Mass Krill Harvesting Could Lead to Starvation
With the popular uprising of herbal supplements and treatments environmentalists are starting to show concern for mass krill harvesting. They worry that fishing krill in this manner in small areas may starve land based animals that can not travel far as well as the possibility of a food shortage for whales. Animals that depend on krill for nutrition in addition to our large whale friends are fish, seals and penguins. Taking away their source of food not only could lead to starvation but extinction in these small areas that are being harvested. Without one of the most basic necessities to survive such as nutrition their life expectancies are greatly shortened as well as healthy reproduction.
Krill are known to be the most successful species on earth. They are tiny crustaceans found in every ocean. Their total biomass is estimated to be 400 million tonnes which is equal to twice the human population. Mainly harvested by the Soviet Union the original desire for these ocean creatures was to be used as a delicacy for the Polish and Germans. This tradition began in the 1970's sometime.
Aside to being harvested for good eats, health nuts are wanting to get their hands on as much krill as they can. Krill is now being harvested for creation of producing Krill Oil in pill form. These supplements are believed to combine both antioxidants and omega-3's. It has been known for years that you can get your fill of these needs by consuming fish but some supplement stores are instilling fear of eating fish to push people into preferring the Krill Oil supplements instead.
Granted there are some that should refrain from eating fish and or shell fish for health reasons but not everyone needs to fear. The FDA and EPA only officially advise against consumption of fish/shell fish to children, pregnant women and nursing mothers. Some herbal advocates are tyring to scare everyone into thinking that fish in our supermarkets or even caught fresh are too polluted to be edible and do not contain enough nutritional value to do the job. Your fear is what is giving Krill Oil supplements the great market that it has resulting in the mass krill harvesting that could very well lead to starvation for krill dependent animals.
An inside look on antioxidants and Omega-3s: They take care of harmful metabolic byproducts that damage cells and tissues throughout your body or more commonly defined, they allow your body to neutralize free radicals. Omega-3s promote heart health and provide your immune system and mood swings support. Krill are found to be high in content due to their diet of algae.
Though there are some studies that are going on that could be very beneficial natural remedies. Currently those that have problems with high cholesterol or sufferers of PMS and even those with arthritis may end up benefiting from krill, though for now we can get our antioxidants and Omega-3s through fish oil supplements or simply sitting down to a good salmon dinner.
Michelle Obama, Fashionista
Friday, December 12th
3:15pm
Dear Diary,
I have just learned that there will be a lipstick inspired by me, created by Khuraira. Apparently, my casual glamour was the inspiration for this. It’s going to be a shimmery bronze that is suppose to work with a multitude of different skin tones. However, what pleases me the most about this lipstick is that a percentage of it’s sales will go to combating breast cancer, which is wonderful. You can’t beat that kind of publicity. Not to mention, many of my close friends have battled breast cancer, and it means a lot to me to have my name associated with that disease in such a positive way.
Of course, the sale of this lipstick follows the design of the Obama boot. A very fashionable high-heeled boot that is actually called “Obama.” It was designed for Coclico by Sandra, a French designer. The correct description of the boot is that features a “gorgeous rich mottled grey leather high shaft boot with decorative tonal stitching that curves along the height of the shaft.” And I'll admit - it's a very stylish boot, one I would like to own.
And both of these clothing designs follow the publication "Michelle Obama Style Guide," a fashion-oriented book dedicated to discussing my style, created by the former Mademoiselle editor, Mandi Norwood. And according to the Avon Vice President, “Not since Jackie O. have we had a First Lady become a fashion icon. Michelle Obama will be one of history’s most vibrant first ladies; she has a distinctive style that every American woman can aspire to, whether the consumer is a target shopper or someone more likely to be found on Miracle Mile.” I love this, as it continues to reaffirm that I’m the next Jackie O. when it comes to fashion. I always did pride myself on my impeccable taste, and I’m glad to see that others have noticed it as well.
