Save our Sorting Center | Occupy Indiana!

On Thursday November 17 at 7pm, the U.S. Postal Service will hold a public hearing at South Bend’s Century Center about the future of the major Postal Service building on Michigan Street in downtown South Bend. This building houses the USPS South Bend Processing and Distribution Center–the formal name for this sorting plant. It is one of the 487 such sorting plants located at strategic points across the country. Claiming that the Postal Service budgetary problems compel it to do so, the hearing is intended to hear the public’s input on this proposal to close down this sorting plant along with 252 others around the country.This is a call to action to show for this meeting!

Direct Action Called November 17! | Occupy Indiana!:

'via Blog this'

Dr. Oz: Fight over Health Care Law Is Killing Americans

Wow. Just wow.

Dr. Oz: Fight over Health Care Law Is Killing Americans:

'via Blog this'

The smell was unmistakable. I recognized it immediately – a fungating infection. It’s what happens when a cancer breaks through the skin and the puss oozes out and aerosolizes, producing an unsurprisingly foul odor. This is what late-stage cancer looks like if left unchecked, like many cancers were 100 years ago and still are today in the developing world. But I encountered this case this month, and Yvonne, the woman who sat crying before me, lives in Los Angeles. She lost her job two years ago, and when her insurance expired, she was too ashamed to seek help for a mass she felt in her right breast. Now the tumor had replaced her entire breast and blasted through the skin. Being cared for now — so late in her illness — was surely not what she would have wanted; and just as surely, it could have been avoided. How did we let this happen in America?

Read more: http://ideas.time.com/2011/10/31/enough-is-enough/#ixzz1cVflaN5n

1000 Americans Spell Out "TAX THE 1%" on San Francisco Beach

So Awesome!
1000 Americans Spell Out "TAX THE 1%" on San Francisco Beach:

'via Blog this'

Occupy Indianapolis: News Coverage

Occupy Indianapolis: News Coverage: It is Occupy Indianapolis’ goal to violate no laws in our upcoming actions. During an interview on WTHR-TV, channel 13 in Indianapolis, Occuin our upcoming actions. During an interview on WTHR-TV, channel 13 in Indianapolis, Occupy Indianapolis spokesman Joh Padgett did not say the organization would block access to any building.

It was reported Padgett said we would “Block” entrances to buildings. That is a violation of law, and Padgett at no time stated we would block any entrance or exit from any building. The “People mover” strategy is a continually moving, single file line of people. This is within the confines of local law. We will, at no time, prevent anyone from entering or exiting any building, nor will we at any time interfere with vehicular traffic along our route

Occupy Indianapolis

Home base for #occupyindianapolis

Occupy Indianapolis:

'via Blog this'

It's All In The Game - Tommy Edwards - YouTube

One of my Mom's favorites. Bye,Bye Blackbird was her most favorite!
It's All In The Game - Tommy Edwards - YouTube:

'via Blog this'

Republicans rewriting state election laws in ways that could hurt Democrat - The Washington Post

Indiana, where older nuns aren't allowed to voter.

Republicans rewriting state election laws in ways that could hurt Democrat - The Washington Post:

'via Blog this'

Supporting Unions is critical....I'm there!

Seen on the Twitter Machine this morning...

The only way to fight organized greed is with organized labor.

Smile or Die - so pertinent

RSA Animate - Smile or Die - YouTube:

'via Blog this'

U.S. expands probe of News Corp: Wall St. Journal

If they can hack the royal family they can hack anyone.

U.S. expands probe of News Corp: Wall St. Journal - Yahoo! News

Oh, and if I ever have a bloodhound I'm naming him Rupert.

Indiana Leg Loonies who love some Grover

List of Hoosier Legislators who think signing a loyalty oath to Grover Norquist who said “We’re going to crush labor as a political entity.” –Grover Norquist, founder and president of Americans for Tax Reform.

