Posted on 07/24/2009 3:37:21 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny
Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition Category: Roundups | Comments(15)
Did you hear about the guy that lives on nothing? No seriously, he lives on zero dollars a day. Meet Daniel Suelo, who lives in a cave outside Moab, Utah. Suelo has no mortgage, no car payment, no debt of any kind. He also has no home, no car, no television, and absolutely no “creature comforts.” But he does have a lot of creatures, as in the mice and bugs that scurry about the cave floor he’s called home for the last three years.
To us, Suelo probably sounds a little extreme. Actually, he probably sounds very extreme. After all, I suspect most of you reading this are doing so under the protection of some sort of man-made shelter, and with some amount of money on your person, and probably a few needs for money, too. And who doesn’t need money unless they have completely unplugged from the grid? Still, it’s an amusing story about a guy who rejects all forms of consumerism as we know it.
The Frugal Roundup
How to Brew Your Own Beer and Maybe Save Some Money. A fantastic introduction to home brewing, something I’ve never done myself, but always been interested in trying. (@Generation X Finance)
Contentment: A Great Financial Principle. If I had to name one required emotion for living a frugal lifestyle it would be contentment. Once you are content with your belongings and your lot in life you can ignore forces attempting to separate you from your money. (@Personal Finance by the Book)
Use Energy Star Appliances to Save On Utility Costs. I enjoyed this post because it included actual numbers, and actual total savings, from someone who upgraded to new, energy star appliances. (@The Digerati Life)
Over-Saving for Retirement? Is it possible to “over-save” for retirement? Yes, I think so. At some point I like the idea of putting some money aside in taxable investments outside of retirement funds, to be accessed prior to traditional retirement age. (@The Simple Dollar)
40 Things to Teach My Kids Before They Leave Home. A great list of both practical and philosophical lessons to teach your kids before they reach the age where they know everything. I think that now happens around 13 years-old. (@My Supercharged Life)
Index Fund Investing Overview. If you are looking for a place to invest with high diversification and relatively low fees (for broader index funds with low turnover), index funds are a great place to start. (@Money Smart Life)
5 Reasons To Line Dry Your Laundry. My wife and I may soon be installing a clothesline in our backyard. In many neighborhoods they are frowned upon - one of the reasons I don’t like living in a neighborhood. I digress. One of our neighbors recently put up a clothesline, and we might just follow his lead. (@Simple Mom)
A Few Others I Enjoyed
* 4 Quick Tips for Getting Out of a Rut * Young and Cash Rich * Embracing Simple Style * First Trading Experience With OptionsHouse * The Exponential Power of Delayed Consumption * How Much Emergency Fund is Enough? * 50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind * Save Money On Car Insurance
The original page can be found on-line at http://www.pioneerthinking.com/aicr_oliveoil.html
Why Olive Oil is Part of Mediterranean Health
Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN, American Institute for Cancer Research
It’s no surprise that the Mediterranean diet is linked to good health. Small reliance on meat and scant use of butter limit the saturated fat that raises blood cholesterol and possibly promotes development of some cancers. The Mediterranean diet includes a large proportion of fish, which is rich in omega-3 fats that reduce inflammation, which seems to raise both heart and cancer risks. An abundance of fruits, vegetables and beans provides the many different phytochemicals that protect blood vessels and guard cells against cancer-causing substances. Now, studies show that olive oil may bolster each one of these benefits.
Originally, scientists thought olive oil’s primary benefit was its monounsaturated fat. Because 75 percent of the fatty acid “building blocks” that make up olive oil come from monounsaturated fat, and only 13 percent from saturated fat, it’s easy to see why blood cholesterol goes down when olive oil replaces butter and high-fat meat as the main source of fat. Analysis relates olive oil to the Mediterranean diet’s link with lower blood pressure, as well.
Olive oil also offers several health advantages over more polyunsaturated vegetable oils. Monounsaturated oils seem to cause less production of the bile acids in the digestive tract that promote colon cancer development. Because monounsaturated fat is more stable than polyunsaturated fat, it is less likely to generate the free radicals that create harmful blood cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or “LDL”). LDL damages blood vessels and can create changes in genes that may lead to cancer. Finally, although olive oil does not provide the healthful omega-3 fat found in seafood, it does strengthen omega-3’s anti-inflammatory effects.
Research now shows that many of olive oil’s health benefits may actually come from the more than 30 plant compounds it contains. These compounds’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects promote heart health and protect against cancer. Olive oil compounds also increase enzymes that block activation of carcinogens and improve their removal from the
body. These compounds appear to slow development of cancer cells and increase their self-destruction. While many of these benefits have been seen in laboratory studies rather than controlled human intervention trials, they are supported by what we see in population studies of the Mediterranean diet.
All types of olive oil provide the monounsaturated fat linked with health benefits, but to get the highest levels of the protective plant compounds, choose “extra virgin” or “virgin” oil, the least processed forms. Store it away from light and heat to maintain phytochemical content. “Pure” olive oil is still high in monounsaturated fat, but has lost protective plant compounds in refining. “Light” olive oil is lighter in flavor and color, not fat or calorie content. Some people may choose light olive oil for baking or recipes where an olive oil flavor is undesirable, but so many of the protective phytochemicals have been removed in refining those versions that canola oil may be a healthier alternative. (Canola oil also provides some omega-3 fat and more vitamin E.) From a cook’s perspective, olive oil may not be the best choice for cooking at a high temperature. The sediment naturally found in extra virgin olive oil can make it more likely to burn or smoke. Canola and peanut oils have a higher smoke point.
No single oil is the best choice in all situations, but research now shows that olive oil is a major component of the Mediterranean diet’s healthy reputation.
____________________________________
The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) offers a Nutrition Hotline online at www.aicr.org or via phone 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday, at 1-800-843-8114. This free service allows you to ask questions about diet, nutrition and cancer. A registered dietitian will respond to your email or call, usually within 3 business days. AICR is the only major cancer charity focusing exclusively on how the risk of cancer is reduced by healthy food and nutrition, physical activity and weight management. The Institute’s education programs help millions of Americans lower their cancer risk. AICR also supports innovative research in cancer prevention and treatment at universities, hospitals and research centers across the U.S. Over $77 million in funding has been provided. AICR is a member of the World Cancer Research Fund International.
The original page can be found on-line at http://www.pioneerthinking.com/aicr_newyearlight.html
New American Pilaf - Makes 8 servings.
