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BPK: Kerugian Negara Akibat Penyimpangan Dana Otsus Papua Rp 319 M

2011-04-24T20:41:00.000+08:00

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Mengatasi Sariawan

2011-04-24T15:53:00.000+08:00

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KPK Geledah Kantor R Broker Kasus Suap Pejabat Kemenpora

2011-04-24T11:05:00.000+08:00

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ASI Bikin Rendah Tekanan Darah

2011-04-24T06:17:00.000+08:00

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Libur Akhir Pekan, Jalur Menuju Puncak Mulai Padat

2011-04-24T01:29:00.000+08:00

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PlayStation Network Still Down

2011-04-23T20:41:00.000+08:00

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Playstation Network Down: Anonymous Says No Involvement

2011-04-23T15:53:00.000+08:00

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PlayStation Network Down For a Day (or Two)

2011-04-23T11:05:00.000+08:00

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Nedved: Mou Incar Saya Saat di Inter

2011-04-23T06:17:00.000+08:00

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New Arc Media My Pet Cat Tips Techniques Health Care Photographs Illustrations Cat Screen Saver

2011-04-23T01:29:00.000+08:00

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Maximum Fitness

2011-04-22T20:41:00.000+08:00

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Premium Silicone Skin Case for G1 Android Google Phone Pink

2011-04-22T15:53:00.000+08:00

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World War II Rationing and Healthy Eating: Wartime Nutrition DVD (1943)

2011-04-22T11:05:00.001+08:00

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Never Say Never (Justin Bieber Ft. Jaden Smith)

2011-02-25T03:59:00.000+08:00

JUSTIN BIEBER ARGENTINA OFICIAL BLOG

Never Say Never en Argentina / Contanos tu experiencia

2011-02-25T02:28:00.000+08:00

Sin dudas la pelicula de Justin es un exito en todos los paises que se estreno...
Y en Argentina va por ese buen camino hoy se estrena.. y esta imagen es un claro ejemplo de como llena todas las salas... (son las entradas reservadas por intenet) falta toda la gente que saca su entrada por ventanilla.

�A que cine y funci�n fuiste? �Como la pasaste y cual fue el mejor momento de la pel�cula?

UNICO BLOG OFICIAL � FC OFICIAL

EL BLOG DE JUSTIN MAS VISITADO EN AMERICA LATINA

Estrenos de la semana : NEVER SAY NEVER (telefe)

2011-02-25T01:31:00.000+08:00

La columna de espectaculos , que se encuentra de la mano de pilar smith, en el canal Argentino Telefe. Ah comunicado que el dia de hoy , se estrena Never say never en 3D
Explicando la historia, trama y realmente es una exelente pelicula.

JUSTIN BIEBER ARGENTINA - OFICIAL BLOG�

EL BLOG DE JUSTIN MAS VISITADO EN AMERICA LATINA!!

Justin Bieber gana premio de peor solista

2011-02-25T01:20:00.000+08:00

Justin Bieber no gan� un Grammy, pero si el premio al peor solista del a�o, galard�n que le otorg� la revista musical NME.
La revista fue creada por la prestigiosa revista musical brit�nica New Musical Express, la cual anualmente realiza los Premios NME, esta vez la ceremonia se llev� a cabo en el Brixton Academy de Londres. Donde el joven canadiense obtuvo el premio a peor solista.
La banda Jonas Brothers no se qued� atr�s, ya que obtuvieron el galard�n a Peor Banda Musical. Por su parte la agrupaci�n Muse se llev� el premio a Mejor Banda del A�o.

Al parecer el canadiense Justin Bieber y los Jonas, no son muy queridos por los medios ingleses, informan

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Justin: 'No tengo experiencia en todo'

2011-02-25T00:13:00.000+08:00

El int�rprete de Baby sostiene que la mejor manera de cuidar las ganancias millonarias que significan los conciertos, discos, patrocinios y marcas que llevan su nombre, es con expertos en el tema.

"Yo no me meto en cuestiones de dinero, para eso tengo administradores financieros que me orientan y me dicen qu� hacer. Yo no tengo experiencia en todo, por eso se lo dejo a quien puede hacerlo y sabe", explica el reci�n nominado a dos Premios Grammy, entre ellos el de Mejor Nuevo Artista.
Bieber, quien siempre presume a su madre Patricia Lynn Mallette como su principal ejemplo de vida, afirma que su familia es su principal prioridad y que ha encontrado en Usher, quien consigui� que lo firmaran en una transnacional (Universal Music en M�xico), a su principal influencia empresarial.

"�l es quien me gu�a y por quien estoy aqu�. Siempre le pido consejos y me dice c�mo manejarme, me orienta. Me ayuda con ciertas respuestas a temas que no conozco o que me sugiere m�sica para descubrir.

Datos
-Justin Bieber ha vendido m�s de 37 millones de canciones digitales en todo el mundo.
-Est� catalogado como el joven adolescente que m�s ganancias genera en la actualidad, con 100 millones de d�lares por a�o.
-Antonio L.A. Reid, ejecutivo de Def Jam Records, es con quien est� supervisando la realizaci�n de su pr�ximo �lbum.
Aunque tiene tres asesores de vestuario, es �l mismo quien decide lo que usa para sesiones de fotos y conciertos.
-Se ha hecho muy amigo de Jaden Smith, hijo de Will Smith, quien rape� con �l en la pasada entrega de los Premios Grammy (con informaci�n de lama�ana.com.mx).

JUSTIN BIEBER ARGENTINA - OFICIAL BLOG�

EL BLOG DE JUSTIN MAS VISITADO EN AMERICA LATINA!!!

Justin:'Me gusta disfrutar de los peque�os placeres'

2011-02-24T23:56:00.000+08:00

Para Justin Bieber la mejor forma de festejar un cumplea�os, como el que har� este fin de semana para conmemorar sus 17 a�os, es con un pastel.

El joven, sensaci�n del pop actual, no quiere ni regalos lujosos, ni fiestas extravagantes, sino un pastel y poder disfrutarlo rodeado de sus amigos de la infancia y la adolescencia que residen en Ontario, la provincia canadiense donde naci� y se cri�.

"Me fascina el pastel, es lo que m�s ilusi�n me hace, as� quiero celebrarlo, siempre es la sorpresa que m�s me gusta. Y me voy con mis amigos a festejarlo", asegura Bieber en entrevista, quien llega a sus 17 primaveras el 1 de marzo.

Y aunque los rumores por su inusitado �xito mundial apuntan a que ya compr� una mansi�n en Hollywood y ha gastado su dinero en autos lujosos, un jet privado y hasta mascotas car�simas, �l mismo afirma que no es cierto.

"Eso es falso. Y es totalmente falso que me vaya de Atlanta. Es mi actual residencia. Mi hogar est� en Canad�, pero mi residencia, ahora, es Atlanta y no tengo por qu� irme.

Es muy c�modo y no tengo que pensar en otros lugares. Sigo muy contento all� y para qu� me mudo. Usualmente me la paso m�s tiempo de viaje que en casa, pero las fechas importantes las paso en Canad�, con mis grandes amigos", platica el chico, quien promociona actualmente la pel�cula que hizo para MTV Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, que se estrena hoy en nuestro pa�s.

El int�rprete de "Baby" sostiene que la mejor manera de cuidar las ganancias millonarias que significan los conciertos, discos, patrocinios y marcas que llevan su nombre, es con expertos en el tema.

"Yo no me meto en cuestiones de dinero, para eso tengo administradores financieros que me orientan y me dicen qu� hacer. Yo no tengo experiencia en todo, por eso se lo dejo a quien puede hacerlo y sabe", explica el reci�n nominado a dos Premios Grammy, entre ellos el de Mejor Nuevo Artista.

Bieber, quien siempre presume a su madre Patricia Lynn Mallette como su principal ejemplo de vida, afirma que su familia es su principal prioridad y que ha encontrado en Usher, quien consigui� que lo firmaran en una transnacional Universal Music, a su principal influencia empresarial.

"�l es quien me gu�a y por quien estoy aqu�. Siempre le pido consejos y me dice c�mo manejarme, me orienta. Me ayuda con ciertas respuestas a temas que no conozco o que me sugiere m�sica para descubrir.

Es como mi hermano mayor", relat� sobre el rapero, quien tambi�n es su vecino en Atlanta.

Entre los pasatiempos que m�s disfruta, Justin menciona los videojuegos, enviar mensajes de texto y el Guitar Hero, aunque su mam� lo impulsa a leer libros para j�venes, de superaci�n personal y de reflexiones optimistas.

"Siempre me dice que leer es importante, que fomenta la imaginaci�n y que es bueno para conocer pensamientos distintos. Me gusta leer", precisa el artista, quien suena en la radio con "Never Say Never".

Para su siguiente disco de estudio, el cual lanzar� en verano, el canadiense ya tiene algunas maquetas de Dr. Dre, Taio Cruz, Will.I.Am y Max Martin, con quienes busca hacer canciones pop muy bailables.

Lady Antebellum, Arcade Fire, Rihanna y The Black Keys fueron algunos de los artistas que menciona como sus favoritos.

�Sab�as que...?

-Justin Bieber ha vendido m�s de 37 millones de canciones digitales en todo el mundo.

-Est� catalogado como el joven adolescente que m�s ganancias genera en la actualidad, con 100 millones de d�lares por a�o.

-Antonio "L.A." Reid, ejecutivo de Def Jam Records, es con quien est� supervisando la realizaci�n de su pr�ximo �lbum.

-Aunque tiene tres asesores de vestuario, es �l mismo quien decide lo que usa para sesiones de fotos y conciertos.

-Se ha hecho muy amigo de Jaden Smith, hijo de Will Smith, quien rape� con �l en la pasada entrega de los Premios Grammy.

JUSTIN BIEBER ARGENTINA - OFICIAL BLOG�

EL BLOG DE JUSTIN MAS VISITADO EN AMERICA LATINA!!!

Felicitaciones Justin!!

2011-02-24T23:52:00.001+08:00

Justin Bieber cuenta con su segundo album n�1 en el Billboard 200 con 'Never Say Never: The Remixes', abriendo el top con 161.000 copias vendidas, de acuerdo a Nielsen SoundScan.

Su primer �xito vino con 'My World 2.0', que tambi�n debut� en el n�mero 1, el 10 de Abril del 2010,, con 283.000 copias. En general, "Never Say Never: The Remixes' es el cuarto album en el top 10 de Bieber, uni�ndose a los �xitos previos de 'My World' (No. 5) y 'My World Acoustic' (No. 7).

JUSTIN BIEBER ARGENTINA OFICIAL

GRACIAS POR HACERNOS EL BLOG MAS VISITADO DE LATINOAMERICA!

NSN: Buenas Criticas

2011-02-24T23:52:00.000+08:00

A pesar de que el film podr�a ser considerado solamente como una herramienta para promocionar al cantante, ha recibido cr�ticas favorables en varios medios de los Estados Unidos.

The Hollywood Reporter lo calific� como �un retrato musical de innegable atractivo�. El cr�tico de Variety resalt� el hecho de que �Never Say Never� cuenta muy bien el camino al �xito que recorri� el joven.

Por su parte, Entertainment Week indic� que aunque se la puede considerar como la pel�cula de un concierto para promocionar un producto, se logra �capturar un terremoto juvenil genuino�.

El film, estrenado en los Estados Unidos el fin de semana previo a San Valent�n, recaud� 30 millones de d�lares en sus primeros cuatro d�as, casi igualando a la pel�cula/concierto de Hanna Montana que gan� 31.1 millones en 2008.

�Me siento sensacional. Tengo tantos fans incre�bles que me han apoyado mucho estos �ltimos a�os y s� que lo continuar�n haciendo con mi pel�cula�, dijo JB.

Fuentes de la producci�n dijeron que en marzo se estrenar�a una nueva versi�n, que se llamar�a �Never Say Never 2.0� y contar�a con 20 escenas nuevas. - CC

JUSTIN BIEBER ARGENTINA - OFICIAL BLOG�
EL BLOG DE JUSTIN MAS VISITADO EN AMERICA LATINA!!!

Never Say never : Fotos exclusivas

2011-02-24T23:45:00.000+08:00

como viste, te trajimos videos de Never Say never (en un rato, va a haber mas :) . Ahora te traemos fotos que el sitio Hotmail publico esta ma�ana, y fotos exclusivas de la peli :) . Disfrutenla

(click en las imagenes vara ver en tama�o completo)

Proximamente mas videos!!

Vos.. Vas a ir a ver Never Say never? Con quien vas? Contanos

JUSTIN BIEBER ARGENTINA - OFICIAL BLOG�
EL BLOG DE JUSTIN MAS VISITADO EN AMERICA LATINA!!!

Kim Kardashian est� fascinada con nuevo look de Justin Bieber

2011-02-24T14:35:00.000+08:00

Los fan�ticos de Justin Bieber se sorprendieron al saber que se hab�a cortado su gran melena, pero s�lo un fan famoso le dio el sello de aprobaci�n.

De acuerdo con Monsters and Critics , la sensual Kim Kardashian revel� que el nuevo look del int�rprete de "Baby" era "lindo" y "atractivo".

"He visto su nuevo corte de pelo, es muy lindo", dijo Kardashian, de 30 a�os, en el lanzamiento de su nueva fragancia en Macy's en Los Angeles

Como se recuerda, ambas figuras siempre han mantenido una relaci�n cercana, al punto de correr por las playas y mandarse "calurosos" mensajes por Twitter.

*Para aclarar,No estamos en contra de su nuevo corte, ni mucho menos, nos encanta, le da un toque mas maduro, sin perder el toque Bieber *

JUSTIN BIEBER ARGENTINA - OFICIAL BLOG�
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Video : Avant Never say never

2011-02-24T14:18:00.000+08:00

Les contamos. en el minuto 0:51 salen Las cordinadoras Floppy , Belu , y Rocio tal como en 1:31
Les dejo el video para que vean lo que fue!
No se olviden que hoy se estrena Never Say Never en Argentina!! No te la podes perder!!

JUSTIN BIEBER ARGENTINA - OFICIAL BLOG�
EL BLOG DE JUSTIN MAS VISITADO EN AMERICA LATINA!!!

2011-02-24T11:00:00.000+08:00

A quien no volvia loca ese movimiento de pelo que representaba a Justin?
Asi que si a vos tambien te gustaba , o te volvia loca.. No te podes dejar de unir a este grupo de Facebook Que es de Nuestra coordinadora Floppy. Unete Aqui

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Justin Bieber tendr� su figura de cera

2011-02-24T09:23:00.000+08:00

Es una verdadera sensaci�n internacional en el mundo de la m�sica pop, bieber
est� a punto de conseguir su propia figura de cera.

El int�rprete de "Baby" fue vista en el Museo de Cera de Madame Tussauds de Londres, Inglaterra, el martes (22 de febrero) por la tarde, cuando era medido para comenzar a trabajar con su figura de cera.

En noticias relacionadas, Justin recientemente habl� con Ellen DeGeneres acerca de su nuevo corte de pelo m�s corto, y se�al� que fue inspirado por su peinadora.

Ellen comenz�, "Mira tu nuevo corte de pelo. �Tienes una marca nuevo corte de pelo? �No te gusta tu corte de pelo?". Justin respondi�: "Por supuesto que me gusta. Me inspir� en el tuyo".

JUSTIN BIEBER ARGENTINA - OFICIAL BLOG�

EL BLOG DE JUSTIN MAS VISITADO EN AMERICA LATINA!!!

Corte de cabello de Justin Bieber le hace perder 80 mil fans!?

2011-02-24T07:37:00.000+08:00

Nunca un corte de pelo hab�a dado tanto de qu� hablar. Una vez m�s, Justin se ha vuelto a rodear de fan�ticos que apoyan su decisi�n y detractores que critican su cambio de look. Tanto es as�, que unos 80.000 "amigos" del artista han dejado de seguirle en Twitter.

El fen�meno de masas y su nuevo look han pagado su precio. Seg�n hollyscoop.com, aproximadamente 80.000 fans deJustin Bieber han querido demostrar su desaprobaci�n por el nuevo cambio de imagen d�ndose de baja del perfil de su hasta ahora �dolo musical.

Y eso que Bieber lo ha hecho por una buena causa: poner a la venta su preciado cabello para obtener fondos para la protecci�n de los animales. Justin forma parte de PETA, la c�lebre organizaci�n en pro de los derechos de los animales, conocida por las llamativas campa�as publicitarias en las que desnudan a los famosos para llamar la atenci�n sobre el comercio de pieles, maltrato animal o la matanza para fines alimenticios.

La explicaci�n del enfado de muchas es que el pelo de Justin Bieberera parte, por no decir todo, de su identidad como referente juvenil, uno de sus bienes m�s preciados y que todos quer�an imitar.

Los mas agradecidos con el cambio, lo comparan con el musculoso actor de la saga crepusculo : Robert Pattinson , mientras que los que no est�n muy conformes le asocian con la actriz de Harry Potter. Lo que cuenta es que Justin Bieber se est� haciendo mayor y acompa�ada por decisiones de madurez y ayuda.

�A vos.. Te gustaba mas su pelo largo o su nuevo corte ? Opina!!

JUSTIN BIEBER ARGENTINA - OFICIAL BLOG�

EL BLOG DE JUSTIN MAS VISITADO EN AMERICA LATINA!!!

Justin Muestra Su nuevo corte a Ellen

2011-02-24T07:18:00.000+08:00

El dia de hoy (23-2) por la ma�ana, Justin lucia su nuevo corte de cabello en el famoso programa de Ellen.

El cabello de Justin Bieber es invalorable para sus fans en todo el mundo. Por lo que el joven cantante canadiense, le don� parte de su melena a la conductora , acotando que la misma fue parte de uno de los cortes de cabello m�s famosos del siglo 21: el suyo.

Pero Ellen no ser� la �nica que reciba el valioso regalo, ya que Justin Bieber tiene planeado enviarle partes de su cabellera a diversas personas que la subastar�n y donar�n el dinero ganado a varias caridades en todo el mundo. Lo que puede hacer el poder de la cabellera del cantante.

Al anuncio de Bieber, DeGeneres respondi� que el pedazo de cabellera del cantante lo subastar� en su p�gina web para entregarle el dinero a una de las organizaciones que ella apoya.

Seguramente, inmediatamente despu�s del anuncio de Bieber, miles de jovencitas en todo el mundo le rogaron a sus padres que les compraran la cabellera de Bieber por sus cumplea�os o hasta por Navidad.

