My parents always urged me to eat my spinach, but I don't think even they knew what a perfect food it was. Few people do. The green, mushy mess seemed incredibly unappealing to most. I had no idea the many possibilities of ways to eat it. I'm not sure it would have made a difference, though. I did have a sneaking suspicion that it was good for me, which was probably part of the reason why I avoided it. I shunned it for years until I learned of spinach dip.
I watched Popeye down his many cans of spinach, which supposedly were his source of strength and large muscles. (Interestingly enough, this was the result of the iron content being largely overstated back in those days. It was mistakenly reported to be 10 times the actual amount in the 1930s.) But I certainly didn't want muscles like that.
Although Popeye was probably the leading proponent of spinach back in the day, here are some interesting facts that I'll bet even he didn't know. Spinach originally grew
in the sandy soils of Persia, [modern day Iran] . This is ironic since spinach doesn't grow well in hot or arid temperatures. They had fancy irrigation systems to appease the climate. It was brought to Spain in 1200 AD. It was then brought to China, where it is called the "Persian green." It wasn't brought to the U.S. until 1806 where it's popularity remains strong today. Currently, it is produced mainly in Texas and California.
Spinach embodies convenience, thrift and deliciousness. Few other vegetables are in season all year round, available fresh [not just processed] in all regions of the world, is very affordable and easy to grow at home. It is so versatile; there are very few dishes that wouldn't benefit from spinach.
Cooking & Recipes
Spinach cake is a French favorite for le brunch. www.davidlebovitz.com
Spinach obviously makes a good substitution for lettuce. [Use younger spinach, which is smaller and more tender.] There really is nothing better than a good spinach salad, much much healthier than iceberg lettuce. But it also substitutes well for turnip greens, beet greens, kale, Mexican spinach or New Zealand spinach. www.foodreference.com
It is important to keep in mind that spinach adds a more acidic flavor to your dish. This can be counteracted by adding butter or cream.
Another thing to consider is that when spinach is cooked, it shrinks by 90%. .
Here are some easy ways to load up on spinach from foodreference.com
* Make Spinach Part of Your 5 A Day Plan EAT 5 TO 9 A DAY
* Use fresh spinach to make a tasty, healthy salad.
* Add chopped spinach to lasagna and soup.
* Stir yogurt into chopped or puréed spinach for a low-fat version of creamed spinach.
* Try stir-frying spinach with garlic, onion, and chopped red bell peppers for a colorful tasty side dish.
• Buy it bagged and ready to use for quicker meals.
No party is complete without spinach dip. Here are some tasty recipes to iron-clad your festivities.
HYPERLINK "http://esurience.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/spinach-and-artichoke-dip/"http://esurience.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/spinach-and-artichoke-dip/
HYPERLINK "http://www.spinachrecipes.org/spinach-dip.html"http://www.spinachrecipes.org/spinach-dip.html
HYPERLINK "http://www.spinachrecipes.org/easy-hot-spinach-dip.html"http://www.spinachrecipes.org/easy-hot-spinach-dip.html
HYPERLINK "http://www.bfeedme.com/luscious-spinach-artichoke-dip/"http://www.bfeedme.com/luscious-spinach-artichoke-dip/
Benefits
Not only does spinach increase your muscle mass, a la Popeye. Legend has it that increases your wallet, for spinach has been linked to prosperity.
Seriously though, it does protect against osteoporosis, heart disease, many types of cancer and arthritis, simultaneously.
Obviously, it is a great source of iron, but it is also a great source of vitamins A and C; as well as calcium.
Author and Culinary Humorist, Burgandy Oliver is so fond of spinach that she owns her own "Spinach-mobile." Check it out. HYPERLINK "http://www.ilovespinach.com/Spinach_Mobile.html"http://www.ilovespinach.com/Spinach_Mobile.html
The benefits of the vegetable are far reaching indeed. Futuristic spinach may one day be powering our laptops and cell phones. MIT researchers are working on this right now.
Architects, Matthew Coates and Tim Meldrum designed an actual house of spinach. "Not only does the building have a photosynthetic and phototropic skin made with spinach protein, but it also produces more energy than a single family's needs, allowing the excess to be distributed to neighbors. This radical shift, from centralized energy systems today, fosters community interdependence as neighbors benefit from the resources of others." A truly "green" building.
HYPERLINK "http://futurefeeder.com/index.php/archives/2005/08/24/sustainable-house-of-the-future-runs-on-spinach/"http://futurefeeder.com/index.php/archives/2005/08/24/sustainable-house-of-the-future-runs-on-spinach/
Of course, spinach isn't for everyone. Writer, Clarence Darrow famously said, "I don't like spinach, and I'm glad I don't, because if I liked it I'd eat it, and I just hate it."
Dan Rather, though not necessarily opposed to it, advises to "Never eat spinach just before going on the air."
[I can't listen to this quote without getting an image of Rather in spinach-toothed glory.]
So, in spite a few naysayers, do you really need any more reasons to EAT YOUR SPINACH?
c. 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Digestable Storehouses
Digest-able Storehouses
Just as a “magazine” is a storehouse for ammunition, similarly a publication could, in a sense be considered a “storehouse” or “arsenal” of ideas. These days, there is a magazine for any and everything. Publications abound freely. Few subcultures, trades, hobbies, or fetishes are left without representation. Thanks to Superstores like Barnes and Noble and Borders, it is not uncommon for the layperson to be generally familiar with some of these esoteric publications. Here are my top 10 that you may not immediately think of when perusing the magazine racks.
