Hungry Crustaceans Eat Climate Change Experiment
Posted by samzenpus on Thursday March 26, @02:17PM
from the circle-of-life dept.<<<
I love the report, poor gore, they eat his experiments and every big meeting he plans, gets frozen out....LOL
http://green.yahoo.com/blog/daily_green_news/8/twelve-amazing-shipping-container-houses.html
[Interesting]
Twelve amazing shipping container houses
By Brian Clark Howard
Posted Mon Mar 16, 2009 10:50am PDT
Related topics: Design, Solar Power, Buildings, Reusing stuff
More from The Daily Green News blog
[Nice photos]
[Live Links for each paragraph, at url site]
How to find free stuff
By Lori Bongiorno
Posted Thu Mar 12, 2009 4:04pm PDT
Related topics: Shopping, Tips, Saving Money, Reusing stuff
More from The Conscious Consumer blog
Want free furniture, a place to stay, or even a bike? Thanks to the Internet, it’s fairly easy to find a wide variety of free products and services.
Dozens of websites are dedicated to helping you locate stuff your neighbors want to unload, opportunities to swap what you no longer need, ways to find giveaways from businesses, and more.
Obviously, seeking out free stuff is great for your budget, but it can also be good for the planet. Reusing things, for example, keeps valuable items out of the landfill and saves the resources needed to make a new product from scratch.
Here are some of the best ways to find free stuff:
* Log onto Freecycle and other reuse groups to search listings of items being given away by people in your town.
* Craigslist has a whole category dedicated to “free stuff” for each of its participating cities. Find everything from cardboard boxes to electric sewing machines to computer games.
* Search for free reusable items with the Local Reuse application on your iPhone.
* CouchSurfing connects travelers with hosts around the globe. The result: You get both a free place to stay and locals to hang out with for an inside glimpse of other cultures.
* Want free accommodations while travelling, but aren’t up for sleeping on a couch? Use Digsville, Home Base Holidays, HomeExchange.com, and HomeLink to find traditional home-exchange opportunities.
* Favorpals is all about helping you trading skills and favors. Clean someone’s house in exchange for dog walking when you’re at work or for tutoring your kid in math. Or offer painting services and get help with designing a website.
* You can trade anything from babysitting and calligraphy lessons to pianos and foosball tables to cars and boats at U-Exchange.
* Swap books, music, DVDs, or video games via mail through Swaptree. Print a postage label right from your computer for easy mailing.
* You can trade clothes, accessories, shoes, and even cosmetics at Swapstyle.
* Trade kids’ stuff you no longer need at Tots Swap Shop or Kizoodle.
* Get free new jewelry at Silver Jewelry Club. What’s the catch? This jewelry manufacturing company is looking to get the word out about its designs. Be prepared to pay modest shipping costs.
* MyOpenBar.com helps people find free (or cheap) drinks in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Honolulu, and Miami.
* ThefreeSite.com, StartSampling, and Free Stuff Channel are just some of the websites dedicated to helping users find giveaways, samples, trials, and other promotional items.
Environmental journalist Lori Bongiorno shares green-living tips and product reviews with Yahoo! Green’s users. Send Lori a question or suggestion for potential use in a future column. Her book, Green Greener Greenest: A Practical Guide to Making Eco-smart Choices a Part of Your Life is available on Yahoo! Shopping and Amazon.com.
Stew doesn’t always mean meat
By Jay Weinstein, Forecast Earth Correspondent
Posted Fri Dec 12, 2008 2:15pm PST
Related topics: Food and Drink, How-To, Veggies
More from Forecast Earth blog
To many, stew is synonymous with meat. Of course, lamb and beef stews are among America’s favorites. But in the interest of adding some less carbon-intensive ingredients to the winter menu, I looked for a vegetarian alternative that would be just as warming, comforting, and appropriate to winter’s cold.
I found the perfect solution in a hearty Moroccan squash tagine, served over steaming couscous.
With cozy aromas of cinnamon, cumin, and ginger, this fork-and-knife one-pot meal has all the stick-to-your-ribs appeal of a meat dish, and relies on squash, onions, and beans that can be sourced locally even in December (or kept in the root cellar from autumn).
A few spoonfuls of Harissa, a spicy North African chili paste that’s great either store bought or homemade, add complex flavors and a brilliant splash of color.
Moroccan Squash Tagine With Couscous
3 Tbsp olive oil
2 onions, chopped (about 4 cups)
4 cloves garlic, sliced
11/2 lb organic pumpkin, butternut, delicata, dumpling, or other squash, skin on, cut into large chunks
2 large horse carrots, cut into 2” sticks
8 small red potatoes, halved
1 tsp each ground cumin, ginger, and cinnamon
6 tomatoes, roughly chopped
1/2 lb fresh fava beans or frozen peas
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup Spanish olives with pimento
1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained
1 qt vegetable stock
Pinch saffron steeped in 1/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup roughly chopped Italian parsley
Juice of 1 lemon
Harissa (Middle-Eastern hot chili paste) to taste
1 pound couscous, prepared according to directions on the box
Chopped parsley and lemon wedges to garnish
Heat the oil in a large stew pot; add the onion, garlic, squash, carrots, potatoes, spices and 1 Tbsp kosher salt. Cook over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, until the vegetables have softened and become translucent. Stir in the tomatoes, fava beans, raisins, olives, chickpeas, vegetable stock and saffron.
Bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer; cover and simmer 30 minutes. Finish by stirring in the parsley and lemon, and seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. Mix a small amount of broth with the harissa, and serve that on the side. Accompany with heaping plates of couscous. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
Serves 8
http://www.cooksrecipes.com/sauces/sweet-sauce-and-syrup-recipes.html
Dessert Sauces, Spreads, Syrups & More
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* Chocolate Caramel Sauce
* Chocolate Glaze
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* Cinnamon Butter Spread
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* Clotted Cream
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* Coffee Fudge Sauce
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* Creamy Butterscotch Sauce
* Creme Anglaise
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* Dulce de Leche - Sweet Milk Sauce
* Easy Maple-Flavored Syrup
* Favorite Hot Fudge Sauce
* Fresh Apricot Dessert Topping
* Fudgy Chocolate Sauce
* Grandma Flo’s Cocoa Syrup
* Heavenly Hot Fudge Sauce
* Hot Cocoa Fudge Sauce 1
* Hot Cocoa Fudge Sauce 2
* Kiwifruit Dessert Sauce
* Lemon-Nutmeg Sauce
* Lowfat Mocha Fudge Sauce
* Maple Dried Cherry Syrup
* Marshmallow Creme 1
* Marshmallow Creme 2
* Marshmallow Sauce
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| 1 | 2 | Next >>
Return to Sauce & Condiment Recipes
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/holidays/giving/fromthekitchen.php
Holiday Gift-Giving Guide 2008
Gifts from Your Kitchen
Wrap up your holiday shopping without leaving the house! From flavored sugar and spiced oils to candied nuts and herbed salts, our crafty elves have cooked up tasty gift ideas for the foodies on your list.
Download festive gift tags for each recipe, complete with cooking and usage suggestions.
* Candied Lemon Peels: Recipe | Gift tag
* Candied Orange Peels: Recipe | Gift tag
* Chile Oil: Recipe | Gift tag
* Cinnamon Pancake Mix: Recipe | Gift tag
* Citrus Salt: Recipe | Gift tag
* Cranberry and Goji Berry Chutney: Recipe | Gift tag
* Herbes de Provence Salt: Recipe | Gift tag
* Sweet Spice Rub: Recipe | Gift tag
* Lavender Sugar: Recipe | Gift tag
* Maple Sugar Walnuts: Recipe | Gift tag
* Mulled Cider Spice Sachets: Recipe | Gift tag
* Preserved Lemons: Recipe | Gift tag
* Rosemary Olive Oil: Recipe | Gift tag
* Sugared Cranberries: Recipe | Gift tag
* Tangerine Sugar: Recipe | Gift tag
* Tarragon Vinegar: Recipe | Gift tag
* Vanilla Bean Sugar: Recipe | Gift tag
[Please pass this one one, a full cookbook for gluten free]
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/holidays/recipes/glutenfree-dairyfree.php
Holiday Recipes
Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free Recipes
Everyone can enjoy the holidays with our collection of special diet recipes. We’ve collected our favorite holiday dishes that meet gluten-free or dairy-free diets — and sometimes both! Please read over the ingredients carefully and check the tags at the end of the recipe for gluten-free, dairy-free and other special diet needs.
The market crashes, but you’ve still gotta eat
By Jay Weinstein, Forecast Earth Food Correspondent
Posted Thu Sep 18, 2008 10:24am PDT
Related topics: Food and Drink, Locavore, Veggies
More from Forecast Earth blog
If your 401K has dipped as low as mine in this financial market turmoil, you may be joining me in some grocery belt-tightening. Luckily, that doesn’t mean that doesn’t mean we have to resort to the dirt-cheap, over-processed factory foods that pervade much of the standard American diet. The great news is that some of the most hearty, satisfying cheap fresh foods are coming into season right now: fall squashes.
You should be seeing great varieties of hard-shell squashes like acorn, butternut, delicata, hubbard, and kabocha squashes in farm stands, greenmarkets, and produce departments starting this week. Find your local source for these affordable fall treats at www.localharvest.org. The easiest way to cook them is to split them into manageable pieces and roast them in a 400-degree oven, sprinkled with a little salt and olive oil. Another easy meal for cool fall nights is a soup made by sautéing peeled squash with onions and spices, and then simmering with water or broth until it is velvety tender.
For about three bucks per person, you can make a vegetarian dinner starting with sweet butternut squash soup, and then going onto a main course of roasted, cumin-scented hubbard squash atop a lentil and rice pilaf, garnished with crispy baked pumpkin seeds. A salad on the side completes the scene. You couldn’t find a more seasonal, satisfying repast at any price, and by choosing local, plant-based ingredients, you’d be cutting transportation fuel and energy-intensive meat production out of the picture to boot.
Butternut Squash Soup
3 tablespoons olive oil (divided use)
4 cups chopped onions
4-6 cups peeled, diced butternut squash
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon mixed cinnamon and allspice
Chopped parsley to garnish
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a soup pot; add onions, squash, bay leaf, and 2 teaspoons salt. Cook over medium heat until vegetables give up much of their water, become very soft and tender, and begin to caramelize (brown) slightly on the bottom of the pot, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, about 15 minutes. It’s okay if the vegetables stick a little bit, as long as they brown on the bottom of the pot without becoming black.
Stir in the cinnamon and allspice. Add 8 cups stock, broth, or water; simmer 40 minutes. Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with a sprinkling of chopped parsley and a drizzle of remaining olive oil. For a smooth soup, you can puree all or part of it in a blender before garnishing.
Serves 8
Cumin Roasted Hubbard Squash
1 hubbard or other squash (about 4 pounds), cut into 8 wedges, seeds removed
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
In a large mixing bowl, combine squash, olive oil, cumin, and 1 teaspoon salt; toss to evenly coat. Arrange seasoned squash wedges skin-side down in a roasting pan, baking dish, or cookie sheet. Transfer to oven (does not need to be preheated for this recipe), and roast at 400 degrees for 1 hour, until the edges begin to brown, and the flesh is very tender. Serve over lentils and rice, with a salad on the side.