INDIANA
3 Senators of 50
Dennis K. Kruse (S-14)
Greg Walker (S-41)
John Waterman (S-39)
24 House members of 100
Jeb Bardon (H-25)
Robert Behning (H-91)
Timothy Brown (H-41)
Woody Burton (H-58)
Robert Cherry (H-53)
Wes Culver (H-49)
Jeff Espich (H-82)
David Frizzell (H-93)
Craig Fry (H-5)
Tom Knollman (H-55)
Eric Allan Koch (H-65)
Don Lehe (H-15)
Winfield Moses (H-81)
Timothy Neese (H-48
Gerald P. Torr (H-39)
P. Eric Turner (H-32)
James R. Buck (S-21)
Jim Tomes (S-49)
James Baird (H-44)
Steven Davisson (H-73)
Bob Heaton (H-46)
Jud McMillin (H-68)
Rhonda Rhoads (H-70)
Timothy Wesco (H-21)

Source http://fredericacade.wordpress.com/2010/12/31/list-of-your-states-signers-signed-to-grover-norquist-controversial-americans-for-tax-reform-pledge/

Great RedicuList video from Anderson Cooper

Don't mess with Matt Damon!

Matt Damon's headliner speech at the Save Our Schools March in DC, 7/30/...

Thank you Matt Damon.

Matt Damon Says Stop The War On Teachers

Thom Hartmann: How Corporations Created the Tea Party Zombies

Great stuff.

NYC 2nd ave subway construction worker, Gary, Official, Original video

This made my day!

Matt Damon: Stop The War On Teachers

Matt Damon: Stop The War On Teachers: "pThinkProgress filed this report from the Save Our Schools March in Washington, D.C. Actor and activist Matt Damon spoke at the Save Our Schools rally today. Before he spoke, Damon granted ThinkProgress an exclusive interview. We asked him about how teachers unions are being demonized in much of the media and teachers are being blamed [...]/p"

Religion and Politics....

A Great Post on Politics and religion....From Cab Drollery...

SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2011

Tiresome
Here's the thing: ultimately, I really don't care what religion a politician holds, or even if s/he holds any religion. That shouldn't enter into the mix in a country which has declared freedom of religion and which has traditionally kept intact the separation of church and state. Jewish, Muslim, Atheist, Christian, Rastafarian, Pagan: it shouldn't matter.

It shouldn't, but apparently it now does. I thought that with the election of John F. Kennedy, a Roman Catholic, we could finally put the religious test behind us. I clearly was wrong.

See my home town being sued for giving money to the church here.

Scarlet Letter

A friend and fellow Hoosier with whom I have been commiserating regarding Mitch Daniels and the Legislative Loonies in the Hoosier house and Senate destroying Planned parenthood just emailed me this: "I agree about living/being from Indiana, it is like wearing a big A on your chest for Asshole." The scarlet letter....and our leading university's colors are red and white. Just an observation.

This is good on a cool, cool evening.

We had some rather Autumnal weather Thursday so I raided the pantry for supper. I googled canellini beans +sausage and adapted some quantities into this. It was very, very good.

Ingredients
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound cooked smoked sausage with skin (I used the ubiquitous Eckrich), cut into 1/4-inch slices (bite size is best)
1 can chicken broth
2 cans (15-1/2 ounces) canellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
3 bay leaves
1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Dash hot pepper sauce to taste

Directions
In a large skillet or dutch oven, saute onions and garlic in oil until tender. Add sausage; cook and stir until lightly browned. Add broth, beans and seasonings. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Toss the bay leaves.

Serve it with crusty bread. Mmmmmm, mmmmmm, mmmmmm.

A quick note: I would not use garbanzo beans next time just because I like other types of beans better...... butter beans, Limas or even some read kidney beans.

Doghouse Riley

Doghouse Riley
I just really, really love the way this guy writes. Our own Hoosier Molly Ivins......with testosterone and ON STEROIDS. Too much fun with Sat morning coffee on the balcony:

The name of Indiana's governor--Mitch or Mark or Mike Somebody--came across the local news crawl last night. He was shoehorned into a story about Planned Parenthood shutting operations as a lawsuit proceeds over the bill he signed last month defunding all its services, because the inmates of the Indiana General Assembly had Shorty by the shorties.

Daniels has been invisible in the month since he announced his wife wouldn't let him run for President.

