Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition [Survival Today

Problem is, nobody wants government involved in their lives... Hence, very very few ever register.<<<

I too enjoy the City Farmer news and am constantly amazed at the resources out there for us to use, if we are smart enough.

It may well be that the gov has outsmarted itself, in teaching/allowing all these folks to garden, for some of them are learning how to take care of them selves and may not want to exist in a nanny state.

As I roam around the internet, I read more and more of them, going on from the 5’ garden, to dreaming of a homestead.

Your garden is beautiful.

Makes me want corn for breakfast.

I see that Kimmie7 is also having health problems, would you add her to your prayer list please?

Thank you for all your prayers for Shirley’s daughter and son in law.

You are a wonderful bunch of Christian Freepers, may God special blessings to all of you.

I’ve been having surgery and health problems, so my garden is being ignored a bit.<<<

Hurry and get well, you need to be strong for all that canning.

I join in earnest prayer for kimmie7!

PRAYER REQ UPDATE ON A FEW OF FREEPERS:

I’ve been having surgery and health problems, so my garden is being ignored a bit. Putting out HUGE zucchini, tho. lol

7,795 posted on Sunday, July 11, 2010 9:16:20 AM by kimmie7 (THE CROSS - Today, Tomorrow and Always!)

AND

Thank you for all your prayers for Shirley’s daughter and son in law.

AND

Alamo-Girl’s niece. . . . serious medical complications, been on a breathing tube . . .

AND

Quix . . . a very troublesome, snarley basket of mystifying, seemingly satanic attack challenges through very . . . willing agents . . . in some key relationships in one of my preferred spheres of activity/ministry . . . not yet better, could get worse, short of The Lord’s help . . . as well as needing a touch from The Lord in a few specific areas.

prayers, and thanks for the update

Prayers up for Kimmie7.

Dear Lord, please comfort Kimmie7 and ease her pain, heal her body and renew her spirit, and help her garden blossom with abundance, in Jesus name we pray, Amen.

THX MUCH.

http://www.fox5vegas.com/news/24261355/detail.html

Fire Tears Through Downtown Las Vegas Business

snip

A couple of fire engine crews remain at the scene to relieve firefighters if they begin to experience heat exhaustion.

The fire was just a couple of blocks away from Sunday’s fire at an Opportunity Village store and an explosion Sunday at an NV Energy substation.

Reporter Matt DeLucia will have the story on FOX5 at 5.

Previous Stories:

* July 12, 2010: Officials Look For Link Between Fire, Explosion
* July 12, 2010: No Sprinklers In Fire-Ravaged Thrift Store
* July 11, 2010: 2nd 2-Alarm Fire Erupts In Downtown

[at 5 pm it is 108 degrees in Las Vegas, per this site...]

Weekly Harvest Newsletter

Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - July 14, 2010

Weekly sustainable agriculture news and resources gleaned from the Internet by NCAT staff for the ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service Web site. The Weekly Harvest Newsletter is also available online (http://attra.ncat.org/newsletter/archives.html#wh).

Share The Harvest: Please forward this newsletter to friends and colleagues who are interested in the latest sustainable agriculture news, funding opportunities and events.
____________________________________

News & Resources

* Peace Corps Seeks Members with Sustainable Agriculture Skills
* Consumer Perceptions of Raw Milk Highlighted in Report
* North Carolina Campaign to Support Local Food Systems
* Central Oregon Food Network Launches Website
* Value Added Conference Seeks Presenters
* University of Missouri to Launch Online Agroforestry Graduate Program

Funding Opportunities

* Agriculture and Food Research Initiative — Foundational Program
* Western SARE Producer Grant
* Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program

Coming Events

* Farm Transition Conference
* Pollinator Biology, Health and Policy Conference
* Heirloom Wheat Workshop
____________________________________

News & Resources

Peace Corps Seeks Members with Sustainable Agriculture Skills
Have you ever wondered how you can reduce hunger around the world? There is one way — plant gardens, or better yet, teach others how to plant gardens. Did you know that your sustainable farming skills and knowledge are needed in developing
nations to help tackle global climate change and world hunger? Now is the time to consider applying to the U.S. Peace Corps. Since 1961, Peace Corps Volunteers have helped communities address food shortages and poor nutrition by building school gardens, developing community gardens, hosting nutrition workshops and more. There is currently a pressing need for volunteers who have practical knowledge in sustainable market gardening techniques. So, if you are looking for a way to make an impact on world hunger and give something back to our global society, you should think about joining the thousands of Americans who are serving abroad with the Peace Corps. For more information contact Frank Higdon (fhigdon@peacecorps.gov). To fill out an online application, please visit http://www.peacecorps.gov. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years old, but there is no upper age limit!