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground orange zest
4 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. canola oil, divided
8 oz. skinless, boned chicken breasts, diced
2 large shallots, finely diced
1 cup “wild pecan” rice (or brown rice)
1 cup wild rice
2 1/2-3 cups reduced-sodium, non-fat
1/4 cup finely diced onion
1 cup unsweetened red grape juice
1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced carrots
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
chicken broth, divided
Mix ginger and zest with 1 tsp. oil. Rub mixture into chicken. Let stand 30 minutes. In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add shallots and gently cook until translucent. Add pecan rice (or brown rice) and stir until grains are translucent and shiny. Add water as called for in package instructions. Cook until rice is not quite tender and liquid is nearly completely absorbed. Remove from heat.
Meanwhile, repeat above process with 1 tablespoon oil, onion, wild rice and broth.
While both rices are cooking, heat grape juice in a small saucepan until warm. Remove from heat and add cherries or cranberries. Let stand about 20 minutes or until fruit is plump. Drain fruit, place in medium bowl and set aside, reserving juice for another use.
Toast nuts in a skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, to bring out their flavor. Remove from the pan promptly and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet. Add chicken and sauté, stirring constantly, until lightly browned. Transfer chicken to a bowl. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in the same skillet until hot. Add bell pepper and sauté until tender-crisp. Transfer pepper to bowl of chicken. Place carrots in skillet with enough broth to barely cover them. Cover and simmer gently until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain carrots, reserving liquid.
When both rices are almost but not completely tender, combine them in a large saucepan. Add and mix in fruit, chicken, bell peppers and carrots. Cook over low heat until rice is completely tender, adding some of the broth used to cook carrots, if necessary.
Stir to fluff grains. Turn pilaf into serving dish. Sprinkle top with toasted nuts.
Per serving: 363 calories, 13 g. total fat (1 g. saturated fat), 47 g. carbohydrate, 15 g. protein, 4 g. dietary fiber, 208 mg. sodium.
The original page can be found on-line at http://www.pioneerthinking.com/aicr_harvest.html
Curried Harvest Pilaf - Makes 4 servings.
Canola oil cooking spray
1 small onion, coarsely chopped
1 cup uncooked quick-cooking brown rice
1 Tbsp. curry powder
1 medium sweet potato, scrubbed and coarsely chopped
1 cup coarsely chopped kale, fresh or frozen, thawed and well-drained
1 cup water
2 cups fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 small Granny Smith apples, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup currants or raisins
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Spray a large skillet with cooking oil spray. Heat skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until golden, about 5 minutes. Add rice and curry; sauté for 3 minutes. Stir in sweet potato and kale. Sauté for 2 minutes. Add water and broth.
Bring mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until rice and sweet potatoes are just tender and liquid is almost absorbed, about 15 minutes.
Stir in apples and currants. Simmer, stirring frequently, until apples are tender and liquid completely absorbed, about 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper, and serve.
Per serving: 251 calories, 2 g. total fat (less than 1 g. saturated fat), 57 g. carbohydrate, 5 g. protein, 6 g. dietary fiber, 304 mg. sodium.
The original page can be found on-line at http://www.pioneerthinking.com/aicr_breakfast.html
Breakfast Sundae - Makes 1 serving.
* 3/4 cup various fresh fruit, e.g., blueberries, raspberries, halved seedless grapes, sliced banana, etc.
* 3/4 cup (1 6-oz container), low-fat vanilla yogurt
* 1/4 cup whole-grain breakfast cereal (like Grapenuts Flakes, Wheaties) or low-fat granola
* 1 large strawberry
Place half of fruit in bottom of footed, glass dessert dish or small bowl. Top with half the yogurt. Arrange remaining fruit over yogurt. Top with remaining yogurt. Sprinkle cereal on top. Set strawberry in center, as with a sundae. Serve immediately.
Per serving: 282 calories, 3 g. total fat (2 g. saturated fat), 5 g. carbohydrate, 11 g. protein, 3 g. dietary fiber, 274 mg. sodium.
The original page can be found on-line at http://www.pioneerthinking.com/aicr_powertreats.html
Healthy Whole-Grain “Power” Treats - Makes 12 servings.
* 3 cups (half 10-ounce bag) miniature marshmallows
* 1 1/2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
* 2 cups puffed whole-grain cereal
* 1/2 cup whole grain flake cereal
* 1/2 cup pecans, chopped, or salted roasted soynuts
* 1/2 cup raisins
Coat a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. Line pan with plastic wrap, letting edges hang over sides of pan. Coat plastic with cooking spray. Coat a wooden mixing spoon with cooking spray and set aside, close to stove.
In large saucepan over medium heat, cook marshmallows and butter until they are melted and start to color, about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Take pot off heat.
Using coated spatula, stir in two cereals, nuts and raisins until dry ingredients are well coated with marshmallow mixture.
Turn mixture into prepared pan. Using wet hands, smooth and press mixture into an even layer. (You can also lightly spray your hands with cooking spray to do this.). Set aside to cool. Invert pan over cutting board. Lift off plastic. Using serrated knife, cut into squares, or rectangles about the size of a small candy or power bar.
Per serving: 128 calories, 5 g. total fat (1 g. saturated fat), 21 g. carbohydrate, 2 g. protein, 2 g. dietary fiber, 27 mg. sodium.
The original page can be found on-line at http://www.pioneerthinking.com/cjg_summertime.html
Summertime on the Farm and Memories of My Grandmother’s Kitchen
By: Carrie J. Gamble
Oh how I wish I would have experienced “summertime on the farm!” My grandmother grew up on a 42-acre orchard farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania complete with chickens, cows and pigs. As young children my mother and aunt would spend a few weeks there during the summer in the care of my great grandmother. This took place in the early 1940s. With the antics of six uncles the little girls were kept squealing! The boys were great at teasing and game playing. Of course the two little girls loved every minute of it! The stories I have heard over the years makes me long to go back in time. Taking a walk in the woods, picking berries out in the fields and sitting at my great grandmother’s dinner table are grand images to me of “living life the old fashioned way.” There was a bounty of farm fresh foods served at every meal. What I wouldn’t do to taste my great grandmother’s country cooking with her roasted chicken made in the old coal/wood stove or her homemade bread spread with her own churned butter and fresh raspberry jam.
