Music by The Refusers

Monday, September 30, 2013

A Mom's View of Vaccinations: The Flame That Fuels The Debate by Sarita Coren



A Mom's View of Vaccinations: The Flame That Fuels The Debate

by Sarita Coren

Green Med Info,  24 September 2013


"You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist." ~Friedrich Nietzsche


To vaccinate or not to vaccinate that is the heated debate. Regardless of what position you hold, the vaccination topic carries weighted emotions like anger, fear, intolerance, and especially the need to be right.

At the end of the day, what should be a personal, educated choice becomes controversial fodder for others to judge and vilify, regardless of which side they take. It's a hot topic that doesn't seem to lose steam.

I know because I align with the smaller percentage of those who choose not to inoculate now. Let me clarify that statement. Fourteen years ago, I hesitatingly gave my kids some vaccinations before my inner voice kicked in and before learning the hard way.

This was not a flippant decision or one reflecting negligence or lack of concern for others in the population, as some people might accuse. I based my withdrawal from the vaccine schedule on:

  • extensive research;
  • discussions with various pediatricians and medical professionals;
  • conversations with other parents;
  • countless accounts of children who were irrevocably altered after compliance with government-mandated vaccine dosages;
  • and, ultimately, my own heart-knowing of what genuinely feels true.

I also based my decision on the drastic change I witnessed in my then-infant son. After he got vaccinated, he cried desperately the night he received it in a way that was uncharacteristic of my sweet baby. He seemed to be in terrible, unusual pain. Within months, his healthy breathing patterns became labored and raspy.

To confuse matters, his pediatrician did not detect anything wrong! We learned about the severity of his symptoms after I boldly—and apprehensively—took him to a chiropractor instead of his pediatrician, when he developed a fever several months later. It was there that we discovered that his adrenals were severely taxed—an issue that could have eventually impacted his kidneys. With the radical decision not to go to a traditional "doctor," we curtailed what could have been another vaccine statistic, though I didn't realize that at the time.

It was not until we tested him for allergies years later that I put two and two together. The testing disclosed that one source of his adrenal overload stemmed from exposure to egg albumen, an ingredient often found in the vaccine mix. Egg albumen doesn't even account for the rest of the toxic cocktail injected into his system.

With each person's genetic composition being so different, it is completely plausible that even one external stimulus can negatively interact with DNA and alter its normal design (the field of epigenetics is making groundbreaking discoveries in this area). Will I ever be able to prove this connection? Probably not. But as a mother, I know it in my gut. And sometimes that's all we moms have got to go on.

It was then and there that I made the commitment to support my family's well-beingness and not operate from the fear of illness. Thus, the flame ignited.

"Our lives improve only when we take chances and the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves." ~Walter Anderson

It has not always been an easy path to walk. Many times I have questioned my decision, usually based on unfounded insecurities. Yet I consistently revisited the facts that speak loudly for themselves. I align with people, often through Holistic Moms Network, who share mutual understanding. We support each other. Then I am undeterred.

In writing this post, I reached out to a number of health practitioners to lend their professional angle and medical credibility to the topic. Sadly—but not surprisingly—they refused to put their position on vaccinations in writing. Their unwillingness speaks volumes, doesn't it?

The reason for abstaining? Some would not say. Others did—the crackdown on their medical practice once Big Pharma discovers their unorthodox views.

Their reasoning is not unfounded. One doctor boldly showed her patient, who happens to be a friend of mine, a letter from the insurance company stating that they were withholding necessary coverage and funds due to the percentage of unvaccinated patients in her practice.

For a country boasting a constitutional right to free speech, it sure does create a deafening silence when it comes to vaccines. Evidently, proclaiming a more holistic practice that doesn't advocate vaccines carries its own implications. It is not the first time that I've heard of doctors going "undercover" in their alternative approach, despite mounting evidence that the drug-centered route may not be helping—and in fact, may be harming.

"Scientific medicine has taken credit it does not deserve for some advances in health. Most people believe that victory over the infectious diseases of the last century came with the invention of immunizations. In fact, cholera, typhoid, tetanus, diptheria, and whooping cough, etc., were in decline before vaccines for them became available – the result of better methods of sanitation, sewage disposal, and distribution of food and water." ~ Dr. Andrew Weil, Health and Healing

Did you know that in 2011 the U.S. Supreme Court passed legislation that impedes those suffering from vaccine injury from receiving compensation from pharmaceutical companies for their mounting medical expenses?