Consumer Perceptions of Raw Milk Highlighted in Report
http://www.cias.wisc.edu/economics/perceptions-of-raw-milk%E2%80%99s-risks-and-benefits-research-brief-83/
The Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS) has released a new report on the study of consumers’ perceptions of raw milk. A study led by researchers Ozlem Altiok and Michael Bell of the UW-Madison Department of Community and Environmental Sociology found that customers cite improving their health among the top reasons for drinking raw milk. A growing number of consumers feel that pasteurization robs milk of some of its nutritional and health benefits. From September 2005 through June 2007, the researchers used participant observation and in-depth interviews to investigate why people drink raw milk despite health warnings. The study was conducted primarily in Wisconsin.

North Carolina Campaign to Support Local Food Systems
http://www.cefs.ncsu.edu/whatwedo/foodsystems/10percent.html
The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is committed to building North Carolina’s sustainable local food economy. Through its Farm to Fork initiative and action guide, CEFS has energized and connected thousands of North Carolinians and hundreds of local, regional and statewide organizations that share this commitment. To further this commitment, CEFS is readying a statewide “10% Campaign” to encourage consumers to buy/grow local foods. The intent of the 10% Campaign is straightforward: Encourage consumers to commit 10 percent of their existing food dollars to support local food producers, related businesses and communities. You can sign up to support the 10% Campaign.

Central Oregon Food Network Launches Website
http://centraloregonfoodnetwork.com/
The Central Oregon Food Network website has officially launched, providing local farmers and ranchers an opportunity to connect, share resources and discuss pertinent issues. The website provides a producer’s directory which features nearly 40 farms and ranches in Central Oregon. A list of 10 local restaurants and retailers are also listed due to their support of local food production and consumption. The website offers a discussion forum where farmers and ranchers can submit questions and share their knowledge about growing techniques and other subjects such as alternative fuel, working with worms and growing exotic grains.
Related ATTRA Resource: Local Food Directories
http://attra.org/attra-pub/local_food/search.php

Value Added Conference Seeks Presenters
http://www.rivercountryrcd.org/valad.html
“Cultivating Farm Profitability” is the theme of River Country Resource Conservation and Development Council’s 2011 Midwest Value Added Agriculture Conference, to be held Thursday January 27 and Friday January 28 at the Sheraton Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin. The conference will feature presentations designed to educate farmers practicing value added agriculture on their farms. The conference is seeking proposals for presentations on marketing, business management, organics, urban agriculture, and other topics. Presentation proposals are due August 15, 2010.

University of Missouri to Launch Online Agroforestry Graduate Program
The University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry (http://www.centerforagroforestry.org/) has recently received funding from the University of Missouri System to develop eight courses, creating an Interdisciplinary Online Graduate Program in Agroforestry (http://www.centerforagroforestry.org/pubs/action/1006action.pdf) (PDF/812K). The program will consist of a graduate certificate (12 credits) and master’s degree (30 credits). An existing agroforestry course will be converted to an online course. Three additional courses in the biophysical and socio-economic dimensions of agroforestry will be developed, as will four elective courses in soils, watershed management, natural resource policy and biometrics. Admission to the new graduate certificate and degree program will begin in fall 2010.
Related ATTRA Publication: Agroforestry Overview
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/agroforestry.html

>> More Breaking News http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/br_news.php
____________________________________

Funding Opportunities

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative — Foundational Program
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=53022
The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) is the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) flagship competitive grant program and was established under section 7406 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill). AFRI supports work in six priority areas: plant health and production and plant products; animal health and production and animal products; food safety, nutrition, and health; renewable energy, natural resources, and environment; agriculture systems and technology; and agriculture economics and rural communities.
Proposals are due August 23, 2010.

Western SARE Producer Grant
https://wsare.usu.edu/grants/?ok=Vw_RFAs
These one- or two-year grants are awarded to agricultural producers who work with support and guidance from a technical advisor. Individual producers may apply for up to $15,000, and a group of three or more producers may apply for up to $30,000. Producers typically use their grants to conduct on-site experiments that can improve their operations and the environment and can be shared with other producers. Grant recipients may also focus on marketing and organic production.
Proposals are due December 3, 2010

Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program
http://bit.ly/9wLDqP
EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), in coordination with the EPA Regional Offices, announces the availability of approximately $530,000 for assistance agreements to further the pesticide risk reduction goals of the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP). Proposed projects must implement integrated pest management to reduce risks of pesticide use. Projects should demonstrate the relevance of the project to the goals of PESP.
Proposals are due July 26, 2010

>> More Funding Opportunities http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/funding.php
___________________________________

Coming Events

Farm Transistion Conference
July 20-23, 2010
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
http://www.cvcountryside.org/farmland/IFTNConference.php
This three day meeting will bring together agricultural professionals, farmers, citizens, and service providers to discuss and learn about exciting projects in farm transition.

Pollinator Biology, Health and Policy Conference
July 24-28, 2010
University Park, Pennsylvania
http://ento.psu.edu/news/2009/pollinator-conference
Planned symposia include Behavioral Ecology, Disease Ecology, Impacts of Environmental Toxins, Conservation and Ecological Applications of Native Pollinators, Coordinated International Efforts on Pollinator Decline, and Policy and Public Outreach. Furthermore, the Xerces Society will be hosting a Pollinator Conservation Short Course in conjunction with the conference.

