Indoor Toilets v Outdoor Toilets

It is a feature of most modern house to have an inside toilet, this is a luxury that most households have got used to. Many just can't do without it. The reason this subject is raised is quite simply I'd never thought of having a toilet anywhere else other than in the home until I got to live in Bulgaria.

When I was young we lived in a Victorian styled house and had a brick outside toilet. I remember having to go to the toilet my brother, as I was scared of spiders. Later when I was big enough to cope with that I remember having to walk through snow to get there one winter. Needless to say little time was spent on the throne during winters in the UK, not much was remembered about it, it certainly wasn't a problem at the time.

After marrying we bought a modern house with an inside toilet and for 20 odd years this was the norm, part of what is expected and that's where the thoughts of outside toilets disappeared until recently.

Moving to Bulgaria really brought home some more reasoning behind why we have inside toilets. Pardon the pun, but it is purely for convenience, nothing more; a daily requirement can just as easily be managed outside, but it would be far too much trouble and the comfort zone removed.

The turning point for me with thoughts about inside toilets was on a particular day where I had a village man come to my house. He had lived in the village all his life and had never seen an inside toilet before, let alone use one. When he realised my house had one he said, "It was disgusting that people go to the toilet in my house!" Just saying that now sticks in my mind each time I use the toilet indoors. He is right; going to the toilet in your home is quite disgusting, just think about it for a while.

I still have my inside toilet but I also have an outside on and use this whenever I get an opportunity. Using that outside toilet that is just a hole in the ground without a flushing system just feels right and so much more environmentally friendly. Added to this is the fact that toiletry goings on in the house just doesn't seem right after, especially in a village where no one else other than expatriates have indoor toilets. My Bulgarian guests here never want to use my inside toilet either, they themselves feel that this 'business' is an outside activity and they could never get used to conducting it inside a home.

The inside toilet is essentially the same as the outside toilet. The outside just drains into the land the inside is flushed away to the outside sceptic tank and then also drains away into the land. The only difference is the vast amounts of fresh drinking water used to move the deposits from a to b. What is the point of that?

So, the bottom line (another pun I'm sorry) is, if I happen to move and renovate another house, I will ensure that I have an outside toilet built alongside, it will make me feel better using it.

If you have never used and outside toilet, then I fully recommend you try it, not for the reason of anything else other than appreciating your inside toilet. Anyone who does this will know what I mean. If you use an outside toilet frequently and regularly, there is not really any hardship in this system, it's just getting used to something new (or old).

Mars Bars - Your Choice

Mars Bars; A global product that everyone knows due to decades of massive advertising and there isn't many who don't like it. Quite simply a Mars Bar is a Milk Chocolate bar with a soft nougat and caramel centre. The bar contains 33% soft nougat and 27% caramel. A Mars Bar does contain traces of peanuts and is made with egg whites.

The Mars Bar was first manufactured in Slough in the United Kingdom in 1932. It was designed to compete as a sweeter version of the then American produced Milky Way bar (not to be confused with the European version of the Milky Way.) In the UK, most Mars Bars are still made at the Slough Trading Estate where they originated.

The famous slogan "A Mars a day helps you work, rest and play" sticks in many peoples' minds, as this was one of the most effective advertising slogans of the 20th Century. This slogan was replaced with "Pleasure you can't measure". This was to increase its female purchasing market; previously as Mars Bars had been always been associated with a masculine and sporty image. Even Mars Bars being used as part of bedroom activities has been incorporated as part of its image.

Today there are various sizes of Mar Bar made.

Miniature bars called "Fun Size" (19.7 gram)
Snack Time (36.5 gram) This is sold in multiple packs
Multi-pack size (54 gram)
Regular sized single (62.5 gram) bar (284 calories)
Kingsize (84 gram) bar

Many people don't realise that Mars Bars are now used in many other products. Partnership with other companies is common here.