Essentially we can sue Dunkin Donuts for brewing scalding coffee that burned someone who spilled it on themselves. But those whose lives have radically changed due to injury from a required shot can not seek disability payments from the industry that caused it?

There is something eerily wrong with this picture. I'm not one to rant about conspiracy theories, but the information does leave room to wonder.

"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident." ~ Arthur Schopenhauer

If you have ever been privy to a rational discussion surrounding vaccinations, you will know that it rapidly turns heated, then downright accusatory, quickly morphing into pulling-hair-out hen fights. It isn't pretty.

A recent Facebook post by Lissa Rankin, M.D. is a good case in point. The author of Mind Over Medicine struck the match by revealing that she vaccinated her daughter. She wanted to know where people were holding regarding the controversial topic, since 26 percent of the students in her daughter's school chose not to vaccinate.

Opinions waxed strong in the ensuing comments, even to the extent of being mildly contentious. Accusations and references to scientific studies were hurled and refuted. No one actually heard the other voice. And the thread died down as quickly as it started, like a flame extinguished.

Dr. Rankin's resulting article appeared the next day on Mind, Body, Green, where she explained (defended?) her choice to vaccinate and also expressed, "We should be able to hold differing opinions without getting personal or mean." She concluded her eight guidelines for an open and healthy discussion with the quip: "In short, everyone play nice in the sandbox, please."

So why can't we manage to play in the sandbox without throwing the sand?

What is at the heart of this often vicious debate, this unwillingness by professionals to stand out and speak about what they know?

To read the entire article, please click on the link provided below:

Green Med Info

Saturday, September 28, 2013

The Awakening - Author Unknown


The Awakening


A time comes in your life when you finally get…when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out…ENOUGH1 Enough fighting and crying and blaming and struggling to hold on. Then, like a child quieting down after a tantrum, you blink back your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes.

This is your awakening.

You realize it’s time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change, or for happiness, safety and security to magically appear over the next horizon.

You realize that in the real world there aren’t always fairy tale endings, and that any guarantee of “happily ever after” must begin with you…and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.

You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are…and that’s OK. They are entitled to their own views and opinions.

You learn the importance of loving and championing yourself…and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval.

Your stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you – or didn’t do for you – and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected.

You learn that people don’t always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and everything isn’t always about you.

So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself…and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.

You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties…and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. You begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for.

You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you’ve outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with.

You learn that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a “consumer” looking for you next fix.

You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.

You learn that you don’t know everything, it’s not you job to save the world and that you can’t teach a pig to sing. You learn the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

Then you learn about love. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You learn that alone does not mean lonely.

You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO.

You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs.

You learn that your body really is your temple. You begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin to eat a balanced diet, drinking more water, and take more time to exercise.

You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear, and uncertainty and so you take more time to rest. And, just food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play.
You learn that, for the most part, you get in life what you deserve, and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different than working toward making it happen.

More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You learn that no one can do it all alone, and that it’s OK to risk asking for help.

You learn the only thing you must truly fear is fear itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your own terms.

You learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom.

You learn that life isn’t always fair, you don’t always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people…and you lean not to always take it personally.

You learn that nobody’s punishing you and everything isn’t always somebody’s fault. It’s just life happening. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls.

You lean that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you.

You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.

Then, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever settle for less than you heart’s desire.

You make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.

You hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind.

Finally, with courage in you heart, you take a stand, you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can.



Author Unknown



Support The Citizens Of Brazil - Hands Of Marco Civil

https://www.accessnow.org/

Hands Off the Marco Civil!


Join us in telling members of the Brazilian Congress to stand up for digital freedom and protect the Marco Civil, a groundbreaking piece of digital rights legislation, by speaking out against harmful amendments.

In her address to the UN General Assembly this week, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff called for global respect for net neutrality and human rights online. She announced plans for Brazil to propose an international framework governing internet use and communications using five guiding principles: free speech, transparent multilateral governance, universality and non-discrimination, cultural diversity without imposing values, and network neutrality.

She has also issued an order for the Brazilian Congress to vote on groundbreaking legislation known as the Marco Civil within the next month. The bill is unprecedented -- a people's framework for the internet developed through more than a year of consultations with Brazilians from around the country. It represents one of the most progressive frameworks for internet policy ever drafted, securing the right to open and high-speed access, stricter privacy standards to fight surveillance, network neutrality, guarantees for freedom of expression online, and much more.

This is a watershed moment for digital rights legislation. But the Marco Civil’s net neutrality provisions are under attack by an extremely powerful telco industry that wants to protect its business models that rely on data discrimination, threaten freedom of expression, and limit open access. Telcos are negotiating with politicians to eliminate key net neutrality provisions in exchange for their support of the bill.