Heirloom Wheat Workshop
July 28, 2010
Westfield, Vermont
http://nofavt.org/events/heirloom-wheat-nofa-vt-summer-workshop-series-event
Jack and Ann Lazor will provide us with a tour of their milling facilities and new grain hulling equipment. We will also tour the heirloom wheat varieties and other grain trials on the farm.

>> More Events http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/
____________________________________

New & Updated Publications

Assessing the Pasture Soil Resource
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=181

Beyond Basic Compensation
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=330

Montana Farmers’ Market EBT Manual
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=337
____________________________________

Question of the Week
What information can you give me on using molasses for weed control?
http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/question.php/2010/07/12/what-information-can-you-give-me-on-using-molasses-for-weed-control
____________________________________

Ask a Sustainable Agriculture Expert
Submit questions to our professional staff online
http://attra.ncat.org/ask.php
____________________________________

Internet-based Radio Show
Listen to “Pollinator-friendly farming” on the Sustainable Agriculture Spotlight.
http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=47437
Tuesday, July 20
10 a.m. PST/1 p.m. EST
____________________________________

ATTRA Spanish Newsletter
Subscribe to Cosecha Mensual (Monthly Harvest), ATTRA’s Spanish-language e-newsletter
http://attra.ncat.org/espanol/boletin.php
____________________________________

Subscribe to the Weekly Harvest
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/427/personal2.asp?formid=signup
____________________________________

Comments? Questions? Contact us
http://attra.ncat.org/management/contact.html
____________________________________

Weekly Harvest and ATTRAnews Archives
http://attra.ncat.org/newsletter/archives.html
Digital versions of recent and archived Weekly Harvest and ATTRAnews newsletters are available online. ATTRAnews is the newsletter of ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.

The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service - ATTRA - was developed and is managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). The project is funded through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/index.html).

Visit the NCAT Web site for more information on our other sustainable agriculture and energy projects.
http://www.ncat.org/sarc_current.php

>>>Makes me want corn for breakfast.<<<

LOL, I get really creative for breakfast...
Like Corn Waffles or Butternut Waffles,
Christi loves Rudy Kazoody eggs (some call them frog in a hole)
Even breakfast pizza or Monkey Cinnamon Bread.
and even standard Eggs (Christi loves them over easy - she calls them ‘Leaky Eggs’, Bacon, Grits, Hash Browns and homemade English Muffins. When nobody wants Oat Meal, I give it to them in pancakes with some cinnamon and vanilla - then everyone is happy. Sometimes we throw in some fried tomatoes along with it. Scrapple, bacon, sausage, ham - cantaloupe, peaches, strawberries, even baked apples - Seems we eat such big breakfasts that we hardly ever eat lunch, then have an early dinner.

>>>Your garden is beautiful.<<<

Thanks, but it has been trying this year... Had to plant green beans and beets three times to get a stand. One inch of rain from end of April till last week, now over 6” in 4 days (and still drizzling). Early corn did pretty well with lots of watering, but they sold completely out of the corn for my second planting. Watermelons and cantaloupes are doing great setting fruit like crazy and tomatoes are about 6’ - 2’ over the tops of the 4’ cages and loaded with fruit and blossoming like crazy. My lima bean seeds from last year got damp and molded, so I got another bag that were supposed to be bush, but soon I discovered that they were definitely pole beans - glad I had corn on both sides of them as they are using the corn for poles to grow on - guess it would have been a good year for 3 sisters planting (corn, beans, squash) Anyway, we have turned from brown to bright green in 4 days... Summer squash, zucchini and cucumbers are overloading me... soon as the humidity drops some, I’ve got to start drying stuff.... All three dryers are set up ready to go. Looks like I’m going to have so many butternut squash (about two pickups full)that I will have to bury some in straw in an old shed and feed them to the chickens all winter.

Lots of fun, work and trials, but lots of food - wouldn’t have it any other way...

PARALYTIC SHELLFISH POISONING - USA: (MAINE) WARNING
****************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org

Date: Fri 9 Jul 2010
Source: Maine Public Broadcasting Network (MPBN) [edited]
http://www.mpbn.net/Home/tabid/36/ctl/ViewItem/mid/3478/ItemId/12857/Default.aspx

Maine red tide outbreak prompts shellfish warning

The toxic algal blooms are affecting shellfish beds in Maine, from
Cutler to the Canadian border.

As red tide hits the Maine coast, state health officials are urging
people to make sure they consume seafood safely. The toxic algal
blooms have led to closures of shellfish beds in Maine, from Cutler
to the Canadian border. The toxin can contaminate shellfish and
sicken people who eat them, sometimes fatally, officials say.

Maine Center for Disease Control officials say shellfish purchased
from a licensed dealer is safe to eat because their operations
undergo rigorous screening and auditing. Those harvesting shellfish
for their own personal use should make sure the shellfish beds are
not closed due to red tide. Information on which beds are closed can
be found online at
http://www.maine.gov/dmr/rm/public_health/closures/pspclosures.htm

Officials say people should never eat clams or mussels floating in
ocean waters because they’re likely to be contaminated with much more
of the red tide toxin than those in beds. And when eating lobster,
they say, don’t eat the tomalley, the green material in the body
cavity, which serves as the lobster’s liver. The lobster meat is safe to eat.

