Muslims are not happy! They're not
happy in Gaza. They're not happy
in Egypt. They're not happy in
Libya. They're not happy in
Morocco. They're not happy in
Iran. They're not happy in Iraq.
They're not happy in Yemen.
They're not happy in Afghanistan.
They're not happy in Syria. In
Lebanon the're not happy.
So, where are they happy?
Monday, September 30, 2013
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not: 9 Signs You're His Back-up Chick!
1. He Doesn't Claim You: Some men will call you his “girl” in private, but never claim you in public. By this, I mean never introducing you to friends or family, no PDA and won’t be caught dead in any cute, cozy flicks on Instagram. I’m not saying you have to have a social media presence in order to be official, but if he doesn’t want anyone to know you exist and says it’s because he’s “private” and doesn’t want anyone all up in his business, what he’s REALLY saying is “I want to keep my options open.” You’re not the one…keep it moving.
2. Cancels Plans At The Last Minute: This guy only asked you to hang out because the woman he really wanted to go out with was unavailable. But then she became available, which means you are now getting the boot. If this happens often, it’s usually because something, or someone, better came along and he doesn’t need you to fall back on anymore. If it happens once, it’s nothing to get alarmed about. But if it happens often, you’re his back up chick…and you shouldn’t stand for it out of principal alone.
3. He Just Wants To Be Friends (With Benefits): The most obvious way to tell you’re his back up chick is if he tells you he just wants to be friends, even after you’ve managed to sleep together already. Now this is where a woman has to be honest with herself because a lot of men will tell a woman upfront that they don’t want to be in a relationship with her or anyone else, but they think sex will change their mind. Ladies, not even MIND-BLOWING sex will make a man want to commit if he isn’t ready. Hell, he may be ready to commit, just not with you. If he says he just wants to be friends, believe him. If you can hand sex with no strings, cool…rock out. But if you want more, wait to see if that friendship has the potential to turn into something more before you give up the goodies.
4. Makes Plans At The Last Minute: Just like the guy who cancels at the last minute, the man who uses you as his back up chick usually considers you his “Plan B” when his original plans fall through. He knows you’ll be at home waiting by the phone for him to call you to do something, so you keep your weekends free just in case he gets the urge to hit you up. If you recognize this behaviour in yourself, stop it and get a life. As the saying goes, don’t make a man a priority when he only considers you an option. Next time he calls with a last minute request to see you, be busy
5. He Says You Are Perfect For Someone Else: How many times have you been seeing a guy casually who complains that there are no good women out there when, in fact, you seem to be everything he’s looking for? It’s frustrating when the guy you’re head over heels in love with can’t recognize a good thing when it’s staring him in the face, so you keep trying to show him how wonderful you are to no avail. He will tell you that you’re beautiful, intelligent, funny, hot, and everything that any man could ever want…just not him. What he’s saying is he’s just not that into you. If he keeps trying to push you onto someone else, then follow his lead and find a man who actually wants to be with you.
6. He Openly Dates Other Women: Again, this is a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many women are in denial that they have a chance with a guy who openly talks about and dates other women. If you two have no real commitment and he has no problem discussing other women in front of you, you’re wasting your time hoping for a relationship with this guy. If he knows that you want more than a casual dating situation with him, yet flaunts other women in front of you anyway, he has no regard for your feelings. In fact, wants you to know that you two are nowhere close to being in a committed relationship. He’s showing you who he is and what he does and does not want. Believe him!
7. He Never Returns Your Calls: Duh. If you are always calling him, only to get a response back from him days or weeks later, he’s not that into you. When a man is digging you, he can’t help but reach out to you to hear your voice, check up on you and see what you’re up to. But if days, weeks…months go by, and then he hits you up out of the blue like “what’s up…wanna hang out,” or drunk texts you asking if he can stop by, it is up to you to see the clear sign. This basically means he’s in between girlfriends, his girlfriend is out of town, or he’s bored or Hot and there is no one else to call. Block him.
8. You Can't Spend The Night After Sex: If a man says you can’t stay over because he has to get up early or simply asks you to leave after having sex, you are a non-factor in his life. You should be able to at least get a good night’s rest after rolling around in the sheets and maybe even a bowl of cereal in the morning before you head out. But if he’s always got an excuse as to why you can’t stay, he’s using you for sex only or he’s afraid his REAL girlfriend will roll up on him and bust him. If he was really into you, he’d want you to stay so you could spoon all night. Have some dignity and never go back…and sleep in your own bed.