Yours always,
Michelle
Originally posted in The Secret Diary of Michelle Obama
The Prophecies of Joe Biden
Friday, December 12th
2:45pm
Dear Diary,
If people will remember, I predicted that Barack would face some trials and tribulations within his first couple months of office. Yes, I did think that this crisis would be an international one and that it would come within the first few months of his presidency. So I was a little early, big deal. So I was wrong about the international component, a domestic crisis is just as bad, especially one that goes as high up as this scandal The point is that I predicted Barack would have to face a crisis, and he is.
But this is quite a big deal. Even I don’t know exactly how Barack was connected with Blagojevich, and how much he really knew about the selling of his Senate seat. Barack denies having had real contact with Blagojevich within the past year, but who knows whether that’s true. I’d like to trust the guy, and I’m sure that’s true of most Americans (at least those who voted for him). Of course, the GOP would like to jump all over this. After all, their party image stinks, so I’m not surprised in the least that they’d like to portray the Democrats as also having issues with corruption.
But when it comes down to it, we all have to wonder, how much did Barack really know? If it ever comes to it, I wonder if Barack will ever have to invoke Executive Privilege. Lord knows Bush used that excuse tirelessly during his presidency. I’m sure Barack had hoped never to have to resort to that, but who knows…
Until next time,
Joe the Veep
The Edlos Holiday Show
If last night’s show with The Coats got you amped on a cappella, you’re in for a treat. The Kirkland Performance Center will be featuring The Edlos, performing a special holiday show. All the a cappella action will take place at 8pm with tickets sold at $29 for adults, $26 for seniors, and $10 for youth.
The Edlos will sing traditional and not-so-traditional songs from a variety of cultural holidays. In addition, they bring in a unique brand of wit, humor, and respectful irreverence to create a holiday classic you will never forget.
If that’s not enough fun for one night, the Kirkland Performance Center’s In Harmony Series will be offering a free pre-show wine tasting, featuring wines from Challenger Ridge. Just don’t forget your ticket purchase.
FDA Experts In Favor of Banning Serevent and Foradil
The New York Times has reported that a panel of experts called in by the FDA has voted to ban the asthma drugs Serevent and Foradil. Both drugs can help open lung airways, but they carry an increased risk of death if taken without a steroid.
The experts noted that half of doctors who prescribe the two drugs fail to also prescribe a steroid. To complicate matters, many patients fail to take the steroid, even when it has been prescribed. Some patients apparently are concerned about the side effects of "steroids" prescribed for asthma patients, particularly young children. (Asthma patients are prescribed corticosteroids, which are an anti-inflammatory medication. The steroids that cause "roid rage" and get sports players into trouble are anabolic steroids, which are a different matter entirely.)
In 2006, the FDA required the makers of Serevent and Foradil to include a black box warning (so-called because the warning text is typically printed inside a black border) on the medications' package insert. However the FDA expert panel apparently feels that this has not been effective enough in encouraging patients to take an accompanying steroid. Black box warnings are the strongest measure the FDA can take, short of removing the drug from the market.
Serevent was approved for use in 1994. The FDA became concerned about Serevent in 1996, when the FDA "received post-marketing reports of several asthma deaths associated with the use of Serevent Inhalation Aerosol." GlaxoSmithKline began a long-term study to assess the risks of Serevent, but the study was halted in 2003 because GSK reported difficulty in keeping patients enrolled in the study, and announced doubts that the study's end results would be clear.
The makers of Serevent and Foradil, GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis and Schering-Plough, argue that the drugs should not be banned for use in asthma patients. The drug companies believe that "doctors want the freedom to mix and match these drugs with steroids." (One can't help but wonder, why should doctors be "given the freedom" to make decisions which endanger patients' health?) Both Serevent and Foradil are lucrative for their manufacturers. In 2007, Serevent earned $538 million in sales, and Foradil earned $362 million.
An asthma attack is actually the result of two linked problems: spasms in the airways of the lungs, and swelling of the airways. The spasms can be worsened by the swelling, and the swelling can itself cause spasms. Long term asthma controllers (as opposed to rescue inhalers) include a category of drugs called "beta agonists." These help to treat airway spasms. However, a beta agonist should always be taken in conjunction with a steroid, which will reduce swelling in the airways. When a beta agonist is taken without steroids to reduce airway swelling, it can actually cause more severe asthma attacks in the long term.
