The History of Washington BBQ Well, first of all, BBQ did not originate in Washington, as you can probably guess. After all, man has been cooking his meat over an open fire ever since the caveman days. However, the cavemen were not loading on the A-1 or Teriyaki either-so where did the BBQ traditions that we are familiar (i.e. backyard, sauce, etc.) with begin?
The Origin of BBQ: Where did it begin and what about Washington BBQ? The theories are many and varied when it comes to the origin of BBQ. Some of the theories say that barbecue originated in the west, some say that it was in the southern United States, and some even claim that it originated in Europe. My favorite version1 of the origin of BBQ-and one of the more believable ones--is the western cowboy version. However, before we 'dig in' to the history (or the legend) we should probably define what real and true BBQ is:
BBQ is the process of slowly cooking meat over wood or coal. The wood or coal cannot be too hot (about 200 degrees is perfect) and gas does not count! Those who use gas grills today will have to face the facts and realize that a gas grill....grills.....it does not barbeque, although there are those who insist that it is really the sauce that classifies meat as barbecued meat.
Whatever definition you prefer to accept, here is the Western cowboy origin of BBQ:
The Origin of BBQ: Washington BBQ didn't start in Washington In the late 1800's there were many cattle drives that took place. Those who drove the cattle were cowboys and those who were in charge of the cowboys were the cattle barons. The cattle barons, like so many businessmen, scrimped when it came to paying (or in this case) feeding their employees. The cattle barons would supply the cowboys with the tough meat portions. These tough meat portions were referred to as brisket and were not exactly appetizing. The cowboys found however that if the meat was left to cook very slowly over wood or coal that in 5-7 hours the meat would make a delicious meal. This however, leaves us with the question of where the tradition of sauce came from.
Washington BBQ with Sauce....Did it Originate in the South? As mentioned above, many sources indicate that the tradition of barbecued meat marinated in various sauces originated in the southern United States before the civil war. Pigs were abundant at the time and were one of the staples of the south. Traditional BBQ made it possible to use every part of a pig and with sauces make it taste like a delicacy. Barbecue became an important part of religious, social and political functions. Barbecues also seem to be the kind of meal that both the rich and the poor alike can appreciate.
Washington BBQ Restaurants Today Today those who live in Washington and others from around the nation thoroughly enjoy a good old fashioned backyard barbecue. Washington BBQ restaurants have also become a regular part of Washington fine dining and entertainment. After all, not everybody has the time to barbecue, but they still want that sweet, smoky irresistible flavor that people have now enjoyed for decades.
Last week's meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was attended by the world's financial leaders who are putting aside political differences in order to stave off a global recession. Instead of the bickering that usually takes place at IMF meetings, attendees were desperately seeking solutions to the worse financial crisis in recent history.
The IMF's steering committee said Saturday that all 185 member nations are committed to do whatever it takes to support the financial system, including a promise to "take decisive action and use all available tools to support systemically important financial institutions and prevent their failure." The IMF statement mirrored commitments made by finance ministers and central bankers from the seven wealthiest industrialized countries. Following the IMF meeting economic leaders from a group of wealthy and developing countries pledged to intensify efforts to unfreeze credit markets.
Such cooperation was not expected at the IMF meeting. Last month Treasury Secretary Paulson's pleas for other nations to establish bailout programs similar to the US plan were ignored. European leaders and emerging nations who comprise a majority of IMF members blamed the economic crisis on the US and saw it as an American problem.
While many still blame the US, the fall of the Dow and chaotic world markets have given world leaders an incentive to cooperate. During the past year, people in the U.S. have watched $8.4-trillion drain from investment accounts and retirement savings. Canada's Finance Minister Jim Flaherty stated, "This has created some consternation in emerging economies (But) it is important to make sure we are unified in our approach. This is a severe problem. Everybody needs to participate."
The real challenge will be for IMF leaders to convince investors that participating nations are willing to back their words with actions. U.S. President George W. Bush met with ministers from the G7 yesterday morning and then made a surprise appearance at the G20 meeting. Mr. Bush promised that his administration is doing everything possible to avert the worse financial crisis in seven decades. A White House spokesman Tony Fratto said that Mr. Bush acknowledged that the crisis began in the US and because of the international nature of the crisis felt it important to attend meetings of the G7 and G20 nations. According to Mr. Fratto, Bush stated, "It doesn't matter if you're a rich country or a poor country, a developed country or a developing country, we're all in this together. We take this seriously, and we want to work with you."
In response the G20 nations issued a statement in which leaders pledged cooperation to, "to overcome the financial turmoil and to deepen co-operation to improve the regulation, supervision and the overall functioning of the world's financial markets." The IMF strongly endorsed a five point plan by the G7 nations in which, Canada, the United States, Japan, Germany, France, Britain and Italy jointly pledged to use all means possible to prevent major financial institutions from failing and to keep pumping money into the banking system to unfreeze lending and get credit flowing again.
In a Rose Garden appearance, Mr. Bush made a plea for nations work together and reminded nations that protectionist policies had worsened the great depression. In the past the IMF has been hampered by bickering among members most notably between developing nations and wealthy industrialized nations. The severity of the global financial crisis has prompted unprecedented cooperation among IMF members.
Since monetary and credit policies have a great effect on Forex markets, especially interbank Forex, it remains to be seen how the recent flurry of government activities around the world will affect Forex exchanges. While Forex markets have so far avoided the volatility of stock markets it remains to be seen just how long that will last.
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