Organic food = Yummy Time!

The information found in this posting was taken from the official Cascadian Farms Website.

http://cascadianfarm.com/organic/Default.aspx

Why should you go organic?

For You and Your Family! Organic foods are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers or genetically engineered ingredients.
For the Planet! Organic Farming helps keep air, water, and soil clean by not using synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
It's Easy! There are many organic options to choose from.

What is organic?

Organic refers to the way agricultural products and foods are grown and processed. Organic production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers. To maintain the integrity of the final product, organic foods are minimally processed without artificial ingredients, preservatives, or irradiation. The "organic" food label identifies food grown with practices that:

Don't use synthetic pesticides, herbicides and soil fumigants.

Don't use genetic engineering

Don't use sewage sludge as fertilizer

Do improve the quality and fertility of the soil

Do protect water quality

Do reduce soil erosion

Do rely on natural biological systems for pest and weed control

Do reduce the impact of agriculture on our environment

Do produce high quality, great tasting food

do the terms "natural" and "organic" mean the same thing?
No. According to the USDA, the terms "natural" and "organic" are not interchangeable. Only food labeled "organic" meets USDA's national organic standards. While other claims, such as "natural," "free-range," and "hormone-free," can still appear on food labels these terms should not be confused with "organic."

Is organic food better for consumers and the environment?

By eating organic foods, you limit your exposure to synthetic insecticides, fungicides and herbicides, because these chemicals are not applied to organic crops. Additionally by eating organic foods, you limit your intake of growth hormones and antibiotics, because organic meat and dairy farmers are prohibited from using hormones and antibiotics in organic livestock and dairy production. Finally by eating organic foods, you limit your intake of genetically modified foods because organic farmers cannot raise genetically modified crops or livestock or use production aids that are genetically modified. Organic farming methods help provide a safer, more healthy environment by: 1) not polluting our groundwater, rivers, lakes, and oceans with synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers; 2) reducing soil erosion; 3) improving soil quality; 4) increasing the diversity of wildlife on and near farms; and 5) not exposing farm workers to synthetic pesticides.

When I go to the supermarket, how can I tell organically produced food from conventionally produced food?

On October 21, 2002, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) put into effect the national organic standards ensuring consistency for all organic products marketed in the U.S. Along with the new standards, the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed strict labeling rules to help consumers know the exact organic content of the food they buy. The "USDA Organic" seal helps you find products that contain at least 95 percent certified organic ingredients.You'll find four labeling categories when looking for organic products in stores and markets: 100 percent Organic: All of the product's content is certified organic. These products may display the USDA Organic seal on the label. Organic: At least 95 percent of the product's content is certified organic. These products may also display the USDA Organic seal on the label. These products contain some minor ingredients that are not certified organic, such as minerals and vitamins. Made with Organic Ingredients: At least 70 percent of the product's content is certified organic. Up to three ingredients can be listed on the label with the phrase "made with organic." Products containing less than 70 percent organic content may only identify the organic ingredients in the ingredient listing on the label.

Will I find the USDA Organic seal on all organic products?

No. The use of the USDA Organic seal is voluntary. And the USDA Organic seal can only be used on products with at least 95 percent certified organic ingredients.

On what food products can the USDA Organic seal be displayed?

The USDA Organic seal may appear on organic food products that contain at least 95 percent certified organic ingredients.

What are some key provisions of the national organic regulations?

The national organic regulations:
prohibit the use of irradiation, sewage sludge, or genetically modified organisms in organic food production
reflect the National Organic Standards Board recommendations on the allowable materials for use by organic farmers, organic livestock producers, and organic processors
require organic farmers to demonstrate soil quality improvement
prohibit antibiotics and growth hormones in organic meat and poultry
require 100% organic feed for organic livestock

Should I be concerned about the safety of eating organic food?

