Gardenia bread Tips on buying Gardenia bread

Here is something interesting. ....... When you go to buy bread in the grocery store, have you ever wondered which is the freshest, so you 'squeeze' for freshness or softness. Did you know that bread is delivered fresh to the stores five days a week? Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Each day has a different color twist tie. They are : Monday - Blue Tuesday - Green Thursday - Red Friday - White Saturday - Yellow So if today is Thursday, you would want red twist tie not white which is Fridays. (almost a week old)! The colors go alphabeti cally by color Blue - Green - Red -White -Yellow, Monday thru Saturday. Very easy to remember. I thought this was interesting. I looked in the grocery store and the bread wrappers DO have different twist ties, and even the one with the plastic clips have different colors. Enjoy fresh bread when you buy bread with the right color on the day you are shopping.

Plastic Types, Characteristics… Dangers

Individuals have a way to identify the type of plastic in many products, especially food storage containers and packaging. Many, but not all, such plastic products have a number – the resin identification code – molded, formed or imprinted in or on the container, often on the bottom. This system of coding was developed in 1988 by the U.S.-based Society of the Plastics Industry to facilitate the recycling of post-consumer plastics. It is voluntary for plastic manufacturers, but has become relatively standard on certain plastic products sold globally. Knowing the code for a particular product, consumers can then inform themselves of the characteristics of the plastic and the risks of using that product.

The seven plastic resin codes are each briefly described below to provide a quick snapshot detailing the name of the resin (i.e., the base material of the plastic), typical products it is found in, dangerous chemicals it leaches, and why they are dangerous.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) – Used in soft drink, juice, water, beer, mouthwash, peanut butter, salad dressing, detergent and cleaner containers. Leaches antimony trioxide and di(2ethylhexyl) pthalate (DEHP). Workers exposed to antimony trioxide for long periods of time have exhibited respiratory and skin irritation; among female workers, increased incidence of menstrual problems and miscarriage; their children exhibited slower development in the first twelve months of life. The longer a liquid is left in such a container the greater the concentration of antimony released into the liquid. DEHP is an endocrine disruptor that mimics the female hormone estrogen. It has been strongly linked to asthma and allergies in children. It may cause certain types of cancer, and it has been linked to negative effects on the liver, kidney, spleen, bone formation and body weight. In Europe, DEHP has been banned since 1999 from use in plastic toys for children under the age of three.

High density polyethylene (HDPE) – Used in opaque milk, water, and juice containers, bleach, detergent and shampoo bottles, garbage bags, yogurt and margarine tubs, cereal box liners. Considered a 'safer' plastic. Our research on risks associated with this type of plastic is ongoing.

Polyvinyl chloride (V or Vinyl or PVC) – Used in toys, clear food and non-food packaging (e.g., cling wrap), some squeeze bottles, shampoo bottles, cooking oil and peanut butter jars, detergent and window cleaner bottles, shower curtains, medical tubing, and numerous construction products (e.g., pipes, siding). PVC has been described as one of the most hazardous consumer products ever created. Leaches di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) or butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), depending on which is used as the plasticizer or softener (usually DEHP). DEHP and BBzP are endocrine disruptors mimicking the female hormone estrogen; have been strongly linked to asthma and allergic symptoms in children; may cause certain types of cancer; linked to negative effects on the liver, kidney, spleen, bone formation and body weight. In Europe, DEHP and BBzP and other dangerous pthalates have been banned from use in plastic toys for children under three since 1999. Not so elsewhere, including Canada and the United States.

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) – Used in grocery store, dry cleaning, bread and frozen food bags, most plastic wraps, squeezable bottles (honey, mustard). Considered a 'safer' plastic. Our research on risks associated with this type of plastic is ongoing.

Polypropylene (PP) – Used in ketchup bottles, yogurt and margarine tubs, medecine and syrup bottles, straws, Rubbermaid and other opaque plastic containers, including baby bottles. Considered a 'safer' plastic. Our research on risks associated with this type of plastic is ongoing.

