April | 2012 | Not Mainstream Alternative News and Views

Monsanto buys leading bee research firm after being implicated in bee colony collapse – This is NOT Good!!!

April 30, 2012 — craftledger

Amid all the controversy over genetically-modified (GM) crops and their pesticides and herbicides decimating bee populations all around the world, biotechnology behemoth Monsanto has decided to buy out one of the major international firms devoted to studying and protecting bees. According to a company announcement, Beeologics handed over the reins to Monsanto back on September 28, 2011, which means the gene-manipulating giant will now be able to control the flow of information and products coming from Beeologics for colony collapse disorder (CCD).

Since 2007, Beeologics has been studying CCD, as well as Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV), for the purpose of coming up with intervention-based ways to mitigate these conditions. And based on the way the company describes both CCD and IAPV on its website, Beeologics has largely taken the approach that intervention, rather than prevention, is the key to solving the global bee crisis.

Now that Beeologics is owned and controlled by Monsanto, the company is sure to completely avoid dealing with the true causes of CCD and IAPV as they pertain to Monsanto’s crop technologies — GMOs and their chemical counterparts. So going into the future, it seems expected that Beeologics will come up with “scientific breakthroughs” that deny any link between CCD and GMO technologies, and instead blame mystery pathogens and other factors that require more chemicals to eliminate.

According to Anthony Gucciardi at Activist Post, Beeologics has also long had a cozy relationship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is convenient for Monsanto. The USDA, in fact, considers Beeologics to be one of the foremost bee research organizations in the world, as does the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the mainstream media and “leading entomologists” worldwide, according to the company.

Monsanto to use Beeologics’ ‘biological tools’ to develop more GMOs, crop chemicals

Beeologics’ acquisition announcement explains that Monsanto plans to incorporate all the biological research that Beeologics has conducted over the years into its own programs for developing more GMO systems. Monsanto has also seized control of a key product that is currently in the Beeologics development pipeline that supposedly “help[s] protect bee health.”

“Monsanto will use the base technology from Beeologics as a part of its continuing discovery and development pipeline,” says the announcement. “Biological products will continue to play an increasingly important role in supporting the sustainability of many agricultural systems.”

To translate, it appears as though Monsanto plans to use even more chemical inputs to supposedly solve the bee collapse problem, even though it is these very inputs that are largely the cause of the bee collapse problem. Several recent studies, after all, have definitively linked crop pesticides and herbicides, as well as high fructose corn syrup, to CCD.

The future looks bleak for bees, in other words, as Monsanto appears poised to slowly gobble up all the competing companies and organizations that threaten its own GMO products, while pretending to care about the dwindling bee populations. And unless drastic action is taken to stop Monsanto in its continued quest to dominate global agriculture, the food supply as we know it will soon be a thing of the past.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.beeologics.com/breaking_news.asp

7 helpful tips for creating a successful organic vegetable garden almost anywhere – I Hope!

April 30, 2012 — craftledger

There is nothing like enjoying the fruits of your labor, literally! The seeds you just planted turn out as little shoots and flowers until they grow into bulbs and finally young little things waiting for their weaning. Picking the tomatoes and leafy greens you’ve been waiting to grow for weeks, can give you a feeling of achievement and pride bordering almost on being a parent.

If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry. Gardening, like all skills, requires time to develop. There isn’t even a standard to follow. How you develop your garden will all depend on the resources on hand and how you want develop it.

Gardening as a hobby

Creating a vegetable garden is not rocket science. In fact, producing your own food and feeding your family in the process can be fun and inexpensive way of engaging in food production. It teaches you as well your family the value of self-reliance and food security.
You can indulge in this venture as a hobby and a source of physical activity, which contributes to the maintenance of mental health. As a means of making your own personal contribution, it is a delightful way to earn extra cash. The following are some techniques that you can use in plotting out your organic farming venture:

1. Avoid the use of chemical inputs – In organic farming, no chemical products like herbicides, pesticides or even fertilizers are used. Plants are allowed to grow without the intervention of chemicals allowing for safe handling from farm to plate guaranteeing a nutritious and healthy yield. Moreover, because no chemical inputs are used, it translates to large savings for farmers while keeping the environment safe.

2. Take advantage of the “biological fight”- In nature, agriculture can take advantage of organisms that are natural predators of parasites and are allies to plants. Insects like ladybugs and chrysopes feed on aphids, while frogs and birds eat insects, snails and worms. Welcoming these animals in your garden contribute to a healthy ecosystem that ensure your vegetables are safe from toxins.

3. Preserve hedges and thickets, replant along the borders to offer shelter and food to animals and insects useful to cultivation – To take advantage of the “biological fight,” provide the necessary environment for insects and animals that feed on pests can take shelter and feed. Preserving hedges and thickets encourages these beneficial predators to stay in your property and assist in your efforts at organic farming. This symbiotic mutual relationship can help farmers improve their yield while providing a balanced and sustainable nature-friendly ecosystem.

4. Use cultivation – Cultivating the earth depletes it from nutrients. It is, therefore, necessary to give it fallow period, so it can regain what it had lost after a cropping season. This method allows for simplification of organic farming since it can provide some natural advantages. The interchange of different plants that undermine disease and pests is cost-effective, because it takes away pest control and disease prevention and is normally done as a commercial, agricultural venture that makes for an ideal option to farmers everywhere.

5. Use natural fertilizers -Nature has its own fertilizers. They are either of animal origin such as manure or plant origin, like green manure or organic leftovers from the kitchen. Fertilizers help the soil retain nutrients. Moreover, the introduction of legumes whose roots contain bacteria that convert nitrogen in the air to soluble nitrogen in crop rotation allows for keeping the soil’s fertility intact.

6. Monitor seasonal conditions – Keeping tab on the environment to schedule the right moment to carry out treatments against certain diseases affecting plants can be identified, thus resulting in the use of the necessary products at the right time, saving money, time and effort.

7. Consider using raised beds -This method is advantageous for controlling aching backs and can help keep weeds at bay while saving space for other uses. Raised beds mean you don’t have to walk on your beds, and they are no wider than a couple of meters. You can reach anywhere in the bed without stepping on the soil and once undertaken, the garden won’t require some heavy digging.

Gardening is neither a new concept nor is it a fad. It is the oldest and most practical means of producing food. Organic vegetables are prettier, healthier and tastier than their non-organic cousins. Moreover, it benefits not just you but the environment as well as the animals that live of the land, resulting to a balanced and healthy ecosystem.

Source: naturalnews.com

Posted in *'Save The Planet' Environmental Tips & Ideas, Environment News Stories, Health & Food News. Tags: Organic Gardening Ideas, organic vegetable gardens. Comments Off

Facebook bans woman for photos of son with Down’s syndrome

April 30, 2012 — craftledger

An American woman was banned from Facebook after she posted photos of her son affected with Down’s syndrome. The social network, which termed the pictures “inappropriate”, has now apologised.

Down’s syndrome is a condition caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. It is associated with a delay in cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.

Diana Cornwell – from North Carolina – posted the photos on Facebook of her seven-year-old son competing at a local Special Olympics event. When she next logged on, she received messages from the website monitoring team that said the pictures violated its user agreement.

Cornwell’s account was disabled for three days until she took down the photos.

“Every photo was of my son at the Special Olympics Event. There was nothing wrong with those pictures,” she said.

Facebook later apologised for the incident and said “human error” was to blame.

“The photo was taken down in error. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and we hope she’ll repost the photo and continue to share her son’s experience at the Special Olympics on Facebook,” the website said in a statement

Posted in Bad & Disgraceful News Stories and Views, Human Rights News Stories. Tags: Down's syndrome, Facebook, physical growth. Comments Off

US pastor Terry Jones burns Koran again

April 30, 2012 — craftledger

CONTROVERSIAL US pastor Terry Jones has burned more copies of the Koran and a depiction of the prophet Mohammed to protest the imprisonment in Iran of a Christian clergyman, The Gainesville Sun reported.

The newspaper said Jones and another pastor, who carried out their protest in front of their church in Gainesville, Florida on Saturday, demanded the release of Christian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani from an Iranian prison.
Jones said Nadarkhani faces execution.

According to the report, the Pentagon urged Jones to reconsider, expressing concern that American soldiers in Afghanistan and elsewhere could be put at greater risk because of the act.

In March 2011, Jones’ assistant, pastor Wayne Sapp, burned a copy of the Koran and broadcast the ceremony on the internet.

The images incited violence in northern Afghanistan, in which at least 12 people were killed.