State health officials say 3 incidents of so-called paralytic
shellfish poisoning have occurred in Downeast Maine over the past
years, sickening a total of 8 people, none of them fatally. In all 3
cases, people had harvested mussels for personal use, in one case
from a closed area.

—
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail
promed@promedmail.org

[”Red tide is caused by several toxic algae. Depending upon the
toxin, it is also known as paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP),
because it causes shellfish to be toxic for consumption.

PSP is a significant problem in several geographic areas, especially
in both the east and the west coasts of the US. Produced by several
closely related species in the genus _Alexandrium_, PSP toxins are
responsible for persistent problems due to their accumulation in
filter-feeding shellfish; but they also move through the food chain,
affecting zooplankton, fish larvae, adult fish, and even birds and
marine mammals.

_Alexandrium_ blooms generally do not involve large-cell
accumulations that discolor the water and may instead be invisible
below the water surface. Low-density populations can cause severe
problems due to the high potency of the toxins produced. Furthermore,
_Alexandrium_ spp. can grow in relatively pristine waters, and it is
difficult to argue that anthropogenic nutrient inputs are stimulating
the blooms. These characteristics are important when considering
mitigation and control strategies.

Often PSP is associated with red tides or algal blooms. Red tide is
caused by an organism called _Karenia brevis_, which in high
concentrations can make the water look red. The organism releases a
toxin that paralyzes the respiratory system of fish and other marine life.

Airborne toxins, water spray, and splashes in an outbreak have kept
people from beaches while leaving others with irritated eyes and
throats. Red tide irritates the skin of people exposed to it and can
cause itchy eyes, scratchy throats, and coughs. Harvesting from
affected areas for personal consumption is discouraged. Red tide
poisoning symptoms include nausea and dizziness and may last for several days.

Previously the organism causing red tide was known as _Gymnodinium
breve_, but it has been reclassified in the taxonomy of
dinoflagellates. Its new name is _Karenia brevis_, or _K. brevis_.
_Karenia_ was chosen in honor of Dr Karen Steidinger, a prominent red
tide scientist from the Florida Marine Research Institute in St Petersburg, FL.

The red tide update website is at
http://www.marinelab.sarasota.fl.us/~mhenry/rtupdate.phtml

This moderator comment was borrowed from prior postings such as
Paralytic shellfish poisoning - South Africa (W. Cape): red tide
20070325.1039). - Mod.TG]

[The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the state of Maine in
the northeastern US is available at
http://healthmap.org/r/01J7 . - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ

This message contains the following:

1. Snow Blowers Recalled by The Toro Company Due to Fire Hazard

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10299.html

2. Muddy Outdoors Recalls Climbing Sticks Due to Fall Hazard

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10300.html

3. Pottery Barn Kids Recalls to Repair Drop-Side Cribs Due to Entrapment, Suffocation and Fall Hazards

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10302.html

4. CPSC Proposes New Rules for Full-Size and Non-Full-Size Cribs

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10301.html

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm219037.htm

Diamond Usa Inc. Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Sulfites In “Dry Apricot Rolled”

Contact:
Sardar Sultani
(718) 938-0345

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — July 13, 2010 - Diamond USA Inc. is recalling its 1 lb packages with code#01-12-2010 of “Dry Apricot Rolled” because they contain undeclared sulfites. People who have severe sensitivities to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The recalled Dry Apricot Rolled was distributed in New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and California to retail stores. The product comes in a 1 lb sealed package with code #01-12-2010. It is a product of Afghanistan.

The recall was initiated after routine sampling by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics. Anaphylactic shock could occur in certain sulfite sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites. Analysis of the “Dry Apricot Rolled” revealed it contained 53.24 milligrams per serving.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

Consumers who purchased “Dry Apricot Rolled” are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (718) 938-0345.

###

Photo: Product Labels9

RSS Feed for FDA Recalls Information10 [what’s this?11]
Links on this page:

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2. /Safety/default.htm
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Page Last Updated: 07/14/2010

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm219057.htm

Fresh Express Announces Recall of Expired Romaine Lettuce Products with Use-By Dates of July 8 to 12 and “S” in the Product Code Due to Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Ed Loyd, (513) 784-8935
Barbara Hines, (972) 724-3049

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE —July 13, 2010 Salinas, California – Fresh Express is voluntarily recalling certain Romaine lettuce salad products with expired Use-by Dates of July 8 - 12 and an “S” in the Product Code because they may have the potential to be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. No other Fresh Express salads are included in the recall.

