Thursday, July 1, 2010

WILL GOOGLE LAUNCH IT'S OWN SOCIAL NETWORK? (GOOGLE ME??)

www.costpernews.com" src="http://a3.typepad.com/6a0111683c7a25970c0133f1fbc4cb970b-250wi" alt="image from www.costpernews.com" style="margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block;" /> We don't know almost nothing about it, but it has been said that Google has intentions of launching their own social network called Google Me as a head on rival to Facebook. Blogger Noe Pacheco framed some rather important questions, "Will it be artist friendly?" "Is there going to be a music player for bands and artists?" "Are they going to take aspects of MySpace to help the cause?"

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First photo of an extra-solar planet

AWESOME!!

  

World, meet 1RXS J160929.1-210524—the first documented sun spotted outside of our solar system. And do you see that tiny orb above it to the left? That’s an orbitting extra-solar planet, making this photo the first one of its kind. The photo was originally captured in 2008, but David Lafreniere and his team at the Gemini Observatory were recently able to confirm their long-standing suspicions. This new (well, new to us) solar family is 470 light-years away from our cozy solar system.

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Over 100 Quick and Easy Healthy Recipes

---By Whole Foods

We Have Preparation and Cooking Times of 30 Minutes or Less.
The majority of recipes we offer can be both prepared and cooked in 30 minutes or less, from start to finish. A number of them can also be prepared ahead of time and enjoyed later. So you can prepare more than what is needed for a single meal. Then you can use the additional amount the next day or when time is short, with little or no additional preparation time required.

Our Recipes Allow Flexibility and Adjustments.
We realize that if our recipes are going to fit your individual tastes, schedule and lifestyle, they can't just dictate exactly which ingredients you need and the exact amount of each one to use. So for example, if a recipe calls for a variety of vegetables, and you're missing one, or want to add even more varieties, or somewhat different quantities, you're free to do so and still produce a good tasting, healthy meal. You also have the flexibility of deciding whether you want a vegetarian dish or not. And once you've tried a recipe, you're welcome to adjust the amount of seasonings you use to best suit your individual taste.

The Recipe Assistant.
Are you interested in customizing your search for WHFoods recipes? Then use our innovative Recipe Assistant. With this easy to use tool all you have to do is select foods that you want to be included or excluded (e.g., if you are lactose intolerant, you choose to identify recipes without milk) and it will provide you with a list of recipes meeting your criteria. Also, if you want to identify recipes that feature concentrated amounts of specific nutrients, the Recipe Assistant can do this too.

How to Make Multiple Selections
To make multiple selections on the "Foods to Include" or "Foods to Exclude" list, hold down the control key (on a PC) or Apple key (on a Mac) and click on the different foods that you would like to choose. You can make only one selection in the "Nutrients to Require" list.


Foods to include:

Foods to exclude:

Nutrients to require:

Over 100 Quick and Easy Recipes


Breakfast
Salad Entrees
Soups
Fish
Chicken and Turkey

Lean Meat
Vegetarian Entrees
Side Salad/Dressings
Side Vegetables
Desserts

Breakfast


Salad Entrees
Soups
Fish
Chicken and Turkey
Lean Meat
Vegetarian Entrees
Side Salad/Dressings
Side Vegetables
Desserts
Meatless Recipes
Here is a list of over 70 meatless recipes for you:
Breakfast
Salad Entrees
Soups
Vegetarian Entrees

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Basil

  Basil

The round, often pointed leaves of the basil plant looks a lot like peppermint to which it is related. Its highly fragrant leaves are used as a seasoning herb for a variety of foods but has become ever popular as the main ingredient in pesto, the mixture of basil, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.

Food Chart
This chart graphically details the %DV that a serving of Basil provides for each of the nutrients of which it is a good, very good, or excellent source according to our Food Rating System. Additional information about the amount of these nutrients provided by Basil can be found in the Food Rating System Chart. A link that takes you to the In-Depth Nutritional Profile for Basil, featuring information over 80 nutrients, can be found under the Food Rating System Chart.

Health Benefits

Research studies on basil have shown unique health-protecting effects in two basic areas: basil's flavonoids and volatile oils.