Polystyrene (PS) – Used in Styrofoam containers, egg cartons, disposable cups and bowls, take-out food containers, plastic cutlery, compact disc cases. Leaches styrene, which is an endocrine disruptor mimicking the female hormone estrogen, and thus has the potential to cause reproductive and developmental problems; long-term exposure by workers has shown brain and nervous system effects; adverse effects on red blood cells, liver, kidneys and stomach in animal studies. Also present in secondhand cigarette smoke, off-gassing of building materials, car exhaust and possibly drinking water. Styrene migrates significantly from polystyrene containers into the container's contents when oily foods are heated in such containers.

Other – This is a catch-all category that includes anything that does not come within the other six categories. As such, one must be careful in interpreting this category because it includes polycarbonate - a dangerous plastic - but it also includes the new, safer, biodegradable bio-based plastics made from renewable resources such as corn and potato starch, and sugar cane. Polycarbonate is used in many plastic baby bottles, clear plastic “sippy” cups, sports water bottles, three and five gallon large water storage containers, metal food can liners, some juice and ketchup containers, compact discs, cell phones, computers. Polycarbonate leaches Bisphenol A (some effects described above), and numerous studies have indicated a wide array of possible adverse effects from low-level exposure to Bisphenol A: chromosome damage in female ovaries, decreased sperm production in males, early onset of puberty, various behavioural changes, altered immune function, and sex reversal in frogs.

Important Note: Two other types of plastic that fall under code 7 are acrylonitrile styrene (AS) or styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Both AS/SAN and ABS are higher quality plastics with increased strength, rigidity, toughness and temperature and chemical resistance. AS/SAN is used in mixing bowls, thermos casing, dishes, cutlery, coffee filters, toothbrushes, outer covers (printers, calculators, lamps), battery housing. The incorporation of butadiene during the manufacture of AS/SAN, produces ABS, which is an even tougher plastic. ABS is used in LEGO toys, pipes, golf club heads, automotive parts, protective head gear. Our research on risks associated with AS/SAN and ABS is ongoing.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR EVERYDAY PLASTIC USE: You may wish to seriously consider your – and especially your children's – use of plastics numbered 1, 3, 6 and 7 (polycarbonate) , all of which have been shown to leach dangerous chemicals. This does not necessarily mean the others are completely safe, just that they have been studied less to date.

So if you have to use plastic, it is safest to stick to numbers 2, 4, 5 and 7 (other than polycarbonate) whenever possible.

If an item does not have a plastic code on it, or if the type of plastic is unclear from the code (e.g., with #7, it likely will not say it is polycarbonate) , your best bet is to contact the manufacturer and ask them directly what type of plastic was used to make the product.

Plastic Tips

Here are some simple tips to help you in working toward a life without plastic, or a life of safer, more informed plastic use.

o Avoid polycarbonate (#7) baby bottles and sippy cups. For baby bottles, try and use glass, polyethylene or polypropylene instead. Sippy cups made of stainless steel (e.g., Kleen Kanteen, Purica), or of polypropylene or polyethylene are safer. Be sure to check the bottle or cup to be sure of the type of plastic it contains. As for baby bottle nipples, try and use silicone which does not leach the carcinogenic nitrosamines that can be found in latex.

o If you must use polycarbonate (#7) bottles, avoid heating food and drink in the bottle. Heat it in a separate container and transfer it to the bottle once it is warm enough for the child to eat or drink. If the plastic is showing signs of wear – scratched, cloudy – discard the container.

o For drinking water, try and avoid plastic bottles. If you do use plastic bottles made from #1 or #2 plastic try not to reuse them as they are intended only for single use. One alternative is a stainless steel water bottle. For storing large quantities of water, glass and stainless steel containers are also available. If you use a #1 water bottle, try to consume the contents as soon as possible because leaching of antimony increases with time.

o Try to avoid heating foods in plastic containers, especially in the microwave oven, which can cause the plastic to degrade and leach chemicals faster. As well, leaching increases when plastic comes into contact with oily or fatty foods, or when the plastic is scratched, worn, cracked, or sticky.

o Use plastic wraps with caution, especially in the microwave, and try to keep the plastic from touching the food. Alternatives include wax paper or paper towels.

o Try and use alternatives to plastic packaging and storage containers. Cloth, paper or cardboard are possibilities for transporting groceries. Stainless steel and glass food storage containers are available.

o Avoid plastic dishes and utensils for meals. Alternatives include glass, ceramic, wood, stainless steel, and lacquer ware. Offer your child or grandchild a non-plastic dish set made of either stainless steel or wood (safely coated with a non-toxic lacquer).