No illnesses have been reported in association with the recall. The precautionary recall action is being conducted to reach retailers as well as consumers. Consumers should check their refrigerators for Fresh Express Romaine salads with Use-by Dates of July 8 - 12 and an “S” in the Product Code (see separate listing). Retailers should check their inventories and store shelves to confirm that none of the product is mistakenly present or available for purchase by consumers. Fresh Express customer service representatives have already contacted a majority of retailers and are in the process of confirming that the recalled product is not in the stream of commerce.

E. coli O157:H7 is a bacterium that can cause serious foodborne illness in a person who eats a food item contaminated with it. Symptoms of infection may include severe and often bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting. Often, little or no fever is present. Most healthy adults recover within a week. Young children and the elderly are at higher risk for developing Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) as a result of the infection. HUS can lead to serious kidney damage and death. Consumers who may experience these symptoms should consult a doctor.

Only the Romaine lettuce salad products with use-by dates of July 8, July 9, July 10, July 11 and July 12, AND have an “S” in the product code are affected(see separate listing).

Retailers and Consumers who have any remaining expired product should not consume it, but rather discard it. Retailers and Consumers with questions may call the Fresh Express Consumer Response Center at (800) 242-5472, Monday – Friday, 5 a.m. – 8 p.m., Pacific Time.

The recall notification is being issued out of an abundance of caution due to an isolated instance in which one package of Fresh Express Hearts of Romaine salad yielded a positive result for E. coli O157:H7 in a random sample test collected and conducted by a third-party laboratory for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Fresh Express is coordinating closely with regulatory agencies. Immediately upon learning about the positive test result, Fresh Express conducted a traceability assessment and a full review of its food safety documentation, all of which were found to be in compliance with the company’s multi-step food safety program including field and manufacturing records which did not show any unusual occurrences or the presence of any pathogens

Snapshot of Recall Action

What:

Fresh Express Romaine-based salad products with Use-by Dates of July 8 - 12 and an “S” in the Product Code are being recalled. Although no longer being sold, consumers may still have the expired product in their homes. This recall action serves to notify them not to consume the expired product, but to discard it instead.

Reason:

A positive result for E. coli O157:H7 in a random sample test of a single Hearts of Romaine salad conducted by the FDA.

Instructions for Consumers:

Check refrigerators for expired Fresh Express Romaine salad with Use-by Dates of July 8 - 12 and an “S” in the Product Code. If found, do not consume and immediately discard it – as Fresh Express specifically recommends consumers should routinely do with any expired product. Consumers with questions may call the Fresh Express Consumer Response Center at (800) 242-5472, Monday – Friday, 5 a.m. – 8 p.m., Pacific Time.

Instructions for Retailers:

Check inventories and store shelves to confirm that none of the expired product is mistakenly present or available for purchase by consumers. Coordinate with Fresh Express customer service representatives who are already confirming that the recalled product is not in the stream of commerce.

Illnesses: No illnesses related to this recall have been reported.

Detailed listing of Recalled Product Codes:

Complete listing of romaine-based products included in the Fresh Express precautionary recall announced July 14, 2010 (No other Fresh Express Salads are included in this recall

Fresh Express Prevention-based Food Safety:

Fresh Express is firmly committed to food safety and has made food safety its number one priority. The company has invested heavily in building a comprehensive food safety program that is widely regarded for its excellence. Focused on prevention, the multi-step food safety program covers the entire supply chain, beginning in the fields before planting and continuing all the way through to growing, pre-harvesting, harvesting, manufacturing, shipping and delivery. Microbial testing is an important component of the program.

#

Photos: Product Labels9

RSS Feed for FDA Recalls Information10 [what’s this?11]
Links on this page:

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2. /Safety/default.htm
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11. /AboutFDA/ContactFDA/StayInformed/RSSFeeds/default.htm

Page Last Updated: 07/15/2010

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs): Ongoing Safety Review for Cancer Risk

AUDIENCE: Cardiology, Oncology, Family Practice

ISSUE: A recently published study - a meta-analysis combining cancer-related findings from several clinical trials - suggested use of ARBs may be associated with a small increased risk of cancer.

BACKGROUND: ARBs are used in patients with high blood pressure and other conditions. Brand names include Atacand, Avapro, Benicar, Cozaar, Diovan, Micardis, and Teveten.

The meta-analysis included data from over 1,000 patients in several long-term, randomized, controlled clinical trials evaluating ARBs for which adverse events related to cancer were captured during the study. The mean duration of follow-up ranged from 1.7 to 4.8 years.

The study reported the frequencies of new cancer occurrence to be 7.2% for patients receiving ARBs compared to 6.0% for those not receiving ARBs (risk ratio = 1.08, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.01-1.15). No statistically significant difference in cancer deaths was noted.

RECOMMENDATION: FDA has not concluded that ARBs increase the risk of cancer. The Agency is reviewing information related to this safety concern and will update the public when additional information is available. FDA believes the benefits of ARBs continue to outweigh their potential risks.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

* Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
* Phone: 1-800-332-1088
* Mail: return the postage-paid FDA form 3500, which may be downloaded from the MedWatch “Download Forms” page, to address on the pre-addressed form
* Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178

Read the MedWatch safety alert page, including a link to the Drug Safety Communication, at:

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm219185.htm

You are encouraged to report all serious adverse events and product quality problems to FDA MedWatch at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm

Thanks for the on line link for red tide closings. I have a phone number for info on closings, but they talk so fast giving longitudes and latitudes that it is of little use to me. We successfully harvested and froze enough surf clams to last us through this red tide bloom. I know it would be no problem for you as you don't eat seafood, but we are fond of clam chowder, clam puffs and clam cakes, so having a frozen supply is nice.