Serves 4
Lentil and Rice Pilaf
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 bay leaf
4 cups chopped vegetables, such as celery, carrots, and onions
2 cups rice
2 cup lentils
1 cinnamon stick
In a saucepan with a tight-fitting cover, combine olive oil, bay leaf, and vegetables; add 1 teaspoon salt. Cook over medium heat (without browning) until vegetables have softened and given up some of their juices, about 5 minutes. Add lentils, rice, 8 cups broth or water, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil.
Lower to a simmer, cover tightly, and cook 20 minutes more, until lentils and rice are tender, and all liquid is absorbed. Season the pilaf with salt and pepper before serving.
Serves 4
http://www.memrijttm.org/content/en/report.htm?report=3196¶m=APT
Jihadi Forum Links to Arab Physics Forum Thread with Nuclear Centrifuge Blueprints, Info
No. 2299 - March 26, 2009
A recent post on a jihadi forum Shumukh Al-Islam titled “The Path to a Jihadi Nuclear Weapon” linked to a thread on the Arab Physicists’ Forum containing information on uranium enrichment.
The full text of this report is available to subscribers.
Please login or register to request subscription information from MEMRI.
© 1998-2009, The Middle East Media Research Institute, All Rights Reserved. Materials may only be cited with proper attribution.
This message contains the following:
1. Cordless Stick Vacuums Recalled by Electrolux Home Care Products Due to Bursting Batteries
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09169.html
2. Lenovo Recalls ThinkVision Speaker AC Adaptors Due to Shock Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09170.html
3. Outerwears Inc. Recalls Filters Used in Fuel Funnels Due to Fire Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09171.html
Monticello: The Vegetable Garden
History of the vegetable gardens at the Monticello home of 3rd U.S. president Thomas Jefferson, who “grew 250 varieties of more than 70 different species of vegetables, precisely recording the details of their growth.” Includes photos, a map showing the location of the vegetable garden terrace, and information about the restoration of the gardens. From the Thomas Jefferson Foundation.
URL: http://www.monticello.org/gardens/vegetable/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/28154
Resource of the Week: Energy Information Administration Country
Analysis Briefs By Shirl Kennedy, Senior Editor
You probably already know about the Energy Information Administration
as the nation’s premier fishing hole for energy statistics of all
types.
The mission of the Energy Information Administration (EIA) is to
provide policy-neutral data, forecasts, and analyses to promote
sound policy making, efficient markets, and public understanding
regarding energy and its interaction with the economy and the
environment. Created by the Congress in 1977, EIA is the
statistical agency of the U.S. Department of Energy and as such is
the Nation’s premier source of unbiased energy data, analysis and
forecasting. By law, EIA’s products are prepared independently of
Administration policy considerations. EIA neither formulates nor
advocates any policy conclusions.
EIA provides a wide range of information and data products
covering energy production, stocks, demand, imports, exports, and
prices; and prepares analyses and special reports on topics of
current interest. These products are derived from energy data that
is collected by EIA staff. We design and send our statistical
surveys to energy producers, users, transporters, and certain
other businesses. Companies and households report directly to us.
We also make use of data from other sources, such as trade
associations and other government agencies.
You may never have explored the site’s International section, however.
Thus you might not be familiar with the EIA’s Country Analysis Briefs.
These are updated on an ongoing basis, and offer in-depth energy data
for each individual country regarding oil, natural gas and
electricity.
Does a nation have any oil reserves? How much does it import? How much
electricity generating capacity does it have, and what fuels does it
use to produce its power? A ‘quick facts’ page for each country
provides every relevant statistic in one location - such as this one,
for the country of Mexico.
http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Mexico/Profile.html
There’s also a page of links to each country’s relevant government and
utility websites, and to the country’s profile in the CIA World
Factbook and its U.S. Department of State Consular Information Sheet.
Finally, for each country, there is a Sources page that lets you know
where all the data came from.
You can access each complete report in HTML or PDF format. If you
think these reports will be useful to you in the future, you can sign
up to be notified by e-mail when a new one is posted. Just scroll down
the e-mail subscriptions page till you get the International
section and select all reports or just those from regions of the world
in which you’re interested.
Other aggregate sources of energy information for various countries
include:
* Europe’s Energy Portal (EU)
* Eurostat: Environment and Energy
* International Energy Agency
* International Trade Administration: Electric Current Worldwide
* NationMaster: Energy Statistics
* OECD Statistics Portal: Energy
* United Nations Statistics Division: Energy Statistics
* World Bank - Energy: Regions
* World Resources Institute - EarthTrends: Energy and Resources:
Country Profiles
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Off the Shelf: Featured posts from ResourceShelf Visit ResourceShelf
now: http://www.resourceshelf.com
or click a link to view the
entire post:
* Streaming For Free: Introducing Documentaries on Hulu
http://digbig.com/4ymfs
* New: FAO Food Price Database - http://digbig.com/4ymft
* Top 10 Electronic Reminder Services -
http://digbig.com/4ymfw
* New e-book pricing comparison site: Ebookprice.info -
http://digbig.com/4ymfx
* Fast Facts: Geographic Names (U.S.) -
http://digbig.com/4ymfy
* IMLS Announces New Data Note on Libraries’ Role in Providing
Broadband Access -
http://digbig.com/4ymga
Public Printer of the U.S. Sends Letter to President Obama Re: Open Government
From the Letter:
[The letter includes]…five goals and accompanying actions that GPO is prepared to undertake to help implement your initiative for transparency and open Government. We look forward to working with the appropriate staff in your Administration to help you carry it out.
Direct to Letter (6 pages; PDF)
Source: GPO
{There is a lot of grumbling going on in the declassified papers departments, it seems that Obama is not having an open gov as he promised and folks are asking why.
granny}
http://www.resourceshelf.com/2009/03/20/new-tools-quietube-for-video-calibre-from-e-books/
New Tools: Quietube for Video & Calibre for E-Books
+ From a News.com Post:
Quietube is a new tool to enhance the YouTube watching experience. The idea is that you can watch just the video with none of the other YouTube page elements. To do this you simply add its bookmarklet to your browser’s bookmarks toolbar, and click it on any YouTube page.