9. He Always Comes To You After A Break Up: This is the guy who cries on your should after some other no-good chick breaks his heart into a million little pieces…and he has yet to realize that you would never hurt him like that. He knows deep down inside that you are a good woman and would make a great wife one day, but rather than getting with you, he dates ratchet chicks and then wonders how he got played for a fool. He’s vulnerable, so he talks to you in romantic ways saying things like “why can’t all women be wonderful like you,” getting your hopes up that he’ll actually open his eyes and discover that you’re the one. He spends time with you while he heals and you take his mind off that wicked b–ch who broke his heart and you think he’ll pay you back with his undying love and devotion. Wake up, because that stuff only happens in your dreams or the movies. Once his wounds have healed and he’s over her, he doesn’t need you anymore…he’s on the prowl again looking for anyone but you. Next time he comes to you after a breakup, tell him you’d love to console him but you’ve got plans with your new man and he’ll have to get over it himself. You’re not his therapist, he’ll be alright.
2. Cancels Plans At The Last Minute: This guy only asked you to hang out because the woman he really wanted to go out with was unavailable. But then she became available, which means you are now getting the boot. If this happens often, it’s usually because something, or someone, better came along and he doesn’t need you to fall back on anymore. If it happens once, it’s nothing to get alarmed about. But if it happens often, you’re his back up chick…and you shouldn’t stand for it out of principal alone.
3. He Just Wants To Be Friends (With Benefits): The most obvious way to tell you’re his back up chick is if he tells you he just wants to be friends, even after you’ve managed to sleep together already. Now this is where a woman has to be honest with herself because a lot of men will tell a woman upfront that they don’t want to be in a relationship with her or anyone else, but they think sex will change their mind. Ladies, not even MIND-BLOWING sex will make a man want to commit if he isn’t ready. Hell, he may be ready to commit, just not with you. If he says he just wants to be friends, believe him. If you can hand sex with no strings, cool…rock out. But if you want more, wait to see if that friendship has the potential to turn into something more before you give up the goodies.
4. Makes Plans At The Last Minute: Just like the guy who cancels at the last minute, the man who uses you as his back up chick usually considers you his “Plan B” when his original plans fall through. He knows you’ll be at home waiting by the phone for him to call you to do something, so you keep your weekends free just in case he gets the urge to hit you up. If you recognize this behaviour in yourself, stop it and get a life. As the saying goes, don’t make a man a priority when he only considers you an option. Next time he calls with a last minute request to see you, be busy
5. He Says You Are Perfect For Someone Else: How many times have you been seeing a guy casually who complains that there are no good women out there when, in fact, you seem to be everything he’s looking for? It’s frustrating when the guy you’re head over heels in love with can’t recognize a good thing when it’s staring him in the face, so you keep trying to show him how wonderful you are to no avail. He will tell you that you’re beautiful, intelligent, funny, hot, and everything that any man could ever want…just not him. What he’s saying is he’s just not that into you. If he keeps trying to push you onto someone else, then follow his lead and find a man who actually wants to be with you.
6. He Openly Dates Other Women: Again, this is a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many women are in denial that they have a chance with a guy who openly talks about and dates other women. If you two have no real commitment and he has no problem discussing other women in front of you, you’re wasting your time hoping for a relationship with this guy. If he knows that you want more than a casual dating situation with him, yet flaunts other women in front of you anyway, he has no regard for your feelings. In fact, wants you to know that you two are nowhere close to being in a committed relationship. He’s showing you who he is and what he does and does not want. Believe him!
7. He Never Returns Your Calls: Duh. If you are always calling him, only to get a response back from him days or weeks later, he’s not that into you. When a man is digging you, he can’t help but reach out to you to hear your voice, check up on you and see what you’re up to. But if days, weeks…months go by, and then he hits you up out of the blue like “what’s up…wanna hang out,” or drunk texts you asking if he can stop by, it is up to you to see the clear sign. This basically means he’s in between girlfriends, his girlfriend is out of town, or he’s bored or Hot and there is no one else to call. Block him.