1. Amelia's Magazine http://www.ameliasmagazine.com/
This is an English magazine with a beautiful website. Amelia is the empress of style, covering anything and everything cool and current that you may want to know about in her beautiful magazine. Amelia's covers are known for being unique (previous issues have been texturized with Swarovski crystals, and fur. Others have been glow-in-the-dark and scratch 'n' sniff.) Her colorful, artistic pages are just as pretty as you'd see in any museum. In fact, you can even order limited edition prints from her. Each issue is a limited edition, designer original, by Amelia in her home office, in East London.
She interviews everyone from illustrators, zine publishers (trust me, these are like no zines here in America) and musicians to the founders of the new green networking site, Ecomotion.
2. Garden & Gun: Soul of the New South "http://www.Gardenandgun.com/
A bi-monthly Southern lifestyle magazine that deftly captures the magic of the new South –the food, arts, politics, sports, and community.
From down home cooking tips and recipes to the latest fishing advice, this would be my one stop shop to find out what's going on in the south. The picturesque landscapes of destinations make you feel like you are there. As do the in depth coverage of festivals such as the, 105th annual Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of Pirates. How to pick the best exhibitions, how to choose the best Fly Rod camp. If it happens in the South, it happens in Garden and Gun.
3. Weird New Jersey http://www.weirdnj.com/
Weird New Jersey is a self-published, kitschy annual travel guide.
The features come from interviews, letters, miles of traverse; all seeking anything and everything weird and unique about New Jersey. “Your travel guide to New Jersey's local legends and best kept secrets.”
The “New Jersey Hall of Shame” is a list of about 25 New Jersey citizens of shameful notoriety, including Andrew Cunanan, Versace's murderer, and the Menendez brothers (who were born there). They are always taking nominees.
4. Weird Universe http://www.weirduniverse.net
"Weird Universe explores every aspect of the natural cosmos; proving, that is not only 'stranger than we imagine, but stranger than we can imagine.'"
From “Archaeology” to“Walking Zombie Syndrome,” to a story about Russian porn star Yelena Berkova running for mayor of her city. Weird Universe covers it all; with everything in between. Few oddities have been missed. Regular columns such as, “Your daily Loser,” and “People who's sex lives are worse than yours,” will be a sure-fire boost to your self-esteem.
5. Gastronomica http://www.gastronomica.org/index.html
is an academic/literary journal about food and food culture. It's recipes and articles will whet and feed readers sensual and intellectual appetites for culinary culture. Has a “Food on Film” section, which discusses food themes in movies, such as American Pie, Austin Powers, and American Psycho, among others.
6. Obscure Magazine http://www.obscuremagazine.com/about.cfm
One definition of the word “obscure” is, “not readily understood or clearly expressed.” The editors of this magazine felt that this was true of media's coverage the black community. They hope to give clarity and understanding to black ladies by empowering them. With articles on spirituality, family, community, health, wealth, entertainment and beauty, Obscure is devoted to positive and healthy foundations.
7.The Hungover Gourmet http://www.hungovergourmet.com/
This is basically a food magazine for guys, who have no cooking experience. The editor of this magazine says, "I think it's unfortunate that more men don't cook, like to cook, or admit to cooking. Sure, plenty of guys'll own up to strapping on a ridiculous hat and apron to burn a few steaks beyond all recognition, but is that really cooking?"
Complete with recipes, burger reviews, blogs, and drink recipes ...oh, and hangover cures, The Hungover Gourmet will soon be every guy's best friend and savior.
8. Sheep! Magazine "http://www.sheepmagazine.com/"http://www.sheepmagazine.comFrom the same publishers who gave us Backyard Poultry and the Dairy Goat Journal, Sheep!gives us everything we need to know to raise sheep effectively. From shearing tips to business tips, you'll find your “flock wisdom” here. Even “help for the reluctant shepherd.” Show the world you are a sheep lover with an “Ask About My Sheep” shirt!
9.Monocle "http://www.monocle.com/"http://www.monocle.com/ Headquartered in London with offices in Tokyo, Sydney, Zürich and New York, Monocle covers international and global affairs, including business, culture and design. It comes out 10 times a year in print and everyday at monocle.com. The staff includes award-winning editors and correspondents from The New York Times, The Independent on Sunday, the BBC, CBC and many more. Monocle is designed to look more like a book than a magazine. It is both highly portable and collectable (it's very “bookish.”) Writers and photographers cover international stories on politics, branding, and popular culture.
10.Reason Magazine "http://www.reason.com/"http://www.reason.comWith pithy contributors such as Christopher Hitchins and Michelle Malkin, Reason is the monthly print magazine of “free minds and free markets.” Covering politics, culture, and ideas with freedom from partisanship, through a mix of news, analysis, commentary, and reviews. Makes a case for freedom and individual choice in all areas of human activity.
Not only is Reason Online updated daily with articles and columns, it also contains the full text of past issues of the print edition of Reason. Reason Online is free.
Reason and Reason Online are editorially independent publications of the Reason Foundation, a national, non-profit research and educational organization.
Hopefully you will be as delighted as I was to discover these “arsenals.”
