Facts on Food Labeling~

[Some parts below pasted from Bonnie Bucqueroux's Sustainable blog]
GMO, as you probably know, refers to Genetically Modified Organisms, known in Europe as Frankenfoods because of fears that mad scientists may be unwittingly or uncaringly unleashing true monsters upon us.

Concerning food labeling, the issue is whether you can tell how the fruits and veggies for sale at the local grocery store were raised by deciphering the codes, and the answer is a resounding maybe. Here is the key as certified by the International Federation for Food Standards (note that the wording is mine, not theirs):

Four-digit code - A conventionally grown crop. Conventional could mean that the foodstuff has been repeatedly doused with one poison or another -- or not. But at least its genes should not have been artificially altered (though one wonders how many food execs are doing hard time in stir for violating the rules).

Five-digit code starting with the number 9 - Organically grown in compliance with the USDA standards.

Five-digit code starting with the number 8 - GMO foods. (Why didn't they just use 666?)

• Restricted FOR use on products grown in North America, East only (meaning these are codes that were originally assigned as East and were used on specific products grown East of the Mississippi in the United States and East of the Ontario/Manitoba border in Canada. These codes only apply in North America and should continue to be used for those specific products):
4318 – Melon, Cantaloupe/Muskmelon, Small
4319 – Melon, Cantaloupe/Muskmelon, Large

• Restricted FROM use on products grown in North America (meaning these are codes that were originally assigned for a specific region outside of North America and, although are now considered Global, are, for various reasons, impossible to incorporate in the North American market. The recommendation is to only use these codes for items grown and/ or sold outside of North America):
3425 – Tangerines/Mandarins, Ellendale, Small
3426 – Tangerines/Mandarins, Ellendale, Medium
3427 – Tangerines/Mandarins, Ellendale, Large

But before you think you can rely on the fact that foods without the dreaded "8" are not Frankenfoods, you should know that the labeling system in the United States is voluntary. And that means growers who want you to know they are doing good things - basically, the organic folks - are probably quick to slap a "9" on that rutabaga you are scrutinizing.

But I suspect only a truly dumb Frankenfood producer would be likely to warn you off with an "8" on that great-looking tomato. (The logic seems impeccable: "What they don't know might hurt them someday, but telling them would hurt our sales today.")

Quirky Self~

Quirks... Don't we all have one? 


I have to tell you this! You will laugh your pretty arse off! Two nights ago, knowing how organized I am and how anal I like to keep my space clean, clutter-free, I had do what I had to do. Few days ago, I bought a few large glass jars to be able to store my bulk of superfoods and I had a few empty ones sitting on the counter, waiting to see if there is a usage for it. There is but in no time. Well, since I had 3 left and I wasn't planning to order what I need/want until I can afford to pay for them. That evening, after coming home late (12:30am!!!), the excitement got the best of me. Knowing myself, I wouldn't be able to sleep, thinking that I need to take care of this and that and the jars! So, I went on the computer to do some work and then at 1:45am, I was in the kitchen, rearranging my cabinets, clearing up the space. Adam walked through the kitchen at 2am, while I was doing this, and he was shaking his head, not believing what I was doing, how quirky I can be, and was amazed how similar Karen & I are (because she would do the same thing!)! He was like, couldn't you go to sleep and take care of it in the morning? I shook my head. Having things in its rightful place, feeling clutter-free, I felt contented and went to bed. The minute I hit the pillow, I was out like a light! The next morning, the three of us cracked up laughing about this! At least it is entertaining and spices up others' lives with our quirks!


What are your quirks?~

Believers vs Religious~

Of late, I have been carrying conversations with close-ones, loved ones, and some thoughts/feelings have been popping up. I may be philosophical, analytical, researcher, explorer, but it helps me understand myself and the world in many ways. If this is too philosophical, too much for you to take in, or not of your interests, you can hop on over to someone else's blog and have fun there!

I was doing my daily workout yesterday morning and a thought came to mind. "Believers vs Religious". Don't take me wrong. I have respect for those who are part of a religious group or partake/practice their religion and I honor them because it is who they are and what they want/need.

People can’t have religious “believes”; they have religious beliefs. If you have it, it’s a belief; if you do it, you believe. 

Instead of focusing on the actual beliefs, which are not themselves choices, it can be more important and more productive to focus instead on how a person has arrived at their beliefs because that is the result of willful choices. 

People really want to understand the difference between religious and spiritual.Spirituality is something internal.Religion is something external. Religion is nothing but a set of structured systems and theories which induce the thinking of spirituality. It helps you to find the right questions to ask about yourself and find the appropriate answers about yourself.The difference between religion and spirituality is simply that most religions offer a specific set of beliefs and structures to help people to attune to their innate spirituality.The difference between religion and spirituality is in form only, for the true essence of all spiritual and religious practices is God. For being spiritual, you don't necessarily need to attach yourself with a religion. If you are spiritual person, you can see the truth in all religions. For example, you can enjoy the freshness of the whole flower instead of just smelling one petal.


Religion focuses on what pleases man. Being spiritual focuses on what pleases your HEART and SOUL. Religion involves emotions and externals while spirituality involves the whole being. Religion follows man's standards while spirituality follows your own beliefs, your own heart and soul. 


If we focus on allowing the source of truth in our heart to bring us together without judgment -- without proclamations of who is right and wrong -- we will be able to step into a 21st Century we might all envision that is truly inclusive of all.


I'm a spiritual believer... I BELIEVE in myself, in my heart, in my soul. I believe in living my life well because it takes care of my spirit. I may be "religious" about living in a healthy, living lifestyle. I may be "religious" about being eco-conscious. I may be "religious" about working out on a daily basis. I may be "religious" about what pleases me and that is part of who I am. 


Happiness & awakenings are not about having a hubby, nice cars, nice home, money, success, etc. How do you value yourself? I know how I VALUE MYSELF. I LOVE myself and this is who I am!~ What are your beliefs? What are you religious about? 


Didn't I warn you? Is this philosophical enough for you or what? *grins*