Not only are the Marco Civil’s net neutrality protections crucial to upholding its framework of digital rights protections, but they are also an opportunity for Brazil to set an important international precedent. Only a handful of countries have enacted legislation upholding net neutrality, and Brazil’s leadership in this area could prove to be crucial.

There are also proposed amendments to the bill that would require large internet companies to mirror and store their Brazilian users’ data within the country. While it’s certainly time to take big steps to establish strong protections for users’ data, data mirroring is an ineffective, dangerous, and controversial way of doing so. Both Brazilians and the global internet would be better served if the Marco Civil is left untainted by hasty new provisions.

Join us in calling on members of the National Congress of Brazil to set a strong example for the rest of the international community. Tell them to protect the integrity of the Marco Civil by continuing to speak out against harmful amendments and reserving provisions on data protection for future debates.

Petition Link

Come Together And Celebrate - A Poem by M.N. Hopkins



Come together

Yes

Come together

And

Celebrate

That you are alive

Celebrate

All that can be sensed

With our human senses

And

All that is unsensable

Be in the moment

And

Open to all around you

Feel the pain

Feel the darkness

Deny nothing

As you embrace all

As you embrace the

Light Divine

That filthers through your senses

That brings with It

A multitude of colors

A multitude of sounds

A multitude of tastes

A multitude of feelings

To be experienced

To be expressed

That enrich

As they enlighten

That bring with them

An underlying feeling of joy

A joy that permeates

Every cell with you body

That infects your emotional state

That lightens your burdens

Life continues

Humanity marches on

You walk along this path

One foot upon the Earth

One foot in the Stars

Secure in the knowing

That you are of both Realms

Secure in the knowing

That Life continues

Secure in the knowing

That the senses were created

To experience

That Is All

And

That which is all around

All within

All over

And

Under

All and all

Again and again

Until the journey ends

As a new one begins

As you

Come together

Yes

Come together

And

Celebrate

Yes

Celebrate

That you are yet

Alive


©  2013 M.N. Hopkins

Note:    This poem was written this morning of September 28, 2013 and published on the same day.


Friday, September 27, 2013

FDA Issues Ridiculous Guidelines to Confine Free-Range Chickens by Elizabeth Renter

 
FDA Issues Ridiculous Guidelines to Confine Free-Range Chickens

by Elizabeth Renter

Natural Society,  27 September 2013


The FDAs use of discretion is often laughable. While they are notorious for dragging their feet to protect the thousands killed by dangerous prescription drugs, they are quick to lay down rules for people practicing sustainable agriculture or those who want to get medical treatment outside of Big Pharma’s profit net. Just one of the more recent examples of this is the agency’s unreasonable and ridiculous regulations for farmers raising egg-producing hens in pastures – land meant for animals to walk around and eat.

According to the Alliance for Natural Health, the new guidelines suggest farmers cover their pastures with netting of a roof to protect chickens from wild birds that may be carrying salmonella. They also suggest farmers construct walls around the pastures to prevent rodents and cats from entering. Roofs and walls—doesn’t really sound like a pasture anymore does it?
The FDA says this is all in an effort to prevent the spread of salmonella to the food supply. But, all but one outbreak of foodborne illness since 1995 originated in factory farms.

Pastured hens are happier hens. These are not the “cage free” or even “free range” chickens in darkened and crowded hen houses, but chickens that are allowed to spend their days in the sunshine, scratching for food in the dirt as chickens have done for centuries.

Video: Chipotle Blasts Factory Farming with Awesome Video

While the recommendations were released last month and done in the name of food safety, research has repeatedly shown that pastured hens are safer than those raised in factory farm settings, even when those pasture operations are large-scale, with more than 3,000 hens (the size recommended to follow the new guidelines).


According to the Pew Commission:

“Food safety is linked to the health of the animals that produce the meat, dairy and egg products that we eat. In fact, scientists have found modern intensive confinement production systems can be stressful for food animals, and that stress can increase pathogen shedding in animals.”
These factory farms don’t only put the animals and the public at risk, but the people who work there.


Researchers with Bloomberg School of Public Health found 36.6% of workers within industrial livestock factories carried the deadly MRSA bacteria in their nostrils, compared with 19% of those working in antibiotic, free-range farms. Not to mention the exorbitant amount of antibiotics used on livestock (70-80%, are used for factory farm animals for both disease prevention and to stimulate unnatural growth) which leads to tainted meat and antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains.