It's kind of fun to realize there is a magazine for every subculture and hobby. Sometimes it can be interesting and enlightening to delve into some completely random, glossy knowledge. If reading a book can be a journey of the imagination, maybe a magazine can be a weekend getaway.
c. 2009
Just as a “magazine” is a storehouse for ammunition, similarly a publication could, in a sense be considered a “storehouse” or “arsenal” of ideas. These days, there is a magazine for any and everything. Publications abound freely. Few subcultures, trades, hobbies, or fetishes are left without representation. Thanks to Superstores like Barnes and Noble and Borders, it is not uncommon for the layperson to be generally familiar with some of these esoteric publications. Here are my top 10 that you may not immediately think of when perusing the magazine racks.
1. Amelia's Magazine http://www.ameliasmagazine.com/
This is an English magazine with a beautiful website. Amelia is the empress of style, covering anything and everything cool and current that you may want to know about in her beautiful magazine. Amelia's covers are known for being unique (previous issues have been texturized with Swarovski crystals, and fur. Others have been glow-in-the-dark and scratch 'n' sniff.) Her colorful, artistic pages are just as pretty as you'd see in any museum. In fact, you can even order limited edition prints from her. Each issue is a limited edition, designer original, by Amelia in her home office, in East London.
She interviews everyone from illustrators, zine publishers (trust me, these are like no zines here in America) and musicians to the founders of the new green networking site, Ecomotion.
2. Garden & Gun: Soul of the New South "http://www.Gardenandgun.com/
A bi-monthly Southern lifestyle magazine that deftly captures the magic of the new South –the food, arts, politics, sports, and community.
From down home cooking tips and recipes to the latest fishing advice, this would be my one stop shop to find out what's going on in the south. The picturesque landscapes of destinations make you feel like you are there. As do the in depth coverage of festivals such as the, 105th annual Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of Pirates. How to pick the best exhibitions, how to choose the best Fly Rod camp. If it happens in the South, it happens in Garden and Gun.
3. Weird New Jersey http://www.weirdnj.com/
Weird New Jersey is a self-published, kitschy annual travel guide.
The features come from interviews, letters, miles of traverse; all seeking anything and everything weird and unique about New Jersey. “Your travel guide to New Jersey's local legends and best kept secrets.”
The “New Jersey Hall of Shame” is a list of about 25 New Jersey citizens of shameful notoriety, including Andrew Cunanan, Versace's murderer, and the Menendez brothers (who were born there). They are always taking nominees.
4. Weird Universe http://www.weirduniverse.net
"Weird Universe explores every aspect of the natural cosmos; proving, that is not only 'stranger than we imagine, but stranger than we can imagine.'"
From “Archaeology” to“Walking Zombie Syndrome,” to a story about Russian porn star Yelena Berkova running for mayor of her city. Weird Universe covers it all; with everything in between. Few oddities have been missed. Regular columns such as, “Your daily Loser,” and “People who's sex lives are worse than yours,” will be a sure-fire boost to your self-esteem.
5. Gastronomica http://www.gastronomica.org/index.html
is an academic/literary journal about food and food culture. It's recipes and articles will whet and feed readers sensual and intellectual appetites for culinary culture. Has a “Food on Film” section, which discusses food themes in movies, such as American Pie, Austin Powers, and American Psycho, among others.
6. Obscure Magazine http://www.obscuremagazine.com/about.cfm
One definition of the word “obscure” is, “not readily understood or clearly expressed.” The editors of this magazine felt that this was true of media's coverage the black community. They hope to give clarity and understanding to black ladies by empowering them. With articles on spirituality, family, community, health, wealth, entertainment and beauty, Obscure is devoted to positive and healthy foundations.
7.The Hungover Gourmet http://www.hungovergourmet.com/
This is basically a food magazine for guys, who have no cooking experience. The editor of this magazine says, "I think it's unfortunate that more men don't cook, like to cook, or admit to cooking. Sure, plenty of guys'll own up to strapping on a ridiculous hat and apron to burn a few steaks beyond all recognition, but is that really cooking?"
Complete with recipes, burger reviews, blogs, and drink recipes ...oh, and hangover cures, The Hungover Gourmet will soon be every guy's best friend and savior.
8. Sheep! Magazine "http://www.sheepmagazine.com/"http://www.sheepmagazine.comFrom the same publishers who gave us Backyard Poultry and the Dairy Goat Journal, Sheep!gives us everything we need to know to raise sheep effectively. From shearing tips to business tips, you'll find your “flock wisdom” here. Even “help for the reluctant shepherd.” Show the world you are a sheep lover with an “Ask About My Sheep” shirt!
9.Monocle "http://www.monocle.com/"http://www.monocle.com/ Headquartered in London with offices in Tokyo, Sydney, Zürich and New York, Monocle covers international and global affairs, including business, culture and design. It comes out 10 times a year in print and everyday at monocle.com. The staff includes award-winning editors and correspondents from The New York Times, The Independent on Sunday, the BBC, CBC and many more. Monocle is designed to look more like a book than a magazine. It is both highly portable and collectable (it's very “bookish.”) Writers and photographers cover international stories on politics, branding, and popular culture.
10.Reason Magazine "http://www.reason.com/"http://www.reason.comWith pithy contributors such as Christopher Hitchins and Michelle Malkin, Reason is the monthly print magazine of “free minds and free markets.” Covering politics, culture, and ideas with freedom from partisanship, through a mix of news, analysis, commentary, and reviews. Makes a case for freedom and individual choice in all areas of human activity.
