Okay, so I just found this today, and I am seriously thinking about buying the album.  It's a Mongolian throat singing technique, and it is WAY cool.  Beatboxing ain't got nothin on this stuff. 

I have always enjoyed his show, mainly because he looks like he enjoys what he does about as much as I enjoy my profession (of being an unpaid writer...once I start raking in the bucks, I'm sure I'll be ecstatic).  And apparently some elephant tossed him around, but he's okay!  I think everyone should raise a pint to him today.

Okay, so I just found this today, and I am seriously thinking about buying the album.  It's a Mongolian throat singing technique, and it is WAY cool.  Beatboxing ain't got nothin on this stuff. 

I don't know what triggered this, but lately when I eat meats with sodium nitrites it is just awful.  The reaction I have with wheat is nothing compared to this.  I have trouble breathing, I fall asleep, it feels like my body is made of lead, I feel sick...it's like I've just taken poison.  So I looked up sodium nitrite, and guess what....it's a poison!  (woohoo!)  So frustrating.  So now I have to check everything for wheat and sodium nitrite (and nitrate).  I can find meats at Costco for me, but everything (sans beef) at Safeway is riddled with SN.  Aidel sausages makes some with no MSG, SN or wheat...which is awesome, so I have that (can only find that at Costco though).  So, here's what I've found (because I'm sure there are people out there who might not think of this...I sure didn't):

About additive sensitivity

Many of today’s food manufacturers add additives to their products to enhance the flavor, improve the nutritional content, extend shelf-life or just change the color, texture and appearance of the product. Though these additives are safe for the vast majority of people, a small minority may experience a reaction to the additives – though the existence of additive sensitivity is a hotly debated issue itself. Statistics vary, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates 1 percent to 3 percent of adults and 6 to 8 percent of children may experience some sort of sensitivity to food additives. Only one type of additive, sulfites, are known to cause allergic reactions in some people.

An allergic reaction to sulfites is very rare, though symptoms can include Click the term for more', CAPTION, 'hives');" onmouseout="return nd();">hives, stomach cramps, nausea, Click the term for more', CAPTION, 'difficulty breathing');" onmouseout="return nd();">difficulty breathing and even life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Sulfites are commonly used for preservation in many kinds of food (e.g., wine, dried fruits), though the use of the additives is strictly limited by the FDA.

Reactions caused by additives are food intolerances, not true allergies. Intolerance occurs when the body has difficulty digesting a certain food. An allergy is caused by the body’s perception that a substance is a foreign invader. An intolerance to additives is reported to cause temporary symptoms such as headache and abdominal pain, especially when the additive has been consumed in large amounts.

Some of the most common additives that have been associated with sensitivities include:

• Monosodium glutamate (MSG). A common preservative and flavor enhancer, especially popular in Asian dishes. When consumed in large amounts, MSG has been reported to cause flushing and headaches. For more information, see Click the term for more', CAPTION, 'Monosodium Glutamate Sensitivity');" onmouseout="return nd();">Monosodium Glutamate Sensitivity.
  
  
• Aspartame. An artificial sweetener commonly found in soft drinks, chewing gum, tabletop sweeteners and 6,000 other food products. Aspartame is considered safe by the FDA but some people have reported a wide number of allergy-like symptoms, some of which may be due to an intolerance. Certain people, such as those with the genetic disease phenylketonuria (PKU), those with advanced liver disease and pregnant women with hyperphenylalanine (high levels of phenylalanine in blood), may not be able to digest aspartame.

Some of the most common reported reactions to food additives include:

• Skin irritations. Includes itching, Click the term for more', CAPTION, 'hives');" onmouseout="return nd();">hives, Click the term for more', CAPTION, 'rashes');" onmouseout="return nd();">rashes and Click the term for more', CAPTION, 'contact dermatitis');" onmouseout="return nd();">contact dermatitis. For instance, monosodium glutamate (MSG) is associated with a burning sensation along the back of the neck, forearms and chest.
  
  
• Headaches.
  
  
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
  
  
• Numbness in the limbs.
  
  
• Respiratory reaction or asthmatic symptoms. Includes Click the term for more', CAPTION, 'difficulty in breathing');" onmouseout="return nd();">difficulty in breathing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Tartrazine, for instance, may be able to induce serious, life-threatening asthmatic symptoms in individuals who are Click the term for more', CAPTION, 'aspirin sensitive');" onmouseout="return nd();">aspirin sensitive.
  
  
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.
  
  
• Memory loss, depression and anxiety attacks.
  
  
• Muscle spasms.
  
  
• Anaphylactic shock (can occur with sulfites). Occasionally associated with parabens (preservatives often found in food, drugs and cosmetics) and cochineal extract (a color additive used in foods, drink and cosmetics). Signs of anaphylaxis include shortness of breath, tightness in the chest or throat, choking and loss of consciousness.

The timing of symptoms may differ depending on the type of additive involved. People may experience a reaction immediately after the additive is consumed or symptoms may occur up to 24 hours later.