* Mars Delight
* Mars Extra Chocolate Drink
* Mars Active Energy Drink
* Mars No Added Sugar Drink
* Mars Ice Cream Bars
* Mars Midnight Ice Cream Bars
* McVities Mars Mini Rolls
* Mars Bisc (A biscuit with Mars topping)
* Mars Rocks
* Mars Muffin
* Mars Planets (Maltesers type sweet with nougat, crunchy and caramel filling)

The steamroller of advertising carries on in true tycoon style affecting the lives of some people.

'Barmy' Keith Sorrell is living proof that man can live on Mars – he’s eaten nothing but the choc bars for 17 years.

Keith, 37, munches a dozen a day for his breakfast, lunch and dinner.

He gets through more than 4,000 a year – even having Mars Bar drinks mixed with vodka or rum when he goes to the pub.

From the Sun Newspaper

Don't get me wrong, Mars Bars used to be a favourite of mine, especially when I was younger. It is a product that is loved and enjoyed by millions, then there is the bad side. Like most things that are great tasting and enjoyed, it is not good for you in excess and they sales nowadays are always to try and make you buy more and more, multipacks, kingsize etc. Business for profit tactics over health for the buying public is always the case here.

Other points to consider are the fact that there are thousands of sweet products on the market, even Mars Bar replicas that taste just as good. Then of course there is the price. Mar Bars for me have always been and expensive product. Compared with all the other chocolate snack bars its price tag was consistently the highest, this often put me off buying it. The choice is always the buyers of course but not everyone is like me, some if not most people HAVE to have the BRAND product, a sense of loyalty exists for Mars bars as a cost. It this a choice or is it the result of being bombarded with advertising? There is a good review site about Mars Bars with comparisons with replicas. This is well worth a look.

We all know that Mars Bars aren't a healthy food if eaten regularly But what compounds the health factor associated with Mars Bars are deep-fried Mars Bars An ordinary Mars Bar fried in a batter for used for frying fish, sausages, and other battered products.

This is done by chilled the Mars bar before frying to prevent it from melting into the frying fat. The dish came from Scotland as a novelty in the mid 1990s. The popularity of the dish has spread as the notorious unhealthy aspect of this dish was the popular gimmick. Where else would such an unhealthy food come from, but Scotland! And it still goes on there.

Would I recommend Mars bars as a good buy? This is a quality product, but value for money (I'm talking about the original sized Mars bar here) no. Another rip off price wise, but still better than any Nestle product.

Wright's Coal Tar Soap - Natural and the Best

All through my childhood and then taken up in adulthood, the only soap I use is Wright's Coal Tar Soap. I'd be lost without it.

Wright’s Coal Tar Soap was a popular brand of household soap, it has been on the market for over 130 years and can quiet simply be called the original and best soap still on the market. It is still in supermarkets and chemists worldwide and no doubt will remain that way for another 130 years. It was invented by Mr William Valentine Wright back in 1866 from the liquid by product of the distillation of coal, part of the process that makes coke. The purpsoe of the liquid was to be made into an antiseptic soap for the treatment of skin diseases.

Accantia now own the brand and it is still called Wright’s Traditional Soap. Another stupid European Union directive on cosmetics banned the use of coal-tar in non-prescription products. The difference betweent he soap now and how it was before this is that the coal tar derivates have been removed and replaced with tea tree oil. This now is the main anti-bacterial ingredient in the soap. Despite this, it remains with the same look feel and smell of the original product.

I will continue to use this soap which is probably the most natural based soap you can get on the market.

The price is very attractvie as well currently there are deals around where you can buy bars as little as £0.50 each. One deal is given here: chemistdirect.co.uk

McDonald's Big Mac

One of the things in life I really take offence with is McDonalds. Why? Because it opitomises the whole essence of being controlled, through a regular multi million advertising campaign worldwide and food additives that are addictive. Many fall into the trap of not being able to cope without it, totally rel;iant on a birger 'fix' like a druggies on a habit.