Later, a man wearing an Afghan border police uniform shot dead two US military personnel.

About 20 people attended Saturday’s burning, the paper said. Several Gainesville police officers were stationed across the street from the church.

Moments after the ceremony, the Gainesville fire department issued the church a citation for violating the city’s fire ordinances, the paper noted

Posted in General News Stories, Human Rights News Stories, Only in The USA News Stories. Tags: Attention Getter, Iran, Koran. Comments Off

Monsanto Pesticide Found to Infect Plants with AIDS-like Disease!

April 29, 2012 — craftledger

When Dr. Don Huber, professor emeritus at Purdue University and internationally-recognized plant pathologist, wrote a letter back in January to US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack, warning him about a new mystery disease showing up primarily in genetically-modified (GM) crops, the notice fell on deaf ears.

Research conducted by a team of senior plant and animal scientists found that Monsanto’s glyphosate chemical, which is the primary ingredient in its popular RoundUp herbicide formula, appears responsible for infecting plants with an AIDS-like syndrome that destroys their immunity, blocks their absorption of certain vitamins and minerals, and eventually kills them.

Dr. Huber explains in his letter that the destruction caused by glyphosate does not appear limited to plants, either — animals and humans alike that consume foods tainted with the chemical, or that are exposed in some other way to it, are potentially susceptible to developing the same autoimmune disorder. For this reason, Dr. Huber urged the USDA to further investigate RoundUp, as well as to deny the deregulation of GM alfalfa.

You can read a copy of Dr. Huber’s letter for yourself here:
http://es-la.facebook.com/notes/wood-prairie-farm/the-complete-text-o…

The key factor of Dr. Huber’s discovery was a microscopic pathogen specifically prevalent in GM crops. The pathogen, he explained in an interview with Food Democracy Now! (FDN) as well as in his letter, is common. But an apparent weakening of plant immunity by glyphosate makes plants treated with the chemical more susceptible to contracting the harmful pathogen. And as a result of exposure, large swaths of GM farmland have died, and many animals that feed on GM-tainted meal have become infertile or have had abortions.

But instead of listening to the scientifically sound advice of Dr. Huber and withholding deregulation of GM alfalfa until more intense safety studies could be conducted, the USDA decided to ignore it all and approve the “Frankencrop” anyway.

To watch the full video interview between FDN and Dr. Huber, visit:
http://vimeo.com/22997532

Sources for this story include:

http://www.bnet.com/blog/food-industry/mystery-science-more-details-o…

Mad Cow Disease May Infect Through Milk Despite USDA Claims

April 29, 2012 — craftledger

Source: Activist Post

Following the latest confirmed case of mad cow disease in California, the USDA and the dairy industry alike are struggling to assure consumers that drinking affected milk poses no serious risk to your health.

Despite these warnings, some scientists have found research that points to the contrary. In fact, two large studies found that prions — pathogenic agents associated with mad cow disease and other life-threatening conditions — can actually transfer from animal to animal via milk consumption.

One such study, performed by a conglomerate of French, Norwegian, and British researchers, actually observed the presence of prions in sheep milk – the very prions that the USDA says cannot inhabit US dairy. Shockingly, this peer-reviewed study was published back in 2008 in the journal PLoS Pathogens. Why has the USDA not spoken of this study, or even the second study that reached similar conclusions?

In case you’re unsure, let’s examine an excerpt from the study authors:

This finding indicates that milk from small ruminants could contribute to the transmission of prion disease between animals. It also raises some concern with regard to the risk to humans associated with milk products from bovine and other dairy species.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Bad & Disgraceful News Stories and Views, Boycott & Protest Worthy News Stories, Environment News Stories, Health & Food News, Scary News News Stories, WTF News Stories. Tags: Mad Cow Disease, mad cow disease in California, Milk, USDA. Comments Off

Nutella busted after misleading health claims

April 28, 2012 — craftledger

Nutella hazelnut spread win strife with US mother who alledge maker Ferrero made misleading claims about nutrition.

Consumers felt mislead, ripped off
Nutella settle sto the tue of $3 million out of court
Also had to change packaging making health claims

CONSUMERS who feel they were cheated into buying Nutella as a nutritious treat could be entitled to cash, after class action lawsuits inspired by a Californian mom were settled to the tune of $3 million.

Athena Hohenberg filed the initial suit in California, over a year ago, claiming busy moms were being fooled into thinking the popular chocolate-hazelnut spread would help them “nourish their children with whole grains” as “part of a balanced meal,” but was actually closer in nutritional value to a “candy bar.”

Hohenberg’s actions were soon followed by Laura Rude-Barbato, who also filed a claim in California, along with Marnie Glover and Jayme Kaczmarek, who filed separately in New Jersey.

The settlements agreed by Nutella’s manufacturer, Ferrero U.S.A., are to be divided among the suits’ claimants – and Hohenberg is urging others to join her.

Anyone who bought the spread in California between August 1, 2009, and January 23, 2012, or any other in US state between January 1, 2008, and February 3, 2012, could be entitled to money from the settlement funds, according to the Nutella Consumer Class Action Settlements website.

Each claimant will be paid $4 per jar of Nutella bought during those periods up to a maximum of $20. If the total claim exceeds the net settlement fund, each claimant will receive a smaller amount, according to January court documents.

Hohenberg said she launched the suit when she realized Nutella “contains dangerous level of saturated fat,” despite its marketing leading her to believe it was nutritious.

She claimed many consumers would not have purchased the product had they been aware that the health claims surrounding it were overblown.

The spread’s nutrition label shows there are about 200 calories in each two-tablespoon serving, about half of which come from fat. The suit noted that consumption of saturated fat has been shown to cause heart disease, while consumption of processed sugar has been shown to cause Type 2 diabetes.

In addition to the financial settlement, Ferrero has been forced to change Nutella’s labeling and some of its marketing statements.

Posted in Bad & Disgraceful News Stories and Views, Boycott & Protest Worthy News Stories, Health & Food News. Tags: Fat, Ferrero, Health claims, Nutella. Comments Off

Home Remedies for Headaches…Without Adverse Side Effects from Pharmaceutical Drugs

April 27, 2012 — craftledger

Source: Activist Post

Headaches are one of the most common ailments that strikes all too often today. A bad headache can completely ruin your day, and in many cases escalate stress levels significantly. It may not seem like a serious health concern, but when you do have a splitting headache, you will find it difficult to concentrate while physical functions will also be negatively affected.

If you’re someone who regularly experiences headaches, you may find it difficult to resist grabbing an over-the-counter pain reliever. Before becoming overly dependent on these pharmaceuticals, you should consider using natural solutions. These could successfully alleviate the pain without ingesting pharmaceutical drugs that can cause adverse side-effects. Here are some home remedies for headaches.

For the first and easiest solution, try increasing water consumption. This type of pain can be caused by constricted blood vessels which prevent proper blood circulation and results to throbbing and pain. Water can resolve dehydration and improve blood circulation. In addition to guzzling down water once you begin to feel a headache, increase overall water consumption on a daily basis.

Interestingly, peppermint oil can also help in reducing headache pains. The same effect can also be achieved by using lavender oil. It is the combination of the soothing scents and environment-feel that allows you to relax and eventually lose the intense pain. To achieve faster results, you can also rub or gently massage your head and the areas surrounding the painful area. The stimulation will allow better blood circulation as well.
If you have been experiencing chronic headaches for days, then it is time to recognize the positive impact fruits can have.

Eating apples in the morning for at least a week can give you impressive positive results, while creating a paste out of freshly pounded lemon fruit can also be the perfect solution. The lemon paste should be applied on the painful area.

If your headache is caused by sinusitis, grab a pot and boil some ginger. Inhaling the vapor could be enough to help. In addition to relieving pain from headaches, ginger has also been shown to be a cancer fighter.

Posted in Advice & Tips, Drugs & Alcohol News Stories, Health & Food News. Tags: Home Remedies, Natural Headache Remedies. Comments Off

Pet ban for couple who kept ‘sea of animals’ in home

April 27, 2012 — craftledger

A COUPLE with five young kids kept 56 big dogs and other pets crammed into their four-bedroom semi.

When animal inspectors raided the house, they found a nine-month-old baby in a bed soiled with bird droppings.

All James and Nicola Hood’s children were said to be at risk of contracting disease from the animals.

The RSPCA inspectors were “swamped by a sea of dogs” in the living room during the raid and said there were “too many to count” in the back garden.

James, 40, and Nicola, 32, were yesterday banned from keeping animals for eight years.