Y es que es tanta la popularidad que viene generando este cantante, que no me sorprender�a que hasta alg�n cient�fico loco quisiera comprar la melena de Bieber para tratar de clonarlo.

JUSTIN BIEBER ARGENTINA - OFICIAL BLOG�
EL BLOG DE JUSTIN MAS VISITADO EN AMERICA LATINA!!!

Selena y Justin : Amigos con derecho a Roce?

2011-02-24T03:30:00.000+08:00

Son muchas las evidencias que parecen demostrar que entre Justin Bieber y Selena Gomez hay m�s que palabras, pero ahora la estrella adolescente ha negado su noviazgo. En una reciente entrevista en KIIS-FM con uan de las estrellas de los medios, Ryan Seacrest, explicaba que la joven protagonista de 'Los hechiceros de Waverly Place' era una de sus mejores amigas. Nada m�s.

De todos modos Bieber matiz� despu�s esa respuesta con otra que parec�a sugerir, indirectamente y como en un juego de pistas, que lo suyo con Selena es una relaci�n de 'amigos con derecho a roce'.

El caso es quieSeacrest le inquiri� sobre su relaci�n con Gomez . El locutor inst� a Bieber a contarle que deber�a decir a la gente que ha visto sus fotos cari�osas y rom�nticas con Selena en el crucero del Caribe y el v�deo de su cita en el cine de hace unos d�as. Justin no dud�: "Simplemente diles que ella es una de mis mejores amigas", respond�a con la energ�a que le caracteriza.

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Justin Bieber featuring Tyga � Stuck In The Moment Remix [Lyrics with Music]

2011-02-24T00:09:00.000+08:00

Justin Bieber ft Tyga � Stuck In The Moment Lyrics[Intro]
With you
With you
I wish we had another time
I wish we had another place

[Tyga]
Ugh, this is kinda how my heart sounds
Every beat like a image in the background
I�m sitting here, thinking where is you now
I wanna tell you but there�s too many people round
You know I love you. I care but it�s unfair
I aint perfect but I�m tryna be the

Justin Bieber inicia grabaciones de video That Should Be Me

2011-02-23T13:39:00.000+08:00

Despu�s de un agitado fin de semana en el NBA All-Star, Justin Bieber inici� la semana de trabajo en el set de su nuevo video musical en Los Angeles el lunes, 21 de febrero.

El cantante canadiense luc�a gafas retro, una casaca de cuero y un collar de plata para unirse a los miembros de la banda Rascal Flatts para armar el proyecto de video para su canci�n, �That Should Be Me�.

Justin Bieber tuite� sobre el video: �Despierto temprano para grabar el video # ThatShouldBeMe con @ RascalFlatts!�.

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Miley Cyrus avasallada por el filme de Justin Bieber ?

2011-02-23T13:30:00.000+08:00

Miley Cyrus es muy amiga de Justin Bieber, cantante canadiense que se ha visto muy ligado con ella por rumores de relaci�n.

El filme del chico � Never say Never � ha generado m�s dinero que la lanzada por la ex-Hannah Montana hace unos 3 a�os y por eso se ve avasallada por la gente.

Miley Cyrus fue una de las primeras en ver la pel�cula y le encant� como rod� este, alabandolo como un gran amigo y adem�s dijo que ser�a la primera en comprar el DVD/Blu-Ray nada m�s que llegue a salir.

Los 13,6 millones de d�lares generados en dos semanas superan los 10,3 millones realizados por la chica Disney, quien no goza de fama por sus �ltimas pel�culas, The last song, LOL y So Undercover.

La pel�cula de Justin Bieber destronar� a la chica para tener m�s presencia el chico quien le ha arrebatado el trono de chico m�s sexy y encima el rey de YouTube, todo un halago.

Como comentan, el chico ya comentaba la cifra con una gran alegr�a y de ahi que saliese a la luz esta para luego llegar a comparar aMiley Cyrus.

JUSTIN BIEBER ARGENTINA - OFICIAL BLOG�
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Britney Spears y Justin Bieber cantar�n a d�o?

2011-02-23T13:26:00.000+08:00

La megaestrella Britney Spears contin�a trabajando en los �ltimos detalles de lo que ser� su pr�ximo disco,Femme Fatale y, al parecer, le gustar�a hacer un dueto con el �dolo pop Justin Bieber.

Seg�n el sitio Los 40 Principales, Spears tambi�n ha mencionado a su gente m�s cercana la posibilidad de grabar un tema con Lady Gaga, sin embargo, eso es solo un rumor.

Aunque no sabemos qu� podr�a pensar Gaga, Bieber ya confirm� la noticia y en m�ltiples ocasiones ha dicho que para �l, solo hay una Princesa del Pop y esa es Brit. �Me atrae mucho la idea. Estamos a punto de grabar. La conoc� hace tres a�os, era una superestrella y nada ha cambiado�, expres�.

Mientras tanto, Spears regres� a la radio internacional y disfruta de su nuevo �xito con la canci�n Hold it Against Me, que va en los primeros lugares de popularidad

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Justin Bieber ser�a el protagonista de saga GI Joe

2011-02-23T13:18:00.000+08:00

Ya est� dem�s decir que Justin Bieber es una figura mediatica y multifac�tica. Resulta que ahora podr�a ser el actor principal de la nueva pel�cula G.I Joe, infom� el canal EOnline.

De acuerdo al portal Hollywood Reporter, el director del documental "Never Say Never", Jon M. Chu, figura como posible candidato para dirigir la secuela de G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra (2009).

Seg�n diferentes cr�ticos, no hay duda alguna que la pel�cula que cuenta la historia de Justin Bieber destronar� a la cinta de Miley Cyrus, "Hannah Montana" (2008).

Un d�a despu�s de celebrar el D�a de San Valent�n, finalmente, se conoci� que el int�prete de "Baby" llen� de flores la casa de su novia a�n no declarada, Selena Gomez.

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�Por qu� terminar�a el romance de Justin Bieber y Selena Gomez?

2011-02-23T13:14:00.000+08:00

Justin Bieber y Selena Gomez se separar�an por las siguientes razones que Justin Bieber argentina . Te cuenta

Por un lado est� el "Baby", por el que sus constantes giras alrededor de EE.UU., Europa o Asia -sin descartar Latinoam�rica- ser�an los factores decisivos para el cese de besos y "tomaditas de mano", como la protagonizada en el Super Bowl.

Aunque tambi�n est� sus constantes apegos con diferentes estrellas de la m�sica o actuaci�n, sobre la cual no es un imaginario pensar las debilidades de un joven de 17 a�os. Un ejemplo fue su poca verguenza al observar a las porristas de la NBA. �Recuerdan?

Los cierto es que, si las luces se apagan, el int�rprete de "Somebody to love" siempre ser� noticia. Al menos ahora es la sensaci�n mundial.

Por el lado de Selena Gomez hay mucho pan por rebanar debido a su recien efervescente carrera musical, sin nombrar su protag�nico en la serie "Los Hechiceros de Waverly Place", ya que intenta ser a todas luces m�s que una cara bonita.

Y su multitudinario recibimiento en Jap�n, d�as atr�s, fue testigo que no hay fronteras para prender el canal Disney Channel y sonreir con sus ocurrencias. Sin embargo esa etapa est� por culminar, seg�n ella, para ostentar otro tipo de personajes.

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Avant premiere NSN Exclusivo

2011-02-23T09:47:00.000+08:00

Hoy como ya le contamos,fue la Avant premiere de NSN y nuestro staff estubo presente.

La pasamos genial!

Hubo emocion,gritos y llantos!

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Hoy Avant Premiere de Never Say Never

2011-02-23T01:42:00.000+08:00

Hoy por la tarde en un lugar que no podemos comunicar,sera la Avant premiere de Never say never,la pelicula que este Jueves se estrena en nuestro pais y en varios mas...

Hoy sacaremos varias fotos y luego subiremos todo al blog.

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Never say Never / Ganadoras concurso

2011-02-22T07:53:00.000+08:00

Las ganadoras del concurso realizado por Universal Music Argentina,estubieron escuchando el nuevo CD de Justin antes que salga a la venta! Aca en exclusivo como siempre! Te dejamos las fotos:

Queremos agradecer a Belen de Universal,por dejarnos compartir ese grato momento.

Ademas hoy estubimos viendo la pelicula como ya sabran,10 chicas mas nuestro staff la vimos antes que muchos paises aca les dejamos las fotos:

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RIP Hair Flip

2011-02-22T06:14:00.000+08:00

Si chicas.. Justin ah dicho ADIOS a su Movimiento de pelo, y se ah recortado el cabello.

Esto ah causado tal asombro en el mundo,que esta primero en los TT Mundiales

�Para vos Como le queda mejor el pelo?

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I�m On A Diet. A Food Spending Diet, That Is.

2011-02-22T04:54:00.000+08:00

I read an interesting column in the business section of the Trib last Monday headlined, �Go on a spending diet!� (It was the word �diet� that caught my attention since I�m not really a business section kind of girl.)

Amy Dunn�s attempt to spend no money in February really piqued my interest, especially this part: �We will eat breakfast, lunch and dinner from the stash in our pantry and freezer�And we�ll set aside $10 a week for milk and an infusion of fresh produce.�

No doubt you�ve noticed the marked increase in food prices lately. From this CNNMoney report: �Over the past 12 months, the food index has risen 1.8%, its fastest pace since 2009, and gasoline prices have soared 13.4%�

I�m feeling it. I�m sure you are, too. That�s why after reading Amy Dunn�s article, I decided a �food spending diet� was in order for me. I took an inventory of my �pantry� and decided I have at least two weeks of meals waiting to be prepared, I can eat well on $10 of fresh produce a week, and I don�t need to eat out.

The "pantry."

So yesterday, I paid for my last meal in a restaurant for at least two weeks (a lunch date with my daughter and her boyfriend) and committed to eating only food I prepare or someone else prepares or pays for (like a �real� date, which isn�t likely�lol). I went to the grocery store and spent $9.54 on spinach, blackberries, a grapefruit, bananas, onions and a mango. I already had frozen fruit and veggies in the fridge, so I should be OK for produce through Saturday.

It will be fun to get back in the kitchen again. I�ve been woefully neglectful of the culinary arts, lately throwing meals together haphazardly and subsisting on omelets, PB2, yogurt and salads. Not that there�s anything wrong with those things, but I�m more creative than that, and god knows I have the time.

Besides, I like my kitchen. I like to cook. It relieves a lot of stress. It also gives me a chance to catch up on my music listening. I put on Pandora on my computer in the �dining� room (which actually has no table; I eat at my computer or in the living room. I know, I know�but I�m mindful, really I am). Then I chop and mix and bake and clean up. It�s all very cathartic.

My kitchen is huge, but has very few cupboards and little counter space. When I moved here, I brought along two bakers racks, a two-foot-high wooden table for the microwave, a butcher�s block counter on wheels and a bookshelf (I use the word loosely) from my antique store that was probably some kid�s wood shop project in 1930, if they had such classes back then. But the bookshelf is my �pantry.�

Back to food spending. In the mail Thursday was the Penny Saver (that�s how I know it�s Thursday). I�m a coupon cutter, but only for things I already use. This week�s best deal is from Save-A-Lot (a wretched excuse for a grocery store): a free carton of eggs. No purchase necessary. I go through eggs like g-baby Maelie goes through diapers, so I�m all over that.

Some of the meals I�ll make will include brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, beans and canned tomatoes. I have a half pound of dried pinto beans so hello refried beans! I made horseradish hummus on Friday, which will last a few more days (recipe below), and I have another can of garbanzo beans to make it again to take to my friend Debbie�s house Saturday night.

The freezer.

I have four servings of lentil soup and five garbanzo bean burgers in the freezer. Since my divorce, I haven�t broken the habit of cooking a full batch of soup or whatever, thus I only eat three or four of the six or eight servings. This �food spending diet� will hopefully help me break that or at least keep me mindful next time and cut the recipe in half. I�m still new at the whole cooking for one thing.

So�have you had any food spending challenges lately? Could you eat healthily from your pantry if you had to for a week or two or three?

If you�re looking for more money-saving tips, check out one of my favorite bloggers, Cammy from Tippy Toe Diet. She shared some of her favorite money-saving sites in last week�s blog, "Frugal Friday". I totally forgot I had an eBates account until I read it! And Groupon is awesome.

Wishing you a frugal February!

As promised, my horseradish hummus recipe:

1 can (15.5 oz) garbanzo beans, drained, but reserve liquid
1-3 (or more) cloves garlic
2 T lemon juice
2 T tahini
2 T freshly ground horseradish (like you find in the jar in the refrigerated section, not horseradish sauce)
Freshly ground pepper

Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until well combined, adding bean liquid as needed (I usually use about half of it). I do a taste test halfway through processing to see if it needs salt or more pepper or horseradish. Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours.

The Truth About The Worlds Water Supply

2011-02-22T04:13:00.000+08:00

A vast array of pharmaceuticals -- including

antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers

and sex hormones -- have been found in the drinking

water supplies of at least 41 million Americans,

an Associated Press investigation shows.

To be sure, the concentrations of these

pharmaceuticals are tiny, measured in quantities

of parts per million, billion and/or trillion,

theoretically far below the levels of a medical

dose. Also, utilities insist their water is safe.

But the presence of so many prescription drugs --

and over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen

and ibuprofen -- in so much of our drinking water

is heightening worries among scientists of long-term

consequences to human health.

In the course of a five-month inquiry, the AP

discovered that drugs have been detected in the

drinking water supplies of 24 major metropolitan

areas - from Southern California to Northern New

Jersey, from Detroit to Louisville, Ky.

Water providers rarely disclose results of

pharmaceutical screenings, unless pressed, the

AP found. For example, the head of a group

representing major California suppliers said

the public "doesn't know how to interpret the

information" and might be unduly alarmed.

How do the drugs get into the water?

People take pills. Their bodies absorb some

of the medication, but the rest of it passes

through the bowel and is flushed down the toilet.

The wastewater is treated before it is discharged

into reservoirs, rivers or lakes. Then, some of

the water is cleansed again at drinking water

treatment plants and piped to consumers. But

most treatments do not remove all the acidic

toxic drug residue.

And while researchers do not yet understand the

exact risks from decades of persistent exposure

to random combinations of low level doses of

pharmaceuticals, recent studies -- which have gone

virtually unnoticed by the general public -- have

found alarming effects on human body cells and

wildlife.

"We recognize it is a growing concern and we're

taking it very seriously," said Benjamin H.

Grumbles, assistant administrator for water at

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Members of the AP National Investigative Team

reviewed hundreds of scientific reports, analyzed

federal drinking water databases, visited

environmental study sites and treatment plants

and interviewed more than 230 officials, academics

and scientists. They also surveyed the nation's

50 largest cities and a dozen other major water

providers, as well as smaller community water

providers in all 50 states.

Here are some of the key test results obtained:

* Officials in Philadelphia said testing there

discovered 56 pharmaceuticals or byproducts in

treated drinking water, including medicines for

pain, infection, high cholesterol, asthma,

epilepsy, mental illness and heart problems.

Sixty-three pharmaceuticals or byproducts were

found in the city's watersheds.

* Anti-epileptic and anti-anxiety medications

were detected in a portion of the treated drinking

water for 18.5 million people in Southern California.

* Researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey

analyzed a Passaic Valley Water Commission

drinking water treatment plant, which serves

850,000 people in Northern New Jersey, and found

a metabolized angina medicine and the

mood-stabilizing carbamazepine in drinking water.

* A sex hormone was detected in San Francisco's

drinking water.

* The drinking water for Washington, D.C., and

surrounding areas tested positive for six

pharmaceuticals.

* Three medications, including an antibiotic,

were found in drinking water supplied to

Tucson, Ariz.

The situation is undoubtedly worse than suggested

by the positive test results in the major population

centers documented by the AP.

The federal government doesn't require any testing

and hasn't set safety limits for drugs in water.

Of the 62 major water providers contacted, the

drinking water for only 28 was tested. Among the

34 that haven't: Houston, Chicago, Miami,

Baltimore, Phoenix, Boston and New York City's

Department of Environmental Protection, which

delivers water to 9 million people.

Some providers screen only for one or two

pharmaceuticals, leaving open the possibility

that others are present.

The AP's investigation also indicates that

watersheds, the natural sources of most of

the nation's water supply, also are contaminated.

Tests were conducted in the watersheds of 35 of

the 62 major providers surveyed by the AP, and

pharmaceuticals were detected in 28.

Yet officials in six of those 28 metropolitan areas

said they did not go on to test their drinking

water -- Fairfax, Va.; Montgomery County in Maryland;

Omaha, Neb.; Oklahoma City; Santa Clara, Calif.,

and New York City.

The New York state health department and the USGS

tested the source of the city's water, upstate.

They found trace concentrations of heart medicine,

infection fighters, estrogen, anti-convulsants,

a mood stabilizer and a tranquilizer.

City water officials declined repeated requests for

an interview. In a statement, they insisted that

"New York City's drinking water continues to meet

all federal and state regulations regarding

drinking water quality in the watershed and the

distribution system" -- regulations that do not

address trace pharmaceuticals.

In several cases, officials at municipal or

regional water providers told the AP that

pharmaceuticals had not been detected, but

the AP obtained the results of tests conducted

by independent researchers that showed otherwise.

For example, water department officials in New

Orleans said their water had not been tested for

pharmaceuticals, but a Tulane University researcher

and his students have published a study that

found the pain reliever naproxen, the sex hormone

estrone and the anti-cholesterol drug byproduct

clofibric acid in treated drinking water.

Of the 28 major metropolitan areas where tests

were performed on drinking water supplies,

only Albuquerque; Austin, Texas; and Virginia

Beach, Va.; said tests were negative. The

drinking water in Dallas has been tested, but

officials are awaiting results. Arlington, Texas,

acknowledged that traces of a pharmaceutical

were detected in its drinking water but cited

post-9/11 security concerns in refusing to

identify the drug.

The AP also contacted 52 small water providers --

one in each state, and two each in Missouri

and Texas -- that serve communities with

populations around 25,000. All but one said

their drinking water had not been screened for

pharmaceuticals; officials in Emporia, Kan.,

refused to answer AP's questions, also citing

post-9/11 issues.

Rural consumers who draw water from their own

wells aren't in the clear either, experts say.

The Stroud Water Research Center, in Avondale,

Pa., has measured water samples from New York

City's upstate watershed for caffeine, a common

contaminant that scientists often look for as

a possible signal for the presence of other

pharmaceuticals. Though more caffeine was

detected at suburban sites, researcher Anthony

Aufdenkampe was struck by the relatively high

levels even in less populated areas.