This is quite ironic coming from a country that symbolises feeedom in this world. From the McDonalds products the most famous is probably the "Big Mac". I remember when I was a kid I used to eat these based on what I saw on TV and the moreish taste. What I didn't know at the time is that I was tricked into going from the ads which didn't tell you what harm it was doing by. I had a good friend who couldn't steer away from this type of fast food and sadly my friend is no longer with us, he didn 't even reach the top end of his forties! Who do I blame?

The Big Mac techincally is a hamburger consisting of two 45.4 g beef patties, iceberg lettuce, American cheese, pickles, onion and special McDonald's "Mac" sauce which is a copy of the Thousand Island. This is served on a three part sesame seed bun.

What they don't tell you is:

• What a 'Beef patty' actually is,
• That the 'iceburg lettuce' has no nutritional value,
• That 'American cheese' is gross processed cheese,
• That 'pickles' could be anything.
• That "Mac Sauce' more sugar based oil
• That the 'Bun; is a sugar added bun

I have given a list of how many calories each Big Mac churns out to countries worldwide. There is a big difference in the burgers from country to country, so obviously there is no worldwide standardisation. Does this mean there is no standardisation of the ingredients that combine to make the burger?

The Mexican Big Mac tops out the scales with the mentioned 600 kcal. The fat content of these Big Macs range from 37% (Norway) to a staggering 57% (South Korea).

The salt content varies from 22% to 47% of the recommended daily intake. This is of course without the addition of french fries and cola.

You should have the right to know what food is healthy to eat and what food isn't, this is not happening here. Millions are being blinded by advertsing telling you that this food is good for you! How clever a campaign this is to get the world's population to believe these postive things they see and hear about Mcdonalds. I won't mention the pollution that this industry creates!

So, look at the list and find your own countries version. Don't forget this includes the weight of the chemicals, additives, taste enhancers and colourings piled in as well. I was going to say I wouldn't be caught dead eating one of these Big Macs again, but that would be too near the truth.

Country - Calories
Argentina - 495 kcal
Australia - 480 kcal
Brazil - 504 kcal
Canada - 540 kcal
Croatia - 495 kcal
Czech Republic - 495 kcal
Denmark - 497 kcal
Finland - 495 kcal
France - 492 kcal
Germany - 495 kcal
Greece - 490 kcal
Hong Kong - 510 kcal
Hungary - 495 kcal
Italy - 505 kcal
Japan - 545 kcal
Malaysia - 484 kcal
Mexico - 600 kcal
Netherlands - 495 kcal
New Zealand - 464 kcal
Norway - 495 kcal
Poland - 495 kcal
Russia - 495 kcal
South Africa - 559
South Korea - 535 kcal
Sweden - 495 kcal
Switzerland - 495 kcal
United Kingdom - 493 kcal
United States - 540 kcal

EU Energy Labels - A Guide

The EU energy label

Now Bulgaria is in the EU there are EU standard labels on goods in shops that should be understood by all who read them, but even though it is in a universal language in diagram form there are still coutless of people who don't.

It is require by EU law to make sure that certain categories of products such as fridges, freezers, dishwashers, cookers, light bulbs, lamps and air conditioners give an Eco guide as to how efficient they are.

Each product is rated on a scale from A to G most efficient to least efficient respectively.

Modern fridges generally score highly, so the A– G scale has incorporated an A+, i.e. more efficient than A and also a A++ being the most efficient.

Washing machines are described with three letters in the main, as an example AAB. The first letter refers to efficiency, the second to wash performance and finally, the third the spin dry performance. (Washing-machine-spinning-speed-yarns).

The A–G rating on cars refers to Carbon emissions rather and not how efficient the fuel consumption is.

The mandatory EU label gives other information. A few examples of these are the light output of a light bulb or the water consumption and even noise level of a washing machine.


Energy Saving Recommended


There is another mandatory EU label and many products have this display basically saying that is has been approved by the Energy Saving Trust (EST).

