The asphalt pavement has been removed from my street by a huge piece of machinery designed to do that prior to the installation of sewer lines and then sidewalks and curbs. The ground shakes as if we’re having a minor earthquake and the rumble of the powerful engines makes it impossible to hear anything else. What I had not counted on was having my asthma triggered by the removal process.
I have both asthma and chronic bronchial issues that are triggered by certain odors, including both nail polish and polish remover, and most household cleaners and solvents. My cleaning lady uses white vinegar, which not only cleans well, but it does not leave a fragrance behind. I can burn unscented candles, but those with scents have to be selected carefully. Incense is not an option, nor are odors in confined spaces, such as fragrances in my vehicle.
Churning up the asphalt in the removal process must also involve heating it because I have been choking on the odor of heated asphalt since the machinery began its journey down my street. Once the process is completed, there is just dirt left in the roadway, which is fine. Piping is going to be laid before the roads are repaved, and I’m not sure how long the process will take to finish, but I've closed up the house and will make the best of it.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Desert Winds
Last night, we had winds coming in from the west that were sustaining gusts of 70+ mph. That is a ferocious wind, especially for cars on the freeway and power poles.
My neighbor called me in a panic about 9:30 pm, when she went to the back slider to let the dog in and saw a power pole almost ready to rest on her roof. The pole at the back of her property had pulled out of the ground and was being restrained by the other neighbor’s brick wall. The pole danced in the wind, so when she asked me what she should do, I told her to call 9-1-1 and stay out of her backyard.
Thankfully, both the police and the power company responded quickly, but there isn’t much anyone can do in winds as strong and steady as we experienced last night. Giving in to tired, I crawled into my bed after 11 pm, deciding that what was going to happen was going to happen. I awoke this morning to an upright power pole with some workers at the top finishing the fix. The winds are gearing up again, so it’s nice to know that the pole is back in the ground – for now.
The blowing sand obliterated the interstate, as well as all lane markers and street signs. There will be many claims for wind damage to homes, as well as vehicles, when the wind finally blows itself out.
My neighbor called me in a panic about 9:30 pm, when she went to the back slider to let the dog in and saw a power pole almost ready to rest on her roof. The pole at the back of her property had pulled out of the ground and was being restrained by the other neighbor’s brick wall. The pole danced in the wind, so when she asked me what she should do, I told her to call 9-1-1 and stay out of her backyard.
Thankfully, both the police and the power company responded quickly, but there isn’t much anyone can do in winds as strong and steady as we experienced last night. Giving in to tired, I crawled into my bed after 11 pm, deciding that what was going to happen was going to happen. I awoke this morning to an upright power pole with some workers at the top finishing the fix. The winds are gearing up again, so it’s nice to know that the pole is back in the ground – for now.
The blowing sand obliterated the interstate, as well as all lane markers and street signs. There will be many claims for wind damage to homes, as well as vehicles, when the wind finally blows itself out.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Maltitol sugar substitute: use with caution
Results of a Google search for "maltitol," a sugar substitute used in Harry and David's "sugar free" chocolate caramel balls:
What is Maltitol?
Maltitol is a sugar alcohol, an ingredient commonly used in low-carb or “sugar-free” products such as candy and nutrition bars. It is used so much because of its similarity to sugar in terms of taste, mouth feel, and interaction with other ingredients. Products which use maltitol and other sugar alcohols as sweeteners can be called “sugar free.” Although claims are often made that maltitol has little impact on blood sugar, this turns out not to be the case.
Maltitol Has Carbs
Maltitol is a carbohydrate. Although our bodies do not absorb all the calories in maltitol, this substance does provide us with 2 to 3 calories per gram, compared to the 4 calories per gram of sugar. (For what it's worth, I have noticed that the claim of 2 calories per gram usually comes from literature provided by the manufacturer or the low calorie food industry whereas other analyses tend to be closer to 3 calories.) Since maltitol is a carbohydrate, and since it provides calories, you would expect it to impact blood glucose. You would be correct.
