All About Coffee
Coffee is a widely consumed beverage prepared from the roastedseeds, commonly called beans of the coffee plant. Coffee was first consumed as early as the 9th century, when it appeared in the
highlands of Ethiopia. From Ethiopia, it spread to Egypt and Yemen, and by the 15th century had reached Persia, Turkey, and northern Africa. From the Middle East, coffee spread to Italy, then to the rest of Europe and the Americas. Today, coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide.
The two most commonly grown species of the coffee plant are Coffea canephora and C. arabica, which are cultivated in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Arabica coffee is by far the most popular variety because of it's smooth taste and aromatic qualities. Basically coffee berries are picked, processed (flesh removed from around the coffee beans), and then they're dried. The seeds are then roasted at
temperatures around 200C (392F), during which the sugars in the beancaramelize, the bean changes color, and the true flavor of that delicious drink we call coffee develops. The beans are generally roasted to a light, medium, or a dark brown color, depending on the desired flavor.
Coffee ingestion on average is about a third that of tap water in most of North America and Europe. In total, 6.7 million metric tons of coffee were produced annually in 19982000, and had risen to 7 million metric tons annually by 2010. Brazil remains the largest coffee exporting nation, but in recent years Vietnam has become a major producer of robusta beans. Robusta coffees, traded in London at much lower prices than New York's arabica, are preferred by large industrial clients, such asmultinational roasters and instant coffee producers, because of the lower cost. Four single roaster companies buy more than 50% of all of the annual production: Kraft, Nestl, Procter & Gamble, and Sara Lee.
There are two main cultivated species of the coffee plant, Coffea canephora and Coffea arabica. Arabica coffee (from C. arabica) is considered more suitable for drinking than robusta (from C. canephora), which, compared to arabica, tends to be bitter. For this reason, about three fourths of coffee cultivated worldwide is C. arabica. However, C. canephora is less susceptible to disease than C. arabica and can be cultivated in environments where C. arabica will not thrive. Robusta coffee also contains about 4050% more caffeine than arabica. For this reason it is used as an inexpensive substitute for arabica in many commercial coffee blends. Good quality robustas are used in some espresso blends to provide a better foam head and to lower the ingredient cost. Other species include Coffea liberica and Coffea esliaca, believed to be indigenous to Liberia and southern Sudan respectively. Most Arabica coffee beans originate from either Latin America, East Africa/Arabia. Coffee plants are grown on a coffee farm like many other types of produce. Here the coffee plants are planted on a hill to ensure each coffee plant receives plenty of sunshine, and for proper drainage. Robusta coffee beans are grown in West and Central Africa, throughout Southeast Asia, and to some extent in Brazil. Beans from different countries or regions usually have distinctive characteristics such as flavor, aroma, body, and acidity. These taste characteristics are dependent not only on the coffee's growing region, but also on genetic subspecies (varietals) and processing.
Source: www.coffeefacts.com
The Thought Life
Have you ever had a song go through your mind over and over again? You hear it playing, and it might even stay with you for days at a time. Thoughts are very much like songs. A thought can come to mind, even a terrible thought, and often it can stick like glue. Not only does it lodge itself in your mind, but it can grow into something larger and ever more disturbing. Someone does you wrong, like cheat you out of something, steal something from you, speak lies about you, harm a member of your family, or whatever kind of wrong may come your way. At that point in time every one of us has the choice of how to react to that particular injustice. Nothing is wrong with immediately reacting with anger. What we do with that anger is what determines its effect on our lives. Each one of us has the choice to accept the injustice and forgive, as difficult as that can be, or we can hold on to the anger and allow it to grow and consume us. The offense is a seed. A seed must be fed in order to grow. If it is not fed, it will not even grow roots. If that seed is fed by anger and resentment, it will grow roots and the plant will continue to grow. In a very short period of time, the root of bitterness will take hold and cast a dark cloud over your life. Bitterness is a root that injects poison into your life. It keeps you from enjoying the blessings in life. What started as a seed planted by one injustice has now sprouted above the surface and is growing like a cancer. It is producing rotten fruit in your life and keeping you from being the productive and compassionate person that God has called you to be. What started out as anger has grown into a stronghold. Also, the root of bitterness, under the surface, continues to grow in size and strength. It is now very difficult to dig up and throw away. What is the solution? It is prevention. When the seed of injustice is sewn in your life, throw it out immediately! You cannot afford to let it remain and grow. It is much easier and less painful to throw out a seed than it is to go back later and dig up the roots of a large oak tree. Forgive now! The person who wronged you does not care what it's doing to you. You alone pay the price of resentment and bitterness. The offender has moved on, and you're still stuck in the mud and muck, saying, you don't know what that person did to me. Get over it! Humbly accept the gift of forgiveness, and allow that forgiveness to operate in every part of your life. God did it 2,000 years ago, when He sent his Son to die for your sins and forgive you.
As God's Word says, Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. - Luke 6: 37 - 38.
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ... - 2 Corinthians 10: 4 - 5
26 Surprising Facts About Coffee
Click here for some interesting facts about coffee:
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a30303/facts-about-coffee/
Who Thinks of This Stuff?