++ Calibre: iTunes for e-books?
Calibre is a cross-platform, open-source library for your e-books that can also sync them to your e-book reader. Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, it offers a massive range of individual book customizations, as well format conversion and newspaper-style RSS feed grabbing, but lacks a slick interface that would go a long way towards convincing skeptics that it’s a powerful tool.
Source: News.com
Todays posts, news in the library world, which involves all types of subjects, that they run across or research.
http://www.resourceshelf.com/category/source-file/resources/e-books/
Latest articles on e-books.
http://www.resourceshelf.com/category/source-file/resources/government-documents/
Latest articles on gov documents, interesting.
http://www.resourceshelf.com/2009/03/11/free-download-emerald-guide-to-baseball-2009/
Free Download — Emerald Guide to Baseball 2009
Free Download — Emerald Guide to Baseball 2009
(Shirl’s note: If you’ve already downloaded this, I just received word that a correction was made to the original and a new version has been posted. It may be downloaded after 10 a.m. EST on Thursday, March 12.)
The Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) is pleased to to offer the Emerald Guide to Baseball 2009 as a free PDF to the world baseball community.
Edited by accomplished and acclaimed baseball historians Gary Gillette and Pete Palmer and published by SABR, The Emerald Guide distills the 2008 season down to 586 fact-filled pages that contain the pitching, fielding, and hitting statistics for every player active in the major and minor leagues in 2008. A bound version is available via print on demand at Lulu.com for $23.94. Every page in the bound edition is in the PDF.
To get your free PDF of The Emerald Guide to Baseball 2009, as well as the guides for 2007 and 2008, please fill out the form below and hit “Submit.” You’ll get an email with a download link, and one or two more from SABR, but that’s it. We won’t sell or give your information to anyone else.
Source: Society for American Baseball Research
http://www.resourceshelf.com/2009/03/24/federal-employees-ethics-official-quick-reference-chart/
Federal Employees — Ethics Official Quick Reference Chart
Ethics Official Quick Reference Chart (PDF; 97 KB)
The U.S. Office of Government Ethics has published an Ethics Official Quick Reference Chart with links to Ethics-related statutes, regulations, and common issues faced by ethics professionals. It’s (also) offered in Microsoft Word format to allow ethics officials to update it as their needs change or new information becomes available.
Source: U.S. Office of Government Ethics
[Do you think any of them ever read this?? granny]
http://www.resourceshelf.com/2009/03/24/search-tool-launched-for-uncovered-government-documents/
Search Tool Launched for Uncovered Government Documents
More about a search tool we first posted about last week.
From the Article:
To commemorate Sunshine Week, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) last week launched a search tool that allows the public to closely examine thousands of pages of government documents the organization has obtained through litigation and FOIA requests. The documents relate to a wide range of cutting-edge technology issues and government policies that affect civil liberties and personal privacy, according to a release from the organization.
Direct to Database
Source: GovTech
http://www.eff.org/issues/foia/search
[Go and check out the above sites, you will find much to interest you...no matter what your interests are...
It is one of those sites, where one click leads to two more.....granny]
Government
* National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC) Launches Pandemic Influenza Resource Library (Mar 25) Exit Disclaimer
* HHS Releases Interim Guidance for Cargo Trucking Management and Crew Personnel (Mar 23)
* New Method Could Improve Vaccines for Both Seasonal Flu and Bird Flu (Mar 17) Exit Disclaimer
* HHS Publishes Interim Guidance on Cleaning Transit Vehicles and Facilities during a Pandemic (Mar 11)
* Report: Sustaining Focus on the Nation’s Planning and Preparedness Efforts (Mar 6)
News Archive >>
News Releases News Releases Site Updates Site Updates
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2216336/posts
The GIVE Act HR1388 - some language now in HR1444
Govtrack.us ^ | 3/26/09 | Govtrack.us
Posted on Friday, March 27, 2009 12:06:24 PM by justsaynomore
The language about mandatory volunteerism that was “missing” from the HR1388 bill voted on yesterday in the Senate, is now showing up on this bill HR1444 http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-1444
ANGIOSTRONGYLUS MENINGITIS - TAIWAN
***********************************
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org
Date: Fri 27 Mar 2009
Source: Taipei Times [edited]
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2009/03/27/2003439499
Angiostrongylus in Thai workers after consuming raw snails
Three of the workers were reported to have been infected with the
parasitic nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis — an elongated
cylindrical worm — early this month and developed symptoms of
eosinophilic meningitis, including headaches, fever and vomiting, Chou
said. The DOH discovered that the trio and some of their friends had
caught apple snails (_Pomacea canaliculata_) in fish ponds in southern
Taiwan and eaten them raw with sauce.
Snails are usually the primary host of the worm, also known as the rat
lungworm — a parasite endemic to Southeast Asia and the Pacific
region. Humans become infected by ingesting the parasite’s larvae,
which are then carried in the blood to the central nervous system.
This can result in eosinophilic meningitis, which is characterized in
the early stages by severe and acute headaches, fever, nausea and
vomiting, and stiffness of the neck, and can result in death or
permanent brain damage.
Chou said that it was once believed that eating giant African snails
could cure certain illnesses and that there were frequent reports in
Taiwan of infections of this type of roundworm.
A 70-year-old man in Kaohsiung was treated for the same conditions in
2007 after eating raw frogs in an effort to cure back pain. Another
case in 2005 saw Hualien’s Tzu-Chi Buddhist General Hospital treat a
48-year-old man who had become infected with the parasite after eating
raw snails. In 1998, 8 Thai workers came down with eosinophilic
meningitis as result of eating raw snails and in 1999, Kaohsiung
Veterans General Hospital reported that 9 Thai laborers had been
infected with rat lungworms.
