J's Gems Random Updates

~October Updates~

Video of the month: "Within You Without You" The Beatles (George Harrison), Sgt. Pepper 1967

Something to look forward to in November: J's Ultimate Green Challenge

Must-have item(s) for fall: gold/olive green eye shadow, OPI shatter nail polish (silver), Old Navy striped sweaters (now on sale!)

Fall (and any time of year) favorite foodstuffs: all-natural peanut butter, fettuccine alfredo (because being health conscious is so last month), hot apple cider

Things you should do: follow and comment on this blog

Organic foods for dummies

I know, I know. Anyone can simply Google "organic foods" and find about a petabyte of information regarding what you should or should not eat, the benefits, setbacks, etc. But usually the search results state long, monotonous scientific facts, that frankly, nobody really has the patience to read (I know I don't). Voila, some basic facts about organic foods that are actually readable:

WHAT ARE ORGANIC FOODS?
Organic foods are foods grown without the use of pesticides or sprays. These foods are not allowed to contain GMOs (genetically modified organisms).

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES ORGANIC FROM NATURAL?
Natural food is treated with natural sprays (sprays made of natural ingredients).

SOME BENEFITS OF ORGANIC FOODS:
Lack of toxins
No artificial sweeteners
“Super foods” reduce cancer risk, reduce high blood pressure
No antibiotics
No added hormones
Good for environment

WOW, ORGANIC FOODS REALLY DO SOUND WORTH IT! WAIT, WHAT ABOUT COST?
On average, they cost 60% more than ordinary produce
Cost about $260 more per month
Often double the cost of regular food

AW, DARN IT. WHY DO THEY COST MORE?
Since there are no pesticides used, organic foods require extra care in order for them to grow properly. These foods are more labor-intensive—thus the higher cost.

HOW DO ORGANIC FARMERS FERTILIZE CROPS AND CONTROL PESTS, DISEASES, AND WEEDS?
Organic farmers' primary strategy in controlling pests and diseases is prevention through good plant nutrition and management. Organic farmers use cover crops and sophisticated crop rotations to manage the field ecology, effectively disrupting habitat for weeds, insects, and disease organisms. Weeds are controlled through crop rotation, mechanical tillage, and hand-weeding, as well as through cover crops, mulches, flame weeding, and other management methods. Organic farmers rely on a diverse population of soil organisms, beneficial insects, and birds to keep pests in check.

WHAT ARE NON-ORGANIC FOODS TREATED WITH?
Pesticides & Herbicides: Highly toxic chemical residues found in foods.
Hormones & Antibiotics: In meats & dairy.
Irradiation: On non-organic spices.
Contaminated Sewage Sludge: Used in the growing process.

HOW ARE THESE TREATMENTS BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH?
-Pesticides and herbicides: Highly toxic chemical residues
-Contaminated sewage sludge: Tests have shown that large amounts of this in the human body may contribute to chronic illnesses.
-Irradiation: This also does more harm than good since it can lead to various diseases. Studies on animals fed irradiated foods have shown increased tumors and kidney damage.

THAT IS GROTESQUE. WHAT ARE SOME DISEASES YOU CAN DEVELOP?
There is growing scientific consensus that even very small doses of pesticides can adversely affect people, especially during the vulnerable periods of early childhood development.
Exposure to pesticides is linked to chronic diseases including Parkinson's Disease, child and adult cancers and neurodevelopmental harm.
Recent studies suggest switching to an organic diet can eliminate residues of certain pesticides in children's urine in just a few days.
“The one disease that comes to mind is cancer…”

WHAT ARE SOME FOODS THAT ARE BETTER FOR YOU IF YOU GET ORGANIC?
Apples
Cherries
Grapes, imported (Chili)
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Raspberries
Strawberries
Bell peppers
Celery
Potatoes
Spinach

NO NEED TO GO ORGANIC WITH THESE FOODS:
Bananas
Kiwi
Mangos
Papaya
Pineapples
Asparagus
Avocado
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Corn
Onions
Peas
These products generally do not contain pesticide residue

WHY ARE THESE CERTAIN PRODUCE ITEMS WORTH IT?
The food is connected to the ground in some way, so whatever pesticides that are in the ground will soak up and residues of pesticides will show up in the foods.
The US Department of Agriculture found that even after washing fruits and vegetables, there is some residue of pesticides still on them.

  HOW WILL PURCHASING ORGANIC PRODUCTS HELP KEEP OUR WATER CLEAN?
Conventional agricultural methods can cause water contamination.
The organic farmer’s elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, in combination with soil building, works to prevent contamination, and protects and conserves water resources.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM NON-ORGANIC PESTICIDES:
Produce
Buy fresh vegetables and fruits in season…
Trim tops and the very outer portions...
Peel and cook when appropriate…
Eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables…
Purchase only fruits and vegetables that are subject to USDA regulations…
Wait until just before preparation to wash or immerse your produce in clean water…
Special soaps or washes are not needed and could be harmful to you, depending on their ingredients…
Meats/poultry/fish:
Trim the fat from meat, and fat and skin from poultry and fish. Residues of some pesticides concentrate in animal fat.