DNA Protection Plus Anti-Bacterial Properties

The unique array of active constituents called flavonoids found in basil provide protection at the cellular level. Orientin and vicenin are two water-soluble flavonoids that have been of particular interest in basil, and in studies on human white blood cells; these components of basil protect cell structures as well as chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damage.

In addition, basil has been shown to provide protection against unwanted bacterial growth. These "anti-bacterial" properties of basil are not associated with its unique flavonoids, but instead with its volatile oils, which contain estragole, linalool, cineole, eugenol, sabinene, myrcene, and limonene. Lab studies show the effectiveness of basil in restricting growth of numerous bacteria, including : Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O:157:H7, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Essential oil of basil, obtained from its leaves, has demonstrated the ability to inhibit several species of pathogenic bacteria that have become resistant to commonly used antibiotic drugs. In a study published in the July 2003 issue of the Journal of Microbiology Methods, essential oil of basil was even found to inhibit strains of bacteria from the genera Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas, all of which are not only widespread, but now pose serious treatment difficulties because they have developed a high level of resistance to treatment with antibiotic drugs.(September 8, 2003)
Studies published in the February 2004 issue of Food Microbiology, have shown that washing produce in solution containing either basil or thyme essential oil at the very low concentration of just 1% resulted in dropping the number of Shigella, an infectious bacteria that triggers diarrhea and may cause significant intestinal damage, below the point at which it could be detected. While scientists use this research to try to develop natural food preservatives, it makes good sense to include basil and thyme in more of your recipes, particularly for foods that are not cooked such as salads. Adding fresh thyme and/or basil to your next vinaigrette will not only enhance the flavor of your fresh greens, but will help ensure that the fresh produce you consume is safe to eat. (March 25, 2004)

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

The eugenol component of basil's volatile oils has been the subject of extensive study, since this substance can block the activity of an enzyme in the body called cyclooxygenase (COX). Many non-steriodal over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), including aspirin and ibuprofen, as well as the commonly used medicine acetaminophen, work by inhibiting this same enzyme. (In the case of acetaminophen, this effect is somewhat controversial, and probably occurs to a much lesser degree than is the case with aspirin and ibuprofen). This enzyme-inhibiting effect of the eugenol in basil qualifies basil as an "anti-inflammatory" food that can provide important healing benefits along with symptomatic relief for individuals with inflammatory health problems like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel conditions.

Nutrients Essential for Cardiovascular Health

Want to enrich the taste and cardiovascular health benefits of your pasta sauce? Add a good helping of basil. Basil is a very good source of vitamin A (through its concentration of carotenoids such as beta-carotene). Called "pro-vitamin A," since it can be converted into vitamin A, beta-carotene is a more powerful anti-oxidant than vitamin A and not only protects epithelial cells (the cells that form the lining of numerous body structures including the blood vessels) from free radical damage, but also helps prevent free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in the blood stream. Only after it has been oxidized does cholesterol build up in blood vessel walls, initiating the development of atherosclerosis, whose end result can be a heart attack or stroke.

Free radical damage is a contributing factor in many other conditions as well, including asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The beta-carotene found in basil may help to lessen the progression of these conditions while protecting cells from further damage.

Basil is also a good source of magnesium, which promotes cardiovascular health by prompting muscles and blood vessels to relax, thus improving blood flow and lessening the risk of irregular heart rhythms or a spasming of the heart muscle or a blood vessel.

In addition to the health benefits and nutrients described above, basil also emerged from our food ranking system as a very good source of iron, and calcium, and a good source of potassium and vitamin C.

Description

Basil is a highly fragrant plant whose leaves are used as a seasoning herb for many different types of foods. Basil has become one of the most recognizable herbs ever since pesto, the mixture of basil, pine nuts and parmesan cheese, has become popular.

Basil has round leaves that are oftentimes pointed. They are green in color, although some varieties feature hints of red or purple. Basil looks a little like peppermint, which is not surprising since they belong to the same plant family.

There are more than 60 varieties of basil, all of which differ somewhat in appearance and taste. While the taste of sweet basil is bright and pungent, other varieties also offer unique tastes: lemon basil, anise basil and cinnamon basil all have flavors that subtly reflect their name. The scientific name for basil is Ocimum basilicum.