As well as the dogs, which included huskies, alsatians, rottweilers and Staffordshire bull terriers, they had three cats, six birds, including love birds in dirty cages, and four chinchillas.

In court yesterday, the Hoods’ lawyer Ian Denley said they thought of the house as an animal sanctuary and were devastated by the loss of the dogs.

He added: “The irony of this case is that both Mr Hood and Mrs Hood are animal-loving people.

“Clearly this enterprise got out of control and both my clients accept that was the case.” The family currently have two gerbils, two hamsters, a cat, a lizard, four cockatiels and a green Amazon parrot, the court heard.

Mr Denley also claimed the family had received death threats and had bricks and eggs thrown at their house.

The Hoods had earlier admitted nine animal cruelty charges at their home in Minehead, Somerset.

The prosecution had told the court in March many of the animals had been suffering from complaints affecting their eyes, teeth, ears and skin, some of them for up to a year.

Neighbours complained of endless noise from the dogs and said the smell was so bad, it stopped them going into their own gardens.

Taunton Magistrates’ Court chairman Keith Parks yesterday told the couple: “Taking into account your early guilty pleas, your lack of previous convictions and your inability to comply with a community order, we are imposing a conditional discharge for 24 months.”

They were also ordered to pay £250 each towards the RSPCA’s costs at £5 each a week.

The conditional discharge means the Hoods will be re-sentenced if they breach the conditions of their release.

Speaking outside the court, RSPCA inspector Amanda Swift said: “This case highlights the need for a scheme to properly register dogs.”

When RSPCA officers raided the house last October, they said they were immediately hit by a “strong smell of ammonia” after entering the “dirty” house.

Most of the dogs have been rehomed.

Somerset County Council said they were made aware of the family and dealt with the issue of child safety.

Posted in Bad & Disgraceful News Stories and Views, Boycott & Protest Worthy News Stories, Protests News Stories. Tags: animal lovers, animal neglect, Dogs. Comments Off

‘Natural’ breakfast cereals loaded with pesticides and GMOs – Health Watchers, This Is Not Very Good

April 26, 2012 — craftledger

Source: Natural News

For far too long, breakfast cereal makers have carried out highly deceptive product labeling and positioning campaigns through the use of the term “natural.” Consumers are easily misled by this term, believing it to mean the product is free from pesticide chemicals and genetically engineered ingredients. But an explosive new investigation by the Cornucopia Institute (www.Cornucopia.org) — the same group that exposed the widespread use of hexane solvents in soy protein — is set to send shockwaves through the “natural” products industry by revealing which so-called “natural” brands actually contain high levels GMOs and toxic chemical pesticides.

This story will also be covered this Thursday on the Alex Jones Show (www.InfoWars.com), when a representative from the Cornucopia Institute will be interviewed on live national radio. You can help spread the word about this important story by sharing this article.

Three facts you need to know about GMOs before you read the explosive test results below

Before you view the Cornucopia’s test results below, there are three important things you need to know about GMOs:

#1) There is GE contamination in almost everything. Even “non-GMO” food products almost always contain trace levels of GMOs (often between .01% and 0.5%). A test for the mere presence of GMOs is not considered conclusive. What’s important is the level of GMOs in a particular food item. Some of the “natural” items tested by the Cornucopia Institute showed GMO contamination levels between 28 and 100 %, which means the key ingredients in those cereals are most definitely genetically engineered from the source (and it’s not just a chance contamination from some other nearby field).

#2) All GMO tests are merely a “snapshot” that can change over time. Foods that test free of GMOs today may contain higher levels tomorrow due to supply line errors, contamination, supply source changes, and so on. At the same time, foods that test at high levels of GMOs today may test at lower levels in the future or even for different batches from the same manufacturer. Sometimes manufacturers are lied to by their suppliers. Some manufacturers test for GMOs in every batch, but others take a “don’t ask don’t tell” approach where they don’t test because they’d rather not know.

#3) Products may be “enrolled” in the Non-GMO Project and still contain GMOs before they are “verified.” The Non-GMO Project has two designations for products. There are products which are “enrolled” which means they are “on the path” to becoming free of GMOs but may not have achieved it yet. Thus, it is true that products “enrolled” in the Non-GMO Project may still contain substantial levels of GMOs. Products that meet far more stringent supply line audits and GE testing requirements are granted the label “Verified” by the Non-GMO Project.

You got all that? It’s a lot to keep in mind. GMOs are a complicated issue. But one thing is certain: Most “natural” breakfast cereals contain surprisingly high levels of genetically engineered ingredients. This is why it’s crucial to shop for certified organic breakfast cereals from companies like Nature’s Path, whose products are 100% certified organic and free from GMOs.

All these concerns about GMOs don’t even cover residues of toxic and carcinogenic pesticides in the grains used to produce “natural” breakfast cereals. The Cornucopia report cites extensive USDA testing and research revealing which “natural” grains and ingredients may be routinely contaminated with chemical pesticides. Synthetic pesticides are banned in organic production with oversight by independent certifiers and USDA accreditation, so organic is once again the way to go if you wish to avoid pesticide residues.

Keep reading to see some of the shocking test results uncovered by the Cornucopia Institute…

Here’s what the test results reveal

The Cornucopia Institute’s “Cereal Scorecard” (http://www.cornucopia.org/2011/10/natural-vs-organic-cereal/) reveals some truly astonishing facts about what’s in our breakfast cereal:

• Kashi brand cereals (Kellogg’s) contains “high levels” of GMOs. Not just a trace of GMOs, in other words, but a high level meaning the key ingredients are genetically engineered from the get-go. In fact, NaturalNews has learned that test results reveal 100% of the soy used in tested boxes of Kashi cereal was genetically engineered soy.

• Mother’s brand cereals (PepsiCo) contains “high levels” of GMOs. Test results revealed 28% of the corn to be genetically engineered.

• Whole Foods’ 365 brand Corn Flakes contains “high levels” of GMOs (more than 50% GE corn).

• Barbara’s Bakery Puffins cereal was also shown to contain more than 50% genetically engineered corn.

• Both Barbara’s Bakery Puffins and Whole Foods 365 Corn Flakes are “enrolled” in the Non-GMO Project, says Cornucopia (see below). Note that this does not mean “verified” by the Non-GMO Project, which is a different designation. Still, the term “enrolled” in the Non-GMO Project may imply to many shoppers that the products are free from GMOs. This is something NaturalNews will address later, as it is a concern for both us and many readers who have long believed that any affiliation with the Non-GMO Project meant the same thing as “GMO free,” which it does not.

• One of the shining examples honest organic cereal is Nature’s Path, whose products are all certified organic, contained no significant GMO contamination and are clearly made with entirely non-GMO ingredients.

• As the report states: Numerous “natural” products were indeed contaminated with high levels of GE ingredients, sometimes as high as 100%: Kashi GoLean, Mother’s Bumpers, Nutritious Living Hi-Lo, and General Mills Kix.

• Kashi Heart to Heart Blueberry cereal costs more than Nature’s Path Organic Blueberry Cinnamon Optimum Cereal, and yet the grains used in Kashi cereal were found by the USDA, to typically contain residues of all the following pesticide chemicals: phosmet, carbaryl, azinphos methyl, malathion, chlorpyrifos methyl, chlorpyrifos. (Note: This does not mean these Kashi cereals were tested for each of these chemicals, only that these chemicals are admitted by the USDA to be found in the non-organic grains used to manufacture Kashi cereals.)

• Quaker Oats states that it is an “all-natural” product. But Quaker Oats (a unit of PepsiCo) manages a processing plant that emits roughly 19,000 pounds of sulfuryl fluoride yearly. Sulfuryl fluoride is a toxic greenhouse gas used to treat crops like oats in storage.

• “Natural” Peace Cereal Wild Berry Crisp is produced from conventional commodity ingredients commonly containing the neurotoxin phosmet and the carcinogen captan in 11% and 55% of samples, respectively.

• Mom’s Best Naturals Raisin Bran cereal contains “natural” (non-GMO) ingredients that are commonly contaminated with malathion and phosmet chemicals, both of which are neurotoxins.

