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Mountain View News Saturday, September 12, 2020
CHRISTOPHER Nyerges
Q: What’s cuter than a kitten?
A: Two kittens!
Kali is the “tabbico” (tabby/
calico) female, and Tex is her
gray brother. Kali is more assertive
and vocal, while Tex
is an adventurer. They love
their food, and their toys,
and, after they finish playing
and zooming around, they
take great naps! They are
currently being fostered in a home with a very sweet dog who
helps to keep them socialized. The dog is in love with them, and
they absolutely love him back! Kittens need good quality kitten
food to thrive, which they are getting. They will also be spayed,
neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and more before delivery.
Kali and Tex qualify for our “Twofur” discount (see our Adoption Procedures page). Born
8/1/20. See their video, more pictures, adoption information and application on our website
at the Young Cats page at www.lifelineforpets.org. Good news: Simba has been adopted.
COFFEE: HEALTHFUL OR DETRIMENTAL?
[Nyerges is the author of a dozen books, including “Guide to Wild Foods and Useful
Plants,” “How to Survive Anywhere,” “Extreme Simplicity,” and more. He has led
ethnobotany expeditions since 1974. He can be reached at Box 41834, Eagle Rock, CA
90041, or www.SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com.]
"If you brew your coffee with precise intent, you can alchemically transmute those
com¬mon grounds into a veritable elixir." -- educator TIMOTHY HALL
"But isn't coffee bad for my health?"
Much has been said and written about the benefits vs. the detrimental effects of coffee. But what is the
"bottom line"? Are there beneficial qualities? Does it harm me? Should it be abstained from? Is it OK to
drink coffee in moderation?
These and similar questions are not easily answered because, in the tests and statistical data, researchers
and doctors do not use -- or attempt to define -- a consistent standard for what is meant by "coffee."
Coffee has also been accused of causing, or con¬tributing to, cancer, heart diseases, hypertension, hepatitis,
and cirrhosis of the liver. Dr. John Timson of the University of Manchester in England, while admitting
that coffee is mildly addictive, states that, at present, there is no hard scientific evidence that links the
use of coffee to any of the above-mentioned diseases.
Unfortunately, in virtually all studies done on the health effects of coffee, researchers indis¬criminately
lump all "coffees" together. But no two cups of coffee are alike. And it is not likely that any standard
will ever be established for coffee research. Why? Because brewed coffee contains not only caffeine, but
various acids, oils, and alcohols, the qualities of which vary depending on the way the coffee beans are
handled from farm to cup. It is rare that any two cups of coffee are chemically identical!
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has placed caffeine on their Generally-Recognized-As-
Safe list. Caffeine acts as a stimulant to the central nervous system. If used in excess, it contributes to
nervous¬ness, irritability, sleeplessness, anxiety, and heart palpitations.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE QUALITY OF "COF¬FEE"
According to Timothy Hall, a teacher with the L.A. Unified School District who has given numerous lectures
on coffee, there are at least 30 factors which affect the beverage called "a cup of coffee," all of which
must be taken into account if one is to draw a useful con¬clusion about coffee's "good" or "bad" effects.
According to Timothy Hall, one cannot answer "Is coffee good for me?" until one has ex¬plored the following
questions. In some cases, definitive answers to the following may be hard to come by, if not next
to impossible. Some factors, however, are completely within our control.
THE PLANT
What is the type or variety of coffee plant? Of the two primary types of coffee -- arabica and robusta --
arabica is considered the better of the two. Where and how was it grown? How was it ferti¬lized?
ROASTING
What was the method of roasting?
The depth of darkness of the brown in coffee color is due to the proportion of cresylic acid (cresol) present
after the beans have been roasted. The darker the roast, the greater the tar content.
GRINDING
What was the grinding procedure? How hot did the beans get during the grinding pro¬cess? Though not
everyone will notice the difference, any grinder which grinds at a high temperature can result in the loss of
aromatic oils. One solution is to grind with a hand mill. Another solution (when using an electric mill) is
to only grind enough for a few cups at a time, since prolonged grinding may result in excessive heat. How
much time elapsed between grinding and brew¬ing?
TEMPERATURE
What was the temperature of the coffee grounds, and the temperature of the water, when you began brew?
What were the temperatures when you finished brewing?
