Nano-Technology Hurdles to Come

I see technology stocks on the rise... and I'm wondering -- how much of this growth is being driven by nano-technology?

With current worldwide annual investment in nano-technology research and development at $9.6 Billion and set to grow to $1 Trillion by 2015, investors and the financial industry might well be excited.

BUT...

Actually, let's make that a...

BIG BUT...

There might be a few things that investors aren't being told.

Older investors will most likely recall how asbestos turned into a financial catastrophe for firms around the globe. Well, a new report on nano-technologies put out by Investor Environmental Health Network (IEHN) claims:

"...some of these technologies are showing signs of posing serious hazards to human health and the environment, including the same kind of grave threats resulting from exposure to asbestos." [link to pdf]

Nanotechnologies are now commonly found in sunscreen, cosmetics, food, clothing, sporting goods and packaging. In fact, you might be surprised to find the wide range of applications for nanotechnologies that are already in use.

Companies like Avon, RBC Life Sciences, Cadbury, Miller Lite, The Sharper Image, Procter & Gamble and many more are embracing nanotechnology, already deploying nanotechnologies in either their products and/or their packaging. Even Japanese toothpaste firms are running with it. But many of these companies have not disclosed the risk potential (read very expensive law suits) that could be hiding on the horizon once science and long-term effects catches up with them.

Other companies blazing the trail on nanotechnologies include Nestle, Altria, H.J. Heinz and Unilever... it's not known for certain if they are already deploying the technology in their products and/or packaging.

To be fair, some of them aren't even fully aware of the potential risk to human health and/or the environment.

Let's take one type of nano-technology already showing alarming results under scientific scrutiny: the use of nanosilver as an antimicrobial agent.

The use of nanosilver as an antimicrobial agent is now widespread, with a wide variety of products now on market shelves. The petitioners discovered no fewer than 260 self identified nano-silver consumer products. A recent study reported that nano-silver could harm the immune system, and other researchers have suggested that if nanoparticles from disinfectants get loose and into the body, they might wreak havoc with the human immune system. [link to pdf]

Interestingly, even though firms currently using nanosilver in their products are now aware of the potential risk associated with it, they step around the risk/danger by removing -- not the nanosilver (at least, not that we know of) -- but instead, they simply remove the term "antimicrobial" from their ads and labels and product descriptions.

There.

Problem solved.

Right?

Yeah, right. (sarcasm intended)

Who's looking out for you, the end user, on this one?

Who is looking out for the workers in the plants handling this material?

And who is looking out for the investors who probably have absolutely no clue about the bad news/potential risk.

Here's another nanotechnology causing great concern in the scientific community: carbon nanotubes.

Quote:

A particular group of nanomaterials, carbon nanotubes, raises special concerns because they are similar in shape and rigidity to asbestos fibers. Carbon nanotubes are "seamless cylinders of hexagonal carbon networks and are 10,000 times thinner than a human hair. They are a hundred times stronger and six times lighter than steel and are used in adhesives, coatings and polymers and as electrically conductive fillers in plastics to make polymers more resistant against temperatures, harsh chemicals, corrosive environments, extreme pressures and abrasion."

Multiple laboratories have already independently found that certain carbon nanotubes can cause progressive, irreversible lung damage in test rodents. Two 2003 studies conclusively showed lung damage from exposure to certain carbon nanotubes. Further studies on this topic have increasingly strengthened the link between certain carbon nanotubes and pulmonary damage. [link to pdf]

When it hits the fan, you better believe that investors will find out right quick.

You see... unlike asbestos, which was used commonly across many industries spreading the risk, nanotechnologies can actually be traced directly back to the source -- faster and easier than most any other "ingredient" or application.

If you want to learn more about the "Eight Corporate Liability Accounting Loopholes that Regulators Must Close" to prevent another asbestos-like catastrophe from working its way through the entire globe...

Or if, like me, you're curious as to just how safe all this nanotechnology stuff really is...

Then you want to grab a cup of coffee and sit down to read this eye-opening report. You won't regret it. But you might regret it if you just pass it on by.

Here is the link.

And here are a few more little excerpts from the report for your reading pleasure.

Excerpt #1:

"As a result of weak regulations, companies do not assess, quantify or disclose potential and pending liabilities on a timely basis... Today, as potentially ultrahazardous nanotechnologies enter the market, the same regulatory weaknesses that allowed asbestos manufacturers to conceal information from investors are being abused once again to conceal information regarding the newer technologies. Regulators must act now to prevent a repeat of past financial disasters, and to ensure that investors' expectations of forthright accounting are met. Although our report focuses on product-related liabilities, many of our findings are equally applicable to the broader array of contingent liabilities that appear in disclosure reports and financial statements."

Excerpt #2:

Nanomaterials can represent a special threat to health and safety because the unprecedented manipulation of particles at the molecular scale brings with it unprecedented toxicity expectations - as the particle size decreases so dramatically, materials are able to penetrate the body much more aggressively. In addition, the molecular scale causes reactivity to increase so that harmful effects can be intensified. Previously harmless substances may even take on hazardous characteristics.

Excerpt #3:

Laboratory studies indicate that some nanoparticles ingested from food or water, or breathed in, can pass through the intestinal walls or lungs and reach the bloodstream, allowing them almost unrestricted access to the human body. Some inhaled nanomaterials can access the brain, as they can pass the blood-brain barrier via the olfactory nerve.

Excerpt #4:

Despite the growing number of nanotech food products on the market, consumers have no way of knowing which products contain nanotechnology. Other proposed uses of nano in food include: "interactive" drinks that contain nanocapsules that change color and flavor, spreads and ice creams with nanoparticle emulsions that improve texture, and nanocapsules that carry nutrients and flavors into the body, increasing their bioavailability.

The complete report (52 pages) can be read on the IEHN website through this link.

(And you can watch a video interview with the author of the report.)

About Peter G Peterson

What do Barrack Obama and Peter G. Peterson have in common?

One is the President of the USA.

The other is a retired Wall Street "Tycoon" turned philanthropist.

One likes to spend like money grows on trees.

The other likes to spend his money towards his chosen cause, which he claims is to: "focus on America's key fiscal-sustainability challenges."

One likes to talk about fiscal responsibility.

The other likes to take definite steps and precise actions in dealing with fiscal responsibility.

Now, one might think that the second gentleman is being very honorable... In fact, upon reading this quote from a brief article about him in News Week titled, "Why I’m Giving Away $1 Billion," one might think the gentleman is quite honorable, indeed:

For years, I have been saying that the American government, and America itself, has to change its spending and borrowing policies: the tens of trillions of dollars in unfunded entitlements and promises, the dangerous dependence on foreign capital, our pitiful level of savings, the metastasizing health-care costs, our energy gluttony. These structural deficits are unsustainable.

Later on in the same article he expands on this theme:

Underlying these challenges is our broken political system. Our representatives, unlike our Founding Fathers, see politics as a career. As a result, they are focused not on the next generation, but on the next election. When the long-term problems are large and real, they anesthetize us, mislead us, divert us—anything to keep us from giving up something or having to pay for it. Too often, our political leaders are just enablers, co-conspirators in a disingenuous and greedy silence. Our children are unrepresented. The future is unrepresented. The moment is long overdue for us to become moral and worthy ancestors.

Three cheers!! ...and then, some more!!! Right?

Not so fast...

Let's pause and go back to the original question -- what could Barrack Obama and Peter G. Peterson possibly have in common when you look at their seemingly contrasting view points and/or actions?

FIRST, what they both have in common is attendance at a summit to be held this week hosted by Barrack Obama. You can read about it in this article posted to 'A Pakistan News' titled, "Peter G. Peterson Foundation"

SECOND, their agenda's match on one very important issue: entitlements, particularly with respect to health care.

You see, the "unspoken" word is that the honorable gentleman, Mr. Peter G. Peterson, appears to have another agenda quite dear to his philanthropist heart:

"Mr. Peterson has never been shy about using his Wall Street wealth to try to cut Social Security and Medicare, and he recently stepped up his efforts. Last
year he spent $1 billion to endow the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, which seems to have destroying these programs at the top of its agenda." [emphasis added by me]

So now I'm thinking we are about to get an earful on how the so-called "entitlements" for the above two programs are the greatest threat to our financial stability (yeah, even greater than Wall Street bankers, Fannie, Freddie and the too-big-to-fail-lot -- imagine that).

