The Corporate Report Card

It's home coming week here in sunny San Luis. I know this, because I just watched a parade of healthy, energetic and rosy cheeked kids waltz by the store, beating bass drums, waving pom poms and yelling indiscernible half sentences.

Here in America, we are afforded the full term of our childhood, and for most of us, this extends on into college years, before we're thrown in to the fire of making a living for ourselves.

However, in other countries, big companies (often based here in the states) will use the resources of children the same age as those aforementioned painted-face youths. They will pay them little to nothing, drive them to the fourteenth hour, and expose them to harmful, dangerous working conditions. Small hands make quality goods, I guess.

It's not as though any of these companies are going to go around advertising that they save you money by saving themselves money. Additionally, a lot of these businesses commit other atrocities, destroy the environment, and are about as humanitarian as the Third Reich. So how do you know? How can you tell who's a member of the republic and who is a member of the dark force? How can you vote with your dollar confidently, knowing you have the full scoop? My, it would be great if someone put together a handbook of major companies, rating them based on their practices.

What? Someone did? Neat. The Better World Shopper is a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the social and environmental responsibility of companies all over the world. It is an extension of The Better World Handbook, which was written in an effort to fight global apathy and cynicism about the tragedies of the world. Its authors, Ellis Jones, Ross Haenfler, and Brett Johnson (all of whom have their Ph.D ) are on a mission to be the change they wish to see in the world, through education and inspiration.

An invaluable and easy-to-use reference guide, "The Better World Shopper" provides a comprehensive listing of major manufacturers and corporations, broken down by category (food, apparel, etc.) and graded on an academic A-F scale. The grades are based a strict set of criteria including things like labor practices, environmental responsibility, animal testing, quality of materials or ingredients, and so on... everything the responsible consumer should want to know about how his/her money is being spent.

And the results are fascinating. Many of the grades simply confirm what you always knew or suspected. Lowest grade in the book goes to Exxon-Mobile; lowest score in the food industry goes to Nestle. No surprises there. But some results are bit more disconcerting. Guess which company has some of the very worst child-labor practices... Gerber? Yikes! While others are very re-assuring: A+ for Seventh Generation, with top marks across the board. What a relief to know that they aren't just tricking us with warm & fuzzy feel-good packaging. No, they're the real thing!

It's easy to let life get you down. It's easy to look around at everyone else putting down their neighbors, out to get theirs, and be washed away in the "If you can't beat em, might as well get mine" spirit of today's America. This handbook suggests that we can do better through ten actions and seven foundations of basic human compassion. The Better World Shopper helps to make that easier. Now excuse me, the band outside is playing Iron Man.

Pieces of Peace

If someone approached you one day and asked, "Would you wear a nuclear weapon around your neck?" your answer would likely be no. If they told you, however, that it was a symbol of peace, constructed OUT OF a dismantled (and no longer radio active... we know that because Jason has a Geiger Counter) weapon of mass destruction, would your answer change?

Start thinking about it, because it's happening. Peace Bronze is the first company ever to reconstruct disassembled nuclear weapon systems into not just jewelry, but jewelry proudly bearing the many different representations of peace. The material actually comes from the underground cabling that would have sent the launch signal to the missiles.

What's more, this project, while funded by a non Slocal, is being manned by our home town folks. The necklaces will be out in stores, Bambu Batu included, very soon. So if you see it around, give it a glance. You could very well be the first one on your block to own one. If you prefer to go straight to the source, they have a website where you can have a one-of-a-kind necklace or set of earrings put together.

A bit about the peace symbol: This symbol of human compassion and pacifism was conceived in 1958. It is a blended semaphore (or flag signal) of the letters 'n' and 'd', literally standing for nuclear disarmament. Peace Bronze takes that significance to an entirely new level. Not to mention, it's cute jewelry.

Song of the day: Give Peace A Chance - The Plastic Ono Band

Oh My Gas!

Does triple-digit gas mileage sound like a dream to you? Does the ubiquity of gas-guzzling Hummers and SUVs look like anything less than a nightmare? Well, wake up and smell the carbon monoxide.

I'm just kidding, of course. Carbon monoxide is strictly odorless. But our failure to develop more fuel-efficient vehicles over the last three decades -- while flooding the market with less efficient cars (and flooding our seas with oil spills) -- truly stinks.

In 1984 Craig Henderson and Bill Green built a car that got over 100 miles per gallon. And this year Henderson drove his new car from Canada to Mexico on a single tank of gas. He averaged almost 120 mpg.

