Howdy!  Welcome to the 47th Edition of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.

To honor Earth Day, we've a special link in this issue for an amazing
collection of online resources for sustainable and organic gardening.
Further down, after the craziness in "Mad Cow Info Round-up" there's a
disturbing new and major study about how we are using up our planet's
resources, how oil prices are wrecking havoc on U.S. agriculture, about
several States banding together to challenge the EPA, and wonderful news
about the first State to pass a major green law governing all public
buildings.

Reading on, you'll learn about citrus liminoids and your health, more good
news about beans, fruits, and veggies versus different cancers, and
scientific proof that happiness and spirituality is good for your health.
There's also a peek at behind the scenes at PETA, information about a new
book about "Dangerous Groceries," links for "MyPyramid:" the US gov't's
latest attempt to balance nutrition advice with corporate greed, a detailed
and seminal study of Pet Food (with useful resource information),
controversy over feral cat hunting, and activist success using billboards
to raise public awareness of puppy mills.

As always, a nod of the hat to our new subscribers.  Y'all can read past
issues of the newsletter at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

...and don't miss some of the articles about tips for reducing the cost of
organic food, organic farming opportunities world-wide, essential foods,
networking, recipes, and more, in this issue's "Quick Bytes" section.

Best wishes to everyone for a renewing Earth Day.... and get those "Earth
Gardens" started!

Mark


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00:  Quotes of Note
01:  Sustainable/Organic Gardening Resources Online
02:  The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
03:  Mad Cow Info Round-up
04:  Earth Used-Up?, Oil=Ag Havoc, States vs. EPA, Green Law
05:  Great Liminoids!, Beans/Fruit/Veggies & Halving Cancers
06:  Fake Behind, Huge Horns, Coffee Truth, Happy is Best
07:  A Peek@PETA, Grocery Danger, Veg Baseball, MyPyramid
08:  Cat & Internet Hunts, Pet Food Report, Puppy Mill BillBoards
09:  Upcoming Events
10:  Howard's Schedule
11:  Quick Bytes
12:  Closing Thought(s)


************************************************
*00:  Quotes of Note
************************************************
"Ask the question:  who produced my food?  What did they use on it?  What's
it doing to me, the environment, and the animals?  I want you to think
about this: is it right... is it right that we should end up with more
cancer?  Should it be right that we end up with less topsoil? Is it right
that we end up with fewer trees?  When? When are we as the American People
going to stand up and say:  "enough is enough."  When in God's World are we
going to wake up to the fact that we are absolutely destroying the planet?"

-- Howard (shown speaking in 1994, on "Mad Cowboy:  The Documentary" DVD)

[Phone, snail mail, and online orders for the Interactive DVD (volume
discounts are available):
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VVFprods.002.html


************************************************
*01:  Sustainable/Organic Gardening Resources Online
************************************************
ENN SPECIAL REPORT: SUSTAINABLE GARDENING:  (04/2005): "More and more
people these days seem to be recognizing the multitude of reasons to plan
and maintain an ecological landscape. Reducing pollution, conserving
resources, and creating wildlife habitat are just a few of the end benefits
to taking a sustainable approach to gardening. Ecological landscaping
practices can be implemented in many ways and to a variety of degrees by
the home gardener. As you gear up for spring, consider how you might make
your garden more Earth-friendly."

[An incredible, and comprehensive compendium of online Articles, Radio
Programs, Web Sites, Books, Magazines & Journals, Television & Video,
Blogs, Organization related to Sustainable & Organic Gardening, for the
professional and amateur:
http://www.enn.com/today.html?id=7454


************************************************
*02:  The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST WEEK'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"What country is the world's largest exporter of chickens, orange juice,
sugar, and tobacco?"

(a) United States  (B) China  (C) Brazil  (D) Chile  (E) Mexico

Congratulations to Douglas Muir, of Houston, Texas, for correctly guessing
"Brazil" and winning the luck of the draw.  Enjoy your VegNews
subscription, pardner!

["Sometime in the next 10 years Brazil will probably pass the U.S. as the
world's largest agricultural producer. Brazil is now the world's largest
exporter of chickens, orange juice, sugar, coffee, and tobacco. .. while we
bear record trade deficits, Brazil boasts a $30 billion trade surplus (NYT,
Dec. 12, 2004)."
http://www.organicconsumers.org/Politics/bottom031405.cfm


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Based on data through 2002 from the U.S. gov't, "high cholesterol" ranks
which, among the top five "diseases growing the quickest" in the United
States?"  (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5)

Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word "contest"
in your subject line by NLT May 15th, 2005.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE
one-year subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting the
correct answer to each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to Joe, and you
can learn more about VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call 1.415.665.6397]


************************************************
*03:  Mad Cow Info Round-up
************************************************
MAD COW IMPORT STANDARD OK'D:  (03/30/05): "Canada, the United States and
Mexico have agreed to a single North American import standard related to
mad cow disease, Federal Agriculture Minister Andy Mitchell said yesterday.
The recently negotiated standard reflects guidelines laid out by the World
Organization for Animal Health.  It says that, as long as the materials
most likely to cause mad cow disease are being removed from the animal at
slaughter, and as long as animals are not being imported from herds where
the disease has been found, then it should be safe for animals to move
across borders.  The U.S. was scheduled to open its border to young
Canadian cattle earlier this month, but an injunction in a Montana court
prevented that from happening.

[From:
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/WinnipegSun/Business/2005/03/30/976322-sun.html


JAPAN: FOOD SAFETY APPROVES RELAXED DOMESTIC MAD COW TESTING:  (03/31/05):
"Japan's Food Safety Commission said it approved the easing of blanket
testing of domestic cattle for mad cow disease, bringing the country one
step closer to resuming beef imports from the U.S.  The commission said the
easing of the testing to exclude cattle younger than 21 months won't raise
the risk of beef infected with mad cow reaching consumers, according to a
statement distributed during a meeting of the committee today.  The
commission approval was one of the moves by Japan's food regulators that's
necessary before the country will resume imports of beef from the U.S.
Japan banned imports of the meat from the U.S. in December 2003 after the
discovery of an animal infected by mad cow disease. The business had been
worth about $1.7 billion.  Even so, it may be weeks before the ban is
lifted. The commission will receive public feedback on its decision until
April 27, it said in its statement."

[Very edited from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000101&sid=aKU1iEuwKHGo&refer=japan


MCDONALD'S IN JAPAN UNVEILS NEW STRATEGY:  (03/31/05): "McDonald's is
adding a vegetarian bagel sandwich to its menu in Japan and signing on a
figure-skating star to promote its healthier message as the U.S. fast-food
chain continues its turnaround after years of losses... the burger chain
will invest 22.7 billion yen ($211 million) in remodeling 500 stores this
year as part of its strategy to improve customer service and its image.
The Japanese partnership with the U.S. chain, which operates about 3,700
burger stores, ran into trouble in recent years after a mad-cow scare,
which began in 2001 and drove Japanese away from beef, although McDonald's
uses only Australian beef unaffected by the brain-wasting disease."

[Edited from:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-ap-japan-mcdonalds,1,6567680.story?co
ll=chi-business-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true


CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE FOUND IN ONE NEW YORK DEER:  (04/01/05): "The first
case of chronic wasting disease outside the U.S. Midwest or Rocky Mountain
region was confirmed in a white-tailed deer in New York State, the state's
agriculture department said on Thursday.  Chronic wasting disease, which is
not believed to harm humans, is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy,
part of a family of central nervous system diseases that include scrapie
and mad cow disease.  The disease has been found in Colorado, Illinois,
Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota,
Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control advises consumers to avoid eating
venison from any deer that might be infected with the disease as a safety
precaution. However, New York State Health Commissioner Antonia Novello
said there were no cases of humans falling ill from eating suspect deer
meat. "We feel very comfortable saying there would be no public health risk
to consuming venison," she said."

[Edited from:
http://www.enn.com/today.html?id=7454


SECOND CASE OF CWD CONFIRMED:  (04/02/05): "Chronic wasting disease was
discovered in a second captive deer in central New York, days after the
deadly malady was first detected in the state, agricultural officials said
Saturday.  Both white-tailed deer had been part of captive herds in Oneida
County, east of Syracuse. The second positive case was discovered in a
small herd that had taken in animals from the herd that yielded the initial
confirmed case earlier this week, according to the state Department of
Agriculture and Markets.  New York agricultural officials said Saturday
they were trying to determine the source of the disease in both animals,
but stressed it should not be considered a public health threat.  "This is
an animal health issue first and foremost. There's no link to disease in
humans," said state agricultural spokeswoman Jessica Chittenden. "We're
doing everything we can to control this."  Scientists don't know how the
disease is transmitted among animals. Symptoms of the disease include
weight loss, stumbling, tremors, lack of coordination and listlessness.

[Very edited from:
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--deerdisease0402apr02,0,
1608756.story?coll=ny-region-apnewyork


CWD INFECTED MEAT SERVED AT BANQUET :  (04/06/05): "... meat from one of
the two deer with chronic waste disease was recently served at the Verona
Fire Department's sportsman's banquet. The Oneida County Health Department
says the herd owner who donated the meat to the Fire Department didn't know
the deer had the disease. And there's no cause for alarm. Health officials
want people to know the disease hasn't been found to affect humans. But
they still want to hear from people who may have eaten venison at the
banquet... the disease typically does not affect humans, [although]
researchers don't know how the disease transfers from species to species
and whether or not it could potentially be transferred to humans through an
animal other than a deer.

[Edited from:
http://news10now.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=40063


FRANCE HAS TWO MORE HUMAN MAD COW CASES:  (04/04/05): "Two new cases of
human mad cow disease were detected in France, raising the total number of
cases in that country to 11, health officials said.   The country's
Institut de Veille Sanitaire said in a statement the two patients were not
known to be blood donors.  The agency did not offer further details about
the status or identity of the two new vCJD cases. Of the 11 cases reported
in France, eight of the patients have died and three are still alive.  A
recent report in the journal Veterinary Research estimated more than
300,000 cows infected with mad cow disease went undetected in France
between 1980 to 2000.

[Very edited from:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/index.php?feed=Science&article=UPI-1-20050405-12
222300-bc-france-madcow.xml


SENATE [Montana] PASSES MEAT LABELING LEGISLATION:  (04/07/05): "The Senate
on Wednesday passed Gov. Brian Schweitzer's proposal to require
country-of-origin placards on meat products sold in Montana.  House Bill
406, which passed on a 40-10 vote, would require stores to make clear the
country in which meats are produced.  If the country is uncertain, stores
would be required post a placard that says, "country of origin unknown."
The House passed the bill last month 63-37.  Supporters of HB406 believe it
will put a premium on American meat products.

Opponents have argued that Montana cattle butchered or fattened in other
states might not qualify for the local label and could be unfairly passed
over by consumers.  Some opponents also said the bill might be detrimental
to small retailers who will be required to generate placards and pay fines
if they don't meet the requirements.  President Bush approved a federal
country-of-origin labeling law, or COOL, in 2002, but the implementation
date has been postponed a number of times.  COOL will require retailers to
notify customers of the country of origin for beef, lamb, pork, fish and
perishable goods."

[Edited from:
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050407/NEWS05/5040
70331/1002/NEWS01


TAIWAN BUYS U.S. BEEF, EASES MAD COW BAN:  (04/07/05): "Taiwan will begin
allowing some American beef imports beginning April 16, easing a ban
imposed after discovery of the first U.S. case of mad cow disease in
December 2003, the U.S. Agriculture Department said on Thursday.  Taiwan,
one of the largest markets for U.S. beef before the ban, will allow imports
of U.S. boneless beef from animals slaughtered under 30 months of age, USDA
said.  Taiwan imported 19,225 tonnes of American beef in 2003, amounting to
sales worth $76.5 million."

[Very edited from:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=politicsNews&storyID=8118602


U.S. DENIES HIDING MAD-COW CASES:  (04/07/05): "The U.S. Agriculture
Department said Thursday there's "no way" it would hide cases of mad-cow
disease because that would hurt the beef industry.  A former department
veterinarian, Dr. Lester Friedlander, said this week on a speaking tour in
Edmonton that U.S. officials found new cases of the disease and chose not
to reveal them.  "That's just not the case," spokesman Ed Loyd said, adding
officials expected to discover more cases but haven't yet.  There's no way
we'd benefit by being anything less than completely transparent. It would
jeopardize the markets we're trying to open," said Loyd.