In light of the recent case, the DOH said it would contact Thai
authorities to step up health education to avoid a recurrence of the
problem.
—
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Susan Baekeland
[_Angiostrongylus cantonensis_ is transmitted to humans eating raw
fresh water snails and lettuce contaminated with infected slugs. Human
infection with _Angiostrongylus cantonensis_ is common in Thailand and
is seen especially in the northeastern region, where it is associated
with the habit of eating koi-hoi, which contains raw snail meat
(Eamsobhana P et al. Thai Koi-Hoi Snail Dish and Angiostrongyliasis
Due to Angiostrongylus cantonensis: Effects of Food Flavoring and
Alcoholic Drink on the Third-Stage Larvae in Infected Snail Meat.
Foodborne Pathog. Dis. 2009 Mar 9).
Ocular Angiostrongylus has also been described from Thailand (Sinawat
S et al. Ocular angiostrongyliasis: clinical study of 3 cases. Eye
2008;22:1446-8).
See Life Cycle at:
http://www.dpd.cdc.gov/dpdx/HTML/angiostrongyliasis.htm - Mod.EP
Images of _Angiostrongylus_ at:
http://www.petdoctors.co.uk/upload/image/thumb_300_70_angiostrongylus_200x_dup27p.jpg
http://ecurriculum.mv.ac.th/health/m.5/lesson5/liver5/angiostrongylus_adult.gif
Apple snail _Pomacea canaliculata_:
http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/006/Y5098E/y5098e0m.jpg
- Mod.JW]
[see also:
Angiostrongylus meningitis - USA (02): (HI) 20090326.1167
2008
Wow, I hadn’t realized how long it’s been since I sent a newsletter.
I’ve primarily added to the “Frugal Quilting Fun” section.
Chris Dahl from Quilting Weekly wrote the article “The New Word in Scrap quilting is ‘Selvages’”. Go to http://www.womenfolk.com/frugal_quilting/selvage_quilts.htm to learn about these unique quilts that use your fabric selvages. (I see she is renovating her website so I will put up-to-date links in the article when it’s done.)
It also occurred to me I need to have more about the fun part of “Frugal Quilting Fun”. Who could be better to write about that than Pat Sloan who brings fun to everything she does. So often we make so many quilt commitments that quilting becomes a chore. Pat reminds us that “Quilting is About the Fun!” http://www.womenfolk.com/frugal_quilting/quilting_fun.htm
I got to thinking about how cheerful fabric was during the Great Depression and took a look at how fabrics today bring the same joy to us. Check out http://www.womenfolk.com/frugal_quilting/fabric_fun.htm
In addition I want to announce a writing contest that Kimberly Wulfert is offering. No you don’t have to write a book, just a short story of 750-1000 words. I am so pleased that the money raised will go to the Quilter’s Hall of Fame. Read all about it at http://womenonquilts.blogspot.com/2009/03/call-for-fictional-stories-as.html
I also have posted information about a very special program that is preserving our past by gathering the stories of quilters. Learn more at “Save Our Stories - Interviews With Quilters” at http://www.womenfolk.com/quilt_notes/save_our_stories.htm
I’ll be back with more in a month or so.
Judy Anne
America’s Quilting History
http://womenfolk.com/historyofquilts
Patches From the Past
http://historyofquilts.comYahoo! Groups Links
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/quilthistory/
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1646.html
Growing Giant Pumpkins In The Home Garden
HYG-1646-94
David A. Mangione
Pickaway County Extension
General
Growing giant pumpkins can be a fascinating experience. Before you can master the art of growing a giant, however, you must be familiar with the basic principles of growing pumpkins. This information can be found in the Extension FactSheet entitled “Growing Squash and Pumpkins in the Home Garden” (HYG-1620). Once you have become familiar with this information, you are ready to try your hand at growing a GIANT!
Fertilizer and Lime
Always apply lime and fertilizers based on soil test recommendations. Providing adequate nutrients throughout the growing season will insure healthy, vigorous vines, not to mention large pumpkins. Granular fertilizers should be applied as a broadcast application over the soil surface and incorporated into the soil 4 to 6 inches deep a few days ahead of setting out your transplants. Giant pumpkin vines require approximately 2 pounds nitrogen (N), 3 pounds phosphorous (P2O2) and 6 pounds potash (K2O) per 1,000 square feet of growing space. The addition of organic matter (manure, etc.) to the garden is important to establish good soil tilth.
A foliar feeding program should be started after pollination and fruit set have occurred. There are several foliar fertilizers available. Follow label directions and continue application throughout the growing season.
Planting and Space Requirements
Growing giant pumpkins requires an early start. Seeds should be sown individually and started indoors in 12-inch peat pots about the end of April. A well balanced potting medium is recommended. Plants are ready for transplanting when the first true leaf is fully expanded. This is usually 10 to 14 days after seeding. Transplants can be protected from late spring frost using a floating row cover.
Growing space in the garden is important. Each plant should be allowed approximately 2,500 square feet. This area may sound quite large, but it is essential for vine growth. Pumpkins prefer long hours of sunlight, so select your garden site accordingly. Avoid shaded areas and select an area with good surface and internal drainage.
Irrigation
Pumpkins are shallow rooted, so water slowly with at least one inch of water per week if rainfall is not adequate. More water may be required during hot, windy summer days. Water during morning or early afternoon hours so foliage dries by evening. This helps prevent the spread of leaf diseases.
Trickle irrigation is best, but soaker hoses also work well. Overhead sprinklers are effective; however, wet foliage increases the chance of disease, especially mildew.
Cultural
If planting is done in a well-prepared bed, weeds will seldom be a problem and can be controlled by hand-weeding or hoeing. Continue to remove weeds until the vines cover the ground. At this time, the dense foliage will shade out most weeds.
