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What’s the difference between MSG and table salt? A chemist explains

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nathan-kilah-599082">Nathan Kilah</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a> It’s dinner time. You’ve worked hard to prepare a nutritious and tasty meal. But after taking your first bite you feel something is missing. Perhaps you should have added more salt? Pepper? Or maybe even something more exotic like monosodium glutamate, better known as MSG? There are many <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-are-e-numbers-and-should-you-avoid-them-in-your-diet-43908">food additives</a> used in both home cooking and commercial products. These ingredients improve the flavour, smell, texture, appearance and longevity of foods. Salt and MSG are two well-known food additives. Both contain sodium, but there are plenty of differences which you can use to your benefit. <h2>What is a salt?</h2> Salts are made of positively and negatively charged components called ions. Salts generally dissolve in water, and are brittle. The names of salts often feature a metal (positively charged) followed by a non-metal (negatively charged). The common kitchen ingredient we call “salt” is just one type of salt. To distinguish it from all other salts, we should more specifically refer to it as “table salt”. Chemically, it’s sodium chloride. <h2>Sodium chloride</h2> After the quick chemistry lesson above, we can see that table salt, sodium chloride, contains a positively charged sodium and a negatively charged chlorine. These charged components are arranged in crystals of salt in a regular repeating pattern. Each sodium ion is surrounded by six chloride ions and each chloride ion is surrounded by six sodium ions. This arrangement gives the crystal a “cubic” form. If you look closely at salt, you may see cube-shaped crystals. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/617802/original/file-20240906-16-gk38c9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/617802/original/file-20240906-16-gk38c9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/617802/original/file-20240906-16-gk38c9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=600&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/617802/original/file-20240906-16-gk38c9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=600&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/617802/original/file-20240906-16-gk38c9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=600&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/617802/original/file-20240906-16-gk38c9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=754&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/617802/original/file-20240906-16-gk38c9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=754&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/617802/original/file-20240906-16-gk38c9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=754&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption>The chemical structure of table salt forms a cube of sodium and chloride ions. <a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/sodium-chloride-nacl-structure-ionic-crystal-2417242373">Sandip Neogi/Shutterstock</a></figcaption></figure> Sodium chloride is very abundant. It is found <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-have-always-wondered-why-is-the-sea-salty-83489">dissolved in Earth’s oceans</a>. Mineral deposits of salt, known as halite or rock salt, formed from the evaporation and crystallisation of ancient seas. Depending on the source, the salt may contain many other trace minerals that can even add colour to it, such as the pink-coloured Himalayan salt from Pakistan. Salt can also be fortified with <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240053717">sodium iodide</a> as a public health measure. Describing the taste of salt is quite difficult without using the word “salty”. It’s a very common food additive, as it is so abundant and versatile. It is an essential ingredient for many traditional food preservation techniques for meats (pork and fish), vegetables (kimchi, sauerkraut and pickles), and dairy (cheese and butter). Salt is considered a universal flavouring agent. It can mask bitter flavours and bring out sweet, sour and <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-asian-roots-of-umami-the-fifth-taste-central-to-thanksgiving-fare-50699">umami</a> (savoury) ones. Despite popular depictions of <a href="https://theconversation.com/that-neat-and-tidy-map-of-tastes-on-the-tongue-you-learned-in-school-is-all-wrong-44217">taste maps</a>, there is no one place on the tongue where we taste salt. Other sodium salts can also give a “salty” taste, but the effect declines (and can even turn to bitter) with negatively charged components other than chloride. <h2>MSG or monosodium glutamate</h2> Monosodium glutamate is also a salt. The glutamate is the negatively charged form of glutamic acid, an amino acid that is found in nature as a building block of proteins. MSG, and more generally glutamates, are found in a wide range of foods including tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, soy sauce, dried seaweeds, Worcestershire sauce and protein-rich foods. All of these foods impart umami flavours, which are described as savoury or meaty. Commercial MSG is not extracted from the environment but produced by bacterial fermentation. Glucose is converted to glutamic acid, which is further processed by adding sodium hydroxide to form MSG (and water). MSG is sold as crystals, but they have a long, prismatic shape rather than the cubic form of sodium chloride. It’s worth tasting a few crystals of MSG directly to experience the native taste of umami. Despite decades of bad press and concern, <a href="https://theconversation.com/msg-is-back-is-the-idea-its-bad-for-us-just-a-myth-or-food-science-237871">MSG is considered safe</a> to consume in the concentrations typically found in or added to foods. Table salt and MSG both contain sodium, but at different percentages of the total weight: table salt has around 40% sodium, versus just 14% in MSG. You are also more likely to be routinely adding table salt to your food rather than MSG. Eating too much sodium is well known to be unhealthy. <a href="https://theconversation.com/this-salt-alternative-could-help-reduce-blood-pressure-so-why-are-so-few-people-using-it-221409">Potassium-enriched substitutes</a> have been suggested for a range of health benefits. <h2>A flavour enhancer</h2> The flavour of MSG can be elevated further by combining it with other food additives, known as sodium ribonucleotides. Japanese and Korean cooks figured this secret out long before chemists, as boiling dried fish and seaweed produces foundation stocks (dashi) containing a mix of naturally sourced glutamates and ribonucleotides. Ribonucleotides are classified as “generally considered as safe” by <a href="https://www.cfsanappsexternal.fda.gov/scripts/fdcc/index.cfm?set=FoodSubstances&id=DISODIUMINOSINATE&sort=Sortterm_ID&order=ASC&startrow=1&type=basic&search=disodium">food standards authorities</a>. Humans consume many grams of the natural equivalent in their diets. What can be more problematic are the carbohydrates- and fat-rich foods that have their flavours enhanced, which can potentially lead us to eat excessive calories. The combination of MSG and ribonucleotides produces a more-ish sensation. Next time you see a bag of potato chips or instant noodles, have a quick look to see if it contains both MSG (E621) and a ribonucleotide source (E627–E635). I personally keep a jar of MSG in my kitchen. A little goes a long way to elevate a soup, stew or sauce that isn’t quite tasting the way you want it to, but without adding too much extra sodium.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/237668/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nathan-kilah-599082">Nathan Kilah</a>, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-msg-and-table-salt-a-chemist-explains-237668">original article</a>.