Friedlander, who's been invited to speak to Parliament's agriculture
committee next week, couldn't be reached for comment Thursday.  He told the
Edmonton Journal newspaper Wednesday it's not credible the United States
has found just one case out of 120 million cattle. Friedlander, a USDA
veterinarian from 1985 to 1995 and chief inspector at the largest hamburger
plant in the U.S., said he was fired for speaking out about safety issues.
He said former colleagues have told him about new cases of mad cow, or
bovine spongiform encephalopathy but they're near retirement age and risk
losing their pensions if they speak out."

[Very edited from:
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2005/04/07/987009-cp.html


JAPAN: 17TH CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE CONFIRMED:  (04/08/05):  "A
four-and-a-half year-old Holstein cow has been diagnosed as the 17th case
of mad cow disease in Japan, the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Ministry said Friday. "The cow had been kept in Otofuke, Hokkaido. It was
born in September 2000, the year before feeding cows with meat-and-bone
meals was banned due to fear of infection with bovine spongiform
encephalopathy, ministry officials said."

[From:
http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=1&id=333494


MEAT INDUSTRY WANTS TO KILL COUNTRY-OF-ORIGIN LABEL RULE:  (04/07/05):
"Meat packers and other agribusinesses have formed a new lobbying coalition
to block the U.S. Department of Agriculture from requiring meat to be
packaged with a country-of-origin label.  The group - the Meat Promotion
Coalition - has hired a lobbying firm that specializes in agricultural
issues to make the case on Capitol Hill that country-of-origin labeling is
too costly to implement. Critics already succeeded in delaying the
implementation of the labeling rule - which would enable consumers to see
whether their meat was 100 percent homegrown - by attaching an amendment to
an omnibus appropriations measure in 2003."

[Very edited from the long and interesting article at:
http://thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/TheExecutive/040705.html


USDA DENIES ALLEGATIONS OF MORE MAD COW CASES:  (04/13/05): "The U.S.
Agriculture Department on Wednesday denied allegations from two former
employees that faulty animal testing procedures may have kept officials
from finding more cases of mad cow disease in the United States.  The
accusations come at a sensitive time for the Bush administration as it
tries to reopen the U.S. border to imports of Canadian cattle and resume
American beef exports to Japan.  Former USDA veterinarians Lester
Friedlander and Masuo Doi have been quoted separately in recent days by
Canadian news outlets saying that the United States may have more cases of
mad cow disease.  Doi, a former veterinarian for the USDA's Food Safety and
Inspection Service, alleged the department did not properly analyze two
suspected cases of mad cow disease in 1997, according to a report aired on
Tuesday by Canada's CBC Television.  The CBC report said the incident
occurred in Oriskany Falls, New York, and quoted Doi as saying that
important brain samples from one animal went missing."

[Very edited from:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=8172200


CANADIAN RANCHERS SUING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT:  (04/15/05): "A coalition
of Canadian ranchers is suing the federal government for its "grossly
negligent" role in handling the crisis over mad cow disease that has left
the Canadian beef industry in shambles for close to two years. The suit
holds the government and a multinational feed company responsible for more
than C$7 billion in damages.  "The loss of billions of dollars by the
Canadian cattle industry was the result of gross incompetence and
negligence on the part of the Canadian government," said a statement from
the group, which filed the suit on Monday. The coalition represents farmers
in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec."

[Very edited from the long and comprehensive worthwhile read at:
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/apr2005/2005-04-15-06.asp


BUSH ADMINISTRATION MAY EASE 'DOWNER CATTLE' BAN:  (04/15/05): "The Bush
administration said on Friday it may allow some injured cattle to be
slaughtered for human food, easing a regulation that the Agriculture
Department adopted 15 months ago after the nation's first case of mad cow
disease.  Consumer groups said they oppose any changes in regulations aimed
at keeping the deadly disease out of the food supply.  The USDA prohibited
all so-called downer cattle - those too sick or injured to walk - from
being slaughtered for human food soon after a Washington state dairy cow
was diagnosed with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in December 2003.
The ban was part of a package of tighter USDA regulations to prevent mad
cow disease, whose symptoms can include an inability to walk.  About
195,000 cattle are downers out of more than 30 million slaughtered
annually, according to industry estimates."

[Edited from:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory?id=673756


EXPERTS: NO MAD COW IN SECOND 1997 ANIMAL :  (04/15/05): "A cow with
obvious signs of a brain disease appeared in a slaughterhouse in upstate
New York in August 1997, generating concerns about mad cow disease because
it initially tested positive for the deadly disorder. Recent media reports
have suggested there were procedural problems with testing the cow and that
it might have been possible the animal was infected with the mad cow
pathogen -- also known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy or BSE.  USDA
officials have denied assertions the cow was not properly tested and
pointed out the testing records show the cows were tested multiple times
and found to be negative.

The initial test turned out to be invalid, however, and the U.S. Department
of Agriculture tested the animal multiple times, finding nothing to
indicate the cow was infected with BSE and ultimately ruling it negative, a
two-year investigation by United Press International has revealed.  "We
didn't distrust the USDA lab on the first case ... but by this time we
did," said Doi, who worked for USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service
for nearly 30 years before retiring in December. "That's why we took our
own sample."  Doi said new information discovered about the May case by UPI
persuaded him that the cow was negative for BSE. He still wonders what type
of disorder afflicted the August cow, but said it did not appear to be BSE.
In response to recent media accounts that have implied he was suggesting
mad cow cases have been covered up by the USDA, Doi said, "I don't think
you have enough to say that BSE is being covered up in the United States."

[Very edited from:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/index.php?feed=Science&article=UPI-1-20050415-18
493700-bc-us-madcow-2ndcase.xml


U.S. VET CLAIMS HE WAS MISQUOTED ON MAD COW COVER-UP:  (04/18/05): "Lester
Friedlander, a USDA veterinarian who retired in 1995 recently cited as
saying he would take a lie detector test regarding assertions of a mad cow
cover-up says he was misquoted, Good Morning Ontario reported.  Friedlander
told United Press International when he mentioned his willingness to take a
lie detector test he was referring to his assertion that a USDA official
had told him in 1991 not to say anything if he ever did find a case of mad
cow disease in U.S. herds. Friedlander was quoted widely that he would take
a lie detector test regarding his statement that other USDA inspectors had
told him of cows that had been tested at private labs and come back
positive for the deadly disease."

[Edited from:
http://www.hpj.com/dtnnewstable.cfm?type=story&sid=14054


JAPAN REPORTS 2 NEW POSSIBLE CASES OF MAD COW DISEASE:  (04/19/05): "Two
cows in northern Japan have tested positive for mad cow disease in
preliminary exams, and samples were being sent Tuesday to a laboratory to
confirm what would be the country's 18th and 19th cases of the fatal,
brain-wasting disease.  Preliminary tests on the cows - an 18-year-old beef
cattle and a 10-year-old Holstein - turned up positive late Monday at a
dairy health centre in Miyagi, local official Yoshiyuki Konno said."
[Edited from:
http://www.canada.com/health/story.html?id=1b037fa8-f0d7-48ed-8ca6-74fc32a487eb


FRANCE TO BOOST TESTS FOR MAD COW DISEASE IN GOATS:  (04/20/05): "France
will step up testing goats for possible mad cow infection after an animal
health agency found that more such cases may be uncovered, but no date has
been set so far, the farm ministry said on Tuesday.  The first case of a
disease close to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), that ravaged
European cattle herds and killed at least 100 people, was found in a French
goat in January, prompting fears of a new crisis in the meat sector... [The
animal health agency] AFSSA also noted there was more risk for consumers to
eat infected milk or dairy products from a infected goat than from an
infected bovine.  The EU is home to some 11.6 million goats with the
largest herds in France, Greece and Spain, primarily reared for dairy such
as milk, yogurt and cheese with little meat consumed."

[Very edited from:
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/30449/story.htm


DUTCH REPORT FIRST HUMAN CASE OF 'MAD COW' DISEASE:  (04/21/05): "The
Netherlands has discovered its first case of Creutzfeld-Jakobs, the human
form of "mad cow disease," the government said on Wednesday. The interior
ministry said in a statement a patient at a hospital in the central town of
Utrecht had been diagnosed with the disease and said it had informed
European authorities."

[From:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=8253464


************************************************
*04:  Earth Used-Up?, Oil=Ag Havoc, States vs. EPA, Green Law
************************************************
TWO-THIRDS OF WORLD'S RESOURCES 'USED UP':  (03/30/05): "The human race is
living beyond its means.  A report backed by 1,360 scientists from 95
countries - some of them world leaders in their fields - today warns that
the almost two-thirds of the natural machinery that supports life on Earth
is being degraded by human pressure.  The study contains what its authors
call "a stark warning" for the entire world. The wetlands, forests,
savannahs, estuaries, coastal fisheries and other habitats that recycle
air, water and nutrients for all living creatures are being irretrievably
damaged.  In effect, one species is now a hazard to the other 10 million or
so on the planet, and to itself.  Article continues "Human activity is
putting such a strain on the natural functions of Earth that the ability of
the planet's ecosystems to sustain future generations can no longer be
taken for granted," it says.

... the scientists warn. "In many cases, it is literally a matter of living
on borrowed time. By using up supplies of fresh groundwater faster than
they can be recharged, for example, we are depleting assets at the expense
of our children." A growing proportion of the world lives in cities,
exploiting advanced technology. But nature, the scientists warn, is not
something to be enjoyed at the weekend. Conservation of natural spaces is
not just a luxury. "These are dangerous illusions that ignore the vast
benefits of nature to the lives of 6 billion people on the planet. We may
have distanced ourselves from nature, but we rely completely on the
services it delivers."

[Very edited from:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,1447863,00.html

[For the Report, Summaries, etc.:
http://www.millenniumassessment.org

[See also: "A productive, but taxed, Earth:"
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0331/p11s02-sten.htm


RISING ENERGY COSTS IMPACTING U.S. AGRICULTURE:  (04/07/05): "The U.S.
Department of Agriculture estimates farmers this year will pay $8.2 billion
for petroleum, up 21% from two years ago. Adding in the cost of fertilizers
and pesticides, which are derived from petroleum and natural gas products,
and electricity, farmers are expected to pay more for energy-related items
for the third consecutive year.  "It's going to really wreak havoc within
agriculture," says Troy Bredenkamp, director of congressional relations at
the American Farm Bureau Federation. He notes that unlike in the past few
years when agriculture prices were rising, prices farmers receive for their
goods are expected to fall this year, giving them little opportunity to
recover the added costs. The USDA forecasts crop-production income will
drop more than 15% in 2005 after rising more than ten percent last year.
Livestock income is also expected to fall this year after jumping in 2004.

"We see really no silver bullet," Bredenkamp says. "It's going to be a
tough growing season."

[Edited from:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/OFGU/energy040705.cfm


STATES SEEK EPA ACTION ON SMOG, GREENHOUSE GAS:  (04/09/05): ""We can't
even tell what the weather's going to be two weeks from now, but these
models tell us what the climate is going to be like 100 years from now,"
said Judge A. Raymond Randolph, whose questioning appeared to favor the
EPA's position. A coalition of 12 states and several cities asked a federal
appeals court Friday to make the Environmental Protection Agency reconsider
its decision not to regulate heat-trapping greenhouse gases as air
pollutants.  The case has big potential implications for numerous federal
and state programs under the Clean Air Act, as well as for the auto
industry. Along with other forms of transportation, motor vehicles account
for about a third of all U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions --
the chief gas scientists blame for global warming.  In August 2003, the....
agency said it lacked authority from Congress to regulate greenhouse gases,
based on a legal opinion from the agency's top lawyer -- who had reversed
the Clinton-era legal opinion the gases should be regulated under the Clean
Air Act. Two months later, states and several cities formally challenged
that decision. In the courtroom Friday, they argued that the EPA never
adequately justified its decision."

