Thursday, January 30, 2014

Staff Recommendation #25: "Salt, Sugar, Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us" by Michael Moss



Here are some food facts:

-- The average person consumes 71 pounds of caloric sweeteners each year. (That's 22 teaspoons of sugar, per person, per day.)

-- In 2011, the average American drank 32 gallons of soda throughout the year. (With an additional 14 yearly gallons of other sugar-rich drinks, like teas, sports drinks, vitamin waters, and energy drinks.)

-- Our tongues' taste buds contain no taste receptors for fat. Despite this, fat is a key component of most processed foods for the way it interacts with taste and textures. On average, Americans are exceeding our recommended daily allotment of fat by over 50 percent.

-- Americans are eating 33 pounds of cheese and "cheese products" every year -- three times as much as we were in the early 70s. Since 2001, our rate of cheese consumption has gone up by 3 pounds per person every year.

-- Food companies use five billion pounds of salt every year in processed foods.




Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Michael Moss is the author behind Salt, Sugar, Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us. The book's story opens in April of 1999, in Minneapolis, with a gathering of CEOs and company presidents from eleven of America's biggest food companies. (Between them, they oversaw 700,000 employees and $280 billion in annual sales.) Hosted at Pillsbury's headquarters, company reps in attendance included those from NestlĂ©, Kraft, Nabisco, General Mills, Coca-Cola, and Mars. The topic of conversation: America's growing weight problem, and what the processed food industry could and should do about it.

The initial topic of conversation was led by Michael Mudd, a vice president of Kraft, and his point was simple: their processed foods were a leading factor in the rising obesity rates of America. To correct the problem, the companies needed to start seriously working to cut out the massive amounts of salt, sugar, and fat in their products.

But according to several of the participants (reporters had not been invited to the meeting), when Mudd's presentation was over, someone rose to immediately and forcefully protest. The head of General Mills stepped in to wave off health concerns. Consumers had been worrying for years about salt, sugar, and fat, but their concerns seemed to wax and wane. It didn't stop people, in the end, from buying what tasted good. "Don't talk to me about nutrition," he said, imitating his idea of the typical consumer. "Talk to me about taste, and if this stuff tastes better, don't run around trying to sell me stuff that doesn't taste good."

That ended the meeting.



What follows in Moss's book is a look into the philosophies, practices, and histories of the processed food industry. The industry has been shaped by far more than cooks and company owners, with scientists (who determine the correct chemical composition to make food taste good) and marketing experts (who request specific products to target consumers) determining the tastes ... and the products' contents.

Moss's research led him to delve into the worlds of the three weapons most commonly wielded by the processed food industry: salt, sugar, and fat. In each of the book's three sections, Moss interviews nutritionists, scientists, researches, and businesspeople as he uncovers the truth of how these three key substances are used to alter the appearance, textures, and flavors of food -- and hook the consumer on coming back for more. From the acquisition of Kraft by the Philip Morris company (leader of the tobacco industry) to the marketing of sugary foods to kids, from Kraft's fight to use up dairies' surplus milkfat to the Pepsi/Coca-Cola "wars" -- the processed food industry has a long-standing history of doing whatever it takes to hook repeat consumers.

The book never offers a single solution, however. Moss makes it clear that the key to better food choices is to show consumers the marketing ploys and salt/sugar/fat strategy of the companies behind processed food. By knowing the ploys, after all, it becomes easier to combat them. His book is a fascinating look into the history, science, and effects of the processed food industry -- and a window into what we can do to become "unhooked."




"Knowing all this can be empowering. You can walk through the grocery store and, while the brightly colored packaging and empty promises are still mesmerizing, you can see the products for what they are. They may have salt, sugar, and fat on their side, but we, ultimately, have the power to make choices. After all, we decide what to buy. We decide how much to eat."



- Request Salt, Sugar, Fat from the Catalog

- Request the audiobook on CD version of Salt, Sugar, Fat from the Catalog


Also try:

- Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal by Eric Schlosser -- a look behind the making of our processed foods.

- Supersize Me [DVD] -- This documentary follows filmmaker Morgan Spurlock as he spends thirty days on a McDonald's-only diet.

- Five Myths About Obesity [article] - from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Sugar Vs Fat: Twin Brothers Take Radical Steps to Show the Real Impact of Our Fad Diets [article] - from the UK Express.


"I feel so sorry for the public."