He suspects it escapes from failed septic tanks,

maybe with other drugs. "Septic systems are

essentially small treatment plants that are

essentially unmanaged and therefore tend to

fail," Aufdenkampe said.

Even users of bottled water and home filtration

systems don't necessarily avoid exposure.

Bottlers, some of which simply repackage tap

water, do not typically treat or test for

pharmaceuticals, according to the industry's

main trade group. The same goes for the makers

of home filtration systems.

The contamination of our water supply in the US

is a clear and present danger. I have personally

tested the water supplies of every major city in

the US and there is NO safe water to drink that is

clean, pure and alkaline. Even the majority of the

bottled waters being sold in the US and around the

world are questionable at best.

To learn the truth about water read,

"You Are What You Drink" in Dr. Young's

book, The pH Miracle for Weight Loss and

the following article that details

this clear and present danger concerning the

world's potable water supply.

Clean drinking water is something that the public

has pretty much taken for granted for the past

hundred years. The public has little idea--perhaps

understandably--just how contaminated our drinking

water has become. Our environment has changed, new

biological transformations are emerging, drinking-

water systems are aging, and governments seem more

interested in ensuring business in the global

marketplace than in ensuring the safety and health

of the world citizens.

Acid rain corrodes copper, lead, and galvanized

pipes. There are hundreds of agricultural pollutants,

including pesticides and fertilizer, industrial

pollutants including plasticizers, solvents, and

propellants; along with chemicals added to aid in

the coagulation of water can be of great concern

to water pollution.

A National Assessment of Tap Water Quality found

260 contaminants in our nation's tap water; 141

of these contaminants have no enforceable safety

limits. Of the 141 unregulated contaminants utilities

detected in water supplies between 1998 and 2003,

52 are linked to cancer, 41 to reproductive toxicity,

36 to developmental toxicity, and 16 to immune system

damage, according to chemical listings in seven

standard government and industry toxicity references.

Despite the potential health risks, any concentration

of these chemicals in tap water is legal, no matter

how high.

However, the EPA's own scientists have identified

600 chemicals in tap water formed as by-products

of disinfection--they tracked 220 million pounds

of 650 industrial chemicals discharged to rivers

and streams annually. They also spearheaded research

on emerging contaminants after the U.S. Geological

Survey found: 82 unregulated pharmaceuticals,

hormones, medications, and residues of consumer

products in rivers and streams across the country.

Intensive use of highly acidic antibiotics in human

and veterinarian medicine and in industrial farming

(food additives) has resulted in the transport of

significant quantities of the active ingredients

to environmental waters. All told, EPA has set

safety standards for fewer than 20 percent of the

many hundreds of chemicals that it has identified

in our drinking water.

Many of these compounds enter the human body through

our skin when we bathe or swim.

By failing to clean up rivers and reservoirs that

provide drinking water for hundreds of millions

of Americans, EPA and the Congress have forced water

utility companies to decontaminate water that is

polluted with industrial chemicals, factory farm

waste, sewage, pesticides, fertilizer, and sediment.

In its most recent national Water Quality Inventory

EPA found that 45 percent of lakes and 39 percent

of streams and rivers are "impaired"--unsafe for

drinking, fishing, or even swimming, in some cases.

Even after water suppliers filter and disinfect

the water, scores of contaminants remain, with

conventional treatment regimes removing less than

20 percent of some contaminants. By failing to set

tap water safety standards expeditiously or require

and fund comprehensive testing, EPA allows

widespread exposures to chemical mixtures posing

known risks to human health.

A Fractional Damage Assessment from Acid Rain

Acid rain is produced when nitrous oxide, sulphur

dioxide, and carbon dioxide gas in the upper

atmosphere react with water particles to produce

nitric acid, sulphuric acid, and carbonic acid

respectively. Unpolluted rainfall normally balanced

alkaline pH of about 7.1 to 7.3, whilst acid rain

has a pH that varies from 4.1 to 5.5.

Rainwater was naturally slightly alkaline because

it contained a small amount of dissolved carbon

dioxide gas. This forms a small amount of carbonic

acid. Acid rain contains abnormally high levels

of carbonic acid (from the excessive amounts of

carbon dioxide released in the atmosphere from

burning fossil fuel).

The word equation is:

Carbon dioxide + water = carbonic acid

When we burn fossil fuels (especially coal),

sulphur dioxide is made and released into the air.

When sulphur dioxide dissolves in rainwater, it

makes sulphuric acid.

Sulphur dioxide + water = sulfuric acid

Sulphur Dioxide reacts with a wide range of

substances found in food, including various

essential vitamins, minerals and essential

fatty acids.

Sulfuric acid is actually a mixture of acids in

high concentrations. Sulfuric acid is much

stronger than carbonic acid. It is extremely

corrosive and it causes damage to rocks, animals,

and plants.

Sulfuric acid can cause severe burns to all

body tissue and may be fatal if swallowed or

contacted with skin. It is harmful if inhaled;

it affects teeth; it is a cancerous hazard.

Strong inorganic acid mists containing sulfuric

acid can lead to cancerous tissues.

Nitrous oxides react with water vapor to

form nitric acid. Nitric acid is a highly

corrosive and toxic acid that can cause severe

burns.

Nitrous oxides + water = nitric acid

Nitric acid is a cancerous-causing agent. It is

also a powerful dehydrating agent, so powerful

that much of the damage it does to the human

body is because it pulls water even out of other

molecules in chemical reactions.

Apart from emissions of sulphur dioxide and

nitrogen oxides from the combustion of fossil

fuels, there are also other substances that

contribute to acid rain formation. These include

hydrochloric acid and organic carboxylic acids.

These organic acids include acetic acid and formic

acid and are formed when volatile organic

compounds are oxidized in the air.

Acid rain causes a cascade of effects that

harm or kill individual fish, reduce fish

population numbers, completely eliminating fish

species from a body of water, and decrease

biodiversity. Damages also show up in land

animals, affecting their behavior and feeding

patterns. Acid rain kills trees, crops, and

other vegetation; damages buildings and

monuments; corrodes copper, galvanized steel,

and lead piping; damages such manufactured

things as automobiles; and reduces soil fertility.

Acid rain can raise the level of heavy metals,

many of which are carcinogenic, teratogenic,

transforming, reproductive toxins, or neurological

toxins in drinking water supplies.

Pure acid water extracted from drinking water

will burn holes in the outer membranes of

micro-forms like parasites, bacteria, yeast,

and microscopic worms. Pure acid water will

transform parasites and their eggs, bacteria,

yeast and mold. Pure acid water has a strong

oxidation potential (a shortage of electrons)

giving it the ability to ferment, spoil and

sterilize. When extracted from drinking water

about one third of the water is acid water

(and the third part of the waters became wormwood).

Think of the effects it can have on the plant,

animal or human body.

Acid rain raises the level of heavy metals, some

of which are poisonous, in drinking water supplies.

Polluted acidic waters contain higher than average

levels of heavy and toxic metals, carbon monoxide,

volatile organic compounds (VOCs), photochemical

oxidants, and a laundry list of other toxins that

pose serious health threats.

Some acidic toxins enter the human body through

air, water, and/or through our skin (when we

bathe or swim many of these toxins are absorbed

through our skin). Other poisonous metals and

toxins that are dissolved into the rain water

are absorbed by the fruit, vegetables we eat.

All of the meat we eat is saturated with acidic

toxins that were absorbed through the skin and

into the tissue of the animals. In addition,

animals eat these plants and other animals,

perpetuating the cycle. Many heavy metals

are bio-accumulative and highly acidic. They can

accumulate in the soft tissues when the body

cannot metabolize them so they end up in the

connective and fatty tissues.

Acid rain contains caustic acids that tend to make

the pH of the human body more acidic. Drinking acidic

water can cause many serious dis-eases. All of the

water we drink (including bottled, purified,

reverse osmosis, and some distilled waters) contain

these acids. It can be difficult to balance the pH

of people consuming water loaded with these poisonous

acidic wastes.

Breathing acidic air fogs (including hot shower or

bath water) can damage our respiratory system. Some

of these acids are powerful dehydrating agents, so

powerful that much of the damage they do to the

human body is because they pull water even out

of other molecules in chemical reactions.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxic

acidic chemicals that adversely affect human

health and the environment around the world.

Because they can be transported by wind and

water, most POPs generated in one country can

affect people and wildlife far from where they

are used and released. They persist for long

periods of time in the environment and can

accumulate and pass from one species to the

next through the food chain.

Although scientists have more to learn about

POPs acidic chemicals, decades of scientific

research have greatly increased our knowledge

of POPs' impacts on people and wildlife. For

example, laboratory studies have shown that

low doses of certain POPs adversely affect

some organ systems and aspects of development.

Studies also have shown that chronic exposure

to low doses of certain POPs can result in

reproductive and immune system deficits.

Exposure to high levels of certain POPs

chemicals - higher than normally encountered

by humans and wildlife - can cause serious

damage or death.

There are acids called dioxins and dioxin-like

compounds in the food supply. Dioxin and

dioxin-like compounds, or DLCs, are found

throughout the environment, in soil, water,

and air. People are exposed to these

unintentional environmental contaminants

primarily through the food supply, particularly

by eating animal fat in meat, dairy products,

and fish. Another reason to avoid eating acidic

animal flesh, dairy or fish.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency, over 90% of our exposure to acidic

dioxins is through food, with major sources

including beef, dairy products, milk, chicken,

pork, fish, and eggs. Dioxins are also passed

from mother to developing infant across the

placenta and through breastfeeding. Dioxins,

PCBs, DDT and other organochlorines are among

the 200 plus chemicals found in human breast

milk today that can lead to a host of infant

dis-ease.

Acidic dioxins and related compounds are highly

persistent in the environment and in living

organisms. PCB's can remain in human connective

and fat tissue for decades. It is believed that

almost all living beings on earth have dioxin-

like compounds in their body tissues.

No amount of dioxin exposure can be considered

safe, as very small amounts have been associated

with impaired developmental, reproductive,

neurological, and immune function. Acidic dioxin

is one of the most toxic chemicals known to

humankind.

The cancerous risk from eating animal flesh

contaminated with acidic dioxin is another

clear warning that livestock foods have a

direct impact on human food quality and safety.

The health risks posed by the levels of acidic

dioxins in human foods and animal feeds have

yet to be ascertained by government officials.

Therefore, conveniently, governments do not

recommend regulatory limits on acidic dioxins

or dioxin-like compounds in food or feed

(even though PCBs and dioxin are known endocrine

disruptors).

Nitrate is a chemical that enters water from

fertilizer runoff, leaching septic tanks, and

erosion of natural deposits. Potential health

impacts associated with the acid nitrite includes

cardiovascular or acidic blood toxicity, acidic

kidney toxicity, and acidic reproductive toxicity.

The acid nitrate is one of the most common

groundwater contaminants in rural areas. Fertilizer

nitrogen that is not taken up by plants, volatilized,

or carried away by surface runoff - leaches to the

groundwater in the form of the acid nitrate. Septic

systems also can elevate groundwater nitrate

concentrations because they remove only half of

the nitrogen in wastewater, leaving the remaining

half to percolate to groundwater.

An Environmental Working Group analysis of Nitrate

tests reported by 32,210 public water suppliers

in 41 states shows that between 1998 and 2003,

176 million people in 23,704 communities drank

acidic water contaminated with nitrate. In 657

of these communities, tap water was contaminated

at levels above health-based thresholds.

Nitrate occurs in the environment, in air, food

(particularly in vegetables and fruits) and

water, and is produced endogenously. It is also

used as a food additive, mainly as a preservative

and anti-microbial agent. It is used in foods

such as cheese and cheese products, raw and

processed meats, edible casings, processed fish

and fish products and spirits and liqueurs.

Since most of our produce is grown with potassium,

nitrogen, and phosphorous fertilizers, and

irrigated with water that is contaminated with

nitrate (and about 600 other contaminates),

the produce we eat contains unnaturally high

levels of nitrate. Synergistically unbalanced

and contaminated acidic food will not sustain

our health; it will actually poison us to death.

What are the health effects? Nitrates can react

with hemoglobin to reduce the oxygen-carrying

capacity of the blood. Nitrates may combine

with other substances to form nitrosamines,

which are carcinogenic, and it may have an

atrophying affect on the adrenal gland.

Short-term: Excessive levels of nitrate in

drinking water have caused serious illness

and sometimes death. In some parts of the

country, beets, turnips, carrots, collard

greens and spinach contain large amounts of

nitrates, a chemical that can cause an unusual

type of anemia (low blood count) in young infants,

referred to as methemoglobinemia or blue baby

syndrome. Symptoms include shortness of breath

and blueness of the skin. The serious illness

in infants is due to the conversion of nitrate

to nitrite by the body, which interferes

with the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood;

blue baby syndrome can be an acute condition

in which health deteriorates rapidly over a

period of days.

Long-term: Nitrates and nitrites have the potential

to cause the following effects from a lifetime

exposure at levels above the maximum contaminant

level: excessive discharge of urine, increased

starchy deposits and hemorrhaging of the spleen.

Heavy metal aberrations found in our drinking water

are directly causative or associative with dis-ease

and ill health. A few examples are anemia,

cardiac conditions, depression, digestive problems,

high blood pressure, hormone imbalance, impaired

growth, infertility, insomnia, learning and

behavioral problems, osteoporosis, chronic

inflammation, and tumor proliferation.

Heavy metal toxins contribute to a variety of

adverse health effects. There are more than 65

different heavy metals and toxic acidic compounds

that impact human health.

Accumulation within the body can lead to a

decline in the mental, cognitive, and physical

health of the individual. Many of these pollutants

are carcinogenic, teratogenic, reproductive acidic

toxins, or neurological acidic toxins.

The increased acidity of rain also releases many

minerals that do not naturally occur or do not

belong in water at these disproportionate levels,

thus producing what is called hard water.

As a result, these acidic toxins are consumed

in drinking water or are ingested by plants,

animals, or aquatic life, which are then eaten

by humans.

When numerous metals are present in the body,

they have a "synergistic toxicity." Dr. Boyd Haley,

professor and chair of the chemistry department

at the University of Kentucky, performed a study

on rats and found that the mortality rate of

rats exposed to a small dose of mercury or

aluminum killed only 1 rat in 100. However, when

the rats were exposed to both mercury and

aluminum at the same time, all 100 rats

died - a 100% mortality rate.

Here are a few more ways that acid deposition

has altered and continues to alter our soils:

Acid deposition depletes calcium, magnesium,

and other base minerals from the soil - this

depletion of base minerals fundamentally alters

soil processes, compromises the nutrition of

crops, and hinders the capacity for sensitive

soils to recover.

Acid deposition facilitates the mobilization

of dissolved inorganic minerals into soil water -

the increased acidity of rain releases many

minerals that do not naturally occur or do not

belong in water at these disproportionate levels,

thus producing what is called hard water - as a

result, they are consumed in drinking water or

are ingested by plants, animals, or aquatic life,

which are then eaten by humans.

Acid deposition increases the accumulation of

sulfur and nitrogen in the soil.

To some extent all minerals compete for

absorption, compete for the same binding sites.

Studies have shown that excesses of particular

minerals can result in deficiencies in others;

likewise, deficiencies of some minerals promote

excesses of others. This mutual dependence

means not only are minerals required in optimal

amounts but also in relative amounts.

Severe health problems arising from human contact

with acidic toxic or hazardous wastes are

increasingly common.

The seriousness of this problem cannot be

underestimated in light of findings from the

World Health Organization (WHO) who revealed

that 60-80% of heavy metal toxins found in

human bodies in urban industrial areas were

the result of consuming contaminated foods

and water rather than through air pollution.

The burning of coal releases many contaminants

into the atmosphere, among these are mercury,

cadmium, arsenic, and lead.

MERCURY

Mercury occurs primarily in two forms: organic

mercury and inorganic mercury. Inorganic mercury

and elemental mercury are both toxins that can

produce a wide range of adverse health affects.

Inorganic mercury is used in thermometers,

barometers, dental fillings, batteries, electrical

wiring and switches, fluorescent light bulbs,

pesticides, fungicides, vaccines, paint,

skin-tightening creams, antiseptic creams,

pharmaceutical drugs, and other ointments.

Humans have the ability to convert this

inorganic mercury to an organic form once it

has become absorbed into the bloodstream.

Organic mercury is known to bio-accumulate

due to the body's inability to process and

eliminate it. Rain is contaminated with mercury

from coal-fired electric plants and the burning

of fossil fuel. Mercury is one of the heavy

metals that cause dangerous inflammation in

body tissues. Acidification increases bio-

conversion of mercury to methylmercury;

methylmercury is a neurotoxin, and the form

of mercury that is most easily bio-accumulated

in organisms.

Methyl mercury compounds, such as dimethyl

mercury, are among the most dangerous. Mercury

salts released into the environment may frequently

be converted by anaerobic bacteria into such

compounds, which can then be carried through

the food chain to humans. Methylmercury exposure

via food most often occurs when seafood-

containing mercury is eaten, or when mercury-

containing plants, such as rice, are consumed.

Organic mercury is often found in produce,

farm animals, processed grains, dairy products,

and surface water sources.

Potential health impacts associated with mercury

include cancerous states, cardiovascular or blood

toxicity, developmental toxicity, endocrine

toxicity, gastrointestinal or liver toxicity,

immunotoxicity, kidney toxicity, neurotoxicity,

reproductive toxicity, respiratory toxicity,

and skin sensitivity.

Occupational exposure to mercury containing

compounds presents a significant health risk

to individuals. Dentists, painters, fishermen,

electricians, pharmaceutical/laboratories workers,

farmers, factory workers, miners, chemists, and

beauticians are just some of the professions

chronically exposed to mercury compounds.

An Environmental Working Group analysis of

mercury tests reported by 28,299 public water

suppliers in 40 states shows that between 1998

and 2003, 18.5 million people in 1,298 communities

drank water contaminated with mercury. In 37 of

these communities, tap water was contaminated

at levels above health-based thresholds.

Environmental Health Perspectives found that

89 percent of their female patients had

mercury levels above what most scientists

consider safe, and that high mercury levels

in adults correlated with memory loss,

fatigue, and muscle aches. Another preliminary

study this year found that mothers who delivered

prematurely were more likely to have high

mercury levels.

Unborn babies are at the greatest risk. Babies

developing in the womb seem to be most vulnerable

to the effects of mercury on their brains

and nervous systems. Mercury is poisoning an

entire generation of our nation's children!