If food safety was truly the main concern of the FDA or the USDA, things wouldn’t be as they are in the U.S. food system. We would have labels indicating genetically modified ingredients, we would be told of the health risks of additives and colors in our foods, and such toxins would be subject to at least as much criticism and evaluation as natural and organic foods.

For now, the new regulations are only proposed, not enacted. You have a chance to tell the FDA their attempt to prevent salmonella by making things more difficult for farmers practicing safe and sustainable agriculture are misguided. Let them know that factory farming doesn’t help anyone, too.
Write to them here.


Source:

Natural Society



 


 
 





Thursday, September 26, 2013

Special Report: We Are Winning The Fight Against Monsanto & GMOs


Special Report: We Are Winning The Fight Against Monsanto & GMOs 

by Anthony Gucciardi

Natueral Society,  September 26, 2013


Thanks to the intellectual campaigns we have been launching on the front lines against the agricultural corruption brought upon by Monsanto and its GMOs, we are now winning the overall war against the corporate monopoly and genetically modified creations at large.
One such major victory, which occurred as a result of activism and overall outrage from the public, is the announcement by Senators that they are going to ‘kill’ the Monsanto Protection Act renewal legislation. The Monsanto Protection Act, as you are probably aware, was of course the legislative rider (a slippery way to including law into a bill that is oftentimes irrelevant) that granted Monsanto legal immunity for its crops up until September 30th of 2013.

A rider that some slimy senators were attempted to renew for additional months.
But even though Monsanto was surely willing to help sway the politicians financially, they simply could not go against the colossal amounts of public  outrage over the support for Monsanto and GMOs. A powerful form of activism that we are seeing more and more often around the nation and worldwide. The same powerful activism that has Monsanto cowering in fear of the general public that is awakening the disease machine practices of the company.

It is no surprise, then, that Monsanto has been dishing out millions in attempts to squash GMO labeling initiatives in the state of Washington. And it is therefore no surprise that even grocery chains and other corporations have been caught laundering cash in order to defeat the profit-threatening GMO labeling campaigns that would let customers know if they were consuming genetically tainted food

Monsanto may be winning a few battles thanks to deep pockets and a willingness to do whatever is necessary to squash opposition (such as paying its way into the Prop 37 GMO labeling campaign in California), but overall we are winning the war for our food supply. Monsanto may escape GMO labeling for some time, but now even politicians are not able to side with Monsanto as they know they would lose their positions and face extreme backlash. The public is waking up, and Monsanto’s time is limited.
Stay tuned to NaturalSociety and my other updates in the near future as we push forward the campaign to end Monsanto and restore the integrity of our food supply.

Source:

Natural Society


Monsanto Protection Act Defeated By Activism Video



Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Why Is The Food Industry Poisoning Us With Trillions of Nanoparticles? by Sayer Ji



Why Is The Food Industry Poisoning Us With Trillions of Nanoparticles?


by Sayer Ji

Green Med Info,   24 September 2013


The U.S. food industry is notorious for poisoning the very consumers who drive their multi-billion dollar enterprise, even spending millions against their right to informed consent (truthful GMO labeling). So, is it any wonder that this deregulated and increasingly deranged juggernaut is experimenting on its own customer base by exposing them to trillions of toxic nanoparticles?

A new study published in Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy titled, "Effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in human gastric epithelial cells in vitro," reveals for the first time that the nanoparticle form of the common "whitening" agent known as titanium dioxide is capable of inducing "tumor-like" changes in exposed human cells.[1]

Whereas previous cell research has established that titanium dioxide (TiO2) is cytotoxic (cell damaging),[2] this is the first study of its kind to find exposed cells undergo a 'phenotypal' transition from normal to cancerous cell traits, including an increased rate of cell proliferation and a decrease in programmed cell death – hallmark features of precancerous and/or cancerous cells associated with 'immortalization.'

Owing to the fact that the researchers tested human gastric epithelial cells, a type of stomach cell in direct contact with material we eat, and considering the broad range of drug, personal care and food products nanoparticle TiO2 is commonly used within, the toxicological implications of these findings are deeply concerning.


We Are Already Eating Titanium Dioxide


TiO2 is a naturally occurring oxide of titanium, and has a wide range of industrial applications as a "whitening" pigment in plastics, ceramic glazes and paints. It is used in sunscreens as a UV absorbing "sun protection factor," due to its high refractive index.  Most of our risk of exposure comes from its use in toothpaste, drugs and excipient-heavy supplements as a pill coating, and food products, including even milk (to 'improve' appearance and texture).