Certified organic farmers and processors follow strict food safety guidelines to assure safe and hygienic food production. All food producers, including organic farmers and processors, must comply with local, state and federal health standards. In addition to these health and safety standards, organic farmers and processors are also required to comply with the stringent requirements included in USDA's national organic regulations.
These more stringent food standards include restrictions on application of raw manure to soil; organic audit trail requirement; organic farm plan requirement; organic handling plan requirement; prohibition of synthetic pesticide use; prohibition of GMO (genetically modified organism) use; prohibition of food irradiation; and prohibition of chemical food processing methods.

What does the organic industry do to ensure safe and wholesome food production?

Certified organic farmers and processors are inspected annually by an independent, USDA accredited certification agent. During the annual inspection, the certification agent verifies compliance with the national organic regulations and reviews the food safety practices of organic growers and processors. This helps assure that organic producers are in compliance with all local, state, and federal health standards and with the more stringent requirements included in the USDA's national organic regulations.

http://cascadianfarm.com/organic/Default.aspx

Ok.....I got lazy this weekend.....

I apologize that there hasn't been a new YouTube video yet. The last one I made was “Obama's Corporate Healthcare” and since then I've been struggling to pick what I want to do next. The video gamer inside me wants to do a review on the Sega Genesis and Hexen but the more serious side of me wants to make a tribute video to the author H.P. Lovecraft or an eye opening episode on Charlotte Iserbyt’s book “The Deliberate Dumbing down of America” which entails how the modern educational system has been destroyed from within by corporate elites.

Hopefully by the end of today we should have a few new episodes on TheCoolinator1 channel at YouTube.com

Thank you all for your support!

What's the deal with Retro-Gaming? Part 2

Since my first article on Retro-Gaming many a things have come to pass. First off, I've discovered that there are these retro twin systems that have the capability of playing old 8-bit and 16-bit cartridges all in one. A very nice design, if I may say so!

FCTWIN!


http://www.dkoldies.com/FC3-Plus-System-Genesis-Nintendo-NES-SNES-p/fc3%20-%203%20systems%20in%201c.htm

They come fully loaded with two controllers and a light gun for old school gun games like Duck hunt and Hogan's Alley!


Then I found out that the new Genesis console is no longer called the "Firebox". It was renamed the Firecore.....you know....like HARDCORE! And it seems to be as well made as its last incarnation but this time with a port for downloadable content from the web. This is due to Sega wanting to develop 20 new 16-bit games for download with the new Firecore system. I would assume its to lure people into buying it considering most kids now a days have no idea what a cartridge even is. Dam kids! Some have criticized its predecessor's sound quality but hopefully they have fine tuned it this time around for our retro gaming enjoyment. The second new Genesis console is literally the same thing as the Firecore but the design of the system itself looks like Sonic's spikey head. What's next Sega? Sonic Roller-skates? Sonic Toasters? Sonic toothpaste? I guess its always a good time to exploit Sonic for financial gain. Eitherway, The system does look sharp.








FireCore! GenCore!



Remember! Each new Genesis console comes fully loaded with 20 games. Most of which are very good.....some are...ehhh...but how can you complain? When I first got my Genesis in the early 90's I never got a free game with it. All I got was the console and a controller with one foot of cord.


Its raining Nomads!!!!



This is a strange series of events that has been goin on in the retro gaming world. A few months back we heard rumors that there was going to be a Sega Nomad clone. What triggered it was a random video being circulated on YouTube which was filmed at some kind of gaming convention. In the video some chubby Asian guy said there was going to be a new Genesis console (The picture on the power point presentation in the video was the Gencore) and there would be a new Sega Nomad clone handheld (Picture on the projection screen resembled the RetroGen). Since then our wonderful friends at Gamesboro have been taking pre-orders for the device. This is where the story gets complicated. Most people have put in their pre-orders for their Retrogen's but just the other day AtGames has allowed pre-orders for .....you guessed it... THEIR Nomad clone!

The RetroGen is manufactured by a company called Innex and the GenMobile (The other Nomad Clone) is made by AtGames! So as you can tell this was right out of left field. Who would have thought in the year 2009 we would be getting not one but TWO Nomad clones?







RetroGen! GenMobile!