Rebuild the Dream

On Thursday, June 23rd, Van Jones will be joined by The Roots, artist/DJ Shepard Fairey, and other celebrity guests in New York City to kick off the movement to rebuild the American Dream.

Rebuild the Dream

9 Countries That Do It Better: Why Does Europe Take Better Care of Its People Than America?

It makes you want to move to Iceland.

9 Countries That Do It Better: Why Does Europe Take Better Care of Its People Than America? | | AlterNet

The Grand Rapids LipDub (NEW WORLD RECORD)

So cool

Peeps Show V - WaPo

Peeps Show V - The Washington Post:

My favorite part of Easter....the Washington Post Peeps Diorama winners slide show! My favorites this year "Peep Bun Tiki," "Peep Cake Wars," "Peep Hoarders," and for sentimental reasons "The Muppeep Show." A runner up would be "Peepie Sheen Receives His Daily Transfusion of Fresh Tiger Blood"

Past favorite: Political Peeps.

Under Proposed law Foster Kids would be allowed to get clothing only from second hand stores

Foster children would be allowed to get clothing only from second hand stores | Michigan Messenger

Mr. Bumble is alive and well and serving in the MI Senate.

Casswell, a Republican representing Branch, Hillsdale, Lenawee and St. Joseph counties, made the proposal this week, reports Michigan Public Radio.

His explanation?

“I never had anything new,” Caswell says. “I got all the hand-me-downs. And my dad, he did a lot of shopping at the Salvation Army, and his comment was — and quite frankly it’s true — once you’re out of the store and you walk down the street, nobody knows where you bought your clothes.”

Under his plan, foster children would receive gift cards that could only be used at places like the Salvation Army, Goodwill and other second hand clothing stores

Senate votes to give Daniels power to pick secretary of state replacement

Senate votes to give Daniels power to pick secretary of state replacement | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

SIGH, IOKIYAR.....as a friend on Facebook says....Why even have elections and rules? We can just have the Republican majority write laws that determine our elections for us. Voting is so 1700s.

"The Senate voted today to change Indiana law so that Gov. Mitch Daniels would appoint a new secretary of state if Charlie White is found ineligible to have been on the November ballot."

A Scandal

Reposting this link to Bernie Sanders.

Rep. Crowley (D-NY) - Speechless

Best speechless ever.

Here's How We Can Fight Back and Win | Environment | AlterNet

Our Lives Are Under Threat From Some of the Most Powerful and Richest Entities -- Here's How We Can Fight Back and Win | Environment | AlterNet

By Naomi Klein & Bill McKibben

We need to rebuild the kind of mass movement that marked 1970: bodies, passion, and creativity are the currencies we can compete in. It's not impossible.

YouTube - A Scandal

I'm think I'm moving to Vermont when I retire. I want Bernie to be my senator. YouTube - A Scandal

New Research on Vitamin D, Part 1: Vitamin D is Unique | WholeFoods Magazine

New Research on Vitamin D, Part 1: Vitamin D is Unique | WholeFoods Magazine
The vitamin D precursor in our skin is 7-dehydrocholesterol, which is made in the body from cholesterol. Ultraviolet-B (UVB) energy converts 7-dehydrocholesterol into cholecalciferol, which is the name of natural vitamin D. Cholecalciferol (pronounced koh· luh· kal· sif· uh· rawl) is then carried in the bloodstream to the liver, where it is converted into the prohormone 25-hydroxy vitamin D (calcidiol). Some of that 25-hydroxy vitamin D is then transported to the kidneys where it is hydroxylated further to form 1,25-hydroxy vitamin D (calcitriol). This form is the physiologically active form of vitamin D. The calcitriol made in the kidneys is to fulfill only one of vitamin D’s functions: its endocrine function, which is to maintain the calcium economy.

Technically not a “vitamin,” vitamin D is in a class by itself. Its second metabolic product, 1,25-hydroxy vitamin D (calcitriol), is actually a hormone, a key that fits binding sites on the human genome. The human genome contains more than 2,700 binding sites for 1,25-hydroxy vitamin D; those binding sites are near genes involved in virtually every known major disease of humans.