History

Basil now grows in many regions throughout the world, but it was first native to India, Asia and Africa. It is prominently featured in varied cuisines throughout the world including Italian, Thai, Vietnamese and Laotian.

The name "basil" is derived from the old Greek word basilikohn, which means "royal," reflecting that ancient culture's attitudes towards an herb that they held to be very noble and sacred. The tradition of reverence of basil has continued in other cultures. In India, basil was cherished as an icon of hospitality, while in Italy, it was a symbol of love.

How to Select and Store

Whenever possible, choose fresh basil over the dried form of the herb since it is superior in flavor. The leaves of fresh basil should look vibrant and be deep green in color. They should be free from darks spots or yellowing.

Even through dried herbs and spices like basil are widely available in supermarkets, you may want to explore the local spice stores in your area. Oftentimes, these stores feature an expansive selection of dried herbs and spices that are of superior quality and freshness compared to those offered in regular markets. Just like with other dried herbs, when purchasing dried basil, try to select organically grown basil since this will give you more assurance that it has not been irradiated (among other potential adverse effects, irradiating basil may lead to a significant decrease in its vitamin C and carotenoid content.)

Fresh basil should be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel. It may also be frozen, either whole or chopped, in airtight containers. Alternatively, you can freeze the basil in ice cube trays covered with either water or stock that can be added when preparing soups or stews. Dried basil should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place where it will keep fresh for about six months.

How to Enjoy

For some of our favorite recipes, click Recipes.

Tips for Cooking with Basil:

Since the oils in basil are highly volatile, it is best to add the herb near the end of the cooking process, so it will retain its maximum essence and flavor.

A Few Quick Serving Ideas:

Combine fresh chopped basil with garlic and olive oil to make a dairy-free variety of pesto that can top a variety of dishes including pasta, salmon and whole wheat brushetta.

Enjoy a taste of Italy by layering fresh basil leaves over tomato slices and mozzarella cheese to create this traditional colorful and delicious salad.

Adding basil to healthy stir-fries, especially those that include eggplant, cabbage, chili peppers, tofu and cashew nuts will give them a Thai flair.

Purée basil, olive oil and onions in a food processor or blender and add to tomato soups.

Enjoy a warm cup of invigorating basil tea by infusing chopped basil leaves in boiling water for eight minutes.

Individual Concerns

Basil is not a commonly allergenic food, is not known to contain measurable amounts of oxalates or purines and is also not included in the Environmental Working Group's 2010 report "Shopper's Guide to Pesticides" as one of the 12 foods most frequently containing pesticide residues.

Nutritional Profile

Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K and a very good source of iron, calcium and vitamin A. In addition, basil is a good source of dietary fiber, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C and potassium.

For an in-depth nutritional profile click here: Basil.

In-Depth Nutritional Profile

In addition to the nutrients highlighted in our ratings chart, an in-depth nutritional profile for Basil is also available. This profile includes information on a full array of nutrients, including carbohydrates, sugar, soluble and insoluble fiber, sodium, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and more.

Introduction to Food Rating System Chart

In order to better help you identify foods that feature a high concentration of nutrients for the calories they contain, we created a Food Rating System. This system allows us to highlight the foods that are especially rich in particular nutrients. The following chart shows the nutrients for which this food is either an excellent, very good, or good source (below the chart you will find a table that explains these qualifications). If a nutrient is not listed in the chart, it does not necessarily mean that the food doesn't contain it. It simply means that the nutrient is not provided in a sufficient amount or concentration to meet our rating criteria. (To view this food's in-depth nutritional profile that includes values for dozens of nutrients - not just the ones rated as excellent, very good, or good - please use the link below the chart.) To read this chart accurately, you'll need to glance up in the top left corner where you will find the name of the food and the serving size we used to calculate the food's nutrient composition. This serving size will tell you how much of the food you need to eat to obtain the amount of nutrients found in the chart. Now, returning to the chart itself, you can look next to the nutrient name in order to find the nutrient amount it offers, the percent Daily Value (DV%) that this amount represents, the nutrient density that we calculated for this food and nutrient, and the rating we established in our rating system. For most of our nutrient ratings, we adopted the government standards for food labeling that are found in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's "Reference Values for Nutrition Labeling." Read more background information and details of our rating system.

