Dr. Seuss's The Lorax

The grass is dying from this hundred degree weather, the ponds are filled with factory goo, and the clouds are now polluted with chemicals, greenhouse gases and acid.

Just got done watching The Lorax, and I must say, it's pretty symbolic of the way things are going right now. If there was a real lorax, he's be coughing out smog as he ran from the machines chopping down every inch of forest. It might be animated, but it's not just for children. I would literally force my child to watch this if I had one, and strongly stress the main point, but adults need to get the memo, too.

"Unless someone like you

cares a whole awful lot,

nothing is going to get better.

It's not."

- Dr. Seuss

I think this is a must see for all ages, and a colorful reminder that yes, our environment is going downhill, most people don't care, and you have to be the one to make a difference. Don't just hope someone else will take care of the problem for you. One small act can have a chain reaction. Reuse, recycle, reduce and replant.

The Doctors - Veggie or Meaty?

Here's a great youtube clip of the TV show The Doctors, where they discuss which is better, eating meat or being vegetarian/vegan.

And here is a clip from some girl who always makes sense and has an excellent ability to debate...

What to feed pets

Unlike humans, cats and dogs were designed (internally) to eat meat. Unfortunately the pets account for a dramatic portion of the meat industry and are contributing to the demise of rain forests, topsoil and cows. Alicia Silverstone's dogs are vegan, but I haven't done the research to jump into that idea. Until I can find a better option, I feed my animals dry food and wet canned food where meat is the very first ingredient and there are no "fillers" like grain or eggs. I did my homework and sat in two different pet stores for a few hours comparing the nutrition labels on every bag of food before I picked a few that were perfect. I really like two different brands for my cats and tend to switch it up. One is Solid Gold Katz-n-flocken, which comes in a glittery purple bag and has lamb and herring. Solid Gold was the first U.S. company to use all natural ingredients in their pet food. The second is Taste of the Wild "Rocky Mountain" feline formula, made with purified water, with roasted venison and smoked salmon (but chicken is the first ingredient. I pick a protein content over 15%, a fiber content over 3%, and a fat content under 20%. I make sure it has taurine, which is essential for cats, and other amino acids, vitamins and minerals, the same as if I were feeding my child. The thing I like about the Rocky Mountain flavor dry food is that it utilizes pea protein and other vegetable and fruit sources of protein, nutrients and antioxidants. It's like a super-food for cats.

I suggest anyone read the nutrition labels on the food to make sure the word "byproduct" does not appear, there should never be any straight-up sugar, and try to avoid suspicious amounts of vitamin D. When you move from something cheap and highly commercialized like Meow Mix to something quality, it will be more expensive. Mine are $25 and $28 for the big 15 pound bag, they last about a month (give or take) with 6 cats. I did it because my cats didn't seem to be at their best, and when I switched I could see dramatic differences in their overall health after a month. For example, the better source/amount of protein could be seen in my youngest, Reese, before she was even a year old. She was a tiny, squishy little kitten around 4 months when we got here from the shelter, and by the time she was 8 months she had turned into a total powerhouse, pure muscle, full of energy.

Another thing I do to insure their internal health is grow wheat grass for them to munch on. Also, for my sanity, the safety of my furniture, and their mental health, I have decided to make them a giant realistic cat tree. I already have cardboard scratching boxes for them and a three foot cat tree, but there really isn't a space for everyone to call their own, so they fight over territory. Here's what my cat tree should end up looking:

Tea

If you didn't know, tea is very good for you, and even has the ability to fight cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cholesterol. The flavonoids are good for your heart and tea has less caffeine than coffee, sometimes none at all. While it's best to have brewed tea (the kind you steep in hot water) you can also have bottled tea, which is usually cold. Just make sure there is no sugar in it. Sweet tea and ice tea are not included in this list as they are just like any other sugary drink. Here is what I know about tea...

The main teas...

Green tea fights cancer because it has high levels of flavonoids and antioxidants. Specifically, an antioxidant known as EGCG inhibits an enzyme that cancer cells need in order to grow. Green tea even reduces the risk of neurological disorders and stroke, and fights allergies and arthritis.

Black tea has the highest amount of caffeine, and is therefore a perfect coffee substitute. It is dark and robust. Both oolong and Pu-erh are types of black tea that help with weight loss and cholesterol. Oolong slows the aging process.

(People who drink black, green or oolong tea on a regular basis have higher bone density as well.)

White tea is usually floral and fruity, very light in taste and color. It has many antioxidants, and is possibly a better cancer fighter than green tea.

Kukicha is a twig tea made of stems and leaves. It is very earthy, nutty and mellow. It is very alkalizing and has little caffeine. Hojicha is very similar, if not a bit darker.

Herbal teas...

Echinacea tea, with or without added herbs, helps fight against the common cold.

Chamomile tea helps prevent symptoms of diabetes and is very relaxing. It has a light, dandelion type of flavor that is very mellow.

St. John's Wort tea is excellent for depression and usually boosts your mood within minutes.

Saffron infused tea can boost mood and fight against depression. I am told 30 mg of saffron a day for 6 weeks has the same depression reducing qualities as Prozac and Paxil. Saffron tea (my favorite is red rubio and jasmine with saffron in it) also has antioxidants, calms acne and skin disorders, fights cancer and tumors, helps respiratory ailments such as asthma, calm menstrual symptoms, fights insomnia, stimulates circulation and reduces cholesterol.

Hibiscus tea, which can be fruity or earthy depending on added ingredients, helps with high blood pressure if you drink about 3 cups daily.

Red tea (rooibos) is a staple in Africa, and may help with stomach cramps, headaches, allergies, insomnia, asthma, high blood pressure and eczema. As with other antioxidant and flavonoid rich teas (and foods) it can help protect against heart problems. There is no caffeine in red tea and it is a source of calcium.

Fennel, cardamom tea is a digestive aid that also helps with gas problems.

Any tea with ginger helps settle nausea.

There are many, many more kinds of herbal teas, so look around for one that suits you.

Science may not have fully caught up to all the benefits of tea, but over 3,000 years of use and testimonials seems a pretty good source to me. I can personally testify to the benefits of all the tea mentioned above. There are so many different kinds of tea to try that I think one really has no excuses, and would definitely find  one they like. However, there is one thing to know before you take up tea as a regular habit, and that is to use an enamel-protecting toothpaste every day so that the enamel on your teeth does not wear down. Also, when you purchase tea you may be helping support those who grow the tea in their home country.