8. You Can't Spend The Night After Sex: If a man says you can’t stay over because he has to get up early or simply asks you to leave after having sex, you are a non-factor in his life. You should be able to at least get a good night’s rest after rolling around in the sheets and maybe even a bowl of cereal in the morning before you head out. But if he’s always got an excuse as to why you can’t stay, he’s using you for sex only or he’s afraid his REAL girlfriend will roll up on him and bust him. If he was really into you, he’d want you to stay so you could spoon all night. Have some dignity and never go back…and sleep in your own bed.
9. He Always Comes To You After A Break Up: This is the guy who cries on your should after some other no-good chick breaks his heart into a million little pieces…and he has yet to realize that you would never hurt him like that. He knows deep down inside that you are a good woman and would make a great wife one day, but rather than getting with you, he dates ratchet chicks and then wonders how he got played for a fool. He’s vulnerable, so he talks to you in romantic ways saying things like “why can’t all women be wonderful like you,” getting your hopes up that he’ll actually open his eyes and discover that you’re the one. He spends time with you while he heals and you take his mind off that wicked b–ch who broke his heart and you think he’ll pay you back with his undying love and devotion. Wake up, because that stuff only happens in your dreams or the movies. Once his wounds have healed and he’s over her, he doesn’t need you anymore…he’s on the prowl again looking for anyone but you. Next time he comes to you after a breakup, tell him you’d love to console him but you’ve got plans with your new man and he’ll have to get over it himself. You’re not his therapist, he’ll be alright.
50 Things EVERY Lady Needs To STOP Doing
Breaking these habits that preclude us from becoming the people we want to be. Here’s the ultimate list of things every 20-something woman needs to stop doing…