Try to stay cool. We are having a hot summer here so I imagine Ariz. is stifling.

Living On A Dime Newsletter - Quick and Easy One Dish Summer Menu
July 15, 2010

Hello everyone!

I hope you’re having a great day! It’s been very hot here the last
week or so, but it’s cooling off a little today!

In today’s newsletter, you’ll find a quick and easy one dish summer
menu!

Check out these posts at LivingOnADime.com:

* Get Organized!
http://www.livingonadime.com/organized/

* Healthy Substitutions
http://www.livingonadime.com/healthy-substitutions/

* 10 Ways to Lose Weight and Gain Money
http://www.livingonadime.com/10-ways-lose-weight-gain-money/

We’re now featuring coupons for those of you who enjoy using them,
so check out these great savings at http://tinyurl.com/2cf8rcm

* $1 Dove Chocolate

* $1.50 Digiorno Pizza and Breadsticks

* $1 off 2 Viva Paper Towels

* $2 Smart Balance Milk

* $1 Genesis Today Juice

* $2 Listerine Whitening Rinse

* .75 off Kix Cereal

Have a great weekend!

-Tawra
www.LivingOnADime.com

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Today’s Tips:

* Keep a toothbrush in your kitchen to clean things like graters,
beaters, chopper blades and other hard to clean small items.

* Keep another toothbrush in your kitchen to clean places like
around your faucets, appliance knobs, sink drain, etc.

* Use Dow bathroom cleaner in the kitchen to clean anything with
grease on it. I just spray it on and it literally melts away the
grease and dirt. It is especially good to use for places like the
back of the stove where the knobs are or on shelves where that
greasy kitchen grime can build up.

* Don’t just wipe things in a kitchen with a wet rag. Not only are
you not cleaning anything, you are probably making it worse. Use
soapy water to wipe things down.

Hot soapy water cleans almost everything, especially in the
kitchen, but it doesn’t hurt every once in a while to put some
Clorox in your dish water to use to wipe things. Remember, you
don’t need half a cup of bleach, only a capful or two. Stop
worrying so much about what a few drops of Clorox is going to do to
your family and worry more about what food poisoning will do to
them because you didn’t clean the right way with the right stuff.

Today’s Menu:

Try this quick and easy one dish summer menu!

Pasta Veggie Fruit Salad*
Bread, Butter and Jam
Corn on the Cob
Banana Split Cake*

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Grocery Shopping On A Budget

Learn to save, stretch and get more for your food dollars!

Grocery Shopping On A Budget includes lots of tips to reduce your
grocery bill, menus and recipes to get you in and out of the
kitchen fast, tips to help you save on meats and cleaning supplies
and more.

Learn More about saving on groceries at
http://www.livingonadime.com/store/grocery-shopping-budget-ecourse/

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Today’s Recipes:

This is a super dish to make up in the morning. Then, when dinner
time comes and everyone is hot and tired, just set this dish on the
table. Voila! Dinner is served.

Pasta Veggie Fruit Salad

1 1/2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
1 1/2 cups chicken, cooked and cubed
1 1/2 cups celery, chopped
1 cup green grapes, halved
1 can (11 oz.) mandarin oranges, drained
1 can (6 oz.) water chestnuts, drained
1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, chopped

Dressing

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ranch dressing
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook the pasta. While it is cooking, chop rest of ingredients and
mix. Mix dressing together. Add pasta and mix everything. Chill.
Garnish with toasted slivered almonds if desired.

Banana Split Cake

Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted

Mix and spread into 13x9 pan. Chill

Filling:

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar

Cream together. It will crumble at first, but keep mixing until
smooth. Spread on crust.

Topping:

1 container of whipped topping
1 can (15 oz.) pineapple, crushed or chunks (your choice)
1-2 bananas
Strawberries or other fruit
Ice cream topping
Nuts or toffee bits
Maraschino cherries

Slice bananas on filling, top with pineapple and then any other
fruit you want. Spread with whipped topping. Drizzle with either
chocolate, caramel, butterscotch sauce or favorite ice cream
topping. Sprinkle with nuts and garnish with cherries.

If you have something to say about this newsletter, comment on it at
http://www.livingonadime.com/quick-easy-one-dish-summer-menu/#Comment

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From A Reader:

“Just want to compliment you on a fun and informative newsletter!
Just this week I have been making decisions to get rid of the
clutter in my house...tons of books that I haven’t read and am not
planning on reading, piles of picture frames I don’t want...I was
telling myself the very things you told us in the newsletter I just
got. Confirmation! Thanks for all the great tips.”