Food & Wine

"Offer is on the table": New James Bond actor revealed

In a world where the only constant is change, one thing remains certain: James Bond will always be suave, sophisticated, and British. The search for the next 007 has been a rollercoaster of speculation, rumours and hopes dashed faster than a villain's escape plan. But now the wait appears to be over. The man most likely in line to be the next James Bond has been revealed, and his name is Taylor-Johnson ... Aaron Taylor-Johnson. According to a report from <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/26774029/aaron-taylor-johnson-offered-role-james-bond/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a> on Tuesday, Eon Productions, the brilliant minds behind the iconic spy franchise, appear to have finally settled on their man. According to sources as reliable as Bond's impeccable taste in martinis, Taylor-Johnson is set to don the tuxedo and wield the Walther PPK in the next instalment of the series. Well, at least if he accepts the offer. “Bond is Aaron’s job, should he wish to accept it," The Sun reported. "The formal offer is on the table and they are waiting to hear back. “As far as Eon is concerned, Aaron is going to sign his contract in the coming days and they can start preparing for the big announcement.” Now, some of you might be scratching your heads, wondering, "Aaron who?" Aaron Taylor-Johnson is an English actor, which automatically makes him qualified for the role. Plus, he's been in action films like Tenet, Bullet Train and Avengers: Age of Ultron. So, he's no stranger to high-stakes thrills and spills. Also, did we mention he's British? Because that's kind of a prerequisite. At 33 years of age, Taylor-Johnson would be the youngest actor to step into Bond's impeccably polished shoes since George Lazenby back in 1969. Talk about big shoes to fill. But if anyone can handle the pressure, it's our man Aaron. Now, some purists might be clutching their martini glasses in horror, lamenting the departure of Daniel Craig, who graced our screens for five thrilling films. But fear not, for change is the spice of life, and if there's one thing Bond knows how to handle, it's change. Besides, who wouldn't want to see what Taylor-Johnson brings to the table? Maybe he'll introduce a new signature drink or a quirky catchphrase. The possibilities are as endless as Bond's list of conquests. The response to The Sun's announcement has caused a few reactions across the globe, with 9News reporting that "A source with knowledge of the situation tells CNN that Johnson has not been cast as Bond. And, BBC News reports that a 'production insider' said there is no truth to the rumours about Taylor-Johnson's casting." So, as we eagerly await the official announcement from Eon Productions, let us raise our glasses to Aaron Taylor-Johnson, the next suave superspy set to save the world, one shaken, not stirred, adventure at a time. Images: Getty / Twitter (X)