• Several Bear Naked and Kashi products contain conventional soy protein. Soy protein in this country is nearly universally hexane-extracted. The “hexane bath” that the soybeans are immersed in consists of more than 50% n-hexane, which is a known neurotoxin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Where you can learn more

View the Scorecard page or download the PDF report:
http://www.cornucopia.org/2011/10/natural-vs-organic-cereal/

Posted in Boycott & Protest Worthy News Stories, Environment News Stories, Health & Food News, News Worthy To Tell Your Friends About, True Or False News Stories- Not Sure!. Tags: Bad Health, Breakfast Cereals, carcinogenicity, chemical pesticides, Cornucopia Institute, genetically modified foods, GM Food, GMO crops, toxic chemical pesticides, Toxins, USDA. Comments Off

Ukraine protests ‘humiliating’ Dutch TV advertisement

April 26, 2012 — craftledger

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry is protesting a Dutch television advert that advises women to keep their husbands from attending the Euro 2012 football championship in June because they are likely to be seduced by Ukraine’s beautiful women.

In the clip titled Keep Him Home, the Netherlands Energy Company offers a free beer tap to customers who sign up for its services.

If Dutch men were able to tap their own beer, the ad implies, they would be more likely to watch the games at home instead of travelling to Ukraine.

An internet search of “Ukrainian woman” shown in the clip yields dozens of photos of women in erotic outfits and poses.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Voloshin said today the ad was “humiliating and discriminatory.”

The Dutch Foreign Ministry declined to comment

Posted in Fashion & Entertainment News, Love and Relationship News Stories, SEX News / Stories. Tags: erotica, Euro 2012 football, Ukraine women. Comments Off

The food industry is waging war on your cells with these 10 toxic ingredients

April 26, 2012 — craftledger

Preservatives and synthetic food agents found in foods inhibit oxygen and delay the development of fungus and mold, creating a longer shelf-life for products. But after being consumed, these toxins deprive human cells of oxygen and rob them of nutrients, thus leading to cell mutation and the perfect breeding ground for cancer.

Just like humans, cells need oxygen to survive and thrive. “Fungus fighting” preservatives and man-made food agents choke out your body’s nutrients at the DNA level by depriving mitochondrial cells of oxygen, sometimes completely shutting them down. And if the body does not have enough essential nutrients, it becomes more susceptible to disease.

Longer shelf life, shorter human life

If you’re not a label-reader already, you better become one soon. You don’t have to be a chemist or a linguist either, just be able to sight read and spot the poisons so you can live cancer-free. Most food toxins are followed by a phrase, often in parenthesis, to make them sound “safe” and in your best interest, like “as a preservative,” or “for added freshness,” or “to preserve flavor.” These catchy little phrases really mean for the added choking of your cells to aid with cancer development.

The top 10 cell stranglers revealed

The United States has several major regulatory agencies and “cancer prevention” organizations which have not only been suppressing natural cancer cures for 70 years, but have been approving, supporting, endorsing and profiting from cancer-causing agents in food, beverages and cosmetics since World War II.

1. Sodium Benzoate: This stealthy killer flies under most people’s radar, and is found in just about everything in jars and bottles, like salad dressing, pickles, sauces, mayonnaise, almost all soda and juice drinks, and even in foods labeled as “all natural.”

2. Canola Oil: This artificial, Canadian-exported GMO is super popular and is found in over 30% of all products. It chokes out your mitochondrial cells. Canola oil is really rapeseed oil and can cause emphysema and respiratory distress, eventually leading to cancer.

3. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): The FDA allows 20 “pseudo” names for it including autolyzed yeast extract, free glutamate, glutamic acid, soy lecithin, calcium caseinate, hydrolyzed corn, hydrolyzed soy protein, and maltodextrin to name a few. Just because a product says “No MSG” doesn’t mean it’s not in there!

4. Sodium Nitrates (nitrosamines): Used for fertilizers and explosives, and as a solvent in the dry cleaning industry. This ingredient keeps hemoglobin molecules in your blood from carrying oxygen to your body tissues. It’s considered a “super salt” (like MSG) added to things like hot dogs, cold cuts and bacon for added shelf-life, color and flavor. Problems compound when microwaved.

5. Margarine: The body cannot incorporate trans-fatty acids into membranes, thus causing deformed cellular structures. Vegetable shortening and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils accelerate aging and degenerative changes in tissues.

6. Anti-foaming agents: (Dimethylpolysiloxane) An industrial chemical used in caulks and sealants. This component is mostly used in fast food chicken nuggets and eggs. Also watch for TBHQ, a petroleum derivative, used as a stabilizer in perfumes, resins, varnishes and oil field chemicals, and linked to stomach tumors and DNA damage.

7. Anti-caking agents: Chemicals that absorb moisture and prevent other compounds from sticking together. These are added to table salt and powdered food products. They are often composed of phosphate, carbonate, silicate and oxide compounds which contain aluminum. Watch for sodium alumino-silicate, alumino-calcium silicate and aluminium silicate. Aluminum is linked to Alzheimer’s and is also used in flu shots and vaccines.

8. Artificial colorings: Synthetic petrochemicals made from petroleum, antifreeze and ammonia. Blue #1 causes kidney tumors in mice. Red #2 and Blue #2 cause brain and bladder tumors in rats. Red #3 causes thyroid cancer in animals, and is banned in cosmetics, but still allowed in food. Red #40 debilitates the immune-system. Green #3 causes bladder and testes tumors. Yellow #5 and #6 cause adrenal tumors in animals.

9. Emulsifiers: Carrageenan, polysorbate 80 and brominated vegetable oil (BVO). These are stabilizing, smoothing and thickening agents. They are typically found in chocolate milk, cottage cheese, ice cream, infant formula and jelly. BVO remains in body fat for years. Polysorbate 80 is also found in most vaccines.

10. Artificial Sweeteners: Aspartame, Acesulfame K, Sucralose, Sorbitol, Truvia, and of course, Saccharin. Because they taste sweet, these chemical sweeteners trick the body into ingesting them and holding on to them for extended periods of time, turning rancid in the body fat. Fake sugars are the “Trojan horses” of the cell-choking and mutating, food agent industry. Sorbitol is also found in many vaccines.

America has been breeding and treating cancer with chemicals for 70 years

How does a politician running for office or for a position with a United States Government regulatory agency guarantee winning that election or appointment? He or she simply supports the insidious toxic food and medicine industry by meeting with lobbyists, promising the approval of chemical food agents that strangulate human DNA cells, and furthering legislation which supports cancer treatments to do more of the same.

Besides the wars in the Middle East, there’s a Domestic War going on right now in our country, so pay very close attention to everything you eat, and every “medicine” your doctor recommends. Also, do some research of your own if you want to protect your cells and keep them oxygenated, preventing cancer and other disease.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.truthinlabeling.org/nomsg.html
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/f-w00/nitrosamine.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/033726_sodium_benzoate_cancer.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/022194.html
http://www.naturodoc.com/library/nutrition/margbutt.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_food_additives
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0813/is_2_26/ai_53996201/

Posted in Boycott & Protest Worthy News Stories, Health & Food News, News Worthy To Tell Your Friends About, Scary News News Stories. Tags: Bad Health, Food Chemicals, Food Preservatives. Comments Off

‘Save The Planet’ Environmental Household Tips – Make Your Fabric Softener or…….

April 25, 2012 — craftledger

Blend 250g of fine pure soap
One cup of methylated spirits
A quarter cup of eucalyptus oil.

Soak the washed garment in a solution of 1 tablespoon of the mixture to one normal sized bucket of warm water.

Do not rinse, just hang out to dry – Easy Peasy!

Another economical alternative is just add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar in the final rinse.

Like me – very cheap but effective!

Use Fabric softeners that contain toxic chemicals

Fabric softener ads often portray an image of comfort, freshness and sweetness. Yet most fabric softeners contain a grim list of known toxins which can enter your body through the skin and by inhalation, causing a wide range of health problems, particularly for young children.

Some of the harmful ingredients commonly found in liquid or sheet fabric softeners include:

• Chloroform: This substance was used as an anesthesia in the 1800s up through the early 1900s when its potential for causing fatal cardiac arrhythmia was discovered. A carcinogenic neurotoxin, it is on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list. Inhaling its vapors may cause loss of consciousness, nausea, headache, vomiting, and/or dizziness, drowsiness. It may aggravate disorders of the heart, kidneys or liver. Its effects worsen when subjected to heat.

• A-Terpineol: Causes Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders, meaning problems relating to the brain and spine such as Alzheimer’s disease, ADD, dementia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, seizures, strokes, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Early symptoms of CNS problems include aphasia, blurred vision, disorientation, dizziness, headaches, hunger, memory loss, numbness in face, pain in neck and spine. A-Terpineol also irritates the mucous membranes and, if aspirated into the lungs, can cause respiratory depression, pneumonia or fatal edema.

