the “Super Volunteers” are the most energized and excited supporters saying, “We are here to fight for Hillary, and we are here to not only have her win the Iowa Caucus, but also New Hampshire and the first four primaries and get to 270 [electoral votes], so we can have the first woman president. One of the organizers told of personal experience. “I had a personal problem the first time I met her. And she saw I was pretty emotional about it. And she grabbed my hand and said I was standing strong. And my response was ‘I am standing strong next to the next President of the United States.’ She smiled and winked at me and said she was going to give me a hug. I told her ‘no.’ But it was wonderful,” they said. Winning elections depends on winning local victories, and the website “Local Victory” clearly outlines the systematic process for local, state and national elections. In the election of 2014, the Republican victories were monumental, and theories cited by some in the media accredited the use of grassroots organizers at all levels as one of the most valuable and effective. Successful grassroots organizations are easy to spot: they have a lot of members / volunteers, get on the news, and create a recognizable brand. These organizations use a specific formula for success as follows: 1. Plan for Success Successful grassroots organizations have a well thought out, and well-written plan. Many people think groups like this simply sprout up organically, without much forethought, but nothing could be further from the truth. Most uber-groups started with a written plan. 2. Have a Hierarchy Grassroots groups without a hierarchy usually devolve into anarchy. Again, this may seem counterintuitive for a grassroots organization, but the group will need a leadership structure with defined responsibilities if it is going to succeed at a very high level. 3. Build a Brand The most successful grassroots organizations out there are recognizable by their brand (including their logo, their message, and their spokespeople). This is true for campaign-run grassroots operations as well (just think about the Obama campaign’s grassroots army in 2008 or the Bush/RNC 72-hour Election Day corps in 2004). Your group needs a consistent look and feel for its marketing materials, one or more well-versed press spokespeople, a logo, and a defined and consistent message (just like a standard political campaign). For more information on building a political brand, read Political Slogans and How to Craft Your Campaign’s Message. 4. Use Every Tool Well-run grassroots organization use every tool at their disposal to get their message out: press releases, press conferences, a political website, volunteer activity, direct mail, door to door, rallies, etc. Write a plan that uses lots of different grassroots techniques to make your voice heard. 5. Ask for Members One of the biggest reasons why small grassroots organizations stay that way is because they become insular “cliques,” where members are jealous of their role in the club and don’t really want outsiders coming in to ruin their good time. Your group will never get big enough to have clout using this mentality. One of the primary functions of your organization should be to grow… and that means going out and actually asking for new members… all the time, everywhere you go. Grassroots organizations are a great tool in the arsenal of successful issue advocates, political campaigns, party organizations, and more… use these five secrets to help you build a strong and sustainable grassroots organization. Super volunteers for Hillary Clinton are a great example of setting goals, capturing the imagination of the electorate, and making their presence known. One of the most outstanding characteristics of this kind of organizing is the absence of negative ads as a strategy. Bernie Sanders is the only candidate so far to say he will not resort to negative campaign ads. If all of the candidates could make a similar pledge, voters can focus on the issues rather than trying to sort out the fact from the fiction. Resources http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/hillary-clinton-delivers-presidential-campaign-speech-article-1.2257264 http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/meet-hillary-clintons-super-volunteers-campaign/story?id=31765497 http://www.localvictory.com/grassroots/grassroots-organizations.html |
Dava Castillo
is retired and lives in Clearlake, California. She has three grown
children and one grandson and a Bachelor’s degree in Health Services
Administration from St. Mary’s College in Moraga California. On the
home front Dava enjoys time with her family, reading, gardening, cooking
and sewing. Archives
November 2015
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