Movies

2,000-year-old mosaic rediscovered as artsy coffee table

A 2,000-year-old Italian mosaic that disappeared during World War II has emerged almost 7,000 kilometres away, under a cup of coffee. The mosaic, originally commissioned by Emperor Caligula, was found by Italian ancient stone expert Dario Del Bufalo, who retold the story on CBS’s 60 Minutes. Mr Del Bufalo had been giving a lecture about the common rock Roman emperors used and handing out signed copies of his book Porphyry when he overheard a man and woman talking about a picture of the long-lost mosaic in the book. “There was a lady with a young guy with a strange hat that came to the table,” Mr Del Bufalo told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/roman-emperor-caligula-coffee-table-60-minutes-2021-11-21/" target="_blank">CBS</a>. “And he told her, ‘What a beautiful book. Oh, Helen, look, that’s your mosaic.’ And she said, ‘Yeah, that’s my mosaic.’” After tracking down the unknown woman, Mr Del Bufalo discovered that her name was Helen Fioratti, who lived in New York working as an art dealer and gallery owner. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846173/mosaic1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b42ce8f23e804a99b2459ff5741f9575" /> A picture of the mosaic appeared in Dario Del Bufalo’s book ‘Porphyry’. Image: 60 Minutes (YouTube) In an interview with The New York Times, Ms Fioratti said she and her husband bought the mosaic from a noble Italian family in the 1960s. When it arrived in the US, the couple turned it into a coffee table. “It was an innocent purchase,” she told the publication. “It was our favourite thing and we had it for 45 years.” Despite the pair’s affection for the piece, the Manhattan district attorney’s office seized the mosaic, saying it had been stolen from a museum. “These items may be beautiful and storied, and immensely valuable to collectors, but willfully disregarding the provenance of an item is effectively offering tacit approval of a harmful practice that is, fundamentally, criminal,” New York County District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. said in a statement. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846174/mosaic2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ff5cd4ae477f4bff97977fe52c7c13e5" /> The lost mosaic was transformed into a coffee table by the New York art dealer.Image: 60 Minutes (YouTube) Mr Del Bufalo <a rel="noopener" href="https://happymag.tv/roman-mosaic-returned-to-museum-after-being-used-as-a-coffee-table/" target="_blank">said</a> he felt very sorry for Ms Fioratti, but that it was important that the mosaic returned to where it belonged. “I couldn’t do anything different, knowing that my museum in Nemi is missing the best part that went through the centuries, through the war, through a fire, and then through an Italian art dealer, and finally could go back to the museum,” he said. He added that he wants to make a copy of the piece for Ms Fioratti to replace her lost coffee table. “That’s the only thing I felt I should have done,” he said. “I think my soul would feel a little better.” Image: Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images

Travel Trouble

"Nobody left the table that evening”: Explosive new claim in Madeleine McCann case

A US private investigator has worked undercover at the holiday resort in Portugal where Madeleine McCann vanished and has made explosive new claims that cast doubt on the McCann’s parenting checking system. The system the McCann family told police that they conducted checks on the children throughout the evening whilst they were at dinner at a nearby restaurant. However, in an interview on the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/maddie" target="_blank">Maddie</a> podcast, Boston-based investigator Joseph Moura claimed a bartender and waitress told him otherwise. This bartender and waitress had served the McCanns and their friends that evening and told Moura that “nobody left the table that evening”. Nobody working at the tapas restaurant where the McCann family and their friends dined that evening knew that Moura was a private investigator. "[The employees] had no idea that I was working with 48 Hours and CBS. I was just a tourist who happened to speak their language. So, I got to know them pretty well in that period of time, when you're spending a lot of time by the pool and you're spending time at the bar and the restaurant," he said. "They clearly told me that that particular night that nobody left the table. That goes by the bartender and that goes by the waitresses. Nobody left the table that evening." However, it is possible that the bartender and restaurant wait staff did not see Mr and Mrs McCann and their friends getting up to check regularly on their children. What do you think about the claims? Let us know in the comments.