Read the whole story here!

Federal law now requires automakers to average 35 mpg by 2016. Should we be impressed? By now we should be thinking about new cars that will break the 200 mpg barrier. There's a idea worth dreaming about.

In the meantime, you can petition the EPA to make 60 mpg vehicles the new standard 2025!

Enjoy our song of the day from this once popular quartet from Liverpool.

Don't Stress It

So, it's that time of year once again. For some, the rain, the holidays, and the cold, are all part of the festive nature of fall and winter. However, for others, this time of year can mean stress and winter doldrums. Being that everyone wants to eat more this time of year, I thought it might be appropriate to find out which foods can reduce stress levels, and lift spirits, keeping you chill through the chill. Here are nine cortisol controlling yum yums.

1. Agent Oranges: a great cortisol fighter and an immune system booster. The high vitamin C content in an orange can bring blood pressure and cortisol levels back to normal in a stressful situation, as well as fight off bugs that wear down your defenses.
   
   
2. How sweet it is: Often we crave sweets when under duress, but sugary snacks and simple carbs can only serve to make our stress levels worse (much like drinking water after eating spicy food) Sweet Potatoes, however, can curb that sugar craving and give you long lasting, fiber full energy. Additionally, they are high in beta-carotene, amongst other vitamins, to help keep your brain sharp and functioning under pressure.
   
   
3. Apricots to the rescue: Apricots are rich in magnesium, which is a natural stress buster and muscle relaxant.
   
   
4. Now that's just nutty: Almonds are rich in E and B vitamins, boosting your immune system. Walnuts and Pistachios, like oranges, can lower your blood pressure, leaving you calm, cool and collected.
   
   
5. Gobble: Up the turkey, because the main amino acid in that Thanksgiving bird, l-Tryptophan, has been proven to produce Serotonin in the brain, leaving you relaxed, and even sleepy. (If only people had just eaten turkey instead of taking ludes.)
   
   
6. "I'm strong to the finish!": Spinach, like apricots, contains a significant source of Magnesium (up to 40 percent of your daily dose in one cup!) Bluto, take note. There's a cure for those explosive outbursts.
   
   
7. Something's fishy: Salmon, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, is not only good for the brain and the heart. This sea faring creature will keep adrenaline and stress levels from peaking when, say, you can't seem to find that parking spot, or the girl at the counter has just gotten your order wrong for the third time (seriously, what does she get paid for?)
   
   
8. It's a fruit! It's a fat! It's a... stress reliever? Avocados are high in potassium, the consumption of which, according to the National Heart, lung, and Blood Institute (how official) can significantly lower your blood pressure. Delicious and nutritious.
   
   
9. Good for, well, everything: Is there anything green veggies CAN'T do for you? Well, maybe they can't give you the power to levitate, or make you an omnipotent being, but they can, in addition to bettering your digestive health, improving the efficiency of your brain, giving you longer lasting energy, healthier skin, hair and nails, and curing anemia, replace vitamins lost during times of stress, and boost your immune system. Seriously folks, eat your kale and your broccoli.
   
   

In addition to eating these nine super foods on a regular basis, it is important to get enough sleep, water, regular exercise and laughter in order to keep your cool and get through your day. Avoid caffeine and sugar, as these can throw your blood sugar off balance, leaving your reasoning skills compromised. Find some alone time and read a book or write a book! Chill out and enjoy the season! Since it's getting colder, come in and get some winter wear from Dreamsacks to curl up in. Fun facts provided by MSN.com

Song of the day "By Myself" by the Susie Arioli Swing Band.

Bonus Video: Don't Tase Me Bro.

Some like It Hot. Those People Are Healthier.

Well, I suppose the heat wave is almost over. I can tell because I'm currently not dripping with sweat, sticking to my chair, or wishing I would die. However, all of this hot stuff has got me thinking about hot things: tea, snuggies, and spicy foods. Then the curry craving came, and well, we all know how that goes. Which brings me to today's topic... the many benefits of spicy food.

It may seem weird, especially if you're one of those people who goes out to Thai and sticks with the fried rolls, sweet and sour sauce and a Thai Tea. However, despite the very counter intuitive notion that such striking pain in your mouth could be good for you, that the hot pepper that sent you to other people's tables, drinking their water, just might save your life. (Or at least make it last a bit longer.) Here are ten very noteworthy health benefits to sucking it up and ordering those noodles Thai hot.