Not only is Reason Online updated daily with articles and columns, it also contains the full text of past issues of the print edition of Reason. Reason Online is free.
Reason and Reason Online are editorially independent publications of the Reason Foundation, a national, non-profit research and educational organization.
Hopefully you will be as delighted as I was to discover these “arsenals.”
It's kind of fun to realize there is a magazine for every subculture and hobby. Sometimes it can be interesting and enlightening to delve into some completely random, glossy knowledge. If reading a book can be a journey of the imagination, maybe a magazine can be a weekend getaway.
c. 2009
Cool Like That
"Maybe you are the 'cool' generation If coolness means a capacity to stay calm and use your head in the service of ends passionately believed in, then it has my admiration."
Kingman Brewster, Jr.
So I looked up the word "cool" in the Urban Dictionary, and let me just tell you that I found possibly the most "uncool" definition. "The best way to say something is neat-o, awesome, or swell.". (That's what I get for doing such an uncool thing like looking "cool" up in the dictionary.) Apparently this dictionary hasn't been updated since the 1950s.
Several images come to one's mind when pondering, "what exactly is cool?" Fonzie is probably the first image. He embodied cool. Fortunately, Fonzie was cool internally and externally. He was so cool, he could pull off being a good guy. James Dean may be another who immediately comes to mind. While he could certainly have pulled off being noble, he didn't bother. Maybe he didn't have to. He was an iconic individual, for sure.
While pondering my list of cool, the word "responsibility" may not be the first word that emerges into my mind, but when musing about things that are "uncool," the antonyms of the word clearly come into focus, "deadbeats," "slackers," "losers," etc.
There are people who may be cool externally, but when you dig a little deeper, you find that they are ignorant deadbeats; irresponsible and illegitimate in every way. These are the people who have made a pattern of shirking responsibilities, large and small. Undependable people are certainly "uncool' in most people's book. Perhaps I was a little harsh in calling them "irresponsible and illegitimate in every way," because EVERYONE is capable of this at some point, and not everyone is illegitimate in every way....maybe just some ways. It still ain't cool.
I found a blog on Yahoo discussing this very topic. For the most part the bloggers concurred that being yourself, and independent topped the list of what was cool.
"Cool" is certainly a relative and a generic term. I can refer to your pants or shoes as "cool," in the sense that I just like them. But when I deem something to be truly cool, it is pristine. It can fend for itself; stand on it's own, so to speak.
There are the intellectually cool. This brings up an important question, are you cool because of what you do or who you are? do you project a specific aura that says "hey, he's cool?" or must you do specific things in order to become cool? "she's a high-powered lawyer, gosh, she's cool."
(Perhaps this query is merely my attempt to appear intellectually or philosophically cool.)
No one can definitively say what "cool" is, yet everyone knows it when they see it. I think an overarching definition is that cool is a state of mind. Independence is cool, blaming others for your and depending on others to bail you out of your misfortunes is very uncool.
You can't be truly cool without taking responsibility for yourself. No one likes constantly picking up the pieces of your oversights. That's just not cool. "But," you say. "I hate my job, it's pointless," or, "But my company just went bankrupt, how on earth is society going to function without such an important industry leader?" We need to stop depending on others to bail us out of these entirely preventable situations.
We need to work towards making this a much cooler society; a plucky and empowered society that isn't afraid to own up to its responsibilities.
c. 2009
Kingman Brewster, Jr.
So I looked up the word "cool" in the Urban Dictionary, and let me just tell you that I found possibly the most "uncool" definition. "The best way to say something is neat-o, awesome, or swell.". (That's what I get for doing such an uncool thing like looking "cool" up in the dictionary.) Apparently this dictionary hasn't been updated since the 1950s.
Several images come to one's mind when pondering, "what exactly is cool?" Fonzie is probably the first image. He embodied cool. Fortunately, Fonzie was cool internally and externally. He was so cool, he could pull off being a good guy. James Dean may be another who immediately comes to mind. While he could certainly have pulled off being noble, he didn't bother. Maybe he didn't have to. He was an iconic individual, for sure.
While pondering my list of cool, the word "responsibility" may not be the first word that emerges into my mind, but when musing about things that are "uncool," the antonyms of the word clearly come into focus, "deadbeats," "slackers," "losers," etc.
There are people who may be cool externally, but when you dig a little deeper, you find that they are ignorant deadbeats; irresponsible and illegitimate in every way. These are the people who have made a pattern of shirking responsibilities, large and small. Undependable people are certainly "uncool' in most people's book. Perhaps I was a little harsh in calling them "irresponsible and illegitimate in every way," because EVERYONE is capable of this at some point, and not everyone is illegitimate in every way....maybe just some ways. It still ain't cool.
I found a blog on Yahoo discussing this very topic. For the most part the bloggers concurred that being yourself, and independent topped the list of what was cool.
"Cool" is certainly a relative and a generic term. I can refer to your pants or shoes as "cool," in the sense that I just like them. But when I deem something to be truly cool, it is pristine. It can fend for itself; stand on it's own, so to speak.
There are the intellectually cool. This brings up an important question, are you cool because of what you do or who you are? do you project a specific aura that says "hey, he's cool?" or must you do specific things in order to become cool? "she's a high-powered lawyer, gosh, she's cool."