[Very edited from:
http://www.sci-tech-today.com/story.xhtml?story_id=097005FRJH6L


'GREEN' LAW AIMS AT PUBLIC BUILDINGS:  (04/09/05): "Washington became the
first state in the country Friday to enact a law requiring public buildings
to be constructed with standards encouraging energy conservation and
recycling. Such standards eventually could reduce public agencies' energy
costs by 25 percent. Better design and ventilation also are predicted to
reduce school and workplace sicknesses because of artificial ventilation
and raise test scores among students.  Gov. Christine Gregoire signed the
historic bill into law at Washington Middle School in Olympia, which will
be among the first buildings in the state to incorporate the "green"
standards.  There are 72 such environmentally friendly projects in various
stages of construction across Washington, state officials said Friday. The
new law applies to most buildings owned by the state, state agencies and
public school districts, as well as major projects that receive state
capital funds."

[Edited from the neat article describing many more benefits of the law at:
http://www.theolympian.com/home/news/20050409/southsound/122219.shtml


************************************************
*05:  Great Liminoids!, Beans/Fruit/Veggies & Halving Cancers
************************************************
HALF OF CANCER DEATHS PREVENTABLE:  (03/31/05):"More than 60 percent of all
cancer deaths could be prevented if Americans stopped smoking, exercised
more, ate healthier food and got recommended cancer screenings, the
American Cancer Society reported on Thursday. And Americans could
realistically cut the death rate in half, the report says. This year 1.368
million Americans will learn they have cancer and 563,700 will die of it.
"The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2005, more than 168,140
cancer deaths will be caused by tobacco use alone," the organization said
in a statement.  "In addition, scientists estimate that approximately
one-third (190,090) of the 570,280 cancer deaths expected to occur in 2005
will be related to poor nutrition, physical inactivity, overweight, obesity
and other lifestyle factors." That totals 358,230 or 62 percent of all
cancer deaths."

[Very edited from:
http://www.cnn.com/2005/HEALTH/conditions/03/31/cancer.prevention.reut/index.htm
l


CITRUS FRUITS AND LIMONOIDS:  (02/2005): "...did you know that America's
favorite fruit also provides healthful natural compounds called limonoids?
In laboratory tests with.... human cells, citrus limonoids have been shown
to help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach, and colon.
Now, ARS scientists in northern California... have uncovered new details
about these compounds. Their research has demonstrated that our bodies can
readily access a limonoid called limonin, and all its health-imparting
properties, each time we bite into a citrus slice or drink a glass of
orange juice, for instance. This is the first time this bioavailability has
been shown in humans."

...published in the February 2005 issue of Agricultural Research magazine

[Very edited from:
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/feb05/citrus0205.htm


FRUIT, VEGGIES TIED TO LOWER PANCREATIC CANCER RISK:  (04/01/05): "New
research from Canada suggests that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may
help prevent pancreatic cancer, a particularly deadly type of tumor.  The
findings, based on a comparison of 585 pancreatic cancer patients and about
4,779 adults without the disease, suggest that the risk of the cancer
declines as fruit and vegetable intake increases. Among cancers, pancreatic
tumors have one of the most dismal survival rates, with less than 5 percent
of patients still alive 5 years after diagnosis. The poor prognosis is in
large part due to the fact that the disease is rarely caught early. Because
of this, uncovering the modifiable risk factors for the disease is vital,
according to Dr. Parviz Ghadirian of the University of Montreal, one of the
authors of the new study.  The findings add to a growing body of evidence
on the role of diet in pancreatic cancer risk. Some research has tied
higher consumption of fruits, vegetables and fiber to a lower risk of the
disease, while other studies have suggested that diets heavy in saturated
fat, salted meats or dairy products may raise the risk."

SOURCE: International Journal of Cancer, May 1, 2005.

[Edited from:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ivu-veg-news/message/7850

[See also: "Drinking Milk May Raise Parkinson's Risk in Men:"
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=8106970


BEANS MAY CUT RISK OF BREAST CANCER:  (04/11/05): "Eating beans or lentils
at least twice a week may reduce a woman's risk of developing breast
cancer, according to research designed to investigate the benefits of the
plant compounds flavonols,writes Dominique Patton.  Reporting in the 20
April issue of the International Journal of Cancer (vol 114, issue 4, pp
628-33), researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston
said that while they found no overall association between intake of
flavonols and risk of breast cancer,"there was an inverse association with
intake of beans or lentils that merits further evaluation". The US
researchers analyzed data from 90,630 women who participated in the Nurses
Health Study II, selecting women who were aged between 26 and 46 years old
when the study began in 1991."

[Edited from:
http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/ng.asp?n=59314&m=1fne415&c=rxvmwvsefsimsxv


************************************************
*06:  Fake Behind, Huge Horns, Coffee Truth, Happy is Best
************************************************
HAPPINESS IS THE BEST MEDICINE:  (04/18/05): "What is the mechanism that
helps happy people live longer? Marmot and colleagues, including health
psychologist Andrew Steptoe, studied the emotions and health of more than
200 middle-aged Londoners in their daily lives. They found that people who
reported that they were pretty much happy every day were verifiably
healthier. Happiness is associated with reduced neuroendocrine,
inflammatory and cardiovascular activity. Their work is published this week
in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.  It's all
good news for comedians. Laughter is good for you -- it's practically
official. Last month researchers at the University of Maryland School of
Medicine in Baltimore showed that laughter is linked to the healthy
function of blood vessels. Marmot concurred. "Our research shows that
psychological processes have profound biological effects," he said.
"Spirituality can be one example of how the brain, acting through its
connections with the neuroendocrine system, can have important effects."

[Very very edited from:
http://www.wired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,67243,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_5


FINALLY, A BOVINE RECTAL PALPATION SIMULATOR:  (04/04/05): "Those
interested in learning how to perform a bovine rectal simulation but are
scared to death of cows can now use this simulator developed at the Glasgow
Interactive Systems Group and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in the UK.
When using the simulator, the student palpates virtual objects representing
the bovine reproductive tract, receiving feedback from a PHANToM haptic
device (inside a fibreglass model of a cow), while the teacher follows the
student's actions on the monitor and gives instruction."

[From:
http://www.boingboing.net/2005/04/04/finally_a_bovine_rec.html


THE WATUSI COW: "Watusi are medium-sized animals, with long, large-diameter
horns, they attract attention wherever they appear. These regal animals can
easily trace their ancestry back more than 6,000 years and have often been
referred to as "cattle of kings."  Horns are long and symmetrical, with a
base large and proportional to horn length. Lyre and circular shapes are
preferable to flat."

[Check out the pix at:
http://cattle-today.com/Watusi.htm


THE TRUTH ABOUT GREEN COFFEE:
http://www.grist.org/comments/ha/2005/04/11/becker-coffee/index.html?source=dail
y


************************************************
*07:  A Peek@PETA, Grocery Danger, Veg Baseball, MyPyramid
************************************************
A PEEK INSIDE THE PETA BUILDING:  (03/27/05): "So how weird are things
inside the national headquarters of the People for the Ethical Treatment of
Animals on Front Street west of downtown Norfolk?  Not as strange as you
might think.  The animal rights organization, which employs nearly 300
people worldwide, looks a lot like any other cubicle cavern in many ways.
It has what some might call a traditional organizational structure: a
president, five vice presidents and a general counsel to help keep it out
of trouble.

PETA has a distinct and non-negotiable philosophy that drives its mission:
"Animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on or use for
entertainment." To some workers, it is that factor that provides the
passion, energy and commitment that pumps through the veins of the
organization, and makes it a unique place to earn a living. The creative
product may be wild, but there's an aura of peace at the Front Street
office, accented by tinkling fountains and flourishing plant life.  A
strong will and a sense of humor is also a must, perhaps a no-brainer when
the organization's chief executive has a flying pig hanging over her desk."

[Very edited from the well-balanced and interesting article at:
http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=84143&ran=196910


GROCERY WARNING:  THE BOOK:  (04/19/05):  "If you go to your favorite
corner drugstore, you'll find two types of things for sale: 1) processed
foods and beverages that cause disease, and 2) prescription drugs that
treat the symptoms of those diseases. It's a brilliant racket: buy the
stuff at the front of the store and get diseased, then you become a
customer for the drugs sold at the back of the store. That's called
"customer retention" in marketing-speak.  The floor plan of these drug
stores even encourages this codependent cycle: the pharmacy is hidden away
in the back of the store, forcing customers to walk through aisles loaded
with high-impulse junk food items like soft drinks, chocolate bars and
snack chips. This is no coincidence: store designers know exactly how to
boost impulse sales by forcing customers to navigate through shelves that
are intentionally stocked with the most high-profit (and low-nutrition)
items available.  To turn the tables on the food lobbyists, and in an
effort to educate the public about the details of which grocery ingredients
to avoid, I've written a book on the subject called "Grocery Warning."
You'll find details on this book at TruthPublishing.com

[Very edited from a long and well-written essay at:
http://www.newstarget.com/006760.html


TOP 10 VEG-FRIENDLY BASEBALL PARKS+:  (04/2005):
http://www.goveg.com/feat/ballpark/index.asp

[A ranking of the "Top 10" Veg-Friendly Baseball Parks.  If your Park isn't
on the list, there's a link provided to help you send them a polite note of
concern:

[Fom:
http://www.goveg.com/feat/ballpark/index.asp


"MYPYRAMID" -- THE NEW FOOD GUIDANCE SYSTEM:  (04/19/05): "Agriculture
Secretary Mike Johanns today unveiled MyPyramid, a new symbol and
interactive food guidance system. "Steps to a Healthier You," MyPyramid's
central message, supports President Bush's HealthierUS initiative which is
designed to help Americans live longer, better and healthier lives.
MyPyramid, which replaces the Food Guide Pyramid introduced in 1992, is
part of an overall food guidance system that emphasizes the need for a more
individualized approach to improving diet and lifestyle.  MyPyramid
incorporates recommendations from the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for
Americans, which was released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in January."

[Edited from:
http://www.hpj.com/dtnnewstable.cfm?type=story&sid=14067

[Note: the Pyramid, et. al., was part of a multi-million effort contracted
to a PR agency.  Source: New York Times, April 10, 2005, and cited by (with
NYT link):
http://www.prwatch.org/spin/2005/4

[For the actual Fed sites check out:
http://www.mypyramid.gov
http://www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines


************************************************
*08:  Cat & Internet Hunts, Pet Food Report, Puppy Mill BillBoards
************************************************
INTERNET HUNTING BAN RECEIVES QUICK ACTION:  (04/09/05): "...the Senate
Committee on Environment and Land Use... [sent] the issue of banning
hunting via the Internet to the Oregon Senate floor for a vote with a
resounding recommendation for passage.  Jerod Broadfoot, representing the
Oregon Chapter of Safari Club International, an organization that is
pushing for similar legislation by states nationwide, put it best: "(Senate
Bill) 389 addresses a problem created by an individual in Texas who decided
to hook a rifle up to a computer and then broadcast that over the Internet
so an individual anywhere in the world could log onto his Internet site,
pay some money, and then either target practice with some live ammunition
or shoot animals on his ranch," Broadfoot said. "We immediately took a
position of opposition to this practice because it does not meet our
standard for ethical and fair-chase techniques."  ... [a] San Antonio
company owned by John Lockwood, Live-Shot.com, already has held one
remote-controlled hunt, with plans for a second, with a disabled Indiana
"hunter" shooting a non-native deer on a Texas ranch via the Internet."

[Edited from:
http://statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050409/OUTDOORS/5040903
23/1034


WIS. BACKS LEGALIZED HUNTING OF WILD CAT:  (04/12/05): "Wisconsin residents
support a plan to legalize wild cat hunting, according to voting results
released Tuesday. At meetings across the state Monday night, residents in
72 counties were asked whether free-roaming cats should be listed as an
unprotected species. If so listed, the cats - including any domestic cat
that isn't under the owner's direct control or any cat without a collar -
could be hunted.  A total of 6,830 voted yes and 5,201 voted no, according
to results released by the Department of Natural Resources.  The prospect
of feral cat hunting has more hurdles to clear - and faces the considerable
opposition of a number of national animal rights groups. The Humane Society
of the United States called the proposal cruel and archaic.

