Hot On Demand
For homeowners looking to increase the energy efficiency of their house, the tankless water heater is a good choice. Unlike traditional hot water heaters that continuously heat the water whether you are at home or not, the relatively small “tankless” units work as a mini-boiler, heating water rapidly and only on demand, typically providing a significant reduction of monthly utility bills.
“The initial cost is often the biggest obstacle when homeowners are considering their options,” explains Michael Gibbons, owner of Tulsa’s Action Plumbing & Drain. Despite current tax incentives and manufacturer rebates, it is still more expensive to install the tankless model, especially if it is being retrofitted into an existing house.
While both gas and electric units are available, most installations in this region are run on gas. Some older homes might have an insufficient-sized gas line that must be increased, and there are unique venting requirements with components often available only through the tankless water heater manufacturers.
Edmond’s Magic Plumbing, Heating & Air owner Rod Price sees more installations in new construction, especially if it is a “smart house.”
“Many of these new units are up to 98 percent efficient,” says Price. In addition, the estimated lifespan of a tankless water heater is more than 20 years, nearly double that of the traditional unit. They also have easily replaceable parts, extending the life even longer. “However, water hardness plays a part in the overall life expectancy,” Price warns.
Suppliers might recommend a water softener system or a yearly maintenance appointment to clean the unit and remove any calcification.
Typically, tankless water heaters provide hot water at a rate of two to five gallons per minute. “Units need to be properly sized for the number of occupants and the overall hot water needs of each household,” says Gibbons. For instance, some units might not be able to supply enough hot water for simultaneous, multiple uses, such as taking a shower and running the dishwasher, at the same time. Separate units are often installed as a single point application for appliances that use a lot of hot water, such as a washing machine, dishwasher or even a whirlpool bath.
According to the industry, for homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, tankless water heaters can be 24 to 34 percent more energy efficient than traditional water heaters and energy savings of 27 to 50 percent are possible by installing a tankless unit at each hot water outlet.
The industry also recommends a qualified, licensed plumbing and heating contractor to install a new tankless water heater since proper installation depends on various factors including climate and local building code requirements. When selecting a contractor always request the cost estimates in writing, ask for references and confirm that the company will obtain the proper permits, if necessary.
“It is not as easy as just hanging the tankless unit on the wall,” says Price. And Gibbons agrees. “We do as much business by going back and fixing homeowners’ attempts to do it themselves.”
Simply Healthy
Nearly everyone has probably heard of or even owned a chia pet, but did you know that those tiny seeds are edible? Chia seeds are native to Central America and were eaten by the ancient Mayans and Aztecs. Like salmon, chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids that help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation and help maintain good cardiac health. In fact, chia seeds are the richest plant source of both omega-3 and protein. They can also provide long lasting energy and help balance out blood sugar levels. They are also low in fat, a good source of fiber and are full of antioxidants that can help prevent cancers and other diseases. However, one of the biggest benefits of chia seeds is that they can aid in weight loss. When the seeds are moistened, they form a gel like coating that adheres to the outside of the seed. When trying to lose weight, they can make you feel full longer. Eat chia seeds right out of the package, sprinkle them over yogurt, add them to oatmeal or use them to make a delicious pudding. The texture will be similar to tapioca.
Mango Coconut Chia Pudding
From www.skinnytaste.com
1/2 c. light coconut milk
1/2 c. unsweetened almond milk
3/4 c. fresh ripe champagne mango, diced
2 tbsp. chia seeds
1 tbsp. sweetened shredded coconut
4-6 drops Nu-Naturals liquid stevia (or sugar/honey to taste)
Combine all ingredients in a large container. Mix well and close container. Refrigerate 5-6 hours or overnight. Divide into two servings and enjoy.
Start Off Right
Getting out the door with a healthy breakfast can be quite the trick, unless you have a pre-packaged, loaded-with-calories, microwaveable pouch in your possession. If you’re willing to scan the recipe books of our global neighbors, however, gourmet-sized inspiration awaits. In the central African country Niger, as well as all over West Africa, dusty roadside stands sell the equivalent of the precious pouch with no microwaves in sight.