For my summertime memories fast forward to the late 1960s when I was about ten. My grandmother, Elizabeth, would have us over every Wednesday for the day. We’d get there in the morning for breakfast (usually had “big pancakes” otherwise known as crepes) then we’d have a simple lunch in the afternoon. Being located in the suburbs of Philadelphia her home was not a farm but it defined itself with its warmth, mouth watering aromas wafting out of her kitchen, antique dishes and wares proudly displayed and its beautifully lush gardens. The front porch was draped with a huge wisteria vine which originated from the farm. The “roots” of our family are present here. When you entered her home it almost felt as if it wrapped itself around you with its love and comfort. That is why I cherish every memory I have of those days.
There was a second floor porch out back just off the kitchen which was surrounded by a wrought iron fence covered in grapevines. Between lunch and dinner I’d go out there and take a nap on the old white wicker cushioned sofa. It was a time for me to dream and to just enjoy being a kid with no worries. How heavenly and peaceful those naps were! As I’d drift off I’d hear my grandmother and mother chatting in the kitchen while preparing dinner. I’d wake up to the wonderful aromas of comfort foods such as pot roast or fried chicken baking in the oven and mouth watering side dishes being cooked on the stove. And of course there was always dessert! How lucky I am to have been nurtured so by my family! And how lucky to have tasted such scrumptious treats which came out of my grandmother’s kitchen!
Below are two of my grandmother’s simple summertime recipes which bring back memories of those days. Please try them and let me know what you think!
String Bean Salad
Prepare one pound of fresh green beans by cutting off the ends and cutting in half lengthwise. Cook in salted water (about ½ teaspoon salt) until done but not too soft. (About 8-10 minutes) Drain and put in a bowl. Add one tablespoon sugar, sprinkle of pepper, ¼ cup olive oil and ¼ cup vinegar. Finely chop one tablespoon onion, one tablespoon fresh parsley and one garlic clove. Toss all ingredients together lightly until mixed well. Serve hot or cold. This recipe is seasoned to taste.
Corn and Apple Fritters
Cut the kernels off of three ears of fresh corn. You can use frozen, but fresh is better. Sift ¾ cup flour with 1 teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt and a pinch of paprika. Add 1 egg yolk and ¼ cup milk. Mix well. Add the corn kernels. Beat the egg white until stiff. Fold into the corn mixture. Drop carefully by tablespoon into hot oil on a medium heat. They should look flat and round about the size of a silver dollar pancake. Fry on each side until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel. These are delicious drizzled with honey!
You can use this same recipe and use 1 cup shredded apples instead of the corn. Apple fritters are yummy and are best when sprinkled with powdered sugar!
—Carrie J. Gamble is co-author, editor and publisher of Grandmother’s Cookbook, a collection of recipes, treasured memories, wildflower watercolors and feelings from the heart. Details about the cookbook and more delicious recipes of Carrie’s grandmother, Elizabeth Rose von Hohen, can be found on their website. You’ll experience “living life the old fashioned way” with Grandmother’s Cookbook. Visit the website and download FREE recipes and “A Family Love Letter” chapter at http://www.grandmotherscookbook.com.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/callcenters.htm
Managing Calls and Call Centers during a Large-Scale Influenza Outbreak: Implementation Tool
July 30, 2009 1:00 PM ET
Introduction
During a response to a large-scale influenza outbreak such as the current H1N1 outbreak, a community’s 9-1-1 and healthcare systems may experience a surge in calls or walk-in visits for care, advice, and information. In fact, call volumes or walk-in visits could reach the point of overwhelming the 9-1-1 and healthcare systems, rendering them unable to respond to other emergencies in an efficient and effective manner. In those instances, community planners should take steps to divert unnecessary calls away from the community 9-1-1 system and non-critically ill patients away from the healthcare system to reserve both for actual emergency situations. This implementation tool provides a step-by-step approach to achieving this objective by focusing on alternative call center resources.
Overview
[continue]
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm174568.htm
Recall — Firm Press Release
Contacts:
Media:
Jim Mazzola
(858 617-1203
jim.mazzola@carefusion.com
Investors:
Carol Cox
(858) 617-2020
carol.cox@carefusion.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — San Diego, July 29, 2009 – CareFusion Corporation, which is expected to become a public company following its planned spinoff from Cardinal Health, today issued the following update regarding its previously disclosed recall of the Alaris System:
On June 12, 2009, the company sent an urgent Medical Device Recall Notification to customers of its Alaris® System addressing potential risks identified with the Alaris System. The affected devices have one or more failures associated with the Occlusion Warning Message, Syringe Volume Warning Message, Electrostatic Discharge protection circuitry, and Fluid Ingress into the device’s pumping mechanism. This recall also updates the labeling for the Inter Unit Interface (IUI) connectors on the Alaris® System. The potential risks may lead to improper infusion therapy, which could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
Serial numbers of affected devices, as well as CareFusion’s short term instructions to customers, and the firm’s strategy to fix the affected devices can be found at: www.cardinalhealth.com/alaris/medical-device-recall/.
Following the FDA’s 510(k) clearance of the firm’s software correction in July 2009, CareFusion is now implementing corrections for units in the field.
In addition, CareFusion today began sending customers using the Alaris Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) module an update to the June 12, 2009, Medical Device Recall Notification. The update contains an additional required action to mitigate potential risk before completion of the field corrective action related to the Syringe Volume Warning Message that may appear while using the Alaris PC unit with the Alaris PCA module. The additional step involves removing the patient-controlled dose request handset from the patient prior to reprogramming the infusion pump.
“Implementation of the corrective action plan is an important area of focus for CareFusion and our customers, to ensure our medical devices in the field are operating as safely and effectively as possible,” said Dwight Winstead, chief operating officer of CareFusion. “We continue to work closely with the FDA under our new quality system with the goal of manufacturing and supporting products that are among the safest in the industry.”
The company recorded an $18 million reserve in its 2009 fiscal third quarter for all actions related to the corrective action plan and continues to believe the amount to be sufficient to fulfill its remediation obligations.
Instructions to customers
Customer inquiries related to this action should be addressed to the CareFusion recall center at 888-562-6018. Additional information about the recall can be found at www.cardinalhealth.com/alaris/medical-device-recall/.
CareFusion will work with customers to minimize disruption while correcting units at their facilities.
In the interim, customers should follow steps outlined in the June 12 Medical Device Recall Notification and the updated Notification for customers using the Alaris PCA module to minimize potential risk before implementation of the software and hardware updates.
CareFusion notified customers by registered letter on June 12, 2009, posted the customer letter on the company’s web site and set up a dedicated call center for customer support. The FDA has also been apprised of this action.
