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HuckleB
HuckleB's Journal
HuckleB's Journal
March 11, 2016
14 FACTS THE ORGANIC INDUSTRY DOESN’T WANT YOU TO KNOW
http://dontwastethecrumbs.com/2015/03/14-facts-the-organic-industry-doesnt-want-you-to-know/
March 11, 2016
With G.M.O. Policies, Europe Turns Against Science
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/25/opinion/sunday/with-gmo-policies-europe-turns-against-science.html?_r=0
March 11, 2016
"I came across this image the other day. A farmer spraying his field wearing a protective suit and face respirator. When I see this, I see a farmer keeping himself and those around him safe. When activists look at this, they seem to see a scary hazmat suit and chemical poisoning. The beauty of this photo, is that it was taken from a video about an organic cauliflower grower in California. This farmer is spraying a “natural soap spray”. Obviously, this spray poses some danger to the tractor operator, or he wouldn’t be using this Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Compliments are in order to this business for instituting safe handling practices.
What constitutes a harmful substance? Well, just about everything on earth is harmful to us if not used properly, so knowing when to use PPE is important. The National Pesticide Information Center lists 4 signal words to look for on a label. Listed from least toxic to most toxic, these words are: Caution, Warning, Danger, and Danger/Poison. A quick glance through my own cupboard revealed household cleaners with three of these signal words. Here are examples of substances from each category and the PPE they require:
...
What we see in these examples is that a chemical with a signal word of “Warning”, that is labeled for organic production, requires far more Personal Protective Equipment than one with a signal word of Danger/Poison. This doesn’t mean that the Lorsban 4E is safer, just that it has different requirements in PPE for the applicator. Almost all farmers use pesticides, and it’s likely that they will at some point need some form of protective equipment – organic and conventional growers alike."
-------------------------
Hazmat suit on GM fields: used by anti-GMO activists (not researchers) to spread fear
From:
http://debunkingdenialism.com/2013/08/25/decimating-the-flawed-beliefs-of-anti-gmo-activists/
"In July of 2011, anti-GMO activists dressed up in Hazmat suits destroyed fields trials of genetically modified wheat at CSIRO (the national science agency in Australia) facility in Canberra. They caused damage for around 300 000 USD and set back research at least a year. According to Jeremy Burdon, the industry plant chief, Hazmat suits are not worn by researchers working on GM field trials because there are no hazards there. Researchers working with the genetically modified wheat call the hazmat suits “theatrical” and a “publicity stunt, designed to mislead the public and spread unwarranted fear” (Bettles, 2011)."
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More on these deceitful memes:
http://christopherkeelty.com/this-is-my-beef-with-the-anti-gmo-folks/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Once again we learn that scary memes are often FOS, especially when propagated by anti-GMO extremism.
Do Organic Growers Use ‘Hazmat’ Suits?
http://iowameetsmaui.com/2014/11/17/do-organic-growers-use-hazmat-suits/"I came across this image the other day. A farmer spraying his field wearing a protective suit and face respirator. When I see this, I see a farmer keeping himself and those around him safe. When activists look at this, they seem to see a scary hazmat suit and chemical poisoning. The beauty of this photo, is that it was taken from a video about an organic cauliflower grower in California. This farmer is spraying a “natural soap spray”. Obviously, this spray poses some danger to the tractor operator, or he wouldn’t be using this Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Compliments are in order to this business for instituting safe handling practices.
What constitutes a harmful substance? Well, just about everything on earth is harmful to us if not used properly, so knowing when to use PPE is important. The National Pesticide Information Center lists 4 signal words to look for on a label. Listed from least toxic to most toxic, these words are: Caution, Warning, Danger, and Danger/Poison. A quick glance through my own cupboard revealed household cleaners with three of these signal words. Here are examples of substances from each category and the PPE they require:
...