To clean sheer curtains and give them a crisp new look, wash and rinse them as usual, then add a cup of Epsom salts to a sink full of water. Dip the curtains and hang to dry.
If your cordless phone always seems to be running out of juice, the contacts between the phone and the charger may be dirty. Rub a pencil eraser over both contacts to remove grime.
To dry your nail polish fast, spray with cooking spray immediately after polishing. Place pantyhose in the freezer to make them last longer.
Feed and water your plants all at the same time by using the water in which you boiled vegetables or even eggs. Any nutrients in the water will go directly into the soil.
To remove gum from hair, rub a little nail polish remover. After removing the gum, shampoo hair as normal. For dry, peeling lips, brush with a soft toothbrush and warm water to remove dead skin.
To rid yourself of dandruff, rinse your hair with vinegar, let sit on hair for a few minutes, then shampoo as usual. Do this daily and you will soon be flake free!
When the flu's got you, toss some finely chopped mushrooms into that batch of chicken soup. Studies have shown that mushrooms boost the body's immune system.
Large doses of iodine can aggravate acne. When teems have an outbreak, they should avoid heavily salted foods. Low fat diets are good for migraine sufferers.
Spray a bit of perfume on light bulbs to create a light scent in the room. Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers to keep clothes smelling just washed fresh.
Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least three hours prior to burning. To remove candle wax from furniture, lay an old towel over top of the wax and iron on the lowest setting.
To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the sale will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave you flowers looking like new.
To easily remove burnt on food from a skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover the bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stove top.
Spray your Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains. Wrap celery in
aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.
Wisdom From Larry The Cable Guy
1. A day without sunshine is like night.
2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.
3. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
4. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
5. Remember, half the people you know are below average.
6. He who laughs last thinks the slowest.
7. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.
9. Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have.
10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
11. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
12. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
13. How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? Raise my hand.
14. OK, so what's the speed of dark?
15. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
16. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
17. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
18. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
19. What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?
20. Why do psychics have to ask you for your name?
21. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, "What the heck happened?"
22. Just remember -- if the world didn't suck, we would all fall off.
23. Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
24. Life isn't like a box of chocolates it's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your rear tomorrow.
The Parents Who Drugged Us
A friend asked me, Why didn't we have a drug problem when we were growing up?' I replied that I had a drug problem when I was young:
- I was drug to church on Sunday morning.
- I was drug to church for weddings and funerals.
- I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.
- I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults.
- I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the pastor, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.
- I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity.
- I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds.
- I was drug to the homes of neighbors to help mow the yard, repair the clothesline, and if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, my dad would have drug me back to the woodshed.
Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin, and if today's children had this kind of drug problem, this world would be a better place. God bless the parents who drugged us !
Lessons Learned
I've learned....
That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I've learned...
That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned .....
That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.
I've learned...
That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world. (Oh so true!)
I've learned....
That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned...
That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I've learned...
That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in any other way.
I've learned...
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned...
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
I've learned...
That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I've learned...
That life is like a roll of toilet paper.
The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned...
That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned...
That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned..
That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned....
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I've learned...
That when you plan to get even with someone,
you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned...
That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned...
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am..
I've learned...
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned...
That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned...
That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned...
That opportunities are never lost someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned...
That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned...
That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.
I've learned...
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, becausetomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned...
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned....
That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, you're hooked for life.
I've learned...
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it
I've learned...
That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
Amazing Kites
Amazing people deserve to be celebrated. The guy flying the 3 kites is in his 80s and he's from Canada.
He comes to the Washington State International Kite Festival every year.
His skin is like leather as he normally flies with his shirt off.
He is deaf, so when he flies, we hold our hands up and wave them for applause.
He flies 2 with his hands and the 3rd one is attached to his waist.
You must watch to the end to see the amazing landing of that last kite. Click the video here:https://www.youtube.com/embed/nr9KrqNlIg
The Gift of Time
The last wishes of Alexander the Great...
On his death bed, Alexander summoned his army generals and told them his three ultimate
wishes:
1. The best doctors should carry his coffin.
2. The wealth he has accumulated (money, gold, precious stones) should be scattered along the procession to the cemetery.
3. His hands should be let loose, so they hang outside the coffin for all to see.
One of his generals who was surprised by these unusual requests asked Alexander to explain.
Here is what Alexander the Great had to say:
1. I want the best doctors to carry my coffin to demonstrate that in the face of death, even the best doctors in the world have no power to heal.
2. I want the road to be covered with my treasure so that everybody sees that material wealth acquired on earth, will stay on earth.
3. I want my hands to swing in the wind, so that people understand that we come to this world empty handed and we leave this world empty handed after the most precious treasure of all is exhausted, and that is:
TIME.
We do not take to our grave any material wealth. TIME is our most precious treasure because it is LIMITED. We can produce more wealth, but we cannot produce more time.
When we give someone our time, we actually give a portion of our life that we will never take back. Our time is our life!
The best present that you can give to your family and friends is your TIME.