Thom Hartmann: Life-long Republicans are leaving their party

It used to be a really good party with good people in the party. I'm a lifelong Dem but there are so many people I admire in the "real" GOP...Dwight Eisenhower, Dick Lugar (breaks my heart to see him pandering to these jerks) Teddy Roosevelt, Lincoln. Heck, even Nixon and Reagan when it came to middle class issues. But the new GOP is the party of billionaires and the Kochs. It is not your mom's GOP.

The Revolution Starts Now

Steve Earle~!

Indiana Workers Continue Monthlong Capitol Vigil | AFL-CIO NOW BLOG

Indiana Workers Continue Monthlong Capitol Vigil

Today marks the 23rd day Indiana teachers, public employees and other workers have been at the state Capitol protesting more than 30 bills backed by Republican lawmakers and Gov. Mitch Daniels (R). The legislative package includes bills that slash public school budgets, defund women’s health care and eliminate public-sector unions.

Indiana Statehouse Protests to Protect Worker Rights - Week Two

I was in Indy yesterday, 3/10/2011.....good day to be Hoosier, a rare thing for me.

Wisconsin crowd reacts

Main Street Movement Erupts As Thousands Across Country Protest War On T...

What Have The Unions Ever Done For Us?

Five Things Unions Have Done For All Americans

ThinkProgress » REPORT: Five Things Unions Have Done For All Americans

1. Weekends

2. Income Equality & Fair Wages

3. Ended Child Labor

4. Employer based health care

5. Family & Medical Leave

St.Joseph Valley Project-Jobs with Justice support Wisconson Workers and...

Our rally in support of Wisconsin Unions and our own Hoosier workers. South Bend, IN 2/26/2011

Rally to support IN Dems & WI Union Workers

SUPPORT OUR HOOSIER DEMS

Time	Saturday, February 26 · 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location	Morris Civic ( outside ) South Bend, IN
More Info	Rally to support our IN Representatives who are fighting for our teachers, our unions, and our right to bargain collectively We support WI Senators, too ! We Love You All - Democratic Representatives who are trying to protect worker's rights ! Please wear RED in support and solidarity with Wisconsin Unions.

WI Capitol: This Land, Star Spangled Banner, USA

Wow, major goosebumps. Go Wiscosin.

Right Dosage Of Vitamin D For Autism | LIVESTRONG.COM

Overview

While the link between vitamin D and autism is not confirmed, an article published in the January 2010 issue of "Medical Hypotheses" reports that Harvard researchers support a theory of autism in which vitamin D deficiency is a possible cause

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/378297-right-dosage-of-vitamin-d-for-autism/#ixzz1E1mSzEVA

Right Dosage Of Vitamin D For Autism | LIVESTRONG.COM

Researchers in Belgium recommend another look at older treatments, especially vitamin D.

Autoimmune Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Vitamin D - EmpowHER.com

So far, expensive immune modulating drugs have provided disappointing results in clinical trials. Researchers in Belgium recommend another look at older treatments, especially vitamin D.

Tim Wise » An Open Letter to the White Right, On the Occasion of Your Recent, Successful Temper Tantrum

So good.....read the whole thing at the link.

For all y’all rich folks, enjoy that champagne, or whatever fancy ass Scotch you drink.

And for y’all a bit lower on the economic scale, enjoy your Pabst Blue Ribbon, or whatever shitty ass beer you favor.

Whatever the case, and whatever your economic station, know this…

You need to drink up.

And quickly.

And heavily.

Because your time is limited.

Real damned limited.

Tim Wise » An Open Letter to the White Right, On the Occasion of Your Recent, Successful Temper Tantrum

Republicans Hate Public Education

So true. The dumber people are the more likely they are to vote for them.

Ryan McLaughlin's Shine on Scotland campaign

TEENAGER OF COURAGE

He spearheaded a campaign to educate people on the importance of Vitamin D in combating MS.

The Pride of Britain Awards - Ryan McLaughlin

ACTUALLY, THE RETIREMENT AGE IS TOO HIGH

James K. Galbraith
ACTUALLY, THE RETIREMENT AGE IS TOO HIGH

The most dangerous conventional wisdom in the world today is the idea that with an older population, people must work longer and retire with less.