The spin will be -- and is already shaping up to be -- that if we can fix the health care system, we can also fix the entitlement program... two birds -- one stone.

Don't believe me?

Check out this quote from another article over at The Jamestown Sun:

If President Barack Obama sincerely wants to expand health care access with a broad, bipartisan vote, here's how he can do it:

Tackle entitlement spending first.

Hey, I'm all for fiscal responsibility in Government.

In fact, I think this Administration is quickly bankrupting all citizens of this great nation with its outrageous spending policies and expensive agendas.

But when it comes to entitlements in the form of Medicare and Social Security... I have a bone to pick with this Government... indeed, even the honorable gentleman himself.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Social Security the one thing all working adults and businesses pay into... over a lifetime of working?

Is it your fault -- you the taxpayer -- you the business owner -- your fault that those funds have been so sorely abused, misappropriated, and worse over the years?!

I think not.

In Canada it's called Social Insurance -- and their Government is not allowed to touch those funds for other Government programs. Guess what? They LOWERED the age to file/retire there.

The retirement age there is 55.

Here, in the USA, they are considering raising the age to 67 ...possibly higher.

As for health care... don't make me stand on that soap box again.

It's your insurance industry that needs a thorough cleaning in this country -- top to bottom -- inside and out. They are hammering away at the wealth of this nation every minute of every single day.

Look, it's so easy to find an example of someone discontent and/or misdiagnosed when it comes to health care -- in BOTH countries.

One of our uncle's died just a few short months ago because they "pulled the plug" on him after 4 days. You see, after a certain age in this country, that's it. Your health care system isn't run by the medical community. It's run by your insurance industry. The insurance industry dictates just how much health care you get, when where and how.

For everything you hear about how supposedly-lousy the Canadian health care system is, you probably haven't even heard a word about this important study comparing both health care systems -- the first joint survey of the USA and Canadian health care systems (2004).

My parents, both in their upper 70s, receive phenomenal care in Canada.

The same eye problem I have, my mother had fixed within one week of getting it diagnosed!!! Here in the USA, I'm told it's natural... comes with aging... learn to live with it.

So don't sell me that bill of goods about the poor health care in Canada!

Frankly, I've seen and lived the difference, and the care down here is a far cry from what I used to get... and I used to get it for nothing... now I pay a small fortune!

Ask someone here in the USA how long they wait, if they rely on their insurance, to get any kind of non-life-threatening procedure completed. One acquaintance of ours had to wait 9 months for back surgery here in the USA! My uncle (in Canada) had to wait 3 weeks for a hip replacement. My other uncle had a quadruple bypass 6 years ago -- no waiting -- alive and doing quite well, even for his advanced years, in Canada.

Shucks... I didn't mean to go down this path.

Back on point here.

You're about to get a plethora of propaganda supporting many different agendas for many many different reasons.

Always look beneath the surface, because there are people in this world that don't have your best interests at heart. They have their own agenda, and chances are very high that it won't benefit you in the long term or the short term in my humble opinion based on what I'm hearing and witnessing lately. And lately, it seems to me at least, most of "them" are in politics or from the Wall Street jungle.

Yes... this is just my humble and personal opinion.

But still...

Keep your eyes open...

Now It Is Serious

One more BIG FAT LIE is headed your way courtesy of Washington and Wall Street, but I'm not going to talk about that today. You will see it -- and YOU WILL recognize it -- when it comes.

First...

There are three other stories I've been following that are more urgent today. Not sure I have time to fit them in because I'm expecting a lumber delivery in about 45 minutes. (Long story.)

UPDATE: The lumber came and the delivery guys went -- and I never had the chance to post this yesterday, so I'm updating it a bit to post it today.

Back on point, here are the 3 urgent stories that I'm following.

First Story - Swine Flu

With confirmed cases in the USA now up to 68 (and rising as test results come in) there was an important stat that I missed yesterday when I was quickly collecting info on this story.

The majority of deaths caused by this flu strain -- H1N1 -- range in ages between 22 and 45. Now THAT IS HIGHLY UNUSUAL.

With reports surfacing of 2 (possible) deaths in California traced to this flu, there's more to this story than meets the eye. California has declared a state of emergency.

Now that it has been officially reported here in my hometown state of Indiana, I'll be keeping a very close eye on what happens next. I also heard today that Kilmer Elementary School in Chicago (Illinois) is being closed because of a 'probable case' of swine flu. Other cases are also suspected in Illinois.

Fox Business put out a brief report that there is now officially one confirmed death, a 23-month-old baby in Texas.

Not sure of the full story, but will post more on this when I have time to dig much deeper into it.

What doesn't surprise me is the source for the virus that is currently being investigated by the UN. If the power of the CAFO industry holds up, chances are high that the results of the investigation will not be conclusive. The CAFO-style BIG-AG industry has been covering things like this up for decades.

Why would a little swine flu outbreak stop 'em?

I'm talking about the "industrial farm" (for those that don't know -- here in the USA it's called a CAFO) in Mexico, owned by Smithfield Farms (the same guys that own a bunch of them in North Carolina). Quote:

United Nations food inspectors are going to Mexico to investigate reports that industrial pig farms were the source of the swine flu outbreak, the BBC reports.

As I wrote yesterday, based on some excellent reporting in Grist and elsewhere, local residents in La Gloria, Mexico, where the swine flu outbreak may have originated, suspect that the source is the Granjas Carroll industrial pig farm. The facility is half-owned by U.S.-based Smithfield Foods, the world’s largest pork processor. [link]

Long time readers of my blog know very well my stance on CAFOs.

I've warned before that CAFOs could very well lead to the next pandemic... but nobody is listening. And, as I've said before, nobody will listen. I suspect there will be a massive cover-up even if proof is found. There are just too many CAFOs spread around our planet these days to clean things up.

From what I understand, a young 5-year-old boy, Edgar Hernandez, has been identified as "patient zero" in the swine flu outbreak, the first person infected by the disease once it made the pig to human leap. [link]

Even there, the poor little child's family is being vilified while the CAFO gets to walk.

I've also received one unconfirmed report that a municipal health official from the area of the outbreak has stated that preliminary investigations indicate that the disease vector was a type of fly that reproduces in pig waste and that the outbreak was linked to the pig farms. [link]

So, eventually, they'll probably blame it all on the flies, right?

One way or another, IMHO, you can bet your bottom dollar that the factory farms will walk away from this unscathed other than for a short term drop in sales for their pork.

For more on what is happening in Mexico regarding this strain (H1N1) of swine flu, you can check out this link -- Swine flu: Doctors' diary

On a different note, I see that the crisis has resulted in a quick installation for Kathleen Sebelius who was sworn in last night as the Health and Human Services Secretary, the final Cabinet member for the Obama Administration.

Second Story - The Specter Spectacle

A friend of mine was on the phone with me when this story was breaking and he was surprised that the news didn't shock me one bit. Having followed the bailouts and spending madness going on, and Specter's part in it, it was a given that he would have to switch parties. There is no way in h&## that he would be allowed to remain much longer in his own party.

The proof of this is in his own words. Quote from the New York Times:

Mr. Specter said that while Democrats had been urging him for years to switch parties, he had “never started talking seriously until yesterday.” His decision came after polls, including one conducted by his own campaign, showed a precipitous drop in his approval ratings among Republicans because of his vote in favor of President Obama’s stimulus package.

As recently as the November election, he recalled, he had received standing ovations from conservative audiences as he traveled the state with Senator John McCain, the Republican presidential nominee. But his stimulus vote in February was “a watershed.”

“It all turned on that,” he said. “The pollsters have never seen that kind of precipitous drop. It’s stark.”

He did not provide specific numbers but said the drop was on the order of 30 percentage points over a few months. He had maintained as recently as two weeks ago that he would not switch, but he said his own poll, finished late last week, convinced him to do so. He spoke with his family over the weekend about it and “slept on it” on Sunday night. [link to full story]

No, it is not surprising to me at all that he would want to switch to a stronger party with more political clout. Although he denies this is about saving his own political arse, methinks he doth protest too much.

Now the big question on this one is whether or not the voters in his area will recognize the emperor in his new clothes.

There's one critical piece missing to his argument to jump ship into a Democratic Party lifeboat. The tea parties, as much as the Administration would like to believe differently, were NOT just REPUBLICANS protesting about the outrageous spending in Washington. There were plenty of Independents (like me) and Democrats on that side of the ocean too. Mr. Specter might find himself up the creek without a paddle come election time when the voters remember he does, indeed, have a price. (See this link to a previous post to know what I mean.)