South Dakota and Minnesota both allow wild cats to be shot. Some estimates
indicate 2 million wild cats roam Wisconsin."

[Very edited from:
http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0405/220400.html

[Wisconsin Cat-Action Team:
http://www.dontshootthecat.com

[See also:"Wild cats needed, say feral backers:"
http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/111372933042020.xml


ANIMAL RESCUE PLANS 3 MORE BILLBOARDS:  (04/19/05): "The animal rescue
organization that outted Lancaster County's many puppy mills is at it
again. And it may be working.  Main Line Rescue, a Philadelphia area
shelter for ailing dogs and cats, used donations in February to buy a
year's worth of billboard space along the Pennsylvania Turnpike to alert
tourists headed to Lancaster County that bucolic countryside is not always
what it appears - if you're a dog. The shelter received so many donations
since the first billboard went up, it could afford a second.

The billboards are a soft sock to the gut. They show no grisly photos of
suffering dogs and cats, but Smith has said they're more effective without
them. The billboards show a carload of tourist revelers under the cozy
greeting: "Welcome to Scenic Lancaster County." On the panel's other side
comes the sting: "Home to hundreds of puppy mills. Learn more about PA's
notorious puppy mills. Visit these web sites: MainLineRescue.com;
stoppuppymills.org." Smith said Main Line Rescue got a flood of response
after the first billboard went up and the national media ran stories.  "We
received literally thousands of letters and e-mails that are supportive,"
Smith said. "We haven't received one negative comment from anyone. In fact,
people sent us enough money to put up another billboard. And the people in
Lancaster County seem more outraged than anyone." "

[Very edited from the "must read" for AR activists at:
http://www.lancasteronline.com/pages/news/local/4/13625


REPORT:  WHAT'S REALLY IN PET FOOD:  (04/2005): "Plump whole chickens,
choice cuts of beef, fresh grains, and all the wholesome nutrition your dog
or cat will ever need.  These are the images pet food manufacturers
promulgate through the media and advertising. This is what the $11 billion
per year U.S. pet food industry wants consumers to believe they are buying
when they purchase their products.

This report explores the differences between what consumers think they are
buying and what they are actually getting.  What most consumers don't know
is that the pet food industry is an extension of the human food and
agriculture industries. Pet food provides a market for slaughterhouse
offal, grains considered "unfit for human consumption," and similar waste
products to be turned into profit. This waste includes intestines, udders,
esophagi, and possibly diseased and cancerous animal parts."

[Note:  this is an amazing, incredibly detailed and comprehensive report,
well-referenced, with information on what you can do and where to go.  A
most authoriative study and one that will continue to be updated by API:

[Very very very very very edited from:
http://www.api4animals.org/79.htm


************************************************
*09:  Upcoming Events
************************************************
June 29-July 3: Johnstown, PA > NAVS (North American Vegetarian Society)
SummerFest 2005:  A Five-Day Experience Packed With:  cutting-edge
educational sessions on, health and nutrition, lifestyle issues, cooking
and recipes, animal rights and compassionate living  earth stewardship, and
exercise and fitness.  Hundreds of attendees - all ages, social gatherings
for everyone: singles, couples and families. Great natural-food vegan meals
prepared under the direction of "gold medal winning" chef.

[For more details:
http://vegetariansummerfest.org/index.html


July 7-11: Los Angeles, CA > AR2005
AR2005 Registration Discount Ends on May 15:  The conference will be held
on July 7-11 at the superb Westin LAX Hotel in Los Angeles. Special
features include fabulous accommodation rates with free dog beds,
cruelty-free personal care products, discounted vegan meals, discounted
parking, free airport shuttle, and use of the hotel's magnificent Grand
Ballroom and Video Theater, with exhibits in one hall.

More than a thousand people representing 80 groups are expected.  Key
speakers signed up thus far include Lorri Bauston, Michael Budkie, Theo
Capaldo, Lawrence Carter-Long, Karen Davis, Karen Dawn, Michael Greger,
Tippi Hedren, Alex Hershaft, Steve Hindi, Kevin Jonas, Pattrice Jones,
Elliot Katz, Greg Lawson, Howard Lyman, Michael Mountain, Lauren Ornelas,
Ava Park, Martin Rowe, Jerry Vlasak, Paul Watson, Persia White.

[For more details on the conference and registration:
http://www.AR2005.org/register.htm


************************************************
*10:  Howard's Schedule
************************************************
April 23: Salt Lake City, Utah > jasonh@...

May 5: Seattle, Washington >  Seattle Lake Union Park > 6:30 PM-11:30 PM >
806 Terry Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98019 > jilabraham@...

May 21: Dells, WI > National Nutritional Food Association > karib@...

May 29: Ft. Washington, MD > CHIP graduation> ai325@...

June 29-July 3: Johnstown, PA > NAVS (North American Vegetarian Society)

July 7-11: Los Angeles, CA > AR2005

(For more information and a tenative list of a major cross-country tour by
Howard in the Fall:
http://www.madcowboy.com/01_SchedCA.000.html


************************************************
*11:  Quick Bytes
************************************************
AGRICULTURE:
["Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms:"
http://www.wwoofusa.org/what.html

["Demand for Organic Grains on Rise :"
http://www.enn.com/biz.html?id=442

["17 Tips For Buying Organic Food On The Cheap:"
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cheap/20040901a2.asp

["Monsanto Keeps Up Attack on Seed Saving Farmers:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/monsanto/seedsaving031405.cfm

["Chinese Farmers Riot Over Crop Poisoning:"
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-1565554,00.html


ANIMAL ISSUES:
[For animal issues news, check the always topical and current:
http://www.animalconcerns.org


DIET/HEALTH:
["The Nutrients You're Missing:  7 Essentials:"
http://www.prevention.com/article/0,5778,s1-3-91-276-5062-1-P,00.html

["The Movement Toward Uncooked Food Appears To Be Here To Stay:"
http://www.sptimes.com/2005/04/06/Taste/The_raw_and_the_hooked.shtml

["U.S. Child Obesity Dragging Down Overall Gains:"
http://reuters.myway.com/article/20050330/2005-03-30T161320Z_01_N30164868_RTRIDS
T_0_NEWS-HEALTH-CHILDREN-DC.html

["Finnish Study Shows Mercury In Fish Increases Heart Disease Risks And
Reduces Omega-3 Benefit:"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ivu-veg-news/message/7890

["The Most Expensive Diseases:"
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7515716/

["Processed Meats Linked to Pancreatic Cancer:"
http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/health/feeds/hscout/2005/04/20/hscout525258.html


ENVIRONMENT:
["Pollution Costs Dominate Energy Bill Debate:"
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=reutersEdge&storyID=8065152

["Nuclear Power Still a Deadly Proposition:"
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0817-03.htm

["Human, animal cells, heavy contributor to air pollution: study:"
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/2243.html


NETWORKING:
[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html


RECIPES:
[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

["Veg'n Italian Recipes:"
http://virtualitalia.com/recipes/vegetarian.shtml

["The New Carbs:  Flavor-packed whole grain recipes banish fat, boost health.:"
http://www.prevention.com/article/0,5778,s1-3-82-301-5059-1-P,00.html


VEGAN:
["Steven the Vegan - cooking video:"
http://www.oldeenglish.org/steven.html


************************************************
*12:  Closing Thought(s)
************************************************
"Except for us, the life of the planet conducts itself as though it were an
immense, coherent body of connected life, an intricate system, an organism.
Our deepest folly is the notion that we are in charge of the place, that we
own it and can somehow run it.  We are a living part of Earth's life, owned
and operated by the Earth, probably specialized for functions on its behalf
that we have not yet glimpsed."

--- Lewis Thomas
(as quoted on pg. 532, in "This Sacred Earth, Roger S. Gottlieb, ed.")


"Luck is the least of it.  I think of the Earth as a living organism.  The
rocks, the air, the oceans, and all life are an inseparable system that
functions to keep the planet livable.  In fact, I now believe that life can
exist only on a planetary scale.  Can't have a planet with sparse life any
more than you can have half a cat."

--- James Locklock
(as quoted by Lawrence E. Joseph, "GAIA:  The Growth of an Idea," p. 3.)


******************************************************************
Mark Sutton, Webmaster@...  http://www.madcowboy.com
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to: Mad_Cowboy-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
******************************************************************

Howdy!  After a long hiatus, welcome to the 48th Edition of the Mad Cowboy
Newsletter.

The Mad Cowboy is proud to announce his NEW book: "No More Bull!  The Mad
Cowboy Targets America's Worst Enemy: Our Diet!" In this issue of the
Newsletter, there's two short reviews, a summary, and a piece of the Book's
Introduction.  There's also a link to a high-res JPEG of the unique cover
artwork by Scribner.  It hasn't all been work... there are links to 100+
pictures from Howard's camera showing some of his Summer sojourns.

This newsletter is longer then normal, but with all the Mad Cow-related
activity over the past few months, there was much to cull through for the
Mad Cow Info Round-up.   Reading further you'll learn about the
"ultra-vegan," get a chance to wish the founder of the word "vegan" a happy
95th birthday, VOTE for the VegNews 2005 Awards (and maybe win a great veg
cruise), and see a fanastic animation about going organic.  And speaking of
organic, you can read about a 22-year study that shows the clear benefits
of organic farming vs conventional, a new use for Coca-Cola, a Parrot
smarter than some children, and speculate on the impact that 100 billion
veggie burgers would have on the United States.    And don't miss our info
links in "Quick Bytes."

As always, a nod of the hat to our new subscribers... y'all can read back
issues of the newsletter at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Best wishes to everyone, and order your copy of "No More Bull!" now!

Mark  (new blog:  http://soulveggie.blogs.com)



***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00:  Announcing Howard's NEW BOOK!!
01:  Hurry up and Vote in the 2005 Veggie Awards!
02:  The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge
03:  Summer Pix from Howard's Camera
04:  Mad Cow Info Round-up
05:  Ultra-Vegan, Student Choices, Vegan Founder 95th B'Day
06:  Patent Pigs?, Brainy Bird, Chimp vs Warhol, Human-like
07:  Cow Pattie Filter, To Serve Man, Store Wars, Pyra-Parody
08:  Spray Coke, Organic Wins, 100 bil. Veg. Burgers, Power Diet
09:  Howard's Fall Tour
10:  Quick Bytes
10:  Closing Thoughts from "No More Bull!"


************************************************
*00:  Announcing Howard's NEW BOOK!!
************************************************
"Howard Lyman, who told the story of his transition from cattle rancher to
vegetarian  in Mad Cowboy, exposes the flimsy lies sustaining the meat
industry in his lively new volume, "No More Bull!  The Mad Cowboy Targets
America's Worst Enemy: Our Diet."  With an update on the Mad Cow threat, an
eye-opening discussion of the link between Alzheimer's and meat
consumption, and a raucus dissection of the folly of high-protein diets,
"No More Bull!" makes the case for a plant-based diet as clearly and
powerfully as it's ever been made.  Featuring over 100 vegan recipes from
friends of Howard, noted cookbook authors, award-winning chefs, and
easy-to-follow tips for those transitioning to a vegan or plant-based diet,
"No More Bull!" could be the book that changes your life, or the life of
someone you love."