Legal

Why Prince George and Princess Charlotte cannot sit with their parents at the dinner table

Being a part of the royal family means a long list of rules and etiquette that one must follow, right down the line to the youngest members of the family. The offspring of royals are taught from a very young age the prerequisites and protocols they must adhere to. So, it’s not surprising Prince George and Princess Charlotte are already being taught which behaviours are forbidden and allowed. <a href="https://www.harpersbazaar.com.au/celebrity/rules-princess-have-to-follow-16628">Harper’s Bazaar Australia</a> has revealed that Prince William and Kate’s young children are not allowed to sit and eat at the same table as their parents or other adult family members, during official royal visits. Once they’re old enough and have “learned the art of polite conversation” they will be permitted to join their mother and father and other grown-ups at formal, sit-down occasions involving a meal. Another rule Prince George and Princess Charlotte are expected to adhere to (and Prince Louis once he is old enough), is to learn multiple languages, which is not surprising when you consider the number of countries that are part of the Commonwealth. Princess Charlotte has been learning Spanish from her nanny, according to <a href="https://people.com/royals/princess-charlotte-is-so-polite-and-very-confident-says-source-and-speaks-some-spanish/">PEOPLE</a>, who speaks to the royal children in her native language. The Duchess of Cambridge has also revealed that Prince George, who attends school fulltime, can already count to 10 in Spanish. Another rule that recently came to light was Prince George’s attire. The reason we always see the four-year-old wearing shorts in public – with the exception of his <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/beauty-style/2018/05/the-rule-prince-george-broke-at-the-royal-wedding/">page boy</a> role at Prince Harry and Meghan’s recent wedding – is due to tradition. It is traditional for upper-class boys in England to wear shorts up until the age of seven. “Trousers are for older boys and men, whereas shorts on younger boys are one of the silent class markers that we have in England,” etiquette expert William Hanson told the Express. “Although times are (slowly) changing, a pair of trousers on a young boy is considered quite middle class, quite suburban. “And no self-respecting aristo or royal would want to be considered suburban. Even the Duchess of Cambridge.” When it comes to fashion for three-year-old Princess Charlotte, you might have noticed the young royal always wears a bow in her hair to match her pretty dress. Charlotte will also not be allowed to wear any tiaras before marriage. This is because tiaras are “a sign of status and would show you were taken and not looking for a husband,” etiquette expert Grant Harrold explains. What do you think about these royal traditions bestowed upon the new generation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Family & Pets

5 dinner table rules most people have forgotten

Most of us learn our table manners from the rest of our family, and depending upon how strict our upbringing was, it can result in varied knowledge of subtle dinnertime signals. Today we’re going to take a look at some traditional table manners guidelines that will show to those in the know that you know exactly how to behave during a meal. Those who don’t follow the same ‘rules’ probably won’t care a jot. 1. Don’t put a used utensil back on the table Once a utensil has been used, it shouldn’t touch the table again. Most of us will rest the handle of the knife and fork on the table, leaning up against the plate. But the correct way to place them down while you take a drink or have a breather is to place them entirely upon your plate. 2. How to place your utensils after your meal Once you’re finished with your food, place the knife and fork side by side diagonally on the plate (handles at four o’clock). Remember to keep the blade of the knife facing the centre of the plate – not pointing outwards. 3. When it comes to multiple utensils, work your way in When confronted with multiple layers of cutlery, the general rule is to start at the outside and work your way in. Anything placed above the plate is intended for dessert. 4. Where to put your napkin Your napkin or serviette should be placed onto your lap when you take your seat, or once your drink arrives, and should remain there for the duration of the meal. A couple of exceptions: <ul> <li>When leaving the table during the meal, you should place the napkin on the table to the left of your fork. While some prefer to leave it on the seat, this could end up soiling your clothes, defeating the purpose of the napkin in the first place.</li> <li>If you are eating something messy, which could easily create a mess on your outfit (think spaghetti), it’s acceptable to tuck the napkin into your collar.</li> </ul> When the meal is over, place the napkin onto the table. 5. When in doubt – follow the leader If you’re unsure what a certain utensil should be used for, or how much of a certain dish you should take, a discreet look to your host should give you an idea of what to do. What’s a rule for the dining table you always follow, no matter what?