Entire feasts emerge from these ramshackle stands, but it is the breakfast that interests me. As light fills the sky, men, women and children line up to grab crusty baguette sandwiches wrapped tightly in old newspaper. Practiced hands fill each sandwich in one quick movement. A tight knot secures the bundle with twine, ribbon, string – whatever the friendly vendor can get their hands on. These sandwiches contain anything from grilled meats to noodles to beans, but we’re looking at the most breakfast-y of fillings – scrambled eggs.
In Niger, people often scramble their eggs with a leafy vegetable called malahiya – indigenous throughout the region (and as far east as Japan). The plant goes by many, many names, including corchorus, mulukhiyah and mallow-leaves. Malahiya grows easily and abundantly, and so it is a natural meal booster in Niger (and as an added bonus, the fibers can be used to make jute).
In Oklahoma, there is no malahiya to be found, although spinach makes a nice addition. With a few green onions and a dash of paprika, breakfast is served.
I suggest enjoying this bite of Africa while pondering this Nigerien proverb: “A man who lives on the banks of the Niger should not wash his hands with spittle.” How many times do we make do with something that barely gets the job done, when there’s something just a few feet away that can do the job even better? That is made to do the job?
This reminds me of my tendency to strain my eyes to read in the ever-darkening night sky, instead of getting up to switch the light on. This proverb seems to say that, by all means, read by moonlight if you don’t have light. But if you do? Flip on the light for goodness sake.
These words reveal an underlying appreciation for that which we are fortunate enough to have – a gentle reminder to use what we are given, to appreciate our blessings. At its most basic, if you have eggs, use them. Don’t rely on prepackaged pouches.
Sasha Martin is cooking one meal for every country in the world. Her picky husband and baby girl are along for the ride. Join the adventure for recipes, reviews and more at www.globaltableadventure.com.
Nigerien Breakfast Sandwich
1 baguette
6 eggs
1 c. loosely packed baby spinach, chopped
1 heaping tbsp chopped green onion
1/8 tsp. paprika, or, for heat, cayenne
Salt and pepper
Butter or oil, for cooking
Whisk the eggs together with chopped baby spinach, green onion, salt and pepper. Don’t forget to sprinkle on the paprika. Split the baguette and cut into desired sandwich lengths. Toast under a broiler until golden brown and perfectly crunchy. Meanwhile, scramble the eggs. Load the eggs inside the bread and wrap with parchment paper or newspaper. Tie the sandwiches up tight and serve immediately. Makes enough eggs to fill one standard baguette, which can be cut into four portions.
Benefit from the Basics
We are surrounded by germs – some good and some bad. Since it’s not practical to live in a bubble, what can we do to keep ourselves and our families healthy?
Dr. David Chansolme, medical director of Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology with INTEGRIS Health Systems, has three simple words for you: Wash your hands.
“Without question, it’s the easiest and most effective form of infection prevention,” explains Chansolme. “I don’t think there is a single more important thing you can do for you, your family and those around you.”
The Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention agrees and shared the following alarming statistic. In a study published in 2003, researchers in London estimated that if everyone routinely washed their hands, a million deaths a year could be prevented. Hand washing is so important because our hands are frequently near our mouths and noses, the most common and easiest way for germs to enter the human body.
Chansolme sums up the findings well by saying, “It’s good for you and it’s good for the herd.
“It’s even easier with alcohol-based hand sanitizer,” he adds.
But can you take this healthy practice too far? Chansolme says yes. Excessive scrubbing can cause micro-cuts that can open your body to bacteria leaving those with weakened immune systems vulnerable.
The CDC says how you wash your hands is important. They instruct that you should scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds and to remember the backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails.
“It’s important to wash your hands after you go to the bathroom, when you’re visiting loves ones in hospitals, any time you are dealing with animals, before eating and when you’re prepping food,” advises Chansolme. “It’s especially important for kids because they touch everything.”
Why is showering important? For the same reason we wash our hands: To rid our bodies of the buildup of harmful bacteria. The CDC cites a study that says within the first 15 minutes of bathing, the average person sheds 6 x 106 colony forming units of (CFU) of Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria the causes staph infections.
“Showering is important to an extent, but not as important as hand washing,” says Chansolme. “In fact, showering can make certain skin conditions worse.”
Shaving can also be harmful for those prone to staph infections and people with diabetes, says Chansomle.