Any adverse reactions experienced with the use of this product, and/or quality problems should also be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Program by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088, by Fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, by mail at MedWatch, HF-2, FDA 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
About CareFusion Corporation
CareFusion Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH), is expected to become a public company with the planned spinoff of the clinical and medical products businesses of Cardinal Health. The global company serves the health care industry with products and services that help hospitals measurably improve the safety and quality of healthcare. CareFusion develops market-leading technologies including Alaris® IV pumps, Pyxis® automated dispensing and patient identification systems, AVEA and Pulmonetic Systems™ ventilation and respiratory products, ChloraPrep® for infection prevention and MedMined™ services for infection surveillance, neurological monitoring and diagnostic products, V. Mueller® surgical instruments and an extensive line of products that support interventional medicine.
CareFusion employs more than 15,000 people across its global operations. The company has been authorized to have its shares of common stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CFN.” More information may be found at carefusion.com.
Page Last Updated: 07/30/2009
Colchicine (marketed as Colcrys)
Audience: Rheumatological healthcare professionals
FDA notified healthcare professionals of the approval of the first single-ingredient oral colchicine product, Colcrys, for the treatment of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and acute gout flares and of two previously uncharacterized safety concerns associated with the use of colchicine. Oral colchicine has been used for many years as an unapproved drug with no FDA-approved prescribing information, dosage recommendations, or drug interaction warnings.
FDA analyzed safety data for colchicine from adverse events reported to the Agency, the published literature, and company-sponsored pharmacokinetic and drug interaction studies. This analysis revealed cases of fatal colchicine toxicity reported in certain patients taking standard therapeutic doses of colchicine and concomitant medications that interact with colchicine, such as clarithromycin. These reports suggest that drug interactions affecting the gastrointestinal absorption and/or hepatic metabolism of colchicine play a central role in the development of colchicine toxicity. Data submitted supporting the safety and efficacy of Colcrys in acute gout flares demonstrated that a substantially lower dose of colchicine was as effective as the higher dose traditionally used. Moreover, patients receiving the lower dose experienced significantly fewer adverse events compared to the higher dose.
Based on this information, FDA has included important safety considerations in the approved prescribing information to assure safe use of Colcrys and is providing background information, a data summary and recommendations in this alert.
Read the complete MedWatch Safety summary, including a link the the Information for Healthcare Professionals page with a data summary and patient management recommendations, at:
You are encouraged to report all serious adverse events and product quality problems to FDA MedWatch at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
US-CERT Current Activity
Adobe Releases Shockwave Player Update and Flash Player Update
Original release date: July 29, 2009 at 10:12 am
Last revised: July 30, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Adobe has released Shockware Player 11.5.1.601 because previous
versions used a vulnerable version of the Microsoft Active Template
Library (ATL). Additionally, Adobe has released Flash Player
10.0.22.87 and 9.0.246.0 to address the ATL issue and additional
vulnerabilities in Flash Player. Exploitation of these vulnerabilities
may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.
US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review Adobe security
bulletins APSB09-11 and APSB09-10 and apply any necessary updates to
help mitigate the risks. Additional information can be found in the
Adobe PSIRT blog and in Adobe security advisory APSA09-04.
Relevant Url(s):
http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb09-10.html
http://blogs.adobe.com/psirt/2009/07/impact_of_microsoft_atl_vulner.html
http://www.adobe.com/support/security/advisories/apsa09-04.html
http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb09-11.html
[snipped from the end of my email]
http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2009/07/obama-strikes-again-
east-european-leaders-fear-us-ties-with-russia.html
“The danger is that Russia’s creeping intimidation and influence-peddling in
the region could over time lead to a de facto neutralization of the region,”
they said.
The letter urged Obama to work closely with the European Union on security
issues and to back the Nabucco gas pipeline and other projects aimed at
lessening Russia’s energy dominance.
It also said Obama should not be swayed by Russia’s opposition to U.S. plans
to deploy elements of a missile defense shield in Poland and the Czech
Republic.
“Abandoning the program entirely or involving Russia too deeply in it
without consulting Poland or the Czech Republic can undermine the
credibility of the United States across the whole region,” the letter said.
Posted by Pamela Geller on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at 02:13 PM in President
http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/president_hussein/
Hussein, Russia:
http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/russia_still_the_evil_exempire/ Still the Evil (ex)Empire |
http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2009/07/obama-strikes-again
-east-european-leaders-fear-us-ties-with-russia.html
This message contains the following:
1. Boy’s Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings and Warm up Sets Recalled by Burlington Coat Factory Due to Strangulation Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09289.html
2. Little Tikes Recalls Clubhouse Swing Sets Due to Fall Hazard; New Assembly Directions to Be Provided
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09290.html
3. Sherwin-Williams Recalls Purdy Scrapers Due to Laceration Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09291.html
4. Frigidaire Recalls Clothes Washers Due to Fire Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09292.html
LOL, the new way to close the border, issue a piece of paper, now don’t you feel safe?
granny..............
http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/tg220.htm
To view or print the PDF content on this page, download the free Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®.
July 20, 2009
TG-220
Treasury Announces Sanctions of Mexican Drug Lords
Treasury, Justice, and State Coordinate Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking
WASHINGTON – As part of an ongoing effort to apply financial measures against narcotics traffickers worldwide, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today designated four drug cartel leaders as Specially Designated Narcotics Traffickers pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act). The four individuals designated today are leaders of the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas, groups that are responsible for much of the violence taking place in Mexico today.
“Following on the heels of the President’s naming of Los Zetas as a drug kingpin organization in April, we are today targeting sanctions against four drug lords who are senior leaders in Los Zetas and the Gulf Cartel,” said OFAC Director Adam J. Szubin. “We remain committed to using all tools at our disposal to assist President Calderon in his courageous efforts against Mexico’s deadly narcotics cartels.”
OFAC designated the following two individuals, who are leaders of the Gulf Cartel:
* Jorge Eduardo Costilla Sanchez (alias “El Coss”)
* Ezequiel Cardenas Guillen (alias “Tony Tormenta”)
The following two individuals were also designated and are leaders of Los Zetas:
* Heriberto Lazcano Lazcano (alias “Lazca”)
* Miguel Angel Trevino Morales (alias “Cuarenta”)
Today’s action is the latest in a series of coordinated efforts by the U.S. government to neutralize and dismantle Mexico’s violent drug cartels. The Department of Justice, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), has today announced new drug trafficking charges against Miguel Angel Trevino Morales. In June 2009, the Department of Justice charged 19 of the drug cartels’ top lieutenants, including Jorge Costilla Sanchez, Ezequiel Cardenas Guillen, Heriberto Lazcano Lazcano, and Miguel Trevino Morales with drug trafficking-related crimes. Today, the State Department announced rewards of up to $5 million each, for information leading to the capture or conviction of 10 Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas leader, including Ezequiel Cardenas Guillen, Heriberto Lazcano Lazcano and Miguel Trevino Morales. The State Department is also offering a $5 million reward for Jorge Costilla Sanchez. In 2008, Jorge Costilla Sanchez, Ezequiel Cardenas Guillen, Heriberto Lazcano Lazcano, and Miguel Trevino Morales were previously charged with drug trafficking crimes in the District of Colombia. Jorge Costilla Sanchez and Ezequiel Cardenas Guillen are also subjects of drug trafficking charges in the Southern District of Texas. The Mexican Attorney General’s Office also announced rewards of up to $2.4 million dollars (30,000,000 pesos), per individual, for information leading to their capture.