-- Post by Ms. B

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Tea for Two

"A cup of tea would restore my normality."
-- Douglas Adams


You can use it as a dye, soothe sunburns and bee stings, brew a facial, or use it in recipes. Or, of course, you can drink it.

January is National Hot Tea Month, and with the current cold weather snap, there's really no better time to get into the habit of afternoon (or morning, or evening) tea.

Averaging about 60 percent less caffeine than coffee (many herbal teas, of course, have none at all), tea can calm fraught nerves (chamomile), soothe a queasy stomach (peppermint and, especially, ginger), and even provide antioxidants (green tea).

So sit back and relax with your favorite blend (mine happens to be the not-particularly-fancy Orange Herbal Tea from Lipton). Happy sipping!




LINKS:

-- Tea Pittsburgh: Margaret's Fine Imports - This shop in Squirrel Hill imports dozens of loose tea blends, as well as teapots, mugs, tea services, and bagged teas from England, Ireland, Wales, Poland, and across America. Their website features tea "recipes," other uses for tea, and information about their tea-tasting classes.

-- Twinings Tea - This 300-year-old London tea company features a "history of tea" timeline, information on the types of teas, and even a glossary of "tea terms."

-- Adagio Teas - This company allows users to design their own recipes for unique tea blends, many with pop culture references. Try some Doctor Who, Harry Potter, or superhero-themed blends.

-- Jane Austen and the Drinking of Tea - A blog entry on author Jane Austen's connection to the rituals and enjoyments of tea.

-- Hot Stuff: Grown Your Own Tea From Your Garden - Tips from ABC.com on how to grow and brew your own homemade tea.

-- Celebrate Hot Tea Month - 31 suggestions from About.com on how to celebrate Hot Tea month, including new flavors, better brewing methods, and ways to cook with tea.

-- Literary Teas - A collection of quotes, from a variety of authors and novels, on the merits of tea.





Tea and a Good Book:

Try these cozy reads the next time you settle down with a hot cup of tea:

-- Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard - The science and spirituality of nature, as experienced through the four seasons in Tinker Creek, Virginia.

-- Do or Diner by Christine Wenger - Trixie Matkowski's just taken the reins as manager of a small-town diner. Things are off to a bad start when a health inspector winds up murdered over the Blue Plate Special.

-- Middlemarch by George Eliot - A serialized novel, this epic saga explores the life and times of country living in central England during the 1830s.

-- The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery - Exploring philosophy and class structure, this French novel follows the story of a widowed woman who works as a concierge -- and who becomes acquainted with the upperclass child prodigy who lives in her building.

-- The Eternity Artifact by L. E. Modesitt, Jr. - Half science fiction, half conspiracy thriller, this novel brings together an unlikely crew to explore what may be evidence of intelligent alien life.

-- Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened by Allie Brosh - A hilarious (and fully illustrated) memoir by the clever, funny, and honest writer/artist behind the "Hyperbole and a Half" blog.

-- The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner - This historical YA read features magic and mystery on the cusp of the French Revolution.



"Tea. Earl Grey. Hot."
Star Trek's Captain Picard always appreciates a good cup of hot tea.



-- Post by Ms. B 

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Free at Last



Wednesday marked the 85th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the civil rights activist who made history with the delivery of his 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. In addition to being the leader of the African-American Civil Rights Movement, King was also a pastor, and preached the use of nonviolent civil disobedience to further the causes of civil rights.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day has been an officially recognized federal holiday since 1986, held on the third Monday of every January. Scroll down to find out more about this American hero:


Links:

- Martin Luther King, Jr. Biography -- from Biography.com.

- Celebrate the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. This Weekend -- Have a three-day weekend?  Head to the D.C. area to take part in one of these special events. (From the Washington Post.)

- His Dream, Our Stories -- the legacy of the March on Washington. Hear personal stories from those who were present at the March.

- Martin Luther King, Jr. Iconic Speeches -- The "I Have a Dream" speech has taken its rightful place in history. But King was an inspirational speaker who delivered other powerful speeches. Check out this collection of videos, audio, photos, and transcripts, from his Noble Prize acceptance speech to his eloquent opposition to the Vietnam War.

- Martin Luther King, Jr. (from Comcast) -- a collection of photos from the life and legacy of Dr. King.

- Noble Prize Biography -- NoblePrize.org's official biography on Dr. King.

- The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.