May you be granted plenty of TIME, to share with all.
20 Additional Uses of Vinegar
1. Clear dirt off PCs and electronics
Your computer, printer, fax machine, and other home office gear will work better if you keep them clean and dust-free. Turn off your machine and wash with a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water. Wash with a cloth, not a spray bottle. You can use cotton swabs for tight spaces.
2. Get rid of smoke odor
If you've recently burned a steak or can't get rid of that cigarette smell, remove the lingering smoky odor by placing a shallow bowl about three-quarters full of white or cider vinegar in the room where the scent is strongest. To get the smell out of the air, moisten a cloth and wave it in the air.
3. Wipe away mildew
Use undiluted vinegar to wipe away heavy mildew stains. Mix it with water to clean light mildew stains. You can even use a vinegar mist in a spray bottle to prevent mildew stains from forming in rugs and carpets.
4. Clean chrome and stainless steel
To clean chrome and stainless steel fixtures around your home, apply a light misting of undiluted white vinegar from a recycled spray bottle. Buff with a soft cloth to bring out the brightness.
5. Unglue stickers, decals, and price tags
Don't you hate when you peel a sticker off of your new furniture or product and it's still sticky from the glue? Worry no more! Use full-strength white vinegar and gently scrape it off the product. Use an expired credit card to scrape. You can also uses this solution to get glue off of glass, plastic and walls.
6. Brighten up brickwork
Have dingy bricks around your fireplace? Use 1 cup of white vinegar mixed with 1 gallon of warm water to scrub the area. Your bricks will be looking shiny and nice!
7. Revitalize wood paneling
You can also use vinegar to shine up your dull wood paneling. Mix 1 pint warm water with 4 tablespoons white or apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Let the mixture soak for a few minutes and then polish.
8. Remove carpet stains
You can lift out many stains from your carpet with vinegar:
For light stains, mix 2 tablespoons salt with cup white vinegar. Rub into the stain, let try and vacuum.
For tough, ground-in dirt and other stains, make a paste of 1 tablespoon vinegar with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and rub it into the stain using a dry cloth. Let it set for two days, then vacuum.
9. Keep car windows frost-free
Vinegar is a great way to keep frost from forming on your car windows. Spray the outside of your windows with a mixture of 3 parts white vinegar to 1 part water.
10. Refresh your refrigerator
Have you ever smelled a refrigerator that hasn't been used for a long time? It's gross! You can freshen up your fridge with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. You can use the solution to wash the interior and exterior of the fridge.
11. Steam-clean your microwave
Fill a bowl with 1 cup water and cup vinegar. Set the bowl in the microwave and cook on high for 5 minutes. Once the bowl cools down, use the solution to wipe off the walls of the microwave.
12. Disinfect cutting boards
Use full-strength white vinegar to clean wood cutting boards or butcher block countertops. This is a great alternative to dishwasher detergent because it can weaken surfaces and wood fiber. It disinfects against E.coli, salmonella and staphylococcus.
13. Clean china, crystal, and glassware
Have soap spots and dingy spots on your dishes after you put them in the dishwasher? Simply add a few ounces of vinegar to your dishwasher. It will prevent those hard-water stains from showing up.
14. Trap fruit flies
Did you bring home fruit flies from the market? You can make traps for them that can be used anywhere around your house by filling an old jar about halfway with apple cider vinegar. Punch a few holes in the lid, screw it back on, and you're good to go.
15. Tenderize and purify meats and seafood
Soaking a lean or inexpensive cut of red meat in a couple of cups of vinegar breaks down tough fibers to make it more tender. You can also use vinegar to tenderize seafood steaks. Let the meat or fish soak in full-strength vinegar overnight.
16. Control your dandruff
Can't wear those black shirts because your dandruff will show? Vinegar to the rescue! After shampooing, rinse your hair with a mixture of 2 cups apple cider vinegar and 2 cups cold water.
17. Ease sunburn and itching
Gently rub a sunburn or rash with cotton balls or a soft cloth soaked with white or cider vinegar. Try to apply this before the sunburn begins to sting. You can use this to help treat insect bites or rashes from poison ivy or poison oak.
18. Clean your eyeglasses
When it's more difficult to see with your glasses on than it is with them off, it's a clear indication that they're in need of a good cleaning. Applying a few drops of white vinegar to your glass lenses and wiping them with a soft cloth will easily remove dirt, sweat, and fingerprints, and leave them spotless. Don't use vinegar on plastic lenses, however
19. Stop reds from running
Unless you have a fondness for pink-tinted clothing, take one simple precaution to prevent red washable clothes from ruining your wash loads. Soak your new clothes in a few cups of undiluted white vinegar for 10-15 minutes before their first washing. You'll never have to worry about running colors again! This also works with other bright colors that you worry might run.
20. Speed germination of flower seed
You can get woody seeds, such as moonflower, passionflower, morning glory, and gourds, off to a healthier start by lightly rubbing them between a couple of sheets of fine sandpaper-and soaking them overnight in a solution of 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and 1 pint warm water. Next morning, remove the seeds from the solution, rinse them off, and plant them.