Relationships

The simple way to create tables in Microsoft Word

Lisa Du is director of <a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology. Last week’s article featuring <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/technology/2017/04/microsoft-word-tips/" target="_blank">Microsoft Word tips</a> proved to be a hit, so we thought we'd get back to basics, and show you another great tip. We love getting tips emailed through from our readers, and this week’s tip was sent through from our reader David Jones. He writes: I get annoyed when I get a listing of items (say an Agenda) with a number lines and spaced items using the TAB key, or worse a series spaces like this: Accounts: David’s account $5000.00 Donation $450.00 Peter’s $600.00 We hear you David! We feel the same. When you use the tab key and the spacebar key on the keyboard to create spaces, your information will look different when viewed on another device. The formatting does not stay, and your information looks very messy. Align your text with tables To keep your information neat and tidy, use tables. Tables in Microsoft Word is an organisational tool that lets you present your information in an easy to read format. The same thing can be easily shown using “Tables” <img width="498" height="180" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/35654/in-text-one_498x180.jpg" alt="In Text One (1)"/> <ul> <li>You can align text right in the money column</li> <li>Align the names left in the mid column</li> <li>Use tabs</li> <li>If preferred remove the table lines altogether:</li> </ul> A. Accounts David’s account $5000.00 B. Donation $450.00 Peter’s $600.00 Why use tables? For printing, the table options above will always print as you see it. But try to print the spaces and tabs option without using table format, none are likely to align the way you see it. Tables are a great way to present numbers, but also a great way to present text and graphics. You can make your table look good by changing the colours of the borders, and even shading different parts of the table. How to insert a table 1. In Microsoft Word, click Insert from the top menu, and choose Table... 2. Choose the number of column and rows required 3. Click OK A table is inserted into word, and you can use click on the table lines to resize each column <img width="499" height="403" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/35655/in-text-two_499x403.jpg" alt="In Text Two (1)"/> Do you have any tech tips to share with us? Let us know in the comments below.

Technology

The size of your dinner table contributes to how much you eat

Here’s some food for thought. Despite several factors that affect how much people eat, researchers have found a new influence: the size of your table. The process: During the study, scientists sliced pizzas into different sized slices and distributed them between small and large tables. Students were then invited to eat as much pizza as they wanted. The results: Researchers found that people who were at the large tables ate less than the people at the small tables. The reason: They believe that the size of the table altered the way the students saw the pizza. The message: If you want to eat less food it’s a good idea to serve it in smaller portions on large tables. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/12/image-of-couple-proves-love-can-last/">Touching photo of elderly couple is proof that love can last a lifetime</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/2015/12/mum-continues-to-volunteer-despite-cancer-diagnosis/">Selfless mum continues to volunteer despite terminal cancer diagnosis</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/2016/01/steps-to-fall-proof-your-home/">5 steps to fall-proof your home</a>

News

Table manners and dining customs from around the world

Etiquette rules around the world can be interesting, confusing and amazing. In this useful infographic from Langfords we take a look at some quirky manners from around the world, and why it is considered rude if you don’t follow them. Quite a useful piece if you’re headed overseas, and at the very least an entertaining read. <img width="500" height="11490" src="http://www.langfords.com/table-etiquette/img/infographic.jpg"/> First appeared on <a href="http://www.Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/01/never-carry-your-phone-in-your-pocket/">You should never carry your phone in your pocket</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/01/bear-cub-performing-tai-chi/">Cute bear cub masters the art of tai chi</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/01/things-you-didnt-know-your-dishwasher-could-do/">5 things you didn’t know your dishwasher could do</a>

