Chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls (Photo by Joy) There was a time when only the peanut-allergic had to shy away from the delectable goodness we call peanut butter; a time when the choice of chunky or smooth was the biggest dilemma in your lunchtime drama; when your only fear in life was of developing a sensitivity to legumes. Some days you had arguments with fellow peanut butter-loving kids about which brand was better: Jif, Skippy, or Peter Pan (whose jingle may sound mysteriously familiar to DriveShaft's "(You All) Everybody," to all you "Lost" fans). But as you matured and your palate developed, you probably longed for flavors more exotic and hot. My, how all that has changed! Peanut butter has come a long way from the product originally created in the late 1800s for the toothless (who were not able to chew properly), and as a protein substitute for vegetarians. Sure, peanuts had been used in cooking for countless generations prior, but it was a handful of paste creators that brought about the evolution of what we presently refer to as "peanut butter." Since then, culinary experts have concocted many gourmet combinations, flavors, and textures of our beloved spread. Today, two days beyond a very low-key National Peanut Butter Day, it seems we're questioning every peanut-based product in our pantry. And the recall list keeps growing -- now your dog's treats may be affected, too! The current outbreak of Salmonella began many months ago and has infected hundreds of people and possibly caused six deaths, but it's just been a matter of weeks since they discovered the strain originated with a basic peanut paste distributed widely. Thankfully, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration appears to be on top of things, and it's a good thing too, lest we start seeing too many television commercials for lawyers handling such cases. Hopefully all this will be cleared up -- and the public's faith restored -- by the time Peanut Butter Lover's Day (March 1) and Peanut Butter and Jelly Day (April 2) roll around! Suggested Sites... Search for Peanut Butter Product Recalls - database of products recalled for safety purposes, from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Adventures of Buddy McNutty Time Warped! - from the National Peanut Board. Peanut Butter & Co. - visit the New York City peanut butter sandwich shop.

Directory categories: Peanut Butter Makers, Peanut Allergy, Salmonella, Foodbourne Illnesses

Archived under: Allergies, Celebrations, Disease, Epidemics, Events, Food and Drink, Health, Nutrition, Recalls, Sandwiches

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Statue of FDR and his best friend Fala (Photo by Tony) With all the other important presidential and governmental issues Barack Obama has to tackle after Inauguration Day, it seems the country has the greatest vested interest in a decision of the heart that the whole Obama family will have to make: what kind of puppy will they get after they move into the White House? Heck, even the Vice President-Elect has heard the call of the canine and acquired a new German Shepherd puppy. First Pets are something of a national institution in the United States. There's even a Presidential Pets Museum, dedicated to the preservation of historical information and artifacts of all the animals (from alligators to wallabies) that have belonged to our Commanders-in-Chief -- nearly all of whom had a pet during some part of their term(s). A White House pet's actions can be worthy of a news watch, which is the case with the current Top Dog, Barney, who is a celebrity in his own right. Some pets were so popular that they are eternally depicted in memorial, as is the case with Fala, Franklin D. Roosevelt's beloved Scottish terrier. And Richard Nixon's Checkers has a grave located in a public pet cemetery on Long Island. The President-Elect's promise to his daughters, Sasha and Malia, spiked curiosity in what type of breed the new First Dog will be. Dutiful citizens have offered suggestions on how to combat Malia's pet dander allergies, and which types of dogs offer hypoallergenic or hairless qualities. But the Obamas are striving to set an example, do the responsible thing, and find their new family member in a shelter. After all, choosing what type of dog and personality it has is just as important to a happy family dynamic as its health and development. So we wait, with bated puppy breath, to hear word of the new furry addition to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. And as Bob Barker always reminded us, "Be sure to have your cat or dog spayed or neutered." Suggested Sites... The Daily Puppy - your daily fix for puppy pictures. ASPCA: Adopt - find your next pet through your local ASPCA. Wikipedia: List of United States Presidential Pets - a quick-reference guide to all the First Animals. National Geographic Channel: In the Womb: Dogs - using state-of-the-art visual effects and real-time 4-D ultrasound imagery, follow the fetal development of one wolf and three different dog breeds. FDR's "Fala Speech" - President Franklin Roosevelt defends his Scottie against GOP attacks.

Directory categories: Humane and Rescue Societies, Choosing a Dog, Pet Health

Archived under: Allergies, American History, Animals, Bob Barker, Cats, Dogs, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Pets

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(Photo by Arnold Chao) Ah, sweet perfume. Floral, fruity, musky, sexy -- just mist the wrists and you're fresh. But if Eternity is your eau de choix, you may have just showered yourself with a 41-ingredient blend replete with toxins. Synthetic ingredients found in many perfumes may be hazardous to your health and possibly cause ailments including asthma, skin irritations, or even birth defects. Nonprofits, environmental groups, and victims of multiple chemical sensitivity are sniffing out the additives of popular perfumes (.mpg) and urging the fragrance industry to limit its use of chemicals. Fragrance manufacturers insist their products meet FDA regulations and that opposing studies are inconclusive (.pdf). But we're still mystified by the fragrant concoctions whose ingredients remain missing from product labels. Pew! Do you smell something? Suggested Sites... IOL: Beckham's Perfume Under Greenpeace Spotlight - will smelling like David Beckham make you sterile? International Fragrance Association: News - affirming the safety of alleged toxic chemicals used in fragrances. IHT: Perfume's Toxic Spritz? - the French Perfume Manufacturers Association vs. Greenpeace. Not Too Pretty - campaign against using chemicals linked to birth defects in leading beauty care products. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics - pushing cosmetic companies to keep products safe for consumers.

Directory categories: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Environmental Toxicology, Consumer Advocacy, Environmental Organizations

Archived under: Allergies, Beauty, Cosmetics, Environment, Health, Safety, Shopping

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