Ugandan Bill seeks Executions for Gays

HUMAN RIGHTS

Uganda's Anti-Gay Death Law
Bill calls for those convicted of "aggravated homosexuality" to receive the death penalty.

Mark Isaac Thyss
Garden of Healing®

The Ugandan government says their new anti-homosexuality bill seeks to strengthen "the nation's capacity to deal with emerging internal and external threats to the traditional heterosexual family." But the bill amounts to state sponsorship of the execution of gay and lesbian people.

A legislator in Uganda wants to impose the death penalty on gays living with HIV or in cases of same-sex rape.

Landlords who rent rooms or homes to gays also could get seven years in prison if they fail to report them to authorities. Anyone with "religious, political, economic or social authority" who fails to report anyone violating the law faces three years in prison if convicted.

Christian leaders who are themselves divided over homosexuality jumped in joining forces to oppose the proposed Ugandan law.

"Our Christian faith recognizes violence, harassment and unjust treatment of any human being as a betrayal of Jesus' commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves," reads the statement released Monday and signed by dozens of leaders.

David Bahati, the legislator sponsoring the bill, said the measures are necessary to stop gays from recruiting children.

The bill calls for those convicted of involvement in homosexual acts to be sentenced to life in prison and those convicted of "aggravated homosexuality" to receive the death penalty.

Uganda's ethics minister, James Nsaba Buturo, said the death sentence is needed to counter foreign influence. Homosexuality "is not natural in Uganda," he said.


© 2009 The Garden of Healing® Company. The Star Raconteur™. All Rights Reserved.

Cold Defense

IMMUNE SYSTEM

Cold Defense
Cold and flu remedies and products that support the immune system are up 70% over last year.

By Christina Veiders

Supermarket News

This year's cold/flu season, plagued by especially bad bug viruses, has driven consumers to seek defense by downing immune-system elixirs.

The sales numbers tell the story for demand of flu-related products in general.

Nielsen reported last week that consumers stocked up on preventive, treatment and sanitizing products at an increased rate. Thermometers, vitamins, cough and cold remedies, orange juice, cleaning products, tea and soup all reported year-over-year increases.

Researchers and industry observers say immune-system support products have particularly benefited during the severe flu season, with sales on some product up as much as 20% to 25%. Retailers merchandised an array of products that ranged from simple vitamin C to probiotics to special formulas of combo immune nutrients.

Wendy McLain, health and beauty aids merchandiser for Seattle-based PCC Natural Markets, reports that sales of cold and flu remedies and products that support the immune system are up 70% over last year.

PCC Markets' best sellers are: Alacer Emergen-C, Boiron Oscillo, PCC-brand vitamin D, Source Naturals Wellness Formula and, in general, hand sanitizers.

The retailer used its bi-monthly ad circular to promote these products.

Whole Foods Market, Austin, Texas, turned its stores into immune-support destinations by offering a wide range of immune-support products.

Featured items are: Source Naturals Wellness Formula, which is said to "rebalance well-being"; Gaia Herbs Rapid Relief Black Elderberry Syrup, packed with vitamin C that "supports a healthy immune response"; and Whole Foods' private-label 365 Everyday Value Flu Ease, a homeopathic formula that "provides relief from body aches, chills, fever and other symptoms."

The natural-food retailer also produced a number of podcasts and blogs devoted to cough-cold-flu topics. In-store lectures and brochures discussed differences between colds and flu; how ingredients like garlic turmeric, cayenne pepper and kale can help strengthen the immune system; which herbs and supplements provide immune support; recipes for immune system-boosting soups and smoothies; and seasonal wellness tips to help ward off colds and flu.

A local media source reported last month that a Whole Foods in Winston-Salem, N.C., set up two immune-boosting kiosks that displayed natural alternative medicines like echinacea, elderberry and probiotics. The store enjoyed a 10% boost in vitamin sales. Michelle Tisdale, Whole Body specialist, was quoted in the report as saying, "We also have a lot of new people who have never been in a health food store and want to try something natural. Some of the people are those who want added protection along with the vaccine and others are those who don't plan on getting vaccinated."

With a scarcity of vaccines and a constant media barrage over the H1N1 "swine flu" virus and the seriousness of the flu season, consumers naturally sought out alternative remedies. "Our research shows 44% of those who take vitamins and minerals do so to help ward off illness. Additionally, some 29% of vitamin-takers say that they frequently change the supplements that they take based on new information in the news," noted Molly Heyl-Rushmer, senior analyst for research firm Mintel International.

However, the demand for immunity supplements also has come with controversy over marketers' health claims.

Early this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published guidance for dietary supplement manufacturers on what it considers to be sufficient scientific substantiation for the health claims made on their products. The guidance, which takes the form of recommendations rather than rulemaking, refers to all nutritional deficiency, structure/function or general well-being claims.