“I also bought your Dining on a Dime cookbook and it is at the top
of my list for the “best cookbook award”. The tips and inspiration
are great!”

“Thanks and may God richly bless you for being here, sharing your
tips, at such a time as this!”

-Cheryl B.

Learn More About Dining On A Dime at:
http://www.livingonadime.com/store/dining-dime-cookbook/

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The Living On A Dime Newsletter Is Published By:

Kellam Media and Publishing, Inc.
PO Box 844, Andover, KS 67002

“Items You Can Trade Like Cash Or Use Yourself”
Posted by: “brad

Pseudo-Currency: Items You Can Trade Like Cash Or Use Yourself if the Balloon Goes Up, by Scott in Wisconsin (posted on Survivalblog.com)

If the power grid fails for a weekend, dollar bills will always be accepted. And I think it’s a good idea to keep at least $500 on hand in your home, in $5 and $10 denominations. If the stores are open, but their credit card machines are not working, you’ll still be fine.

But what happens if things really fall apart? It’s easy to imagine a time when cash will no longer be king.

What if an EMP knocks out all our electronic infrastructure? If you’ve read “One Second After,” you get a feel for how quickly all our technology can go away. And how useless cash would become almost immediately.

What if hyper-inflation destroys the value of those dollar bills you’ve tucked away? If we see the kind of inflation that they have today in Mozambique, or that they had in Weimar Germany, that $500 in cash won’t even buy you a breath mint.

What if a virus sweeps the country, and kills millions? Those who survive may have no interest in your paper dollars, preferring instead to have something they can use.

Suddenly, you may have no choice but to barter for what you need. But barter is terribly inefficient as a substitute for currency.

How often will the guy with goat you want, need the generator you have to trade? And how, exactly, will he make “change?” Most of the time, even when two people each have something the other needs, the two trades won’t be equal in value. That may well kill a deal.

And how will you buy small items, like a dozen eggs, or a pail of milk, without a good substitute for currency? You can’t trade a cow for some cheese.

Silver and gold may step in and function as a true replacement currency. Historically, people have looked to the precious metals when currencies or governments fail. So it makes sense to have plenty of Junk Silver coins tucked away.

But you can’t eat silver, or drink silver. And when you’re hungry or thirsty, it just may turn out that silver will be shunned just like dollars bills, with traders demanding something they can actually use.

I believe that, when dollars stop working, some new, useful items will begin to function as currency a pseudo-currency, like cigarettes do in prison movies!

And if other items are going to become pseudo-currencies, it would make a great deal of sense to stock up on them now, while they are cheap and readily available.

So how can we determine what people may turn to as a substitute for currency, when the balloon goes up?

First, we need to consider just what makes a good item for trading, so that it can act effectively like a pseudo-currency. Simply put, it should be like money, but also useful itself.

So it should be small, compact, lightweight, durable, long-lasting, and fairly divisible, like currency. It can’t be fragile, or need care and upkeep.

It should also be so obviously useful, that someone will take it in trade even if they don’t need it immediately themselves, knowing they can use it, or easily trade it in the future.

And the genuine nature of the item must not be in doubt. (That’s one reason I favor junk silver over small bars. No one is faking 1958 quarters.) Such coins need to obviously be “the real thing.”

After looking over what I use regularly, what I have put away for a rainy day, and what I think others will also want and need, I’ve identified the following items as potential pseudo-currency:

32 count Strike-anywhere matchbooks. I bought 120 boxes for $20. on eBay. Just $.17 per box. Fire is life. The boxes themselves fit nicely in the pocket, and are lightweight. So handy and useful. It’s clear at first glance that they are genuine. For small trades, 2 or 3 individual matches may even be traded, if they are strike-anywhere matches. Otherwise, you’ll need the box for striking.

Cartridges. .22 LR is very inexpensive now, but eventually may be hard to get. I just bought a bunch of 50 round boxes, for $1.65 each, at Dunham Sports. That’s just 3.4 cents per cartridge. They should be highly sought after TSHTF for shooting small game, etc. Like matches, individual rounds may trade for small things, and whole boxes for larger items. Stock up on the size ammo you use yourself, as well as very common sizes. I expect shotgun shells will also be very popular, and there are just a few common sizes to choose from. Even if the worst never comes, you’ll have lots of ammo at 2010 prices, which may seem cheap a few years from now.

Candles. I bought 144 of the 15-hour unscented white Votive candles for $48, or just $.33 each, at Candledepot.com. I’ve seen 500 of the 6 hour candles for 20 cents each on eBay. In either case, these are much smaller and cheaper than the Nuwick 120 hour candles. (2 cents per hours versus 8 cents per hour). They fit nicely in your pocket, and are lightweight and durable. You get light, and can cook with them using several candles under a pan. Others will want them, when the grid goes down. If you’re looking for a business after TSHTF, I saw a Votive candle maker on eBay for $1,500.