Maltitol Has a Relatively High Glycemic Index
In particular, maltitol syrup has a glycemic index of 52, which approaches that of table sugar at 60. The powdered form has a glycemic index of 36, which is still higher than most other sugar alcohols and all artificial sweeteners.
Maltitol is Not as Sweet As Sugar
Estimates run from 75% to 90% of the sweetness of sugar. Again, the information provided by industry groups tends to give the 90% figure, while other sources say 75%. So, if maltitol has ¾ of the sweetness of sugar, ¾ the calories of sugar, and ¾ the glycemic index of sugar, it isn’t a far leap to the conclusion that you need ¼ more maltitol to get the same effect of sugar, which will give you close to the same effect in most other ways (except for dental cavities). You are basically getting expensive sugar. (NOTE: as a Type II diabetic, I have to be careful of "sugar," but this product mimics sugar in both glycemic index and carbs without spelling it out.)
And … a bonus: Maltitol can Cause Intestinal Discomfort
Usually this takes the form of intestinal gas and cramping, but some people may find themselves with diarrhea. If you decide to eat products with maltitol, you’d be wise to start with a small amount and judge the reaction -- as well whether you’ll be in a crowded room a few hours later.
_______________
Yep, maltitol is the reason for the worst diarrhea I've ever had in my life! It's the sweetener used in the caramel chocolate balls I purchased at Harry and David's and adds a whopping 21g of sugar alcohol to the tasty treats. The reason I know it's the sweetener used is because I received a call from a H&D's representative who told me that's the sweetener listed on the label as part of the milk chocolate coating and the dark chocolate coating. After Googling the product (see above), the representative explained to me that diarrhea is a by-product of maltitol use in some people, and I'm one of the some people. I told her I have never had diarrhea as badly as I had it during those 3 awful days last week, as well as the day this week before I finally made a connection to the back label on the chocolate caramel balls.
For some of us, a little maltitol can go a long way! My suggestion to the H&D rep is to make the warning about the sweetener a bit more prominent, especially in that it's not recommended for diabetics, as well as its being an instant "super" laxative in some people. At my age, 3 days of severe diarrhea could easily result in hospitalization!
What is Maltitol?
Maltitol is a sugar alcohol, an ingredient commonly used in low-carb or “sugar-free” products such as candy and nutrition bars. It is used so much because of its similarity to sugar in terms of taste, mouth feel, and interaction with other ingredients. Products which use maltitol and other sugar alcohols as sweeteners can be called “sugar free.” Although claims are often made that maltitol has little impact on blood sugar, this turns out not to be the case.
Maltitol Has Carbs
Maltitol is a carbohydrate. Although our bodies do not absorb all the calories in maltitol, this substance does provide us with 2 to 3 calories per gram, compared to the 4 calories per gram of sugar. (For what it's worth, I have noticed that the claim of 2 calories per gram usually comes from literature provided by the manufacturer or the low calorie food industry whereas other analyses tend to be closer to 3 calories.) Since maltitol is a carbohydrate, and since it provides calories, you would expect it to impact blood glucose. You would be correct.
Maltitol Has a Relatively High Glycemic Index
In particular, maltitol syrup has a glycemic index of 52, which approaches that of table sugar at 60. The powdered form has a glycemic index of 36, which is still higher than most other sugar alcohols and all artificial sweeteners.
Maltitol is Not as Sweet As Sugar
Estimates run from 75% to 90% of the sweetness of sugar. Again, the information provided by industry groups tends to give the 90% figure, while other sources say 75%. So, if maltitol has ¾ of the sweetness of sugar, ¾ the calories of sugar, and ¾ the glycemic index of sugar, it isn’t a far leap to the conclusion that you need ¼ more maltitol to get the same effect of sugar, which will give you close to the same effect in most other ways (except for dental cavities). You are basically getting expensive sugar. (NOTE: as a Type II diabetic, I have to be careful of "sugar," but this product mimics sugar in both glycemic index and carbs without spelling it out.)
And … a bonus: Maltitol can Cause Intestinal Discomfort
Usually this takes the form of intestinal gas and cramping, but some people may find themselves with diarrhea. If you decide to eat products with maltitol, you’d be wise to start with a small amount and judge the reaction -- as well whether you’ll be in a crowded room a few hours later.