From the Collection:

The Dream: Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Speech That Inspired a Nation -- by Drew D. Hansen.

April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Death and How it Changed America -- by Michael Eric Dyson.

King Remembered -- by Flip Schulke and Penelope Ortner McPhee.

Desert Rose: The Life and Legacy of Coretta Scott King -- by Edythe Scott Bagley with Joe Hilley.

The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. -- by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

All Books on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.





Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Historical Perspective [DVD].

Citizen King, 1963-1968 [DVD] -- Part of the PBS documentary program The American Experience.

- In Remembrance of Martin [DVD] -- Personal recollections from the family, friends, and acquaintances of Dr. King.

Martin Luther King: "I Have a Dream" [DVD] -- The iconic speech.

* All DVDs on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.



-- Post by Ms. B

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Staff Recommendation #24: Ya Gotta Love Raymond



The holiday season is all about family: spending time with the people who mean the most to us, sharing good times and memorable moments. Even when those special people drive us absolutely insane.

With the holiday season drawn to a close, now might be a good time for a little storytelling catharsis. I can't think of a show that would better fit that bill than the hit sit-com Everybody Loves Raymond.

Everybody Loves Raymond
is the story of Ray Barone, a sports writer who lives in Long Island with his wife and three kids. His parents (and his older brother) also happen to live nearby. Right across the street, in fact. "Tha-a-a-at's right."

Throughout its nine-season run, the show offered an in-depth look into what family is really all about -- the highs, the lows, and the downright crazy. So if your holiday season was filled with family and you need a bit of a recharge, check out our list of recommended Raymond episodes: one from each season. And remember: It's never just about the can opener. (See Season 4's episode "The Can Opener" for more about that.)

Click on the Seasons' DVD links to request that season from our Catalog!



The Game - Season One [DVD]


"We haven't talked for thirty-five years!"
"I didn't want to interrupt."

What to do when the cable's out?  The family decides to break out "Scruples," a board game designed to bring out the truth. Of course, as anyone in a family could tell you, a little truth goes a long way.



Marie’s Meatballs - Season Two [DVD]




"Given everything that I do around here, why do I care so much that I can't make spaghetti and meatballs for my husband as good as his mother?"
"Because you're a good wife."
"… Don't you ever, ever call me that again."

Debra's determined to learn to cook. Of course, that's hard enough to do without outright sabatoge.



No Fat - Season Three [DVD]


"A recipe for tofu turkey?"
"It looks good, huh?"
"... I would rather eat that page."

Marie's making an effort to serve healthier meals to herself and her family -- even if it means a low-fat (and, to the guys' way of thinking, utterly tasteless) Thanksgiving. This episode gives new meaning to showing support through "thick and thin."



The Christmas Picture - Season Four [DVD]


"I think you've made a wonderful gift choice. You have a lovely family."
"You haven't met everybody yet."

Ray's finally figured out the perfect gift for his mother: a family portrait photo. Too bad it involves the family.



The Wallpaper - Season Five [DVD]


"What happened?!"
"Grandma and Grandpa stopped by."

Ray and Debra's complaints about their in-laws barging into the house have always been a mere turn of phrase. Until now.



Lucky Suit - Season Six [DVD]


"He's the FBI, Ma!  I wasn't applying for a job at the Gap!"

One of Marie's best qualities is her desire to help her family. Unfortunately, it's one of her worst qualities, too. Like when she decides to help her eldest son with his job interview. By faxing a letter to his interviewers.



Meeting the Parents - Season Seven [DVD]


"'No good can come from family'?"
"HER family."

When in-laws collide!  Robert and Amy are getting married. Their parents are meeting for the first time. It's always a little rocky when two families take their first steps to getting to know one another – but when one of those families are the Barones, "rocky" doesn't quite cover it.



The Bird - Season Eight [DVD]


"We promise to protect your people and treat you with kindness."
"Lies. They're gonna screw us."

Robert and Amy are adjusting to marriage, and their families are adjusting to each other. Their "first Thanksgiving" cumulates in a family holiday pagent that seems to sum up the tension on both sides pretty well. Luckily, food does wonders to bring people together.



The Finale - Season Nine [DVD]


"Hey, Ray, it's a little crowded in here."
"Maybe we should get a bigger table."

It was a scare that only lasted thirty seconds – but that's enough time for the family to realize how much they all mean to each other. With the final episode of the series, the finale shows us what this story's been about all along: the fact that, as crazy as they drive us, we love our family.