(Perhaps this query is merely my attempt to appear intellectually or philosophically cool.)
No one can definitively say what "cool" is, yet everyone knows it when they see it. I think an overarching definition is that cool is a state of mind. Independence is cool, blaming others for your and depending on others to bail you out of your misfortunes is very uncool.
You can't be truly cool without taking responsibility for yourself. No one likes constantly picking up the pieces of your oversights. That's just not cool. "But," you say. "I hate my job, it's pointless," or, "But my company just went bankrupt, how on earth is society going to function without such an important industry leader?" We need to stop depending on others to bail us out of these entirely preventable situations.
We need to work towards making this a much cooler society; a plucky and empowered society that isn't afraid to own up to its responsibilities.
c. 2009
Communist Party Hats
Communist Party Hats?
You'd think that you could depend on the U.S. government to buy American. Especially for something as sensitive as a condom. It seems that 300 local condom manufacturers got the short end of the new stimulus. These superior workers are losing their jobs in favor of cheaper Chinese labor. Alatech, which supplies the condoms to USAID, for distribution, will be essentially laid off.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), works in conjunction with The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Under this plan (which George W. Bush created), condoms are distributed nationally for AIDS prevention. USAID has decided to buy Chinese condoms which sell for about 2 cents as opposed to a more extravagant 5 cents for American made.
“The U.S. government, the world's largest donor of condoms, has bought more than nine billion condoms over the past two decades. Under President George W. Bush's global AIDS plan, which dedicates billions of dollars to fight the epidemic...the U.S. government's distribution of condoms has risen, to over 400 million a year.” http://www.physiciansforlife.org/content/view/1392/36/
Alatech has been supplying condoms for USAID for 30 years. The decision to replace the American workers has been in the works for several years. The result of a process that occurred long before Obama took office. Unfortunately, we're becoming more and more accustomed to outsourcing, under government and corporate auspices. An article in the Kansas City Star tells us, “'Of course, we considered how many U.S. jobs would be affected by this move,' said a USAID official who spoke on the condition that he would not be named. But he said the reasons for the change included lower prices (2 cents versus more than 5 cents for U.S.-made condoms) and the fact that Congress dropped 'Buy American language' in a recent appropriations bill.”
I had an opportunity to speak with Lawrence Povlacs, the President of Alatech. He said that they were finishing their last 4 year contract with USAID right now. He sounded very beat, very betrayed by his government. He told me that this was a cost issue. They can get Chinese-made condoms for about 10% of his company's price.
He dejectedly told me how he had to tell his workers the news, some who have been doing this for 30 years. “How am I supposed to break the news to them?”
McClatchy News tells us, “At a time when the federal government is spending billions of stimulus dollars to stem the tide of U.S. layoffs, should that same government put even more Americans out of work by buying cheaper foreign products?”
A big red flag, [no pun intended] appears in my mind when I think about the U.S. allowing China to, in essence, have a major influence on our reproductive future. Trading locally produced condoms for cheaper foreign ones might not be the best idea. This is most definitely not something that we should scrimp on. Condoms are one of the most popular and commonly used forms of contraception in the world. Failure rate can be, and often is, disastrous.
“USAID officials maintain that tests have shown that Chinese condoms hold up well against those made in the U.S. and elsewhere. Some condom experts disagree.
Bill Howe, president of PolyTech Synergies in Ohio, a consultant to the condom industry, said China is 'learning' to produce better condoms, but their products are still 'notoriously suspect.'” http://www.kansascity.com/637/story/1100966-p2.html
“Notoriously suspect?!”
Why in the world would we adopt the birth control habits of the most overpopulated country in the world anyway? China would certainly be last on my list as the poster child for any sort of contraception? In fact, Chinese-made condoms are so bad that the manufacturers must resort to putting David Beckam's picture on their condoms, in order to sell any.
The Chinese have many complaints about their condoms. Among them, “too thick,” “too thin,” “low quality,” and “uncomfortable.” There have also been numerous complaints about unreadable expiration dates, says DNA World.
“So we're going to trust birth control, we're going to trust AIDS to the ChiComs? They can't even make pet food, they can't even make kids' toys, and we're going to shut down 300 condom jobs start buying condoms from China?” asks an incredulous Rush Limbaugh.
According to, IRINews, 69 of 117 [Chinese] youths who were interviewed approved of condom sales in Chinese shops, with 31 against the idea. One-third of those who opposed the idea listed as their reason the “bad quality of Chinese products.”
www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=82970 The average Chinese failure rate for condoms is 21%. Compare this to American's 12%. Is this really worth the gamble?
Alatech has been supplying condoms for USAID for 30 years. The decision to replace the American workers has been in the works for several years. The result of a process that occurred long before Obama took office. Unfortunately, we're becoming more and more accustomed to outsourcing, under government and corporate auspices. An article in the Kansas City Star tells us, “'Of course, we considered how many U.S. jobs would be affected by this move,' said a USAID official who spoke on the condition that he would not be named. But he said the reasons for the change included lower prices (2 cents versus more than 5 cents for U.S.-made condoms) and the fact that Congress dropped 'Buy American language' in a recent appropriations bill.”
I had an opportunity to speak with Lawrence Povlacs, the President of Alatech. He said that they were finishing their last 4 year contract with USAID right now. He sounded very beat, very betrayed by his government. He told me that this was a cost issue. They can get Chinese-made condoms for about 10% of his company's price.