• Benzyl Alcohol: This upper respiratory tract irritant can cause central nervous system (CNS) disorders, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and dramatic drops in blood pressure.

• Benzyl Acetate: This substances has been linked to pancreatic cancer. Its vapors can be irritating to eyes and respiratory passages and it can also be absorbed through the skin.

• Ethanol: Another fabric softener ingredient which is on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list and linked to CNS disorders.

• Pentane: A chemical known to be harmful if inhaled.

• Ethyl Acetate: This substance, which is on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list, can be irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. It may also cause severe headaches and loss of consciousness, as well as damage to the liver and kidneys.

• Camphor: Another substance on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list. It is easily absorbed through body tissue, causing irritation of eyes, nose and throat. Camphor can also cause dizziness, confusion, nausea, twitching muscles and convulsions.

• Linalool: A narcotic known to cause respiratory problems and CNS disorders. In animal testing, exposure to linalool has resulted in death.

• Phthalates: Used in scented products to help the scent last longer, phthlates have been linked to breast cancer and reproductive system problems.

• Limonene: This known carcinogen can cause irritation to eyes and skin.

• Also, if you follow a vegan lifestyle, you should be aware that many fabric softener sheets are made using tallow, a form of animal fat.

Manufacturers are aware that the products contain toxic chemicals. The packaging on many brands include a warning that the product should not be used on children’s sleepwear. Since some of the same brands also have large images of children and toys, however, consumers may miss the small print message.

Breathing and wearing poison

If you use fabric softener, these toxic chemicals coat your towels, sheets and clothing so that you absorb toxins through your skin, the largest organ of the body. When you wear chemically “softened” clothes, you inhale these chemicals with every breath. Even if you do not use fabric softener, you can ingest these chemicals through dryer exhaust sending them into the air or simply by working with someone whose clothes have been chemically treated in this way. Fabric softeners are designed to remain in fabric for a long period of time, slowly releasing into the air.

Fabric softeners were invented to hide the unpleasant smells of synthetic fabrics, whose odors tend to become stronger when heated, whether on a sweating, active body or in the dryer. The chemicals in fabric softeners include those meant to eliminate static cling, as well as perfumes to disguise both the other chemicals and the odor of synthetic fabrics.
Sources:

http://www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/laundry/consider/

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/fashion-beauty/replace-fabric-softener-vinegar.html

http://www.naturallifemagazine.com/0608/softener.htm

http://shop.sixwise.com/thetoxicdangeroffabricsofteneranddryersheets2805.aspx

http://users.lmi.net/wilworks/ehnfs.htm

http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/special/fall07FabricSofteners.html

Posted in *'Save The Planet' Environmental Tips & Ideas, Advice & Tips, Environment News Stories, Health & Food News, News Worthy To Tell Your Friends About. Tags: Environmental Household Tips, Fabric Softener, Fabric softeners contain toxic chemicals, Save The Planet. Comments Off

Wal-Mart’s List of Crimes Expands by Adding ‘Bribery Campaign’ in Mexico

April 25, 2012 — craftledger

Source: The Activist Post

Wal-Mart has been on the march across Latin America over the last 20 years. America’s largest private employer is now also the leader in all of Latin America.

From their launch pad in Mexico, where an incredible one in five of all Wal-Mart stores now reside, they have successfully conquered Brazil Argentina, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Chile and Puerto Rico.

It is now coming to light how they might have facilitated such rapid progress in a region known for massive bureaucracy.

A former Wal-Mart executive has exposed a widespread bribery campaign inside Mexico orchestrated by Wal-Mart in order to “gain market dominance.” Apparently, the price to do so was a mere $24 million dollars — hardly a drop in the bucket compared to its now $380 billion annual revenue in that country.

What is staggering is the brazenness with which they went about the campaign:

The former executive gave names, dates and bribe amounts. He knew so much, he explained, because for years he had been the lawyer in charge of obtaining construction permits for Wal-Mart de Mexico.

Wal-Mart dispatched investigators to Mexico City, and within days they unearthed evidence of widespread bribery. They found a paper trail of hundreds of suspect payments totaling more than $24 million. They also found documents showing that Wal-Mart de Mexico’s top executives not only knew about the payments, but had taken steps to conceal them from Wal-Mart’s headquarters in Bentonville, Ark. In a confidential report to his superiors, Wal-Mart’s lead investigator, a former F.B.I. special agent, summed up their initial findings this way: ‘There is reasonable suspicion to believe that Mexican and USA laws have been violated.’

(…)

In one meeting where the bribery case was discussed, H. Lee Scott Jr., then Wal-Mart’s chief executive, rebuked internal investigators for being overly aggressive. Days later, records show, Wal-Mart’s top lawyer arranged to ship the internal investigators’ files on the case to Mexico City. Primary responsibility for the investigation was then given to the general counsel of Wal-Mart de Mexico — a remarkable choice since the same general counsel was alleged to have authorized bribes. (Source)

Wal-Mart is currently in damage-control mode, as its stock has slumped nearly 5% based on the allegations that they have engaged in a top-to-bottom coverup of their practices.

Wal-Mart’s despicable behavior is being protested against in every country where their model of cheap slave goods and corruption has been instrumental in decimating local economies . . . even in the wealthier nations where their consumer base resides.

Research into the impact that Wal-Mart has on local U.S. communities only enhances the other forms of exploitation that Wal-Mart is well-known for across the world, with well-documented slave labor being used to create their “cheap” goods by poor people in other countries so that poor people in the U.S. can afford them. This is an organization known for blatant discrimination against women, and for playing games on every level with people’s wages and healthcare.

Mexico is a very large piece of the pie for a company like Wal-Mart, and their practices there indicate a willingness to do whatever it takes to set up shop and expand. Something tells me that this is merely the tip of the iceberg, and that this practice is likely to have been part of their business model throughout the region. We’ll just have to wait until the next former executive steps up to the plate and has the courage to expose their latest crime.

Read other articles by John Galt here.

Posted in Bad & Disgraceful News Stories and Views, Boycott & Protest Worthy News Stories, Business / Finance / Tech News, News Worthy To Tell Your Friends About. Tags: Wal-Mart. Comments Off

World’s biggest McDonald’s for London Olympics

April 24, 2012 — craftledger

The world’s largest McDonald’s is being built for the London Olympics.

The Daily Mail reports the 3000 square-metre pop-up McDonald’s in Stratford, east London, will stretch over two floors and will be the length of half an American football field.

It’ll have seating for 1500 customers and employ more than 2000 staff.

Three million people are expected to visit during the games.

More than 50,000 Big Macs and 180,000 portions of fries will be served over the two weeks.

Posted in Good or Bad News Stories - You Decide!, Health & Food News. Tags: Big Macs, Fries, Junk Food, London Olympics, McDonald. Comments Off

Free apps could be draining your smart phone battery – study

April 24, 2012 — craftledger

If you’ve wondered why your smart phone’s battery life seems short, free apps and the advertisements that come with them may be responsible.

A study by researchers at Indiana’s Purdue University found running one app can drain a battery in 90 minutes.

Using energy profiling software called Eprof, the researchers discovered 65-75 per cent of the energy used by apps downloaded for free was used by third-party advertises, whose adverts pay for the product.

The study looked at the energy usage popular free smart phone apps, such as the Angry Birds, NYTimes and CNN apps, on Android and Windows Mobile operating systems, and found only 10-30 per cent of the energy was used powering the apps’ core functions.

Angry Birds, for example, used only 20 per cent of the energy to run the game, while 45 per cent of the power was used assessing the user’s GPS and downloading location-specific advertisement through 3G

Posted in General News Stories, Science & Technology News Stories. Tags: free Apps, GPS, iPhone, Smart Phone. Comments Off

Why Does My Cat… Cry at Night?

April 23, 2012 — craftledger

If your cat cries at night, you’re not alone. Cats get noisy for different reasons at different stages in their lives.

Kittens often like to play at night. Though adopting two kittens together is an excellent idea (and recommended for health and general welfare), their wee-hour play-fights can keep you from a good night’s rest.

As your cat matures, he might want to hunt. Some cats get especially vocal when they’re on the prowl. Often cats feel the urge to hunt in the evening, and a midnight hunt of an insect, reptile, or rodent (depending on your geographic location) can mean a rude awakening for you when your cat screams out in frustration or elation.