What is the reaction in PA? Here's one side of the reaction.

On the other side, I understand that Obama is thrilled. Guess his Stimulack bribe worked. I picture a cartoon of Specter being asked to vote for the spending bill and him saying he will, but only if they'll bail him out when he needs it most.

Just another Washington bailout. he-he-he

I'm wondering if Snowe and Collins will be joining him in his new life raft?

We're in for some interesting Politics ahead.

I wonder... Does mud still stick?

In related news, while all the above was going on to take your attention off of what REALLY MATTERS, here is what Washington was up to:

The House approved a $3.5 trillion federal budget on Wednesday as Democrats raced to cap President Obama’s first 100 days in office by adopting a fiscal blueprint laying out the path for his chief policy initiatives.

The vote of 233 to 193, closely following party lines, demonstrated again the deep ideological divisions in the House, as Republicans rejected the spending plan en masse, joined by 17 Democrats. [link]

During the 2008 Presendential Election campaigns, the Republicans adopted the slogan -- "Drill, Baby, Drill"

Now, reaching his 100th day in office, based on his decisions and actions of his party, we can officially change the Democratic slogan to read -- "Spend, Baby, Spend"

It's insane! (IMHO)

Our lenders in other parts of the world probably won't take too kindly to the new slogan... nor the actions that have created it. (More on that in a future article I'm working on.)

Does it affect you directly?

If you are in a middle income home, just wait until you see the massive tax hikes coming your way in 2010. It's going to blow your mind! (I'll bring you more details on this later, too.)

Mid sized business and s-corps might want to think about getting ready to pack up and head to nicer business climates by then. Just a thought.

And now, thanks to a cute little filibuster proof legalese inclusion stuffed inside the budget, I get a front row seat to watch how Washington screws up your health care system. (Oh goodie! Sarcasm intended.)

Third Story - What They Are Not Telling You

Patterns. I like watching for and finding patterns.

They can tell you a lot about trends, markets, people, societies, politics, potential problems, potential possibilities... and so much more.

For example, I like using Candlestick Charts for patterns.

And I like following stories that reveal results -- such as the mortgage assistance thing.

And sometimes, through following a sequence of events, other patterns can also emerge. Like, for example, the butterfly effect.

(If you like "connect-the-dots" kind of articles and don't mind a few profanities, you might enjoy this one: 6 Random Coincidences That Created The Modern World)

My point is that sometimes, even things that seem like random events can be a pattern in disguise that leads to a foregone conclusion -- a predictable result.

There's a quiet anger building up in this country. Although it is not quite rage yet, I'm absolutely convinced that the Democratic Machine is going to find a way to channel it to their own advantage. I'm almost positive of it.

And so, I'm watching for patterns that will prove me right.

I could be wrong, you know.

But I could be right.

You don't want to miss my article on this subject.

I've made some alarming discoveries.

Stay tuned.

Swine Flu and Virus Mutations

I've received several emails over the weekend asking me why I haven't brought up the swine flu subject -- ie. "Why aren't you writing about this?!?"

Long time readers of this blog know that I have already written about it...

Or at least, I wrote about what could happen.

Back on May 7, 2006, I wrote:
"How do low pathogenic avian viruses become highly pathogenic?"

And now, 3 years later --- here we are --- with a swine flu virus that CDC Officials say they cannot contain.

According to the WHO and CDC websites, there are 20 official laboratory confirmed cases in the United States of the new mutant virus they call "swine influenza A/H1N1" and they also state "the Government of Mexico has reported 18 laboratory confirmed cases of swine influenza A/H1N1."

The number above is already low, as 20 new cases were just reported today in New York (versus the original 8 that reported when the above WHO/CDC numbers were made public) and an afternoon broadcast has indicated there are a total of 40 confirmed cases in the USA now.

Thus far, the confirmed cases have been found in the following states:

• California
• Kansas
• New York City
• Ohio
• Texas

The numbers of confirmed cases in the USA and Mexico will most likely go up before the end of the day today once lab tests are completed on several suspected cases across both countries.

The WHO website states:

"On Saturday, 25 April, upon the advice of the Emergency Committee called under the rules of the International Health Regulations, the Director-General declared this event a Public Health Emergency of International Concern." [link]

Concern but not Alarm

Meanwhile, according to President Obama, the swine flu situation is a cause for "concern but not alarm."

As of this morning -- "WHO is not recommending any travel or trade restrictions."

Meanwhile, in Europe today -- "The European Union's health chief advised travelers on Monday not to go to areas affected by swine flu." [link]

While here in the USA -- although they had no travel advisory on their site when I was posting this blog item, the CDC was just now on Fox News recommending people avoid non-essential travel to Mexico at this time.

Sixteen deaths from this particular swine flu strain have been reported in Mexico but no deaths at this time have been reported here in the U.S.A. (all of the original 20 diagnosed-case patients have recovered with only one of those infected hospitalized).

UPDATE: Just now Reuters is reporting that the Govt. of Mexico is raising the number of suspected deaths relating to this virus to 149.

One school has been shut down in New York (St. Francis in Queens) where some cases have been reported and they are now scrubbing the school down.

Meanwhile, in Texas, a string of 20 schools have been shut down for the week to hopefully prevent any spread of the virus.

And in Mexico, all schools have been shut down until May 6, 2009.

What Makes This Swine Flu Unique?

For starters, keep in mind that this particular strain spreads from human to human. (You don't need to get it from contact with pigs.) That's a red flag as my previously referenced blog post indicated.

But what truly makes this virus mutation unique is that it was morphed from 4 different virus strains. ANNE SCHUCHAT, MD, Director for the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases states:

"We know so far that the viruses contain genetic pieces from four different virus sources. This is unusual. The first is our North American swine influenza viruses. North American avian influenza viruses, human influenza viruses and swine influenza viruses found in Asia and Europe.

That particular genetic combination of swine influenza virus segments has not been recognized before in the U.S. or elsewhere. Of course, we are doing more testing now and looking more aggressively for unusual influenza strains. So we haven't seen this strain before but we haven't been looking as intensively as we are these days.

The viruses are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine anti-viral drugs but they are sensitive or susceptible to oseltamivir and zanamivir, the newer anti-viral drugs for flu. And at this time we don’t know exactly how people got the virus. None of the patients have had direct contact with pigs.

You can get swine influenza without direct contact but it's a bit more unusual. And we believe at this point that human-to-human spread is occurring. That's unusual. We don't know yet how widely it's spreading and we certainly don't know the extent of the problem." [link]

Now if you read my earlier blog items on influenzas and how they can mutate, this quite possibly poses quite a mystery for health officials as the the source -- the original mutation -- from whence this particular strain came.

Was it first mixed through a combination of avian and swine which then morphed in a human that had contact with the animals? Or, was it first in a human which was in contact with swine? Or...

The possibilities are mindboggling -- not because it has morphed and is being spread human to human -- but because it is so scattered, without any apparent concentration to any specific localized source.

When you consider the distances between reported cases, it really is remarkable IMHO that it has stretched so far and wide.

No Cause for Alarm or Something to Fear?

Frankly, based on what I've seen/heard/read thus far, I personally think (my humble opinion only) that the Bird Flu H5N1 was (could still be?) far more serious with a potential for higher devastation (owing to its human kill rate)... BUT ...what does concern me at this point is what if this particular strain of swine flu morphs one more time?

It truly is alarming to me that there are 4 different segments/sources for this strain.

And such a diverse mix of 4... Europe, Asia, North American swine, North American avian... consider the odds of the four segments coming together, mixing and eventually mutating into a human to human spread virus.

What if, for example, someone sick with something else entirely contracts the virus and it mutates just one more time?

As it stands right now for this current form of swine influenza A/H1N1, the survival rate is quite high here in the USA as of today.

But what if it morphs...??

Just one more time...??

The bottom line here is this.

I find myself in the very unusual position of being in full agreement with President Obama on this one. I agree with him in that yes, it is a cause for concern but not alarm.

So, don't panic.

At least, not yet.

Camden Indiana in the New York Times

Spend any time at all on my blog and it's not long before you know my personal opinion on the dangers to health, water and wildlife that CAFOs represent. It's not only specualtion on my part. My opinion was formed based on years of researching the subject.

That's why I knew it was just a matter of time before mainstream media finally caught up to what smaller newspapers and rural communities have been talking about for decades.