1. Complaining that there are no available, good men.
2. Lamenting about how much you ate and listing all the food items (…and then eating a pizza for dinner).
3. Talking smack about people you like and hang out with.
4. Drunk texting. Seriously, that never ends well.
5. Neglecting your personal health and wellness. It’s important to take care of yourself.
6. Tanning. No excuses.
7. Having unprotected sex.
8. Hating your body and worrying about your weight.
9. Taking Unclad photos of yourself and thinking they’re safe with your boyfriend.
10. Pretending to be friends with people you no longer care about. You’re not doing anyone a favor.
11. Covering yourself in makeup.
12. Skipping the gym and then whining about not going.
13. Validating yourself by putting others down.
14. Drinking cheap liquor. Do your hangover a favor and upgrade.
15. Beating yourself up – we’re all young and learning.
16. Taking gratuitous selfies. Hate to break it to you, but no one cares.
17. Bi_ching that all men are the same. They aren’t, you know this, and it’s a waste of energy.
18. Stalking your ex on social media. Doesn’t matter what you find, it’s not going to comfort you.
19. Being afraid to take a chance on your career. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
20. Buying clothes at Forever21 because they are affordable…and then never wearing them.
21. Being mean to your parents. Give them a break, they’ve given you thousands.
22. Texting someone back after they’ve called you. It’s rude.
23. Getting upset over not having a boyfriend. He won’t want you if you’re frowning all the time.
24. Overspending money you don’t have. Live within your means and you’ll never feel stressed about finances.
25. Feeling intimidated by people you don’t know. Chances are they’re actually nice and friendly.
26. Drunk eating…(yeah, right).
27. Comparing yourself to others. You’ll never win.
28. Losing your cellphone — drunkenly or otherwise.
29. Purchasing jeans a size smaller in hopes of finally losing enough weight to fit into them.
30. Immediately responding with “Ew.”
1. Complaining that there are no available, good men.
2. Lamenting about how much you ate and listing all the food items (…and then eating a pizza for dinner).
3. Talking smack about people you like and hang out with.
4. Drunk texting. Seriously, that never ends well.
5. Neglecting your personal health and wellness. It’s important to take care of yourself.
6. Tanning. No excuses.
7. Having unprotected sex.
8. Hating your body and worrying about your weight.
9. Taking Unclad photos of yourself and thinking they’re safe with your boyfriend.
10. Pretending to be friends with people you no longer care about. You’re not doing anyone a favor.
11. Covering yourself in makeup.
12. Skipping the gym and then whining about not going.
13. Validating yourself by putting others down.
14. Drinking cheap liquor. Do your hangover a favor and upgrade.
15. Beating yourself up – we’re all young and learning.
16. Taking gratuitous selfies. Hate to break it to you, but no one cares.
17. Bi_ching that all men are the same. They aren’t, you know this, and it’s a waste of energy.
18. Stalking your ex on social media. Doesn’t matter what you find, it’s not going to comfort you.
19. Being afraid to take a chance on your career. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
20. Buying clothes at Forever21 because they are affordable…and then never wearing them.
21. Being mean to your parents. Give them a break, they’ve given you thousands.
22. Texting someone back after they’ve called you. It’s rude.
23. Getting upset over not having a boyfriend. He won’t want you if you’re frowning all the time.
24. Overspending money you don’t have. Live within your means and you’ll never feel stressed about finances.
25. Feeling intimidated by people you don’t know. Chances are they’re actually nice and friendly.
26. Drunk eating…(yeah, right).
27. Comparing yourself to others. You’ll never win.
28. Losing your cellphone — drunkenly or otherwise.
29. Purchasing jeans a size smaller in hopes of finally losing enough weight to fit into them.
30. Immediately responding with “Ew.”
Guys, If You Date Any Of These Girls, You're In Soup!
To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
1) Longer throat Girls ---> If she doesn't embarrass you at public events where she'll eat like a hungry Camel then she'll extend her taste buds to every food in your house. 90% of your savings would go into replenishing your food.
2) Ash*** ----> She's available to any man with the cash. If you notice she has a lot of expensive stuff you didn't pay for and she's not working go for an HIV test. Even if you love her you'll likely die before your time.
3) Gold Digger ----> Once you're rich she's in love with you. But guess what happens when your money finishes? You become a leper to her.
4) The She Devil ----> Some of them look like Angels but just cheat on them or break up with them you could suffer an Acid bath. Watch out for highly temperamental and over sensitive women they are worse than the Devil.
5) Miss Pretender ----> They often times claim to be Virgins or give lousy excuses for why they must wait till marriage to do IT. You'll be disappointed to know about 2 or more guys fire her weekly even while she claims to love you. Watch out for inconsistency in what she says and actually does especially if she flirts alot with guys and asks for too much ME time.
6) Drama Mama ----> Do you want high BP? Then date this girl. Every day is a drama day with her constant nagging and quarrels you're only a few days/weeks/months from visiting a Medical center
7) Gossip Machine -----> If she knows almost everything about everybody she's a machine designed for gossip. Your reputation is on the line and she may cause a big rift between you and your family and friends.
Are you dating any of them Guys?
You have been warned!
1) Longer throat Girls ---> If she doesn't embarrass you at public events where she'll eat like a hungry Camel then she'll extend her taste buds to every food in your house. 90% of your savings would go into replenishing your food.
2) Ash*** ----> She's available to any man with the cash. If you notice she has a lot of expensive stuff you didn't pay for and she's not working go for an HIV test. Even if you love her you'll likely die before your time.
3) Gold Digger ----> Once you're rich she's in love with you. But guess what happens when your money finishes? You become a leper to her.
4) The She Devil ----> Some of them look like Angels but just cheat on them or break up with them you could suffer an Acid bath. Watch out for highly temperamental and over sensitive women they are worse than the Devil.
5) Miss Pretender ----> They often times claim to be Virgins or give lousy excuses for why they must wait till marriage to do IT. You'll be disappointed to know about 2 or more guys fire her weekly even while she claims to love you. Watch out for inconsistency in what she says and actually does especially if she flirts alot with guys and asks for too much ME time.
6) Drama Mama ----> Do you want high BP? Then date this girl. Every day is a drama day with her constant nagging and quarrels you're only a few days/weeks/months from visiting a Medical center
7) Gossip Machine -----> If she knows almost everything about everybody she's a machine designed for gossip. Your reputation is on the line and she may cause a big rift between you and your family and friends.
Are you dating any of them Guys?
You have been warned!
Sunday, September 29, 2013
20 Signs You’re A Creative Person.
The world would be a dreadful place without creative people. Could you even imagine life without art? The thought alone makes me tremble. Could you be the next William Shakespeare, Steven Spielberg, or J.K. Rowling? Find out with these 20 signs you’re a creative person.
1. You have an authority problem.
Creative types don’t always get along well with management because they would rather march to the beat of their own drum.
2. You have a hard time relating with people.
Most people have a strong desire to fit in, something that you don’t understand. Conformity is gross.
3. You like to solve problems.
While most people are running and hiding from problems, you purposely seek them because you love nothing more than a fresh new challenge.