In 2007, the Gulf Cartel was identified as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker pursuant to the Kingpin Act. The Gulf Cartel is responsible for the smuggling and distribution of significant amounts of cocaine and marijuana to the United States. Jorge Eduardo Costilla Sanchez and Ezequiel Cardenas Guillen direct the Gulf Cartel’s trafficking and sale of narcotics and ensure the flow of illicit proceeds earned from the drug trade back to the Gulf Cartel’s coffers. Ezequiel Cardenas Guillen is the brother of Osiel Cardenas Guillen, who was identified as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker in 2001. Osiel Cardenas Guillen was extradited from Mexico to the United States in January 2007.
Los Zetas were identified under the Kingpin Act in 2009. Heriberto Lazcano Lazcano and Miguel Angel Trevino Morales, as leaders of Los Zetas, control drug smuggling operations and battle rival cartels trying to expand into Gulf Cartel/Zeta territory. Historically, Los Zetas are considered to be the armed-wing of the Gulf Cartel, but they often operate independently.
Treasury’s OFAC is responsible for an ongoing effort under the Kingpin Act to apply financial measures against significant foreign narcotics traffickers worldwide. Since June 2000, more than 475 businesses and individuals associated with 82 drug kingpins have been designated by OFAC. Designation action freezes any assets the designees may have under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibits U.S. persons from conducting transactions or dealings in the property interests of the designated individuals and entities
Penalties for violations of the Kingpin Act range from civil penalties of up to 1.075 million per violation to more severe criminal penalties. Criminal penalties for corporate officers may include up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $5 million. Criminal fines for corporations may reach $10 million. Other individuals face up to ten years in prison for criminal violation of the Kingpin Act and fines pursuant to Title 18 of the United States Code.
###
REPORTS
* Brutal Drug Lords of Mexico’s Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas
And we are fully protected against N. Korea’s WMD, more papers signed...........
Fools.
granny.............
http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/tg247.htm
July 30, 2009
TG-247
Treasury Designates North Korean Entity Tied to Weapons
of Mass Destruction Development
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Treasury Department today designated a North Korean entity, the Korea Hyoksin Trading Corporation (Hyoksin), under Executive Order 13382 for being owned or controlled by a North Korean entity, the Korea Ryonbong General Corporation (Ryonbong), which was identified in the Annex to E.O. 13382. E.O. 13382 freezes the assets of proliferators of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their supporters, and it prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in any transactions with them, thereby isolating them from the U.S. financial and commercial systems.
“The world community is taking forceful action against the arms and agencies of North Korea’s WMD and missile programs, prohibiting dealings with them and banning them from participation in the global financial system,” said OFAC Director Adam J. Szubin. “We will continue to do our part to identify and sanction such entities.”
On July 16, 2009, Hyoksin was designated by the United Nations Security Council Committee established pursuant to Resolution 1718 for being subordinate to Ryonbong and for its involvement in the development of WMD. Ryonbong, which was also sanctioned pursuant to Resolution 1718, specializes in acquisition for North Korean defense industries and support to Pyongyang’s military-related sales.
These actions were taken pursuant to E.O. 13382, an authority aimed at freezing the assets of proliferators of WMDs and their supporters, and at isolating them from the U.S. financial and commercial systems. Designations under E.O. 13382 are implemented by Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
###
http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/tg221.htm
To view or print the Microsoft Excel content on this page, download the free Microsoft Excel Viewer.
July 20, 2009
tg-221
Treasury Releases Build America Bonds Update
Report Details Cumulative, State-by-State Bond Issuances to Date
Recovery Act Bond Program Boosts Economic Development
WASHINGTON – As part of the effort to increase transparency in government and maintain accountability of funds allocated under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act), the U.S. Department of Treasury is today providing an update on issuances of the Build America Bonds program, including state-by-state data. The Build America Bonds program is a new financing tool created by the Recovery Act to allow state and local governments to obtain much-needed funding, at lower borrowing costs, for projects such as construction of schools and hospitals, development of transportation infrastructure, and water and sewer upgrades.
“Creating the conditions for an economic recovery also requires addressing the challenges facing state and local governments,” said Alan Krueger, Assistant Secretary of Economic Policy. “The Build America Bonds program is an innovative program that will help states and local governments that seek to finance building projects to turn things around by providing financing for projects at lower costs. By supporting the construction of schools, hospitals, roads, and environmental projects, the Build America Bonds program is helping communities build a foundation for a stronger economic future.”
Build America Bonds are designed to appeal to a broader set of investors than traditional tax-exempt bonds. Under the Build America Bonds program, Treasury makes a direct payment to the state or local governmental issuer in an amount equal to 35 percent of the interest payment on the Build America Bonds. Potential investors include pension funds that traditionally do not hold tax exempt bonds and foreign investors. These investors have been important additions to the market for municipal debt.
Early market reception for Build America Bonds has been very positive. Since the program was launched on April 3, 2009:
* There has been $17.4 billion in Build America Bond issuance;
* Build America Bonds constitute about 16.6 percent of municipal bonds issuances since mid April; and
* A total of 34 states are participating in the program, with a total of 178 separate issues.
A complete list of issuances organized by state is available here.