Check out this Op-Ed piece in the New York Times March 12, 2009:
"Our Pigs, Our Food, Our Health"

I've written elsewhere on this blog about MRSA, as well as the many other viruses, pathogens, and more that could be carried to us through the food supply and through the waste disposal practices of industrial farms.

The article above is worth reading.

It begins with doubt and it ends with?

It's too easy to pick apart bad plans, so I will do my best to avoid talking about Obama today.

Instead, I'm going to switch gears a bit and try to help some of you see that there is light at the end of this dark tunnel we appear to be traversing right now.

Some say that there is significant economic evidence that the Great Depression might have been avoided but for the "panic" that swept over the country (and the world) after the 1929 stock market crash. According to them, what should have been no more than a deep recession altered our world forever because of the prevailing "thoughts of doubt and fear."

Frankly, it's pretty difficult to not be afraid when you see runs on the banks and can't even get to the money -- your money -- that you worked so hard for with your own blood, sweat and tears.

Today, the FDIC "insurance" in place at most banks and many credit unions means you should be able to reach some (if not all) of your money.

I'm not going to go into why that might not mean much in about 2 to 4 years time. I'll leave that to another post.

Instead, I want to share the emotional process that can drag you under the wheels of that eighteen-wheeler bearing down on you called fear... because once you understand the process, you understand how to stop it.

• It begins with a thought of doubt,


• which causes an emotion of fear,


• which manifests itself physically as anxiety.

Anxiety robs us of our power, our energy and our purpose. Severe anxiety can even undermine our health.

And it's all brought on by a thought of doubt.

Now, I'm not going to tell you not to doubt the things you believe have this country heading in the wrong direction. Don't lie to yourself.

What I am going to tell you is simply this -- BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!

A little secret here -- two things can erase fear:
1. Love, and
2. Faith

I'm going to focus on Faith.

Author and personal coaching expert, Vic Johnson once said this on the subject of faith:

Fear and Faith are directly opposite views of the future and they cannot co-exist. My Faith is in a Creator who has given me dominion over all things. Your Faith may be elsewhere, but know this: Faith and fear cannot be present at the same time.

Keep your Faith close to your heart. BELIEVE in YOURSELF! You have inner resources that you might not even realize exist.

You can't control a slot machine. You can't control the stock markets. You can't control what your Government is doing.

But you can control how you think... and you can control how you feel.

Keep the Faith. Believe in yourself.

When you feel like your world is crashing down around you and that you are crashing down with it... believe in yourself... have faith, and get back up. Take a few minutes now to watch this short video and share it with someone you care about today...

BO Health in the Midst of an Urgent Crisis

No more excuses with wailing violins playing in the background.

It's getting rather pathetic, don't you think?

Seems I'm not alone in thinking Obama needs to "$h*+ or get off the pot."

President Clinton discovered during his first term that The Bond Market in fact controlled his agenda, not the other way around. He was forced to abandon his audacious health care agenda when the bond market threw up all over it.

President Obama is in a much more precarious situation, in that this is not just about whether he can execute his agenda or not - it is about whether we will have an economy (and likely a republic) left in another year or so, and if he does not pull the cotton out of his ears in the very near future the answer will be "no", as we are approaching a point where we will suffer enough damage to the capital markets that a replay[sic] of at least the 1930s - if not the 1870s - will become inevitable.

Be warned Mr. President - we are on the precipice of a tipping point from which you and our economy cannot recover for a decade or more, if at all.

Protecting those who have stolen the wealth of millions of Americans, along with their homes and jobs, is going to become singularly unpopular in very short order.

Yes, George W. Bush was responsible (along with President Clinton before him and the Congress over the last 20 years) for the economic and market conditions that got us here. I've said that repeatedly.

You, however, are personally responsible for refusing to address the issues and continuing to foment and cause what is now turning into an all out economic and market collapse. [link]

We all know he "did a little blow" in his younger days. Kinda makes you think there might be more than a few brain cells fried in that head of his as he continues to ignore the obvious while pushing forward with his health agenda.

Speaking of the dumb, errrr (clears throat) Dem health agenda...

Being legally immigrated here from Canada moving here after marrying the man I love, I'm sitting here scratching my head every time I hear the misinformation being spread about how the Canadian health care system really works.

Like, for example, where in the world did you get the idea that it is run by the Canadian Federal government?!?

Google "OHIP" ...even wikipedia has better info on how it works than most of what you are hearing in the media and from your Federal Government. (Although, since wiki can be changed often by almost any source... who knows if it's still accurate since I last read their page 2 hours ago.)

My point is this -- the province of Ontario runs its own health care plan -- NOT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. And it is funded by the residents AND businesses AND (small by comparison) transfer payments from the Federal Government.

They are quite explicit as to what the "emergency and preventative" health plan covers (practically all necessary medical attention -- as determined necessary by your doctor, not the government) and what it does NOT cover (like cosmetic surgery such as face lifts, breast enhancements, and the like, ok?) ...and for what it doesn't cover, there are very affordable supplemental insurance plans (like for chiropractic care, eye care, dental, prescription drugs, etc.).

I really get a kick out of all those American media types saying -- "Oh, but you have to go to a participating doctor."

Think about how stupid that sounds.

Really...

Think about it.

I mean it.

Seriously....

Now, I ask you, what doctor in his or her right mind running a clinic and/or working in a hospital in the province of Ontario would choose to NOT participate?

How much business do you think...

Never mind. I'm guessing you know where that question was going, anyway, right?

Sheesh. Stupid stupid stupid reporting, is all I can say.

Then I look at what Obama is trying to do here in America, and I'm ready to vomit. Man oh man oh man... your health care system could become totally trashed if some of his idealism makes it into application.

I already knew he didn't have a clue about business.

It shows -- bright and clear.

Now I'm getting to see how pathetic his (or is it his advisers??) knowledge is with respect to health care.

You wanna start somewhere?

Here's your first step -- CLEAN UP THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY FIRST.

They are the entities currently dictating how long you can stay in a hospital room before you get the boot, regardless of whether or not your pneumonia is healed.

They are the group deciding how long you should be allowed to remain on life support -- and yes, age plays a factor.

If you're over the age of 75 here in the great U S of A, I believe it's around 4 days before your doctor will come up to your family and tell them maybe it's time to pull the plug. I personally know of at least 5 senior citizens here in our region who are scared to death to land in the hospital on any kind of life support -- be it a ventilator, kidney machine or other -- just in case they reach that 4-day time limit ...and possibly get euthanized against their will.

I could be wrong. Maybe the age is lower than 75.

The point is this, the health insurance companies are also the group currently charging hundreds of thousands of dollars to doctors, clinics, etc. for malpractice insurance.

Ask any doctor... any clinic... how much they pay for this INSURANCE.

Before you can make any progress forward with respect to any kind of government health care system in this country -- YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST clean up the health insurance industry.

And another thing.

Health care in Canada is PROVINCIALLY run, and only federally assisted through transfer payments from the federal coffers. Minimum standards are set... naturally. And you have to go through some pretty rigorous education and training before you can practice medicine.

But the care -- and treatment -- is between doctor and patient.

Not dictated by Government.
Not dictated by insurance companies.

How it's paid? Like I said, there are some things not covered under your provincially run health care plan. (see above again) I checked my husband's health plan and notice the similarities.

The waiting list for non-essential surgeries can be quite long. (Just as the same can be said for here in the USA.)

But the KEY WORD is NON-ESSENTIAL.

And, as here, the waiting list for transplants can be long because, just as it can be here, donors can be in short supply.

Now, you might be thinking there is no competition in the health care system, right?

Heh, heh, heh...

Here's a test for you. Search "cancer clinics Canada" in google and see how many results you get. And don't forget how much smaller the population is up there compared with here.

But, back to the INSURANCE issue.

Down here in the USA, insurance companies make out like bandits. They have all kinds of different insurances for the clinics, the hospitals, the doctors, the nurses, etc. (malpractice just being one of them) ...and then they also rake it in from group policies by unions clear across the country ...and they also rake it in from private individuals.

So, they take a HUGE chunk of change from both sides of the industry: the providers and the patients.

And would you look at those "deductables" inching ever higher and higher.

And how much does insurance cover versus how much you have to take out of your own pocket for, say, having a baby down here in the USA?