“We Americans are very obsessed with being cleaned,” adds Chansolme. “I have friends that shower four or five times a day, and that’s just not necessary.”
Keeping your nails short prevents germs from accumulating under the nails; that area can be a breeding ground for germs. Chansolme recommends keeping nails short, but not too short. Cutting nails too short creates openings, allowing bacteria into the body.
“Do not chew your nails,” warns Chansolme. “It spreads bacteria into your mouth and can cause infections.”
Your ears are also an area where moderation is key. Cleaning excess wax is fine, but aggressive cleaning can be harmful.
“That wax protects against and gets rid of bacteria,” says Chansolme. “The skin in the ear canal is very tender and can easily get inflamed or infected. A little bit of ear cleaning is okay but over cleaning is counterproductive.
“We have certain body functions going on that are healthy. We all have bacteria in and on our body that we need to be healthy,” he cautions. “It’s a balancing act.”
The Pour: Emerald Isle Exports
While fanciful flavored vodkas and quality wine in boxes might be major trends in drink, another development might be the most surprising. Irish whiskey is enjoying a huge renaissance in the United States. Its 23 percent increase in volume sales alone last year made it the fastest growing spirit category in the U.S. Irish whiskey was the dominant European whiskey in the 19th century, only to be overtaken by the Scots as a result of numerous factors. Irish whiskey’s golden age is likely driven by more variety and strong marketing from the dominant labels, Jameson and Bushmills.
Jameson is the biggest seller in the category and historically has been enjoyed simply over ice, with soda or with ginger ale. En vogue more recently has been Jameson in the pickle-back – a shot of whiskey followed by a slug of pickle brine. Jameson does, however, appear in numerous classic cocktail recipes, including this standard from the maker.
Jameson Apple Martini
4 part Jameson
1 part Triple Sec
1 part sweet red vermouth
1.5 part apple schnapps
Stir ingredients with ice and strain into chilled martini glass
The James T. Bialac Native American Art Collection
The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art unveils a significant new addition to its collection on Sept. 22 with two new exhibits highlighting the work of American Indian artists, including Fred Kabotie, Awa Tsireh, Joe Herrera, Jerome Tiger, Helen Hardin and many others. The James T. Bialac Native American Art Collection: Selected Works and Indigenous Aesthetics: Selections from the James T. Bialac Native American Art Collection are but a portion of the 4,000 works gifted to the University of Oklahoma museum by James T. Bialac of Arizona. It’s considered one of the most important private collections of indigenous art amassed. Both exhibits run through Dec. 30. Opening weekend will include complimentary admission on Sept. 22 and artist demonstrations scheduled for Sept. 23 along with special dance performances. The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History on the OU campus will open an additional exhibit of works from the collection on Oct. 5. www.ou.edu/fjjma
Fresh Music – September 2012
Dave Matthews Band, Away From The World – After 20 years on the road, Dave Matthews Band took a well-deserved break from touring for all of 2011 to regroup and work on new material. The vacation apparently did the group a world of good. The jam band extraordinaire reunited with the producer behind their first three albums and headed into the studio earlier this year to record their eighth studio album in near record time.
David Byrne and St. Vincent, Love This Giant – The indie, art-pop diva known as St. Vincent (Tulsa native Annie Clark) and the Talking Heads frontman have teamed up for one of the year’s most interesting collaborations, the product of a two-and-a-half-year creative process. The peppy, quirky album features exuberant horns and Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra and The Dap Kings join the duo on “The One Who Broke Your Heart.”
Aimee Mann, Charmer – Most know Mann for the 1985 hit “Voices Carry” by Til Tuesday, or perhaps 1999’s “Save Me,” the Academy Award and Grammy nominated song from the movie Magnolia. However, she’s also a critically acclaimed artist known for her innovative songwriting and a distinctive voice. For her eighth studio album, Mann takes us in a slightly more upbeat and less acoustic direction as is evident from Charmer’s title track.
The Killers, Battle Born – Every so often an album like The Killers’ 2004 debut Hot Fuss comes along and changes everything while propelling a group to instant stardom. As The Killers now know well, those albums are hard to live up to, and their two subsequent efforts, though hardly flops, haven’t come close. After a year-long hiatus, the band returned to the studio last year with a superstar production team, including Madonna collaborator Stuart Price, to deliver an album that already has critics buzzing positively.