What we see in these examples is that a chemical with a signal word of “Warning”, that is labeled for organic production, requires far more Personal Protective Equipment than one with a signal word of Danger/Poison. This doesn’t mean that the Lorsban 4E is safer, just that it has different requirements in PPE for the applicator. Almost all farmers use pesticides, and it’s likely that they will at some point need some form of protective equipment – organic and conventional growers alike."
-------------------------
Hazmat suit on GM fields: used by anti-GMO activists (not researchers) to spread fear
From:
http://debunkingdenialism.com/2013/08/25/decimating-the-flawed-beliefs-of-anti-gmo-activists/
"In July of 2011, anti-GMO activists dressed up in Hazmat suits destroyed fields trials of genetically modified wheat at CSIRO (the national science agency in Australia) facility in Canberra. They caused damage for around 300 000 USD and set back research at least a year. According to Jeremy Burdon, the industry plant chief, Hazmat suits are not worn by researchers working on GM field trials because there are no hazards there. Researchers working with the genetically modified wheat call the hazmat suits “theatrical” and a “publicity stunt, designed to mislead the public and spread unwarranted fear” (Bettles, 2011)."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
More on these deceitful memes:
http://christopherkeelty.com/this-is-my-beef-with-the-anti-gmo-folks/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Once again we learn that scary memes are often FOS, especially when propagated by anti-GMO extremism.
March 11, 2016
Why Ren and Stimpy was one of the greatest cartoon series ever
"Nerdwriter Evan Puschak put together a video about The Ren & Stimpy Show, a "seminal cartoon of the animation renaissance." When the psychotic chihuahua and imbecilic cat debuted in 1991, I couldn't believe how fantastically funny and weird it was. There was nothing else like it on TV at the time. Before Ren & Stimpy, television cartoons were awful. Show creator John Kricfalusi paved the way for all the great cartoon series we've seen since."
http://boingboing.net/2016/03/10/why-ren-and-stimpy-was-one-of.html?utm_content=bufferd4a9e&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Such awesome stuff...
March 11, 2016
"...
At the national level, advocates say teaching first-aid to control blood loss helps prepare the country for the next bombing or the next natural disaster — not just the next neighborhood shooting.
Homeland security experts say it's the next step in bystander education — like teaching CPR — or making sure one of those automated external defibrillators is nearby to jump-start someone's heart.
"Less than five minutes. That's how long it can take for a severely injured person to bleed to death, and we all know through our own experiences that five minutes is often just not enough time to get a trained professional to the scene. Five minutes can make the difference between life and death," said Amy Pope, deputy Homeland Security advisor on the National Security Council staff, to a group at the White House in October.
She spoke at a Bystander Stop the Bleed forum, which included federal officials and corporate leaders. Members of Temple's "Fighting Chance" team were invited, too, to introduce a skill that the Obama Administration says all Americans should have.
..."
------------—-------------
I just renewed my CPR card. Thus, this piece hit home these are basic skills we can all learn.
Bystander first aid turns everyday citizens into first responders
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/item/91661-bystander-first-aid-turns-everyday-citizens-into-first-responders"...
At the national level, advocates say teaching first-aid to control blood loss helps prepare the country for the next bombing or the next natural disaster — not just the next neighborhood shooting.
Homeland security experts say it's the next step in bystander education — like teaching CPR — or making sure one of those automated external defibrillators is nearby to jump-start someone's heart.
"Less than five minutes. That's how long it can take for a severely injured person to bleed to death, and we all know through our own experiences that five minutes is often just not enough time to get a trained professional to the scene. Five minutes can make the difference between life and death," said Amy Pope, deputy Homeland Security advisor on the National Security Council staff, to a group at the White House in October.
She spoke at a Bystander Stop the Bleed forum, which included federal officials and corporate leaders. Members of Temple's "Fighting Chance" team were invited, too, to introduce a skill that the Obama Administration says all Americans should have.
..."
------------—-------------
I just renewed my CPR card. Thus, this piece hit home these are basic skills we can all learn.