4. You are your own worst critic.
You wrote a blog many months ago and thought it was wonderful at the time you published it. But then you read it again later and wonder, “What the hell was I thinking?” You then identify approximately a thousand ways it could have been better and kick yourself for being so silly.
Note: Coincidentally, this is why I REFUSE to read my own old blogs and articles.
5. You ask lots of questions.
A stagnant mind devoid of curiosity doesn’t have the capacity to create.
6. You carry a notebook everywhere you go.
Because how else can you remember all those brilliant ideas that strike you on the fly?
7. You find beauty in the ordinary.
Creatives live in the present and are in constant awe of the world around them.
8. You are numb to rejection.
Let’s face it: it’s a hard world out there. If becoming a writer or actor or artist was easy, a lot more people would do it. Getting that dreaded rejection letter stinks at first, but eventually you become able to just shrug it off and go on to the next one.
9. You understand the power of atmosphere.
There is a reason some authors travel to a rustic cabin or sandy beach to write their novels. Some atmospheres are more conducive to creativity than others. Maybe you like to pack up your laptop and go to a coffee shop, downtown bench, or under a tree at the park. Whatever the case may be, you know the locations that boost your creative juices.
10. You think most people have poor taste.
You might find the movies and music most people enjoy to be downright terrible. I don’t know about you, but I believe SADNESS dies every time someone listens to NICKELBACK  
11. You are a people-watcher.
Why do people watch TV when real life is infinitely more interesting?
12. You aren’t in it for the money.
Money pays bills but it doesn’t provide happiness. There are much easier ways to make a living. This isn’t about money, it’s about passion.
13. You experience emotional highs and lows.
Your emotional life is not a straight line. Instead, it is more like the path of a roller-coaster full of dips, drops, hills, loops, and twists. Sometimes you might experience an eruption of happiness and a crash to sadness within mere moments of each other. The most painful parts usually find themselves in your art.
14. You seek inspiration.
Inspiration doesn’t happen on its own. Whether it is the opening of an art gallery, a theatrical production, or live music at a downtown bar, you search for inspiration wherever you can find it. It’s nice to know you’re not alone in your desire to create.
15. You have an interesting sense of humor.
Off-color jokes are the best kind of jokes.
16. You evolve like a boss.
An ability to adapt to challenging scenarios is necessary for survival in the creative jungle.
17. You hate stereotypes.
You understand that human beings are way too complicated to be dumped into gender roles or stereotypes.
18. You don’t have a filter.
Don’t you think life would be much more fun if everyone just said what they were thinking with no filter? There is no such thing as TMI (Too Much Information).
19. You take time to think.
Your brain is your greatest asset.
20. You don’t bend to pressure.
Whether it’s a hater who thinks your work of art sucks, a family member who thinks “you should get a real job,” or a friend who thinks your idea “will never work,” you don’t cave to outside pressure
1. You have an authority problem.
Creative types don’t always get along well with management because they would rather march to the beat of their own drum.
2. You have a hard time relating with people.
Most people have a strong desire to fit in, something that you don’t understand. Conformity is gross.
3. You like to solve problems.
While most people are running and hiding from problems, you purposely seek them because you love nothing more than a fresh new challenge.
4. You are your own worst critic.
You wrote a blog many months ago and thought it was wonderful at the time you published it. But then you read it again later and wonder, “What the hell was I thinking?” You then identify approximately a thousand ways it could have been better and kick yourself for being so silly.
Note: Coincidentally, this is why I REFUSE to read my own old blogs and articles.
5. You ask lots of questions.
A stagnant mind devoid of curiosity doesn’t have the capacity to create.
6. You carry a notebook everywhere you go.
Because how else can you remember all those brilliant ideas that strike you on the fly?
7. You find beauty in the ordinary.
Creatives live in the present and are in constant awe of the world around them.
8. You are numb to rejection.
Let’s face it: it’s a hard world out there. If becoming a writer or actor or artist was easy, a lot more people would do it. Getting that dreaded rejection letter stinks at first, but eventually you become able to just shrug it off and go on to the next one.
9. You understand the power of atmosphere.
There is a reason some authors travel to a rustic cabin or sandy beach to write their novels. Some atmospheres are more conducive to creativity than others. Maybe you like to pack up your laptop and go to a coffee shop, downtown bench, or under a tree at the park. Whatever the case may be, you know the locations that boost your creative juices.