Fusel oil, released into the water whenever coffee grounds are boiled, causes bitterness; however, fusel oil
is NOT released into water at less than boiling temperatures.
PREPARATION
What type of coffee maker was used (vacuum, drip, per¬colator)? (Space doesn't permit us to review
every coffee-maker on the market however, so let the buyer beware.)
Did I brew the grounds using the percolation, infusion, or decoction method? Infusion refers to adding
the grounds to the water and letting them steep. A camper might do this. Decoction refers to actually
cooking the grounds -- even boiling -- to make a strong brew. Though this might be acceptable in a prison
camp when one is trying to extend the available grounds as far as possible, it is the least desirable choice.
Percolation -- pouring the hot water through the grounds -- is the best option.
There are many other factors too. Of the factors under our control, the quality of our thinking (as we brew
the coffee) has a direct effect on the finished product. Also, the way in which we drink the beverage has
an effect (i.e., slow thought¬ful sips vs. hurried gulps).
Hall asserts that in his tests, the quality of one's thinking has proven to be the most important factor.
States Hall, "If you brew your coffee with precise intent, you can alchemically transmute those com¬mon
grounds into a veritable elixir." MORE ON THIS NEXT WEEK.
Pet of the Week
Seven-month-old Milo and his sister, Luna (also a sleek
house panther), came to Pasadena Humane as strays.
At first, they were a little shy, but with some yummy
food and play time, they came out of their shells. Now
Milo and his sister are having fun exploring their foster
home. Milo loves to follow Luna around everywhere
and copy everything she does. He also loves playing
with toys and being pet! Milo is the purrfect example of
a kitty who just needed a little patience to trust people,
and he’ll make a wonderful cat for a patient and loving
owner. And if you wanted to adopt Luna too, he’d love
that!
The adoption fee for cats is $90. All cat adoptions
include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.
New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA
Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for
your pet.
View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org and fill out an online adoption
application. Adoptions are by appointment only.
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by
phone calls or email.
TIPS TO KEEP PETS SAFE DURING WILDFIRES
Dr. Jennifer Freeman, DVM, PetSmart resident veterinarian and pet care
1. Ensure your pets are safely contained. Consider getting a pet carrier if you don’t already have one
and practicing crate training in advance to avoid extra stress in the face of an emergency. For fish
or turtles, it’s a good idea to have buckets or plastic bins with a lid on hand in the event you need
to evacuate them. This is a safer alternative to transporting these pets in glass bowls or aquariums.
2. Make sure your pet has identification. Countless pets go missing after storms, wildfires and other
natural disasters. Proper ID on your pet is the best assurance that you and your pet are reunited in
the event you are separated. “Consider microchip identification for your pets, as this is a permanent
way to identify them and is used universally by animal shelters and veterinarians,” Freeman said.
3. Look for pet-friendly housing options for your pet should you need to evacuate your home. Ensure
your pet is up to date on vaccinations, which are often needed for boarding, and that you have
a supply of your pet’s medication.
- Ask friends, relatives and others outside of your immediate area whether they could shelter
your animals.
- Prepare a list of animal shelters, boarding facilities and veterinarian offices that could shelter
animals during an emergency and include 24-hour phone numbers.
- If you plan to take your pet with you, seek out pet-friendly hotels that are along possible
evacuation routes in advance so that you are not caught without a place to stay for the night.
4. Assemble a pet emergency supply kit. Pet emergency kits do not need to be big but should include
the following, in an easy-to-carry waterproof container that can be taken in the event of an
evacuation.
- Portable food and water bowls, along with a one-week supply of food and fresh water
- Vaccination records
An extra supply of medication including heartworm and flea/tick prevention (if refrigeration
is necessary, have easy access to a small, insulated bag or cooler)
- Pet First-Aid items such as antiseptic spray, antibacterial ointment, and bandage material.
These are easy solutions that can deliver quick first-aid care in the event of a pet injury.
- A list of regional pet-friendly hotels
- A bed, carrier and leash and harness for each animal
- Pet waste bags
- Cat litter, litter box and scoop
- Current photos of your pets, in case they get lost
5. Provide comfort. Severe weather or leaving home can be frightening to pets. Provide your dog
or cat with a familiar toy or blanket or try aids like calming sprays, collars, chews, supplements,
anti-anxiety medications, or a ThunderShirt™ to help ease anxiety.
Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com
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