--- Book Summary

Two Reviews of Note:

"In a witty but candid and no-nonsense language, Howard Lyman speaks a
truth about health that needs telling. Few messages are more important for
our times and almost no one has the personally compelling experiences that
make Lyman's telling of the story so unique and so persuasive. This is a
fun but serious book to read.  Try it and I think you'll like it! "

--- T. Colin Campbell, PhD, author of "The China Study"

"Reading "No More Bull" is an amazing experience.  It is a wonder how a
book can be such a pleasure to read, so entertaining and enjoyable, and yet
carry such a profoundly important message.  If you read this book, several
things will happen.  There will be more health in your life. here will be
more joy in your life.  And you will be playing a part in the greater
healing our troubled world so deeply needs. "

--- John Robbins, author of "Diet for a New America," and "The Food Revolution"

"No More Bull!" now available at:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VVFprods.002.html

Check out the Full-Res JPG of the Cover at:
http://www.madcowboy.com/NMB_PRmaterials/NMB_Cover_Color_FullRes.jpg


************************************************
*01:  Hurry Up and Vote in the 2005 Veggie Awards!
************************************************
"VegNews Magazine is pleased to announce the nominees for the 2005 Veggie
Awards, the world's largest survey of veg people, products and places.
Nearly 15,000 readers have voted over the last three years, and this year
we expect 10,000 ballots to be cast. It's easy to vote online at:

http://vegnews.com/index.html    (click on "Vote for the 2005 Veggie Awards")

All ballots will be entered into a grand prize drawing with a chance to win
a fabulous 6-day, 5-night cruise for two from Maine to the picturesque
Canadian Maritimes courtesy of Wanderbird Cruises. Delicious vegetarian
meals and breathtaking views await the winner on this once-in-a-lifetime
voyage. Other prizes include two $100 gift certificates to Vegan Unlimited,
one of today's hottest online vegan stores, and five gourmet vegan cookie
baskets courtesy of Sun Flour Baking Company.  Make sure your top choices
get recognized by VOTING TODAY!"


************************************************
*02:  The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST WEEK'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Based on data through 2002 from the U.S. gov't, "high cholesterol" ranks
which, among the top five "diseases growing the quickest" in the United
States?"  (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5)

Congratulations to Alyse Rynor of Evanston, IL for correctly guessing "(2)
High Cholesterol" and winning the luck of the draw.  Enjoy your VegNews
subscription, pardner!

[212%!:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7515716/


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"What is the shelf-life of Tabasco Sauce kept in a cool, dry place?"

(A) 1 year   (B)  2 years   (C)  5 years   (D)  7 years  (E) Beyond the
Infinite

Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word "contest"
in your subject line by NLT September 10th, 2005.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE
one-year subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting the
correct answer to each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to Joe, and you
can learn more about VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call 1.415.665.6397]


************************************************
*03: Summer Pix from Howard's Camera
************************************************
VEGFEST & AR2005:
http://www.madcowboy.com/VegFest_AR2005/index.html

RAFTING IN THE GRAND CANYON:
http://www.madcowboy.com/050823_HLVacationP01/index.html
http://www.madcowboy.com/050823_HLVacationP02/index.html


************************************************
*04:  Mad Cow Info Round-up
************************************************
FIRST CONFIRMED CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE IN HOLLAND: (04/22/05):  "The first
known case of the human form of "mad cow disease" - known as variant
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD), has been diagnosed in the Netherlands.
150 cases have been previously reported worldwide, mostly in the UK, and
this is the first time a Dutch person has contracted the fatal
brain-wasting disease.  The interior ministry says the patient is in
hospital and health checks are under way for other cases, they say that
Dutch beef is safe to eat because all cattle are tested at slaughter.  Mad
cow disease has hit more than 70 animals in the Netherlands since 1997."

[Edited from:
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=9426


STUDY: VOLUNTARY TESTING FOR MAD COW WOULD HELP BEEF INDUSTRY: (04/28/05):
"The loss of export markets after the discovery of a case of mad cow
disease in the United States cost the beef industry between $3.2 billion
and $4.7 billion in losses last year, according to an economic impact study
released Thursday.  The report, commissioned by the Kansas Department of
Agriculture, also concluded that voluntary testing for the disease would
have provided an economic gain to the beef industry despite the added
testing costs."

[Very edited from:
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/11514980.htm


USDA PROPOSES MANDATORY CATTLE ID SYSTEM BY 2009: (05/05/05):  "The U.S.
government is proposing that a mandatory national cattle identification
system be in place by 2009 to help control outbreaks of livestock illnesses
such as foot and mouth disease and mad cow disease.  Bill Hawks, the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's under secretary for marketing and regulatory
affairs, told reporters today...  A government-industry task force last
year estimated the total cost of an animal ID system would be about $475
million."

[Edited from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=azLIiHHQPSVQ&refer=us


JAPAN EASES MAD COW TESTS: (05/06/05):  "Under mounting pressure from the
United States to ease a ban on American beef, Japan decided on Friday to
drop its policy of testing all cattle for mad cow disease, moving a step
closer to restarting imports.  The resumption of beef trade, however,
remains distant as Japan could spend several months reviewing U.S. safety
measures against the disease before lifting the 16-month-old ban.  The
government formalised the decision to adopt an easier policy after getting
official approval from Japan's Food Safety Commission (FSC) to exclude
cattle younger than 21 months from mad cow testing." [Editor: cows younger
than 21 mos. have been found with BSE in Japan]

[Edited from:
http://reuters.myway.com/article/20050506/2005-05-06T093748Z_01_T282457_RTRIDST_
0_NEWS-MADCOW-JAPAN-DC.html


WILD DEER TEST POSITIVE FOR CWD: (05/08/05):  "Two positive cases of
chronic wasting disease (CWD) have been identified in wild deer in Oneida
County, and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in New York
State has filed emergency regulations to ensure the proper handling of deer
and prevent further spread of CWD in the wild herd.  CWD is a transmissible
disease that affects the brain and central nervous system of deer and elk.
There is no evidence that CWD is linked to disease in humans or domestic
livestock other than deer and elk."

[Edited from:
http://www.healthtalk.ca/cwd_050805_90212.php


JAPAN FINDS 18TH CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE: (05/12/05):  "The authorities
here confirmed Japan's 18th case of mad cow disease, amid pressure from the
US to resume imports of its beef suspended over health fears.  Japan last
week took a step towards resuming US beef imports, an official panel
deciding cows aged 20 months or younger should be exempt from screening."

[Edited from:
http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/afx/2005/05/12/afx2021117.html


U.S. MAN TO BE RETESTED FOR HUMAN MAD COW: (05/13/05):  "Brain samples from
a California man whose neurologist suspected may have been the first person
to acquire human mad cow disease in the United States have been sent to
France to be re-analyzed, United Press International has learned.  If Hicks
did in fact suffer from vCJD, he could be the first case of the disease due
to consumption of domestic beef since his family said he was a heavy eater
of beef, never traveled outside of the country and had not undergone any
medical procedures that would put him at risk of contracting the disease."

[Very very edited from:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/index.php?feed=Science&article=UPI-1-20050513-15
414200-bc-us-madcow.xml


MEAT LABELING DELAYED: (05/17/05):  "Labels telling consumers where their
meat comes from must be in place beginning next year.  House members
writing a farm spending bill voted to postpone country-of-origin labeling
for meat, which is to take effect in September 2006. Congress initially
ordered the labeling into effect in 2004. But the lawmakers bowed to
pressure from meatpackers and food processors and voted to delay it until
2006.  The White House wants to repeal labeling for meat."

[Edited from:
http://www.news8austin.com/content/your_news/default.asp?ArID=137412


OIE SETS NEW STANDARDS ON MAD COW RISK : (05/27/05):  "The world animal
health organisation OIE set new guidelines on beef exports and the risk of
mad cow disease on Thursday, adopting a new country code and making deboned
red meat freely traded under certain conditions.  "There will now be three
categories. A classification will depend on the risk in each country," OIE
Director General Bernard Vallat told a press conference.  OIE guidelines,
which come into immediate effect, are non-binding on its 167 members, but
are often used by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for settling cross
border trading disputes involving animal health issues.  Vallat said the
three country categories would be known as "negligible risk", "controlled
risk" and "undetermined risk".  The OIE already recommends that certain
cattle products such as milk and dairy produce, hides and skins, embryos
and semen are free to be traded regardless of a country's classification.
It has now added deboned red meat to the list, Vallat said."

[Very edited from:
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/30990/story.htm


50 PATIENTS EXPOSED TO RISK OF CJD: (05/31/05):  "Up to 50 patients may
have been exposed to Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) following brain
surgery during the 1980s, it emerged yesterday.  The affected patients
underwent a surgical procedure that was subsequently linked with the virus
- the human equivalent of BSE or Mad Cow Disease - during a ten-year period
from 1982 to 1992.  A material, manufactured from human cadavers, was used
as a "patch" for the thick outer layer of the brain, the dura, in
neurosurgery.  A leading scientist from the surveillance unit said the risk
of any patient having contracted the disease was "very low".  "One of the
big dangers is that these people may have been transmitting it. They could
have been donating blood or organs and unknowingly passing on the virus at
the same time," she [Frances Hall, trustee of the Human BSE Foundation]
said."

[Edited from:
http://news.scotsman.com/health.cfm?id=593852005


JAPAN CONFIRMS 19TH CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE: (06/02/05):  "A nine-year-old
Holstein cow in Hokkaido, north Japan, was diagnosed with the 19th case of
mad cow disease in Japan, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and
Welfare said Thursday."

[Edited from:
http://english.people.com.cn/200506/02/eng20050602_188196.html


JAPAN CONFIRMS 20TH MAD-COW CASE: (06/06/05):  "Japan has confirmed its
20th case of mad-cow disease in a Holstein from northern Japan, the
government said Monday.  Japan has found 20 animals infected with the fatal
illness since the country's first case was detected in 2001."

[Edited from:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050606.wcoww0606/BNStory/In
ternational/


CRASHING THE USDA'S DOG-AND-PONY SHOW: (06/08/05):  "Secretary Johanns will
lead a roundtable discussion dominated by the most powerful agricultural
lobby organizations in the United States to spread the good news that mad
cow disease is no longer a problem in North America. The invited
participants include the American Farm Bureau, the American Meat Institute,
the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the National Meat Association,
the National Milk Producers and the National Renderers Association. Not a
single consumer, human health or public interest group was invited to
speak, nor were any scientists who research mad cow and related diseases,
such as Nobel laureate Dr. Stanley Prusiner.

There's just one problem with this rosy picture of mad cow disease in North
America: it has little or no basis in fact. The steps that the United
States and Canada must take to prevent the spread of mad cow disease have
not been taken. Instead, lip service and deception have fooled the media
and the public, while dangerous animal feeding practices remain routine;
hundreds of millions of pounds of slaughterhouse waste are still fed to
North American cattle.  The USDA and the Food and Drug Administration are
still allowing slaughterhouse waste in the form of blood, fat and meat and
bone meal to be fed to cattle, pigs and other livestock. At the same time,
the USDA, FDA and the livestock and animal feeding industries have
maintained successful PR campaigns to fool the media and the public into
thinking that such feeding practices have been banned."

[Very very edited from:
http://www.prwatch.org/node/3745


USDA FINDS POSSIBLE 2ND CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE: (06/11/05):  "The U.S.
Agriculture Department may need up to two weeks to determine if a suspect
older animal was infected with mad cow disease, the department's chief
veterinarian told Reuters on Saturday.  John Clifford, the USDA's top
veterinarian, said tests will be carried out at the USDA laboratory in
Ames, Iowa, and at an internationally known facility in Weybridge, England,
to determine if the animal is infected."

[Very edited from:
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0611-03.htm


CANADA SAYS ITS MAD COW TEST RESULTS WERE CLEAR: (06/14/05):  "Darcy
Undseth, a senior veterinarian with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,
was cited as saying Monday that Canada has not had any uncertain results
from cattle it has tested for mad cow disease, despite a handful of samples
that were inconclusive during initial rapid screening tests.  Undseth was
further cited as saying that Canadian pathologists have used both of the
detailed confirmatory tests at the heart of a U.S. controversy over testing
methods for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, adding, "In Canada's case,
the cases that have come through to date have been clearly positive or
clearly negative, and the tests that we've run have been definitive at that
level.""

[Edited from:
http://www.mnbeef.org/BSE/canada_says_its_mad_cow_test_res.htm


USDA VAGUE ON REASON FOR NEW MAD COW TESTS: (06/15/05):  "The Agriculture
Department's inspector general offered scant explanation Wednesday for why
she suddenly ordered new tests on brain tissue from a cow declared free of
mad cow disease seven months ago.  Auditors noticed "an unusual pattern of
conflicting test results" while reviewing the government's program of
testing for mad cow disease, according to a statement released Wednesday by
Inspector General Phyllis Fong's office."