March 11, 2016
All-too familiar stuff. The anti-vaccine crusade is simply unethical to the core. The behavior is astoundingly bizarre, and, again, all too reminiscent online.
Facebook reporting algorithms facilitate harassment of pro-science advocates by antivaxers
http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2016/03/10/once-again-facebook-reporting-algorithms-facilitate-harassment-of-pro-science-advocates-by-antivaccine-cranks/All-too familiar stuff. The anti-vaccine crusade is simply unethical to the core. The behavior is astoundingly bizarre, and, again, all too reminiscent online.
March 10, 2016
"...
GSE is claimed to be produced from the seeds of the grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi). The production method isn’t clearly described but different manufacturers say they grind the seeds and pulp in water, and then process this chemically to yield an extract. The methodology of production doesn’t appear standardized, nor is it disclosed in sufficient details to given consumers any assurance that the product is consistent (in content) or safe to consume.
...
There is a serious problem with commercially available GSE products sold on the market. There’s an over 20-year history of adulteration of GSE products with synthetic antibacterial disinfectants and cleansers. The first report appeared in the 1990s when testing of a commercially-available GSE product found benzalkonium chloride and triclosan, which were not found in an extract of the seeds themselves. A 1999 study tested six products. Five were effective inhibitors of bacteria and fungus in test tubes. In all five products, the synthetic preservative benzethonium chloride was detected. Three extracts also contained triclosan and methylparaben. The one GSE product with no additives also had no efficacy. The investigators also tested their own seed extract, as well as pulp. No antibacterial or antifungal properties were noted. In their own words:
...
GSE products have the potential to cause significant drug interactions. One case report notes that a GSE product significantly increased the levels of warfarin (Coumadin), which means a significantly increased risk of bleeding for patients taking the drug. Upon further examination of the product it was determined that the active ingredient was actually benzethonium chloride. Benzethonium is an antiseptic that is for surface disinfection and is also in consumer products like mouthwash.
...
There is no evidence suggesting that actual grapefruit seed extract has any meaningful antibacterial, antifungal, or antiviral effects. Repeated testing over the past 20 years has demonstrated that any GSE efficacy is due to product adulteration with one or more synthetic chemical disinfectants. Adulterated or not, there is no reason to take GSE at all. The fact that it continues to be widely sold is testament to the ineffectiveness of regulations that should put consumer safety ahead of a manufacturer’s right to sell a dodgy product."
--------------------------------------------------------
More alt-med scam BS.
Ugh.
Not natural, not safe: Grapefruit Seed Extract
https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/not-natural-not-safe-grapefruit-seed-extract/"...
GSE is claimed to be produced from the seeds of the grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi). The production method isn’t clearly described but different manufacturers say they grind the seeds and pulp in water, and then process this chemically to yield an extract. The methodology of production doesn’t appear standardized, nor is it disclosed in sufficient details to given consumers any assurance that the product is consistent (in content) or safe to consume.
...
There is a serious problem with commercially available GSE products sold on the market. There’s an over 20-year history of adulteration of GSE products with synthetic antibacterial disinfectants and cleansers. The first report appeared in the 1990s when testing of a commercially-available GSE product found benzalkonium chloride and triclosan, which were not found in an extract of the seeds themselves. A 1999 study tested six products. Five were effective inhibitors of bacteria and fungus in test tubes. In all five products, the synthetic preservative benzethonium chloride was detected. Three extracts also contained triclosan and methylparaben. The one GSE product with no additives also had no efficacy. The investigators also tested their own seed extract, as well as pulp. No antibacterial or antifungal properties were noted. In their own words:
...
GSE products have the potential to cause significant drug interactions. One case report notes that a GSE product significantly increased the levels of warfarin (Coumadin), which means a significantly increased risk of bleeding for patients taking the drug. Upon further examination of the product it was determined that the active ingredient was actually benzethonium chloride. Benzethonium is an antiseptic that is for surface disinfection and is also in consumer products like mouthwash.