The logo obviously must meet the EST’s standards for the relevant product category In the some white goods categories for example an A+ or above for fridges or a AAA for washing machines will qualify them for this label.

The Energy Saving Recommended logo can be found on many other products such as double glazing and boilers, which don't qualify required to display an EU energy label.

The EU Ecolabel

Finally, apart from the EU requirement of energy labels schemes, the EU have also brought in a voluntary Ecolabel scheme that manufacturers can use to 'show off' certain environmentally friendly products.

All these labels are fine to give some guide to how friendly these products are to the environment. The worry is that is will lead many to a false sense of thinking all these products are all environmentally green. The bigger picture is most of these products use up energy and the labels also act as a selling gimmick for more business. One mustn't lose sight of that.

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Baked Beans means Heinz? Not Really!

Baked beans have been around for generations, some folk just can't live without them. The chances are almost certain that if you mention Baked Beans to someone in the UK, they will associate it with Heinz. Such a simple product that made such a big impact in 20th Century fast food! It did have lots of help with advertising and just happen to be in the right place at the right time.

The history of Heinz Baked Beans speaks for itself as I took a fleeting glance at the time line of Heinz and that famous product:

• · 1901: The first Beanz are sold in the UK as a luxury item at London fine grocer’s Fortnum & Mason.

• · 1928: The first British-made Heinz Baked Beanz go on sale to an already hooked public.

• · 1941-1948: Baked Beanz are classified as an “essential food” by the Ministry of Food as part of the wartime rationing system.

• · 1958: A Heinz factory opens in Wigan, which uses some 1,000 tonnes of dry beans every week making the nations’ favourite toast-topper.

• · 1967: Heinz strikes gold with an advertising campaign that now ranks among the most famous and successful of all time. The simple, catchy slogan Beanz Meanz Heinz was created by an advertising executive named Maurice Drake, who claimed that: “it was written over two pints of beer in The Victoria pub in Mornington Crescent”

• · 1990s: Our Baked Beanz make it all the way onto plates in Russia and China, and are now exported to over 60 countries.

• · 1998: Heinz Baked Beanz is chosen as one of 12 brands that people think best represent the final ten years of the millennium, along with Coca-Cola, McDonalds, The National Lottery, Adidas, Yellow Pages, St Michael, Bell’s Whisky, Manchester United, BBC, BT and Visa.

• · 2004: To make your favourite convenience meal healthier Heinz introduces Reduced Sugar and Salt Baked Beanz with 50 per cent less salt and 25 per cent less sugar than standard beans.

(Courtesy of www.hjheinz.ie)


Now I don't particularly like tinned baked beans, to me they lack taste and give a sterile taste. I've tried other tinned bean varieties and the case is the same. Okay for a fast meal when you are in a rush but food should be enjoyed and savoured not rushed and treated as an inconvenience.

Making your own tomato bean meal for me is the way it should be done. There is an American recipe that I tried some years ago using haricot beans and the meal was the best tomato flavoured bean meal I have had to date. No chemicals or preservatives and a real treat. It takes time, but quality food always does.
" Make time and your taste buds will chime!"

BOSTON BAKED BEANS - Serves 4

12 oz. (350 g) haricot beans

1 large onion

1 tablespoon oil

1 teaspoon dry mustard

2 teaspoons black treacle

1/4 pint (150 ml) tomato juice

2 tablespoons tomato puree

2 teaspoons brown sugar

1/2 pint (275 ml) unsalted stock

1. Soak, drain and rinse the beans.
2. Cook them in fresh water until they are almost tender
3. Drain them again.
4. Set the oven to 275 F (140 C), mark 1.
5. Peel and slice the onion.
6. Heat the oil in a flameproof casserole and fry the onion for about 5 minutes
7. Add the rest of the ingredients and bring the mixture up to the boil.
8. Cover the casserole and put it into the oven
9. Cook for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally.