The panel of experts voted in favor of two other popular beta agonist asthma drugs, Advair and Symbicort. Both of these drugs combine beta agonists with a steroid, so that the patient doesn't have to take a steroid separately.
If you are currently taking Serevent or Foradil, either with or without a steroid medication, the FDA strongly advises that you NOT stop taking these medications without first talking to your doctor.
HBO Dominates TV Networks
On January 11th HBO looks like it may dominate the 66th annual Golden Globe Awards. HBO has received an amazing 22 Golden Globe Award nomination setting a record for being the most nominated television network this year. The two shows topping the nomination list at 5 each are In Treatment and Recount. Runners up are John Adams with 4 nominations, Bernard and Doris along with Entourage both taking 3 nominations and True Blood bringing in the last two of the 22 total for the network. Below you can find a list of the two top earners and a short descriptions of what the others are bringing to the table for HBO.
Treatment's five nominations are for the following:
*Best Television Series (Drama)
*Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series (Drama) for actor Gabriel Byrne
*2 Nominations for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television for Actresses Melissa George and Dianne Wiest
*Best Performance by and Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television for Actor Blair Underwood
Recount's Nominations are for:
*Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
*2 Nominations are for Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television thanks to Actors Kevin Spacey and Tom Wilkinson
*Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television in appreciation of Actress Laura Dern
*Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television for the Actor Denis Leary
Runner ups to HBO's Treatment and Recount, John Adams' actors Paul Giamatti is nominated for Best Performance by an Actor and Tom Wilkinson for Best Performance in a Supporting Role. Actress Laura Linney gets the nomination for Best Performance by an Actress. As a whole, show John Adams is nominated for Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television.
Susan Sarandon and Ralph Fiennes have their nominations as well for HBO's Bernard and Doris for Best Performance by an Actress/Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television. This heart warming motion picture also gets the nomination for the Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Award.
Entourage is up for Best Television Series in Comedy or Musical as well as best Actor for Kevin Connoly and Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting role for Jeremy Piven.
Summing it all up, True Blood has been nominated for Best Television Series in Drama and Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Sereis in a Drama for Actress Anna Paquin.
Be sure to tune in on January 11th to see how your favorite shows did at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards. With all the nominations HBO was able to achieve, it will be interesting to see how many awards they will have in hand when all is said and done. Getting 22 nominations is a great honor all on its own and these stars should be proud of their great work. Best of luck to them all in the upcoming ceremonies.
Selling Peter Stone model horse
few scratches/rubs on the bottom of his hooves.Email me for a pic/price.He is a black/white pinto with red/white bobs.
Re: New Social Policy
Hello everyone.... I've got a special favor to ask... My son, Jeff, is doing a high school project for "Participation in Government". He had to develop a proposed "social policy", and trying to help dear old Dad, he suggested that the federal government should pay for diabetic medicine & supplies, based on the premise that better control will result. and thus lower the overall costs of long term diabetic complications.. What do you all think about such a policy.... and he has to submit name, address, position, organization, phone #, of everyone who wants to participate.
Gene Mutation Protects Amish from Heart Disease
Are the Amish immune from heart disease? The University of Maryland thinks that there is the possibility. Researchers have identified a genetic mutation that protects the heart against the effects of a high-fat diet. This gene mutation was found among members of the Old Order Amish.
Contradicting what would constitute as a good diet to be heart healthy, these hard working farmers eat foods that are notorious for saturated fats. A diet like theirs this high in saturated fats would send anyone into major heart disease problems. In combination with all the regular physical labor that the Amish take on everyday researchers have found that this isn't the only reason why they are able to keep heart disease at bay. In a new study published today in the journal Science, researchers have found that some of them are born with a genetic trait that doesn't give heart disease a chance.
Researchers have found that 5 percent of the Amish have a gene mutation that speeds up the breakdown of triglycerides. Triglycerides are fat particles in the blood. When having our cholesterol checked out by our physicians we are usually given a ratio of both good and bad cholesterol levels. Not all of us fare so well when it comes down to these numbers, but the Amish that were studied are nearly perfect in their good and bad ratios. In addition to good and bad cholesterol they have also been found to have less plaque buildup in their blood vessels.