10. You think most people have poor taste.
You might find the movies and music most people enjoy to be downright terrible. I don’t know about you, but I believe SADNESS dies every time someone listens to NICKELBACK  
11. You are a people-watcher.
Why do people watch TV when real life is infinitely more interesting?
12. You aren’t in it for the money.
Money pays bills but it doesn’t provide happiness. There are much easier ways to make a living. This isn’t about money, it’s about passion.
13. You experience emotional highs and lows.
Your emotional life is not a straight line. Instead, it is more like the path of a roller-coaster full of dips, drops, hills, loops, and twists. Sometimes you might experience an eruption of happiness and a crash to sadness within mere moments of each other. The most painful parts usually find themselves in your art.
14. You seek inspiration.
Inspiration doesn’t happen on its own. Whether it is the opening of an art gallery, a theatrical production, or live music at a downtown bar, you search for inspiration wherever you can find it. It’s nice to know you’re not alone in your desire to create.
15. You have an interesting sense of humor.
Off-color jokes are the best kind of jokes.
16. You evolve like a boss.
An ability to adapt to challenging scenarios is necessary for survival in the creative jungle.
17. You hate stereotypes.
You understand that human beings are way too complicated to be dumped into gender roles or stereotypes.
18. You don’t have a filter.
Don’t you think life would be much more fun if everyone just said what they were thinking with no filter? There is no such thing as TMI (Too Much Information).
19. You take time to think.
Your brain is your greatest asset.
20. You don’t bend to pressure.
Whether it’s a hater who thinks your work of art sucks, a family member who thinks “you should get a real job,” or a friend who thinks your idea “will never work,” you don’t cave to outside pressure
Why Do Short Girls Demand Tall Guys?
Ive a friend who is on the shorter side. Barely 5 feet tall herself.. she complains that a guy is only 5'7.. wtf?!?
I can understand taller girls wanting a taller guys.. but the short ones? What gives? Hes still taller than her. I thought that is what mattered.
I can understand taller girls wanting a taller guys.. but the short ones? What gives? Hes still taller than her. I thought that is what mattered.
Expired Foods Can Still Be Eaten
When Doug Rauch, the former president of grocery chain Trader Joe's, announced earlier this week that he is planning on opening a discount store that carries expired food, the big question many responded with was: "Is it safe?" Americans have come to equate products past their expiration dates with food poisoning, a misconception that contributes to 40 percent — or $160 billion worth — of the nation's food supply being trashed each year.
"Food-borne illness comes from the contamination of food by salmonella, listeria, and other pathogens," agriculture and food expert Dana Gunders, who co-authored a recent report on food labeling by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic, tells Yahoo Shine. "They get on the food during production and processing. That's what leads to people being sick, not the age of the food." Many foods will still be OK to eat after their "use by" date has long expired, even meat and milk.
While most people think that food labeling is regulated, the Federal Food and Drug Administration oversees only the labeling of baby formula. Everything else is at the discretion of the food producer or seller.
Widespread labeling came about during the 1970s, long after the majority of American consumers had transitioned from growing their own food or purchasing food from farms and local shops to buying from large supermarkets. "The demand for labels came out of a concern about freshness. They were never meant to be about safety," says Gunders. In fact, expiration dates aren't a guarantee of safety at all, since they were designed to simply indicate peak quality.
There are actually two types of food labels. "Sell by" dates are meant to tell retailers when the manufacturer recommends that they rotate stock. "Use by" or "best by" dates, meanwhile, indicate freshness to the consumer. "For most products, it's up to the manufacturer," says Gunders. "Some may use actual lab tests, but that's pretty rare. They might do consumer taste testing or they might guess according to how competitors are labeling."
In my own refrigerator, a sealed glass jar of salsa reads "best by April 24, 2014." What exactly happens on April 25? When it comes to eating so-called expired food, Gunders and other experts say you can indeed consume many foods past their expiration dates if you eyes, nose, and a healthy serving of common sense.
"Smell the food," food safety expert Ted Labuza tells Yahoo Shine. Labuza, who teaches food science and nutrition at the University of Minnesota says the key to ensuring a longer shelf life is controlling the storage temperature and preventing exposure to moisture and oxygen. Before you toss something out, check out this list of just some of the items that will last beyond their expiration dates, if you follow a few simple steps.