Plastic mulches are very effective for controlling weeds. Plastic mulches also warm the soil, and can maintain good soil moisture levels. The plastic can be installed when the soil is in good planting condition, any time from a few days to 2 to 3 weeks before planting. If you do not use plastic, pumpkins will benefit from organic mulches applied in the summer after the soil has warmed.
When summer mulching materials are used, such as straw, additional nitrogen is recommended. Mix one tablespoon of ammonium sulfate, calcium nitrate, or nitrate of soda per one bushel of mulch. Apply once or twice during the early growing season. A complete fertilizer that is high in nitrogen may be substituted for any of the above. Apply the fertilizer when the mulch is moist.
Herbicides are also available for weed control. However, only a trained and licensed applicator should apply these materials.
Windbreaks
Windbreaks are necessary to protect young plants that are not fully rooted. Windbreaks should be positioned on plants most susceptible to southwest winds until late June when side-runners are 3 to 4 feet long. The use of a snow fence and burlap can make an excellent windbreak. Covering the vines at each node with soil will help anchor vines down and promote secondary root development.
Insects and Diseases
The planting site of your plants should be rotated each year to reduce the incidence of insect and disease pressure. Without a regular spray program for insects and diseases, your success rate for producing a giant pumpkin can be significantly reduced. An insect and disease control program must be initiated at transplanting. Insects are the primary vectors for transmitting viruses. Once a viral infection has occurred, there is no way to stop it. There are several pesticides recommended for insect and disease control. Check with your local Extension agent for current rates and compounds. You may refer to Ohio Vegetable Production Guide (Bulletin 672) for current pesticide recommendations. The licensed pesticide applicator will have more options regarding insecticides and fungicides available to them.
Pollination
Although hand pollination is the preferred method to fruit setting, natural pollination by bees will work well. Hand pollination allows for a more controlled genetic cross. Do not begin pollinating until the plant has approximately 200 leaves. Initially it is recommended to allow only 4 to 6 pumpkins per plant. Once pumpkins reach volleyball size, trim back to one pumpkin. The more you reduce the competition for nutrients, the greater your success rate will be for achieving a giant size pumpkin.
Stem Stress
Because of the size and fast growth of these pumpkins, training vines and root pruning is important. This will prevent stem breakage and splitting. While the pumpkin is basketball size, curve the vine 80 to 90 degrees away from the fruit. About 3 feet out from the fruit, curve the vine back in the general direction it was headed. Clip roots 3 feet out on the vine. This will allow the vine to easily move upward as the pumpkin grows. Pumpkins long in shape tend to push the vine forward, resulting in a kink. If this happens, slide the pumpkin back about 4 to 5 inches - this is usually necessary when the pumpkin is about 300 pounds. Pumpkins round in shape are difficult to rotate without damaging the stem.
Shade
To protect the pumpkin from direct sunlight, construct a shade out of burlap or other lightweight material. This will prevent premature hardening of the outer skin and will allow the pumpkin to reach its full genetic potential in terms of physical size.
Cultivars
Be sure to select plant varieties that have the genetics to attain large size. Check seed catalogs and garden centers for possible giant pumpkin seed cultivars.
Harvest/Storing
Pumpkins should be harvested when they have a deep, solid color and the rind is hard. The vines are usually dying back at this time. Cover during a light frost and avoid leaving pumpkins out during a hard freeze to prevent softening.
Refer to the Extension FactSheet “Growing Squash and Pumpkins in the Home Garden” (HYG-1620) for more detailed information on storage.
All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.
TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1630.html
Growing and Curing Gourds in the Home Garden
HYG-1630-96
Elaine Grassbaugh
Susan Metzger
Marianne Riofrio
History and Taxonomy
Gourds have been cultivated for thousands of years by many cultures worldwide, including Native Americans, for their usefulness as utensils, storage containers, and as ornaments. Gourds are related to melons, squash, pumpkins, and cucumbers, all members of the Cucurbitaceae or Cucumber family.
There are three types of gourds covered in this fact sheet: the cucurbita, or ornamental gourds; the lagenaria, which encompass the large, utilitarian gourds; and the luffa, or vegetable sponge.
The cucurbita include the colorful, variously-shaped ornamental gourds often used in fall arrangements. Plants of this group produce large orange or yellow blossoms that bloom in the daytime. The lagenaria group includes the Martin or Birdhouse, Bottle and Dipper gourds. These plants produce white blossoms that bloom at night. Lagenaria gourds are green on the vine, turning brown or tan, with thick, hard shells when dry. Luffas have an outer shell that is easily removed to expose a tough, fibrous interior that can be used as a sponge. Luffas produce prolific vines with yellow blossoms and require the longest growing season of all the gourds.
Cultivars
Cucurbita Lagenaria Luffa
Aladdin’s Turban Bird House (Sugar Trough) Luffa
Mini Red Turban Long Handle Dipper Mini Luffa
Large Turk’s Turban Extra Long Handle Dipper
Striped Crown of Thorns Large Bottle
Bicolor Pear Calabash (Penguin)
Striped Pear Caveman’s Club
Miniature Ball Italian Edible (Cucuzzi)
Cannon Ball Round Wax Gourd (Tonguan, Pung kwa, Tang kwa)
Basket Ball Bushel
Crown of Thorns Swan or Dolphin
Flat Striped Martin House
White Egg Wren House
Orange Warted
Small Spoon
Climate
Gourds are classified as a warm-season crop with a growing season from 100 to 180 days. Outdoor planting should occur when danger of frost has passed, and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Gourd seeds may rot before germinating if planted in cold, wet soils.
Culture
Since gourds demand a long growing season, they can be started indoors 4 weeks prior to planting outdoors. Gourd seeds should be planted in individual containers, such as peat pots, since the roots will not tolerate disturbance during transplanting.