He dejectedly told me how he had to tell his workers the news, some who have been doing this for 30 years. “How am I supposed to break the news to them?”
McClatchy News tells us, “At a time when the federal government is spending billions of stimulus dollars to stem the tide of U.S. layoffs, should that same government put even more Americans out of work by buying cheaper foreign products?”
A big red flag, [no pun intended] appears in my mind when I think about the U.S. allowing China to, in essence, have a major influence on our reproductive future. Trading locally produced condoms for cheaper foreign ones might not be the best idea. This is most definitely not something that we should scrimp on. Condoms are one of the most popular and commonly used forms of contraception in the world. Failure rate can be, and often is, disastrous.
“USAID officials maintain that tests have shown that Chinese condoms hold up well against those made in the U.S. and elsewhere. Some condom experts disagree.
Bill Howe, president of PolyTech Synergies in Ohio, a consultant to the condom industry, said China is 'learning' to produce better condoms, but their products are still 'notoriously suspect.'” http://www.kansascity.com/637/story/1100966-p2.html
“Notoriously suspect?!”
Why in the world would we adopt the birth control habits of the most overpopulated country in the world anyway? China would certainly be last on my list as the poster child for any sort of contraception? In fact, Chinese-made condoms are so bad that the manufacturers must resort to putting David Beckam's picture on their condoms, in order to sell any.
The Chinese have many complaints about their condoms. Among them, “too thick,” “too thin,” “low quality,” and “uncomfortable.” There have also been numerous complaints about unreadable expiration dates, says DNA World.
“So we're going to trust birth control, we're going to trust AIDS to the ChiComs? They can't even make pet food, they can't even make kids' toys, and we're going to shut down 300 condom jobs start buying condoms from China?” asks an incredulous Rush Limbaugh.
According to, IRINews, 69 of 117 [Chinese] youths who were interviewed approved of condom sales in Chinese shops, with 31 against the idea. One-third of those who opposed the idea listed as their reason the “bad quality of Chinese products.”
www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=82970 The average Chinese failure rate for condoms is 21%. Compare this to American's 12%. Is this really worth the gamble?
You'd think that you could depend on the U.S. government to buy American. Especially for something as sensitive as a condom. It seems that 300 local condom manufacturers got the short end of the new stimulus. These superior workers are losing their jobs in favor of cheaper Chinese labor. Alatech, which supplies the condoms to USAID, for distribution, will be essentially laid off.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), works in conjunction with The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Under this plan (which George W. Bush created), condoms are distributed nationally for AIDS prevention. USAID has decided to buy Chinese condoms which sell for about 2 cents as opposed to a more extravagant 5 cents for American made.
“The U.S. government, the world's largest donor of condoms, has bought more than nine billion condoms over the past two decades. Under President George W. Bush's global AIDS plan, which dedicates billions of dollars to fight the epidemic...the U.S. government's distribution of condoms has risen, to over 400 million a year.” http://www.physiciansforlife.org/content/view/1392/36/
Alatech has been supplying condoms for USAID for 30 years. The decision to replace the American workers has been in the works for several years. The result of a process that occurred long before Obama took office. Unfortunately, we're becoming more and more accustomed to outsourcing, under government and corporate auspices. An article in the Kansas City Star tells us, “'Of course, we considered how many U.S. jobs would be affected by this move,' said a USAID official who spoke on the condition that he would not be named. But he said the reasons for the change included lower prices (2 cents versus more than 5 cents for U.S.-made condoms) and the fact that Congress dropped 'Buy American language' in a recent appropriations bill.”
I had an opportunity to speak with Lawrence Povlacs, the President of Alatech. He said that they were finishing their last 4 year contract with USAID right now. He sounded very beat, very betrayed by his government. He told me that this was a cost issue. They can get Chinese-made condoms for about 10% of his company's price.
He dejectedly told me how he had to tell his workers the news, some who have been doing this for 30 years. “How am I supposed to break the news to them?”
McClatchy News tells us, “At a time when the federal government is spending billions of stimulus dollars to stem the tide of U.S. layoffs, should that same government put even more Americans out of work by buying cheaper foreign products?”
A big red flag, [no pun intended] appears in my mind when I think about the U.S. allowing China to, in essence, have a major influence on our reproductive future. Trading locally produced condoms for cheaper foreign ones might not be the best idea. This is most definitely not something that we should scrimp on. Condoms are one of the most popular and commonly used forms of contraception in the world. Failure rate can be, and often is, disastrous.
“USAID officials maintain that tests have shown that Chinese condoms hold up well against those made in the U.S. and elsewhere. Some condom experts disagree.
Bill Howe, president of PolyTech Synergies in Ohio, a consultant to the condom industry, said China is 'learning' to produce better condoms, but their products are still 'notoriously suspect.'” http://www.kansascity.com/637/story/1100966-p2.html
“Notoriously suspect?!”
Why in the world would we adopt the birth control habits of the most overpopulated country in the world anyway? China would certainly be last on my list as the poster child for any sort of contraception? In fact, Chinese-made condoms are so bad that the manufacturers must resort to putting David Beckam's picture on their condoms, in order to sell any.
The Chinese have many complaints about their condoms. Among them, “too thick,” “too thin,” “low quality,” and “uncomfortable.” There have also been numerous complaints about unreadable expiration dates, says DNA World.