Meat. Labuza keeps his refrigerator at between 32 and 34 degrees, lower than the generally recommended 40 degrees. This gives meat a 50 percent longer shelf life, he says. Labuza points out that stores don't scientifically determine the use-by date of fresh meat, but follow what their competitors are doing.
Milk. Pasteurized milk also lasts 50 percent longer when stored at a lower temperature.
Canned goods. The label generally gives a shelf life of about three years. If you keep cans in a cool place (not above the stove) they will last about seven years. Always discard dented cans. Jarred and bottled goods will also last longer than their best date if kept in a cool place.
Frozen food. "I never look at the dates, I just eat it," says Labuza. Freezing kills all of the microbes that cause spoilage, although food will develop ice crystals (freezer burn) if there is an air space inside the packaging.
Dry goods such as crackers and corn chips. If they have a stale texture, crisp them up in a toaster oven. If they smell "barnyard-y" or rancid, the oils have spoiled and it's best to discard.
Eggs. Place in a bowl of water. If an egg floats, it's gone bad, but if it sinks, it's still edible, even if that expiration date passed you by weeks ago.
Pasta. Keep pasta in clear packaging in a dark, cool place which will increase shelf life and also retain nutrients, including riboflavin, that are light sensitive.
Bread. Keeping bread and other wheat-flour based foods in the freezer dramatically extends shelf life.
Packaged greens. If your lettuce is wilted but not visibly decayed, you can revive it by soaking in ice water for about 10 minutes.
One caveat: Prepared foods and processed meats can pick up pathogens while being produced. Gunders warns that prepared foods such as a deli sandwich or processed meats can harbor listeria that proliferates even when stored in the refrigerator. Use such foods quickly and never serve processed meats such as hot dogs or sausages (including those labeled pre-cooked) raw, especially to small children, the elderly, or anyone who has a compromised immune system. The good news: Cooking will kill surface bacteria.
"Food-borne illness comes from the contamination of food by salmonella, listeria, and other pathogens," agriculture and food expert Dana Gunders, who co-authored a recent report on food labeling by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic, tells Yahoo Shine. "They get on the food during production and processing. That's what leads to people being sick, not the age of the food." Many foods will still be OK to eat after their "use by" date has long expired, even meat and milk.
While most people think that food labeling is regulated, the Federal Food and Drug Administration oversees only the labeling of baby formula. Everything else is at the discretion of the food producer or seller.
Widespread labeling came about during the 1970s, long after the majority of American consumers had transitioned from growing their own food or purchasing food from farms and local shops to buying from large supermarkets. "The demand for labels came out of a concern about freshness. They were never meant to be about safety," says Gunders. In fact, expiration dates aren't a guarantee of safety at all, since they were designed to simply indicate peak quality.
There are actually two types of food labels. "Sell by" dates are meant to tell retailers when the manufacturer recommends that they rotate stock. "Use by" or "best by" dates, meanwhile, indicate freshness to the consumer. "For most products, it's up to the manufacturer," says Gunders. "Some may use actual lab tests, but that's pretty rare. They might do consumer taste testing or they might guess according to how competitors are labeling."
In my own refrigerator, a sealed glass jar of salsa reads "best by April 24, 2014." What exactly happens on April 25? When it comes to eating so-called expired food, Gunders and other experts say you can indeed consume many foods past their expiration dates if you eyes, nose, and a healthy serving of common sense.
"Smell the food," food safety expert Ted Labuza tells Yahoo Shine. Labuza, who teaches food science and nutrition at the University of Minnesota says the key to ensuring a longer shelf life is controlling the storage temperature and preventing exposure to moisture and oxygen. Before you toss something out, check out this list of just some of the items that will last beyond their expiration dates, if you follow a few simple steps.
Meat. Labuza keeps his refrigerator at between 32 and 34 degrees, lower than the generally recommended 40 degrees. This gives meat a 50 percent longer shelf life, he says. Labuza points out that stores don't scientifically determine the use-by date of fresh meat, but follow what their competitors are doing.
Milk. Pasteurized milk also lasts 50 percent longer when stored at a lower temperature.
Canned goods. The label generally gives a shelf life of about three years. If you keep cans in a cool place (not above the stove) they will last about seven years. Always discard dented cans. Jarred and bottled goods will also last longer than their best date if kept in a cool place.