Well. Most of the time, anyway.




Also From the Catalog:

-- You're Lucky You're Funny: How Life Becomes a Sitcom - by Phil Rosenthal. A memoir from the showrunner on the stories behind the scenes of Everybody Loves Raymond.

-- Exporting Raymond [DVD] - Phil Rosenthal oversaw a nine-season run of one of the most successful American television sit-coms of all time. Turns out there's a Russian production company that's interested in doing their own version of Raymond. This documentary follows Rosenthal overseas as he tries to break the culture gap and prove that, when it comes to family, some stories are universal.



-- Post by Ms. B

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Bye Bye Love

Phil (left) and Don (right) Everly

On Friday, January 3, 2014, one half of one of the most beloved duos passed away. Phil Everly, born January 19, 1939, along with his older brother Don created beautiful and moving harmonies that have continued to influence musicians to this day.

Their career started in the mid 1950s just when rock and roll was starting out. They, along with artists such as Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and many others paved the way.

The influence of their music can still be felt in many of today's musicians. And just recently Norah Jones and Green Day's Billie Jo Armstrong made a record of covers of Everly Brothers songs called Foreverly.

Read on for tributes and articles from around the web:



-- Singer Phil Everly -- Half of Legendary Everly Brothers -- Dies - From CNN.

-- Phil Everly, of Everly Brothers fame, dies at 74, wife says - From Fox News.

-- Phil Everly, Everly Brothers Vocal Legend, Dead at 74 - From Rolling Stone.

-- Linda Ronstadt and others remember Phil Everly (1939-2014) - From The Los Angeles Times.

-- Phil Everly's Son Jason Remembers His Rock Pioneer Dad: Exclusive - From Rolling Stone.

-- Phil Everly's Last Interview: Thoughts on 'Foreverly,' Gene Autry, Being 'Happy at 74' - From The Hollywood Reporter

-- Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong: The Dark Traditions of Phil Everly - From The Wall Street Journal.



Click here to see The Everly Brothers perform Wake Up Little Susie


From the Catalog:

Click here for various albums and collections of The Everly Brothers music.

Foverly [CD] by Norah + Billie Jo

Thursday, January 2, 2014

About Time


Perhaps one of the best byproducts of humanity's timekeeping methods is the idea of a new year -- a time when the cycle rolls over and everybody is given a fresh start. New Year's Day is all about beginnings, making it a great opportunity to set new goals (or vow to quit old habits).

So ring in the new year with this round-up of holiday celebrations, resolutions, and some tips on timekeeping.

Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve in Paris


Celebrating the new year:


-- Happy New Year 2014 - The Atlantic showcases 37 photos from New Year's celebrations around the world.

-- New Year's 2014 Celebrations - Another collection of images worldwide, coming from Voice of America.

-- Senators' New Year's Resolutions - A six-question quiz from the Washington Post. Can you match the U.S. senator to their New Year's resolution?

-- 7 New Year's Resolutions That Take 5 Seconds Each - From Mashable.com. Some creative ideas for new year's resolutions (and tips on how to keep them!).

-- The Science Behind Failed Resolutions - Worried you lack the willpower to keep this year's resolutions?  There's some science behind our limitations. Check out this Wall Street Journal article and find out how to "build up" your brain to keep that burst of willpower going.



-- Calvin and Hobbes: Check out what Calvin and Hobbes (from the Bill Watterson-penned comic) have to say about New Year's resolutions:

* Be more open.
* Resolve not to change.
* Who needs resolutions?
* The problem with the future.
* Stick to your strengths.






And a few words on keeping time:


-- The History of Keeping Time - Humans have been keeping time for thousands of years. Find out the history of timekeeping, from sundials to digital watches. From TED-Ed (a spin-off of TED Talks).

-- Old Famers Almanac - For all your long-range weather forecasts, astronomy trivia, gardening tips, recipe offerings, natural remedy needs, and more!

-- TimeAndDate.com - Convert between time zones, print calendars, set an alarm, check out the World Clock, or create a countdown for your website. There are apps for your iPhone, Android, and laptop, too. (The Day and Night World Map is  particularly worth a look.)

-- The Official US Time - divided by time zone.




Click here to listen to the band They Might Be Giants perform "Older," 
a song all about Time.




-- Post by Ms. B