Yet, the FDA and Federal Trade Commission were forced to issue warning letters.

As a result, some manufacturers and retailers had to change their labeling and health claims. Some faced hefty fines. CVS, Woonsocket, R.I., for example, paid nearly $2.8 million to settle FTC charges over misleading claims that its AirShield dietary supplements can prevent colds, fight germs and boost immune systems. The case was similar to those the FTC announced in 2008 - against Airborne Health, Improvita Health Products and Rite Aid Corp. - which involved dietary supplements that purportedly treat colds and the flu.

The FTC charged CVS with making false and deceptive advertising claims that using its product would reduce the risk of colds and protect against catching colds in crowded places, such as schools, airplanes, offices, health clubs, theaters or restaurants. The FTC alleged that the company had no evidence that the products could boost the immune system or prevent colds. A settlement with Rite Aid regarding similar claims for its Germ Defense products was announced in July, resulting in a Rite Aid consumer refund program.

Such cases put retailers on notice that they assume "gatekeeper responsibility" that the products they put on their shelves meet FDA and FTC standards, said Loren Israelsen, executive director, United Natural Products Alliance, Salt Lake City. "It's sometimes counter-intuitive for retailers who are interested in getting products on shelves but in this new regulatory environment, that is the message from the regulator to the regulated.

The companies that sell the products have the same obligation."

Other cases cited by federal authorities included Internet retailer DrWeil.com for its Immune Support Formula claims that the product was a prevention, treatment or cure for the H1N1 flu virus. The product contained astragalus, a traditional herb said to boost immunity, and immune-supportive polypore mushrooms.

Prior to the flu season, an industry coalition comprised of the American Herbal Products Association, Consumer Healthcare Products Association, Council for Responsible Nutrition, Natural Products Association and United Natural Products Alliance issued a statement advising against the use of dietary supplements as a swine flu remedy and cure.

"Nothing changes from year to year. This year we had an unusual, aggressive public concern about H1N1; we saw this new government take substantially more active steps than we saw in past years. Yes, that will continue," said Israelsen.


© 2009 Penton Media. All rights reserved.

Woman Sues Food Company Over E. Coli

FOOD WARNINGS

Woman Sues Food Company Over E. Coli

By Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS, MN

A Minnesota woman who became severely ill from E. coli after eating a tainted hamburger sued a division of the agribusiness giant Cargill Inc. on Friday.

The woman, Stephanie Smith, 22, of Cold Spring, became ill in September 2007 after eating hamburger produced by the Cargill division. Her infection led to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a complication that causes kidney failure. She suffered seizures and was in a medically induced coma for three months.

She was featured this year in an article in The New York Times that traced the beef trimmings that went into her burger patty to four plants in two countries. The article generated worldwide attention and spurred Congress to consider tougher food safety laws.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Minneapolis, names Cargill Meat Solutions Corp., which is based in Wichita, Kan.

Her lawyer, Bill Marler, said settlement talks between Cargill, Cargill’s insurance carrier, AIG, and Ms. Smith’s lawyers recently collapsed.

Mr. Marler said Ms. Smith’s medical bills already total more than $2 million and were likely to add up to tens of millions of dollars. Cargill, based in Minnetonka, has paid for some of her bills.

Related Links: http://www.marlerblog.com


Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Cadbury Bid Moves Forward

BUSINESS DIGEST

Cadbury Bid Moves Forward
Kraft Foods takes its $16.3 billion hostile takeover offer straight to Cadbury shareholders.

By Mark Isaac Thyss
Garden of Healing®

LONDON, ENGLAND

On Friday, Kraft Foods Inc. took its $16.3 billion hostile takeover offer for Cadbury PLC straight to shareholders of the British candy company.

The deal is nearly unchanged from an earlier offer Cadbury rejected.

Kraft has now started the clock ticking on a series of regulatory deadlines to get the majority support it needs and may flush out rival bids.

Kraft announced a proposed takeover in September and formally issued the bid in November. Cadbury immediately rejected the offer, saying it undervalued the company.

Cadbury declined to comment on the offer but has been clear about its disinterest at this price. Under British regulations, Cadbury has two weeks to give a formal response to the offer before shareholders.

Retaining the original offer gives Kraft some wiggle room to increase its bid should a rival suitor emerge.

Kraft wants to get the majority shareholder votes by January 5, but can take until February to complete the process under regulations.

U.S. chocolate company The Hershey Company and Italy's Ferrero International SA have said they are considering an offer.

Cadbury PLC is the world's second-largest candy maker. It is an attractive acquisition for any of the companies.

Kraft, the world's second-largest food maker, said the acquisition could lift its revenue and earnings.

Cadbury is one of the world's largest confectionary companies and has strong international reach, with a key presence in emerging markets.