“So we're going to trust birth control, we're going to trust AIDS to the ChiComs? They can't even make pet food, they can't even make kids' toys, and we're going to shut down 300 condom jobs start buying condoms from China?” asks an incredulous Rush Limbaugh.
According to, IRINews, 69 of 117 [Chinese] youths who were interviewed approved of condom sales in Chinese shops, with 31 against the idea. One-third of those who opposed the idea listed as their reason the “bad quality of Chinese products.”
www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=82970 The average Chinese failure rate for condoms is 21%. Compare this to American's 12%. Is this really worth the gamble?
Alatech has been supplying condoms for USAID for 30 years. The decision to replace the American workers has been in the works for several years. The result of a process that occurred long before Obama took office. Unfortunately, we're becoming more and more accustomed to outsourcing, under government and corporate auspices. An article in the Kansas City Star tells us, “'Of course, we considered how many U.S. jobs would be affected by this move,' said a USAID official who spoke on the condition that he would not be named. But he said the reasons for the change included lower prices (2 cents versus more than 5 cents for U.S.-made condoms) and the fact that Congress dropped 'Buy American language' in a recent appropriations bill.”
I had an opportunity to speak with Lawrence Povlacs, the President of Alatech. He said that they were finishing their last 4 year contract with USAID right now. He sounded very beat, very betrayed by his government. He told me that this was a cost issue. They can get Chinese-made condoms for about 10% of his company's price.
He dejectedly told me how he had to tell his workers the news, some who have been doing this for 30 years. “How am I supposed to break the news to them?”
McClatchy News tells us, “At a time when the federal government is spending billions of stimulus dollars to stem the tide of U.S. layoffs, should that same government put even more Americans out of work by buying cheaper foreign products?”
A big red flag, [no pun intended] appears in my mind when I think about the U.S. allowing China to, in essence, have a major influence on our reproductive future. Trading locally produced condoms for cheaper foreign ones might not be the best idea. This is most definitely not something that we should scrimp on. Condoms are one of the most popular and commonly used forms of contraception in the world. Failure rate can be, and often is, disastrous.
“USAID officials maintain that tests have shown that Chinese condoms hold up well against those made in the U.S. and elsewhere. Some condom experts disagree.
Bill Howe, president of PolyTech Synergies in Ohio, a consultant to the condom industry, said China is 'learning' to produce better condoms, but their products are still 'notoriously suspect.'” http://www.kansascity.com/637/story/1100966-p2.html
“Notoriously suspect?!”
Why in the world would we adopt the birth control habits of the most overpopulated country in the world anyway? China would certainly be last on my list as the poster child for any sort of contraception? In fact, Chinese-made condoms are so bad that the manufacturers must resort to putting David Beckam's picture on their condoms, in order to sell any.
The Chinese have many complaints about their condoms. Among them, “too thick,” “too thin,” “low quality,” and “uncomfortable.” There have also been numerous complaints about unreadable expiration dates, says DNA World.
“So we're going to trust birth control, we're going to trust AIDS to the ChiComs? They can't even make pet food, they can't even make kids' toys, and we're going to shut down 300 condom jobs start buying condoms from China?” asks an incredulous Rush Limbaugh.
According to, IRINews, 69 of 117 [Chinese] youths who were interviewed approved of condom sales in Chinese shops, with 31 against the idea. One-third of those who opposed the idea listed as their reason the “bad quality of Chinese products.”
www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=82970 The average Chinese failure rate for condoms is 21%. Compare this to American's 12%. Is this really worth the gamble?
CH-CH-CH-CHANGES: Netting Your Niche
In this, the winter of our economic discontent, it’s not surprising to see the number of people who are finding an opportunity to reinvent. Sure, sometimes it has more to do with just an itching to try something new than anything. But more often than not, this decision is terror-driven or security-driven. Ether way, once you get past the sheer panic of OH MY GOD! WHAT AM I GONNA DO NOW, you just may find yourself in a perfect position to try something new.
Take my boyfriend, for instance. He started out with an enviable career as a lawyer in Chicago. He found it to be soul-crushing, draining work. So he made the transition to a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch,
When 911 happened, he and his co-workers were told not to come to work for about a week, for fear of a similar attack to their Chicago skyscraper. So after sitting on the couch, eating Doritos for a couple of days, he decided make use of his gym membership. It was there that he encountered yoga. Throughout a several-month-long process of business, career and life disappointments, yoga was just about the only thing that kept him sane. So after another move, he decided to try teaching yoga. He knows it’s far from perfect, but he finds it much more rewarding.
I was a graphic designer. I FINALLY finished school, got my first job, and realized I absolutely hated it. I felt like such a fake. I felt as though I was “playing” graphic designer,” only it wasn’t much fun. I figured it would get better though. When my contract wasn’t renewed, I panicked for sure, I did get that “WHAT NOW?” feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach, but only because I had spent so much time preparing for it, I felt sort of trapped. The thought of finding another job in that field nauseated me so much that I decided to quit design altogether. So more out of desperation than anything else, I started writing. I had been working in coffee shops to supplement my education, as well as my indecision. This gave me an incredible opportunity to observe human behavior, and inspired the idea for “that book I’ll write someday.” I recognized my opportunity to finally put my idea to paper, and got it published.