Basil, dried, ground
2.00 tsp
3.00 grams
7.52 calories
NutrientAmountDV
(%)		Nutrient
Density		World's Healthiest
Foods Rating
vitamin K48.01 mcg60.0143.6excellent
iron1.28 mg7.1 17.0very good
calcium63.40 mg6.315.2very good
vitamin A281.24 IU5.613.5very good
dietary fiber1.20 g4.811.5good
manganese0.08 mg4.0 9.6good
magnesium12.68 mg3.27.6good
vitamin C 1.84 mg3.17.3good
potassium103.00 mg2.97.0 good
World's Healthiest
Foods Rating		Rule
excellentDV>=75%ORDensity>=7.6ANDDV>=10%
very goodDV>=50%ORDensity>=3.4ANDDV>=5%
goodDV>=25%ORDensity>=1.5ANDDV>=2.5%

In-Depth Nutritional Profile for Basil

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The World's Healthiest Foods

130 foods that can serve as the basis of your Healthiest Way of Eating. Links to the articles about these foods can be found below.

Of course, there are many other nutritious foods other than those that we have included on our list that we feel are wonderful, health-promoting foods; if there are other whole foods - such as fruits, vegetables, nuts/seeds, whole grains, etc - that you like, by all means enjoy them. Just because a food is not on our list doesn't mean that we don't think that it can be included in a diet geared towards the Healthiest Way of Eating as long as it is a whole, natural, nutrient-rich food.


Vegetables Seafood
Fruits Eggs & Low-Fat Dairy Beans & Legumes Poultry & Lean Meats
Nuts & Seeds Grains Spices & Herbs Natural Sweeteners Other

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7 Herbs That Add Flavor and Nutrition

Carefully chosen fresh herbs improve the flavor of dishes and add nutritional zing. Here's what to add to your next meal for a dose of delicious disease-fighting power.  ( Please add your favorite herbs)

Thyme

If you're in a pinch for fresh thyme, use the ground variety. Just 1 teaspoon contains more than 20 percent of your daily iron needs.

Try this: Thyme is the ultimate utility player, pairing well with roasted meat and vegetables, tomato sauce, and scrambled eggs.

Rosemary

Japanese researchers say carnosic acid, found in rosemary, may help protect against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Try this: Mix minced rosemary, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil to use as a marinade for meat or vegetables.

Cilantro

Studies suggest that coriander seeds (the fruit of the cilantro plant) could lead to treatments for diabetes and promote cardiovascular health.

Try this: Chop up tomatoes, an onion, and a jalapeno, and mix with a heap of cilantro for a versatile fresh salsa.

Tarragon

Research suggests that tarragon extract may help in treating diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity, and possibly kill ulcer-causing bacteria.

Try this: Grill up an assortment of vegetables—onions, peppers, squash, asparagus—and sprinkle them with fresh goat cheese, tarragon, lemon juice, and olive oil.

Sage

Like rosemary, sage was thought to strengthen memory. The rosmarinic acid in this plant may promote liver health by protecting cells from oxidation damage.

Try this: For a quick pasta sauce, melt a pat of butter in a pan until it turns light brown, then add a handful of whole sage leaves. Toss with cheese or pumpkin ravioli.

Oregano

Gram for gram, it has twice the cancer-fighting antioxidant activity of blueberries.

Basil Basil

The round, often pointed leaves of the basil plant looks a lot like peppermint to which it is related. Its highly fragrant leaves are used as a seasoning herb for a variety of foods but has become ever popular as the main ingredient in pesto, the mixture of basil, pine nuts and parmesan cheese.

Try this: Add equal parts fresh parsley and oregano to a blender and slowly drizzle in olive oil or canola oil as it spins. Strain and use the infused oil to top grilled fish or chicken or as a dip for toasted bread.