Indeed, given that TiO2 is found in thousands of consumer products, the odds are that you are already being exposed to a significant quantity of them on a daily basis.  As reported byEverydayhealth.com, "You ingest around 100 trillion nanoparticles every day, researchers at Binghamton University and Cornell University say."
So, what are some common brands who use it? Nanotitanium is found in products produced by Jello, Nestlé, M&M's, Mother's, Mentos, Albertson's, Hostess and Kool Aid. 
Below is a table from the 2012 E Magazine article "Eating Nano" revealing its presence in common U.S. packaged goods.

Is Titanium Dioxide Regulated?

Much like present day radiobiological risk assessments for technologies like mammography were developed long before the discovery of DNA, making it impossible to comprehend their DNA-damaging properties at that time, present day biosafety regulations of TiO2 were determined long before the advent of nanotechnology.  In both cases, the true harms of these technologies were -- and still are -- greatly underestimated.
As a result of this information gap, TiO2 is currently classified as 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) by the FDA, regardless of format. Remarkably, the FDA still allows titanium dioxide in sunscreens "at concentrations of up to 25 percent alone and 2 to 25 percent in combination with any proposed Category I sunscreen active ingredient" without considering the toxicity differential of particle size.[3]Considering that concentrations as low as 0.001% by weight have been found to exhibit clear cytotoxicity within exposed cells,[4] the biosafety regulations governing TiO2  are as great as 5 orders of magnitude or higher less stringent than they should be to protect the consumer.

Nanoparticles are so small they are below the threshold of visibility. This is one reason why they are used for sun protection factor, as 100 nanometers or smaller particles will not leave the white pasty appearance on the skin associated with larger particles.  What you can't see, however, is still there – and in the case of nanotitanium, may slip through the surface layers of our skin into more sensitive tissues, as well as our blood stream. This is also why, if you use sunscreen, you should make sure the ingredients say "non-nanoparticle" when describing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. And this rule applies to purportedly 'natural' brands as well.

To read the entire article, please click on the link provided below:

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

GMO-Riddled ‘Lucky Charms’ Makes it to UK Supermarket, Parents Outraged by Elizabeth Renter


GMO-Riddled ‘Lucky Charms’ Makes it to UK Supermarket, Parents Outraged

by Elizabeth Renter


Natural Society,  24 September 2013


In the U.S., we tend to live in a bit of a bubble, accepting everything we are exposed to on a daily basis as normalcy. We forget it isn’t the same in other countries around the world. Case in point: Lucky Charms, an artificially-colored, GMO-riddled cereal popular in the U.S., recently made its way to U.K. store shelves, and parents are outraged.

Lucky Charms, made by GM, is a common breakfast cereal here in the U.S. I imagine many older individuals reading this now thought its blue moons, yellow diamonds, and green clovers were the best thing that ever happened to breakfast growing up. Older and wiser, however, many of us won’t let our children touch the product. Still, Lucky Charms remains one of the top-selling cereals on the market, and it has recently debuted overseas to a less-than-thrilled market.

“Imported Lucky Charms can have adverse effects on children’s behavior,” said an article originally printed in Britain’s Daily Mail. “It is marketed as nutritious, but contains four suspect colourings,” they warn.

The cereal recently showed up on shelves of Tesco grocery stores, a chain of stores that bans genetically modified ingredients in their own store-brand, but obviously has no problems selling genetically modified imports from the country who does GMOs best.

Is food coloring bad for you? In the U.S., a very small percentage of parents are aware of the harmful effects of artificial food colorings or the potentially cancer-causing effects of genetically modified grains. Some, even with that knowledge, will still cave and buy their children the sugary, nutritionally devoid breakfast. But in a country where the awareness is at least slightly higher, where warning labels are required on foods with artificial colors, there is outrage over Lucky Charms even being on the shelves.

One father, a psychotherapist from southwest London, buckled and bought Lucky Charms for his 9-year old son. Hyperaware of what this new food might do to his son, the father described him as “very giddy” after eating the cereal.
“As his behaviour became more and more unusually hyper and lacking attention I then noticed that he was enthusiastically eating and talking about this new cereal called Lucky Charms,” said Mr Stevenson. “I checked the box and found out that in very small lettering it said that it was a GM food. I destroyed the packet and he calmed down the next day but I was very concerned and angry”.
Top 10 Children’s Cereals with Sugar

Seeing how parents “across the pond” react to one of the most popular U.S. breakfast cereals truly puts things in perspective. While parents are angry at Tesco and their decision to sell these cereals, we simply accept them as normal and rarely give it more than a fleeting thought.

