Why greens are dangerous

As a pro-life mate of mine reminded me this week, in the Greens in the Victorian Parliament voted for the decriminalisation of abortion. This meant that it was no longer a crime to kill an unborn child and Victoria now has the most permissive abortion law in the world. It provides that any woman can demand an abortion for any reason.

The Greens in Australia also support same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption, and an education system which teaches that homosexuality is normal. Senator Bob Brown, the leader of the Greens in the Australian federal Parliament, has said that passing euthanasia laws is a top priority. My mate reckons that the New Zealand electorate ought to recognise that in our Parliament the Greens represent a threat to the protection of the right to life of unborn children, the elderly and the ill and to the institution of marriage as exclusively between one woman and one man.

They are also a threat to the sanctity of marriage. Another mate of mine suggests that same-sex adoption is likely to be pushed by the Greens and Labour this term, but opposed by NZ First.

The big question is whether National will resist this social engineering. The same applies to same-sex marriage. Cucumbers Yes , dogs can eat cucumbers. Cucumbers are especially good for overweight dogs, as they hold little to no carbohydrates, fats, or oils and they can even boost energy levels. Grapes No , dogs should never eat grapes. In fact, grapes are so toxic that they can lead to acute sudden kidney failure. Always be mindful of this dangerous fruit for dogs.

Mango Yes , dogs can eat mangoes. This sweet summer treat is packed with four different vitamins: A, B6, C, and E. They also have potassium and both beta-carotene and alpha-carotene. Just remember, as with most fruits, remove the hard pit first, as it contains small amounts of cyanide and can become a choking hazard.

Mango is high in sugar, so use it as an occasional treat. Oranges Yes , dogs can eat oranges. Oranges are fine for dogs to eat, according to veterinarians, but they may not be fans of any strong-smelling citrus. Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, and in small quantities, the juicy flesh of an orange can be a tasty treat for your dog.

Vets do recommend tossing the peel and only offering your dog the flesh of the orange, minus any seeds. Orange peel is rough on their digestive systems, and the oils may make your dog literally turn up their sensitive nose.

Peaches Yes , peaches are safe for dogs to eat. Small amounts of cut-up fresh or frozen peaches are a great source of fiber and vitamin A, and can even help fight infections, but just like cherries, the pit contains cyanide. As long as you completely cut around the pit first, fresh peaches can be a great summer treat. Skip canned peaches, as they usually contain high amounts of sugary syrups. Pears Yes , dogs can eat pears. Just be sure to cut pears into bite-size chunks and remove the pit and seeds first, as the seeds contain traces of cyanide.

Skip canned pears with sugary syrups. Pineapple Yes , pineapple is safe for dogs to eat. A few chunks of pineapple is a great sweet treat for dogs, as long as the prickly outside peel and crown are removed first.

The tropical fruit is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also contains bromelain , an enzyme that makes it easier for dogs to absorb proteins. Raspberries Yes , dogs can eat raspberries. Raspberries are fine in moderation. They contain antioxidants that are great for dogs. Raspberries are especially good for senior dogs because they have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help aging joints. However, they do contain small amounts of xylitol , so limit your dog to less than a cup of raspberries at a time.

Strawberries Yes , dogs can eat strawberries. Strawberries are full of fiber and vitamin C. They contain sugar, so be sure to give them in moderation. Tomatoes No , dogs should avoid tomatoes. While the ripened fruit of the tomato plant is generally considered safe for dogs, the green parts of the plant contain a toxic substance called solanine.

Advice on storing, washing and preparing fruit and vegetables to prevent food poisoning, including E. It is important to wash all fruit and vegetables before you eat them to ensure they are clean and safe to eat. Most people are aware of the importance of handling meat safely, but many consider the risk of food poisoning from vegetables to be low.

But this risk was highlighted in the Escherichia coli E. Soil stuck on leeks and potatoes is thought to have been the source of the outbreak, which involved cases of E. Most of the bacteria will be in the soil attached to the produce. Washing to remove any soil is, therefore, particularly important. When you wash vegetables, wash them under a running tap and rub them under water, for example in a bowl of fresh water.

Start with the least soiled items first and give each of them a final rinse. Washing loose produce is particularly important as it tends to have more soil attached to it than pre-packaged fruit and vegetables.

It is always advisable to wash all fruit and vegetables before you eat them to ensure they are clean and to help remove bacteria from the outside. Bacteria can get onto fruit and vegetables in several ways. They may be present in water used for irrigation, organic fertilisers, or droppings from birds and other animals that go into fields. There are no indications that loose vegetables are regularly contaminated with E. People who are vulnerable to infection, such as pregnant women, the elderly or anyone with a weakened immune system, should follow the guidelines on preparation and good hygiene carefully.

There is no need for them to avoid preparing such foods. Children should be encouraged to wash their hands after handling loose vegetables as part of food preparation, shopping or during craft activities.

The risk of infection from handling loose vegetables remains small as long as good hygiene practice is observed.