CADMIUM

Cadmium emissions arise from two major source

categories, natural sources and anthropogenic

(man-made) sources. Emissions occur to the

three major compartments of the environment -

air, water, and soil, but there may be

considerable transfer between the three

compartments after initial deposition.

Man-made cadmium emissions arise either from

the manufacture, use and disposal of products

intentionally utilizing cadmium, or from

the presence of cadmium as a natural but

not functional impurity in non-cadmium

containing products. Cadmium (for industrial

use) is produced in large quantities, over

8 million metric tons in 1999. Cadmium

generated by metal smelters/refiners is

cemented and buried, stored for future

use, or disposed of in landfills as hazardous

acidic waste.

Cadmium poses a major concern to food safety

because is taken up relatively easily by

crops. What makes cadmium unique is that it

is not toxic to plants at concentrations of

concern to human health. Consumption of crops

is the main source of human exposure at

approximately 75%. Grains, leafy greens,

and root crops are associated with elevated

levels of cadmium.

Cadmium accumulates in the body; although a

person's daily intake may be as little as 0.05

milligrams, he or she will have stored, on

average, about 50 milligrams. Cadmium is a

poison and is known to cause birth defects

and cancerous tissue. It can stay in one's body

for years and can also change forms within

the body.

Cadmium interferes with the metabolism of copper,

iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin D. An

Environmental Working Group analysis of cadmium

tests reported by 28,944 public water suppliers

in 41 states shows that between 1998 and 2003,

9.5 million people in 1,364 communities drank

water contaminated with cadmium. In 1,040 of

these communities, tap water was contaminated

at levels above health-based thresholds.

ARSENIC

According to a 1999 study by the National Academy

of Sciences, arsenic in drinking water causes

a cancerous bladder, lung, and skin, and may

cause a cancerous kidney and liver. The study

also found that arsenic harms the central and

peripheral nervous systems, as well as heart and

blood vessels, and causes serious skin problems.

It can cause birth defects and reproductive problems.

Arsenic is a natural element of the earth's crust.

It is used in industry and agriculture, and for

other purposes. It also is a byproduct of copper

smelting, mining, and coal burning. U.S.

industries release thousands of pounds of

arsenic into the environment every year.

The use of this toxic element in numerous

industrial processes has resulted in its

presence in many biological and ecological

systems. Ground, surface, and drinking water

are susceptible to arsenic poisoning from

the use of arsenic in smelting, refining,

galvanizing, and power plants; environmental

contaminants like pesticides, herbicides,

insecticides, fungicides, desiccants,

wood preservatives, and animal feed additives;

and human made hazardous waste sites, chemical

wastes, and antibiotics.

Arsenic suppresses iodine and selenium. It

is a carcinogen that inactivates sulfhydryl

groups leading to cell death, increases

bleeding time, reduces thyroid function by

interfering with iodine metabolism, depresses

bone marrow involved in methionine metabolism.

Low serum arsenic is correlated with central

nervous system disorders, vascular disease,

and cancerous tissue.

Data compiled by the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency on arsenic in drinking

water in 25 states found conservative

estimates indicate that more than 34

million Americans drink tap water supplied

by systems containing average levels of

arsenic that pose unacceptable cancerous

risks. We consider it likely that as many

as 56 million people in those 25 states

have been drinking water with arsenic

at unsafe levels--and that is just the

25 states that reported arsenic information

to the EPA.

Some plants are arsenic-resistant or can

block arsenic uptake by their root systems.

Still other food crops accumulate arsenic

at levels that raise human health concerns.

Since plants take up arsenic primarily by

their roots, the highest level of arsenic

accumulation is usually in roots and tubers,

such as carrots and potatoes.

Studies have shown close associations

between both inhaled and ingested arsenic

and cancerous rates. Cancerous conditions of

the skin, liver, respiratory tract, and

gastrointestinal tract are well documented

in regards to arsenic exposure.

LEAD

Lead is the 5th most utilized metal in the

U.S. Human exposure to lead occurs primarily

through drinking water, airborne lead-containing

particulates, and lead-based paints. The primary

source of lead in drinking water is from

lead-based plumbing materials. The corrosion of

such materials will continue to increase

concentrations of lead in municipal drinking

water. The EPA actually allows small amounts

of lead to be present in our tap water due

to this insurmountable problem. Grounding

of household electrical systems to plumbing

may also exacerbate corrosion. Corrosion of

plumbing is by far the greatest cause for

concern. All water is corrosive to metal

plumbing materials to some degree.

Lead from water and airborne sources have

been shown to accumulate in agricultural

areas leading to increased concentrations

in agricultural produce and farm animals.

Cigarette smoke is also a significant source

of lead exposure.

A certain amount of lead is always in our

bodies because of the background presence

of lead in food, water, and sources in

the soil. The EPA estimates that drinking

water can make up 20 percent or more of

a person's total exposure to lead.

Atmospherically derived lead is a widely

distributed contaminant that can inhibit

a range of essential ecosystem processes

in soils. Lead has made its way into food,

animals, and humans.

Because of the possibility of permanent

impairment, lead poisoning is particularly

dangerous during the critical development

periods of infants and young children under

the age of 7 years. Young children, those

6 years and younger, are at particular risk

for lead exposure because they have frequent

hand-to-mouth activity and absorb lead more

easily than do adults. Children's nervous

systems are still undergoing development and

are therefore more susceptible to the effects

of toxic agents. Lead is also harmful to the

developing fetuses of pregnant women.

Lead in drinking water is a significant

contributor to overall exposure to lead,

particularly for infants whose diet

consists of liquids made with water, such

as baby food or formula.

Lead is one of the most toxic elements

naturally occurring on Earth. High

concentrations of lead can cause

irreversible brain damage, seizure,

coma, and death if not treated immediately.

Evidence suggests that lead may cause fatigue,

irritability, memory problems, reduction

in sensory and motor reaction times,

decision making impairment, and lapses

in concentration. In adults, lead is

very detrimental to the cardiovascular

system.

Occupationally exposed individuals tend to

have higher blood pressure and are at an

increased risk for cardiovascular disease,

myocardial infarction, and stroke. The

kidneys are targets of lead toxicity and

prone to impairment at moderate to high

levels of lead concentrations. Other

signs/symptoms of lead toxicity include

gastrointestinal disturbances, abdominal

pain, cramps, constipation, anorexia and

weight loss, immunosuppression, and some

liver impairment. Lead can affect almost

every organ and system in our body.

No safe blood lead level in children has

been determined. Children absorb lead much

more efficiently than adults do after

exposure and are susceptible to the most

damaging effects of lead toxicity. Lead

not only appears to affect cognitive

development of young children but also

other areas of neuropsychological function.

Low levels of lead in blood have been

associated with reduced IQ and attention

span, learning disabilities, poor classroom

performance, hyperactivity, behavioral

problems, impaired growth, and hearing loss.

Very high blood lead levels can cause severe

neurological problems such as mental

retardation, coma, convulsions, and even

death. Lead has been determined by many

health experts to be the #1 threat to

developing children in our industrial

societies.

The most sensitive is the central nervous

system (brain), particularly in children.

Lead also damages kidneys and the reproductive

system. The effects are the same whether it

is breathed or swallowed.

An Environmental Working Group analysis of

lead tests reported by 21,997 public water

suppliers in 35 states shows that between

1998 and 2003, 50.4 million people in 7,942

communities drank water contaminated with lead.

In 2,275 of these communities, tap water was

contaminated at levels above health-based

thresholds.

IRON

Inorganic iron is one of the most troublesome

elements in water supplies. Making up at least

5 percent of the earth's crust, iron is one of

the earth's most plentiful resources. Acidic

rain water as it infiltrates the soil and

underlying geologic formations excessively

dissolves iron, causing it to seep into

aquifers that serve as sources of groundwater

for wells. This is one reason that there

is a high prevalence of increased iron

stores in the general population of western

countries.

Inorganic iron is almost indigestible. When

people suffering from anemia are given

supplements of inorganic iron, these supplements

are poorly absorbed in the gut and can have

many unpleasant side effects.

Excess iron accumulates in the pancreas causes

tissue injury. Iron affects glucose metabolism.

Iron stores are associated with insulin

sensitivity, insulin secretion, and insulin

resistance. High inorganic iron causes excessive

sodium retention. Tissue iron excess contributes

to produce and amplify the injury caused by acidity

as well as to modulate various steps involved in

the inflammatory lesion. It should not be ignored

that chronic inflammation caused by dietary and/or

metabolic acid, to some extent, to increase ferritin concentration.

CHROMIUM

Chromium is abundant in the earth's crust and is

widely dispersed in the environment. It is used

extensively in refractory materials and chemicals,

as a plating to produce hard and smooth surfaces,

to prevent corrosion, and in manufacturing stainless

and alloy steels. Major atmospheric emissions of

chromium arise from metal producing industries,

coal-fired plants, municipal incinerators, and

cooling towers.

Chromium-6 or Hexavalent chromium is an inorganic

chemical that can be toxic. Chromium-6 has been

in the news lately because it has been found in

groundwater due to industrial contamination. It

was the focus of the popular movie Erin Brockovich.

Hexavalent chromium in the workplace is suspected

of being carcinogenic. Excessive exposure to dusts

or mists of hexavalent chromium compounds produces

dermatitis, skin lesions, and ulceration and

perforation of the nasal septum, as well as liver

and kidney damage. With long-term exposure to

hexavalent chromium compounds, incidence of

human lung cancer increases.

An Environmental Working Group analysis of

hexavalent chromium tests reported by 1,111

public water suppliers in 3 states shows that

between 1998 and 2003, 33.4 million people in

519 communities drank water contaminated with

hexavalent chromium.

BARIUM

Barium is a heavy metal released into the air

by human activities, mainly barium mines, metal

production facilities, and industrial boilers

that burn coal and oil. When coal and oil are

burned to generate electricity, an ash is

produced which contains more than 99% of their

barium content. Barium released into the soil

and water comes from copper smelters and oil

drilling waste disposal sites. Industries

reporting to the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) released 159 tons of barium into

the environment in 1995. More than half was

released to the soil. Some foods, such as

Brazil nuts, seaweed, fish, and certain

vegetables, may contain high amounts of barium.

Barium and barium compounds are used for many

commercial processes. Barium sulfate is mined

and used in oil and gas production, medical

procedures, and the manufacture of paints,

bricks, tiles, glass, and rubber. Other barium

compounds are used in the manufacture of

ceramics, pesticides, and oil and fuel additives.

In addition, physicians often instruct their

patients to swallow a barium compound solution

as part of certain medical test procedures.

An Environmental Working Group analysis of

barium tests reported by 29,280 public water

suppliers in 41 states shows that between

1998 and 2003, 147 million people in 20,626

communities drank water contaminated with

barium.

Barium interferes with natural immune system

functioning. Barium compounds are extremely

poisonous. At low doses, barium acts as a

muscle stimulant, while higher doses affect

the nervous system, causing cardiac

irregularities, tremors, weakness, anxiety,

dyspnea, and paralysis. This may be due to

its ability to block potassium ion channels

that are critical to the proper function of

the nervous system.

As barium weakens the immune systems of the

masses, we should expect to see statistically

significant increases in various dis-eases

that might normally be minimally occurring

in a population with a fully-activated immune

system.

BERYLLIUM

Beryllium is a metal from metal refineries,

coal burning, and pollution from electrical,

aerospace and defense industries. Potential

health impacts associated with beryllium

include cancerous conditions, cardiovascular

or blood toxicity, gastrointestinal or liver

toxicity, immunotoxicity, kidney toxicity,

reproductive toxicity, respiratory toxicity,

and skin sensitivity.

An Environmental Working Group analysis of

beryllium tests reported by 29,913 public

water suppliers in 41 states shows that

between 1998 and 2003, 6.9 million people

in 720 communities drank water contaminated

with beryllium.

MOLYBDENUM

Molybdenum is a by-product of copper and

tungsten mining. It is used as an alloy for

various metals, and it occurs naturally in

soil and rock. Potential health impacts

associated with molybdenum include

neurotoxicity and reproductive toxicity.

Plants can, under certain conditions

accumulate large concentrations of molybdenum.

Molybdenum uptake by plants increases with

increased soil pH. Molybdenum can cause

acute clinical disease and subsequent

death by interfering with copper metabolism.

An Environmental Working Group analysis of

molybdenum tests reported by 1,183 public

water suppliers in nine states shows that

between 1998 and 2003, 24.6 million people

in 134 communities drank water contaminated

with molybdenum. In 84 of these communities,

tap water was contaminated at levels above

health-based thresholds. Molybdenum remains

unregulated in tap water, without a maximum

legal limit.

Molybdenum is mobile in plants and in soil.

It is less available in soils with a lower

pH. Acid-leached forest and sandstone soils

are generally low in molybdenum. Acid rain

causes molybdenum to be released from the

soil, which contaminates our water and food

supply.

PHOSPHOROUS

Phosphorus is a component of fertilizer and

manure, and a pollutant in municipal wastewater

discharges. Potential health impacts associated

with phosphorus include cardiovascular or

blood toxicity, gastrointestinal or liver

toxicity, kidney toxicity, musculoskeletal

toxicity, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity,

respiratory toxicity, and skin sensitivity.

Organic phosphate fertilizers contain

radionuclides (such as radium, radon,

radioactive lead, polonium, thorium, etc),

toxic metals, and fluorine.

Phosphate fertilizers are manufactured from

phosphate rocks and, according to their origin,

may contain various micronutrients

(cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum,

nickel, zinc) and heavy metals considered toxic

(arsenic, aluminum, beryllium cadmium, lead,

mercury, and vanadium) (Camelo et al., 1997

and Mirlean et al., 2001). The build up of

toxic heavy metals and fluorine in soils as

a result of continuous application of phosphate

fertilizers has never been mentioned to the

general public.

The phosphate rocks are also enriched in

uranium, thorium and their daughters,

deposited as calcium phosphate minerals

by isomorphic substitution (Pfister et al.,

1976), since the natural uranium can

substitute calcium in the phosphate rock

structure due to the similarity in ionic

size between U4+ and Ca2+ (Guzman, 1992).

Depending on geographic location where the

phosphate rock is mined, it can contain

from 50 - 200 ppm of uranium. Phosphate rock

is the major source of 'yellow cake'

(uranium oxide) for nuclear weapons and

the nuclear power industry.

Where there is uranium in natural rock

formations, there will also be all its

carcinogenic decay rate products; such

as radium, radon, radioactive lead,

polonium, thorium, etc.

The tailings from phosphoric acid production

(phosphate fertiliser), phosphorgypsum, are

so radioactive that they are not allowed to

be used for wall-board or road beds in the

US and Canada - because it is considered a

radiation hazard. However, organic growers

are allowed to treat their fields with the

raw, unprocessed product once every six years,

with none of the contaminants processed out.

Taking a closer look at this 'natural' phosphate

rock mix, we find for example polonium-210:

One particle of polonium-210 gives off 5,000

times more alpha radiation than the same amount

of radium. Damage occurs in the body from

complete tissue absorption of the energy of

the alpha particle. Polonium-210 can be

carcinogenic to people exposed to more than

0.03 microcuries (6.8 trillionths of a gram).

There are also high levels of Radium and

Polonium-210 in granite dust, which is used

by organic farmers, is some parts of the

world as a soil conditioner.

Polonium is carried throughout the body in

the blood. It has been linked to more soft-

tissue cancers than cancerous bones; typical

sites are the liver, spleen, and kidney. The

most important pathway for radionuclide

contamination of the food is the uptake by

plant from the ground through the roots.

Once the contaminated foods have been

ingested by man or animals, the radionuclides

produce an internal radiation dose in the

specific organs where they accumulate.

Polonium is found in tobacco grown with

phosphate fertilizers. Studies have suggested

that radioactive polonium may be the primary

cause of smoking-related cancers.

Our water supplies are being flooded with

radioactive elements, especially radon.

It is important to note that these do not

simply dissipate in a few days, months,

or years - these radioactive elements will

emit radon for many thousands of years.

The long-continued application of phosphate

fertilizers and their by-products can

redistribute and elevate heavy metal

concentrations in soil profiles, and,

consequently, their availability for plants

and subsequent transfer to the human food

chain, mainly in acid soils.

Additionally, the long-continued application

of phosphate fertilizers can also raise the

heavy metal concentrations in irrigation

runoff/drainage from fertilized lands, and,

then, their application in agricultural soils

constitute another source for workers and

members of the public. One ounce @ 5.0% phosphate

(about the amount used to fertilize one organic

tomato plant as recommended by some organic

growers) contains about 1.4 grams of fluoride,

which is enough to kill a small child.

An Environmental Working Group analysis of

phosphorus tests reported by 162 public water

suppliers in 7 states shows that between

1998 and 2003, 3.3 million people in 113

communities drank water contaminated with

phosphorus. In all of these communities,

tap water was contaminated at levels above

health-based thresholds. Phosphorus remains

unregulated in tap water, without a maximum

legal limit. Water suppliers reporting tests

for phosphate (1998-2003): 258 of 39,751.

PERCHLORATE

25 APR 2007 | A bill to set national safety

standards for toxic rocket fuel perchlorate,

found in drinking water supplies in more

than 20 states, is moving in Congress.

However, perchlorate is currently an

unregulated contaminant. Officials found

the rocket fuel ingredient perchlorate at

up to 1,300 parts per million in the fall -

roughly 166 times higher than acceptable limits.

Perchlorate is a toxic chemical from military-

industrial activities and the use of Chilean

nitrate fertilizer.

Production and use estimates of perchlorate

are hard to come by: the military considers

the numbers secret, and fertilizer producers

will not share them, saying they are proprietary

information.

Perchlorate can affect thyroid function -

because perchlorate is an ion that inhibits

the transport of iodide into the thyroid.

Scientists have found that a significant

number of people are at risk of thyroid

depression from perchlorate exposure.

Extensive data indicate that thyroid-

pituitary disruption is the sole mode

of action for the observed thyroid

tumors caused by perchlorate in rodents.

A series of critical new studies by

scientists at the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention show that the

EPA's proposed safe exposure level

for the contaminant "perchlorate"

is not protective of public health. To

add insult to injury, the California

Environmental Protection Agency

recently raised the limit on the

amount of perchlorate allowed in

drinking water by 50%. Currently

there are no enforceable perchlorate

safety standards, but Environmental

Working Group (EWG) argues that a

national safety standard should be

no higher than one-tenth the EPA's

currently recommended level.

Preliminary data from the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention show

that the amount of perchlorate in

urine is too high to be from drinking

water alone. Studies have found perchlorate

in rainwater and common foods produced

in the U.S., such as dairy products and

produce. Perchlorate is also found in

produce worldwide.