_______________
Yep, maltitol is the reason for the worst diarrhea I've ever had in my life! It's the sweetener used in the caramel chocolate balls I purchased at Harry and David's and adds a whopping 21g of sugar alcohol to the tasty treats. The reason I know it's the sweetener used is because I received a call from a H&D's representative who told me that's the sweetener listed on the label as part of the milk chocolate coating and the dark chocolate coating. After Googling the product (see above), the representative explained to me that diarrhea is a by-product of maltitol use in some people, and I'm one of the some people. I told her I have never had diarrhea as badly as I had it during those 3 awful days last week, as well as the day this week before I finally made a connection to the back label on the chocolate caramel balls.
For some of us, a little maltitol can go a long way! My suggestion to the H&D rep is to make the warning about the sweetener a bit more prominent, especially in that it's not recommended for diabetics, as well as its being an instant "super" laxative in some people. At my age, 3 days of severe diarrhea could easily result in hospitalization!
Extreme Cleanse
On the trip to the outlet malls last week and a stop at Harry and David’s, I bought 2 bags of “Sugar-Free Caramel Balls,” a treat I could enjoy without worrying so much about too much sugar. On the front label, it warns the buyer that this is not a low calorie food and to see the nutritional information for saturated fat content (6 grams). I checked out the nutrition facts, but didn’t see anything alarming until yesterday.
Last week, I had diarrhea so badly over the course of 3 days that I was wondering if I needed to see my doctor and be checked for colon cancer. I had to stay in the house, close to a toilet, and even then had some close calls. All my energy drained out my big toes and I felt like I had been put through a ringer. Tried to figure out a cause, but couldn’t think of anything I had eaten that would cause such a virulent reaction.
The other day, I opened bag 2 of the caramel balls and had a handful. I had no idea why the sudden diarrhea hit me again, but after spending some quality time on the toilet, the thought struck me: I had eaten caramel balls.
Nah, no way a candy could hit my digestive tract that harshly, right? Wrong. There is a warning on the bag back label that I completely missed: “Excess use may have a laxative effect.” No clue as to what excess use is, but I now know that a handful of the caramel balls triggers a reaction so much bigger than the consumption of the product.
This is a first for me: I can honestly say that I have never encountered a product with the “laxative effect” warning before. The rest of bag 2 of the caramels is in the trash as no candy craving is worth the reaction I’ve had from eating this candy. As much as I love candy in general, and caramel in particular, it’s going to be a while before I’m going to be able to even think about eating chocolate or caramel anything!
Last week, I had diarrhea so badly over the course of 3 days that I was wondering if I needed to see my doctor and be checked for colon cancer. I had to stay in the house, close to a toilet, and even then had some close calls. All my energy drained out my big toes and I felt like I had been put through a ringer. Tried to figure out a cause, but couldn’t think of anything I had eaten that would cause such a virulent reaction.
The other day, I opened bag 2 of the caramel balls and had a handful. I had no idea why the sudden diarrhea hit me again, but after spending some quality time on the toilet, the thought struck me: I had eaten caramel balls.
Nah, no way a candy could hit my digestive tract that harshly, right? Wrong. There is a warning on the bag back label that I completely missed: “Excess use may have a laxative effect.” No clue as to what excess use is, but I now know that a handful of the caramel balls triggers a reaction so much bigger than the consumption of the product.
This is a first for me: I can honestly say that I have never encountered a product with the “laxative effect” warning before. The rest of bag 2 of the caramels is in the trash as no candy craving is worth the reaction I’ve had from eating this candy. As much as I love candy in general, and caramel in particular, it’s going to be a while before I’m going to be able to even think about eating chocolate or caramel anything!
Friday, April 12, 2013
Rickety Pic
If you loved Brian’s Song, a film about the first black/white pairing in pro football, you’ll enjoy and recognize the gist of 42, the story of the first black professional baseball player, Jackie Robinson. 42 is a much less passionate story (than Brian’s Song) as it concentrates on the difficult integration of a black player into white professional baseball, whereas Brian’s Song focused on the friendship between Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, a friendship that developed into an unbreakable bond between the two professional athletes that transcended Piccolo's death from cancer.