This idea is being used to rationalize cuts in old-age benefits in numerous advanced countries -- most recently in France, and soon in the United States. The cuts are disguised as increases in the minimum retirement age or as increases in the age at which full pensions will be paid.

Unconventional Wisdom - An FP Special Report | Foreign Policy

Political views 'hard-wired' into your brain - Telegraph

Scientists have found that people with conservative views have brains with larger amygdalas, almond shaped areas in the centre of the brain often associated with anxiety and emotions.

On the otherhand, they have a smaller anterior cingulate, an area at the front of the brain associated with courage and looking on the bright side of life.

The "exciting" correlation was found by scientists at University College London who scanned the brains of two members of parliament and a number of students.

They found that the size of the two areas of the brain directly related to the political views of the volunteers.

Political views 'hard-wired' into your brain - Telegraph

It's a Jolly Holi-dog Celebration!

As a public employee.....please stop the lies

PEGGY LEE - I Like a Sleighride (Jingle Bells) (1967)

My favorite Christmas song.

YouTube - PEGGY LEE - I Like a Sleighride (Jingle Bells) (1967)

Rescued Baby Hummingbird

Love, love, love this. Saw it linked at Cuteoverload.com

Turning it Around...

Really, really want Pete to be our next Gov. too. Pete in 2012!

Why Knowing Your Vitamin D Levels Might Save Your Life - Oprah.com

Great article from Oprah.com

Why Knowing Your Vitamin D Levels Might Save Your Life - Oprah.com

Greater resistance to viruses

During a recent study, researchers at the Yale University School of Medicine discovered that people with high levels of vitamin D got sick about half as often as people with low levels. And when they did fall ill, they recovered in fewer days. The reason: Vitamin D instructs your white blood cells to manufacture a protein that kills infections.

Less cancer

Specifically, a 30 to 50 percent lower chance of breast cancer, and a 50 percent lower chance of colon cancer. D regulates some of the genes responsible for cellular growth and survival, says Holick, and it does its job cleverly: "It helps shut down any out-of-control growth to prevent malignancy. If that doesn't work, it will help kill the cell. And if a tumor grows anyway, it will work to cut off blood supply."

Higher cancer survival rate

At the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, researchers found that colon cancer patients with high levels of D had a 39 percent lower chance of dying from the disease. And this might actually apply to all cancers, says Edward Giovannucci, MD, ScD, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health.

More at link

Rep. Peter DeFazio Investigating Impeachment For Chief Justice John Roberts

Picture credit eastbaycitizen.com as far as I can find out. Love it, love it, love it.

Rep. Peter DeFazio Investigating Impeachment For Chief Justice John Roberts

I mean, the Supreme Court has done a tremendous disservice to the United States of America," Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) told The Huffington Post on Tuesday. "They have done more to undermine our democracy with theirCitizens United decision than all of the Republican operatives in the world in this campaign. They've opened the floodgates, and personally, I'm investigating articles of impeachment against Justice Roberts for perjuring during his Senate hearings, where he said he wouldn't be a judicial activist, and he wouldn't overturn precedents."

Changing Education Paradigms

Brilliant!

Changing Education Paradigms

Brilliant!

YouTube - RSA Animate - Changing Education Paradigms

Bodacious Tatas!

Fake (+)(+) Perfect (o)(o) Perky (*)(*) Cold (^)(^) and even Grandmas \./\./ ~~~Big(O)(O) or Small (•)(•) LET'S SAVE THEM ALL!!! PINK RIBBON

Vitamin D Linked to Childhood Obesity - Diabetes Health

Vitamin D Linked to Childhood Obesity - Diabetes Health

Vitamin D deficiency is a culprit that repeatedly comes up in the battle against obesity. Actually, vitamin D is not a vitamin at all. It is a hormone precursor found in cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), which is created when sunlight containing ultraviolet light (UVB) hits bare skin long enough to turn the skin pink, but not red. That length of time varies based on skin pigmentation.