Luffa seeds require special handling to ensure uniform germination. Seeds should be scarified (make the seedcoat more permeable to air and water) by roughening the side of the seeds with an emery board or sandpaper and then soaking in room temperature water for 24 hours prior to seeding into pots or the garden.
Select a sunny, well-drained site. Prepare soils thoroughly by adding organic matter, such as compost, composted manure or peat moss. Fertilizer and lime applications are best based on soil test results. Soil sample bags, forms, and instructions are available from your county Extension office. A general recommendation is to apply 2 to 3 pounds of a 1:2:2 ratio fertilizer, such as 5-10-10, per 100 square feet of garden area. Lime should be applied only if indicated by a soil test so as to maintain a pH between 6.5 and 6.8.
Plant seeds or transplants singly 2 feet apart in the row, with rows 5 feet apart; or in hills (thinned to 2 plants), 4 to 5 feet apart with rows 7 feet apart. Gourds are vigorous growers and will readily adapt to a trellis, fence, or arbor for support. For luffa plants, a very sturdy support is essential to keep all developing fruit off the ground. Fruit will form areas of discoloration if allowed to come in contact with the ground.
A side-dressing of fertilizer may be added when the vines begin to “run.” About 3 pounds of 10-10-10 or 10-6-4 fertilizer per 100 square feet of garden area will help maintain optimum growth. Provide consistent watering especially during hot, dry conditions.
Weeds may be controlled with mulches or by hand cultivation. Mulches have the advantage of conserving soil moisture and keeping fruit clean. Hand cultivation should be done with care since gourds have shallow roots and injury can result with deep cultivation.
Pollination
Gardeners become concerned when gourd plants blossom, but do not set fruit. Gourds produce separate male and female flowers. Male flowers serve as the pollinator and female flowers bear fruit. The female flower can be distinguished by the presence of the immature fruit at its base. Several male flowers are produced before any female flowers, and it is these male flowers that drop without setting fruit. In time, both male and female flowers are produced and the first fruit is set.
Insects and Diseases
There are several serious pests of gourds. Insect pests include the squash bug, squash vine borer, cucumber beetle and aphids. Diseases include bacterial wilt, powdery mildew, angular leaf spot and mosaic viruses. See the listing of related fact sheets for details on these problems and their controls.
Harvesting and Curing
Gourds are ready for harvest when the stems dry and turn brown. It is best to harvest gourds before frost. Mature gourds that have a hardened shell will survive a light frost, but less developed gourds will be damaged. The lagenaria will tolerate a light frost; but gourd color may be slightly affected. Gourds should be cut from the vine with a few inches of the stem attached. Take care not to bruise the gourds during harvest, as this increases the likelihood of decay during the curing process. Discard any fruit that is rotten, bruised or immature. After harvesting, gourds should be cleaned with soap and water, dried, and rubbing alcohol applied to the surface.
Curing cucurbita gourds is a two-step process which may take 1 to 6 months depending on the type and size of the gourd. Surface drying is the first step in the curing process, and takes approximately one week. During this time, the skin hardens and the exterior color of the gourd is set. Place clean, dry fruit in a dark, well-ventilated area. Arrange gourds in a single layer and make certain that the fruits do not touch each other. A slatted tray will allow air circulation around the gourds. Check gourds daily and discard fruit that show signs of decay or mold and any that develop soft spots.
Internal drying is the second step in curing and takes a minimum of four weeks. Keep the gourds in shallow containers in a dark, warm, well-ventilated area. If any mold appears on the outside skin, gourds can be wiped clean and allowed to continue drying. However, any gourds that become decayed, shriveled or misshapen should be discarded. Periodically turn the fruit to discourage shriveling and promote even curing. Providing warmth during the internal curing process will accelerate drying and discourage decay. Adequate curing is achieved when the gourd becomes light in weight and the seeds can be heard rattling inside. Cured gourds can be painted, waxed, or decorated.
Lagenaria gourds can be surface cured in the same manner as cucurbita gourds. However, the internal drying process takes much longer for the gourds to fully harden. After curing, the surface can be smoothed and polished with very fine steel wool or sandpaper. The hardened shell should be treated with rubbing alcohol, allowed to dry, and then waxed or shellacked for the final finish.
Luffa gourds have specific harvesting and processing techniques to produce high quality sponges. Harvest when the outer shell is dry, the gourd is light in weight and the seeds rattle inside. Remove the stem end of the gourd and shake out the seeds from the center cavity. Soak the luffa gourds in warm water until the outer skin softens to the point where it can be easily removed. Then soak the fibrous sponge in a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water to obtain the desirable creamy-white appearance. Rinse in clear water and allow to dry before using.
Saving Seeds
Saving seeds from gourds could prove to be an interesting experience. Considerable cross-pollination occurs in the cucumber family. The gourd, squash and pumpkins seeds purchased from garden centers or through seed catalogs are from varieties grown in areas free from pollen of any other variety. Even so, a cross may sneak in now and then. Seeds saved from gourds grown in the garden will likely produce a cornucopia of fruit of different shapes, sizes and colors, none of which may resemble the fruit from which the seed was saved.
Seed Sources
Henry Field Seed & Nursery Co.
415 North Burnett Street
Shenandoah, IA 51602
Gurney’s Seed & Nursery Co.
110 Capital Street
Yankton, SD 57079
Liberty Seed Co.
P. O. Box 806
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
Nichols Garden Nursery
1198 North Pacific Highway
Albany, OR 97321-4598
Park Seed Co.