42 is very low-key throughout, almost more the story of the coach, Branch Rickey, as it is the story of Robinson, whose personal life is as prominent in the film as his professional trials to establish himself as a baseball player, rather than as a black baseball player. Rickey selected Jackie Robinson as the Negro player to break the color barrier because he was a hugely-talented baseball player, and also a man who could restrain himself from fighting back as the racial epithets were hurled at him by other athletes, as well as the general public. Robinson became an idol not just to young black men, but also to white youth who wanted to play ball just like Robinson.
I’m not sure why the movie is titled 42 as it’s never explained to the viewer why that number was given to Robinson. I know from press junkets promoting the film that each April, all baseball players wear the number 42 to honor Robinson’s courage in breaking the color barrier in professional baseball, as well as the other fact the number 42 is the only number in baseball ever to be retired. Beyond that, the mystery of the number is unanswered.
This is one of the "go see" movies, but doesn't rise to the level of "must see." I’ll give the film a B- for the message, but it basically is a formulaic “rags to riches” movie that is too predictable and which does nothing to generate excitement in the telling of the historic fete. The actors portray their characters well, but the starring character in the film becomes Rickey’s ever-present cigar, which catches the viewer’s eye more often than any of the human characters. It also would help if the end of the movie were shown before the story is told so viewers know the characters, not only who they are, but also how they are important to the story, all of which comes after the final scene of the movie.
42 is very low-key throughout, almost more the story of the coach, Branch Rickey, as it is the story of Robinson, whose personal life is as prominent in the film as his professional trials to establish himself as a baseball player, rather than as a black baseball player. Rickey selected Jackie Robinson as the Negro player to break the color barrier because he was a hugely-talented baseball player, and also a man who could restrain himself from fighting back as the racial epithets were hurled at him by other athletes, as well as the general public. Robinson became an idol not just to young black men, but also to white youth who wanted to play ball just like Robinson.
I’m not sure why the movie is titled 42 as it’s never explained to the viewer why that number was given to Robinson. I know from press junkets promoting the film that each April, all baseball players wear the number 42 to honor Robinson’s courage in breaking the color barrier in professional baseball, as well as the other fact the number 42 is the only number in baseball ever to be retired. Beyond that, the mystery of the number is unanswered.
This is one of the "go see" movies, but doesn't rise to the level of "must see." I’ll give the film a B- for the message, but it basically is a formulaic “rags to riches” movie that is too predictable and which does nothing to generate excitement in the telling of the historic fete. The actors portray their characters well, but the starring character in the film becomes Rickey’s ever-present cigar, which catches the viewer’s eye more often than any of the human characters. It also would help if the end of the movie were shown before the story is told so viewers know the characters, not only who they are, but also how they are important to the story, all of which comes after the final scene of the movie.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Oprah’s Questions re: Can Do Attitude
My quickest confidence booster is reminding myself how much I have done to make my house into my home, especially all the little touches that add my personal uniqueness.
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken is quitting two jobs and relocating to another state, then packing up again and relocating for another job, and then finding the personal courage to return to a place I never again wanted to live while I found the means to relocate to where I am now.
If I had no fear, I’d pack up and leave where I am now.
One other fear for me is retirement, as so much of who I am is wrapped inside what I did for 35 years of my adulthood. For a person who saw 200 students a day, 5 days a week, for 48 weeks each year (including summer school), with a constantly changing student population, as well as required curriculum, sitting alone in my house was a huge fear about what I'd do, where I'd go, which people would be part of my new life. I've done a lot of sitting on my couch in the past few years due to two knee surgeries, following the initiating injury that went under-diagnosed for the first 3 months. I also fell and fractured the L4 vertebrae, which was officially diagnosed as "stirring up" my spinal arthritis and under-treated as a result. Once that injury was treated properly with spinal decompression therapy, I've been able to stand up straight and tall, which improved my entire mental attitude, as well as my mobility.