[Edited from:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/11903239.htm

[See also the chronology of this case at:
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/31214/story.htm


AUSTRIA FINDS SECOND CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE: (06/22/05):  "A case of mad
cow disease has been found in Austria, the second in the Alpine country's
history, the health and agriculture ministers said on Tuesday.  How the
animal became infected was not clear, said Josef Koefer, divisional head at
Austrian food safety agency AGES.  "The normal route is via the feed. The
other variant that I am considering is a spontaneous mutation in the
prions," he said.  Feeding animal meal to farm animals has been banned in
Austria since 1991."

[Very edited from:
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/31343/newsDate/22-Jun-2005/st
ory.htm


USDA THREATENS JAPAN OVER BANNING US BEEF IMPORTS: (06/23/05):  "USDA
officials and Japanese lawmakers argue over beef trade policies Senior USDA
officials and visiting Japanese lawmakers exchanged tough words over
Japan's 18-month-old ban on U.S. beef imports, Japan's Kyodo News reported.
USDA Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agriculture Services J.B. Penn
"threatened" the Japanese multiparty delegation in a meeting by saying that
the patience of the U.S. government, Congress, and the U.S. beef and meat
processing industries is reaching its limit.  "The tone of his comments was
that of threatening us," Japan's delegation chief Kenji Yamaoka told
reporters, adding that the Japanese lawmakers countered by expressing
concern over the U.S. inspection system on bovine spongiform encephalopathy
and urging Penn and other senior department officials to proceed with talks
based on "scientific" grounds."

[Edited from:
http://www.meatnews.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Article&artNum=9769


MAD COW: CONSUMERS UNION CALLS ON USDA TO RELEASE DATA: (06/26/05):
"Consumers Union is raising serious questions about the credibility of the
U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) expanded voluntary mad-cow
surveillance program and is asking the agency to release details on the
more than 400,000 cattle tested. In a letter sent to Agriculture Secretary
Mike Johanns today, the group cited serious deficiencies in the earlier
years of the program uncovered by the Office of Inspector General.
Consumers Union specifically requested data on:  the geographic location of
sampled cattle (including the state where the cow was born, raised, and
slaughtered), the age of the cattle tested (CU currently supports testing
of all cattle above 20 months), [and] the disease/high-risk status of the
cattle (for example, did they show symptoms of central nervous system
disease, which are common symptoms of mad cow)."

[Very edited from the excellent article (with a copy of the letter sent) at:
http://www.yubanet.com/artman/publish/article_23199.shtml


USDA TO RETEST SUSPECT ANIMAL FOR MAD COW DISEASE: (06/28/05): "Six months
after the first diagnosed U.S. case of mad cow disease, another animal may
be positive for the brain wasting disease, and will be retested, the U.S.
Agriculture Department said.  The USDA said animal health officials
reported the first "inconclusive" test result for the brain-wasting disease
since the government began using rapid test kits on June 1 as part of a
program to test more American cattle. The faster test carries a greater
risk of false positives. USDA officials said the animal could "very likely"
turn out to be healthy. They refused to identify if the suspect animal was
a cow or a steer, its age, location or any other information.  "Because the
test may very well turn out to be negative, we're not going to disclose
this information at this time," USDA's chief veterinarian, John Clifford,
told reporters."

[Edited from:
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/25706/newsDate/28-Jun-2004/st
ory.htm


OPRAH NOT "THE ONLY MAD COW IN AMERICA" THANKS TO TEXAS GOVERNOR:
(06/30/05):  "Now that mad cow disease has been detected in Texas, it is
interesting to review the unfortunately successful efforts of
then-Agriculture Commissioner and now-Governor Rick Perry to intimidate and
silence media coverage of mad cow risks in the US using the Texas food
disparagement act. It was on March 20, 1996, that the British government
shocked the world with it's announcement (after ten years of denying it
could happen) that young people with a fatal dementia were dead or dying of
mad cow disease, the first known human deaths. As we report in Mad Cow USA,
"In Texas, agriculture officials responded to the news of human deaths in
England with a publicity stunt, organizing a cookout and offering reporters
slices of smoked brisket while Agriculture Commissioner Rick Perry
criticized the media for stirring up public fears. A spokesman for the meat
industry stood along beside him and moralized about the need to avoid
'hysteria in the US about domestic beef."

After Oprah's alleged crime of airing a show [the famous one in 1996 with
Howard] examining mad cow risks in the United States, Rick Perry demanded
that she be dragged into a Texas courtroom. As we report in Mad Cow USA,
"In Texas, State Agriculture Commissioner Rick Perry asked the attorney
general to use the state's new 'food disparagement law' to file a lawsuit
against Lyman and the Oprah show. When the attorney general declined, beef
feedlot operator Paul Engler and a company named Cactus Feeders stepped in
to shoulder the burden, hiring a powerhouse L.A. Attorney to file a lawsuit
which sought $2 million in damages plus punitive fines.

Oprah claimed victory after spending millions of dollars and years of her
life battling her lawsuit. However, the real victors were Rick Perry and
the cattle industry since they succeeded as intended in squelching news
media coverage of mad cow risks in the United States, allowing to this day
the continual feeding of hundreds of millions of pounds a year of cattle
blood and fat to cattle, continuing the very practices that spread mad cow
disease. Now Governor Perry resides over the first US state to discover a
home-grown case of the deadly animal and human dementia.

On June 30 [2005] the New York Times reported that "Governor Rick Perry of
Texas issued a statement urging citizens to remain calm and be reassured
that they could trust the state's beef. 'I, for one, will continue to eat
red meat, and intend to do so later tonight with complete confidence,' Mr.
Perry said."

[Very edited from:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/madcow/oprah070105.cfm


JAPANESE COMPANY OFFERS TO PAY COSTS FOR MAD COW TESTING ON NORTH AMERICAN
EXPORT BEEF: (06/30/05):  "A Japanese company is offering to pay the cost
of testing every cow processed and shipped to Japan for mad cow disease.
The Canadian government's position is that testing should be done for
scientific reasons and not market access.  Itoham Foods, which processes
and sells beef in Japan, says it will pay those testing costs in order to
get Canadian beef back into the market. Itoham can't pay for the testing
without the approval of both the Canadian and Japanese governments."

[Very edited from:
http://calgary.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=ca-mad-cow-japan20050630


NIH WILL PRESERVE BRAINS OF AMERICANS WHO DIE FROM CJD: (07/01/05):  "The
National Institutes of Health apparently has reversed its position on the
fate of an invaluable collection of brains from people afflicted with a
condition similar to mad cow disease, saying in a letter to a U.S. senator
it will not destroy the collection.  An NIH official had told United Press
International previously that the brain collection, which consists of
samples from hundreds of people who died from the brain-wasting illness
called Creutzfeldt Jakob disease, could be discarded if another entity does
not claim them.  That sparked an outcry from patient-advocacy groups,
consumer watchdogs and scientists, and the agency now appears to have
backed away from that course."

[Very edited from:
http://www.sci-tech-today.com/story.xhtml?story_id=35918


US-STYLE MAD COW TESTING WOULD HAVE MISSED 9 OF 20 JAPANESE MAD COW CASES:
(07/16/05):  "Japanese food safety regulators are questioning the safety of
U.S. beef after a Ministry of Agriculture study showed that nearly half of
the 20 mad-cow cases found in Japan would have passed unnoticed under U.S.
testing methods, officials said Friday.  Scientists on a Food Safety
Commission panel have called for more details on a second case of confirmed
mad-cow disease in the United States, a move that could delay a decision to
resume American beef imports, which had been expected in late August,
officials said."

[Edited from:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/madcow/missed071805.cfm


MORE MAD COW FOUND IN BRITAIN: (07/20/05):  "A cluster of cows infected
with bovine spongiform encephalopathy, Mad cow disease, has raised fears
that contaminated feed is still being used in Britain.  Three young dairy
cows born long after the 1996 ban on contaminated feed are the second such
BSE cluster found in England.  Scientists said the occurrence of a second
cluster of BSE in young cattle strongly suggests the cases were not a
statistical fluke and contaminated feed caused the outbreaks, the
Independent reported Wednesday.  Christopher Higgins, chairman of Britain's
official Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee... was quick to note
the risks to human health are minimal because of measures designed to
protect the food chain from BSE-contaminated material."

[Edited from:
http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20050720-013028-7504r


100 BLOOD DONORS MAY HAVE VCJD: (07/21/05):  "More than 100 blood donors
are being warned they could have the human form of mad cow disease, the
government said yesterday.  Concern that some blood donors may be carrying
the disease arose after three recipients went on to develop variant CJD.
The donors do not necessarily have the disease, but will be told in letters
from health officials they have a greater chance than the rest of the
population.  They will also be asked not to donate blood, tissue or organs
and to inform doctors so extra precautions can be taken should they need to
have surgery.  It is possible that up to 3,000 other patients, who received
blood from the donors but have not shown signs of vCJD, could be contacted
in future, but experts are still considering what measures to take."

[Edited from:
http://news.scotsman.com/uk.cfm?id=1659512005


SPAIN REPORTS FIRST CASE OF HUMAN MAD COW DISEASE: (07/29/05):  "Spain
reported the first probable death from the human variant of mad cow disease
on Friday, a 26-year-old woman who was likely infected before the mad cow
scare of 2000 led to strict controls. Spain's Health Ministry said it
believed the death was caused by Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) based on
tests carried out at a Madrid hospital, and that it had sent samples to
experts in Edinburgh for confirmation.  Spain has reported 567 cases of
bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), the animal variant of the disease,
from 2000."
[Edited from:
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L29677323.htm


US SUSPECT COW CLEARED OF MAD COW DISEASE: (08/04/05):  "A third cow
suspected of having mad cow disease has tested negative, the U.S.
Agriculture Department said on Wednesday.  Following initial tests which
suggested the possibility of infection, tests at a USDA laboratory in Ames,
Iowa, and at an internationally recognized lab in Weybridge, England,
showed the cow did not have the fatal disease, said John Clifford, the
department's chief veterinarian.  The suspect cow died on the farm in April
where it was raised after complications from giving birth. The farm's
location has not been released."

[Edited from:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-08/04/content_3307925.htm


AG SECRETARY DOWNPLAYS MAD COW THREAT: (08/12/05):  "Agriculture Secretary
Mike Johanns complained Friday that much news coverage of the country's two
cases of mad cow disease have been inaccurate, costing the beef industry
billions of dollars, while the threat from bovine spongiform
encephalopathy, or BSE, is "minuscule."  "The reality is this: there is no
BSE 'outbreak' in the United States, and there never was," Johanns said in
plain-spoken remarks to meat industry officials on Wednesday. The American
Meat Institute, an industry group, released a transcript of the secretary's
speech on Friday.

"I think Johanns' remarks are funny, or sad," [Consumers Union's science
researcher] Michael Hansen went on. "He claims it's a `minuscule' threat
rapidly declining in the world. That's true because Europe and Japan have
taken stringent measures. Japan is testing 100 percent of cows at
slaughter, Europe 22 percent... and we're doing about 1 percent."

[Very edited from:
http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/12370540.htm


FIFTH WOMAN DIES AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED WITH CJD:  (08/14/05):  ""We have
received word that the woman who was ill with CJD died in the last week,"
said Dr. Christine Hahn, the state epidemiologist with the Idaho Department
of Health and Welfare. "It can progress very quickly. We're very sorry for
the family. It's a difficult disease for both the person and the family to
go through."  All but one of the women diagnosed with CJD were from Twin
Falls County.  Brain tissue from at least one of the women has been sent to
the National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center at Case Western
Reserve University in Cleveland to be studied.  ...the unusually high
number of cases has drawn attention from state health officials as well as
the CDC. Normally, the disease infects just one person per 1 million people
worldwide a year. In Idaho, there are about three cases of CJD annually,
and in recent years the United States has reported fewer than 300 cases of
CJD a year, according to the CDC."