We can hope this outrage will translate to concrete action on the part of Tesco, perhaps pulling Lucky Charms from their shelves for the sake of British children and their concerned parents. One has to wonder, what would happen if every consumer in the U.S. decided to get “concerned and angry” about the state of our food system.

Additional Sources:

Center for Science in the Public Interest


Source:

Natural Society

Monday, September 23, 2013

Video Interview of Edward Snowden's Lawyer




Published on Sep 23, 2013

Who pays for Snowden's security in Russia? Where is he living? Does he like it in Russia, has he made any friends? Why could nobody find him in Sheremetyevo Airport? Scores of questions have been surrounding Snowden's summer landing in Moscow, but the whistleblower is maintaining media silence. The only person known to have access to him is his lawyer Anatoly Kucherena. We decided the best way to figure out what's currently happening with Edward Snowden was to invite his counselor for a chat.

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Cancer the Forbidden Cures - Full Documentary Video







Saturday, September 21, 2013

English-Speaking 'Forest Boy' Nicknamed 'Siberian Mowgli' Born and Raised in the Altai Wilderness by Anna Liesowska

Odzhan, whose name translates as 'a great soul' is 20 years old. Picture: youtube

English-speaking 'forest boy' nicknamed 'Siberian Mowgli' born and raised in the Altai wilderness

by Anna Liesowska


The Siberian Times,  11 September   2013


He is believed to be 20, born in the wild, never went to school, received no vaccinations, and was cut off from civilisation.

The young man, named Odzhan or 'great soul', was born after his painter father Alexander and musician mother Elena opted out of society to live in mud huts and primitive timber houses in the wild. Until this week, he has met hardly any other humans, missing kindergarten, school and university.

But his parents educated him in all they know, and he learned English from a dictionary they took with them when they cut themselves off from society at the end of the Soviet era. Now he craves one thing only. Not to move to a town or city or know more people. But to speak to a native English speaker to finesse his use of the language.

The handsome young hermit came to the notice of the authorities when villagers found him and brought him to the local prosecutor.

'I'm living well thank you,' he said. 'We are living well. This is the reality we have that we live here, and its quite a good reality.

'To move closer towards the city? For that we need to have a more cultural society, and of course to change how the cities smell and the pollution.

'I am happy here.'

His bearded father had some contact with people, selling mushrooms they gathered, as well as his paintings. But Odzhan and his mother only met the occasional hunter in the forest near Belokurikha, a famous spa and mineral spring resort in Altai region, 250km south of the city of Barnaul.

'To survive, we are selling mushrooms and my father's paintings,' Odzhan said.

'Who am I talking to? Well, life puts us in touch with people when we need to do something, we don't just come together for a sake of chatting. So for now it has been mostly adults who I've seen and communicated with.

'I study English, I've got a dictionary with words in English with spelling and pronunciation rules for every word. Of course, I need to have practice - if only I could have a chance to communicate with somebody who speaks no words on Russia - at least for a month!

'But there is a psychological difficulty with my sub-consciousness not understanding why it needs to learn English. I can easily say 'do you speak English?' (he says with a good English accent), but for proper fluent speech of course I need the practice.

'My books? I've got a dictionary, and there every word is given with a spelling and the pronunciation. Do I read other books? Yes I always try to read as soon as I have spare time. Perhaps some time later I will get to read, but right now there is no spare time whatsoever.

'If suddenly I get some spare time I will get into painting. '

To read the entire article, please click on the link provided below:

The Siberian Times


 



Friday, September 20, 2013

Researchers: Tart Cherries Have ‘Highest Anti-Inflammatory Content of any Food’ by Elizabeth Renter

Source of poster:    http://www.choosecherries.com/health/main.aspx

Researchers: Tart Cherries Have ‘Highest Anti-Inflammatory Content of any Food’

by Elizabeth Renter

Natural Society,  19 September 2013


Fruits and vegetables don’t only hold the key to better health overall, they can be used to treat and prevent very specific ailments. For example, using ginger to fight an upset stomach or cranberries to prevent urinary tract infections are two well-known plant-healing remedies. Another notable example is with tart cherries, and how the tiny red fruit can effectively fight inflammation and prevent arthritis.

According to researchers with Oregon Health & Science University, tart cherries have the “highest anti-inflammatory content of any food”. This is a remarkable statement considering all of the fruits and vegetables with anti-inflammatory properties. These anti-inflammatory properties are also likely responsible for the many health benefits of cherries.