Grand Jury Probes George Tiller Murder

Grand Jury Probes George Tiller Murder - News Story - KMBC Kansas City

At least one Justice Department civil rights prosecutor attended Roeder's trial, along with agents from the FBI. Shortly after Tiller's death, the Justice Department increased security around womens health facilities and opened an ongoing investigation.

Conservatives always talk about "smaller" government but then they want to barge into our doctor's offices anytime they please.

Jailed for not reciting the pledge

Scary, scary stuff.

From Jonathan Turley.....

Mississippi Chancery Judge Talmadge Littlejohn means it when he asks everyone to stand and say the pledge of allegiance. When attorney Danny Lampley of Oxford stood but did not recite, Littlejohn threw him in jail.

Littlejohn was just honored by the Mississippi bar for 50 years in public service.

Lampley was jailed from 9:40 a.m. and released about 2:30 p.m. on the judge’s orders.

The contempt sanction is, in my view, both injudicious and unconstitutional. Requiring an attorney to recite the pledge is a violation of his free speech rights. There is no question that an attorney must comply with court orders and that a judge is given considerable leeway in running his courtroom. However, that does not include monitoring pledge recitals.

http://jonathanturley.org/2010/10/07/mississippi-lawyer-jailed-by-court-for-not-reciting-pledge-of-allegiance/

We need new leadership at the state level

A great guy who lives our values every day vs. a jerk from DC who will never live in Indiana. How does this happen?

Poll shows Coats comfortably leading Ellsworth - chicagotribune.com

Forget Gibbs. Bring Back Dean as DNC Chair | The Nation

50 State Strategy! No more centrists. We need a true partisan.

Forget Gibbs. Bring Back Dean as DNC Chair | The Nation

Dance, Lizzie, Dance.

We need Universal Coverage now!

A new AP poll finds that Americans who think the law should have done more outnumber those who think the government should stay out of health care by 2-to-1.

AP Poll: Repeal? Many wish health law went further - Boston.com

Bayh Says Poverty Increase Means We Should Ignore 'Fairness' And Cut Tax...

Assholeyness in action.

Gingrich loses his mind...

And the establishment treats acts like he's not crazy...Obama Derangement Syndrome can take some strange people to some strange places. Disgraced former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), in all his pseudo-intellectual glory, has become so enveloped in his own garbage, he appears to have suffered some kind of severe head trauma.

Gingrich's trip to Crazy Town began quite a while ago, but in recent months, his unbridled hatred of the president has pushed him to the point of sputtering, incoherent rage. Earlier in the summer, Gingrich insisted that Obama and his allies represent "as great a threat to America as Nazi Germany or the Soviet Union once did."

G.O.P. Leader Tightly Bound to Lobbyists - NYTimes.com

I remember when he was passing out checks from the tobacco industry on the floor of the house. Real classy guy.

A G.O.P. Leader Tightly Bound to Lobbyists - NYTimes.com

Indeed!

John Hopkins study on Anxiety|depression in older adults

Johns Hopkins: Depression|Anxiety on vitamin D|depression in older adults

Low levels of vitamin D are common in older adults, often causing high levels of parathyroid hormone (hyperparathyroidism) -- and both may be associated withdepression in older adults, according to a study in the Archives of General Psychiatry (Volume 65, page 508).

Researchers in the Netherlands measured blood levels of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone in 1,282 residents ages 65 to 95 and assessed any symptoms of depression. Twenty-six participants had major depression and 169 had minor depression.

Researchers found that overall, 39% of men and 57% of women had insufficient levels of vitamin D. These levels were 14% lower in participants with either major or minor depression than in those without depression. In addition, parathyroid hormone levels were 5% higher in people with minor depression and 33% higher in those with major depression than in those who were not depressed.

One Nation Working Together

One Nation Working Together

Vitamin D Cancer Link Revealed: Could Popping a Pill Cut Cancer Risk? - Health Blog - CBS News

CBS finally notices. I dislike the rather flip headline but folks....pay attention.

It's too early to say for sure, but a new study adds to the growing body of evidence linking a deficiency of the "sunshine vitamin" to colorectal cancer as well as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

That's big news, as up to a billion people around the world are believed to have a vitamin D deficiency - including up half of adults and children in the U.S.