Cokesbury Road
Greenwood, SC 29648-0046
Rupp Seeds
17919 Co. Rd. B
Wauseon, OH 43567
R. H. Shumway’s
P. O. Box 1
Graniteville, SC 29829
Rocky Ford Gourds
P. O. Box 222
Cygnet, OH 43413
Stokes Seeds
P. O. Box 548
Buffalo, NY 14240-0548
Gourd Society
The Ohio Gourd Society is a chapter of the American Gourd Society. Its purpose is to educate the public about gourd culture and craft. The Ohio Gourd Society sponsors the annual Ohio Gourd Show in Mt. Gilead, held the first full weekend in October.
For membership information contact: The Ohio Gourd Society, P.O. Box 274, Mt. Gilead, OH 43338-0274. Phone & fax: (419) 362-6446.
Related Extension Fact Sheets
HYG-1608 Growing Cucumbers in the Home Garden
HYG-1620 Growing Squash and Pumpkins in the Home Garden
HYG-1646 Growing Giant Pumpkins in the Home Garden
HYG-2139 Striped Cucumber Beetle
HYG-2141 Squash Bug
HYG-2153 Squash Vine Borer
All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.
TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1645.html
Growing Cucumbers, Peppers, Squash And Tomatoes In Containers
HYG-1645-94
Pamela J. Bennett
When garden space is limited, certain cultivars of cucumbers, peppers, squash and tomatoes can be easily grown in large containers with plants still producing the same amount as garden planted varieties.
In order to be successful you must first choose those varieties suitable for growing in containers. These varieties generally have a reduced growth habit and will not grow too large for a container. The seed packet information should include whether or not the cucumbers and squash varieties are suitable for container gardening. Most varieties of peppers and tomatoes are suitable for containers.
The biggest advantage to container growing is that you can grow them just about anywhere in the yard providing they get at least 8 hours of sunlight. They can be easily moved as needed and fruit can be harvested with ease. The disadvantage to container growing is that you have to watch the watering more closely as they are above ground and dry out quickly.
Type of Container
A standard type pot, the same height as diameter, with a diameter of at least 12 inches is recommended. A plastic pot will not dry out as rapidly as a clay pot and will require less watering. It is essential to have drainage holes in the bottom or root rotting will occur. Place a round fiberglass screen of the same shape and size as the pot in the bottom to prevent soil from washing out of the holes and to bar the entry of pests into the pot. Half whiskey barrels, black plastic pots and bushel baskets can also be used.
Starting the Plants
Pepper and tomato seeds can be started indoors in individual pots or in peat pellets as early as mid-March to April. You can also purchase already started plants in May. Cucumber and zucchini can be planted directly into the container as they are more difficult to transplant. These seeds can be sown early to mid-May.
For a fall crop, plant cucumber and squash seeds in early July. This produces a September harvest when the earlier plantings are beginning to decline. The potted plants can be moved into the garage during frosty fall nights extending the harvest into November.
Soil Mix
Because these plants are being grown in containers, you can mix the soil to the exact requirements, giving you better growth and production. They require a loose, well-drained soil generous in organic matter. A good mix consists of one part each of potting soil, perlite, sphagnum peat moss and compost. Garden soil should be avoided as it is likely to be infested with soil pests. When using compost, make sure temperatures during the composting process were high enough to kill pest organisms. Add a slow release fertilizer by following label recommendations to each pot. This provides additional nutrients slowly over a longer period when there is active growth and fruit production.
Water holding gels or hydrogels have been introduced recently to help reduce the watering requirements of container plants. These gels are either separate and can be added to the soil mix or can already be included in the mix. The gels help to retain moisture in the soil until it is needed by the plant.
Staking the Plant
Depending on the growth habit of the plant, it may be beneficial to stake it. Be sure to place the stakes in the pot before filling the soil and before you plant. There are several types of staking systems to use depending on the plant.
A good type of staking system to use with cucumbers is a teepee form that allows the plants to grow up the stakes. Tomato cages or stakes can be used to support tomatoes and peppers. Squash may or may not require staking, depending on plant growth habits.
Planting
Fill the container three-fourths full with the soil mix. Select stocky, vigorous plants and position the plant close to the stake and fill in the soil mix around the plant. Water thoroughly; if the soil settles, add more soil until it comes to within 3/4 inch of the top of the container.
For direct-seeding squash and cucumbers, fill the container close to the top and plant five to six seeds in the center of the pot, covering with 1/2 inch of soil mix. Water and keep the soil warm. After germination, cut off the seedlings except for the two largest to avoid overcrowding. After they reach a height of 8 to 10 inches, cut off one, leaving only one plant per container. Avoid pulling out the seedlings as this disturbs the roots of the remaining seedlings.
Growth
Place the container in a site with full sun and protection from the wind. Check the plants daily for watering needs. By mid-July, begin to use a fertilizer solution for supplemental feeding. Once a week give each plant a good watering with a water soluble fertilizer such as Peters 20-20-20 or Miracle Grow 15-30-15 at the recommended rate. Do not fertilize when the plants are dry-water them thoroughly first. Check plants daily for signs of insect and disease infestation. Keep mature fruits harvested to induce continued fruit formation. Refer to HYG-FactSheets 1608, 1618, 1620 and 1624 for individual, specific, cultural requirements.
Suggested Varieties
Cucumbers
* Salad Bush Hybrid
* Bush Champion
* Picklebush
* Spacemaster
* Hybrid Bush Crop
* Midget Bush Pickler
Tomatoes - Most varieties will grow in containers.
Peppers - Most varieties will grow in containers.
Squash
* Burpee’s Butter Bush
* Burpee’s Bush Table Queen
* Bushkin Pumpkin
* Bush Crookneck
* Bush Acorn
* Hybrid Jackpot Zucchini
* Black Magic Zucchini
This fact sheet was reviewed by Marianne Riofrio, Dr. Robert Precheur and E. C. Wittmeyer.
The author gratefully acknowledges the work of James D. Utzinger and Richard Poffenbaugh, on whose fact sheet this is based.
All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.
TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868