In the first-ever tests of perchlorate

in off-the-shelf supermarket produce,

EWG found contamination averaging 4

times more than what the EPA says is

safe in drinking water. The chemical

has also been found in prenatal vitamins

and seaweed. Perchlorate can remain in

food even after it is cooked.

Blast from the past: billions of kilograms

of Chilean nitrate fertilizer contaminated

with perchlorate left a lasting impression.

Between 1909 and 1929, the U.S. imported

an estimated 19 million tons of Chilean

nitrate. The United States still uses 75,000

short tons of Chilean nitrate annually.

Overall, fresh fruits and vegetables from

California and Central and South America had

the highest levels of perchlorate. Just one

serving of some fruits can contain enough

perchlorate to exceed the National Academy

of Sciences safe daily dose by 25%, and

wines and beers pack a bigger perchlorate

punch than waters, according to a new study

that measures perchlorate concentrations

in fruits, wines, and beers from around

the world. The food contribution to daily

perchlorate exposure looks to be a horrendous

disaster attributed to intensive farming,

irresponsible agricultural practices,

and military-industrial activities.

Perchlorate's interference with iodide

uptake by the thyroid gland can decrease

production of thyroid function, which is

needed for prenatal and postnatal growth

and development, as well as for normal

metabolism and mental function in the adult.

Perchlorate is present in virtually all

milk samples; the average concentration

in breast milk is five times higher than

in dairy milk. Studies testify that high

levels of perchlorate in breast milk put

the nation's infants at risk for

developmental problems. Thyroid function is

critical for development of the fetal and

neonatal brain, as well as for many other

aspects of fetal growth. The high levels

of perchlorate in breast milk are cause for

serious concern and should lead to immediate

government action to protect the public health.

An Environmental Working Group analysis of

perchlorate tests reported by 982 public

water suppliers in 7 states shows that

between 1998 and 2003, 26.2 million

people in 86 communities drank water

contaminated with perchlorate. In 8 of

these communities, tap water was contaminated

at levels above health-based thresholds.

Perchlorate remains unregulated in tap water,

without a maximum legal limit. Perchlorate

is a known endocrine disruptor.

ASBESTOS

Asbestos is a mineral fiber from decay of

asbestos cement in water mains. Potential

health impacts associated with asbestos

include cancer, immunotoxicity, and

respiratory toxicity.

An Environmental Working Group analysis

of asbestos tests reported by 2,533 public

water suppliers in 26 states shows that

between 1998 and 2003, 8.6 million people

in 147 communities drank water contaminated

with Asbestos. In 2 of these communities,

tap water was contaminated at levels

above health-based thresholds.

Contaminants Index

Drinking water, including most bottled, reverse

osmosis, and distilled water may reasonably be

expected to contain some contaminants. U.S.

EPA sets standards for approximately 90

contaminants in drinking water.

The following are common contaminants found

in public water, their potential health effects,

and the type of water filters that are capable

of removing them:

2,4,5TP: This is an herbicide that is used

on crops and right-of-way areas. It can

cause liver and kidney damage. The maximum

contaminant level is 0.05mg/L. A water

filter that removes Volatile organic

chemicals (VOCs) will remove this compound.

NSF standard 53.

2,4-D: This is an herbicide used on wheat, corn,

range lands and lawns. The maximum amount allowed

in public water is 0.07mg/L. Like the above

herbicide it causes liver and kidney damage.

A charcoal/carbon filter (Standard 53) that

removes VOCs will remove this contaminant.

Alachor: This is an herbicide used on corn,

soybeans, and other crops. The maximum amount

allowed in public water is 0.002 mg/L. It

is a carcinogen (i.e. it causes cancer).

A carbon/charcoal filter Standard 53,

that removes VOCs will remove this contaminant.

Arsenic: This is a heavy metal. It comes from

smelters, glass and electronic wastes as well

as from orchards and natural deposits. The

maximum contaminant level for arsenic is

0.010 mg/L. Its potential health hazards

include skin and nervous system toxicity.

Arsenic is found in water in two different

forms: pentavalent (also known as Arsenic

5 or arsenate) and Trivalent (Arsenic 3

or Arsenite). Chlorine converts trivalent

to pentvalent arsenic. Carbon/charcoal,

reverse osmosis filters as well as

distillation will remove this contaminant.

Distillation will remove trivalent and

pentvalent arsenic, while reverse osmosis

will remove pentvalent only. Look for

Standards 53, 58, or 62.

Asbestos: This contaminant comes from natural

deposits and asbestos cement used in water

systems. The maximum contaminant level is 7

million fibers per liter. It is a serious

carcinogen. Carbon/charcoal and reverse

osmosis remove this contaminant.

Atrazine: This is an herbicide used on corn

and on non crop land. It can cause mammary

gland tumors. Its maximum contaminant level

is 0.003 mg/L. Carbon/charcoal standard 53

filters will remove this contaminant. It is

part of the VOC category.

Bacteria: Bacteria are not supposed to be found

in our public waters. But occasionally they may

contaminate the water we drink. Sources are

naturally occurring or from human or animal

wastes. Most of them cause gastrointestinal

disorders. Ultraviolet treatment is usually

necessary for removal of these contaminants,

or look for NSF standard 55 filters. Class A

inactivates or removes micro-forms from

contaminated water (not raw sewage) and

Class B disinfection systems remove naturally

occurring organisms found in public waters

that are deemed non-pathogenic.

Barium: This is a found in natural deposits,

epoxy sealants, pigments and spent coal. Its

maximum contaminant level is 2 mg/L. It can

potentially affect the circulatory system.

Cation exchange softeners, reverse osmosis

and distillation will remove barium. Look

for standards 44, 58 and 62.

Cadmium: This is found in galvanized pipe

corrosion, natural deposits, batteries and

paints. It primarily effects the kidneys.

Its maximum contaminant level is 0.005 mg/L.

Reverse osmosis, distillation remove it.

Standards 58 and 62

Carbufuran: This is a soil fumigant used on

corn and cotton. It effects the nervous

reproductive systems. Its maximum contaminant

level is 0.04 mg/L. Carbon/charcoal standard

53 remove this. It is part of the VOC category.

Chloramine: The effects of this contaminant are

unknown. It is used as a disinfectant. The

maximum recommended usage level is 4 mg/L.

Carbon/charcoal filters, standard 42 remove

this contaminant. Systems certified for

reduction of chlorine will not necessarily

be effective against chloramines.

Chlordane: This is used for treating termites.

Maximum contaminant level is 0.002. It can

cause cancerous conditions. Carbon/charcoal

filters, Standard 53 will remove this contaminant.

Chlorides: Cause water to taste salty.

Maximum contaminant level is 250 mg/L.

These come from natural deposits. Reverse

osmosis and distillation may remove these.

Chlorine: This is used for disinfection of

drinking water. The chlorination by-products

(trihalomethanes) have potential health effects.

Carbon/charcoal standard 42 filters will remove

chlorine. Contact your local water utility to

determine if chlorine or chloramines are used

to disinfect your water.

Chlorination by-Products (trihalomethanes):

These are by-products of chlorination in

drinking water and they are carcinogenic.

The maximum contaminant level is 0.08 mg/L.

Carbon/charcoal standard 53 filters are

effective at reducing these contaminants.

Chromium: This is a by-product of mining,

electroplating, pigments and from natural

deposits. It can be present in water in

forms: hexavalent (chromium 6) and trivalent

(chromium 3). It can cause liver, kidney and

circulatory disorders. Reverse osmosis and

distillation Standards 53,58 and 62 remove

chromium.

Copper: From natural and industrial deposits,

wood preservatives, and plumbing. It may leach

from residential plumbing. The maximum

contaminant level is 1.3 mg/L. It can cause

gastrointestinal irritation. Charcoal/carbon,

reverse osmosis, and distillation, Standards

42, 58 and 62 remove this contaminant.

Crytosporidium: This is a parasite that is

found in food or water contaminated with

human or animal waste. It can cause

gastrointestinal illness. Although public

water should not have any cryptosporidium

in it, it is not uncommon to see people

in the Portland area test positive on stool

test for it. Standard 53, 58 and 55 water

filters should remove it. Look for a filter

capable of removing spores <>

-dichlorobenzene: part of the VOC category.

From paints, engine cleaning compounds, dyes,

chemical wastes. Causes liver, kidney and

blood cell damage. Carbon block standard

53 removes.

Hepatochlor Epoxide: A degradation product of

heptachlor which is used in insectides,

particularly for termite eradication. It is

a carcinogen. Allowable amount is 0.0002 mg/L.

Carbon block, standard 53 removes this.

This contaminant is part of the VOC category.

Hydrogen sulfide: causes the rotten egg odor in

water. It is a naturally occurring chemical

in water. Carbon block, standard 42 filters

remove it.

Iron: Maximum allowable amount is 0.3mg/L.

It can stain laundry, plumbing and appliances.

It is from natural deposits in the water.

Carbon/charcoal filter, standard 42 will

remove it.

MTBE: From gasoline spills, underground gas

tank leakages. The potential health effects

include cancer, developmental toxicity,

gastrointestinal or liver toxicity, kidney

toxicity, neurotoxicity, and skin sensitivity.

Carbon block, standard 53 will remove it.

Nitrite: Can cause methemoglobulinemia

(blue baby syndrome). From animal waste,

fertilizer, natural deposits, septic tanks,

sewage. Maximum allowable level is 1 mg/L.

It rapidly converts to nitrate. Reverse

osmosis, standard 53, 58, 62 remove this

contaminant.

PCBs: from the coolants used in electrical

transformers and plasticizers. PCBs are known

carcinogens. Maximum allowable amount is

0.0005 mg/L. Carbon block filters, standard

53 remove this contaminant.

Radium: This is a naturally occurring carcinogen.

It can cause cancerous bones. Filters that remove

it are reverse osmosis and cation exchange

softeners, standard 44 and 58.

Radon: Another naturally occurring contaminant,

it is also a carcinogen and is a risk factor

for cancerous lung. Carbon/charcoal and aeration

devices remove it. Look for a standard 53.

Selenium: maximum contaminant level is 0.05 mg/L.

It is from natural deposits, mining, smelting,

coal/oil combustion. Too much selenium can

cause liver damage. Standard 58, 62 reverse

osmosis filters will reduce selenium.

Sulfates: can cause gastrointestinal irritation.

They are naturally occurring. Reverse osmosis

or distillation may be effective at removing.

Sulfuric acid and nitric acid: acid rain occurs

when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are

emitted into the atmosphere, undergo chemical

transformations. Reverse osmosis, distillation,

carbon/charcoal filters will not remove them -

the water needs to be ionized.

Styrene: Maximum allowable amount 0.10 mg/L.

Styrene is from plastic, rubber, resin and

drug industries. It also can leach from

landfills into the ground water. It causes

liver and nervous system damage.

Taste and odor: From natural sources and

additives. Carbon/charcoal standard 42.

Total dissolved solids: Come from the erosion

of naturally occurring mineral deposits. TDS's

antagonizes the assimilation of other minerals

and causes secondary mineral deficiencies. They

can also cause gastrointestinal irritation in

some people. Maximum level should not exceed

500 mg/L. Standard 42, 58, 62 distillation,

reverse osmosis remove these.

Toxaphene: A carcinogenic insecticide that was

used on cattle, cotton, and soybeans. Standard

53, carbon/charcoal filter to remove it.

Trichloroethylene: A carcinogen found in textile,

metal and adhesive degreasers. Carbon/charcoal

standard 53 removes it. This is part of the

VOC category.

Turbidity: from soil run off, it can interfere

with disinfection and filtration. Charcoal/carbon;

reverse osmosis standards 53, 58 can remove.

Uranium: Causes kidney problems, cancer. Maximum

allowable amount is 0.03 mg/L. Filtration systems

are not currently certified to remove uranium

although reverse osmosis, distillation or anion

exchange resins may.

Micro-forms - Bacteria

Coliform bacteria are common in the environment

and are generally not harmful. However, the

presence of these bacteria in drinking water

is usually a result of a problem with the

treatment system or the pipes which distribute

water, and indicates that the water may be

contaminated with germs that can cause disease.

Fecal Coliform and E coli are bacteria whose

presence indicates that the water may be

contaminated with human or animal wastes.

Micro-forms in these wastes can cause

short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps,

nausea, headaches, or other symptoms.

Turbidity has no health effects. However,

turbidity can interfere with disinfection

and provide a medium for biological transformation.

Turbidity may indicate the presence of dis-ease

causing organisms. These organisms include

bacteria, yeast, mold and parasites that can

cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea,

and associated headaches.

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that enters

lakes and rivers through sewage and animal

waste. It causes cryptosporidiosis, a mild

gastrointestinal disease. However, the dis-ease

can be severe or fatal for people with severely

weakened immune systems. EPA and CDC have

prepared advice for those with severely

compromised immune systems who are concerned

about Cryptosporidium.

Giardia lamblia is a parasite that enters lakes

and rivers through sewage and animal waste.

It causes gastrointestinal illness (e.g.

diarrhea, vomiting, cramps).

Radionuclides

Alpha emitters.

Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit

a form of radiation known as alpha radiation.

Some people who drink water containing alpha

emitters in excess of EPA's standard over

many years may have an increased risk of

increased acidity leading to cancerous

tissue and tumor formation.

Beta/photon emitters. Certain minerals are

radioactive and may emit forms of radiation

known as photons and beta radiation. Some

people who drink water containing beta and

photon emitters in excess of EPA's standard

over many years may have an increased risk

of cellular transformation, increased acidity

leading to cancerous tissue.

Combined Radium 226/228. Some people who

drink water containing radium 226 or 228

in excess of EPA's standard over many years

may have an increased risk of cellular

transformation and increased acidity leading

to cancerous states.

Radon gas can dissolve and accumulate in

underground water sources, such as wells,

and in the air in your home. Breathing radon

can cause the fermentation of lung tissue

and cancerous lungs. Drinking water

containing radon presents a risk of

developing cancer. Radon in air is more

dangerous than radon in water.

A few more inorganic contaminants:

Antimony, Beryllium, Cyanide, and Thallium

Arsenic

Some people who drink water containing

arsenic in excess of EPA's standard over

many years could experience skin damage

or problems with their circulatory system,

and may have an increased risk of cellular

fermentation and cancerous states.

http://www.phmiracleliving.com/arsenic.htm

Lead typically leaches into water from

plumbing in older buildings. Lead pipes

and plumbing fittings have been banned

since August 1998. Children and pregnant

women are most susceptible to lead health

risks. For advice on avoiding lead, see

the how to remove lead in your drinking

water fact sheet prepared by EPA.

http://www.phmiracleliving.com/ionizer5000.htm

Volatile Organic Contaminants (VOCs) benzene,

carbon tetrachloride, chlorobenzene,

o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene,

1,1-Dichloroethylene,

cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene,

trans-1,2-Dicholoroethylene,

Dichloromethane, 1,2-Dichloroethane,

1,2-Dichloropropane, Ethylbenzene,

Styrene, Tetrachloroethylene,

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene,

1,1,1,-Trichloroethane,

1,1,2-Trichloroethane, Trichloroethylene,

Toluene, Vinyl Chloride, and Xylenes.

Chlorine. Some people who use drinking water

containing chlorine well in excess of EPA's

standard could experience irritating effects

to their eyes and nose. Some people who drink

water containing chlorine well in excess of

EPA's standard could experience stomach

discomfort.

http://www.phmiracleliving.com/ionizer5000.htm

Chloramine. Some people who use drinking water

containing chloramines well in excess of EPA's

standard could experience irritating effects to

their eyes and nose. Some people who drink

water containing chloramines well in excess

of EPA's standard could experience stomach

discomfort or anemia.

http://www.phmiracleliving.com/ionizer5000.htm

Total Trihalomethanes. Some people who drink

water containing trihalomethanes in excess of

EPA's standard over many years may experience

problems with their liver, kidneys, or central

nervous systems, and may have an increased risk

of cancerous tissue.

http://www.phmiracleliving.com/ionizer5000.htm

Haloacetic Acids. Some people who drink water

containing haloacetic acids in excess of EPA's

standard over many years may have an increased

risk of cancerous tissue.

http://www.phmiracleliving.com/ionizer5000.htm

Bromate. Some people who drink water containing

bromate in excess of EPA's standard. Bromate is

a disinfection by-product of ozonation. Potential

health impacts associated with Bromate include

cancerous tissue and kidney toxicity.

http://www.phmiracleliving.com/ionizer5000.htm

An Environmental Working Group analysis of

Bromate tests reported by 73 public water

suppliers in 16 states shows that between

1998 and 2003, 3.9 million people in 20

communities drank water contaminated with

Bromate. In 11 of these communities, tap

water was contaminated at levels above

health-based thresholds. Water suppliers

reporting tests for Bromate (1998-2003):

73 of 39,751.

MTBE is a fuel additive, commonly used in the

United States to reduce carbon monoxide and

ozone levels caused by auto emissions. Due to

its widespread use, reports of MTBE detections

in the nation's ground and surface water supplies

are increasing. The Office of Water and other

EPA offices are working with a panel of leading

experts to focus on issues posed by the continued

use of MTBE and other oxygenates in gasoline.

EPA is currently studying the implications of

setting a drinking water standard for MTBE.

Potential health impacts associated with MTBE

include cancerous conditions, developmental

toxicity, gastrointestinal or liver toxicity,

kidney toxicity, neurotoxicity, and skin

sensitivity.

An Environmental Working Group analysis of MTBE tests

reported by 16,866 public water suppliers in 30

states shows that between 1998 and 2003, 32.7

million people in 632 communities drank water

contaminated with MTBE. MTBE remains unregulated

in tap water, without a maximum legal limit.

Water suppliers reporting tests for MTBE (1998-2003):

16,866 of 39,751.

As part of the Drinking Water and Health pages,

this informational article is part of a larger

U.S. EPA publication: EPA National Primary

Drinking Water Regulations.

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Why Is The Installation Of Water Filters Essential For Your Home?

2011-02-22T02:30:00.000+08:00

By Kevin Jackson

Water is vital to sustain life. Did you know that nearly two
thirds of your body weight is composed of water? And this is
what makes drinking of water important, about 8 to 10
glasses of it everyday. But drinking just about any type
isn't enough - one should make sure it's pure and clean.
It's what makes the use of water filters very essential for
your home.