Many people, while they like their jobs, want to keep their options open, because they know that it’s not what they want to be doing forever. Unlike the generation before us who would find a trade and plan on working in one career for the rest of their lives, we live in a much more restless society today where people have many interests and don’t feel they should limit themselves to one career. It is not uncommon to find people working in two or more careers.
Po Bronson says in What Should I Do With My Life? a book outlining several people’s quest to fulfill their dream careers, "Most people's purpose comes from experience; it's not something you choose from a course catalog, but you only have a transformative experience if you're open to being changed by it." We've all heard a story or two of someone who has spent numerous years in a passion-less job and then finally, when they pursue their passion, ultimately succeed. When we hear of these folks who dare to dream, no doubt it thrills us to our very core. We, ourselves, may even let our mind entertain brief thoughts of following suite. Unfortunately, most people desert their dreams in favor of responsibility and security.
“But I have a college degree,” they protest, “why should I let all the time and money spent obtaining this go to waste?” Or conversely, “I don't have a degree, how could I possibly be suited for my dream career?” Dan Miller responds in his article, Is Your Work Your Calling or Your Profession? "We have a myth in our society that the more education one has, the more opportunities or choices one has as well. True, more education may lead to more economic affluence and the ability to purchase more stuff. But I find that more education often narrows rather than broadens the choices about meaningful direction in our lives. When someone has spent ten years getting a medical, dental, or law degree, how can that person discover at 40 that he/she really wants to be an artist or a truck driver?"
Suzanne Falter-Burns further explains in her article, Find Your Niche, that sometimes we just need to tune out those well-meaning, security-bound voices around us. "When we begin to listen to our own voice, and throw off all those other helpful ones in our head, life really starts to make sense. Not only do the wheels of progress finally turn in the direction we want, but we begin to put more and more credence in that small, lesser known part of ourselves that is the seat of both our vulnerability and our power. This is the place where our creativity, our imagination, and our own unique 'I-ness' really lives…”
So, it is very possible to turn our current economic winter into “the glorious summer made possible by this sun,” if only we can recognize, and take hold of the right opportunities.
c. 2009
Take my boyfriend, for instance. He started out with an enviable career as a lawyer in Chicago. He found it to be soul-crushing, draining work. So he made the transition to a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch,
When 911 happened, he and his co-workers were told not to come to work for about a week, for fear of a similar attack to their Chicago skyscraper. So after sitting on the couch, eating Doritos for a couple of days, he decided make use of his gym membership. It was there that he encountered yoga. Throughout a several-month-long process of business, career and life disappointments, yoga was just about the only thing that kept him sane. So after another move, he decided to try teaching yoga. He knows it’s far from perfect, but he finds it much more rewarding.
I was a graphic designer. I FINALLY finished school, got my first job, and realized I absolutely hated it. I felt like such a fake. I felt as though I was “playing” graphic designer,” only it wasn’t much fun. I figured it would get better though. When my contract wasn’t renewed, I panicked for sure, I did get that “WHAT NOW?” feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach, but only because I had spent so much time preparing for it, I felt sort of trapped. The thought of finding another job in that field nauseated me so much that I decided to quit design altogether. So more out of desperation than anything else, I started writing. I had been working in coffee shops to supplement my education, as well as my indecision. This gave me an incredible opportunity to observe human behavior, and inspired the idea for “that book I’ll write someday.” I recognized my opportunity to finally put my idea to paper, and got it published.
Many people, while they like their jobs, want to keep their options open, because they know that it’s not what they want to be doing forever. Unlike the generation before us who would find a trade and plan on working in one career for the rest of their lives, we live in a much more restless society today where people have many interests and don’t feel they should limit themselves to one career. It is not uncommon to find people working in two or more careers.
Po Bronson says in What Should I Do With My Life? a book outlining several people’s quest to fulfill their dream careers, "Most people's purpose comes from experience; it's not something you choose from a course catalog, but you only have a transformative experience if you're open to being changed by it." We've all heard a story or two of someone who has spent numerous years in a passion-less job and then finally, when they pursue their passion, ultimately succeed. When we hear of these folks who dare to dream, no doubt it thrills us to our very core. We, ourselves, may even let our mind entertain brief thoughts of following suite. Unfortunately, most people desert their dreams in favor of responsibility and security.
“But I have a college degree,” they protest, “why should I let all the time and money spent obtaining this go to waste?” Or conversely, “I don't have a degree, how could I possibly be suited for my dream career?” Dan Miller responds in his article, Is Your Work Your Calling or Your Profession? "We have a myth in our society that the more education one has, the more opportunities or choices one has as well. True, more education may lead to more economic affluence and the ability to purchase more stuff. But I find that more education often narrows rather than broadens the choices about meaningful direction in our lives. When someone has spent ten years getting a medical, dental, or law degree, how can that person discover at 40 that he/she really wants to be an artist or a truck driver?"
Suzanne Falter-Burns further explains in her article, Find Your Niche, that sometimes we just need to tune out those well-meaning, security-bound voices around us. "When we begin to listen to our own voice, and throw off all those other helpful ones in our head, life really starts to make sense. Not only do the wheels of progress finally turn in the direction we want, but we begin to put more and more credence in that small, lesser known part of ourselves that is the seat of both our vulnerability and our power. This is the place where our creativity, our imagination, and our own unique 'I-ness' really lives…”
So, it is very possible to turn our current economic winter into “the glorious summer made possible by this sun,” if only we can recognize, and take hold of the right opportunities.
c. 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