REPORTS
* Complete list of issuances organized by state
http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/tg242.htm
July 28, 2009
TG-242
Joint Press Release on the First Round of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue
The first round of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue was held in Washington, D.C. from 27 to 28 July, 2009. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Secretary of the Treasury Timothy F. Geithner, as special representatives of President Barack Obama, and Vice Premier Wang Qishan and State Councilor Dai Bingguo, as special representatives of Chinese President Hu Jintao, co-chaired the Dialogue, which included Strategic and Economic tracks under this framework. President Hu Jintao sent a congratulatory message for the opening of the Dialogue. President Barack Obama personally appeared at the opening session to deliver a speech and met the Chinese delegation. During the Dialogue, the two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on the strategic, long-term and overarching issues concerning the development of bilateral relations. Both sides recognized that the Dialogue offers a unique forum to promote understanding, expand common ground, reduce differences, enhance mutual trust, and step up cooperation. The Dialogue helps to address shared challenges such as the global financial crisis, regional security concerns, global sustainable development, and climate change. The Dialogue is a reflection of the progress in the U.S.-China relationship over the course of the last thirty years and represents the two sides’ shared commitment to build a positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship for the 21st century. This inaugural round of the Dialogue produced positive results and defined the path that will guide the two sides’ efforts into the future.
I. On U.S.-China Relations
As a result of two days of high-level meetings, both sides gave a positive assessment of the current development of U.S.-China relations. They recognized that U.S.-China relations have maintained strong, positive momentum. In particular, the meeting between President Barack Obama and President Hu Jintao in London in April charted the course for the growth of U.S.-China relations in a new era and provided a strong impetus to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation. The two sides also affirmed that the Dialogue provides an important framework for strengthening relations on the basis of the April Summit.
The two sides noted that, at a time of continued challenges in international financial markets, and when the international situation is undergoing complex and profound changes, the United States and China share ever more important responsibilities, extensive common interests, and a broader basis for cooperation. Increased U.S.-China cooperation not only serves the common interests of the two peoples, but also contributes to peace, stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large.
The two sides stressed that close high-level contacts and exchanges play an irreplaceable role in developing U.S.-China relations and confirmed that President Barack Obama will visit China this year at the invitation of President Hu Jintao. The two sides will work together to prepare well for upcoming bilateral interactions at various levels.
The two sides welcomed recent improvements in military-to-military relations and agreed that the two militaries would expand exchanges at all levels. The two sides gave a positive assessment of the results of the recent Ministry of National Defense-Defense Department co-led Defense Consultative Talks (DCT) in Beijing. The two sides noted that Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission General Xu Caihou is going to visit the United States within this year at the invitation of Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
All participants expressed willingness to encourage U.S.-China cultural and people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, particularly youth exchanges, as well as the U.S.-China Friendship Volunteers Program, to enhance mutual understanding. The Chinese side welcomed the U.S. reaffirmation of its participation with a national pavilion in the Shanghai World Expo 2010, which was made official on July 10, 2009. The U.S. side also described new policies being developed to expedite visa processing for Chinese citizens to visit the United States and committed to maintain close consultation on this issue. The Chinese side reiterated that it hopes the U.S. side will further facilitate visa processing for Chinese citizens to visit the United States. The two sides intend to build on our already growing educational, athletic, scientific and technological exchanges, and to continue to hold the U.S.-China Cultural Forum. The two sides are committed to carrying out their shared education goals laid out in the U.S.-China Work Plan, which was recently signed by the educational authorities of the two countries.
The two sides also discussed ways to enhance mutual understanding and positive cooperation on human rights issues through our Human Rights Dialogue and other initiatives on the basis of equality and mutual respect. In light of the importance of the rule of law to our two countries, the United States and China decided to reconvene the U.S.-China Legal Experts Dialogue and will seek to hold the next Human Rights Dialogue before the end of the year.
II. On U.S.-China Cooperation in Economic, Financial and Other Sectors
The Economic Track of the first U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue has enhanced bilateral communications, and our mutual understanding and trust.
Recognizing that cooperation on economic and financial issues is important to the health of the world economy, both sides re-affirmed their commitment to sustained high level dialogue and reached consensus on important outcomes.
First, the United States and China will respectively take measures to promote balanced and sustainable economic growth in our domestic economies to ensure a strong recovery from the international financial crisis; these include measures to increase savings in the United States and the contribution of consumption to GDP growth in China.
Second, both sides will work together to build a sound financial system, and improve financial regulation and supervision.
Third, both sides are committed to more open trade and investment and to fighting protectionism to promote economic growth, job creation and innovation.
Fourth, both sides pledged to cooperate on reforming and strengthening the international financial institutions to increase the voice and representation of emerging and developing economies, including China, and to ensure adequate financing for development and to respond to future crises.
Upon conclusion of the Economic Track, the United States and China released a Joint Fact Sheet.
III. On U.S.-China Cooperation on Global Issues
The United States and China, being the world’s largest producers and consumers of energy, face common challenges and share common interests in combating global climate change, developing clean and efficient energy, protecting the environment and ensuring energy security. The two sides commit to respond vigorously through ambitious domestic action and recognize that cooperation between the United States and China is critical to address these challenges. Towards this end, the two sides negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding to Enhance Cooperation on Climate Change, Energy and the Environment (MOU), led by the Department of State and Department of Energy in the United States and the National Development and Reform Commission in China.
The MOU establishes a mechanism for climate change policy dialogue and cooperation to promote (i) discussion and exchange of views on domestic strategies and policies for addressing climate change; (ii) practical solutions for promoting the transition to low-carbon economies; (iii) successful international negotiations on climate change; (iv) joint research, development, deployment, and transfer, as mutually agreed, of climate-friendly technologies; (v) cooperation on specific projects; (vi) adaptation to climate change; (vii) capacity building and the raising of public awareness; and (viii) pragmatic cooperation on climate change between cities, universities, provinces and states of the two countries.
Consistent with equity and their common but differentiated responsibilities, and respective capabilities, the United States and China recognize they have a very important role in combating climate change. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to work together to further promote the full, effective and sustained implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and to achieve a successful outcome in Copenhagen at the end of this year.
In addition, the MOU expands and enhances cooperation between the United States and China on clean and efficient energy and environmental protection to help both countries achieve environmentally sustainable and low-carbon growth and meet national economic and development goals. Both countries resolve to pursue areas of cooperation where joint expertise, resources, research capacity and combined market size can accelerate progress towards mutual objectives. The two sides recognize the ongoing importance of the Framework for Ten Year Cooperation on Energy and Environment (TYF) in facilitating practical cooperation between the two countries in the areas of energy and the environment. Both sides are committed to implementing all five existing action plans under the TYF, covering clean and efficient electricity and transportation, clean air and water, conservation of forests and wetlands, and to expanding the work of the TYF through new action plans, including energy conservation and efficiency. Both sides also recognize the importance of and are committed to strengthening the EcoPartnerships initiative under the TYF.