Local or municipal water treatment services can't always put
in check outbreak of contaminants in water that make it to
your faucet. For many developing countries, consumption of
contaminated or impure tap water is the cause of certain
epidemic diseases. Some if these waterborne diseases are:
diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, dysentery, amoebiasis, etc. Left
untreated, your life can be in great danger.

Other than waterborne diseases due to bacteria, sometimes
poisons can make their way into your drinking water. They
are insecticides, chlorine, and chlorine's by-products. Some
poisonous metals may also be present, like aluminum, lead,
mercury, and others. These metals are known to cause certain
cancers, including colon and rectal cancers. Simply imagine
the amount of toxic materials you ingest drinking 8-10
glasses of tap water daily!

Drinking pure and clean water is essential for everyone,
especially for growing children. They need it for the proper
development of their immune systems. Definitely, there are
plenty of vital roles water plays for our normal well-being.
It regulates our temperature. It facilitates transport of
nutrients to the cells. It helps in the disposal of waste
materials in the body. The list simply goes on and on.

Bottled water isn't really a convenient replacement for tap
water. Have you ever wondered why bottled water is
expensive? No, it's not because of the clean water it
contains, but because of the bottling, shipping and
promotion. Then there's also the impact these plastic
containers leave on the environment. They take up precious
landfill space. They leak some toxic chemicals into the
groundwater. And they live for hundreds of years before they
disintegrate.

Boiling water is, undeniably, an effective way to provide
your family with something safe for drinking. It's a great
way of killing off any bacteria present. But, just like
bottled ones, it's not a convenient solution. Your monthly
utility bills may swell. While it takes only some minutes to
roll boil water, the cost of using electricity or gas for
your stove can add up tremendously.

A more practical approach is to use water filters for your
home. There are two major forms of filters: installed in the
faucet or installed in the plumbing. Something you install
in the faucet is definitely more affordable. However,
replacement of parts is necessary regularly. Something you
install in the plumbing, on the other hand, may be costlier.
But replacement of parts is done only once in a while.

Different water filters use different filtration systems.
When choosing which one is the best for your home, have your
tap water tested first. This will reveal which contaminants
may be present. A carbon filter is best used when organic
chemicals, chloroform, pesticide and others are present. On
the other hand, reverse-osmosis is best used for the
presence of organic elements like iron, lead and others.

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Dementia 'not normal part of ageing' say scientists

2011-02-21T23:43:00.000+08:00

Dementia is not a normal part of growing old, scientists have insisted as they step up calls for more investment in research.

The telegraph, by Martin Beckford, Health Correspondent, 10 Feb 2011

Experts claim they are close to developing effective treatments for the degenerative conditions that will soon affect a million people in Britain.

They want to dismiss the idea that diseases such as Alzheimer�s, which lead to memory loss and a gradual decline in capabilities, are an inevitable part of the ageing process that await us all.

But they say that dementia remains the �poor relation� to cancer and heart disease in terms of research funding, and so more people will suffer unnecessarily unless Government, private companies and the public increase investment.

Professor Julie Williams, a researcher at Cardiff University who has discovered genes linked to Alzheimer�s disease, said: �We�re on the verge of a profound understanding of dementia and one that could lead us to the treatments we need, but we need help to get there.

�Investing in dementia research now will pay dividends, heading off the forecast explosion in numbers living with the condition and the crippling economic costs that come alongside.�

RELATED ARTICLES

Britain faces dementia catastrophe 09 Feb 2011

Professor Kevin Morgan, of the University of Nottingham, who is Scientific Adviser for Alzheimer's Research UK, added: �Dementia is not a normal part of ageing � it is caused by brain diseases that we can beat, but we need more investment in the research that will give us answers.�

As The Daily Telegraph disclosed, Alzheimer's Research UK has launched a new drive to increase funding to improve diagnosis and treatment of dementia.

There are fears that without the same �aggressive� research as was used to target HIV in the 1980s, Britain faces a �dementia catastrophe� that will cost the economy billions and ruin thousands of lives.

Julian Huppert, the MP for Cambridge who hosted the charity�s re-launch in Westminster, said: �The impact of dementia is devastating, affecting not just the individual and the people around them, but costing the UK economy over �23 billion a year.�

Related Article:

Scientists admit dementia not a normal part of aging, refuse to acknowledge known causes

THE BEGGARSTAFF BROTHERS

2011-02-21T20:35:00.000+08:00

In 1894, Scottish artist James Pryde teamed with English artist William Nicholson to create posters under the pseudonym "the Beggarstaff Brothers" (a name they found on a torn sack of grain in an old stable yard).

Pryde and Nicholson brought very different perspectives to their partnership. Pryde was tall and heavy, while Nicholson was short and thin. Pryde grew up in a noisy, eccentric household of "violent views" while Nicholson was raised in a "gentle, well-bred, well-mannered atmosphere." Pryde was outspoken and gregarious, while Nicholson was quiet and detached. Pryde worked very casually while Nicholson was serious and driven. Recalled Pryde, "our opinions on artistic matters differed widely."

If those weren't enough causes for friction, Nicholson fell in love with Pryde's younger sister against her mother's wishes. Colin Campbell's excellent book on the Beggarstaffs reports that "after a courtship conducted largely, it seems, among the coalsacks in the cellar of the Pryde's Bloomsbury home, the couple married in secret at Ruslip on 25 April 1893."

Who could ask for a better foundation for an artistic partnership?

Yet, their clashing perspectives seem to have stimulated them to abandon the dominant styles of their day in favor of a radical new approach. The Beggarstaffs transformed the history of poster art with a series of bold, simple designs using flat images and silhouettes.

In 1896, an arts magazine interviewed the Brothers on their technique:

One of us gets an idea, said Pryde. We talk it over, the other suggests an addition, the matter is reconsidered, perhaps shelved away for months. Finally we draw the design very roughly with charcoal on big sheets of paper, and then place the lines and masses in their places on the groundwork, which is generally of ordinary brown paper.

Like Matisse after them, the Biggerstaffs found that it helped simplify their designs if they worked with shapes cut out of colored paper.

Not surprisingly, Pryde maintained that a pen knife was best for this purpose while Nicholson favored scissors.

The Beggarstaff team only stayed together for three short years. They were a commercial failure, as clients were not sure what to make of these bold new images. But their designs became hugely influential with artists in Europe and America, and helped usher in the Early Modern era which replaced the highly ornate art nouveau and arts and crafts movements.

Pryde and Nicholson separated, turning to painting and other artistic pursuits to earn a living. They never again succeeded in achieving the quality they found during their brief but remarkable collaboration.

2 men nabbed with 6.2 kg of crystal meth from Malaysia

2011-02-21T17:55:00.000+08:00

The Jakarta Post, Mon, 02/21/2011

Two men have been arrested for their alleged attempt to smuggle 6.2 kilograms of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine) from Malaysia to Jakarta, police say.

Afnal, 33, and Ismail, 31, were arrested at the Bakauheni port in Lampung early on Saturday morning, National Police spokesman Snr.Com. Boy Rafli Amar said Monday in Aceh as reported by kompas.com.

The drugs, contained in coffee packages in bags belonging to Ismail and Afnalas, were uncovered by police officers who checked the luggage of passengers on a Lorena bus at the port.

Worth an estimated Rp 5.5 billion (US$590,000), the drugs are thought to have been smuggled from Malaysia through Belawan port in North Sumatra, and would have been taken to Jakarta, Boy said.

The Bad Seed (1956)

2011-02-21T05:20:00.000+08:00

Why are movies based on plays always so damn lazy with regards to actually transferring it to the big screen? Even if The Bad Seed's opening credits didn't point out that it was adapted from a play (which was adapted from a book), it would have been pretty obvious, since 90% of the movie takes place in a parlor at the house where the titular character lives. I think A Few Good Men is one of the only movies based on a play that doesn't FEEL like that; even though there's a lot of courtroom, the characters travel around DC quite frequently (and even go to Cuba at one point). Everyone follow their lead, please!

Anyway, the movie is a bit too long, but it's a fun killer kid movie. I knew that the Hayes Code would keep it from being too explicit, so the fact that everything happens off-screen (quite awkwardly so in the case of the gardener) didn't bother me, and I liked that it didn't waste much time getting to the point where the mother begins to suspect her child is a murderer. Also, since I had Orphan on the brain (I watched the movie in honor of Orphan director Jaume Collet-Serra's new film Unknown hitting theaters today - which I'll be seeing as soon as I have a car!), I was happy to see how twist-free it was. It's not a misunderstanding, she's not just a jerk like Mac in The Good Son (total body count: 0), and she's not actually a midget - little Rhoda is legitimately a murderous eight year old child. Hurrah!

Back to the Code, it's a wonderful reminder of how ridiculous their guidelines were (spoilers for 55 year old movie ahead!). Since one of the things was "Crime cannot pay", the movie couldn't retain the book's ending, where Rhoda lived and her mother died of suicide. No, the Code thought it would be better if a little girl was zapped and fried by a bolt of lightning at the end of the film. Why couldn't they just send her to juvie or something? How is quite violently killing a child somehow more acceptable than her getting away with it? And since it's the only bit of "violence" that we see in the entire movie, it makes it even sillier.

Well, there's one other bit of violence, also against the child. Instead of the usual cast card at the end of the film, a voiceover announces each actor, who comes out and takes a bow (likely inspired from the play - most of the actors in the film were reprising their stage roles). And then when it comes to announcing Nancy Kelly, who played the mother, she suddenly looks off to the side after her bow and goes "And as for you!", then walks over to the couch, where young Patty McCormack is sitting, and proceeds to playfully spank her bottom. It's almost like they wanted to make sure no one was too offended by the on-screen crisping of a little girl and threw this in so that everyone could be reminded it was just a movie. The silliness continues immediately after that, with a card asking folks not to "divulge" the ending. Was it commonplace for endings to be spoiled back in the day? Did people just walk out of the theater and go "So Rosebud was the name of his sled!" or "A shame Rick and Ilsa didn't end up together..."?

At least it's intentionally funny, however. Kelly was nominated for an Oscar for her role, which I guess is just another example of how much things have changed over the years, because she borders on "Faye Dunaway as Mommie Dearest" level hysterics at times. The scene where her father visits and reveals to her that she was adopted (her birth mother was a serial killer, a plot point that is largely glossed over) is supposed to be upsetting and dramatic, but I was chuckling at her over-the-top theatrics for most of the scene's duration. It doesn't help that the guy playing her dad is a straight up no bullshit "I'm going to just frown and say my lines in an authoritative tone" type of actor, making her outbursts look all the more melodramatic.

Also, not for nothing, but for a 2 hour movie, was it necessary to awkwardly foreshadow the existence of a revolver in the house in the first 10 minutes? As soon as it was mentioned I knew it would come into play later, but you have to wait 100 minutes or so for it to come back. And then of course you don't even SEE the damn thing. Again: this isn't a play anymore! You're not limited to one set, props that can be hidden until needed, etc! Apparently there was a 1980s TV movie remake that wasn't well received, but I am curious if it was at least more visually creative. Eli Roth was supposedly going to do a remake at one point as well, but I think it would cut into the time he spends talking about how he's friends with Tarantino, so I wouldn't expect it any time soon. Plus, why bother when Orphan just came along? Not like anything's going to top that.

But even with some concerns, I still dug the movie, and respected it even more. I looked, but couldn't find an older killer kid movie, so even if it wasn't perfect, it still spawned a sub-genre that I very much love. Plus, I'm always amused by movies that were affected by the Code, and this is definitely a pretty hilarious example. If you got the time, recommended!

What say you?

Doggy Prozac & Female Viagra: Big Pharma's new 'syndrome' strategy

2011-02-20T23:14:00.000+08:00

US pharmaceutical companies get creative when it comes to disorders and drugs to treat almost anything, from canine depression to female sexual dysfunction. The American drug trade is a multi-billion-dollar business, and is only getting bigger. Meanwhile the industry has been accused of illegally pushing medicine onto the market, often endangering the lives of patients. In the US, the most common medication prescribed for dogs is to treat aggression and anxiety disorders. Pharmacists admit that Prozac works

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Reel Thoughts Interview: Embracing Sedona

2011-02-20T20:00:00.000+08:00

After years of being embraced by the community of Sedona, Arizona, director Tommy Stovall and his partner of fifteen years, Marc Sterling, figured it was about time to return the favor. Originally from Dallas, the couple fell in love with the Red Rocks, and they are raising their son Trevor in the arty community. After finishing his first film, 2005�s popular thriller Hate Crime, Stovall and Sterling began thinking about what their next film would be. Taking a cue from the colorful and sometimes crazy people they�ve met or heard about, Stovall decided that there was no place like home to set his new picture.

Sedona (the motion picture) is having its world premiere this weekend at the Sedona Film Festival, and according to Patrick Schweiss, the Festival�s executive director, it is the single most talked-about movie in town. The film tells the intersecting stories of different people who all converge on Sedona for different reasons. Frances Fisher (Titanic) plays a driven woman who finds herself trapped in town after a car accident, or rather a car/airplane accident. She reluctantly begins meeting people while she waits, including Beth Grant (Sordid Lives) as a cosmic spiritual type and Christopher Atkins (The Blue Lagoon) as a friendly coffee shop owner. Seth Peterson, who was so good as the lead in Hate Crime, plays a gay dad who is too consumed by work to pay attention to his family. An outing to Sedona changes his priorities when one of his children wanders away, played by Stovall and Sterling�s son, Trevor. Comedienne Lin Shaye (There�s Something About Mary), Barry Corbin (Northern Exposure) and Robert Shields (half of the mime team Shields & Yarnell) also round out the cast.

I spoke with Stovall, who was busy putting finishing touches on the film prior to its premiere. Stovall originally thought that a Northern Exposure-type television show based in Sedona would have a lot of potential, but a film seemed more manageable. �I started thinking, what would happen if this woman got stuck in Sedona and couldn�t get out,� he explained. �I wanted to do something totally different from Hate Crime. This is more of a comedy drama. As far as gay characters, there is a family with two kids and they happen to be a gay couple. With Hate Crime, homophobia and the couple�s sexual orientation was a big part of the film, but in this movie, the gay issue isn�t even mentioned; they just happen to be gay. As a filmmaker, that�s been one of my goals.�

�Lin Shay (who was also in Hate Crime) is great in this, too,� Stovall explained, adding that her character is based on a Sedona figure called Crazy Mary, but that Shay came up with calling herself Claire de Loon. �It�s an interesting story about how I got Beth Grant. I looked her up on Facebook and sent her a message. I sent her the synopsis, and a couple of days later, she said she�d do it. She�s actually how we got Frances Fisher. The two of them are friends and they�d been working on their own project together. Chris (Atkins) plays sort of a love interest for Frances� character. He really surprised me, because he hasn�t done many comedies, but he�s really funny. Even between takes he had everyone cracking up.�

Asked whether or not the subplot of Trevor Stovall�s character getting lost came from personal parental fears or experience, Stovall said that fortunately, that wasn�t the case. �Luckily with Trevor, he�s never been one to wander away. I wrote the character for him because he�s been wanting to get involved in movies; when we made Hate Crime (in which Trevor appeared), he didn�t want to do it at all. The character is this kid in a fantasy world out on the trail and he gets lost, but he doesn�t really know that he�s lost. Really, that storyline is about a father who realizes what�s important in life. He�s been worried all the time and stressed out because he feels responsible for taking care of his family and making money.�

The experience of filming in Sedona couldn�t have been better, Stovall explained. �For a long time, we�ve been wanting to get the film industry going up here. It�s been hard because of the economy, but we�re hoping that this is the start of things to come. In fact, we�re hoping to turn the film into a TV series eventually. In Sedona, everybody has their story� He hopes that the film will bring the town more tourism dollars, since it has been hit hard by the recession.

Interview by Neil Cohen, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and Phoenix's Echo Magazine.

The Truth About So-Called Quack Buster Stephen Barrett

2011-02-20T12:55:00.000+08:00

Stephen Barrett, the Wizard of Odds, played his odds and lost. He just hasn't had a very good year.

Stephen Barrett has attacked some of the most successful alternative therapies in the world. He has issued threats and initiated lawsuits, and until last year, got away with all of it. Then, his world began to crumble.

Barrett filed a lawsuit against King Bio Pharmaceuticals, makers of homeopathics. Now, science has already established the value of homeopathy, but Barrett, ignoring science while pandering to the pharmaceutical industry, just had to do something. The result? Here is an excerpt from the judge's decision:

As for his credential as an expert on FDA regulation of homeopathic drugs, the Court finds that Dr. Barrett lacks sufficient qualifications in this area. Expertise in FDA regulation suggests a knowledge of how the agency enforces federal statutes and the agency's own regulations. Dr. Barrett's purported legal and regulatory knowledge is not apparent. He is not a lawyer, although he claims he attended several semesters of correspondence law school. While Dr. Barrett appears to have had several past conversations with FDA representatives, these appear to have been sporadic, mainly at his own instigation, and principally for the purpose of gathering information for his various articles and Internet web-sites. He has never testified before any governmental panel or agency on issues relating to FDA regulation of drugs. Presumably his professional continuing education experiences are outdated given that he has not had a current medical licence [sic] in over seven years. For these reasons, there is no sound basis on which to consider Dr. Barrett qualified as an expert on the issues he was offered to address. Moreover, there was no real focus to his testimony with respect to any of the issues in this case associated with Defendants' products.
C. Credibility of Plaintiff's experts
Furthermore, the Court finds that both Dr. Sampson and Dr. Barrett are biased heavily in favor of the Plaintiff and thus the weight to be accorded their testimony is slight in any event. Both are long-time board members of the Plaintiff; Dr. Barrett has served as its Chairman. Both participated in an application to the U.S. FDA during the early 1990s designed to restrict the sale of most homeopathic drugs. Dr. Sampson's university course presents what is effectively a one-sided, critical view of alternative medicine. Dr. Barrett's heavy activities in lecturing and writing about alternative medicine similarly are focused on the eradication of the practices about which he opines. Both witnesses' fees, as Dr. Barrett testified, are paid from a fund established by Plaintiff NCAHF from the proceeds of suits such as the case at bar. Based on this fact alone, the Court may infer that Dr. Barrett and Sampson are more likely to receive fees for testifying on behalf of NCAHF in future cases if the Plaintiff prevails in the instant action and thereby wins funds to enrich the litigation fund described by Dr. Barrett. It is apparent, therefore, that both men have a direct, personal financial interest in the outcome of this litigation. Based on all of these factors, Dr. Sampson and Dr. Barrett can be described as zealous advocates of the Plaintiff's position, and therefore not neutral or dispassionate witnesses or experts. In light of these affiliations and their orientation, it can fairly be said that Drs. Barrett and Sampson are themselves the client, and therefore their testimony should be accorded little, if any, credibility on that basis as well.