Vitamin D Cancer Link Revealed: Could Popping a Pill Cut Cancer Risk? - Health Blog - CBS News

Wheeeeee.......

Koch brothers’ war against Obama

The billionaire Koch brothers’ war against Obama : The New Yorker

The Kochs have long depended on the public’s not knowing all the details about them. They have been content to operate what David Koch has called “the largest company that you’ve never heard of.” But with the growing prominence of the Tea Party, and with increased awareness of the Kochs’ ties to the movement, the brothers may find it harder to deflect scrutiny. Recently, President Obama took aim at the Kochs’ political network.

Vitamin D found to influence over 200 genes, highlighting links to disease

So exciting. Just kind of mind-blowing when you think about it.

Vitamin D found to influence over 200 genes, highlighting links to disease

It is estimated that one billion people worldwide do not have sufficient vitamin D. This deficiency is thought to be largely due to insufficient exposure to the sun and in some cases to poor diet. As well as being a well-known risk factor for rickets, there is a growing body of evidence that vitamin D deficiency also increases an individual's susceptibility to autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes, as well as certain cancers and even dementia. More at link.

Tolerance and Mosque...from the Chi Trib

Our Constitution guarantees the freedom of all faiths. Not just the ones most of us are comfortable having as neighbors. Not just the ones that attract the most members or the ones whose faith traditions resemble our own. All faiths.

Tolerance and a mosque - chicagotribune.com

Vitamin D may regulate allergic responses

Vitamin D may regulate allergic responses

Individuals who regularly have strong allergic reactions to things like mold may want to consider seeking a vitamin D tests, as a new study from researchers at Louisiana State University found that the nutrient can reduce the symptoms of mold allergies that are known to complicate asthma and cystic fibrosis.

Russia's Pavlovsk Seed Vault Threatened by Real Estate Developers | Sustainable Food | Change.org

Please visit the website and sign the petition!

Russia's Pavlovsk Seed Vault Threatened by Real Estate Developers | Sustainable Food | Change.org

Vitamin D is Vital to Health

Vitamin D is Vital to Health - Technorati Lifestyle

Just spreading the sunshine!

UCR Newsroom: Biochemist Proposes Worldwide Policy Change to Step Up Daily Vitamin D Intake

UCR Newsroom: Biochemist Proposes Worldwide Policy Change to Step Up Daily Vitamin D Intake

New Vitamin D Council newsletter out today!

As usual, Dr. Cannell hits the right mark on Vitamin D toxicity.

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/newsletter/gary-null-and-vitamin-d-toxicity.shtml

Water Purifying Floating Pool Cleans NY's Rivers

I would love to see a series of these along the St. Joe river here in Indiana and Michigan. What a great idea.

Water Purifying Floating Pool Cleans New York's Rivers | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

It's hot out -- especially in NYC -- and swimming in a nice cool pool would be just the ticket, but alas public pools are few and far between. One of group of designers and architects is proposing a floating pool in the rivers of New York City that would actually filter and clean the water while serving as a public amenity to help New Yorkers cool off during the heat waves. + Pool is a fantastic concept for an offshore pool complete with a deck that offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline

AIDS 2010: Researchers Moving Toward HIV/AIDS Treatments and Cures

Promising Research

Some of the most interesting research involves vitamin D. Study investigators from Switzerland analyzed 211 HIV-positive patients to determine their vitamin D levels in the spring and the fall, resulting in the highest and lowest vitamin D levels in their bodies. In HIV-infected patients, vitamin D supplementation was shown to improve T-cell counts and lower death rates from HIV.

How It Works

Vitamin D is involved in hundreds of body processes. Its absence can result disrupt many vital process leading to a wide variety of conditions and diseases, ranging from depression to breast cancer to diabetes and high blood pressure.

What's Next

The study investigators recommend that all HIV-positive patients routinely be screened for vitamin-D deficiency and receive an adequate supply to reduce their risk for adverse outcomes.

Picture of Alghero harbor, Sept 2009

Scientists taking vitamin D in droves

I think they know something we don't know!
Scientists taking vitamin D in droves

Picture of waterfront

Alghero, Italy

Sept 2009

Dean Baker: The Attack of the Real Black Helicopter Gang: The IMF Is Coming for Our SS

After destroying the world's economy they now want to destroy our personal security.

