The Cattle Battle - Cattle Battle Blog

Everything In Moderation

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:41:38 -0600

Okay I am sure you have seen the media massacre of the "deadly" red meat that is housed in your freezer and if you have not, you live under a rock. I love beef and beef loves me. I am also health conscious and regulate what goes into my mouth. This to say, red meat will not kill. The thousands and thousands pounds of fried food, which is typically vegetables will kill you faster than red meat.

My rule of thumb is "everything in moderation," but I know it is hard for Americans to accept that WE WILL DIE one day. We will not live forever and no matter what we eat, WE WILL DIE. Eat anything you want as long as it's in moderation, I know veggie’s that died of cancer at an early age, if you carry a cancer gene more than likely you are going to die of cancer. Pretty common sense, you're born to die and can't live forever. While you are on this earth, live for what makes you happy and if you're happiest eating red meat then go for it. Why deprive yourself of what makes you happy on your limited time here on earth?

There has also been news coverage of Lean Finely Textured Beef (LFTB), often called "pink slime." To set the record straight the photos being passed around the internet of the Pepto-Bismol colored slime is actually what your chicken nuggets are made of. Also, 70 percent of meat in the grocery store is not "pink slime," only one meat company utilizes LFTB, which is still real beef, in their ground beef. The ammonia being used to disinfect the beef has been approved and used in the meat industry for over 40 years and is SAFE.

So bottom line, LFTB, often called "pink slime" will not kill you and eating red meat will not kill. We are all going to die sooner than later, so fire up the grill and enjoy a thick juicy steak. Stick a fork in me, I am done.

Resources and videos:
www.PinkSlimeIsAMyth.com
www.MeatMythCrushers.com
American Meat Institute - Questions and Answers about Lean Finely Textured Beef
National Meat Association - Fact Sheet on Lean Finely Textured Beef
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/will-eating-red-meat-kill-you/#axzz1p7WFaJGm
http://learningtosubmit.com/2012/03/14/sloppy-science-and-sloppier-reporting-in-la-times-red-meat-article/
http://opinion.latimes.com/opinionla/2012/03/red-meat-premature-death-harvard-study.html

I Heart Lean Beef, Do You?

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:59:50 -0600

February is I Heart Beef month and it’s time to proclaim your passion for beef! What’s more, Americans are keeping the protein flame alive - nearly half of people surveyed can’t imagine ending their relationship with beef. Tell us why you love beef?

In 2012, take your love for beef to the next level by exploring this sizzling protein in new and delicious ways.

Nearly twice as many Americans selected beef versus chicken when asked which satisfies you as much as chocolate does.
While Americans consider ground beef their familiar go-to beef choice, they’re most interested in building their relationship with Beef Brisket, Flat Iron steak and Tri-Tip cuts.
With more than 29 lean cuts of beef available, Americans were most surprised to learn that T-Bone, Brisket and Filet Mignon are all considered lean cuts.

Americans hold a special place in their hearts for beef, especially when sharing special moments with family and friends.

Let the sparks fly! More than half (51%) of Americans surveyed believe serving steak to someone best says “I love you,” more than all other proteins combined.
- More than one-third of Americans feel the most confident preparing steak knowing that this beef meal never fails.
- Americans are keeping the protein flame alive - nearly half of people surveyed can’t imagine ending their relationship with beef.

No matter what the occasion – from a regular weekday meal to feeding a crowd or hosting a family celebration – beef delivers every time.

The Tri-Tip (45%) tops the list as the beef cut Americans are most interested in learning more about, with recipes like Hearty Glazed Tri-Tip Roast with Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce, BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com makes it easy to get started.
When it comes to preparation skills, a strong majority of Americans are most interested in learning more about braising and BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com has helpful tips to get you stewing.
With a delicious pesto dipping sauce and easy 2-step cooking method, Two Steppin’ Tenderloin is a simple and satisfying mealtime solution that will get your loved one’s taste buds dancing.

Having only one true “love” just got easier because only beef delivers the “Steak Effect”: more flavor, satisfaction and enjoyment than any other protein.