The two sides decided to continue practical cooperation within the Oil and Gas Industry Forum, the Energy Policy Dialogue and the new U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center and hold relevant meetings at appropriate times this year. The two sides pledged to strengthen cooperation on renewable energy, cleaner uses of coal, including carbon capture and sequestration, smart grid, shale gas, second and third generation biofuels and advanced nuclear. The two sides agreed to carry out dialogue in the fields of strategic petroleum reserves and increased transparency in energy markets. The Chinese side invited representatives of U.S. government, media and academia to visit China’s clean energy facilities. The U.S. side acknowledged the invitation.
The two sides expressed their willingness to continue collaboration on pandemic and infectious disease outbreaks, including the challenge of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). The two sides also intend to further enhance dialogue and cooperation on other critical global issues, such as strengthening global institutions and governance and addressing public health challenges and poverty alleviation around the world, in order to promote the well-being of mankind and global sustainable development.
IV. On U.S.-China Cooperation on Regional and International Issues
The two sides discussed international challenges facing both countries. The two sides resolved to maintain close communication and coordination and work together with the rest of the international community for the settlement of conflicts and reduction of tensions that trigger regional and global instability. The two sides noted that traditional and nontraditional security threats are intertwined, and situations in Northeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa require combined efforts.
The two sides affirmed the importance of the Six-Party Talks and continuing efforts to achieve denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and maintaining peace and stability of the Peninsula and Northeast Asia. They emphasized the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1874 and resolving the nuclear issue on the Peninsula through peaceful means. Both sides agreed to step up their efforts for the early realization of the above-mentioned goals. The two sides pledged to increase coordination to jointly promote stability and development in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The two sides agreed that senior officials from both countries with responsibilities for Iran and the Middle East should continue to consult closely on these issues. The two sides expressed their willingness to increase coordination and consultation on the issue of Sudan to jointly seek an early and enduring political settlement of the Darfur issue and promote the peace process between the north and the south of Sudan.
Both sides noted their shared opposition to terrorism and pledged to work collaboratively to strengthen global non-proliferation and arms control regimes. They reiterated their respective nuclear policies and discussed the upcoming 2010 Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference and the Conference on Disarmament (CD). The two countries also exchanged views on the Global Nuclear Security Summit proposed by the U.S. side and reiterated the importance of existing dialogues on security, arms control, non-proliferation and counter-terrorism issues. The two sides intend to further enhance dialogue and cooperation to combat challenges that cross individual states’ borders, such as transnational crime, terrorism, the illegal drug trade, and piracy.
The two sides agreed to enhance the bilateral sub-dialogues on policy planning, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and Latin America within the Strategic Dialogue framework, with a view to broadening and deepening cooperation on issues of mutual concern.
V. On the Mechanism of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue
The two sides expressed their shared view that the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue will continue to advance U.S.-China relations in tandem with other existing bilateral mechanisms. The Dialogue represents a major initiative to further develop and improve U.S.-China relations in the new era, and offers an important platform for the two countries to deepen understanding, enhance mutual trust, and promote cooperation. In order to more fully explore shared solutions on a wide range of common challenges, the U.S. and Chinese delegations look forward to further discussions on specific matters raised at the dialogues through special representatives of the two presidents, working groups, and existing bilateral dialogues.
The co-chairs noted that this inaugural meeting of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue helped lay the groundwork for President Obama’s visit to China this year.
The two sides decided to hold the second round of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Beijing next year.
http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/tg225.htm
July 22, 2009
TG-225
Treasury Announces $600 Million in Recovery Act Funds for Working Families in Puerto Rico
More than One Million Residents of Puerto Rico Expected to Receive
Making Work Pay Tax Credit Payments
WASHINGTON – As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) effort to jumpstart the economy by providing tax cuts to working families, the U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced the disbursement to Puerto Rico of $600 million that is expected to benefit more than 1 million Puerto Rico workers.
“Disbursing payments to working families in Puerto Rico is part of Recovery Act efforts to get the economy back on track,” said Deputy Secretary Neal Wolin. “Throughout the United States, the Recovery Act is revitalizing communities by funding the construction of schools and affordable housing units, providing tax breaks to help parents send their children to college, and giving more than 95 percent of workers a tax break.”
Available for tax years 2009 and 2010, the Making Work Pay credit is 6.2 percent of a taxpayer’s earned income, subject to certain limitations. The maximum credit for a married couple filing a joint return is $800, while other taxpayers may receive credits of up to $400. More than one million workers in Puerto Rico are expected to qualify for the tax credit this year.
http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/200972113501217703.htm
July 21, 2009
2009-7-21-13-50-12-17703
U.S. International Reserve Position
The Treasury Department today released U.S. reserve assets data for the latest week. As indicated in this table, U.S. reserve assets totaled $82,576 million as of the end of that week, compared to $81,881 million as of the end of the prior week.
I. Official reserve assets and other foreign currency assets (approximate market value, in US millions)
[Continues, with lots of info, except on this one, a week late in being released and very few of the lines have figures on them, they are hiding info....again.
granny]
Peter Lance on Book TV, Saturday August 1st
Dear Readers, please pass this along to as many people as you can. We just found out about it:
C-SPAN2 recently taped a two hour presentation Peter Lance did on his book, TRIPLE CROSS, and Chicago U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald’s campaign to kill it.. Lance’s two-hour Powerpoint presentation will air on BOOK TV this weekend, Saturday, August 1st. Below are the times:
August 1st, Saturday morning at:
* 11:00 am EDT
* 10:00 am CDT
* 8:00 am PDT
August 1st, Saturday evening at:
* 8:00 pm EDT
* 7:00 pm CDT
* 5:00 pm PDT
Here is the link to C-Span’s description of the program:
Below is the link to C-SPAN2’s schedule for this weekend showing where TRIPLE CROSS fits into their programming:
http://www.booktv.org/Schedule.aspx
Anything you can do to publicize this national television event would be greatly appreciated.
About Peter Lance: Former ABC News corresponent Peter Lance is the author of “1000 Years for Revenge” and “Cover Up.” Lance has covered hundreds of stories worldwide for ABC NEWS 20/20, NIGHTLINE, and WORLD NEWS TONIGHT. For more on Mr. Lance and his work, visit: peterlance.com.
http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/tg248.htm
July 30, 2009
TG-248
Treasury Announces Nearly $90 Million in Recovery Act Funds
to Strengthen Communities, Provide Affordable Housing
In Kansas, Deputy Secretary Visits Housing Development
Built with Recovery Act Funds
WASHINGTON – As part of the Obama Administration’s effort to strengthen communities and ease pressures on the housing market, the U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced nearly $90 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) funding to spur the development of affordable housing units in Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, and Nebraska. The announcement was made by Treasury Deputy Secretary Neal Wolin in Topeka Kansas with Governor Parkinson, following a visit to Osawatomie, Kansas, where he participated in the ribbon-cutting of a housing development built because of this Recovery Act program.