The researchers discovered that tart cherries, like Montmorency and Balaton in particular, are rich in phenolics and anthocyanins, more so than sweet cherry varieties like Bing, Lambert, and Rainier. These compounds are known to reduce inflammation considerably, which is why cherries are quickly rising as one of the best home remedies for gout and other inflammatory-related issues.

In this particular study, the researchers analyzed 20 women between the ages of 40 and 70 with inflammatory osteoarthritis. The women drank tart cherry juice twice daily for three weeks. At the end of the three week period, the researchers found “significant reductions” in inflammation markers. The reductions were most pronounced in women who had the highest inflammation levels at the start of the period.

A study from 2001 indicated the anthocyanins in tart cherries were as effective as ibuprofen and naproxen (over-the-counter inflammation and pain medications) at suppressing enzymes associated with arthritis. Best of all, there are no side effects.

Another previous study—this one from Baylor Research Institute—found that a single daily dose of tart cherry extract helped reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis but more than 20 percent.
Natural pain relieving and anti-inflammatory foods should be staples in the diets of people who have to deal with conditions like arthritis. The alternatives—like ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen—can be quite dangerous.

For example, research spanning from 1995 to 2006 found a connection between hearing loss and ibuprofen use. But hearing loss isn’t the only risk. Over-the-counter pain medications have also been tied to birth defects, blindness, strokes, and intestinal bleeding.
Natural alternatives include tart cherries, curcumin (found in turmeric), and willow bark – all effective options without the side effects.

Additional Sources:

GreenMedInfo

Source:

Natural Society


Budding Trees - A Music Video by Nahko and Medicine For The People




Published on Aug 7, 2013

Nahko and Medicine for the People - Budding Trees
From the album "Dark As Night" available now!
Purchase: iTunes - http://bit.ly/DANiTunes

A film by Grototote and Mari Kari.
A big thank you to everyone who contributed!

Get a free download of Budding Trees at http://www.nahko.com


http://www.facebook.com/nahkoandmedic...
http://www.twitter.com/nahkobear
http://www.soundcloud.com/nahko





Thursday, September 19, 2013

6 Things Hawaii can Teach Us About Health and Happiness by Elizabeth Renter


6 Things Hawaii can Teach Us About Health and Happiness

by Elizabeth Renter

Natural Society,  18 September 2013


Hawaiians are generally happier than their landlocked countrymen, and there are several reasons why. At first blush, it’s tempting to say, “Who wouldn’t be happier?—living in a place as beautiful as Hawaii, spending time on the beach with an umbrella in your glass.” But, Hawaiians aren’t on a permanent vacation. They work just like we do, pay bills, and deal with life stressors. Through it all, however, they manage to stay happier and even live longer. So, what can Hawaiians teach us about health? A whole lot.

 

Less Stress, Laid Back

Only 32.1% of Hawaiians admit to feeling stressed on any given day; that’s compared with West Virginia, where at the other end of the spectrum, 47.1 percent are stressed. That sense of wellbeing could contribute significantly to overall health—as we know stress has detrimental long-term health effects.

The life expectancy of an average Hawaiian is proof. A healthy 65-year old Hawaiian can expect to live another 16.2 years, the highest HLE (healthy life expectancy) according to the CDC. The lowest is in Mississippi, where a healthy 65 year old only has another 10.8 years to look forward to.


There isn’t one single answer to why Hawaiians are living happier and longer than the rest of us. But one of the major factors in the equation is their laid-back lifestyle.

It’s what we call ‘Hawaiian time and Hawaiian style,” said Rochelle Ballard of Kauai. “It’s just enjoying time with friends and family stopping by, and taking that time to laugh and tell a story, even if you have a busy day. I think the reason we have that healthier, longer life in the islands is because of that laid-back lifestyle.

Read: How Compassion Makes Us Happier, Healthier

Fresh Food, Exercise, and Beautiful Weather

Also, diet plays an important role. The diet of Hawaiians is like the best of both worlds, mixing island-style with tropical fruits and seafood, and Japanese style adding lots of fresh vegetables and light cooking methods.
Weather is another important aspect to consider. Hawaiians are able to get sunshine throughout the year, not having to worry about snow or an ice storm. Subsequently, they are getting plenty of fresh air and mood-improving vitamin D.
Additionally, Hawaiians are said to exercise often. As a matter of fact, more than 60% of Hawaiians regularly exercise, which is the second highest in the nation (Alaska is the first).

 

Accessible Healthcare

Lastly, Hawaiians find it easier to see a medical professional when they are sick. A state law mandates employers offer health coverage to any worker who puts in 20 hours or more each week, making Hawaii the leader in U.S. healthcare.