With an older cat, vocalization throughout the night can be a sign of a serious problem. Advancing age sometimes brings sleep-wake cycle aberrations and dementia. These conditions are common in geriatric cats and may be related to anxiety or plain old disorientation. If you have a senior cat who gets very vocal at night, tell your veterinarian. There are therapies that can improve the quality of life of afflicted cats — and their humans

Posted in General News Stories, Odd, Strange and Weird News Stories. Tags: cat's cry, cat's health, cats behaviour. Comments Off

Should Dogs and Cats Sleep on Your Bed?

April 23, 2012 — craftledger

In many homes, the “pets on the bed” debate is long over — and the pets won. Proof can be found in the marketplace, where accessories abound to help dogs and cats get onto the bed — and keep the bedding cleaner.

The trend isn’t for everyone, however. Letting cats and dogs sleep in the bed has been suggested as one of many reasons why people have problems getting a good night’s sleep. If you have insomnia, you might consider getting your pet his own comfy bed and keeping yours for yourself. If you have allergies, or your pet has behavior problems, a no-pet bedroom is also recommended.

Remember with dogs – “Leaders always sleep together” So most Behaviorists DON’T recommend it to gain and hold respect, and it is one of worse things to do in creating ‘Separation Anxiety’ which is very costly and very stressful to fix! – If animal like a dog is close to you for another 6-8 hours, it will ‘Overbond’ with you, and therefore expect to be with you MOST of the time!

Otherwise, why not share?

I’ve always kept an eye out for sales on relatively inexpensive, washable cotton quilts to throw over the top of the bedding. I also use rubber-backed fuzzy bath mats on top of the quilts when older pets get leaky.

For high beds and older pets, there’s even an easier way up: A number of manufacturers make pet-sized sets of steps to help aging or small animals get onto the bed or couch. Pet retailers have a wide selection to match your budget and decor.

Posted in Bad & Disgraceful News Stories and Views, Good or Bad News Stories - You Decide!. Tags: cats, Dogs, insomnia, pets bed. Comments Off

Light bulb with 20-year life unveiled in US on Earth Day

April 23, 2012 — craftledger

A PRIZE-WINNING, super-energy-saving LED bulb from Dutch electronics giant Philips said to last over 20 years went on sale Sunday to coincide with Earth Day.

The bulb that won the US Department of Energy’s “Bright Tomorrow Lighting Prize” was available from retailers for $50 ($A48), down from an initial $60 price tag. The company said it was planning discounts to bring the cost down to as little as $25.

The 10-watt LED bulb (light-emitting diode) was deemed an efficient alternative to the standard 60-watt incandescent bulb, and rated to last 30,000 hours – when used four hours a day, that translates to a more than two-decade life span, according to the company.

For consumers attentive to cost, Philips said the price tag was easily offset by energy savings of $165 over its lifetime.

The new bulb, which gives off 940 lumens, a soft white light is: “83 per cent more energy efficient than the standard 60-watt incandescent,” said Philips’ North America executive Ed Crawford in announcing upcoming rebates.

Incandescent bulbs are power-sucking classics being phased out in countries around the world, replaced by energy-efficient CFL versions containing toxic mercury that make them hazardous to toss in the rubbish.

Philips’ omni-directional bulb, which contains no mercury, began life as the sole entrant to the US government competition seeking ways to replace the common light bulb, and was submitted in 2009 after 18 months of testing.

LED bulbs face competition from compact fluorescent lights that approach seek similar efficiency levels, and cost far less.

Posted in Business / Finance / Tech News, Economic News Stories, Environment News Stories. Tags: Led, Light Bulb, Philips. Comments Off

UK rapist, 15, posed as girl online so male classmates would send him naked pictures

April 22, 2012 — craftledger

SUNDERLAND, England — A British schoolboy rapist posed as a girl on Facebook to get his male friends to send him explicit images of themselves.

The 15-year-old, from Sunderland, northeastern England, set up the fictional online account of a 16-year-old girl and befriended boys he knew in real life, suggesting they trade naked pictures.

The unnamed boy later confessed the scam to a friend he had duped online — and threatened to circulate explicit pictures of the boy on the internet.

However, his friend told his own parents about the scam, and the teen was arrested.

While the boy was on bail, he carried out sex attacks on a seven-year-old boy and a 10-year-old boy, the Sunderland Echo reported Friday.

Prosecutor Katherine Dunn told Newcastle Crown Court that the boy, now 16, told his friend he had tricked “many other people in his school.”

“He made full admissions and stated he set up the Facebook account in the name of a girl,” Dunn added. “He pretended to be this girl. He set up the account for the purpose of getting people to send him naked photos.”

Police who searched the boy’s computer found 20 explicit photographs sent to his online alter ego, as well as 46 illegal pornographic movies that were not of his friends.

He admitted charges of rape, sexual activity with a child, making and possessing indecent photographs and causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Judge John Evans sentenced him to two years’ detention, with an extended two-year license period.

The teen, who Evans said posed a risk to the public, was forced to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years and must abide by a 10-year sexual offenses prevention order

Posted in Bad & Disgraceful News Stories and Views, Love and Relationship News Stories. Tags: Facebook, rape, sex attack. Comments Off

Why Does My Dog… Walk in a Circle Before Lying Down?

April 22, 2012 — craftledger

Many dogs will circle around a spot before they settle down to rest. While no one can be certain of the exact reason why canines do this, the ritual is likely a residual habit from the days when wolflike dogs lived out in the wild, says veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Sueda, DVM.

Your dog’s ancestors had to sleep outside, in the elements, without much warmth or safety. Walking around a spot was a way to stamp down grass, leaves or snow and create a soft, level surface — something akin to carving out a nest.

After she circles, does your dog scratch at the bedding or carpeting before curling up? Just like circling, the digging action is probably an ancestral behavior related to staying safe and comfortable.

In extreme heat, digging a hole was a way to reduce a dog’s body temperature by surrounding herself with cool soil that could help regulate body heat. When it was cold — or even freezing — climbing into a hole allowed a dog to retain body heat and keep cozy.

So why haven’t our pampered house pets evolved away from these behaviors?

Don’t worry — circling is not a sign that your pet has heard the call of the wild. Adaptive behaviors tend to linger long after they’ve lost their usefulness if there’s nothing to discourage them or “select against the habit,” Dr. Sueda says.

When Circling Could Be Cause for Concern

Restlessness can be a sign of discomfort or even pain. If your dog is repeatedly circling and digging but can’t seem to get comfortable, she may have a health problem, such as arthritis or neurological problems.

You should observe your pet to see if she’s having trouble getting up and settling down. If she’s restless, take her to the vet to rule out pain and get a proper diagnosis

Posted in News Worthy To Tell Your Friends About, Odd, Strange and Weird News Stories. Tags: Dog health, Dogs, dogs behaviour. 1 Comment »

Fact About Walmart: The Walton family has given away about 2% of its…..

April 21, 2012 — craftledger

Walton family has given away about 2% of its net worth to charity —

Bill Gates is giving away 48% of his net worth and Warren Buffet 78% of his net worth

Posted in Bad & Disgraceful News Stories and Views, Good or Bad News Stories - You Decide!, Only in The USA News Stories. Tags: Charity Donations, USA, Walmart. Comments Off

America has 40 million McMansions that no one wants

April 21, 2012 — craftledger

Americans, especially generations X and Y, want shorter commutes, walkability and a car-free existence. Which means that around 40 million large-lot exurban McMansions, built primarily during the housing boom, might never find occupants.

Only 43 percent of Americans prefer big suburban homes, says Chris Nelson, head of the Metropolitan Research Center at the University of Utah. That mean demand for “large-lot” homes is currently 40 million short of the available stock — and not only that, but the U.S. is short 10 million attached homes and 30 million small homes, which are what people really want.

“If we are optimistic that the world is not coming to an end and we’re going to get out of this economic trough, it’s a good time to consider, when production does ramp up, how we will be building as a country,” [says Joe Molinaro head of the National Association of Realtors' smart growth program.]

Posted in Business / Finance / Tech News, Economic News Stories, Only in The USA News Stories. Tags: house boom, Realty. Comments Off

Mike Tyson: I got a prison guard pregnant

April 21, 2012 — craftledger

FORMER boxing heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson got a female prison official pregnant while behind bars in Indiana, a bombshell interview revealed.

“Iron Mike” made the revelation during an ESPN interview to hype his one-man Las Vegas show yesterday, but failed to name the woman or offer further details.

While talking about details omitted from his six-run show Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth – Live on Stage, at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, he said, “I didn’t talk about getting a jail official, a prison official pregnant and stuff.”