The flavor of beef and the protein it provides are the main reasons Americans love it so much which make it a great option for your next meal.
You can harness your family’s cravings for beef, knowing they are driven by “Umami,” the fifth taste. Umami is simply described as meaty or savory and when beef is paired with other umami-rich foods, such as tomatoes, mushrooms, red wine, Teriyaki sauce, or aged cheeses, you can create a flavor explosion your family will love.

Super Bowl 2012...My favorite commerical

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:43:08 -0600

In the spirit of the super bowl, I would like to share my favorite commercial. I did not care who won or lost the game, but I do think the winner of the commercial contest was the M&M advertisement, "I'm sexy and I know it". I will agree that this year was lacking on the commercials and I hope the contest is closer in 2013. Enjoy...

Rocky Mountains and Beef: My New World

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:34:14 -0600

Steak from H3 Steakhouse in the Ft. Worth Stockyards and the Shorthorn show at the Fort Worth Stockshow and Rodeo 2012.

If you haven't "herd", I will be moving to Denver, Colorado in February because I am the newest employee of the National Cattleman's Beef Association (NCBA). I am excited to work for such a wonderful organization and the American cattle producer. Eat some beef to help me celebrate!

As a new NCBA employee I will be serving as the manager of web content, so check out www.beefusa.org to see what I will be working on at my place of employment. I am honored to give a voice for the American cattle producer and help the world understand how beef cattle producers are working every day to feed families.

As I prepare for my big move to Colorado, I have taken time to remember all the friends I have found in Stephenville, Texas. The last three days have consisted of a lot of eating, catching up with old friends and connecting with new friends. Yesterday, January 29, 2012, I was lucky enough to celebrate my new job and my move at the Fort Worth Stockshow and Rodeo. I spent the day with my favorite people, my family of course, and watched the Southwest Major Pace Shorthorn Show. Once the Champion female (heifer or cow) was selected my family made our way to the historic Fort Worth Stockyards for me to say good-bye in style. The town of Fort Worth and specifically the stockyards is a favorite of mine. I will truly miss the Fort Worth weekends, summers and stock show time. However, I am excited to meet a new city that is just as famous in the beef cattle industry, Denver, Colo. As part of my farewell to Fort Worth and family I enjoyed a thick, juicy filet mignon at the H3 Steakhouse. There is no better way to celebrate my job at NCBA than with a piece of beef, I just hope Fort Worth will not be jealous of me moving to Denver to eat more beef.

I am excited for my new adventure and I want to take you along with me. I will post pictures, thoughts, comments and struggles I encounter in my rocky mountain and beef adventures. Happy Monday and eat some beef.

Braids are Back

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:39:04 -0600

Fact Friday: Crackle Nail Polish

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:40:00 -0600

Pink base coat & gold crackle overcoat

What makes crackle nail polish crack?

The nail polish companies, such as China Glaze, Sally Hansen or O.P.I., have added a solvent (ethanol) to the polish that makes the nail paint dry quickly and unevenly. This is why when you use crackle nail polish you must work quickly and with a steady hand. The polish dries fast in the bottle and on the brush, so make sure to shake it before you apply to a base coat color. This effect is the exact opposite of how nail polishes should normally behave – you want, slow even drying to ensure the smoothest finish. But by adding this alcohol to the formula they’ve created an imperfect film that shrinks as it dries, resulting in the cracks and crevices that show off the base coat. What should have been a formulation failure is now a new fabulous fashion trend. How clever! The chemist who thought of this should get a big raise or a Nobel Peace Prize in fashion and beauty!

My word of advice when working with crackle nail polish is be patient because the first time you are tempted to paint on a thick coat. But the trick with painting on a crackle coat, use a thin coat because for the crackle to come out correctly the thinner the coat the better. I speak from experience because a thick coat does not allow the solvent to work correctly and make those beautiful cracks we all aim for. You end up with a big glob of crackle paint on your finger and you must start over, which always makes me quite because it is just too much trouble.

Have fun and good luck in painting your nails! Once you perfect this art you will have a quick and easy way to add flair to your fingertips.