(From www.gonewengland.about.com/)

If you are still under the influence and in a trance by media brainwashing telling you that Heinz is the best, just think of the price you pay for the brand! So many other brands about just a good (or just as bad as the case may be) but cheaper. What does it cost to produce a tin of baked beans anyway? I cost a couple of pence to the manufacturer? Get real, you are being ripped off left right and centre with the amount you pay a simple tin of beans label Heinz.

If it makes you happier just save a Heinz label, buy in house brand tinned beans and sellotape the Heinz label on it. You'll never know the difference!

I am not on a crusade against Heinz but take offence with the millions the fat cats of the company take off people for a food that is so simple and cheap to make. Where a big chunk of the money they make go? Advertising! Again, to make you believe ever further that they are the best for you.

Well I had my say but it won't change much as the moneyh invested and the pursuasive powers of advertising are far to strong to compete with a little fish like me. But at least I got a little word or two in.

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Bamboo Bicycles - Green but Practical?

As a keen cyclist and very much environmentally conscious, this product stands out as a great innovation to both genres.

The video clip shows the bikes whose frame and components are made from natural bamboo, with a whole range of bikes that had been manufactured, including a tandem.

They look handsome machines but I can't help thinking that they aren't as durable as steel made bicycles. This clip was made two years ago but the product hasn't taken off other than being used in Africa.

The idea is great but as far as being a practical and cost effective is concerned, it stops right there. Pity really. The idea that some environmentally sound ideas are only affordable by the rich is exampled here.

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Replica Guns for Sale to Children - Why?

I am at a complete loss as to why this product is for sale. A replica gun is bad enough but one that fires ball bearing seems to me to create a use only for mischief. If you want a gun that shoots, buy the real thing and kill things, all this replica one does it hurt and injure. Don't be mistaken for thinking that these are not for children, the 14+ guide is steered at children. A 14 year old is a child. Parents who buy this gun for their own kids, and they do, really can't have much responsibility; what on earth will they be used for? Shooting wildlife, tins cans or even people are not unheard of. The only group that gain from this product are the manufactures and the points of sales. No moral behind any of this I'm afraid.

Detailed Air Sport Infrared Gun Description Age: 14+ Use 6mm BB bullet Equipped with electronic gunsight and Laser aim module, red cross cursor, accurate and cool With Multi - magazine structure for continuous shooting Transparence Magazine to more glaring and more real.

We can supply the best quality Air Sport Infrared Gun to you. Our price is competitive and we take responsibility to any quality uncertainty.

The Cuprits are:
Ximen Industrial Zone, Shantou City, Chenghai District, Guangdong, China Company Name: Capable (Hong Kong) Industries Limited Contact Person: Mr. Robin Joe Fax: 86-754-5856010 Mobile Phone: 86-13923911150 Telephone: 86-754-5856110, 5856160(Direct) Website: http://www.cnmhtoys.com Zip: 515800

BOOOOO! BOOOOO!

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Solar Powered Clothing is Here

Not too sure about the prototypes, but this is something that has massive potential right now.

As with any new innovations the price will be sky high, but after a while the copy cats will be out making them at a fraction of the price. This can only be good for the environment and the money your pockets, which will also probably have solar systems attached.

The only worry is how long will these items of clothing last and are they washing machine proof? And also can they be recycled when worn out?

Taken from www.thesolarguide.com Solar Clothing Solar clothing is a neat idea with some promise, though the technology is still in its infancy. A number of new breakthroughs in ultra thin solar cells might make this a hot commodity in the near future. A solar blouse that will charge your cell phone has been developed recently in Japan. A couple problems come to mind, though. According to product literature, you will have to spend two to three hours in the sun to get adequate charging. Haven't we been told that this is too long to be exposed to UV rays?(Ed. Not if you wear a solar cap!!) A solar powered jacket might be a bit more appealing. The sun in fall or spring spits out just as many photons and not nearly as many UV rays. Still, one would have to keep ones back to the sun in order for the solar panel to work. Solar panels are also found on the arms to allow the wearer to carry a backpack.