The 45-year-old hinted that the pregnancy was terminated.

He said, “She had no baby.”

Tyson was convicted of rape in 1992 and was sentenced to six years in Plainfield Correctional Facility. He was released in 1995

Posted in Bad & Disgraceful News Stories and Views, Only in The USA News Stories, SEX News / Stories. Tags: pregnant, stuff up. Comments Off

Family wins KFC food poisoning case

April 20, 2012 — craftledger

Australia – A Sydney family has won a case against fast food giant KFC after salmonella poisoning left their daughter paralysed.

The family of Monika Samaan says the then-seven-year-old became ill after eating a chicken Twister from a KFC store in western Sydney in 2005.

Monika, who was in a coma for six months, is effectively now a quadriplegic and is severely brain damaged.

During a month-long trial in 2010, Monika’s father told the court he and his wife, along with Monika’s brother, were also sick after sharing her Twister.

KFC has fought the claim since it was launched, but the NSW Supreme Court on Friday found in favour of Monika’s family.

The family is seeking $10 million in compensation. Damages have yet to be awarded.

KFC says it is deeply disappointed and surprised by the court’s decision and intends to appeal against the ruling.

Posted in Health & Food News. Tags: Kentucky Fried Chicken, KFC Poisoning. Comments Off

Cancer industry total fraud exposed: Nearly all ‘scientific’ studies fail to be replicated

April 19, 2012 — craftledger

The vast majority of so-called scientific studies focused on cancer research are inaccurate and potentially fraudulent, suggests a new review published in the journal Nature. A shocking 88 percent of 53 “landmark” studies on cancer that have been published in reputable journals over the years cannot be reproduced, according to the review, which means that their conclusions are patently false.

C. Glenn Begley, a former head of global cancer research at drug giant Amgen and author of the review, was unable to replicate the findings of 47 of the 53 studies he examined. It appears as though researchers are simply fabricating findings that will garner attention and headlines rather than publishing what they actually discover, which helps them to maintain a steady stream of grant funding but deceives the public.

“These are the studies the pharmaceutical industry relies on to identify new targets for drug development,” said Begley about the false studies. “But if you’re going to place a $1 million or $2 million or $5 million bet on an observation, you need to be sure it’s true. As we tried to reproduce these papers we became convinced you can’t take anything at face value.”

Begley says he cannot publish the names of the studies whose findings are false. But since it is now apparent that the vast majority of them are invalid, it only follows that the vast majority of modern approaches to cancer treatment are also invalid.

Back in 2009, researchers from the University of Michigan‘s Comprehensive Cancer Center also published an analysis that revealed many popular cancer studies to be false. As can be expected, one of the primary causes of false results was determined to be conflicts of interest that tended to favor “findings” that worked out best for drug companies rather than for the people

Published research for other conditions also found to be invalid

The Nature study also confirms what was previously uncovered by Dr. George Robertson from Dalhousie University, who found the same inconsistencies in published research studies on Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Just like with cancer, it appears that the foundation upon which drugs for these conditions have been developed is fallacious as a result of phony research.

And scientists working for drug giant Bayer have run into similar problems in other areas as well, which they outlined in a 2011 paper entitled Believe it or not. According to their findings, much of the published data with which they were expected to develop new drugs could not be reproduced, either.

“The scientific community assumes that the claims in a preclinical study can be taken at face value,” add Begley and his colleague Dr. Lee Ellis in their review. This published research also assumes that “the main message of [papers] can be relied on [...] Unfortunately, this is not always the case.”

Ironically, the only thing all these scientists have been able to successfully reproduce over the years is research showing that much of modern science is unsound. Whether it is funded by drug companies or by agenda-driven federal grants, the so-called “gold standard” of science has been debunked as a greed-driven myth.

Sources for this article include:

http://news.yahoo.com

http://www.naturalnews.com/031121_medical_research_fraud.html

Posted in Bad & Disgraceful News Stories and Views, Boycott & Protest Worthy News Stories, Drugs & Alcohol News Stories, Fraud & Deception News, Health & Food News, News Worthy To Tell Your Friends About, Scary News News Stories. Tags: Cancer, Cancer Treatments. Comments Off

Monsanto ‘Roundup’ Herbicide Linked To Parkinson’s-Related Brain Damage – Don’t Buy It!

April 19, 2012 — craftledger

Source: Activist Post

Alarming new research published in the journal Neurotoxicology and Teratology supports the emerging connection between glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide, and neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and Parkinsonian disorders.

Published this month (April, 2012), the new study entitled “Glyphosate induced cell death through apoptotic and authophagic mechanisms,” investigated the potential brain-damaging effects of herbicides, which the authors stated “have been recognized as the main environmental factor associated with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease.”

They found that glyphosate inhibited the viability of differentiated test cells (PC12, adrenal medula derived), in both dose-and-time dependent manners. The researchers also found that “glyphosate induced cell death via authophagy pathways in addition to activating apoptotic pathways.”

Roundup herbicide is now a ubiquitous contaminant in our air, rain, groundwater, and food, making complete avoidance near impossible. A growing body of experimental evidence now indicates that it in addition to its neurotoxicity it also has the following.
Modes of Toxicity

Carcinogen
Endocrine Disruptor
Genotoxic
Biocide
Cytotoxic
Bioaccumulator
Hepatotoxic
Teratrogenic
Clastogenic
Oxidant
Aquacidal
Mutagenic
Aromatase Disruptor
Glutathione Down-regulator
Malondialdehyde Up-regulator
Necrotic
Nephrotoxic

Once marketed as “safe as table salt” by Monsanto, the original patent holder and manufacturer of this glyphosate-based herbicide, evidence now indicates it is toxic to human DNA at concentrations diluted 450-fold lower than used in agricultural applications.

This study only adds to human case reports of glyphosate-poisoning and/or occupational exposure where neurological damage was a direct consequence. A 2011 case study published in the journal Parkinsonism Related Disorders, entitled “Parkinsonism after chronic occupational exposure to glyphosate,” reported the following incident:

Here we report a patient with parkinsonism following chronic occupational exposure to glyphosate. A previously healthy 44- year-old woman presented with rigidity, slowness and resting tremor in all four limbs with no impairment of short-term memory, after sustaining long term chemical exposure to glyphosate for 3 years as a worker in a chemical factory. The chemical plant produced a range of herbicides including: glyphosate, gibberellins, and dimethyl hydrogen phosphite; however, the patient worked exclusively in the glyphosate production division. She only wore basic protection such as gloves or a face mask for 50 h each week in the plant where glyphosate vapor was generated. She frequently felt weak. Two months before she came to our clinic, she had expe- rienced severe dizziness and blurred vision.

Another case study published in 2003 reported a case of parkinsonism subsequent to glyphosate exposure.

These case studies are also backed up by animal research. In the roundworm model of glyphosate exposure the chemical results in neurodegeneration directly associated with damage to the dopamine and GABA producing neurons. In the rat model, glyphosate exposure results in oxidative brain damage, particularly the substantia nigra, where the highest concentration of dopamine-producing cells reside, and which is the primary locus of neurological damage in Parkinson’s disease.

This article first appeared at GreenMedInfo.

Posted in General News Stories. Tags: Bad Health, carcinogenicity, chemical pesticides, DNA damage, glyphosate, Hazardous Chemicals, Health, herbicide, Monsanto News Stories, Poisons, RoundUp, Toxic Chemicals, Toxins, Weedkiller. Comments Off

Monsanto – Now in a Bag. Be careful and don’t be fooled into buying it!

April 18, 2012 — craftledger

Source: http://www.agardenforthehouse.com

COMING TO A PRODUCE AISLE NEAR YOU, and conveniently pre-packaged and ready-to-eat, is ‘Beneforte’ broccoli. As you can see in the photo up top, the package is labeled with a number of health claims. But when you realize what’s missing from the bag, you’ll probably gag. I know I did. For Beneforte is the product of the agricultural Goliath I like the least. It is the product of Monsanto.

To be clear, there is nothing inherently wrong with ‘Beneforte.’ It is not a genetically modified vegetable, but a cross between a commercial broccoli and a wild broccoli.

This cross, according to Monsanto, produced a “super” vegetable — one which contains 2-3 times the phytonutrient glucoraphanin, “as compared to other leading broccoli varieties produced under similar growing conditions.” I can only imagine what those “similar growing conditions” might be. They certainly aren’t organic conditions, or the label would say so.