• If you want that disgusting Slim Fast you're drinking to actually work, I suggest throwing some Tabasco in it. Or, you could just eat real food that has a bit of a bight to it. (I prefer the second option.) Studies have shown that hot peppers and curries can increase your metabolic rate and decrease your appetite. How's that for a waist trimmer?
  
• While you may think you're about to have a stroke from the fire you just swallowed, it's quite the opposite. Capcaisin, or the spicy stuff, can help get rid of blood clots, lower cholesterol and the chance of stroke, decrease swelling of the arteries, and significantly lower your chances of a heart attack.
• Not just good for your heart, but your circulation too, spicy foods raise the internal body temperature and get the blood flowing. This, in the long run, will lower your blood pressure and keep your vascular system healthy. Peppers are high in vitamins A and C, and therefore aid in strengthening the blood vessels.
  
• Capcaisin can not only help to prevent cancer, being that it is an anti-oxidant, but it can kill certain types of cancer cells before they become a problem. In countries with higher spice consumption (such as Mexico and India) there is a lower rate of certain types of cancers.
  
• There can often be a lot of blame placed on spicy food for digestive problems. In reality, it's most likely everything else that's in your chili dog that's giving you gas and heartburn. Capcaisin will increase blood flow to your stomach as well as the mucus lining. Additionally, spicy foods can kill bad bacteria in your stomach and cure/prevent ulcers.
  
• As before mentioned, many spicy foods have anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, Turmeric, in particular, can decrease joint swelling in arthritis sufferers, fight bone decay, and help relieve arthritic pain.
  
• It's almost sick season, so this bit should come in handy. Capcaisin can reduce the discomfort of cold and flu symptoms, make you sweat out bacteria, and open the sinuses. Additionally, the aforementioned vitamin C content can help you out on the prevention side of things.
• Instead of reaching for that Ambien, grab a pepper. In Australia (I don't know why, but that makes perfect sense to me) researchers have found that regular consumption of spicy foods can help you sleep better and wake up rested and chipper.
  
• If the fall blues are about to get you down, spicy goodness can help there, too. Because there is some physical pain when you bite into the spicy gold, the brain will release endorphins and serotonin, giving you relief from the pain and a sense of well being. As a result, this can help fight depression and relieve stress.
• Breathe easy, you chose Thai. Hot foods can relieve symptoms of virtually all common respiratory problems, and, as you probably know from the pile of tissues in front you that you've acquired after being inspired to get some spice in your life, hot foods will always clear your sinuses.

There you have it: ten reasons to go for level 10 spicy, or at least as hot as you can take it. Come on, don't be a wuss. My Grandmother is seventy and eats Jalapenos whole (that's probably how she got to be seventy.) Maybe just don't go for a Bhut Jolokia. See you all at Spike's for their crazy hot wings? This message brought to you by Bambu Batu and life Mojo.

Bonus Video: Dummy eats world's hottest pepper.

Hung Over Daze

Welcome new Poly students. You'll find SLO won't always be this hot. You will find that all of the bars on Higuera street will be crowded, that locals aren't too fond of you, and for the entire duration of your stay here, there will be no parking, anywhere, ever.

A week or so back, Mr. Hornaday wrote a little something on feeding your brain the right foods. As we all know, you can eat healthy all you want, but, when you're a fresh fish, regular hangovers are as common as syphilis in Isla Vista. I attended a wedding last night, and am feeling a bit off kilter myself. (hangover off kilter, not syphilis ....) So I got to thinking, what IS a hangover exactly? I've heard different stories; dehydration, sleep deprivation, blood sugar imbalances, etc. But what goes on in your body when you're hung over? I thought, maybe if we all knew, we'd collectively drink a little less (thereby leaving alcohol alley a bit less crowded, AND helping you, the new student, keep yourself in tip top studying shape.)