If I do a straight comparison, preventative health care is FAR BETTER in Canada than in the USA, but I'm sure there are plenty who would disagree with me on that. Go ahead. You won't change my mind. I've lived and seen the difference.

When Obama rolls out the full details of his so-called "nationalized" health care plan, take a really close look at who stands to make some really big bucks off the entire deal -- and who stands to lose.

Where will all the money go?

I'm not going to mention names here. This post is already too long for a Friday post.

But when it comes to dopes of all kinds, I'm scratching my head wondering just how long BO "did a little blow" during his school years.

And I'm wondering what percentage of the population has done the same in this country if they haven't figured any of this out yet.

One thing is for certain, there are a heck of a lot of us who HAVE figured out that BO isn't all that great at prioritizing.

And if he doesn't get his priorities straight -- and FAST -- health care of any kind is going to take a backseat. Most people will be more concerned about putting food on the table.

Plum Crazy

Regardless which side of the CAFO issue you side with, this little piece of news might scare the bleep out of you. I can't believe they would even consider this:

Dangerous Cattle Virus On U.S. Mainland?

Bush Administration Likely To Build New Foot And Mouth Research Facility Near Farms

(AP) WASHINGTON, April 11, 2008 (link to full story)

For those who aren't familiar with the disease, here's a brief excerpt which may give you some idea of it's volatility:

Foot-and-mouth virus can be carried on a worker's breath or clothes, or vehicles leaving a lab, and is so contagious it has been confined to Plum Island, off Long Island's northeastern tip, for more than a half-century - far from commercial livestock...

The existing lab is 100 miles northeast of New York City in Long Island Sound, accessible only by ferry or helicopter. Researchers there who work with the live virus are not permitted to own animals at home that would be susceptible, and they must wait at least a week before attending outside events where such animals might perform, such as a circus.

...An epidemic in 2001 devastated Britain's livestock industry, as the government slaughtered 6 million sheep, cows and pigs. Last year, in a less serious outbreak, Britain's health and safety agency concluded the virus probably escaped from a site shared by a government research center and a vaccine maker. Other outbreaks have occurred in Taiwan in 1997 and China last year and in 2006.

And quite frankly, I was not amused when I read this part:

The Homeland Security Department is convinced it can safely operate the lab on the mainland, saying containment procedures at high-security labs have improved.

Uh, yeah, right -- like they can prevent dangers such as lysteria, salmonella, E. coli, etc. from entering our water and food supply? (The most recent salmonella-in-cereal recall is a prime example -- first chickens, then eggs, then salad fixings ...and now, even puffed wheat?! What the...?)

When did HSD become experts on Agriculture (or food safety, for that matter)?

Oh yeah, that's right -- they have a whole 5 years experience in that arena -- since that's when these types of facilities were transferred under their umbrella (2003). Silly me... it must have slipped my mind. (sarcasm intended)

Pause for thought:

Asked about the administration's finalist sites located near livestock, [Dr. Robert] Breeze said: "It seems a little odd. It goes against the ... safety program of the last 50 years."

The former head of the U.S. Agriculture Department's Agricultural Research Service said Americans are not prepared for a foot-and-mouth outbreak that has been avoided on the mainland since 1929.

"The horrific prospect of exterminating potentially millions of animals is not something this country's ready for," said Dr. Floyd Horn.

Indeed.

I'm not so certain there hasn't been an outbreak since 1929. In case you missed this quote when reading the article:

The chairman, Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., and the head of the investigations subcommittee, Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., are threatening to subpoena records they say Homeland Security is withholding from Congress. Those records include reports about "Crimson Sky," an internal review about a publicized 1978 accidental release of foot-and-mouth disease on Plum Island and reports about any previously undisclosed virus releases on the island during the past half century. (emphasis added by me)

Drugs in our Water

The Barbara Cox video interviews are now posted over at the Bloomington Alternative (link), in which Barb makes a very important point with respect to water:

"What's in my backyard today is in your backyard tomorrow."

The Barbara Cox interviews were taped before the BIG BOMB dropped regarding water supplies across the country.

Here's what I mean...

On March 10, 2008, the Associated Press released some of the details of an intensive 5 month study of the nation's water supplies -- and they came up with some startling results:

A vast array of pharmaceuticals — including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones — have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans, an Associated Press investigation shows.

...And while researchers do not yet understand the exact risks from decades of persistent exposure to random combinations of low levels of pharmaceuticals, recent studies — which have gone virtually unnoticed by the general public — have found alarming effects on human cells and wildlife. (link to full story)

Here's the kicker...

The federal government doesn't require any testing and hasn't set safety limits for drugs in water. Of the 62 major water providers contacted, the drinking water for only 28 was tested. Among the 34 that haven't: Houston, Chicago, Miami, Baltimore, Phoenix, Boston and New York City's Department of Environmental Protection, which delivers water to 9 million people.

And don't, for one minute, think that all of this only has to do with human drugs entering the water supply.

In the United States, the problem isn't confined to surface waters. Pharmaceuticals also permeate aquifers deep underground, source of 40 percent of the nation's water supply. Federal scientists who drew water in 24 states from aquifers near contaminant sources such as landfills and animal feed lots found minuscule levels of hormones, antibiotics and other drugs.

Of particular concern, the news article highlighted this:

Human waste isn't the only source of contamination. Cattle, for example, are given ear implants that provide a slow release of trenbolone, an anabolic steroid used by some bodybuilders, which causes cattle to bulk up. But not all the trenbolone circulating in a steer is metabolized. A German study showed 10 percent of the steroid passed right through the animals.

Water sampled downstream of a Nebraska feedlot had steroid levels four times as high as the water taken upstream. Male fathead minnows living in that downstream area had low testosterone levels and small heads.

This news comes at a time when the...

EPA is proposing a voluntary option for CAFOs to certify to the permitting authority that they do not discharge or propose to discharge and therefore do not need NPDES permit coverage. (link)

Seems to me that there is a WHOLE LOT OF GOVERNMENT HOUSECLEANING needed. Our tax dollars are paying these people to do ...what, exactly?

Don't think you've heard the end of this. The news is heightening worries among scientists of long-term consequences to human health.

"Tick. Tock" Time will tell.

Dead Starlings in Indiana

A friend forwarded this link to me about the dead starlings being found around the Fair Oaks CAFOs:

"Numerous birds found dead" - Rensselaer Republican 02-20-2008

And I immediately recalled another recent article on the subject of dead starlings, but these were found in Randolph County (not far from another CAFO, I might add):

"State chemists' office investigates deaths of dozens of starlings" - Peru Tribune 02-16-2008

The Randolph County incident was also reported in Palladium-Item (read it here).

So one incident in our area is reported on Feb. 20/2008 ...another reported in Randolph County on Feb. 16/2008 ...how many others?

Two reasons I bring this up...

1. The Republican article stated -- "The pesticide is used less than 15 times within a year in the state according to USDA figures."

So, can we assume the Fair Oaks starling kills are the "2nd" time for using the pesticide this year? Maybe we'll know for certain after the State Chemists have determined more from the Randolph County investigation.

2. In the article, Carol Bannerman, a public affairs specialist for the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Wildlife Services, is reported claiming that -- "starlings are problematic for farmers because they feast on cattle feed and rob cattle of their proper protein. Then they contaminate feed and water with their bird droppings. The droppings can spread disease to both the animals and the humans that consume the animals."

Hmmmm... Ms. Banning seems to be quoting from the USDA/APHIS/ADC document #NCR451 which goes into great detail on the subject of controlling starlings, but maybe the Republican didn't quite quote her precisely? It implies the starlings are creating all kinds of disease, doesn't it?

Here's a little snippet from NCR451:

At livestock facilities, starlings consume feed and contaminate the feed and water with their droppings. Where high protein supplements are added to feeds such as cattle feeds, starlings may selectively eat the high-protein portion.

Starlings may also transfer disease among livestock facilities, a problem that particularly concerns swine producers. For example, TGE (transmissible gastroenteritis) virus can pass through the digestive tract of starlings and be infectious in the starling feces. However, researchers have found healthy swine in lots with infected starlings. Thus, even infected starlings may not always transmit the disease, especially if starling interaction with pigs is minimized. TGE may also be transmitted on boots or vehicles, by stray animals, or by infected swine added to the herd. (emphasis added)

Sounds like Ms. Banning said exactly that, right? Read deeper young grasshopper...

Maybe I'm interpretting the above wrong, but the way I read it, the birds could transfer diseases from one livestock farm to another, which seems to be the biggest economic concern. And that brings up another question...