Because the Amish were so blessed with this gene, researchers at the University of Dundee in Scotland also investigated the effect of an obesity gene. Those that are born with this particular gene have high cravings for rich in calorie and high-fat foods that cause the out of control weight gain. Since the Amish are found to have this mutation, it is speculated that the obesity gene is virtually void of this community of people. Again, with the added fact that they are very hard workers and are more physically productive as a community than the general population, you won't find many sufferers of obesity in their lineage either.
Scientists are very interested in this gene mutation as they work to better understand what causes cardiovascular disease. Further studies could lead to not only effective treatments but also better education for those out there at high risk and the higher possibility of prevention.
The Old Order Amish originated in Switzerland around 1525. Due to their baptism beliefs causing them almost extinction in Europe, William Pen granted them safety from religious persecution in America. Amish did not believe in infant baptism and instead performed their baptisms with adults only. This led to them being put into sacks and thrown into a river to drown and die. The Old Order Amish or Plain People have been living in the United States since early colonial days and can no longer be found in Europe at all. They are dedicated people that to this day stick to their firm biblical beliefs, dress, language, close family ties and with values high in peace and prosperity for all.
Joe Biden Buys German Shepherd Puppy
While all eyes are on the Obamas' search for a new First Puppy for Malia and Sasha, CBS News reports that Joe Biden has just bought a German shepherd pup. A local Chester County newspaper reports that Biden will let his granddaughters name the puppy. (Check out dogsart.typepad.com/the_obamas_dog/2008/12/joe-biden-puppy-photos.html">these adorable pics posted on The Obama Dog Blog!)
The new Vice Puppy came from a breeder in East Coventry, Pennsylvania. The male pup was selected from a litter bred by Linda Brown, owner of the kennel Jolindy's German Shepherds. A local newspaper reports that her kennel was recommended to Biden by Mark Tobin, who coordinates the local law enforcement's K9 division.
Joe Biden is a fan of the breed, and has owned and reportedly shown German shepherds in the past. (I wasn't able to find any information online about Biden's show record.) Biden's wife Jill had promised that she would buy him a puppy if he was elected Vice President. Biden taped pictures of dogs to the back of the seat in front of him on his campaign plane, as inspiration.
(So many questions! Will the First Puppy and the Vice Puppy get along? If the First Puppy piddles on the rug in the Oval Office, can he be impeached? If the First Puppy is impeached, and the Vice Puppy takes over the First Puppy's duties, who will Barack Obama nominate to replace the Vice Puppy?)
Some people are upset that Biden chose his puppy from a breeder, as opposed to adopting from a shelter. Internet debates on "shelter versus breeder" have been raging ever since the Obamas announced their intention to buy a puppy. Many animal shelters and animal rights organizations (including PETA) have lobbied for the Obamas and the Bidens to adopt rather than purchase.
Despite having purchased a puppy from a breeder, Joe Biden has long been a staunch supporter of animal rights. Biden is one of only seven politicians in the Senate to receive a "100+" score on the 2008 Humane Scorecard. "100+" means that in addition to receiving a 100% score on animal welfare issues, Biden was also a prime sponsor of pro-animal legislation.
Biden has a long history of supporting animal rights. In 2002 he authored a bill to prevent the practice of "trophy hunting" exotic animals in fenced enclosures. In 2003, Biden was co-author, along with Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) on legislation to help protect dolphins from tuna fishermen. In 2008 he co-sponsored bills to bar horse slaughter, require that downed livestock be humanely euthanized, prevent Class B dealers from selling random animals for use in medical research, make animal fighting a felony offense, and override President Bush's veto vote on the Farm Bill, which included several provisions for the humane treatment of livestock.
The Humane Scorecard is published every year by the Humane Society Legislative Fund. It rates politicians on their support for animal protection issues such as horse slaughter, animal fighting legislation, animal research, and more. The Humane Scorecard records not only votes, but co-sponsorship of bills, and signing letters in support of additional funding or legislation for animal welfare issues.