• Veisalgia, or a hangover, comes from the Norwegian word for "uneasiness following debauchery" (kveis), and the Greek word for pain (algia). I'm sure we're all familiar with the symptoms. Two of the most notable ones are dry mouth and dehydration. See, that second forty of Mickey's goes through you quickly, because alcohol consumption suppresses Vasopressin (the anti-pee- your pants-hormone produced in the pituitary gland.) Because of this effect, your kidneys send water directly to you bladder, as opposed to reabsorbing it in to the body. For every 250 ml of Mickey's you consume, you will expel four times as much water. Hence the dehydration.
• Beer before liquor... There's a reason for this old, and wise adage. Different alcohol's contain different levels of congeners, or the byproduct of the fermentation process. The darker you drink of choice (red wine and bourbon, for example,) the more congeners it contains, and the worse your hangover will be. Additionally, mixing different levels of these toxins will result in a compromised ability to process them. Which is why you puke purple when you've had a glass of cab, two Manhattans, a shot of whiskey and some Guinness. Beer speeds up the effects of booze on the body, so when you drink that Mickey's BEFORE your Franzia, you can't keep up with the rate of intoxication. Besides just increasing your chances of winding up naked on the frat house lawn, this has negative effects on the kidneys, liver, and bladder.
• This one may get a bit technical, so bare with me. When you drink, your liver produces an enzyme to break down the booze. The process of breaking down creates a very toxic byproduct called Acetaldehyde. This is actually what causes that headache. In moderation, your body can quickly rid itself of the nasty stuff with a chemical called glutothione and an enzyme called acetaldahyde dehydrogonese. To put it in simpler terms, the acetaldahyde is the initial first two or three zombies of the zombie apocalypse, and the glutothione and acetaldehyde dehydrogonese, are your friends with machetes. But, you only have so many friends with machetes. When you run out (and continue to drink) the poison zombies will eat your brain and give you a headache in the morning.
  
• Ever feel pretty tired when you're hung over? It's because alcohol suppresses glutamine, your body's natural stimulant. During sleep, after a night of heavy drinking, your body will over produce glutamine to make up for the suppression of it earlier in the night, leaving your mind to wander and keeping you up thinking about strange things, like how Noah and Tron are similar for example.
  
• Oooof, and then you and your roommates had to draw straws for who had to clean to toilet...
  Alcohol is absorbed directly through your tum tum. Because of this, the cells that line the stomach may become irritated. (does your tummy huwt?) Booze also creates hydrochloric acid in the body. When this happens, your stomach will send a message to your brain saying that what's in your stomach is hurting you resulting in vomiting. This same irritation is what causes nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and good old diarrhea the next day.

There are plenty of wives tales about hangover cures: greasy foods, spicy foods, etc. There are a few guaranteed hangover cures, and they're fairly obvious. Vitamins, juice, water, eggs, bananas and aspirin are all great reliefs to your suffering. Good music can help too. But really, the first cure is prevention. Don't be an idiot, drink moderately. Try and limit it to four for the whole night, drink water, eat food, DON'T play beer pong (that's just gross... it's not even good beer) and drink as infrequently as possible. This will keep your brain sharp and your pocket book full. That way, you can come shop here, at Bambu Batu. Fun facts provided by Discovery Health.

Song of the day "Alcohol" The Barenaked ladies

Indian Summer? I Say African Summer.

So it's hot. It's really hot. As I type this, I can think of little else. My original intention for today's blog was to educate you all on a very important bill coming up on the ballot too soon for comfort. But, as it stands, I can't think over the sound of my own sweat dripping in my ears. So, I started looking up ways to keep cool without using an air conditioner (saving the environment and all).

While a few of them were sort of no-brainers, such as drinking cold drinks, a couple of them were pointers I'd never heard before, so I thought I'd pass them on to you in the midst of this Indian Summer.

• Wet your wrists and other pulse points with cold water. This will instantly cool you down and can lower your body temperature up to 3 degrees F for up to an hour.
  
• Turn off hot sources of electricity (such as the computer I'm typing this on, for example). Stoves, lights, anything that puts off heat.
• Eat less, especially meat. You may be inclined to do this anyway, as people tend to lose their appetites in ONE HUNDRED AND THREE DEGREE WEATHER. Protein rich foods require a greater metabolic temperature to digest, and therefore will keep you a bit warmer.
  
• Mint is a natural cooling agent. Mint lotions, mint leaf in your five o'clock cocktail, mint anything will keep feeling cool.
  
• Fill a glass to the brim with ice and breathe into it. The air that blows back in your face will be like an arctic breeze.... just don't let other people catch you, it looks kind of silly. I had to explain to a customer who walked in today.
  
• "Heeee better lay low!" Wise advice, Snoop. Heat rises, so get down to the ground kids.
  

Alright. Six ways to avoid the heat, or at least pretend it isn't there, without turning on that power sucker. Try and keep cool and remember to wear your all-natural sunscreen, available here at Bambu Batu. Friendly Tips provided by GreenTerraFirma.com

Song of the day: Buster Poindexter's "Hot Hot Hot"

Bonus Video: Christine O'Donnell's look on science.