These days, plastic is so omnipresent it can be difficult to imagine life without plastic. Yet, our ancestors managed just fine without it. All it takes is a little imagination, determination and discipline.

Flowers

Flowers never emit so sweet and strong a Fragrance as before a storm. When a storm approaches thee, be as sweet-smelling Flower.

Let the minor genius go his/her Light way and enjoy his/her Life--- the great nature cannot so live, he/she is never really in holiday mood, even though he/she often plucks flowers by the way side and ties them into knots & garland like Little children and lays out on a Sunny Day..

Makna GAGAL

Apa makna sebenar gagal?

Gagal ialah satu keadaan bila mana apa yang kita buat tak menjadi seperti yang kita inginkan. Ataupun, gagal adalah satu situasi bila kita tak mencapai apa yang kita targetkan, kita tak mendapat apa yang kita mahukan.

Gagal wujud dalam segenap aspek hidup kita. Gagal dalam pelajaran. Gagal mendirikan sembahyang Subuh, gagal mengatur masa kerja dengan baik, gagal memasak dengan cukup sedap, gagal berusaha dengan cukup rajin. Itulah beberapa contoh kegagalan kecil yang kita lakukan.

Setiap hari, bila kita gagal mendirikan sembahyang Subuh, sebagai orang Melayu beragama Islam, kegagalan yang kecil tu akan melarat kepada kegagalan-kegagalan besar. Maka sebab itulah dalam azan, sering dilaungkan frasa “marilah menuju kejayaan” (hayya alal falah) untuk mengingatkan kita.

Gagal hanyalah suatu cara yang salah, satu usaha yang kurang berhasil, boleh juga dipanggil usaha yang dijalankan dengan cara kurang betul. Bukan tak betul, cuma kurang betul.

Kena fikir optimis!

Cerita Ketam

Moral of the story 'renung-renungkanlah ...selamat beramal Tak lama dulu ada seorang melayu yang ingin makan lauk ketam. Pada pagi tu dia pergilah ke pasar borong dan berjalan ke satu kedai milik cina yang menjual ketam. Melayu: Apek! Itu ketam ada jual ka? Cina: Ada…ada…lu mau ketam cina ka ketam melayu? Melayu: Aik! Ketam pun ada melayu dengan cina ka apek? Cuba lu tunjuk mana ketam melayu, mana ketam cina? Cina: Itu sana dalam bekas ada tutup…ketam cina…….sana dalam bekas tak ada tutup…ketam melayu la…. Melayu: Apa pasal ketam cina apek kasi tutup…ketam melayu apek tak kasi tutup? Cina: Itu ketam cina kalau satu ekor keluar…yang lain akan tengok dan kasi belajar macam mana boleh keluar dari bekas. Nanti lama-lama semua ketam pandai macam mana mau keluar dari bekas. Jadi semua keluar la. Melayu: Ketam melayu tak itu macam ka? Cina: Ketam melayu, kalau satu ekor keluar yang lain kasi tarik itu kaki ketam tadi…jangan kasi keluar. Dia mau dia sekor saja keluar…yang lain biar dalam bekas. Kalau dia sudah keluar, dia terus lari, tak mau ajar yang lain macam mana mau keluar. Pengajaran: Begitulah cerita ketam melayu dengan ketam cina. Hakikatnya, jika orang cina berniaga….cina lain tak kacau…dia tengok aje dan belajar macam mana boleh berjaya. Cina dah berjaya tu pulak, akan ajar cina lain agarberjaya jugak. Kalau orang melayu, bila satu melayu nak berjaya, melayu lain akan guna apa saja supaya melayu tu jatuh balik. Macam ketam melayu, bila sekor ketam dah berjaya nak naik, ketam lain tarik kaki dia, at last sorang pun tak dapat naik . Lepas tu mulalah bergaduh sesama sendiri. Itulah hakikat sebenar sekarang ini. sebab tu melayu tak maju..

psst:.. Pic kat atas tu tak tau apa kene mengena atau tak.. heheh hiasan kot.