...
There is no evidence suggesting that actual grapefruit seed extract has any meaningful antibacterial, antifungal, or antiviral effects. Repeated testing over the past 20 years has demonstrated that any GSE efficacy is due to product adulteration with one or more synthetic chemical disinfectants. Adulterated or not, there is no reason to take GSE at all. The fact that it continues to be widely sold is testament to the ineffectiveness of regulations that should put consumer safety ahead of a manufacturer’s right to sell a dodgy product."
--------------------------------------------------------
More alt-med scam BS.
Ugh.
March 10, 2016
"You are probably aware of Ezekiel Stephan, a 19 month old boy, who died in 2012, after his parents chose home remedies and naturopathy for the treatment of viral meningitis. The parents currently are on trial in Canada for failing to provide the necessities of life.
Over the course of many days, Ezekiel’s condition rapidly deteriorated, but his parents chose to “give him as much natural product as possible,” including syrup, frozen berries and a mixture of apple cider vinegar, horse radish root, hot peppers, mashed onion, garlic and ginger root. By the time Ezekiel began slipping in and out of consciousness, a family friend, who is a registered nurse, examined the boy and instructed the parents to take him to the emergency room under the suspicion of meningitis.
Instead, the parents took Ezekiel to a licensed naturopath. His condition was dire. His mother recalled that his body was too stiff to be seated in a car seat, so Ezekiel was put on a mattress in the back of the car. The naturopath then gave a preparation of echinacea without performing a physical exam and did not instruct the patients to seek emergency medical attention. Ezekiel stopped breathing that evening.
...
Immediately, however, licensed naturopaths should be restricted from seeing patients under the age of 18. I am happy to work with lawmakers and patient advocates to help enact these legislative changes. For some context, I had completed one of the few “naturopathic residencies” in the United States, and I can honestly say that this training was inadequate to act as a pediatrician. You’d be surprised to learn that there is a self-anointed naturopathic pediatrics board certification. Clearly, naturopaths do not have any humility.
..."
----------------------------------------------------------
It's long past time to stop allowing people to play doctor when they don't have the training and knowledge to do the job.
A toddler dies from meningitis, governments need to block naturopathic pediatrics
http://www.naturopathicdiaries.com/restrict-licensed-naturopaths/"You are probably aware of Ezekiel Stephan, a 19 month old boy, who died in 2012, after his parents chose home remedies and naturopathy for the treatment of viral meningitis. The parents currently are on trial in Canada for failing to provide the necessities of life.
Over the course of many days, Ezekiel’s condition rapidly deteriorated, but his parents chose to “give him as much natural product as possible,” including syrup, frozen berries and a mixture of apple cider vinegar, horse radish root, hot peppers, mashed onion, garlic and ginger root. By the time Ezekiel began slipping in and out of consciousness, a family friend, who is a registered nurse, examined the boy and instructed the parents to take him to the emergency room under the suspicion of meningitis.
Instead, the parents took Ezekiel to a licensed naturopath. His condition was dire. His mother recalled that his body was too stiff to be seated in a car seat, so Ezekiel was put on a mattress in the back of the car. The naturopath then gave a preparation of echinacea without performing a physical exam and did not instruct the patients to seek emergency medical attention. Ezekiel stopped breathing that evening.
...
Immediately, however, licensed naturopaths should be restricted from seeing patients under the age of 18. I am happy to work with lawmakers and patient advocates to help enact these legislative changes. For some context, I had completed one of the few “naturopathic residencies” in the United States, and I can honestly say that this training was inadequate to act as a pediatrician. You’d be surprised to learn that there is a self-anointed naturopathic pediatrics board certification. Clearly, naturopaths do not have any humility.
..."
----------------------------------------------------------
It's long past time to stop allowing people to play doctor when they don't have the training and knowledge to do the job.
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