This was just one loss in court. The story gets better.

Some of you know how we here at the International Wellness Directory have taken an stance against fluoridation. The stuff is just not what the American Dental Association has been preaching. I do not drink the stuff and I have just three fluoride treatments a year�and then detox the heck out of myself.

Well, Darlene Sherrell had a web site dedicated to fighting Fluoride Poisoning. She had been under attack by Stephen Barrett and his ilk for some time. She fought back and attacked Barrette. Barrett filed a libel lawsuit against her. He's threatened many people with defamation of character lawsuits (including yours truly) but this was the first time it has gotten to court.

Here is the background, from the Health Freedom Law web site (www.healthfreedomlaw.com):

In the summer of 1998, Darlene Sherrell, challenged Barrett to come forward to name a study demonstrating the safety of current fluoride levels in drinking water and the effect excessive daily intake of fluoride as a possible cause to chronic fluoride poisoning. At the time, in response to Sherrell's challenge Barrett was "careful to state that he is and was aware of hundreds of studies pertaining to the safety of fluoridation of drinking water..." However, "...He did not testify that any study demonstrates the safety of current fluoridation levels..." Barrett had rebuked Sherrell's continuous challenges and sent a message to her stating that she (Sherrell) was "delusional."

Long story short, the case was dismissed. Barrett who claims to be backed by the FDA, FTC, DHHS, NCI, HIH, AMA, and ADA showed up with one witness and his own lame testimony. Barrett claimed to have hundreds of studies, but couldn't produce one.

Next, Barrett attacked that famous quack, Dr Hulda Clark who says she can cure all diseases. Now, personally, I don't believe anyone can cure all diseases. There is something very mystical about healing. And Dr Hulda is probably a bit whacko. But, I still love her. She has some darn good ideas and science is beginning to prove her out, though again, no one can cure all diseases. Well, Barrett lost his case against her too.

Now, this isn't over yet, because there are laws against filing frivolous lawsuits and Barrett is just beginning to feel the backlash of his programmed stupidity. He's been slapped left and right with lawsuits for filing frivolous lawsuits, and it is estimated that he now owes somewhere close to half a million dollars.

After years of threatening everyone and everything with lawsuits, Barrett is on the losing end of every single one of them. This being the case, he dropped his lawsuit against Dr Joseph Mercola, who runs one of the best alternative medicine web sites in the world (and much of what we find and pass on to you comes from the good doctor).

So, to all those wonderful organizations who give credence to the garbage published at Quackwatch (and their ilk) and to the URAC (www.urac.org) that certifies Medically Sound Web Sites (Barrett's web site is certified by URAC), we say, your time is running out. Barrett is no expert, he has no science to back up his claims, and his web site has enough BS to fertilize all the farms in the Great MidWest.

Medicine as we know it, is on the brink of destruction. Healing is where the heart is. The future of Medicine is going to be based upon what Edison and Socrates tried to tell us long ago: "We are what we eat" along with what ancient texts, including the Bible, have told us for centuries: Our Creator (Nature) has supplied us with all the medicines we will ever need. Now, if we can stop the corruption of our environment by monied interests, heck, Paradise isn't too far off.

Stephen Barrett - The Real Quack

2011-02-20T12:40:00.000+08:00

Do not, for even a second, think that the US "Quackbuster" operation, a plot to stop anyone, and everyone, from changing the broken US health care system, is run, or even maintained, by delicensed MD Stephen Barrett out of his 2421 West Greenleaf Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania address, or his condo at 287 Stoneview, Pittsboro, North Carolina. It would be foolish to assume that this bitter, nasty, old man, who stumbles through life, tripping from one professional failure to another, is running a cleverly set up plot. He's just the "front man." The one they want you to focus on. He's ill. He'll die soon, and someone else will take his place as the frontispiece.

So, who really is running it? And why? And, how is it being done? Keep reading, and all will be revealed.

SUMMARY:

The 2008 Quackbuster operation is involved in �info wars� on the internet. It is a public relations "black-ops," run out of a New York misinformation agency. It has six components designed to do two things: (1) provide false and misleading negative healthcare information, primarily through the internet, to (a) the general public, and (b) employees of health insurance companies, medical malpractice insurance companies, health agencies, County, State, and Federal enforcement agencies about those trying to fix/change the health care system, and people, therapies, products, etc., that compete with the current status quo, and (2) block, or diminish sources of substantial information about positive aspects of those people, therapies, products, etc, that compete with the status quo.

The plot is pervasive, well funded, and well run. And, it's time to break it up. This article will give you the information on how it works, and tips on how to stop it from affecting YOU and your interests.

The New York agency's intent is to not just defame, but to make that defamation, through organization, appear at the top of the search engines like Google. Below, I�ll show you how they do that. They have organized to manipulate the online encyclopedia Wikipedia information about health care. They also, through people trained in disruption, troll Usenet (google) discussion groups, badmouthing advanced health care, regularly.

I emphasize that all of this attack is �organized�� and can be traced back to the same people � about five, or six, of them.

In other words, it is not just about Quackwatch. Worldwide, there are four major �quackbuster� centers: the US, Denmark, Canada, and Australia. In the US we are familiar with Barrett, Baratz, etc. In Australia we have �ratbags,� Peter Bowditch. In Canada we have Terry Polevoy. In Denmark we have Paul Lee PT (quackfiles).

The up-and-comer in all this is Paul Lee PT from Denmark, for it is he who manages both the Wikipedia information manipulation system, and the search engine top ranking system I�ll describe below. Although, the TWO systems, in place, give the quackbuster operation �info wars� advantage they also, because of how, and where, they did it, bring Lee, Polevoy and Bowditch, and all of the foreign operations under the jurisdiction of the US Court system. In other words - they made a big mistake, in their eagerness to corrupt.

Why? Because Wikipedia is based in Florida. The search engine placement system they use, called �webring� is based in Ashland, Oregon. Since they do business with these US companies, they are subject to be sued for their activities in this country.

THE COMPONENTS:

(1) The Quackbuster Communication Network has five parts:

(a) The Consumer Health Digest is a newsletter with mailing list of over twelve thousand names. The newsletter is sent out weekly to the mailing list. The list is made up of lower and middle level employees of county, state, and federal health administration and enforcement agencies, and employees of health insurance and medical malpractice insurance company employees. The so-called "Digest" is a simple tool to do two things: (1) propagandize those lower level employees into believing that the targets of the so-called articles are "bad people," criminals, doubtfuls, etc., and (2) convince those employees that they should devote time to investigating, prosecuting, or, at the very least, watching, the targets constantly.

If you, or yours, are the subject of any article on this newsletter - beware, for the readers of these articles are not the brightest people in the world, and would tend to believe what they read.

(b) The Health Fraud Discussion Group has two functions: (1) People making inquiries of information on "quackwatch.org" are "invited" to ask questions on this discussion group where, supposedly, "experts" will give the inquirer more information. Those "experts" are just more quackbuster operatives relaying more of the same lies and misinformation. (2) The discussion group provides a format for the quackbusters to showcase subjects, or people they want to defame or deride.

(c) The Skeptics Discussion Group is simply a means for the quackbuster propaganda system to tie into the worldwide "Skeptic" organization by trying to interest the Skeptic movement in being super-critical of the issues the quackbusters promote. Frankly, I don't know how well this works, or doesn't work, for them, because the involved so-called "skeptics" I see publicly are, for the most part, dolts - pseudo-skeptics operating in a pseudo-intellectual mode, trying to impress others with their claims to Mensa status - and not doing very well at it.

(d) The James Randi Discussion Group is an odd thing. James Randi, who bills himself as "The Amazing Randi," is, it appears, a fifth-rate magician who seems to play the Motel-6 Lounge Circuit in the US. He gets himself on television promoting various "doubts" about various things. Randi is not very impressive, and when you batch that together with his gargantuan ego, and his pompous presentations, you get just about what you would expect.

(e) SSR.com is the lair of Scott Ballantyne and the ScottSoft Research group out of New York City. SSR.com is the HOST for all of the above. Ballantyne is a relative unknown, and there is no obvious reason apparent why Ballantyne provides expertise, time, and labor to host, and manage, the four activities above. I suspect he is funded directly out of the New York misinformation agency.

Note - for those of you who wish to subpoena information (and you should) from SSR.com (Ballantyne), about the activities of these entities above in regards to individual clients, contact me, and I'll provide the data you need for subpoenas - and more. Ballantyne, I think, is in a panic (and he should be), lately, for he destroyed all of the archives of the Health Fraud Discussion Group, as he says, "for legal reasons."

(2) The Quackbuster manipulation of Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia:

Wikipedia is an odd thing. It is made up of a so-called "volunteer system." Several years ago, a team of quackbusters infiltrated various levels of the Wikipedia operation, and are now entrenched in the middle, and lower, level volunteer management system. If you try and put any positive information about advanced medicine, or the problems of US health care, on Wikipedia, or change false or misleading information the quackbusters have installed, you will fail. You will be blocked from further "editing" and the pages of Wikipedia will now carry information about what a "terrible person you are." The only way to have ANY influence over what Wikipedia says about subject is to approach them with a legal threat letter at the highest levels. Nothing else works. Even that has problems, for Wikipedia management operates on a financial shoestring, and apparently has no ability to police its own encyclopedia. Unfortunately, people use the encyclopedia - and they get very bad information about health care.

Below is a paragraph from the editor�s section of Wikipedia. The editor, here, is discussing the problem of the quackbuster slime, acting to control the information flow on Wikipedia - and what to do about it. so you understand the abbreviation POV stand for Point of View, and NPOV stands for No Point of View, which Wikipedia wants. The part in red is for emphasis. Read this:

I guess it depends on what purpose the External Links section serves. Do the links have to serve the NPOV interests of the article or can the links section be a place where specific points-of-view can have a chance to be expressed? As it is now, the chiropractic link section is broken down into Advocacy and Critiques. I think that this warns the researcher that they are leaving the NPOV environment that Wikipedia tries to provide and will be entering a POV external site.

If these links are truly just linking to the page for marketing reasons and don't serve a primary function of adding to the knowledge-base, I would then say to axe them. I haven't checked every critical link, but they do seem to link to essays or research on pages that don't directly try to sell you anything (other than their POV). If they are all offering the same POV with no really distinguishing differences, then they should be reduced in number.

The soapbox point is interesting. These are external links so it would seem that Wikipedia is not being directly exploited as a soapbox. However, the abundance of critical links could be seen as an attempt to present bias... using the amount of negative criticisms to invoke a negative POV about chiropractic. My solution up until now has been to add to the advocacy links to balance out the criticism. You can certainly try to delete the critical links and claim NPOV but I can almost guarantee you that you be quickly (and improperly) accused of "vandalism" by one of three specific chiroskeptics who police the chiropractic page all day long as far as I can tell. They love to throw "vandalism" accusations around - and usually are vastly overstating the matter. That being said, I have suggested a "disarming" strategy, where both sides would remove links in a balanced way, but my suggestion was met with silence.

Now as far as the link farming goes. Yes, virtually all of the critical sites are linked together through the SkepticRing, Anti-Quackery Ring, Chiropractic Subluxated Ring and other ways fashioned specifically for the purpose of boosting Search Engine ranking. A lot of those sites are operated by Stephen Barrett and his buddy Sammy Homola - Chirobase.org, Quackwatch.org, and NCAHF. They're three organizations all saying the same thing. What's really slimy is that they state opinions then reference their sister-sites support to that opinion. A lot of the links are operated or moderated by Fyslee (one of the three chiroskepics users who regularly accuse people of vandalism for removing links to his sites). Check out his userpage to see which sites he operates and moderates for. These chiroskepitics are working together to actively employ search engine tricks such as artifically boosting Google ranking by adding external links to their sites all over Wikipedia. I have documented this. Their goal is for a researcher curious about chiropractic to encounter their anti-chiropractic sites first on a Google search. Given these organizations' objective, I can certainly understand why they would want to do this. Unfortunately, the tactics that they employ are objectionable to both Google and Wikipedia. Hopefully these organizations will get wise to the chiroskeptic ring and ban their sites.

I'm not sure what to do in the meantime. One thing that I would like to suggest is that a website is linked to only once in the external links section. As it is now, they are linking to Chirobase and NCAHF several times throughout the article and in the external links section. Talk about boosting external link popularity!

I think that if you showed that some of these links are not providing anything new and are just marketing tools, you should be able to justify deleting them on the discussion page... just prepare yourself for an attack and false accusations. If you can handle all of that with a cool head, I say, "Be bold with your edits!"

I welcome your continued participation on the Chirorpactic and chiropractic-related articles. I think that you have a lot of great insight to offer Wikipedia and you seem to have a vary good graspe on Wikipedia's guidelines. I look forward to your future edits and discussions.

As a side note, I think the reason the chiroskeptics are "shouting" so loud is that they are realizing that nobody is listening to them. Chiropractic is growing faster than ever and more and more patients are receiving the benefits everyday. Levine2112 00:41, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

Note - for those of you who wish to subpoena information (and you should) from Wikipedia, about the activities of these entities above in regards to individual clients, contact me, and I'll provide the data you need for lawsuits, subpoenas, cease and desist letters - and more. Wikipedia is already on notice about the problem. Frankly, their system is goofy, and I can see how they got manipulated. The articles in the media criticizing Wikipedia are on target, and there needs to be more of them. Wikipedia deserves the criticism.

(3) The Quackbuster manipulation of internet search engines (Google, Yahoo, etc.):

Ever wonder how the crap quackbusters spew about people, therapies, or products they don't like appears FIRST on the internet search engines? I'm about to tell you how they do that, how to stop it, and how to sue them individually, and together, for having done it. You're going to love this.

There is, on the internet, a whole industry surrounding the idea of getting YOUR information on the first page of search engines like Google. The quackbuster operation uses a company to get their defamation, and false and misleading information on the first page, and the first several pages, of a search engine. If you are a target of theirs, you need to know this, and how it works.

How do they manipulate search engine placement? They use the services of a company called Webring which, for a fee, ties their webring together in such a way as to give each and every of theirr websites top google placement. The Anti-Quackery webring has 85 websites banded together. Their Skeptic webring has 150 websites. Their Chiropractic Subluxation webring has about five websites. They all work together.

Here is how the company Webring explains their service:

WebRing offers a unique and effective means of searching, locating and navigating between web sites with similar themes. WebRing allows web site owners to group their sites together into ring communities, and provides a navigation tool that links web sites together called a NavBar. Linked sites not only eliminate the necessity of repetitive searches, but the NavBar also accumulates hits from all of the sites so that a hit to one site is a hit to all sites. Additionally, the NavBar acts as a link so your web site is linked to every other site in the community. So now your site is benefiting from higher search engine results because it has more hits and more links.

I�m going to give you a short tour of how it works by having you click on a URL. This will take you to a page on the Webring website reserved for the �Anti-quackery webring� manipulated by Paul Lee PT. When you scroll down to see the list of the 85 members, you will notice that there are but a few major websites. Most of them are one-page �made up� stuff. Go here: http://g.webring.com/hub?ring=antiquackerysite

Note - for those of you who wish to subpoena information (and you should) from webring.com about the activities of these entities above in regards to individual clients, contact me, and I'll provide the data you need for subpoenas - and more. But, for sure, subpoena all personal, and business, information gathered by Webring for each and every member, and ringmaster, of the �Anti-quackery webring,� the �Skeptic webring,� the �Anti-quackery links,� and the �Chiropractic is Subluxated� webring.

(4) The Quackbuster infiltration of (Usenet) Internet AltMed Discussion Groups:

Ilena Rosenthal, the head of the anti silicone breast implant Humantics Foundation has been a victim of the New York agency's campaign for years. How has she been victimized? Two ways. (1) First, she's a target by an organized group that seeks to deride her, personally, so as to nullify her efforts to show the severe health problems of silicone breast implants. The New York agency's tactic is to attack her in the internet discussion groups. Their favorite internet tactic is claim that this happily married woman has constant sex with huge numbers of men, and animals. They get away with this, for the most part, because they use "fake" internet IDs, difficult to trace, and because those who are known live outside the US, and they know Rosenthal does not have the money to sue them in several different foreign countries simultaneously. (2) Stephen Barrett of quackwatch.com, and Terry Polevoy from Canada filed a false lawsuit against her - and, even though the lawsuit rebounded against them, and they had to pay her attorney fees of over $500,000, the fight took its toll.

The New York based group invades every internet discussion group it can find, and using similar tactics to those used against Rosenthal, derides and defames those trying to upgrade the health system. There are not that many of them, and we can now identify who most of them are, and who they work for.

Note - for those of you who wish to subpoena information (and you should) from discussion group files, and hosting companies, about the activities of these entities above in regards to individual clients, contact me, and I'll provide the data you need for subpoenas - and more.

(5) Blacklisting certain health practitioners:

In the early 1990s, now deceased John Renner MD, then president of the infamous National Council Against Health Fraud (NCAHF) had put together a "blacklist" of health professionals which he was distributing to Health Insurance companies and State licensing Boards. There were about 2500 names on that list at the time. The idea of the secret list was to, obviously, damage these health professionals behind the scenes without those professionals knowing about the attack. Renner, I think, was trying for secrecy so he wouldn't get his ass sued off. The list did make an appearance, though, and Renner, and his minions began to have trouble.

Then, a second list appeared, this time assembled, and marketed, by an attorney named Grace Powers Monaco who had started a company called Emprise, which received some of its funding from a $500k annual grant from the National Institute for Health (NIH). Emprise was killed after two things happened - (1) a group called "Act UP" went after their funding, and (2) Emprise got named in a RICO suit in Texas. NIH, among other things, pulled their funding.

So, what happened to the secret list? Do you think the New York agency just dropped that idea? Of course not.

I know where the list is, and how its being used today, and who's doing it. There are over 40,000 names on that list now, probably the names of health professionals who have side-stepped away from the drugs, drugs, and more drugs paradigm, and use successful methods on their patients.

The list is part of a "clearing house" operation used by insurance companies to make decisions about payment. When either a practitioner, or a patient, files a claim for insurance benefits, the data is fed into a computer which then checks the name of the practitioner involved in the transaction. If the name of the practitioner is on the 40,000 list, the claim is re-routed through the "fraud unit" of the insurance billing system, who then handles the claim as though it were fraudulent. From there, it gets bundled with other claims having gone the same route, and goes to a special unit that has connections to the Federal Health Fraud Task Force. Soon, the practitioner gets a visit, not just from a Federal Investigator, but a State Licensing Board Investigator. Why? What has the practitioner done wrong? Nothing, of course. Someone just put him or her on the secret list so that they would be the subject of intense suspicion and scrutiny, constantly.