I'm finding that I like being retired. I actually like to sit on the couch and do handwork; as a result, I've completed many projects and have others in the works. I also enjoy a reading day every so often, although I've found that when I read the Amazon.com ratings of books and make my selection based on reader's reviews, I get stuck with some poorly written novels that I cannot force myself to finish.
I also enjoy the freedom to leave the house anytime I choose for whatever reason. Yesterday, as a matter of fact, I drove to the factory outlet stores up the highway and just meandered through the shops. Granted, I made a Harry and David stop, one of my guilty pleasures, only to find that the store is being closed but will reopen in the other half of the outlet facility. There was no chocolate-covered fruit left in the store, but I did buy both Meyer lemon marmalade and orange marmalade (at 33% off), as well as a jar of rhubarb/strawberry pie filling that I will use to make some delicious dessert tarts ... soon.
Even though I have to plan my travel when I have a pet-sitter available for the 3 dogs, I flew to Oregon recently, and have trips to China and Canada in the works before the end of the year. I make day trips more often than longer trips, and am pleasantly surprised to find lots to see/do within about a couple hour's drive. This past week, I visited a local museum that chronicles part of the history of the Valley, ate at a well-known restaurant adjacent to the polo grounds (which are being turned into the internationally-known venue for the upcoming Coachella and StageCoach events), and saw the polo ground's roses in full, fragrant bloom.
Therefore, my "can do attitude" is growing in confidence with the freedom to do whatever I want to do -- or not do what I don't want to do -- when I want to do it. I've been gathering things over the years to try "someday," and I've finally accepted that the someday is ... today!
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken is quitting two jobs and relocating to another state, then packing up again and relocating for another job, and then finding the personal courage to return to a place I never again wanted to live while I found the means to relocate to where I am now.
If I had no fear, I’d pack up and leave where I am now.
One other fear for me is retirement, as so much of who I am is wrapped inside what I did for 35 years of my adulthood. For a person who saw 200 students a day, 5 days a week, for 48 weeks each year (including summer school), with a constantly changing student population, as well as required curriculum, sitting alone in my house was a huge fear about what I'd do, where I'd go, which people would be part of my new life. I've done a lot of sitting on my couch in the past few years due to two knee surgeries, following the initiating injury that went under-diagnosed for the first 3 months. I also fell and fractured the L4 vertebrae, which was officially diagnosed as "stirring up" my spinal arthritis and under-treated as a result. Once that injury was treated properly with spinal decompression therapy, I've been able to stand up straight and tall, which improved my entire mental attitude, as well as my mobility.
I'm finding that I like being retired. I actually like to sit on the couch and do handwork; as a result, I've completed many projects and have others in the works. I also enjoy a reading day every so often, although I've found that when I read the Amazon.com ratings of books and make my selection based on reader's reviews, I get stuck with some poorly written novels that I cannot force myself to finish.
I also enjoy the freedom to leave the house anytime I choose for whatever reason. Yesterday, as a matter of fact, I drove to the factory outlet stores up the highway and just meandered through the shops. Granted, I made a Harry and David stop, one of my guilty pleasures, only to find that the store is being closed but will reopen in the other half of the outlet facility. There was no chocolate-covered fruit left in the store, but I did buy both Meyer lemon marmalade and orange marmalade (at 33% off), as well as a jar of rhubarb/strawberry pie filling that I will use to make some delicious dessert tarts ... soon.
Even though I have to plan my travel when I have a pet-sitter available for the 3 dogs, I flew to Oregon recently, and have trips to China and Canada in the works before the end of the year. I make day trips more often than longer trips, and am pleasantly surprised to find lots to see/do within about a couple hour's drive. This past week, I visited a local museum that chronicles part of the history of the Valley, ate at a well-known restaurant adjacent to the polo grounds (which are being turned into the internationally-known venue for the upcoming Coachella and StageCoach events), and saw the polo ground's roses in full, fragrant bloom.
Therefore, my "can do attitude" is growing in confidence with the freedom to do whatever I want to do -- or not do what I don't want to do -- when I want to do it. I've been gathering things over the years to try "someday," and I've finally accepted that the someday is ... today!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)