Calcium Hypochlorite (granular chlorinating powder / pool shock) 1 lb bags cost just $3.50 at injopools.com and will make roughly 12,000 gallons safe for drinking. I’ve put away 4 bags.
1/8 oz of the powder will make a gallon of Chlorine Bleach. So each 1 pound bag makes about 1,000 pints of Bleach. Each pint of Bleach will then disinfect 12+ gallons of water.
Pint-size plastic bottles should be very common, and part of your own water storage stash. As a business, you could sell or trade pints of Chlorine Bleach that you have made with your powder. A quick whiff of the bleach should convince your customers that it’s genuine. Your customers can then disinfect 12 gallons of water that they acquire on their own. You can have a business, and maybe save lives at the same time.

Seeds. Once things shake out, many people will be anxious to get a garden started. Seed packets are useful for you to have tucked away, and the perfect size and weight for trading. And they have a long shelf life if kept cool and dry. Sealed commercial packets will have instant credibility as being genuine. Plus, they’ll have instructions on the back. Watch for close-out sales after the planting season winds down and stock up on the most popular seeds. Again, your trade items will make life better for others.

2 cycle motor oil in pre-sized bottles. When trouble comes, people will have lots of 2 stroke items like Chainsaws that they need to keep running. They’ll probably be able to find gasoline in small quantities, but a little bottle of oil, just right for 2 gallons of gas, could be very hot for trading.

Rechargeable AA and D batteries. When the grid fails, people will turn to batteries for lights and small appliances. And they will quickly go thru the few regular ones they have lying in the drawer. IF you have a supply of rechargeable batteries, and the solar set-up to re-charge them, and offer to swap Charged batteries for their Discharged batteries, you’ll have a sustainable business. You charge a high price for their first rechargeable batteries, but then swap charged batteries for discharged batteries at a discount. Stock up now, and you can keep the neighborhood happy and electrified.

Nails. When things are unsettled, people will need to work on their shelter and Jerry-rig various contraptions. Nails will be vital. Individual nails may trade like individual cartridges or matches. Wood screws should be stocked as well. Watch for sales, and buy lots of boxes. Hit the garage and estate sales too. While there, pick up non-power tools for your own use.

Thread, straight pins, needles and safety pins. When Wal-Mart isn’t open to sell you new clothes, sewing will be important. And that will mean repairing what you’ve got, as well as making new items. Who will still be making safety pins, when the balloon goes up? Better to stock up now, and fill that need when it arises. Shop at Dollar stores or Wholesale clubs for bulk pins and thread. Also watch the garage sales and estate sales.

Cable ties. Lightweight, and so handy. When people have to fend more for themselves, cable ties will be very handy. You can buy a big tube of various size ties, for less than a penny each. I see them at bargain prices at flea markets, but test a few out, to be sure they actually work!

Candy Bars and Cigarettes. This one is tricky, since they have a shorter shelf-life than the aforementioned items, and are a more fragile. Still, they are so desirable, that they will be traded, I believe. If you have the skills and supplies to produce candies from raw ingredients, or can roll cigarettes, you should have an ongoing business.

These are just the things that come immediately to mind when I try to think of items that would work as currency, when dollars no longer work.

Look over what you use regularly, identify the small reusable ones, and see if they meet the requirements of a Pseudo-currency. Then stock up on them while they are available, and inexpensive. If the worst never comes, you can always use them yourself.

saving coffee beans
Posted by: “Lawrence”

Greetings!
Every once in a while, I see these “survivalist” cans of Costa Rican canned green coffee beans.

Ok, so I pay about $80 bucks (not to mention some paying for some hefty shipping charges).

I thought to myself-why can’t I do it (in the spirit of DIY).

Ok, it can be easily done.

First, purchase GREEN coffee beans.

Second, seal them in a good container. I use a half gallon Ball canning jar WITH an oxygen absorber. A half gallon jar will hold about 2.5 pounds of beans and I use one or two 500CC oxygen absorbers-just to make sure no oxygen exists afterwards.

Thrid, Seal the jar with a new canning jar lid. Keep out of light.

No moisture (dry beans and glass sealed jar), no oxygen (absorber does that), no light, and keep in cool storage (room temp or cooler); and the coffee is good to go for years!

When you use the beans-follow the processing instructions (can be found at a lot of places on the web and on YOU TUBE:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_roasting
http://www.breworganic.com/coffee/howtoroast.htm
http://www.readydepot.com/servlet/the-220/Long-Term-Life-Canned/Detail

Finally, keep in mind that green coffee beans can be purchased from coffee bean dealers on the web, locally, or go to Ebay for green coffee bean deals. I also have a hand grinding mill-useful for grains as well as coffee beans.

WHY pay for it when you can make it?

Also, one final note: some preppers consider coffee one of the items useful in barter after TEOTWAWKI.

Food for thought.

Re: saving coffee beans
Posted by: “John

Very expensive. I get my coffee at www.ccmcoffee.com . Mainly because it is
close. I put a small amount of dry ice in a 5 gallon bucket with a gamma lid. It
lasts for a long time. I don’t see why you couldn’t can it cheaper.

To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HunkerDown06/