Circle Of Competence

Circle of competence ini adalah ruang lingkup bidang yang kita mahir.

Warren Buffett berjaya dalam hidupnya sehingga menjadi fund manager paling kaya di atas planet ini adalah disebabkan dia sentiasa membuat keputusan pelaburannya berdasarkan circle of competence.

Michael Jackson sampai hujung hayatnya dikenali sebagai raja Pop. Tidak pernah kita dengar MJ cuba menjadi raja dangdut.

Warren Buffett hanya melabur dalam syarikat yang dia faham dan Michael Jackson tetap dengan style lagu dan muzik popnya. Dan keduanya berjaya dan dikenali satu dunia serta mempunyai peminat tersendiri, sampai mati pun MJ tetap digilai.

Kita tidak akan tahu dan pandai semua benda. Kalau dia kata dia pakar dalam semua benda, maka dia gila. Cari sahaja apa yang kita pandai yang Allah swt dah bagi.

Jadi kenapa kita tak cuba cari apa yang kita pandai dan fokus segala usaha kita di situ untuk menjadi yang terbaik?

Penyelam Mutiara

Perjalanan hidup manusia bagaikan penyelam mutiara. Seorang penyelam mutiara, dalam tugasnya selalu dibekal dengan tabung oksigen yang terpasang dibelakangnyanya. Pada saat ia menyelam, niatnya hanya ingin mencari tiram mutiara sebanyak-banyaknya. Tetapi bila ia berada di bawah, ia mulai lupa pada tugasnya. Kenapa? kerana pemandangan di dalam laut sangat mempesona. Bunga karang yang melambai-lambai, ikan-ikan berwarna-warni dengan riangnya membuatnya terpesona. Dia terlupa tugasnya untuk mencari tiram mutiara yang berada jauh di dasar laut sana.

Hingga pada suatu saat, dia terkejut apabila mendapati oksigen yang berada di belakangnya tinggal sedikit lagi. Timbullah rasa takutnya. Tak terbayang olehnya bagaimana kemarahan majikannya kelak bila ia muncul ke permukaan tanpa membawa tiram mutiara sebanyak yang diharapkan. Maka dengan tergopoh-gopoh ia pun berusaha untuk mencari tiram mutiara yang ada disekitarnya. Namun sayang, kekuatan fizikalnya sudah lemah, tenaganya sudah tiada kerana asyik dengan keindahan alam bawah laut.

Akhirnya isi tabung oksigennya benar-benar kosong, sehingga walaupun tiram mutiara yang diperolehnya sangat sedikit, ia mau tidak mau harus muncul ke permukaan. Malangnya lagi, kerana tergesa-gesa dia tidak sempat mengikat kantongnya dengan baik, sehingga ketika tersengol ikan yang berkeliaran disekelilingnya, tiram mutiara yang sudah diperolehinya dengan susah payah itu sebahagian tertumpah ke luar.

Di permukaan, majikannya telah menunggu. dilihatnya isi kantong si penyelam tidak berisi tiram mutiara sebagaimana yang diharapkan, maka tumpahlah caci makinya dan pada saat itu juga si penyelam dipecatnya. kita bayangkan bagaimana gundahnya perasaan si penyelam.

Dengan penuh rasa penyesalan, si penyelam berusaha minta kesempatan untuk menyelam kembali. "Tuan, izinkanlah aku untuk menyelam kembali, pasti aku akan mencari tiram mutiara sebanyak-banyaknya. " Namun majikannya dengan tegas menolak, "engkau aku beri kesempatan, ternyata engkau hanya pandai membuang oksigen saja."

Kisah ini samalah dengan perjalanan hidup manusia di dunia. Tabung oksigen adalah lambang umur manusia, tiram mutiara diibaratkan pahala yang harus kita kumpulkan dan mutiara yang tumpah umpama pahala yang hilang kerananya, sedangkan keindahan yang ada di dalam lautan melambangkan godaan-godaan duniawi dengan harta, tahta dan wanitanya.

Marilah kita fikirkan, sudah cukupkah tiram mutiara yang kita peroleh?, Sehingga bila suatu saat kita harus muncul ke permukaan menemui tuhan kita, Allah swt, adakah Ia redha menerima kita ?