Which came first? I'm not talking about the bird or the egg.

I'm wondering how do these birds get infected in the first place?

I mean, if they're carriers of diseases that can affect entire CAFO herds, then surely they have to have picked the disease up from somewhere in the first place, somewhere that -- per chance -- there were infected animals. Or, perhaps, there are infected animals at the location where the starlings need to be eradicated?

Pesticide use to eradicate the starlings, according to NCR451, is not the first (or only) method for controlling the "problem" large farms face from these so-called pests, but it is one of the easiest and less time-consuming for large feedlots.

Which brings me to another quote from the Renss/Repub article:

"Starling eradication methods include a federally licensed pesticide called DRC1339. The USDA has been recently using the pesticide in Jasper County to control the starlings and protect livestock at local dairy/cattle feed lots.

"This method is used only if the birds cannot be subdued," said Bannerman."

And this...

According to USDA studies, there were no signs of poisoning among predators within 30-200 days of consumption.

Bannerman said people shouldn't allow pets to eat dead starlings, but there was little risk of poisoning to household pets.

"Pets would have to eat a large quantity of the starlings for them to be affected," said Bannerman."Humans should not touch the dead birds with their hands."

Okay, so let's take a quick look at the black box warning for the concentrated version of this pesticide:

RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE
Due to High Acute Inhalation Toxicity and Eye and Skin Corrosiveness to Humans; High Acute Toxicity to Nontarget Birds and Aquatic Invertebrates; and the Need for Highly Specialized Applicator Training.

For retail sale to, and use only by, USDA APHIS Certified Applicators trained in bird control or by persons under their direct supervision.

I found that on a document that reads: "FOR DISTRIBUTION AND USE ONLY WITHIN WYOMING"

Here's one of the general restrictions for use:

This product contains a slow-acting avicide which kills target birds in 1 to 3 days. As many types of nontarget bird species are potentially vulnerable to DRC-1339, it is necessary to use care and to follow the requirements of this label to minimize impacts to nontarget species.

I found the DO NOT list a bit alarming:

• DO NOT apply by air


• DO NOT apply within 50 feet of bodies of water


• DO NOT harvest any crop for use as food or feed that has been contaminated with this product.


• DO NOT graze livestock or plant any rotational crop in treated non-crop or in crop areas that may have been contaminated by treated bait spilled from bait application containers for one year (365 days) following the last application of bait made from this product...


• DO NOT apply bait(s) in areas where there is a danger that Threatened or Endangered Species will consume baits...


• DO NOT apply baits made from this product in a way that will contact workers or other persons.

And the list goes on. Yes, there's far more and you can read about it through this link. Sorry I don't have the Indiana version. Not enough time for me to hunt that down today.

DRC-1339 products are highly toxic to sensitive species such as starlings and pigeons, is slightly toxic to non-sensitive birds (raptors, songbirds), and is differentially toxic to mammals. Since it is rapidly metabolized and excreted by the target bird species (starlings), scavenging birds that feed on treated dead birds would likely be unaffected.

Another USDA document (from PA) states:

Only USDA personnel may use DRC-1339 concentrate. Use of this label is a cooperative effort between USDA and the farm operator, since several days of prebaiting and monitoring are required prior to actual use of the product. Typically, the farm operator is primarily responsible for prebaiting (with assistance from USDA), and USDA is responsible for use of the toxicant and follow-up monitoring.

Whew... that's a lot of detail.

But there's more. Want to know about the toxicity of DRC-1339 and how they came up with the doses? If you're into that kind of detail and/or you want to learn about a few of the concerns that have been raised recently regarding this pesticide, here's an interesting study.

Keep in mind, when reading the above study, check out the authors' purpose for writing it (to rate dosage levels recommended for its use and dispel fears over the toxin) and -- ahem -- watch for any non-objective statements. (Not saying there are any present, just, well...)

Until next time -- TTFN!

World finds out about USA beef scandal

You know the world is watching when the news about the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company scandal hits the headlines of a Beverage Industry magazine targeted to industry insiders.

Industry concerns follow massive US beef recall
by Linda Rano:

19-Feb-2008 - The largest meat recall in US history has reignited fears that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is not taking adequate measures to ensure the safety of the nation's meat supply. (link)

This particular online news service also publishes a monthly full-color glossy magazine (yes, real hold-it-in-your-hands hard copy) of breaking stories in the beverage industry, as well as print and online ezine publications for other industry niches including Nutrition, Health, Food Safety and more. Their publications span the globe with their largest subscriber bases in the EU.

After the BSE scandal that rocked the UK beef industry, you can safely bet they're closely monitoring the entire Hallmark/Westland Meat story as it unfolds here in the USA.

voluntary recall of "approximately 143,383,823 pounds of raw and frozen beef products"

To be fair, the way I understand the situation, the meat wasn't fully recalled (ie sent back to the supplier) but instead, it was placed on "hold" by institutions/schools/etc. until the USDA completes their investigation to determine whether or not the meat is (or isn't) safe for human consumption.

So maybe "recall" is a bit too strong a word (for now?) in the article referenced above...

Even so, it's the first time I saw an actual number published with respect to how much beef is involved. Imagine. 143,383,823 pounds!!!

Which brings me to Indiana Senate Bill 123 regarding labelling of meat and dairy products. Apparently it might get a dusting off for reading soon. Here's a quick synopsis:

Citations Affected: IC 15-2.1; noncode.

Synopsis: Meat and milk products. Authorizes the state board of animal health to provide voluntary grading and certification relating to meat and meat products. Provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally forges a grade or certification commits a Class D felony. Requires the board of animal health to review, study, and make recommendations to the legislative council about claims made about milk, milk products, meat, and poultry marketed to the general public.

Effective: Upon passage; July 1, 2008.

What do you think? Should we send a strong message to the Industry? This is your chance to get involved by contacting your reps regarding the Bill -- your choice.

School Lunch Program - Got Beef?

In case you haven't heard... the Hallmark/Westland Meat Company story is shocking parents across the country while School lunch program operators across the nation are being instructed by USDA officials to "pull the beef from school lunch lines as a precaution."

Video shot at the Chino slaughterhouse during an undercover investigation by the Humane Society of the United States shows downed cows, animals that are too sick to walk, being prodded with forklifts, poked in the eyes and blasted with water.

"The attempt was to make them so distressed and to cause them so much suffering that these animals would get up and walk into the slaughterhouse," said Wayne Pacelle with the Humane Society.[link]

The Humane Society of the United States says it turned over a video showing cattle being abused at a Chino slaughterhouse to the San Bernardino County district attorney's office in December. After a month with no legal action, the animal protection agency posted some of the video on its Web site this week and turned over 96 minutes of recordings to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees slaughterhouses.[Emphasis added - link]

The U.S. Department of Agriculture launched an investigation into the company on Wednesday after the Humane Society of the United States released a video that appears to document workers abusing cows that are too injured or weak to stand. (link)

...and were it not for the undercover video filmed by the Humane Society, what would have happened?

After all, Westland and its parent company, Hallmark Meat, are "the second largest supplier of beef to the USDA's commodity procurement branch, which distributes the beef to needy families, the elderly, and also the schools throughout the national school lunch program," according to the Humane Society of the United States. (link)

The USDA Response to the Media Attention?

The USDA, in its news release, said it was "unfortunate" the Humane Society "did not present this information to use when these alleged violations occurred in the fall of 2007."

The Humane Society, in its statement, said it had turned the information over to "California law enforcement officials" at that time, and "local authorities asked for extra time before public release of the information." (link)

Sidenote: Yes siree, I imagine the USDA would have liked to see the video back in fall of 2007... maybe it would have prevented them from buying "...more than 27 million pounds of ground beef from Westland in 2007 as part of the government-subsidized National School Lunch Program." (Emphasis added - link)

In another Response from USDA:

In any case, there's no evidence that meat from so-called 'downer' cattle entered the food supply, USDA official Kenneth Petersen told reporters during a telephone news conference Friday. (link)

And another:

Federal officials emphasized that a hold is not the same thing as a recall. The beef could later be used if the USDA OKs its safety. (link)

And in case you didn't know this;

...Westland, the second-largest supplier of beef for the National School Lunch Program, was named "supplier of the year" in 2004-2005 by the Agriculture Department. It has delivered beef to schools in 36 states.