What are the differences between the two? Well, from what I see the RetroGen has a larger screen while the GenMobile has a slightly smaller screen but has 20 preloaded games on it like the HandHeld Megadrive and the new Genesis consoles. I don't know about you guys but I'm in somewhat of a dilemma here. I may just buy them both if I can't make up my dam mind! Decisions.....Decisions......



Honorable Mentions:





Handheld Megadrive

20 games in one. No cartridge slot but can plug into your TV. Great present for a younger family member or a person who commutes.


Click here to check out all the cool new stuff - http://www.gsubooks.com/

Old School FPS gets a face lift - Hexen: Edge of Chaos

So if you’re around your mid-twenties like I am you should be well skilled in the art of First-Person Combat. Meaning you have sat in front of your PC, Sega Saturn, or N64 day after day honing your skills to be the biggest badass this side of the third dimension. Most of the original FPS games had a simple formula. Get from Point A to Point B. How you achieved this was getting keys . In Doom, Duke3D, and Heretic we had color coded keys. One had to go down narrow corridors, open arenas, and dark rooms to collect the keys to progress to the end of the level. Once the end of the board was reach a simple switch was pushed. Once activated, percentages of achievements would pop up to reveal your stats, Secrets found, monsters exterminated, etc, etc.

Don't be mistaken though. The formula may have been identical but the games were massively different. Each game had its own setting, music, and combat system. For example in Doom you were placed in a off world colony on mars and the monsters were either demons or zombie soldiers. Your weapons consisted of chain guns and shotguns. In Heretic you would fight mummies and flying red imps. Your weapons would be a crossbow or magical gauntlets. Similar yes, but different in more ways then one. Each one had its own personality and style. That's what I think many FPS games have lost today. There own individual persona that sets them apart from the rest.

But then something magical occured. The mold was broken. HEXEN WAS BORN! Now don't get me wrong here. I love all the old school FPS games. I don't have a favorite they are all very good but recognition must be given to Hexen. When I first played this game it was like everything fell into place. I loved the dreary medieval setting, medieval weapons, the monsters, and I certainly loved the puzzles. It was so original compared to its predecessors that one could not overlook its masterful design. I still remember the first time I was frozen in place by ice monsters and broken into 1000 pieces. You just couldn't get that anywhere else! Giant hammers, electric axes, fire gloves, and the crème de la crème.......The WraithWand.......Just imagine if you had a super weapon that sent out an army of ghosts to tear your enemies to pieces. Kind of like having control of the Ark of the Covenant from Indiana Jones.

So why do I write this little article? Well, quite a few months ago I stumbled upon a website called MODDB.com and it seems that the wonderful people their are making a NEW Hexen game mod using the Doom 3 engine! I'm happy the Doom 3 engine is finally being used for something good. From the screenshots and the summary on the website it looks like they will be drawing a lot of inspiration from the first Hexen. Which is a good thing. Not to say that Hexen II was bad. Hexen II was a magnificent game in itself but the original like in many series trumps its successors. The mod's storyline takes place after the Hexen 1 expansion and also touches upon the Heretic storyline as well. This is a real treat for all the old school fans and we applaud the the developers hard work. Please take a look at some of the excellent screen shots and send them a comment of support.

Hexen fans UNITE!

http://www.moddb.com/mods/hexen-edge-of-chaos

New Youtube Episode! This days topic: WAR

Hey all,

2 new episodes on my YouTube page.


TheCoolinator1.


One called "Blowing off Steam" where I vent about daily events and a three part special on "War"

Hope you like it



Please comment!