IS ORGANIC FOOD BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?
Yes. By eliminating massive quantities of toxic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers used in conventional farming, organic methods help protect the health of our air, water and soil.
“Purchasing organic foods will be better for our environment in the long run because we aren't saturating the land with pesticides. Eventually, over the course of years pesticides will make the land they are sprayed on toxic and unusable. This may take a few years or decades, time will tell.” –Brett of Big Bear Natural Foods Store

Notes
Organic milk and non-organic milk is the same thing
Organic poultry and vegetables have shorter shelf life
100% Organic vs. Organic
--100% means that ALL ingredients must be completely organic and raised with the specific requirements.
--Organic means that 95% or more of the ingredients are grown organically.

KT Tunstall is great.

This post pertains to the last article about the artist KT Tunstall. She is definitely worth checking out. The track listing for her new album, Tiger Suit, is below. Comments included on ones I have listened to.

1. Uummannaq Song (A great way to start an album. Good song featuring some Native American-sounding backup vocals.)
2. Glamour Puss
3. Push That Knot Away (Nice bass guitar solo and use of backtracking; this song is also a strong point on the album, and Tunstall's first attempt at techno.)
4. Difficulty
5. Fade Like A Shadow (Catchy lyrics, totally Tunstall.)
6. Lost
7. Golden Frames (The appeal of the eerie feel seems to work well for this track. However, I'm not crazy about the male backup vocals during the chorus.)
8. Come On, Get In (The "foot-tapping" song of the album. The Native American vocals have returned with energy. Seemingly nonsensical lyrics in the chorus, but I'm sure there was something deep in mind when this song was written.)
9. (Still A) Weirdo
10. Madame Trudeaux
11. The Entertainer
 
Her previous album, Drastic Fantastic, is great if you're not the techno-type.

1. "Little Favours" (Great start to a powerful album. Interesting use of minor and major in transition with the chorus and refrain.)
2. "If Only" (Not the best on the album, but still good.)
3. "White Bird" (A mellow track, this song features some interesting guitar work.)
4. "Funnyman" (Definitely a strong point on the album. I especially love the incorporation of the mandolin)
5. "Hold On" (The most famous from the album, and a great dance song.)
6. "Hopeless" (Depressing lyrics, but nice syncopation. This song goes hand-in-hand with If Only.)
7. "I Don't Want You Now" (Great breakup song. It really gets the blood pumping when blasted.)
8. "Saving My Face" (Another strong point. Powerful vocals and instrumentation.)
9. "Beauty of Uncertainty" 
10. "Someday Soon" 
11. "Paper Aeroplane"

The last three songs I haven't listened to yet, simply because they are all mellow and not strong points of the album.

Find more KT Tunstall songs at Myspace Music

The world of pop culture through Vevo

After downloading the Vevo music video app, I decided I would attempt to update myself to the 21st century and get my head out of the wonderful world of the Beatles. It didn't work, of course. In fact, my video watching experiment made me appreciate the Beatles and classic rock even more. However, the works of KT Tunstall, a Scottish-Japanese folk rock singer, are pleasantly surprising in that I can actually stand to listen to the whole song. Weird, huh? A pop singer who can actually write a song that's decent. If only there were more like her. Back in 2006, Tunstall came out with two hit singles, Suddenly I See and Black Horse and a Cherry Tree. Finding both songs rather enjoyable for pop music, I went out and bought her debut album, Eye to the Telescope. Like most albums, some songs were good while others were mellow and can be classified as "filler" songs. (however, Beatles albums seem to lack this "filler" music, but that's beside the point) The album in its entirety was relatively decent. In fact, it was so decent that I haven't bought another pop album since(well, actually, just one other: that Coldplay album, Viva la Vida or whatever it's called. And that album is good as well.). After listening to Tunstall for a few months straight, I grew tired of her songs and went back to solely Beatles music for the next three or four years. I never seem to get tired of the Beatles, even though I have been listening to them since kindergarten. But then, something inside me decided to revisit the world of KT Tunstall. I visited her Vevo channel and discovered that she had come out with a new sound and album. In an interview about her decision to change her genre of music, Tunstall stated that she decided to take interest in a techno-electronic feel. After hearing this, my heart sank. Why, oh why, would such a talented person sell herself to the horrid world of non-music(that's what I call techno and the sort)? I built up the courage to take time and listen to some of her new album, Tiger Suit. A few songs were pretty boring, but they were not what I expected. I expected a Daft Punk, non-music, irritating dance music kind of thing. Then I found that most Tunstall fans enjoyed the song, Fade Like a Shadow the most out of the whole album. After two listens to the song (I decided one time is not enough to get the full experience of a song), I will admit that it was catchy. I haven't listened to every single one of her new songs yet, but some were pretty good for nowadays. I also, thanks to Vevo, discovered a song from her third album, Drastic Fantastic, that wasn't bad either: Hold On. In summation, if you are searching for a good fish in the sea of rotten ones, check out KT Tunstall for a good time.
 