As I said above, I know how its being done, and by whom. But, I don't have enough information to, yet, prove it in Court. What I need is a related Federal Court case with subpoena power available. If someone has that, I can provide the information on who, what, where, and why, certain things need to be subpoenaed. Why "Federal?" Because the operation is spread over several States.

(6) Blocking health information from the internet

Having trouble finding legitimate research papers that back up the science of advanced health care? Of course you are. There is a systematic attempt to make those kinds of scientific research NOT available on the internet. I'm not going into detail here, for the investigation of how this works, AND WHO, SPECIFICALLY, is behind it is ongoing. But, it is happening.

MORE:

There is an awful lot of money and power playing in the US healthcare system stakes. The system is badly broken, and there are those who want to keep it that way because, simply, the money flow is tremendous, and a healthy American public is not in the interests of big pharma, and other multi-national groups. Alert, healthy people tend to make reasonable demands of their government.

Our US health care system is broken, and there is a misinformation group, based in New York City, that for a price, will attack anyone, or any company, or group that exist. Just write the checks, and they'll begin. Their client list is impressive.

Stay tuned..

Baghead (2008)

2011-02-20T00:28:00.000+08:00

FEBRUARY 17, 2011

GENRE: COMEDIC, SLASHER (?)

SOURCE: DVD (OWN COLLECTION)

It took some convincing for me to see Baghead, which folks have been recommending for over two years now. For starters, I took a look at the rating, and it didn't say anything about violence or "scary images" or any of the other things one would expect to see in the reasons for a particular rating on a horror film (just nudity and language). But even more than that, I was concerned that it would be the type of indie with a lot of improv and annoying camerawork that I tend to dislike.

And, well, it was. I didn't hate the film, but if there was ever a perfect example of "not my thing", this would be it. I mean, really, the only thing holding my interest was finding out if Baghead was a legit killer or if it was all a prank (guess which it was? Note the question mark after the "Slasher" tag for a hint), but luckily the film was so short I didn't have to wait long to find out.

The biggest problem is, oddly, the horror angle. When it's just the four characters sitting around, talking over each other while the cameraman zooms and pans around like mad, hoping to catch it all and retain some semblance of focus, I was merely disinterested. If the whole movie was like that, it would just be a harmless indie rom-com that I'd probably never watch but wouldn't hate if I did. But whenever they do a legit horror scene, they more or less drop the comedy and relationship drama that fuels the rest of the film. If you took the 3-4 "scare" scenes out of the film and strung them together, you'd be convinced it was a collection of scenes from any slasher movie - there's a creepy "killer watching through the window" bit, a tense search for a friend, even a chase or two. Had they found a way to retain the humor in these scenes (even the "bag over the head" idea isn't particularly funny; the footage is often so dark it can easily be mistaken for The Town That Dreaded Sundown's killer, or Jason from F13 Part 2), it might have been more successful.

See, I know damn well that the scare scenes aren't going to amount to much, so they don't quite work as horror scenes, any more than Frank Drebin or Topper Harley making their way through a parody of an action scene from Terminator or Rambo works as a legitimate action scene. And they're so generic (intentionally so, I assume), these scenes hardly even resonate. It's far more entertaining when the characters are playing tricks on each other; there's a bit where two of them dress as Baghead and move in to scare a guy who they think is sleeping, but it turns out he was masturbating. That scene's hilarious, and fit the "slasher spoof" concept to a T. But the legit, humorless slasher scenes just stick out like sore thumbs; it's actually the rare time where the "it was all fake" solution was preferable - if this was supposed to be legitimate, Baghead would be the lamest slasher of all time.

Luckily, I found some of the humor quite on target. I loved the opening scene at the film festival, where a guy shows some pretentious garbage and gets lauded for it (and they capture the festival Q&A process perfectly - the first question is ALWAYS "What was the budget?"), and I chuckled at the guy using his wallet to simulate a cell phone when trying to sneak into an after party. And even though I couldn't stand Greta Gerwig's character for the most part (on the commentary, they reveal at least one reviewer thought her character might be suffering a mental handicap of some sort, and believe me, it's not a stretch), she gets one of the better lines in the film, when her disbelieving friends ask why she was so upset and she replies that "a" Baghead didn't attack them (like the Bagheads are a race of some sort).

But again, the camerawork just is not my thing. Folks mock Michael Bay and the like for cutting every second, but I find that far more enjoyable than constantly zooming and whipping the camera around. And the more characters that are in a scene, the worse it gets; the early scene where they start tossing around ideas for "Baghead" (the four characters in the woods to write a script about Baghead - though the meta-ness is kept to a minimum) was nearly unbearable for me to watch. I kept wanting to smack the cameraman, or at least make sure he hadn't forgotten his seizure medication. Sorry, I just can't get into a movie when I'm constantly being distracted by what the camera is doing. It's one thing if it's a documentary (or a found footage thing), but if it's a narrative it just drives me up a wall and prevents me from concentrating.

However, while I may not care much for their shooting style, I did find myself quite charmed by the Duplass brothers, both on their commentary and the only bonus feature of note, in which the brothers sit on their couch (with a static shot, go figure) and answer the most common questions they get about the film (including, yes, what the budget was). It's a good mix of both self-deprecating humor and (justified) self-congratulatory remarks, and the fact that they are both cradling their children (one a newborn, the other seems about 12-18 months) makes it all the more charming. Their commentary follows a similar pattern, and while it may frustrate some to listen to since a good chunk of it is about alternate or deleted material that doesn't appear on the disc, just hearing about "what could have been" was enough for me. I was also surprised to hear that they tested the film several times - I always figured these sort of things were just released as is.

The only other extra is an odd collection of videos of Bagheads popping out and scaring friends. I assume they are staged and were shot for a contest on the website or something, but the fact that they are presented without any context makes them kind of useless to me. And since it's a Sony DVD, it starts with a commercial for Blu-ray, boasting about how much clearer it is than DVD despite being on a standard def disc that can't back those claims up in any way. It's like putting a picture of a perfect steak and telling you how much better it is than a Big Mac on the door of a McDonald's.

If you really dig these "mumblecore" movies, you'll probably enjoy Baghead, as the horror angle is present enough for it to stick out from all the others, but not enough to offend or frighten. But as a horror film (or even a horror comedy), the elements are too lacking to really satisfy. Stick with Severance if you want a funny "alt" take on the woods-based slasher, or Shaun of the Dead if you want a good rom-com with a side of blood.

What say you?

The latest natural cure.

2011-02-19T18:59:00.000+08:00

I am searching for the latest natural cure. A new break-though on a natural way of curing illness and disease such as cancer. If you know of a new way or curing in a natural way please leave your comment below, it should be a cure from 2011.

Reverend's Reviews: Sex on Screen, Now & Then

2011-02-18T20:00:00.000+08:00

The depiction of sex on screen has been a source of controversy, titillation and even academic study since the early years of the film industry. While some moviegoers complain about increasingly graphic sex scenes, others defend them as important expressions of artistic freedom, albeit for adults only.

A great retrospective of films made in the last 30 years that are renown for their frank take on human sexuality � heterosexual, homosexual, and everything in between � will take place at the Quad Cinema in New York City today through February 24 and then at Laemmle's Sunset 5 in Los Angeles February 25-March 4. This "Celebrating Sex in Cinema" series will include 1986's notorious but excellent Betty Blue plus more recent eye-openers Antichrist, 9 Songs, Shortbus and the acclaimed documentaries This Film is Not Yet Rated and The Price of Pleasure. In LA, Bruce LaBruce's flamboyantly gay 1996 homage to classic Hollywood, Hustler White, will also screen as part of the retrospective.

Both city's showcases will also feature the latest entry in this envelope-pushing, non-pornographic-but-just-barely-so genre (and some would term Shortbus, at least, decidedly pornographic for its shots of ejaculations). Philippe Diaz's Now & Later is an intelligent exploration of sexuality that takes a quote from philosopher-sociologist Wilhelm Reich as its starting point: "A sexually repressed society will resort to violence." Reich wrote that the most famous illustration of this to date was Nazi Germany, where natural sexual impulses were largely condemned and the resultant cultural inhibitions led to the Holocaust and all out war.

In Now & Later, an attractive young man named Bill (played by James Wortham) is on the run from the law due to his involvement in a banking scandal. He is planning to leave Los Angeles for Nicaragua with the help of his immigrant friend/former driver, Luis. While Luis makes the final arrangements for Bill to leave the US, Bill hides out in the rooftop apartment of Angela (the lovely and vivacious Shari Solanis). Angela is a sexually uninhibited professional nurse, originally from Nicaragua, who has learned through her own past experience living under a repressive political regime that "Free love is the only true love." She decides to help Bill shed his puritanical worldview by overcoming his sexual inhibitions. Graphic lovemaking and blunt conversations about such seemingly disparate subjects as masturbation, luck/chance vs. will, and US foreign policy follow.

There is a lot of talk in Now & Later, despite its vigorous sex scenes, and the film really bogs down in the middle with a lengthy political discussion between Angela and Bill. However, it is generally very well-written and -acted as well as beautifully photographed. Wortham comes across as wooden at first, but gradually this becomes intentional and appropriate for his character; Bill loosens up as his libido is unchained. The film gets bonus points for giving the men equal exposure when it comes to full-frontal nudity (I say this from a justice perspective rather than a gay one), for including condom use in the sex scenes, and for a three-way, bisexual scene involving sexy TV star Adrian Quinonez.

Writer-director Diaz earned a doctorate at Europe's prestigious Sorbonne, and it shows in his work here. Anyone going to see Now & Later expecting a mindless orgy of sex will be disappointed. The film is more reminiscent of moody, literate films like Henry & June and The Unbearable Lightness of Being (both directed by Phillip Kaufman), Bernardo Bertolucci's Last Tango in Paris or Catherine Breillat's Romance (yes, women make sexually explicit movies too) than Debbie Does Dallas or Chi Chi Larue's latest gay porn epic.

Diaz, his predecessors and his current collaborators are right to challenge the enduring puritanical attitudes toward sex that have long permeated American culture. The end result has been a media that is overly permissive of violence and violent sex and virtually neglects mature, loving sexuality.

So, you ask, what are Reverend's fave "Sex in Cinema" achievements? In addition to Kaufman's two masterpieces above, I'm a fan of the kinky yet artistic eroticism of Peter Greenaway's The Pillow Book; 1988's underrated, vividly acted Patti Rocks; the late Derek Jarman's "saintly" Sebastiane; and the gay coming-of-age drama Come Undone. Also, while it isn't sexually graphic, I would feel remiss if I didn't mention Bill Condon's Kinsey, a great biopic of the (in)famous sex researcher.

Movie Dearest would love to hear YOUR favorites! Be sure to leave your comment below.

Reverend's Rating for Now & Later: B

Review by Rev. Chris Carpenter, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and the Blade California.

sanderling miniature painting

2011-02-18T17:50:00.000+08:00

Sanderling � Tracy Hall 2011

4" x 1.75" Watercolour on rag board

My latest miniature is of a sanderling feeding at the water's edge (these birds are aptly named since they invariably appear on sand, scurrying up and down the beach as the waves roll in).

If you are in Edinburgh over the next couple of weeks I hope you'll be able to pop along to the Open Eye Gallery to see my father's new exhibition opening on Monday February 21st until March 8th.

John Struthers Ceramics at The Open Eye Gallery

Finally, some more new puzzles are now out, artwork commissioned by companies in the UK and USA, and hopefully available at a shop near you!

Jakarta Police Coordinating with US Embassy Over Teen�s Murder

2011-02-18T16:28:00.000+08:00

Jakarta Globe, February 18, 2011

Related articles

Police in South Jakarta say they are coordinating with the United States Embassy to formally question the American boyfriend of a teenage girl whose body was found dumped in a gutter on Sunday.

An autopsy revealed the girl, Agnes Kharisma, 19, had been raped and strangled three days prior to the discovery of her body. She had also reportedly been robbed of Rp 1 million.

Jagakarsa Police chief of detectives First Insp. Rusdi Dalby told news portal Detik.com on Friday that Agnes was last seen by her family on Tuesday as she left to meet her boyfriend, a 50-year-old American identified as Clark. He reportedly lives in Cilegon, Banten.

Rusdi said Clark, however, told police informally that he had not seen her.

It has previously been reported that Clark�s driver had picked Agnes up from her home in Lenteng Agung, as he had done on a number of prior occasions.

Dalby said the police had not officially questioned Clark or his driver because they were still coordinating with the US Embassy.

�We must interrogate the boyfriend, then the driver. We can�t be reckless because the case involves a foreigner. We are still coordinating,� he said.

Related Article:

Hunt for American, Singaporean Over Murder of Teen

Agnes Kharisma, 19, was found dead in a gutter in Lenteng Agung,

South Jakarta, on Sunday. She was friends with several expatriates, police say. (Facebook Photo)

Justin Bieber CSI Feb 17, 2010 (watch full episode)

2011-02-18T14:12:00.000+08:00

Getting Six Pack Abs Fast

2011-02-18T12:25:00.000+08:00

This is a guest post by Chris, who also writes at how to get a six pack.

�Six pack abs� is usually the answer when you ask people on what they want to have or develop in their body. You can hear them say different reasons such as attending a get together with friends, wanting to impress their loved ones, going to the beach this summer, etc. However, they all have one goal, and will go through

Hospital Guards Allegedly Ditch Mentally Ill Man in Field

2011-02-18T05:27:00.000+08:00

Jakarta Globe, Zaky Pawas | February 18, 2011

Related articles

Police have questioned four security guards from a Bogor hospital after they allegedly dumped a mentally ill man in a field near the North Bogor Police subprecinct station.

Adj. Comr. Ilot Djuanda of the North Bogor Police confirmed on Thursday that the victim, identified as Angga Nugraha, was now being treated at Marzuki Mahdi psychiatric hospital in Bogor.

Ilot said that when police discovered the victim, they rushed him to a 24-hour clinic, which sent him on to Salak Hospital for further evaluation. Angga needed psychiatric care, so he was then transferred to Marzuki Mahdi Hospital.

�We received a complaint from a resident who I shall only identify as Suratman,� Ilot said. �Suratman told our officers that he saw four security guards from Azra Hospital carrying the man, Angga, and dumping him in a field nearby. So, we checked and yes, we found him.�

Ilot said Angga was discovered curled up in an empty field not far from the North Bogor Police station. He said residents who came across Angga initially feared he was dead because he was so still.

�When police arrived, we found him sleeping and in a very poor condition,� Ilot added. �He was wearing shorts and a white T-shirt. He was walking by the time we got to Salak Hospital, but was limping. The limp looks like it is from an old injury,� he said.

Ilot added that police had questioned the four security guards from Azra Hospital and said they admitted to taking Angga, who was not a patient there, to the field. According to Ilot, the security guards said Angga, a resident of Darmaraja district in Sumedang, West Java, was causing a disturbance in the hospital parking lot.

When Angga wouldn�t leave, the guards decided to carry him to the field, Ilot said, adding that the security guards had suspected he was suffering from mental illness.

�Whatever the reason, what they did was inhumane,� Ilot said. �Why didn�t they just bring him to us at the station?�

North Bogor Police subprecinct chief Comr. R. Lubis said the security guards had just been questioned and no formal charges had been laid.

�We regret their actions,� he said. �Our subprecinct office is so close to the hospital. Why didn�t they call us?�

Meanwhile, Suwignyo, human resources manager at Azra Hospital, denied that the security guards had �dumped� the sick man in the field, saying that they had just �moved� him to another location.

�Our security guards tried to get rid of him, but he refused to leave,� he said. �And then he ended up sleeping near the security guard�s post, so they had to move him. It was just across the road, nobody dumped him.

�The security guards thought he was just a stressed out sick man who lived nearby.�

When asked why the hospital did not contact police about this man, Suwignyo said, �the guards said he looked clean and had clean skin. We did not want to alarm anybody.�

Mentally ill people often fail to receive proper treatment in Indonesia. According to a 2007 Health Ministry survey, 4.6 percent of the population suffers from serious mental disorders, including schizophrenia.

111 charged in Medicare scams worth $225 million

2011-02-18T02:55:00.000+08:00

AP, KELLI KENNEDY, Associated Press, Feb. 17, 2011

MIAMI (AP) � Federal authorities have charged more than 100 doctors, nurses and physical therapists in nine cities with Medicare fraud as part of a massive bust.

More than 700 law enforcement agents fanned out to arrest 111 people accused of illegally billing Medicare more than $225 million.

The arrests are the latest in a string of major busts in the past two years as authorities have struggled to pare the fraud that's believed to cost the government between $60 billion and $90 billion each year.

Stopping Medicare's budget from hemorrhaging that money will be key to paying for President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.

Authorities say the scams included billing for toenail removals that were unnecessary and hemorrhoid removals that were never performed.

For the Love of Film (Noir) - The Art of Noir

2011-02-18T02:32:00.000+08:00

There is a lot of love for Film Noir judging by the number of incredible postings for the blogathon. It's come to my attention via a FaceBook post that while there is a lot of love for Film Noir, the number of donations are not keeping pace with the number of bloggers. This is a real shame!

Before we get to the simple goodies of this post, let me ask again, plead with you to do your bit and donate $5, $10, $15 or $20 to support the Film Noir Foundation. Even in these economically challenging times a few dimes will save something we can't easily replace. We can't save every single precious frame of film noir, but we can try. I'm a glass half full person, please help!

Please make your donation to support film preservation and the make the gun molls of film noir happy by donating some much needed loot. The paypal link will make you eligible for some grand raffle prizes!

Fundraising blogathon hosted by Ferdy on Films, etc., and The Self-Styled Siren to benefit the Film Noir Foundation. Please do your part, read, enjoy and donate a few bucks.

Believe me and Mr. Marlowe, you do not want Mike Mazurki showing up on your doorstep if you don't donate. He won't be looking for Velma this time.

Okay, now that I've got that off my chest, here's some eye candy for you.

Half Sheet for Nightmare Alley

One Sheet for Nocturne

One Sheet for White Heat

Title Lobby Card for Sudden Fear

Half Sheet for This Gun For Hire

Stone Litho 3-sheet for Dark Passage

Insert for The Maltese Falcon

One Sheet for Johnny O'Clock

Lobby Card for Born to Kill

One Sheet for Murder My Sweet

Half Sheet for The Big Sleep