The USDA today stopped Westland from supplying meat to federal food and nutrition programs pending the outcome of its investigation. While the workers in this video have been fired, the Humane Society says the most shocking thing about the abuse shown here is that it happens all the time.

Some responses from the political side:

February 1, 2008-- Congressman Leonard Boswell is pushing the USDA to examine recent reports of inhumane treatment of animals. (link)

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, sent letters Wednesday to the agriculture secretary and the head of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) asking for an immediate investigation into the safety of ground beef being used in the National School Lunch Program. "The treatment of animals in this video is appalling, but more than that, it raises significant concerns about the safety of the food being served to our nation's children," Durbin said. (link)

Federal regulations call for keeping downed cows out of the food supply because they may pose a higher risk of carrying E. coli, salmonella contamination or mad cow disease. (link)

Several School Boards across the country have been pulling beef from the menu until they can be certain no supplies came from Westland. Some of those School Boards reporting in the news are located in the following states (partial list, no specific order): California, Washington, Oregon, South Dakota, Illinois, Minnesota, Utah, Hawaii, Florida, Texas, Iowa and New York. For a large (and growing) list of news reports on this story, check out this link.

Now I'm guessing that Hallmark Meat Packing has become the "hallmark" brand for how NOT to run a slaughterhouse/packing plant?

Aw, heck, here's one more reported USDA response worth mentioning:

USDA officials said that despite the apparent abuses, Westland meat products have always passed stringent government purity standards, and they do not believe the company's beef is unhealthy. (link)

What the ...?

Even if you don't get sick eating the Hallmark/Westland stuff, you might get sick watching the 96 minutes of video. Yes, there are animal rights violations. Now that's an education our kids shouldn't have to receive -- in any manner, shape or form -- because it simply shouldn't BE happening -- PERIOD.

Dirty Little Secret About E Coli

There's a dirty little secret about E. Coli, salmonella, campylobacter and other forms of food poisoning that hasn't become common knowledge for the general public -- yet -- and there is considerable cause for concern.

What's the dirty little secret? The news, according to this Associated Press article is alarming some sectors of the health industry:

It's a dirty little secret of food poisoning: E. coli and certain other foodborne illnesses can sometimes trigger serious health problems months or years after patients survived that initial bout. Scientists only now are unraveling a legacy that has largely gone unnoticed.

What kind of health problems? Here's one example from the article:

Consider Alyssa Chrobuck of Seattle, who at age 5 was hospitalized as part of the Jack-in-the-Box hamburger outbreak that 15 years ago this month made a deadly E. coli strain notorious.

She's now a successful college student but ticks off a list of health problems unusual for a 20-year-old: High blood pressure, recurring hospitalizations for colon inflammation, a hiatal hernia, thyroid removal, endometriosis.

"I can't eat fatty foods. I can't eat things that are fried, never been able to eat ice cream or milkshakes," says Chrobuck. "Would I have this many medical problems if I hadn't had the E. coli? Definitely not. But there's no way to tie it definitely back."

Donna Rosenbaum of the consumer advocacy group Safe Tables Our Priority (S.T.O.P.) is quoted saying;

"We're drastically underestimating the burden on society that foodborne illnesses represent."

S.T.O.P.'s newly elected president, Ms. Nancy Donley of Chicago, is no stranger to the effects of food poisoning. Their website indicates that "Ms. Donley, who previously served as S.T.O.P.’s President from 1996-2004, is nationally known for her extensive advocacy work on preventing foodborne illness and death. She became a member of S.T.O.P. and started her advocacy work after the tragic death of her six-year-old son, Alex, in 1993 from E. coli O157:H7-contaminated meat."

Now, if you are really curious to learn more about foodborne illnesses, you really should spend some time on the S.T.O.P. website. There "...is a collection of stories and testimonies given by victims and families of victims of foodborne illness. They bear witness to the fact that existing and emerging foodborne illness ravages victims without mercy."

The Center for Disease Control is aware of the problems relating to foodborne illness. They say foodborne illnesses cause 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths a year. Among survivors, some long-term consequences are obvious from the outset. Some required kidney transplants. They may have scarred intestines that promise lasting digestive difficulty.

But unfortunately, there has been little data collected on what happens to food poison survivors AFTER...

For now, some of the best evidence comes from the University of Utah, which has long tracked children with E. coli. About 10 percent of E. coli sufferers develop a life-threatening complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, where their kidneys and other organs fail.

Ten to 20 years after they recover, between 30 percent and half of HUS survivors will have some kidney-caused problem, says Dr. Andrew Pavia, the university's pediatric infectious diseases chief. That includes high blood pressure caused by scarred kidneys, slowly failing kidneys, even end-stage kidney failure that requires dialysis.

"I don't want to leave the message that everyone who had symptoms ... is in trouble," stresses Pavia.

Miserable as E. coli is, it doesn't seem to trigger long-term problems unless it started shutting down the kidneys the first time around, he says. "People with uncomplicated diarrhea, by and large we don't have evidence yet that they have complications."

There are other proven long-term consequences of food poisoning. You can read the article here for more details.

In addition to foodborne illnesses, antibiotic resistance is also one of the top concerns for the Center for Disease Controll.

The "dirty little secret" on foodborne illness comes out following another important article published on January 20, 2008, in the San Francisco Chronicle: "Bacteria race ahead of drugs Falling behind: Deadly infections increasingly able to beat antibiotics"

Now, I'd be remiss if I didn't take you back to the manure issues surrounding CAFOs, considering the above news.

So many, many times before on this blog I've pointed out study after study after study regarding how long these pathogens can survive in our soils and waters. You need only look to our 303d water reports to see the E. Coli problems in Indiana waterways.

My point is this -- if you can't kill it first, you shouldn't be planting it in (or spraying it on) the ground in such massive, concentrated quantities.

BigAg has been on a mission to push farmers to "grow big or get out" for years now. And yet, in all their talks about so-called "nutrient" absorbance capacity of the land in "safe manure handling practices" it simply astounds me that they spend so little time on the health issues relating to factory farming practices that appear to be leaving a dirty trail all the way from the farm to the fork.

And what supremely ticks me off is how their push for BIG has slaughtered so many family farms across this great nation while they -- Big Ag -- keep digging into taxpayer pockets to deal with the issues surrounding their "model" for the future of our food -- to have taxpayers pay to clean up their mess.

They're eager to throw another few billion at the FDA for tighter food safety.

They're happy to see more billions flow to the USDA for greater food safety.

They eagerly wait to see how much more money can go into farm subsidies and the like to deal with everything from........

DANG IT!!! They created the dang mess in the first place... even convincing small farmers, who would have had to quit and lose their farms, to go BIG so they could compete in the industry -- glossing over the unresolved problems tied to this style of Agriculture. AND NOW -- DIG DEEPER INTO TAXPAYER POCKETS ...scare the hell out of them to make them pay more, and more, and more... and... geez. It's time to get responsibility back where it belongs, dangit!!

Sorry. Got a little carried away with this post. (taking a deep breath here)

Gotta run -- but you can bet your bottom dollar I'll be back soon with more on this issue.

Want to do something right now?

Call Rep. Crawford ASAP and request that he schedule HB 1168 for a hearing and vote in House Ways and Means Committee. They're trying to keep it out.

His office number at the statehouse is 317-232-9875.

The toll free number for the Indiana House is 800-382-9842.

You only have until Thursday, by the way. Yeah, they like to slip past these as fast as possible -- my humble opinion.

5 Big Stories Missed in 2007

There are 5 BIG STORIES that were either buried or skipped entirely by mainstream media in 2007 that might have tremendous impact on 2008. As we head into the New Year, I thought it prudent to highlight them here. In no specific order, they are:

1. In World Events - Ms. Bhutto's Taped Interview Provides Shocking Revelations

Former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, loved by many in her country, was brutally assassinated at the end of 2008 throwing the country into turmoil. But the big story that was either buried (or skipped?) goes back to a previous attempt on her life.

When she first returned to Pakistan in October of 2007, her convoy was hit by a deadly bombing attack in which 158 of her loyal followers lost their lives.

In early November, following the attack, she was interviewed by Sir David Frost -- a taped interview (linked here) -- when she revealed astonishing news about Osama Bin Laden that, if true, should have rocked the headlines throughout the USA.

But our media never said a word about it.

It was just a tiny segment, one second about one third of the way into the interview, a small part of just one sentence... in which she describes one of three people she believes is behind much of the terroristic activities in their region. She says, and I quote:

"...he also had dealings with Omar Sheikh, the man who murdered Osama Bin Laden..."