[Edited from:
  http://www.magicvalley.com/articles/2005/08/14/news_localstate/news_local_state
.2.txt


US AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT FINDS 1,000 VIOLATIONS OF MAD COW RULES:
(08/16/05):  "Federal food safety inspectors found more than 1,000
instances since 2004 where US meat plants cut corners or violated
regulations aimed at preventing the spread of mad cow disease, the US
Agriculture Department said Monday.  The USDA said it released documents to
the American Meat Institute and the consumer group Public Citizen showing
that federal inspectors filed 1,036 noncompliance reports from January 2004
to May 2005 involving the removal of the brain, skull and spinal cord of
cattle aged 30 months and older.  Public Citizen said the documents showed
instances where US meat plants did not distinguish between older and
younger animals, banned materials were not removed and tools not properly
cleaned."

[Very edited from:
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/32048/story.htm


CONSUMERS TEND TO SHUN BEEF DUE TO MAD COW DISEASE: SURVEY:  (08/19/05):
"[In Japan] A farm ministry survey found that 43% of respondents have
either stopped eating beef or reduced consumption since the first case of
mad cow disease in Japan was confirmed in September 2001, according to
results released Thursday.  While 7 percent have eaten beef occasionally,
36% have cut back on consumption, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and
Fisheries said."

[Edited from:
http://japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=3&id=346720


EU RAISED CHILE'S RISK OF CONTRACTING "MAD COW":  (08/18/05):  "The
European Union officially informed Chile that it was raising the country's
risk of contracting Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, "mad cow", because
Chile imported meat and bone meal from Canada and United States between
1997 and 2000.  In practical terms, Chile was downgraded from category 1,
hardly any possibility of contracting BSE to category 3 which means
probabilities are much higher."

[Very edited from:
http://www.falkland-malvinas.com/Detalle.asp?NUM=6275


************************************************
*05:  Ultra-Vegan, Student Choices, Vegan Founder 95th B'Day
************************************************
VEGAN WINS 135 MILE MARATHON:  (07/22/05):  "He hardly looks as if he's
just run 135 miles, through 115-degree desert heat, from the lowest point
in the United States to the slopes of one of its highest points, Mount
Whitney.  You wouldn't know that this was his first time racing the
Badwater Ultramarathon, or that he shattered the course record by more than
half an hour, or that he was a full two hours ahead of his closest
competitor.  Before the California race, Jurek had never run more than 90
minutes on pavement.  Nor had he trained for the intense desert heat,
except for arriving a week early to the Death Valley start area.  And, he'd
just come off of winning another world-class ultramarathon two weeks
earlier -- barely any recovery time between two colossally demanding
endurance feats.  For food, Scott Jurek, a vegan, ate energy bars and gels,
potatoes and rice balls, chased by soy protein drinks and electrolyte
capsules. He consumed 60-120 calories every 20-30 minutes, mostly on the
run."

[Very edited from fascinating article at:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/othersports/233630_jurek22.html


VEGAN OPTIONS MORE POPULAR THAN EVER ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES:  (06/21/05):
"ARAMARK nationwide research has revealed that, out of more than 100,000
college students surveyed, nearly a quarter said finding vegan meals on
campus -- which contain no meat, fish, poultry or other products derived
from animals such as dairy, eggs or honey -- was important to them.  To
better serve its customers and in honor of Vegan World Day on June 21st,
ARAMARK (NYSE:RMK), a worldwide provider of managed services, has increased
its number of vegan menu items on campuses and continues to work with
campus vegetarian and vegan resource groups to meet customer demand.
Training chefs and food servers for vegan dishes is critical and focuses on
close inspection of ingredient labels, proper separation of ingredients
during storage, preparation and service to protect against contact with
animal-based products, and designation of utensils as "for vegan only" to
give customers confidence in the meals being served.  Headquartered in
Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 242,500 employees serving clients
in 20 countries."

[Very edited from:
http://thesoydailyclub.com/Food/vegan06282005.asp


  VEGAN FOUNDER, DONALD WATSON - 95TH BIRTHDAY:  (08/15/05):  "People from
all over the world are being urged to send birthday cards and thanks to the
woodwork teacher, now 95, who started the vegan movement more than 60 years
ago.  Donald Watson is the visionary that formed the word vegan from the
begining and end of "vegetarian" and founded The Vegan Society in November
1944. Donald Watson celebrates his 95th Birthday this year. Donald was born
on 2nd September 1910. Please send birthday wishes and thanks for the
inspiration to make the world a better place. Cards and wishes should be
posted to arrive no later than 29th August 2005.

Addressed to:
FAO Donald Watson - Founder (Birthday Wishes) C/O The Vegan Society 7
Battle Road St Leonards On Sea East Sussex TN37 7AA

Fax Number +44 (0) 1424 717064.  If you have a photograph of your vegan
group or a vegan event (from last years World Vegan Day?) Donald would be
very pleased to see these.  You can email photos and wishes suitable for
printing to: info@... with "Donald Watson Wishes" in Subject
Line (No animated cards please)."

[Edited from:
http://www.news.for-vegans.co.uk/


GREEN VEGAN MAN:  (05/11/05):  "The number of vegetarians seems pretty
stable, but the number of vegans is actually increasing," says Joe
Connelly, founder and publisher of VegNews, a San Francisco-based national
lifestyle magazine. (Connelly, who has been vegan for more than a decade,
is also the original Green columnist). "It's a natural progression," he
says. "Anyone who goes vegetarian will eventually lean toward veganism:
They will see the connections and understand them." Connelly also says that
new categories, such as "flexitarians" -- people who eat meat only when
they go out -- or "pescetarians" -- people who won't eat animals other than
fish -- are part of a tacit popular endorsement of veganism's premise: that
it is better to avoid animal products.  "You should feel good when you're
vegan -- you shouldn't have to apologize for it," adds Joe Connelly. "The
reality is that if you're eating a healthy diet and you're a vegan, you are
leaving less of a footprint on the Earth."

[Very edited from from the long and interesting piece with stuff from/about
Vegan Moby at:
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2005/05/11/gree.DTL


************************************************
*06:  Patent Pigs?, Brainy Bird, Chimp vs Warhol, Human-like
************************************************
MONSANTO FILES PATENT FOR NEW INVENTION: THE PIG:  (08/02/05):  "It's
official. Monsanto Corporation is out to own the world's food supply, the
dangers of genetic engineering and reduced biodiversity notwithstanding, as
they pig-headedly set about hog-tying farmers with their monopoly plans.
We've discovered chilling new evidence of this in recent patents that seek
to establish ownership rights over pigs and their offspring. The patent
applications were published in February 2005 at the World Intellectual
Property Organisation (WIPO) in Geneva. ...Monsanto is seeking patents not
only on methods of breeding, but on actual breeding herds of pigs as well
as the offspring that result.  "If these patents are granted, Monsanto can
legally prevent breeders and farmers from breeding pigs whose
characteristics are described in the patent claims, or force them to pay
royalties," says Then. "It's a first step toward the same kind of corporate
control of an animal line that Monsanto is aggressively pursuing with
various grain and vegetable lines."

[Very edited from the fascinating article with info on what YOU can do to
help at:
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/news/monsanto-pig-patent-111


PARROT PROVES IT'S NO BIRDBRAIN:  (07/20/05):  "At the ripe age of 29, Alex
has mastered important tasks like counting to six, understanding that corn
is yellow, and knowing the differences among a variety of shapes. ...Alex,
an African gray parrot, is a prime example of birds' abilities to exhibit
higher brain functions than humans usually give them credit for.  Now, Alex
can identify 50 different objects, and knows seven colors and five shapes.
He understands concepts of same and different, and can even ask for certain
objects that aren't physically present, Pepperberg said.  But perhaps the
most intriguing thing is what Alex seems to have taught himself, which
Pepperberg calls a "zero-like concept." Humans don't usually understand the
concept of zero until they're several years old, and Pepperberg has never
heard of a bird having a similar comprehension.  ... Alex's intellectual
prowess could show how animals with walnut-sized brains can do some of the
things people can do.  It also leads to looking at the capabilities of
other bird species, Pepperberg said.  Alex's displayed abilities could help
save endangered birds like him.  "Basically, it's easier to convince people
to conserve creatures that are sentient, that are intelligent, that are
more like us," Pepperberg said."

[Very edited from the "must read" at:
http://www.wired.com/news/print/0,1294,68226,00.html

PAINTINGS BY CHIMPANZEE OUTSELL WARHOL:  (06/20/05):  "Monkey business
proved to be lucrative Monday when paintings by Congo the chimpanzee sold
at auction for more than $25,000.  The three abstract, tempera paintings
were auctioned at Bonhams in London alongside works by impressionist master
Renoir and pop art provocateur Andy Warhol.  But while Warhol's and
Renoir's work didn't sell, bidders lavished attention on Congo's paintings.
Congo, born in 1954, produced about 400 drawings and paintings between ages
2 and 4. He died in 1964 of tuberculosis.  His artwork provoked reactions
ranging from scorn to skepticism among critics of the time, but Pablo
Picasso is reported to have hung a Congo painting on his studio wall after
receiving it as a gift."

[Edited from:
http://www.wtop.com/index.php?nid=114&sid=517746


ANIMALS AND US: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS:  (06/04/05):  From an interview with Jane
Goodall: "WHAT IS THE MOST HUMAN-LIKE BEHAVIOUR YOU SAW IN CHIMPANZEES?:"
Chimps can be deliberately deceptive. For example, when we wanted the young
males to get the bananas, the big males would come and take them all, so we
took to hiding some of the bananas up in the trees. One day a young male
called Figan suddenly looked up into a tree and there was a banana nobody
else had seen. He glanced over at three older males grooming. Chimps follow
each other's gaze, and if the males had noticed where Figan had been
looking they would have immediately taken the banana, and if he had tried
to get it quickly they would have attacked him. I think he knew if he
stayed there he wouldn't be able to resist looking, so he went out of
sight. The moment they left, he came back to fetch it.

"WHAT'S THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HUMANS AND CHIMPS?:"  Talking.
Because we can discuss ideas, we can teach about things that aren't
present. We can draw from the distant past and teach each other from it and
we can plan the distant future. Mostly it is this discussion of ideas."

[Originally in New Scientist 04 June 2005.  Very edited from:
  http://www.newscientist.com/channel/being-human/mg18625025.900


************************************************
*07:  Cow Pattie Filter, To Serve Man, Store Wars, Pyra-Parody
************************************************
COW CHIP WATER FILTER: (05/17/05):  "An Australian professor has come up
with a way of making DIY [do it yourself] water purifiers (PDF), suitable
for the developing world: A handful of clay, yesterday's coffee grounds and
some cow manure: the ingredients that could bring clean, safe drinking
water to much of the third world. The simple new technology, developed by
[Australia National University] materials scientist Mr. Tony Flynn, allows
water filters to be made from commonly available materials and fired on the
ground using cow manure as the source of heat, without the need for kiln.
The filters have been tested and shown to remove common pathogens including
E-coli.  "They are very simple to explain and demonstrate and can be made
by anyone, anywhere," says Mr Flynn. "They don't require any western
technology. All you need is terracotta clay, a compliant cow and a match."
Commercial ceramic filters do exist, Flynn says, but with prices which are
often too expensive most people in the developing world."

[Very edited from:
http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/002738.html


TO SERVE MAN: (05/30/05):  "This billboard modification was above an beyond
what is typical for the BLF [Billboard Liberation Front] and included an
animatronic Ronald McDonald force feeding a hamburger to an obese child,
with a backdrop covering the billboard which consisted of well-fed Ronald
McDonald and alien figures.  [From Press Release]: McDonalds is virtually
ignoring its own golden anniversary with the modesty and humility of a
king, even though McDonald's 50th is an event of colossal significance for
shareholders, staff, customers, and indeed, all of mankind. Thus, the
Billboard Liberation Front (BLF) and Ron of the East will provide our most
inspirational client with a gratis improvement in honor of McDonalds
campaign "To Serve Man."  Yet, this innovation pales in light to the
dedication of McDonalds To Serve Man. With each successive year McDonalds
has unflinchingly and subserviently fed more and more of humanity for the
lowest of possible prices. All the while, they have selflessly prepared
Earth and all its inhabitants for our ultimate purpose in the Universal
Scheme of Things, as writer Rod Serling presaged in the 1960's. That Grand
Design is now ready for Mass Consumption."