“Regular” Nail Polish Ingredient List (minus colors)
Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Propyl Acetate, Tosylamide Formaldehyde Resin, Isopropyl Alcohol, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Triphenyl Phosphate, Ethyl Tosylamide, Camphor, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Diacetone Alcohol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Benzophenone-1, Citric Acid, Kaolin, Dimethicone

Crackle Nail Polish Ingredient List
ETHYL ACETATE , SD ALCOHOL – 40B, ADIPIC ACID/ NEOPENTYL GLYCOL/TRIMELLITIC ANHYDRIDE COPOLYMER, SILICA, BUTYL ACETATE, NITROCELLULOSE, ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, STEARALKONIUM HECTORITE, STEARALKONIUM BENTONITE SUCROSE ACETATE ISOBUTYRATE, TRIMETHYL PENTANYL DIISOBUTYRATE, ETHYL TOSYLAMIDE, KAOLIN

Black crackle makes for a dramatic look and is the most fun to work with

Never used a crackle overcoat? Learn the basics here...

Let the Race Begin...Finish Line=Half Marathon

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:28:07 -0600

About to run my first 5K, October 2011

Today I got off work early and it was a typical January day in Texas, yes you thought right, a balmy 65 degrees, sunny and beautiful. Off course I ran some errands and did the same mumbo-gumbo, but did do something incredible and off the beaten path of a typical work day. I ran six miles straight, that's correct, I ran six miles without stopping and now I feel like I can take on the world.

If you have ever run more than a mile you understand that there is a lot time to think. Once I hit mile five I made a bold decision, I decided to make my new year resolution to run a half marathon, then eventually a marathon. Running is addicting (in a good way) because you always feel like you can conquer any task after you are finished. Then you pair the act of running with the thrill of competition and it is the biggest rush of adrenaline. After running a 5K, I have yet to run a competitive 10K, I want to just keep running, running and run some more. That is why I pushed myself and knew that I could run a 10K. However, a task I would like to accomplish along with training for my half-marathon is reducing my 5K time to under 26 minutes.

This adventure is something that is new and learning experience for me. I want to share my running adventure with you, the good, the bad and the ugly. I already predict that some posts will discuss back, knee and/or ankle pain. I want you to come along with me in this adventure, maybe even share your running advice with me. I want to know what trials and tribulations you experienced.

I am ready for this adventure and to run my many races! I am in this for the long haul and for my health. I may not win a race or an age division, but I have found something that makes me feel invincible, strong and healthy.

Until next remember that you are SLEEK, SEXY and POWERFUL....

I finished my first 5K under 30 minutes!

Do You Know Where Your McDonald's Meal Comes From?

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:01:47 -0600

Former National Cattleman's Beef Association President, Steve Foglesong, shares his passion for raising cattle with McDonald's customers. So if you are enjoying a McDonald's hamburger today, you very well could be enjoying a piece of the Foglesong family legacy. Eat some beef today!

Three generations of Foglesongs work together every day to raise the kind of high quality beef that make some of the most iconic hamburgers in the world.

McDonald's commitment to quality food starts at the source. Meet more of the hard-working people behind your McDonald's favorites. A potato farmer is doing what he always dreamed and a lettuce farmer is continuing a family tradition.

The Year in Review Through the Eyes of SM (social media).

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:36:44 -0600

It is mindboggling that 2011 has almost come to a close, or maybe it is the fact that I am getting older and time seems to fly faster than in grade school. On this last Friday of 2011, I discovered a wonderful infographic that highlights all the major events of 2011, according to social media. "You Are What You Tweet" is a true statement because in 2011 people utlized Facebook, Twitter, Google and other social media tools to capture the HUGE moments. Whether it be Justin Bieber (not a fan) or the raid on Osama Bin Laden, social media has made an impact on our everyday lives this year. Social media gives society a simple way to track what individuals do behind the comfort of their screen, smartphone or tablet. So check out what the world tweeted, shared, posted, and googled in 2011. These events may not have made your list for the top of 2011, however it is interesting to see what was trending.

Source: http://frugaldad.com

Flash Mob...Stephenville, Texas...Epic

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:23:40 -0600

My love for Zumba led me to meet some wonderful ladies! In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness and just for plain fun we decided to do a flash mob in a unlikely place; Stephenville, Texas, U.S.A. We had a blast preparing and then surprising everyone at the Barefoot Market Grand Opening. Check it out and prepared to be FLASHED!