What gets my goat is Monsanto’s claim that ‘Beneforte’ helps to “maintain your body’s defenses against the damage of environmental pollutants and free radicals.” Now that’s a howler. For Monsanto is one of the biggest polluters of the environment. Have a look at their track record, which includes the company’s introduction of Agent Orange:

Monsanto Hid Decades of Pollution The Washington Post, January 1, 2002
EPA Concerned about Monsanto Pollution Control Dam
Monsanto Pays 93 Million to Victims in Settlement
Monsanto: A Legacy of Deception
The New PCB: Monsanto’s Round-up weed killer turning up in air, rain and rivers

Well. Is it any wonder that Monsanto doesn’t want its name emblazoned on packages of ‘Beneforte’ broccoli?

My goal with this article is simply to warn those you who might be avoiding Monsanto products to watch out for ‘Beneforte’ broccoli. The pre-packaged product is currently available at supermarkets in California, Texas, Georgia and Minnesota. It will, I presume, reach Northeastern shops before long.

Posted in Business / Finance / Tech News, Environment News Stories, Good or Bad News Stories - You Decide!, Monsanto News Stories, News Worthy To Tell Your Friends About. Tags: Agent Orange, carcinogenicity, DNA damage, GE, GE Foods, genetically modified foods, GMO, GMO crops, hybrid crops, Monsanto GMO, Monsanto News Stories. Comments Off

Why ONLY Little People Pay Taxes; How the richest Americans beat the IRS.

April 18, 2012 — craftledger

Source: http://motherjones.com

Why a janitor ends up with a higher tax rate than a millionaire, and seven more charts that show how the richest Americans beat the IRS.

brianjmatis/Flickr

Click here for more charts on America’s growing income gap.

“We don’t pay taxes. Only the little people pay taxes,” billionaire hotelier Leona Helmsley famously (and allegedly) sniffed. She wasn’t entirely correct: The superrich do still pay taxes. The wealthiest 1 percent of taxpayers pay 32 percent of all income tax collected by the federal government.

But the superrich don’t pay as much as they used to—and thanks to a combination of tax cuts and preferential tax policies, their tax obligations can be less demanding than the so-called little people’s. In fact, the very wealthiest Americans’ tax burden has been steadily dropping for years, even as they’ve enjoyed astounding income growth not seen by the vast majority of Americans.

Tax rates for the wealthy have fallen substantially since they peaked in the 1940s. During the past 30 years, they have been cut at a much faster rate than middle- and low-income taxpayers’.

Just how much of a windfall are tax cuts for the wealthy? The extension of the Bush tax cuts passed last year will provide $146,000 in annual tax savings, on average, to each of the wealthiest 0.1% of Americans.

The super rich get an additional boost from relatively low tax rates on capital gains. Income from long-term investments, which makes up a larger portion of wealthier taxpayers’ incomes than middle- and low-income taxpayers’, is taxed at lower rates than wages.

Payroll taxes (deductions for Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment insurance) are mostly paid by the bottom 90 percent of earners. When they’re factored in on top of income tax, the gap between the tax rates at the very top and everyone else shrinks even more—so much that the effective tax rate for people earning more than $370,000 is nearly the same as for those earning between $43,000 and $69,000 a year.

Payroll taxes now make up nearly as much of federal tax revenue as individual income tax. Meanwhile, revenues from corporate taxes have decreased significantly over the past 50 years.

Corporations exploit various loopholes and tax breaks to reduce their IRS bills—perhaps none more notoriously than General Electric. Though the corporate tax rate is 35%, GE has paid nothing near that for nearly a decade.

Leona Helmsley’s distaste for paying taxes eventually landed her in federal prison. But the rich have little need to break the law to avoid the tax collector. As Martin A. Sullivan of Tax.com recently calculated, a New York janitor making slightly more than $33,000 a year pays an effective tax rate of nearly 25%. And the effective tax rate for a resident of the Park Avenue building named after Helmsley, earning an average of $1.2 million annually? A cool 14.7%.

More Mother Jones charty goodness: 11 charts that explain America’s income gap; how the rich get richer; how the poor get poorer; and who owns Congress?
Sources

Share of taxes: Tax Policy Center

Top 400 taxpayers: IRS (PDF)

Falling tax rates: Remapping Debate

Bush tax cuts: Tax Policy Center (PDF)

Income vs. capital gains: IRS: Income tax rates (PDF); capital gains tax rates

Effective tax rates: Tax Policy Center

Source of tax revenues: Senate Joint Committee on Taxation (PDF)

GE taxes: ProPublica

Janitor vs. millionaire: Tax.com

Posted in Bad & Disgraceful News Stories and Views, Boycott & Protest Worthy News Stories, Business / Finance / Tech News, Economic News Stories, Fraud & Deception News, Government & Political News - Incl Cover-ups / Corruption, News Worthy To Tell Your Friends About, Only in The USA News Stories, WTF News Stories. Tags: America, IRS, US, USA, USA Tax System. Comments Off

Google co-founder: Freedom of the Net is under greatest threat ever-This Is A REAL Worry People!

April 18, 2012 — craftledger

The principles of openness and universal access that underpinned the creation of the internet three decades ago are under greater threat than ever, according to Google co-founder Sergey Brin.

In an interview with the Guardian, Brin warned that there were “very powerful forces that have lined up against the open internet on all sides and around the world”. “I am more worried than I have been in the past,” he said. “It’s scary.”

He said the threat to the freedom of the internet came from a combination of governments increasingly trying to control access and communication by their citizens, the entertainment industry attempting to crack down on piracy, and the rise of “restrictive” so-called walled gardens such as Facebook and Apple, which tightly controlled what software could be released on their platforms.

The 38-year-old billionaire, whose family fled antisemitism in the Soviet Union, was widely regarded as having been the driving force behind Google’s partial pullout from China in 2010 over concerns about censorship and cyber-attacks.

He said five years ago he did not believe China or any country could effectively restrict the internet for long, but he had been proven wrong. “I thought there was no way to put the genie back in the bottle, but now it seems in certain areas the genie has been put back in the bottle,” he said.

Although he said he was most concerned by the efforts of countries such as China, Saudi Arabia and Iran to censor and restrict use of the internet, he also warned that the rise of Facebook and Apple, which have their own proprietary platforms and control access to their users, risked stifling innovation and Balkanising the web.

“There’s a lot to be lost,” he said. “For example all the information in apps – that data is not crawlable by web crawlers. You can’t search it.”

Brin’s criticism of Facebook is likely to be controversial, with the social network approaching an estimated $100bn flotation. Google’s upstart rival has seen explosive growth, with more than 800 million members worldwide and one in two of all Americans with computer access signed up.

Brin said he and co-founder Larry Page would not have been able to create Google if the internet was dominated by Facebook. “You have to play by their rules, which are really restrictive,” he said. “The kind of environment that we developed Google in, the reason that we were able to develop a search engine, is the web was so open. Once you get too many rules that will stifle innovation.”

He also criticised Facebook for not making it easy for users to switch their data to other services. “Facebook has been sucking down Gmail contacts for many years,” he added.

Brin’s comments come on the first day of a week-long Guardian investigation of the intensifying battle for control of the internet that is being fought across the globe between governments, companies, military strategists, activists and hackers.

From Hollywood’s attempts to push through legislation allowing pirate websites to be shut down, to the British government’s plans to monitor social media and web use, the ethos of openness championed by the pioneers of the internet and worldwide web is being challenged on a number of fronts.

In China, which now has more internet users than any other country in the world, the government recently introduced new “real identity” rules in a bid to tame the boisterous micro-blogging scene. In Russia there are powerful calls to rein in a blogosphere that was blamed for fomenting a wave of anti-Putin protests. It has been reported that Iran is planning to introduce a sealed “national internet” from this summer.

Ricken Patel, co-founder of Avaaz, the 14 million-strong online activist network which has been providing communication equipment and training to Syrian activists, echoed Brin’s warning, saying: “We’ve seen a massive attack on the freedom of the web. Governments are realising the power of this medium to organise people and they are trying to clamp down across the world, not just in places like China and North Korea; we’re seeing bills in the United States, in Italy, all across the world.”

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Bad & Disgraceful News Stories and Views, Boycott & Protest Worthy News Stories, Business / Finance / Tech News, C.I.A - FBI & Secret Services Activities, Fraud & Deception News, Government & Political News - Incl Cover-ups / Corruption, Human Rights News Stories, Scary News News Stories, WTF News Stories. Tags: Avaaz, blogosphere, control of the internet, Facebook, Google, Sergey Brin, US authorities. Comments Off

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