Frozen food. "I never look at the dates, I just eat it," says Labuza. Freezing kills all of the microbes that cause spoilage, although food will develop ice crystals (freezer burn) if there is an air space inside the packaging.
Dry goods such as crackers and corn chips. If they have a stale texture, crisp them up in a toaster oven. If they smell "barnyard-y" or rancid, the oils have spoiled and it's best to discard.
Eggs. Place in a bowl of water. If an egg floats, it's gone bad, but if it sinks, it's still edible, even if that expiration date passed you by weeks ago.
Pasta. Keep pasta in clear packaging in a dark, cool place which will increase shelf life and also retain nutrients, including riboflavin, that are light sensitive.
Bread. Keeping bread and other wheat-flour based foods in the freezer dramatically extends shelf life.
Packaged greens. If your lettuce is wilted but not visibly decayed, you can revive it by soaking in ice water for about 10 minutes.
One caveat: Prepared foods and processed meats can pick up pathogens while being produced. Gunders warns that prepared foods such as a deli sandwich or processed meats can harbor listeria that proliferates even when stored in the refrigerator. Use such foods quickly and never serve processed meats such as hot dogs or sausages (including those labeled pre-cooked) raw, especially to small children, the elderly, or anyone who has a compromised immune system. The good news: Cooking will kill surface bacteria.
Fashola And MI Discuss Energy On Google+
Hangout with BRF and MI on Google Plus
Date: Friday, September 27, 2013 - 6:00pm:
Click the link below to be a part of this event
https://plus.google.com/u/0/events/ccr8cfu8a4r2g0avkaqrk9krol8
Date: Friday, September 27, 2013 - 6:00pm:
Click the link below to be a part of this event
https://plus.google.com/u/0/events/ccr8cfu8a4r2g0avkaqrk9krol8
Survives Risky Surgery In Afghanistan
Three Month old Asree Gul, with an extra head as she lies at a hospital in the eastern Afghanistan city of Jalalabad
This shocking picture shows a three-month-old baby with an extra head as she lies at a hospital in the Afghanistan city of Jalalabad.
The photo was taken just before Asree Gul underwent a rare operation to have the second skull removed.
Doctors say the surgery was a success, but it was complicated as vital nerves and blood vessels were linked to the second skull.
The family – farmers in Chaparhar district – approached doctors after Asree Gul’s second skull made it difficult for her to sleep, and led to her being stigmatised in their village.
Asree Gul – which means “new flower” – is one of a set of twins, and doctors believe her unusual condition was caused when a third baby failed to develop in the womb.
“Her mother gave birth to twins, two girls, one girl was in good health but the other has an abnormality. She had an extra head attached to her head,” Dr Ahmad Obaid Mojadidi told AFP.
He added that it was the first successful surgery of its kind in eastern Afghanistan.
“We don’t have very developed equipment,” he said, “but we are very happy to have conducted the operation successfully”.
The generous doctor completed the operation – which would usually cost between £2,500 and £3,700 – for free, as the family could not afford it
This shocking picture shows a three-month-old baby with an extra head as she lies at a hospital in the Afghanistan city of Jalalabad.
The photo was taken just before Asree Gul underwent a rare operation to have the second skull removed.
Doctors say the surgery was a success, but it was complicated as vital nerves and blood vessels were linked to the second skull.
The family – farmers in Chaparhar district – approached doctors after Asree Gul’s second skull made it difficult for her to sleep, and led to her being stigmatised in their village.
Asree Gul – which means “new flower” – is one of a set of twins, and doctors believe her unusual condition was caused when a third baby failed to develop in the womb.
“Her mother gave birth to twins, two girls, one girl was in good health but the other has an abnormality. She had an extra head attached to her head,” Dr Ahmad Obaid Mojadidi told AFP.
He added that it was the first successful surgery of its kind in eastern Afghanistan.
“We don’t have very developed equipment,” he said, “but we are very happy to have conducted the operation successfully”.
The generous doctor completed the operation – which would usually cost between £2,500 and £3,700 – for free, as the family could not afford it
A Letter From A Mother To Her Daughter
"My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.
If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”... Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep.
When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl?
When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way... remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day... the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.
If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you.
And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked.
When those days come, don’t feel sad... just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love.
I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you... my darling daughter."
If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”... Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep.
When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl?
When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way... remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day... the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.
If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you.
And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked.
When those days come, don’t feel sad... just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love.
I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you... my darling daughter."
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