Dean Baker: The Attack of the Real Black Helicopter Gang: The IMF Is Coming for Your Social Security

Last week, the IMF told the United States that it needs to start getting its budget deficit down. It put cutting Social Security at the top of the steps that the country should take to achieve deficit reduction. This one is more than a bit outrageous for two reasons.

Vinpocetine - anti-inflammatory supplement may help COPD

Yay, new news on my disease. A widely and safely used plant extract - vinpocetine - acts as a novel anti-inflammatory agent that may one day be used for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, as well as other inflammatory conditions. There is an urgent need for new therapies for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as COPD, otitis media (ear infection), and atherosclerosis (chronic inflammation in the walls of arteries), because the most effective and commonly used agents – steroids – often cause serious side effects, such as liver damage, which prevent long-term use.

Public advice on suntanning may mean vitamin deficiency risk

Stintino on Sardegna

Sept. 2009

Beautiful beach

Public advice on suntanning may mean vitamin deficiency risk - Health News, Health & Families - The Independent

Oliver Gillie: Time to abandon this outdated view on staying out of the sun

From the Independent UK
Oliver Gillie: Time to abandon this outdated view on staying out of the sun - Commentators, Opinion - The Independent

Kiss your coconut shrimp goodbye

How Much Oil Has Leaked Into the Gulf of Mexico? From PBS News

So very sad. I added the "Estimated Gallons Leaked" gauge at the bottom. So many livelihoods will be lost...tourism, fishing, everything will be affected. Seafood prices will never be the same. This is an unimaginable environmental disaster.

We humans can do better than this.

Texas Board of Education sucks...

There are times when being from Indiana can be pretty bad, but the Lonestar Loonies are far worse than *anyone here in Hoosierville.



*except maybe Mitch Daniels

Sign the petition....

Boycott Arizona

Cheech and Chong - "Born In East L.A."

BOYCOTT ARIZONA!!

Sonoma County Separates Senior Gay Couple

I tried to post this earlier this morning but I couldn't get it to link. This just breaks my heart. How do these things still happen? From Bilerico Project:

One evening, Harold fell down the front steps of their home and was taken to the hospital. Based on their medical directives alone, Clay should have been consulted in Harold's care from the first moment. Tragically, county and health care workers instead refused to allow Clay to see Harold in the hospital. The county then ultimately went one step further by isolating the couple from each other, placing the men in separate nursing homes.

GE Pays Zero In Taxes saying all of its profits were overseas...

Corporate Leeches suck up more corporate welfare. From Naked Capitalism:

Guest Post: After Getting Bailed Out By American Taxpayers, General Electric Pays ZERO U.S. Taxes, Pretending that All of Its Profits are Overseas

Vitamin D 'triggers and arms' the immune system

NEW RESEARCH...Vitamin D is crucial to the fending off of infections! Simply amazing.
Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that Vitamin D is crucial to activating our immune defences and that without sufficient intake of the vitamin, the killer cells of the immune system – T cells – will not be able to react to and fight off serious infections in the body.

For T cells to detect and kill foreign pathogens such as clumps of bacteria or viruses, the cells must first be ‘triggered’ into action and "transform" from inactive and harmless immune cells into killer cells that are primed to seek out and destroy all traces of invaders.

The researchers found that the T cells rely on vitamin D in order activate and they would remain dormant, ‘naïve’ to the possibility of threat if vitamin D is lacking in the blood.

Professor Carsten Geisler from the Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, said: "When a T cell is exposed to a foreign pathogen, it extends a signalling device or ‘antenna’ known as a vitamin D receptor, with which it searches for vitamin D.

Click here for more article goodness!

Good, Fast Food to Cook!

I really enjoy good fresh food but never seem to have time anymore. Xanthe Clay of the Telegraph.co.uk makes cooking good things easier with her 5 minute reicipe videos. Some really wonderful, easy things here and videos are fun to watch.

Five Minute Food

I'm watching the five minute ones today. I'll indulge in the 10 Minutes To Table series over the weekend!