News

Why you shouldn’t feed your pet table scraps

Don’t cave into those big brown puppy eyes! If you feed your furry friend scraps from the dinner table, you could be unwittingly sending them to an early grave. Pet obesity is on the rise with vets seeing an increasing number of obese animal in the last few years. However, many owners remain unaware their pets were on the heavy side or that pet obesity was even a problem. Roy Morgan Research found that 42 per cent of Aussie dog owners were feeding their pooch table scraps, with many people underestimating just how fattening the food is for our pets. For example, one sausage for a nine kilogram pooch is the equivalent of a person eating three hamburgers. Similarly, one biscuit for a small animal is like us demolishing the entire biscuit packet! Zara Boland, a clinical vet, told the Daily Mail: “By feeding scraps and human food treats to our pets we are literally shortening their lives as well as accelerating them towards a range of adverse health conditions associated with malnutrition and obesity. Yet simply by ensuring nutritionally balanced and tasty meals, we can demonstrate our love and commitment to them.” However, not all people food is bad for our pets. Kristina Johansen, a dog nutritionist, says, “Vegetables such as green beans, baby carrots, broccoli, zucchini or any other dog-safe crunchy vegetable are excellent treats, as are some fruits such as apples, pears, bananas, and melon.” She recommends pet owners “avoid treats that are high in fat and calories such as cheese, sausages and peanut butter, and feed them smaller treat portions”. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/clever-cop-saves-dog/">Clever cop saves dog with a moment of inspiration</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/12/happiest-dogs-in-the-world/">The happiest dogs in the world</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/interspecies-animal-friendships/">15 unlikely friendships that will melt your heart</a>

Family & Pets

Gift idea: 6 Coffee table books for every personality

Whether you’re searching for a gift for the grandkids or just can’t seem to find a present for the friend who seems to have it all, we’ve got you covered. Coffee table books make the perfect thoughtful gift. Just choose what type of person you’re buying for, and we’ve got the perfect coffee table book to match. Easy. The fashionista Icons of Women’s Style by Josh Sims traces some of the greatest fashion icons of all time, and the outfits that defined the way we dress over the years. From Princess Grace of Monaco to Coco Chanel, it’s the ideal go-to guide for anyone who loves fashion. <img width="282" height="400" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/12085/icons-of-style.jpg" alt="Icons Of Style (1)"/> The culture junkie Humans of New York Stories by Brandon Stanton is a bound edition of the popular blog. This instant number one New York Times bestseller charts the unique, rarely told and often-moving stories of local New Yorkers. <img width="500" height="639" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/12086/humans-of-new-york_500x639.jpg" alt="Humans Of New York"/> The grandkids Adding to the fast-growing trend of mindfulness colouring in books, the Harry Potter Colouring Book is a great gift for young and old. This edition features intricate illustrations of Potter’s Hogwardsadventures and is also a great activity for the grandkids on Christmas Day. <img width="490" height="653" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/12087/harrypottercoloringbook1_cover_490x653.jpg" alt="Harry Potter Coloring Book 1_cover"/> The foodie Milk Bar Life: Recipes and Stories by Christina Tosi is the ultimate gourmet gift. Tosi, of the famous Momofuku Milk Bar, shares stellar recipes for a crazy list of seriously extravagant treats: think cake truffles, Choose-Your-Own Adventure Chorizo Burgers and Burnt Honey-Butter Kale. Plus, the fun cover looks great on any coffee table. <img width="260" height="324" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/12089/milk-bar-life.jpg" alt="Milk Bar Life"/> The art lover Andy Warhol Polaroids edited by Reuel Golden is a fabulous collection of hundreds of Warhol’s photographs. Portraits of celebrities include Mick Jagger, Alfred Hitchcock, Debbie Harry and Yves Saint Laurent. Warhol once said, “A pictures means I know where I was every minute. That’s why I take pictures. It’s a visual diary.” <img width="448" height="551" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/12090/andy-warhol-polaroids_448x551.jpg" alt="Andy -Warhol -Polaroids"/> Related Links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/books/2015/12/childrens-books-to-read/">10 children’s books to reread as an adult</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/books/2015/11/short-classic-novels/">10 short classic books for the weekend</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/books/2015/11/banned-childrens-books/">8 children’s books that caused controversy</a>

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Gift idea: 6 Coffee table books for every personality