It truly seems as if Hawaii residents have found the fountain of youth, and they’ve found it in those things we all know contribute to a healthier happier life: good food, positive attitude, lots of sunshine, plenty of activity, and a laid-back personality.

Source:

Natural Society




We Are Beings Of Light - A Poem by M.N. Hopkins



We are beings of Light

Surrounded by images of darkness

Darkness directed

By those of dark determination

Who are weak of mind

And will

Separated from Spirit

Easily influenced

And

Corrupted

Dimming their vision

As they dim ours

Distracting our thoughts

Our emotions

Away from

Self-reliance

Self-determination

Self-direction

Self control

Until the day of illumination

When Light is unleached

Projected outward again

Pushing the darkness further away

Then

Once again

We are beings of Light

Yes

Beings of Light

Directed by Self

Directed by

Love

© 2013  M.N. Hopkins

Note:  This poem first took form very early this morning before arising to start my day.  I was given a few lines and later worked with the words are more came to me and this is the final result.  It is in a sense a revision of the poem that I wrote one day before and published this morning.

This was written today, September 19, 2013.

Aspartame – The GMO Excrement Polluting Your Body by Christina Sarich

Source of Poster:  http://jenniferaccomando.com/tag/adhd-aspartame/

Aspartame – The GMO Excrement Polluting Your Body

by Christina Sarich

Natural Society,    19 September 2013


If you switched to diet soda hoping to avoid refined sugar, or any other fizzy drink or aspartame-sweetened food, you are now guzzling down a product created by one of the GM Giants – Monsanto. Many scientists are calling for further study of a genetically modified bacteria which is used to create aspartame, but the evidence is already quite glaring, that the stuff is no good.

It has been a secret until very recently – one that Monsanto, clearly didn’t want to get out – that one of the most utilized sweeteners in our food chain is genetically modified. Monsanto insists that it is completely safe; however, just because there was no modified DNA in the final product. Though this doesn’t mean that it can’t harm our bodies. A writer with The Independent says, “We have two strains of bacteria – one is traditionally modified and one is genetically modified,” said one Monsanto source. “It’s got a modified enzyme. It has one amino acid different.”

Interestingly, aspartame is made using genetically modified bacteria in the US, but according to a Monsanto source, the UK market does not have to eat genetically modified bacteria poop. Some consumer groups warn; however, that some low-calorie foods may still contain the GMO aspartame, even overseas. GM aspartame may cause blindness, cancer, and brain tumors.

Aspartame is made by combining phenylalanine, a substance that is produced naturally by bacteria with another amino acid, that has not been genetically altered.

However, Monsanto has genetically changed the bacteria to create more phenylalanine. When this amino acid chain breaks down, it breaks down into three constituents, including methanol – which has been linked to autism, preterm delivery, and more. This is then broken down in the body to formic acid (which when handled in a lab you have to wear goggles and gloves) and formaldehyde (something used to clean drains and embalm dead bodies, and a known carcinogen). It also breaks down into a chemical called DKP, which can cause brain tumors – this according to a study published on the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) site about aspartame.

Even the National Cancer Institute will tell you that formaldehyde is a cancer risk. From their site:
“Formaldehyde has been classified as a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.”
It seems Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Monsanto are doing a great job with adding toxic ingredients to our beverages.

Source:

Natural Society


 


Beings Of Light - A Poem by M.N. Hopkins



Your Light shines bright

From

A never ending Source

An infinite beacon

That lights ones way

Through the finite

With it's storms

It's turmoils

It's troubles

That never end

A Light that is

So bright

It illuminates

And

Enlightens ones heart

And mind

A never ending Source of

Warmth

Of visions

Of inspirations

That nourish

And

Enrich

We are Pilgrims

On our finite paths

Of

Suffering and Strife

Following a beacon

A beacon that lights

Our ways

Back to the Infinite

Back to where Life began

And life ends

Back to a time

Without time

We will come back

Back to our Selves

With Self pressence

Then

Forward again

To Selves

With selves with pressence

Around again

Full circle

Never really beginning

Never really ending

Just being

In the Present

With full Pressence

Being

Beings of Light

Yes

Beings of Light

Now

Following

Pathways formed from

Love

Yes

Our  Pathways of

Love


© M.N. Hopkins

Note:  This poem was written on September 18, 2013 and published for the first time on my blog today.  It was inspired by a question I had earlier in the day asking if Light can be lost or destroyed.  My answer was, No,  How can the finite destroy the Infinite?

self denotes the ego self and Self that which is in contact with the Divine and directed from that vantage point.