“Today’s announcement of housing funds demonstrates how the Recovery Act is putting our nation on the path to economic stability, one community at a time,” said Wolin. “This initiative will help spur construction and development, create much needed jobs, and increase the availability of affordable housing for families around the country.”
Osawatomie, Kansas (population 4,600) is home to the Woodland Hills development, a project that was halted in January 2009 because of a lack of funds. Because of the Recovery Act’s award program for affordable housing development, which awarded $2.3 million to Woodland Hills, development now has been completed. This development will serve an elderly population and is especially meaningful to the town of Osawatomie, which was devastated by a flood in 2007, leaving more than 450 residents homeless.
Since the program launch in May 2009, the Treasury Department and the Department of Housing and Urban Development have been implementing new efforts designed to help families while providing important assistance to homebuilders. Specifically, the Treasury Department has implemented an innovative program that will provide more than $3 billion from the Recovery Act to put people to work building quality, affordable housing for individuals and families affected by the current crisis. The Treasury Department will work with state housing agencies to jump start the development or renovation of qualified affordable housing for families across the country. Under this program, state housing agencies will receive funds to finance the construction of affordable housing developments.
Today, the Treasury Department is announcing the fifth round of recipients: $18 million in Colorado; $4 million in Delaware; $53 million in Illinois; $10 million in Maine; $4 million in Nebraska. To view the terms and conditions for the Treasury application, please click here.
For further information on local projects, please contact:
Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, Jerilynn Martinez, (303) 297-7427
Delaware State Housing Authority, Christina Harden, (302) 739-4263 ext. 271
Illinois Housing Development Authority, Man Yee Lee, (312) 836-5234
Maine State Housing Authority, Dan Simpson, (207) 626-4617
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, Robin Ambroz-Hollman, (402) 434.2947
9 Reasons to RE-worry about Swine Flu
July 30, 2009
The big picture: 9 reasons to RE-worry about the (swine) H1N1 flu - and 7 things to do about it
Remember April? This past spring we had our first world-wide flu-pandemic fire drill. But like fourth-graders huddled on the tarmac in the rain, it all seemed a bit silly in retrospect, didn’t it? Especially since we bumbled around, not preventing anything. But hey, nobody got burned, right?
Um, well, no, not exactly. More accurately, we lost some folks - painfully. A few, sure, but for each one of them, it was devastating.
And the future remains unknown. The H1N1 is sort of like a Frankenvirus - a form of Influenza A that combines the DNA of swine, avian and human flu viruses. And now those guys in charge are starting to smell smoke again, and see gray drifts rising on the horizon.
There’s no siren sounding yet, but is it time to re-worry about the H1N1 (aka swine) flu? And if so, what can reasonable people do about it?
Here are nine alarming signs that have the principals of public health worried:
National Museum, Health and Medicine, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
Emergency hospital during 1918 influenza pandemic
1) This virus likes the young and healthy. And kills them. New results show that 13% of this virus’ victims so far were pregnant women - but keep in mind these numbers were based on six out of 45 total deaths. But that 13% is alarming, given the fact that only 1% of the population is pregnant at any one time - and these were generally otherwise completely healthy women with only the usual minor immunosuppression of pregnancy. Pregnant women also had 4 times the rate of hospitalization. Furthermore, only 1% of its victims were elderly. That distribution (more young and healthy, many fewer older victims) is the opposite of the usual flu-mortality profile. But scarily similar to the 1918 flu pandemic profile.
continues and is worth reading.
Source: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/gurley/detail?entry_id=44301
Sources: Gov’t To Suspend ‘Cash For Clunkers’
The government will suspend the popular “cash for clunkers” program, sources
tell The Associated Press.
MORE DETAILS: http://www.10News.com/tu/5IFi1koCT.html
[I heard a couple calls on talk radio, said the car dealers were cancelling contracts already made, “come up with $4,500. or bring the new car back”.
granny]
Just published - Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer
I had a feeling I might like this memoir when I came upon on its first sentence,
a gentle twist on the opening of Isak Dinesen’s “Out of Africa.” Here is Novella
Carpenter: “I have a farm on a dead-end street in the ghetto.”
But I didn’t truly fall in love with “Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer”
until I hit Page 38. That’s when the bees that Ms. Carpenter has purchased from
a mail order company arrive at her post office in Oakland, Calif.
A panicked postal
employee calls, begging her to pick them up because they’re attracting other bees
and “freaking everyone out.”
They turned a vacant lot into an edible Eden that provides freshly grown food to
thousands of needy Brooklynites.
But the Brooklyn Rescue Mission, an emergency food pantry in Bedford-Stuyvesant,
could lose half of Bed-Stuy Farm - its 5,000-square-foot facility on a long-neglected
lot - if plans go through to build on it.
Bronwyn’s Kale Muffins
Bronwyn picks some Russian kale leaves at the Vancouver Compost Demonstration Garden
and walks us through the steps to make her unique muffins. She created this recipe
last summer while working on an organic farm where there was nothing to eat but
kale.
North Vancouver city considers plan for farms on boulevards
UBC lab is ‘trying to create something that doesn’t exist anywhere else’
From the Victory gardens of the last century’s two world wars to the community-garden
movement started in the 1970s, urban agriculture has played an important role in
the security of the food supply.
Metro Vancouver is no stranger to the urban harvest.
According to City Farmer, 44
per cent of Vancouver’s population is involved in some form of urban agriculture.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Read these stories and more here:
City Farmer News [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102656002766&s=1304&e=001JjO9beAgd6VR3ryP-CnTSQRaHSiS6RyoWjjZf4jY12IXf5xKwkwr3YBo57UTEuIG2X2w5KHJvD4te7XQFvePljleMqDFaCFyBrBEz6dHXnQpPRLiyRM7Lg==]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Michael Levenston
City Farmer - Canada’s Office of Urban Agriculture
The problem with too much sun is easily avoided and the hype about it being harmful is mostly that....sunscreen promoting hype.<<<
Maybe so, in some areas, but in Arizona and California skin cancer is a real problem.
True most of us do not use sun screen, and often we do not wear hats.
Several friends have had it.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.