© 1996-2009 The Garden of Healing® Company. All Rights Reserved.

Do Healing Gardens Really Heal?

HEALING GARDENS

Do Healing Gardens Really Heal?
And other insights about the power of hospital design

SOURCE: http://www.ssoe.com/news

“Evidence-based design” of hospitals has been credited with laudable improvements in patient care: faster recovery, reduced medication errors, improved staff safety and lower stress levels for everyone. The proponents of this design approach aren’t radicals. They are architects whose design reflects scientific research that proves certain environmental characteristics can create impressive results.

In the last decade, leading researchers proposed the idea that hospital design decisions should be based on documented results. From that point forward, rather than make assumptions about how to design a better functioning hospital, the profession took the position, “We need to prove it.”

Most of us have first-hand knowledge of the annoying aspects of hospitals—the disruptive noises, harsh lighting, stark décor, uncomfortable furniture, lack of privacy and more. And the staff can cite many design features that make it difficult to deliver the best medical treatment. Thanks to the ongoing compilation and quantification of hundreds of studies on the affects of certain environmental factors, architects know much more about how to improve outcomes.

Let’s take a tour of a model evidenced-based designed hospital to understand the environmental changes it incorporates.


For the full article: http://www.ssoe.com/news/article10.aspx



© 1948-2009 SSOE Group. All Rights Reserved.

Nebraska Company Poised to Lose Organic Certification

ORGANIC CERTIFICATION

Nebraska Company Poised to Lose Organic Certification
Company kept inadequate records and refused to let USDA inspectors review the records it did have.

By Josh Funk

The Wisconsin State Journal

Promiseland Livestock will lose its organic certification for four years unless it appeals a ruling issued last month because the company kept inadequate records and refused to let USDA inspectors review the records it did have.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture filed a formal complaint against Promiseland in 2008 and accused it of a number of violations of organic standards, including using non-organic feed and reselling conventional grain as organic.

A judge ruled Nov. 25 that the livestock company had violated USDA rules by refusing to provide records to inspectors when they visited Promiseland's facilities in Nebraska and Missouri. But the judge did not rule directly on whether Promiseland's practices violated organic standards.

The Promiseland problems were uncovered as part of an investigation of milk producer Aurora Organic Dairy of Boulder, Colo., because Aurora had bought more than 12,000 cattle from Promiseland.

No one answered the phone at Promiseland's Bassett, Neb., headquarters Wednesday.

A USDA spokesman declined to comment on the Promiseland case Wednesday.

The Cornucopia Institute, a Wisconsin-based watchdog group, has filed several complaints against large-scale dairies that have promoted their milk as organic, including Aurora.

Mark Kastel, Cornucopia's co-director, said he's glad that Promiseland will likely lose its organic certification, and that the USDA under President Barack Obama appears to be more aggressive in its response to complaints about companies not following the organic rules.

"The good news for consumers is the system worked," he said. "The bad news is that it took several years for it to happen."

Kastel said Promiseland made it harder for small organic dairy farmers to compete because it wasn't following organic standards in its operation, so Promiseland had lower costs.

Consumers typically pay more for organic food because they believe it is free of hormones or pesticides and produced with greater respect for the environment.

Large corporate farms say they can farm organically on a large scale, while sustainable family farms and the Cornucopia group complain that such operations are not really organic. The critics say the large farms contribute to surpluses that drive down prices.

The USDA said in its complaint that government investigators repeatedly requested records from Promiseland during the first half of 2007. But Promiseland officials did not provide the records and refused to let federal investigators review records during an unannounced review, according to the federal complaint.

The USDA said Promiseland has ranches or feedlots near Bassett, Neb.; and Falcon, Lebanon, Elkland and Grant City, Mo.

The company also has about 12,000 dairy heifers and 10,000 slaughter cattle, the USDA said in its complaint.


© Copyright 2009 The Wisconsin State Journal. All Rights Reserved.

Oil Reserves Far Lower than Reported

ENVIRONMENT

Key Oil Figures were Distorted by U.S. Pressure
Exclusive: Watchdog's estimates of reserves inflated says top official

Source: The Guardian.co.uk

The world is much closer to running out of oil than official estimates admit, according to a whistleblower at the International Energy Agency who claims it has been deliberately underplaying a looming shortage for fear of triggering panic buying.

The senior official claims the US has played an influential role in encouraging the watchdog to underplay the rate of decline from existing oil fields while overplaying the chances of finding new reserves.

The allegations raise serious questions about the accuracy of the organisation's latest World Energy Outlook on oil demand and supply to be published tomorrow – which is used by the British and many other governments to help guide their wider energy and climate change policies.


For the full article:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/nov/09/peak-oil-international-energy-agency


2009 © Guardian News and Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.