New Dreamcast games in 2008-2009

Isn't it amazing how things work out? In the year 2002 the headlines read. "DREAMCAST DEAD!" but year after year new software, homebrews, and emulations continue to appear for the Sega's last white hope. Its hasn't had an official Sega release in over two years, the last official game was Karous but since then worldwide Independent developers have discovered a soft spot for our little dream machine. On November 5, 2008 Wind and Water: Puzzle Battle was released for the Dreamcast. Developed by Yuan Works and published by Redspotgame, this puzzle game came out first for the GPX2 handheld and was later ported over to the Dreamcast with added content, options, and graphics. The story mode plays similar to Super Mario Bros. 3 but based around a puzzle system. The puzzle mechanics are very innovative and different from other puzzle games of our era. Instead of matching up blocks vertically or horizontally you have to match them up in a diamond pattern by what element they are, Water, Earth, Wind, fire, etc.
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* *
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Once you have 4 like elements they and whatever similar elements around them disintegrate. Which then awards you points! Some of the combos can be very fun to pull off. Combos such as chains, full, and dual come in handy to stop the press. The "Press" is what your fighting against in W&W. Its a large black waffle-like thing that pushes up from the bottom. One the press reaches the top you lose but you have numerous combo variations to push the press down so it will not menace you.
On the 15 June 2009, YET ANOTHER Independently produced Dreamcast game was released. This time from Hucast. Which is a German indie studio. DUX is a horizontal shooter which draws much of its inspiration from R-Type. The whole game is in full CGI graphics and the music is a cool techno melody. The game oozes futuristic space combat sci-fi action! There are 6 levels to the game all of which are very long and well done. Some have commented on the difficulty but once you get the hang of the soaking ability the game won't be overly difficult but it will still give you a challenge.

Both games are now bundled on Redspotgames.com or separately on Hucast.net and Play-Asia.com

Samurai Shodown!

SNK truly hit gold in the early 90's when they designed SAMURAI SHODOWN! In the olden days of arcades, Street Fighter II ruled the dark alleys. Everywhere you went a Street Fighter cabinet was just around the corner. Always tempting you with its loud digitized sound effects and cut scene of some guy cold clocking some other dude then scrolling up a huge skyscraper to focus on a giant Street fighter logo. I dare you now a days not to put in quarters immediately when seeing a SF cabinet in the wild. Go on! I double dog dare you!

All was well for Capcom for a while but soon enough like in many rivalries SNK struck back. First it was Art of fighting and now SAMURAI SHODOWN. This game had everything. All executed with SNK's signature precision. Backgrounds where bright and full of motion, characters were interesting, animation was fluid, and collision detection was near perfect! But the thing that toppled the kingdom of Capcom was two things. When you scored a heavy hit you felt it though the arcade buttons. Each hit created a flash of excitement and an early form of slow motion to accentuate each blow. Then of course, something that surprised each fighter when they landed the final slash was the fatalities. Now a day when we think of fatalities we think of a time at the end of a match after a fighter has beat his opponent a short time is allowed to give the player time to do a complicated maneuver of joystick direction and button combinations. Not in SS! All you needed to pull of a fatality at the end was just hit your opponent in the right way, either with light, medium, or strong attack. Blood would shoot out like geysers or the defeated would be cut in half and fall to the ground. Many a time I stood in front of my TV slack jawed when I pulled off a death blow. SNK GENIUS!

This game was nothing we had ever seen. A different time period (feudal Japan), Weapons (Spears, Daggers, claws, and Swords), and music that didn't draw its inspiration from 80's / 90's rock but Japanese culture. It was a masterpiece and it did its best to shake the ground that Capcom lay upon. As of today there are six 2D Samurai Shodown games all of which were just released on a anthology disc commemorating over twenty years of Samurai Shodown excitement! Certain games were ported over the years to home consoles. All of which met with positive reviews. Today we are treated to ALL 2D Samurai Shodown games contained on one disc. It is a great achievement and a wonderful product. The price for all these wonderful titles is going for no more than $15.99! Probably the greatest deal I have ever seen.

Now your most likely saying to yourself "Why should I pay the cash when I can get it for MAME?"

1. You have a hard copy of the game. Disc, Manual, and box

2. You have all 6 games on one disc that you can play in the comfort of you living room instead of sitting in front of a computer monitor with a PC controller.

3. You can customize the color of your favorite SS character!

4. Extra's such as Art gallery and Endings

5. We here in the U.S.A. can finally play Samurai Shodown 6. The newest and most in depth title in the series.


Is it worth the $15.99???? Well, I would think so. Its a piece of gaming history bundled up and packaged for your gaming enjoyment. All of which are Arcade perfect ports with extra options for each game together for the first time.

Take my advice. You won't be disappointed!