Essential Apps List

I, for one, am not a fan of mindless gaming on devices. For example, Farmville on Facebook. I've never played that before and never will. People have told me how great it is, and I have heard this from kids, teens, AND adults with kids of their own. Really? Instead of worrying about fake crops online, how about spending some quality time with your kin? They won't be young forever, you know. Back to the main point of this blog: some apps for the iPod Touch or the iPhone that are useful and entertaining at the same time.

 Facebook (for those who need a social life with TMI)
Archie Comics: the app (there's a decent assortment of free and paid downloadable comics)
Netflix (If you're a member, you have the ability to stream movies instantly)
dictionary.com (for educational purposes)
Wunderlist Task Manager (this thing's actually handy)
SoundHound(the free one-it's amazing)
Google Translate: the app
PacMan (everyone loves a classic, even though I prefer the computer version)
Vevo (get in touch with bad music videos)
Free drum kit/ guitar/ piano (don't use them in quiet places)
Photoshop express (not the best photo editing app, but decent)
Inception app(because it's cool, and also because I have no idea what to do with it)
Pandora Radio (It's great for discovering new artists, but some songs are just random and bad. One of my favorites.)
Shazam (even though there's a limit to uses, this is a very innovative app.)
Labyrinth 3D (the graphics are stunning, and very realistic)

The perfect eclectic balance of apps.

I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas

Soon to be seen in the December issue of Voice

Christmas lights and electric menorahs are lit halfway through November.  They turn on at dusk and remain on until dawn.  Being ‘green’ or eco-friendly is all the rage these days, so why not make an effort this holiday season to conserve while still remaining festive? 

—Replace Christmas bulbs (outdoor and on your tree) with LED lights.  LEDs typically last three times longer than regular lights and use 90 percent less energy than holiday mini-lights (blog.brighterplanet.com).  They still look the same, except are brighter, and are just as traditional and merry as the old ones.

—Use old CDs for drink coasters instead of store-bought ones.  Since CDs are generally out-of-date nowadays thanks to MP3 format, reusing these circular discs of plastic into fun coasters is an easy way to conserve.  If the shiny underside of a disk does not match with your décor, painting them is very easy and looks professional if done neatly. 

 —Instead of throwing uneaten food in the garbage, consider creating a compost pile.  These piles of waste are easy to start—just add some grass clippings and dried leaves, then your food.  Composting is great for your soil as well as being a great way to conserve.

—Save some watts while being festive: light candles.  Just make sure you don’t overdo the scents, and that you light enough—nobody wants to eat in the dark.

—Turn down the thermostat, put on a sweater, and use your fireplace.   A fire can create a warm (no pun intended), jovial mood in any festive house.  Consider installing a chimney-top damper so heat doesn’t completely escape from your home.

—Give some eco-friendly gifts this season.  A recycled calendar, a donation to a charity or the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) in someone’s name, or Energy Star rated appliances or electronics are all appropriate green gifts for a person.  People also miss the greenery of the outdoors, so a flower or herb kit is an idea.  Save gas by ordering online, or visit a nearby store.

—Wrap gifts in recycled wrapping paper or the comics section of the newspaper.  Or, if the gift receiver isn’t picky, you could use a recycled bag.  Wrapping paper is a huge waste of paper, and is ripped apart and thrown away in the end. 

—Holiday cards also are a waste of paper.  Sending an e-card or using recycled paper are more environmentally-conscious ways to get your message across.

Each holiday season costs the planet by emitting excessive amounts of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.  You can make a difference every year simply by turning on your LED lights a few weeks before the holiday instead of months before.  Wait until it is completely dark, then turn on lights, and don’t leave them on all night; it’s not like anyone is admiring your decorations at three in the morning.  The holidays are not meant to be wasteful—they are all about giving and celebrating.  Saving energy is a gift in itself. You too can dream of a green Christmas or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa this December.

The HIGH SCHOOL DIARIES

High school stinks.  Sometimes.  It depends.  But today was atrocious, that's for sure.  I woke up feeling like I died, went to school like a zombie, and most importantly, failed at Minesweeper. 

That game just drives me bonkers, especially because I never did figure out how to play it.  Since I was a little kid I have been trying to figure it out, but ended up just clicking randomly, losing, then clicking the awesome little smiley face to start all over again.  To me, the mysterious strategy of Minesweeper makes as much sense as my third period English teacher plus lots of coffee.  And speaking of my English teacher, she said "in essence" six times today! (I kept little tally marks on the bottom of our "thesis statement" assignment.)  And speaking of assignments, I have to----wait, how did I get on this topic?  See, this is why school should start at least five hours later; our little minds can't take this much mental stimulation at such an early hour.  They expect us to function at 7:20 in the MORNING. (Yes, that's when school starts.)  Even worse, they expect us to actually stay awake, pay attention, and excel at that hour.  Wait until I take AP courses.

Your tiredness,

J