After listening to the entire interview several times, the first set of questions that come to mind are:

Was it just a slip of the tongue and she meant "the man who murdered David Pearl" ...? Or did she really mean OBL? What is the truth? Why didn't David Frost follow up on the statement with her? Why did he accept the statement so easily? What do they know over there that we do not know over here?

The next set of questions are even more uncomfortable:

Was it missed by our media? Was the information about OBL that she referred to withheld? Is our media still trying to be corroborated the story? Or have our media been instructed not to dig too deeply here?

Before the mention of "the murder" she clearly mentions OBL's son as the leader of one of several groups that General Musharrif wrote to her about and told her she might be under threat from.

But she responded to him in a letter naming three names that she felt should be investigated -- three people she believed strongly are out to stop democracy in Pakistan through the funding and supporting of activities by those groups.

Interestingly, OBL was NOT one of the names on the list for those groups. No.

But in the interview she CLEARLY and PRECISELY named the son -- not the father -- as the leader of one of the groups she was told might be out to attack her; almost as though it's common knowledge over there that the father is no longer alive?

If the information she said is true (hard to doubt based on how it was said and in the context in which it was delivered), then it's sure to have a profound impact going into 2008 on how some will view the so-named "war" in which our country is embroiled.

She was VERY SPECIFIC in naming names. I find it difficult to believe she meant someone other than OBL. But, will we ever know the truth?

You can watch the interview here and draw your own conclusions.

2. North American Monetary Events - The Dawn of a Different Dollar?

Everyone in financial sectors is hopping up and down, talking about the sub-prime mess, but few have highlighted one important story that blipped on the screen as early as 2006 and continued "blipping" in 2007 which could drastically change how we view the dollar in 2008 and beyond.

By now, you've probably seen (maybe even closely watched) what happened in Europe when the monetary system was changed over to the Euro, right?

Think something like that can't happen on our shores?

Think again...

In certain circles it's been said the Amero dollar is coming. The ability to make it happen (and acceptable) however, is fraught with a few obstacles that need to be addressed.

Starting out in 2007, the first hurdle was that the American dollar was too high, the Mexican far too low, and everything needed to be leveled out to somewhere near the middle where the Canadian dollar fit nicely... or so the story goes.

So, the sub-prime mess -- was it an instrument (pure conjecture on my part) to make certain conditions come about (?) -- or was it, as reported, just really poor, and I mean really really really really shoddily poor, judgement and incompetance throughout the entire credit and financial chain.

Hard to believe so many so-called financial wizards could be so culpable as a whole, isn't it?

Beyond the value of currencies in North America, there is another hurdle that must be overcome. The second hurdle is to get all three countries on board with the plan with some form of an agreement. Make sense?

Well, well, well... lookey here. Watch this blip on mainstream media: "NORTH AMERICAN UNION"

So, now we have this here little agreement in place since 2006 plus a massive drop in the American dollar value on world markets. What next?

The third hurdle would be getting the people to believe in a new form of currency that would encompass all of North America. High inflation coupled with high unemployment is a recipe for recession (actually bordering depression) which some say would definitely accomplish the goal.

I'm guessing that would spur people to accept a new currency.

You know, on December 23, 1913, the Federal Reserve Act was signed by President Woodrow Wilson. He seems to have had some regret afterward as this quote attributed to him would seem to suggest:

"A great industrial nation is controlled by its system of credit. Our system of credit is privately concentrated. The growth of the nation, therefore, all our activities are in the hands of a few men... (W)e have come to be one of the worst ruled, one of the most completely controlled and dominated, governments in the civilized world; no longer a government by conviction and the vote of the majority, but a government by the opinion and the duress of small groups of dominant men." -- Woodrow Wilson

By events of this past year, one can't help but think along the same lines as Mr. Wilson.

If you really want to understand a bit more about fiat currencies and would like some light reading on the history of money, here's an interesting piece you might enjoy.

It's old news already, and yet the full story hasn't been written yet; but keeping a careful eye on the evolution of our dollar would be well-advised in light of the preceding.

Is the Amero Dollar on the way? Here's another little "blip" on the mainstream media screen. Check this short 2006 video out: "The Amero - North American Currency"

It's no wonder the entrepreneurial establishment of the Liberty Dollar had to be swiftly -- and most thoroughly -- shut down so close to the end of 2007. It would be a terrible thing if another form of "currency" were to appear in the middle of all of this, wouldn't it? Gotta stop that nonsense from happening... I say tongue-in-cheek.

3. Health in our Future - Salmonella Microbes and More

What happens to salmonella microbes when they are exposed to space travel? Answer -- "The returning microbes are now three times as nasty as their primitive Earth-bound cousins." (link)

That little-reported experiment probably means nothing to people residing on our planet, but it could mean a whole lot with respect to any foods sent to the space station or beyond.

You see, the nasty little microbe problem here on earth is worse than most people are probably even aware... and new "morphs" are emerging all the time.

If these pesky little salmonella microbes could triple in size, what could happen to things like e. coli, listeria, etc., etc.?

The MRSA superbug story hit mainstream media, but missing in most coverage was the animal connection. Just like the e. coli contaminated water investigation in the California produce growing regions, again the animal connection was treated lightly at best.

Add up all the recalls (and recalls that might have been missed?) and you might start thinking these pesky bugs are being churned out on our planet at factory-level speeds.

The year 2008 is shaping up to be a challenging one for bio-tech scientists to wrestle with, possibly taking their attention off of fabricating new proteins and manipulating genes, and instead seriously studying the nasty spread of microbes that are quickly turning into unstoppable killers.

It's not too late ....is it?

In other health news, there are experiments underway regarding how we (humans) age that are producing mind-blowing theories. For one example, it's believed among some scientists involved that humans are actually capable of living to be 1,000 years old. But, as with anything so radical that could have the potential to wipe out trillion dollar industries like the health industry, there are people who want to stop the research. (Go figure.)

For a bizarre look at the experimentation underway that has, in my opinion, completely fallen off the mass media screen, check this blog out.

Imagine if we actually did live up to 1,000 years in age. That's a very very long time to get to the truth of some unanswered (even forgotten) questions. Picture the huge body of knowledge and experiences we could then pass on to future generations. Hmmmmm....

4. That's Entertainment - the Move to Digital TV

Okay, this is a short one. I just find it odd that not more about it appears in mainstream media, but maybe I'm not watching the right stations. And for those who don't already have a digital viewing capable television set, they most likely won't be watching any television beginning on February 18, 2009. Why? That's when the big switch goes through and television stations will stop broadcasting analog signals.

Those with cable or satellite services won't need to bother with getting a converter.

But for the rest...

You can read more about it and learn how you can get your digital tv converter coupons (2 per family) free from the Government in this article.

5. Asteroid Collision - The Answer to My Last Riddle

In my last post, I posed the following riddle:

QUESTION: What are scientists watching closely as we near January 30/2008 that is: big (about 50 meters in diameter), flies at a speed of 1.2 km per second (8 miles/second) and carries the potential to unleash energy equivalent to a 15-megaton nuclear bomb?

The answer was supposed to be posted the following day, but you simply wouldn't believe how busy things have been here for me.

So, number five on the list of BIG STORIES MISSED is actually the ANSWER to the riddle.

You see, there is this asteroid hurtling its way through space, that a couple weeks ago was said to have a one in 75 chance of hitting Mars on Jan. 30, 2008. Hey -- that's this month!

And it looks like the asteroid now has an even higher probability of slamming into Mars, at least according to this Reuters article on the subject.

The JPL website notes that, in the unlikely event of an impact, the head-on collision would take place on January 30th at 2:55 a.m. Pacific Standard Time, with an uncertainty of a few minutes.

The odds are now about 1 in 25 ...which by any calculation is positively HUGE when it comes to space. You can bet star watchers all over the world will be waiting and watching with baited breath to see what happens later this month.

And if it hits?

Scientists will have a field day! Just imagine how much data can be retrieved by our little robots on Mars... that is, if the dust fallout doesn't totally destroy their solar energy collecting capabilities.

This is one collision the scientific community is actually hoping will take place.

It's shaping up to be a very interesting year ahead.

Happy New Year to all of you... and thank you for reading. I appreciate you.


PS: And the next riddle is.

QUESTION: How big is the biggest diamond now known to man?

Gotta run. See 'ya soon!