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Grilled Avocado and Spicy Honey-Glazed Chicken

Grilled Avocado and Spicy Honey-Glazed Chicken
Prep Time: 1 hour, including 45 minutes to marinate
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
A spicy honey glaze accents these juicy grilled chicken breasts and grilled Hass Avocados, served with baby peppers.
Category: Entree

Re-Calculate: Ingredients

  | 
Ingredients
  • 4 4 4boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 2 2ripe, Fresh Hass Avocados, seeded and peeled
  • 1 1 1lemon, juiced
  • 1 1 1(12-oz.) package sweet mini bell peppers
  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • Garlic salt and pepper, to taste
Marinade
  • 1 1 1lemon, juiced
  • 1/2 .5 .5onion, quartered
  • 2 2 2Tbsp. TABLESPOON_USVolumesoy sauce
  • 1/2 .5 .5red bell pepper, seeds and membranes removed, quartered
Spicy Honey Glaze
  • 1/2 .5 .5cup CUP_USVolumehoney
  • 1 1 1clove garlic, mashed
  • 2 2 2Tbsp. TABLESPOON_USVolumedry sherry
  • 1 1 1Tbsp. TABLESPOON_USVolumeground Aleppo pepper** or cayenne pepper, or less to taste
Instructions
  1. Heat the grill to medium heat (for a charcoal grill you should be able to hold your hand over the grill for about 6 seconds). Remove chicken breasts from marinade and discard excess marinade. Grill chicken on both sides until cooked through. (Cooking time will vary based on the heat of the grill and the thickness of the chicken.) Lightly glaze the chicken on all sides with the reserved honey glaze and remove from the grill. Tent with foil to keep warm.
  2. Meanwhile, when chicken is about half cooked, mist the mini bell peppers with olive oil cooking spray and sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper. Add peppers to the grill and cook until lightly charred on all sides and tender, about 12 minutes. (If chicken breasts are very thin, start the peppers earlier.)
  3. While chicken is resting, slice avocados into 4 slices per half. Sprinkle with lemon juice and place on grill. Grill slices for 2 minutes per side, and then brush them lightly with the honey glaze.
  4. To serve, top chicken breasts with grilled avocado slices and place grilled mini peppers alongside. Serve with remaining honey glaze.
Marinade
  1. In a blender, combine lemon juice, onion, soy sauce and red bell pepper. Purée until smooth. Pour marinade into a 1 gallon-size zip top plastic bag or large shallow dish.
  2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat. Marinate for 45 minutes.
Glaze
  1. In a small pan over medium heat, combine honey, garlic and sherry. Stir in Aleppo pepper a little at a time until desired heat level is reached. Set aside. The glaze will thicken as it cools.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with grilled corn on the cob for an easy all-on-the-grill meal.
Beverage Pairings:
Delicious with a chilled wheat beer.

* Large avocados are recommended for this recipe. A large avocado averages about 8 ounces. If using smaller or larger size avocados adjust the quantity accordingly.

**Aleppo pepper can be found at Middle Eastern markets and specialty grocers. If not available you can substitute ground cayenne pepper. Add just a little at a time to the glaze until it reaches the desired level of spiciness.

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What Does It Take to Make a Marriage Last?

---By Billy Graham

Q: My wife and I have only been married a few years, and we love each other more than ever. But we read about people getting divorced after 20 or 30 years of marriage, and it worries us. What does it take to make a marriage last? -- M.E.


A: I'm thankful you have a strong relationship now -- but I'm especially thankful you realize there could be dangers ahead, and you want to take steps to prevent them. A good marriage doesn't just happen; it takes work -- but it's worth it.

I could say much about building a strong marriage -- but I've sometimes summarized them in four simple points that might be easy to remember. Let me repeat them; each begins with the letter "C".

First, Cherish. God gave you to each other; you are God's gift to your spouse. Take time to express your love, both by your words and by little acts of thoughtfulness -- a surprise gift, a special time away, a favorite dinner. Cherish your wife, and let her know she is important to you.

Second, Communicate. Let each other know what's going on in your life at home or at work. Don't clam up; don't nag or only express yourself when you're upset. The Bible says, "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" (Proverbs 25:11).

Third, Compromise. The greatest enemy of love is our selfishness, but in marriage you can't always have your own way, so learn to compromise with grace. The Bible says, "Love does not demand its own way" (1 Corinthians 13:5, The Living Bible).

Finally, Christ. Make Christ the center of your lives and your marriage every day, by committing yourself to Him and His will. He is the solid foundation we need -- in our lives, and in our marriages.

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