[Very edited from the great pictures and full press release at:
  http://laughingsquid.com/2005/05/30/billboard-liberation-front-to-serve-man/


GROCERY STORE WARS:  (2005): "Learn the ways of the FARM."  A hilarious and
creative interactive Flash movie with vegetables standing in for Star Wars
characters, promoting organic agriculture.  "All the characters in Store
Wars are live-action food puppets -- organic vegetables, fruits, pastries
and a couple canned goods.  The only computer effects are the laser blasts
and light sabers."

[See this brilliant work (low and high-bandwidth versions) at:
http://storewars.org/flash/index.html


US DEPARTMENT OF AGRIBUSINESS "MYPYRAMID:  (June 2005): "Welcome to
MyPyramid.org! USDA hopes the updated food pyramid, MyPyramid, will help to
ease much of the confusion that has come from so-called "doctors" and
"scientists" claiming that their independent, repeatable experimentation
has shown red meat, processed foods, agrichemicals and irradiation to be
unhealthy for people and the planet. Many of USDA's top officials have
worked in the Agribusiness industry, providing the expertise necessary to
develop a pyramid that best represents the truth about healthy eating --
it's not what happens to the food before it gets to your table, but simply
that you eat substantial servings of all foods -- Following these
guidelines will help ensure the health of American families while
guaranteeing the health of Agribusiness Corporations around the world."

[Wonderful and truly funny parody... don't miss the "Tip of the Week' at:
http://www.mypyramid.org/


************************************************
*08:  Spray Coke, Organic Wins, 100 bil. Veg. Burgers, Power Diet
************************************************
THINGS "GROW BETTER" WITH COKE (AS PESTICIDE):  (2004/2005):  "Indian
farmers have come up with what they think is the real thing to keep crops
free of bugs.  Instead of paying hefty fees to international chemical
companies for patented pesticides, they are reportedly spraying their
cotton and chili fields with Coca-Cola.  In the past month there have been
reports of hundreds of farmers turning to Coke in Andhra Pradesh and
Chattisgarh states.  But as word gets out that soft drinks may be bad for
bugs and a lot cheaper than anything that Messrs Monsanto, Shell and Dow
can offer, thousands of others are expected to switch.

Coca-Cola has had a bad year in India.  Other farmers in Andra Pradesh
state accused the company of over-extracting underground water for its
bottling plants and a government committee upheld findings that drinks made
in India by itself and PepsiCo contained unacceptable amounts of pesticide
residue.  But Mr. Laxmaiah and others say their cola sprays are invaluable
because they are safe to handle, do not need to be diluted and, mainly, are
cheap."

[Edited from:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/toxic/pop.cfm


STUDIES SHOW HOW AND WHY ORGANIC FARMING MUST BECOME THE NORM IN THE USA:
(07/13/05):  "Organic farming produces the same yields of corn and soybeans
as does conventional farming, but uses 30 percent less energy, less water
and no pesticides, a review of a 22-year farming trial study concludes.
David Pimentel, a Cornell University professor of ecology and agriculture,
concludes, "Organic farming offers real advantages for such crops as corn
and soybeans." Pimentel is the lead author of a study that is published in
the July issue of Bioscience (Vol. 55:7) analyzing the environmental,
energy and economic costs and benefits of growing soybeans and corn
organically versus conventionally. The study is a review of the Rodale
Institute Farming Systems Trial, the longest running comparison of organic
vs. conventional farming in the United States.  "Organic farming
approaches... also induce less erosion, maintain soil quality and conserve
more biological resources than conventional farming does," Pimentel added."

[Very edited from the great article at:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/organic/norm071805.cfm

[See also:
http://www.aibs.org/bioscience/


WHAT WOULD 100 BILLION MCVEGGIE BURGERS MEAN?:  (04/19/05):  "If the next
100 billion burgers sold under the Golden Arches were veggie-based instead
of beef, Americans' cholesterol levels, fiber intake and overall health
would all improve, according to an article in the May issue of the American
Journal of Preventive Medicine.  Dr. Frank says the impetus for the study
was seeing the McDonald's signs that say 'Over 100 billion burgers sold.'
The study compares the McVeggie burger with McDonald's beef burger and asks
what if the next 100 billion burgers were McVeggie patties instead of beef?
McDonald's customers would benefit from an estimated 1 billion more pounds
of fiber, 550 million fewer pounds of saturated fat, 1.2 billion fewer
total pounds of fat and even 660 million more pounds of protein, the
authors say.  Dr. Frank received no funding for the study."

[Very edited from:
http://www.whsc.emory.edu/press_releases2.cfm?announcement_id_seq=3623


STUDY TOUTS POWER OF PLANT-BASED DIET:  (05/04/05):  "A new Stanford
University School of Medicine study supports what vegetarians have been
saying since the invention of the lentil loaf: A diet rich in vegetables,
grains and legumes might be healthier for your heart than a conventional
meat-based low-fat diet.  Published in yesterday's Annals of Internal
Medicine, the study compares two low-fat diets, each containing identical
amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol.  Participants who followed a
vegetarian diet full of whole grains and nutrient-dense fruits and
vegetables reduced their total and low-density lipoprotein (known as LDL,
or "bad") cholesterol by more than twice as much as those who followed a
more conventional low-fat diet that simply avoided saturated fat and
cholesterol-rich foods.

Previous research has demonstrated that diets high in grains, fruits and
vegetables help reduce cholesterol, but it was generally assumed that this
was because these diets naturally contain less saturated fat and
cholesterol than diets with more meat. In this study, all participants
ingested the same amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol, no matter which
diet they followed."

[Edited from:
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/05/04/FDGKGCIQNS1.DTL


************************************************
*09:  Howard's Fall Tour!
************************************************
Aug 28: Syracuse, NY > shawnd@...
Aug 31: Fairfield, CT > glen@...

Sept 5: Peace Abby - 5 pm.
Sept 6: Worchester, MA
Sept 7: Boston, MA > baerwolf@...
Sept 8: New Ashford, MA > vegan@...
Sept 9: Buffalo, NY > econser@...
Sept 10: Cleveland, OH > mrsorganic@...
Sept 11: Chicago, IL > prglidden@...
Sept 13: Sheridan, WY > nowhiner@...
Sept 20: Ellensburg, WA > cmurray@...
Sept 21: Puget Sound, WA > University of Puget Sound,
upstart@...
Sept 22-24: Renton, WA > JeanineFey@...
Sept 25: San Francisco, CA >
Sept 26: Portland, OR > madcowboyoregon@...
Sept 27: Portland, OR > nwveg@...
Sept 28: Corvallis, OR > madcowboyoregon@...
Sept 29: Eugene, OR > madcowboyoregon@...
Sept 30: Ashland, OR > madcowboyoregon@...

Oct 01: Marin, CA > eatplants@...
Oct 2: Oakland, CA > webveg@...
Oct 3: Santa Cruz, CA > elwwasson@...
Oct 4: Monterey, CA > Ryan@...
Oct 9: Grand Junction, CO > VeggieMarian@...
Oct 10: Denver, CO > darlajbeckley@...
Oct 11: Boulder, CO > darlajbeckley@...
Oct 12: Larned, KS > (no event)
Oct 13: Kansas City, KS > sepiasprit@...
Oct 14-15: St. Louis, MO > min987@...
Oct 16: Springfield, IL > bhershey@...
Oct 17: Cincinnati, OH > ledererm@...
Oct 18: Asheville, NC > Sancapvegans@...
Oct 19: Atlanta, GA > Imungavin@...
Oct 20: Tampa, FL > vegangirl@...
Oct 21: Space Coast, FL > joecool@...
Oct 22-23: Miami, FL > joycedibened@...
Oct 24: Athens, GA > ecg@...
Oct 25: Raleigh, NC > Barman@...
Oct 26: Richmond, VA > aprilkung@...

Nov 9: Milwaukee, WI > Univ. of Wisconsin, l_gruenstern@...

(For more information and a tenative list of a major cross-country tour by
Howard in the Fall:
http://www.madcowboy.com/01_SchedCA.000.html


************************************************
*10:  Quick Bytes
************************************************
AGRICULTURE:
["Ag Industry Aims to Strip Local Control of Food Supplies:"
http://counterpunch.org/tokar05262005.html

["Quick Facts On Lawn And Garden Chemicals:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/school/lawns041905.cfm

["Grain Farmers Get Uncle Sam's Bread:"
http://www.sltrib.com/business/ci_2932004

[A great online resource: "Beyond Organic:"
http://www.beyondorganic.com/

["Students flock to campus organic farms:"
http://www.cnn.com/2005/EDUCATION/07/22/student.farmers.ap/

["The Edible Schoolyard:"
http://www.edibleschoolyard.org/homepage.html


ANIMAL ISSUES:
["World's Largest Network of Animal Protection Societies:"
http://www.worldanimal.net/

["CD-ROM Peers Into Dog Innards:"
http://www.wired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,68132,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_3

[For animal issues news, check the always topical and current:
http://www.animalconcerns.org

DIET/HEALTH:
["Disaster By Design: Confusing New Food Pyramid Misleads:"
http://www.pcrm.org/news/commentary0505.html

["Surprising Expiration Dates:"
http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/content/print/0,22304,676079,00.html

["Detroit Ponders Fast-Food Tax:"
http://www.rednova.com/news/oddities/148740/detroit_ponders_fastfood_tax/

["Obesity Increases Dementia Risk:"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4492745.stm

["US Leads In Mental Illness:"
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-06/08/content_3056856.htm


ENVIRONMENT:
["Emission Cuts 'Vital' For Oceans:"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4633681.stm

["Administration Excised Scientists' Warnings In Grazing Report:"
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002340217_graze18.html

["Map Reveals Wind Power Potential:"
http://www.wired.com/news/planet/0,2782,67600,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_5

["Green For Good Launches Website Featuring Nearly 1400 Green, Organic and
Eco-Friendly Products:"
http://www.enn.com/today.html?id=8414


NETWORKING:
[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html


RECIPES:
[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[100's of Lowfat Vegan Recipes:
http://www.lowfatvegan.com

[Tempeh Recipes:
http://www.tempeh.info/recipes/recipes.php?recipe=410


VEGAN:
["The World Peace Diet: Eating For Spiritual Health and Social Harmony:"
http://willtuttle.com/enter.htm

["Vegetarianwomen.com Launches Vegbay.com:"
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/4/prweb232725.htm

************************************************
*11:  Closing Thought(s) from Howard in "No More Bull!"
************************************************
"...the smartest thing I ever did was to start down a path that eventually
led me to become a vegan.  It was a process that took years; I made some
mistakes along the way, and I'm still learning.  But I have arrived now at
a diet that leaves me with more energy than I've felt since I was a kid,
and leaves my doctor shaking his head in wonder at all the glorious numbers
in my blood work-one hell of an improvement over the ominous numbers that
used to make me think that my only hope was to buy more life insurance.  I
understand now that no change could produce as much benefit for our land
and the water-and our health-than a shift among the American populace
towards a plant-based diet.
      All my energies now are devoted to reaching that goal.  It is my hope
that this book can bring us a small step closer to achieving it."

--- (from the Introduction of the new book: "No More Bull!  The Mad Cowboy
Targets America's Worst Enemy: Our Diet,"  by Howard F. Lyman, with Glen
Merzer and Joanna Samorow-Merzer")


******************************************************************
Mark Sutton, Webmaster@...  http://www.madcowboy.com
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to: Mad_Cowboy-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
******************************************************************

Howdy!  Welcome to the 49th Edition of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.

Howard's back from his two and a half month "No More Bull! Fall Tour," and
after traveling near 13,000 miles by car, he's still going strong.  Howard
and Willow have just finished relocating from Virginia to Washington.  He's
given us a bunch of photos from some of his recent travels and the links
are further on down in this issue.

Reading onward, you'll find a special recipe for Thanksgiving, results of
the World's Largest Vegetarian Survey (kudos to VegNews for doing this
every year!), and what's been in the news regarding BSE, CWD, and concerns
about finding prions in both mammary glands and, well, urine.

There's also articles about new studies showing that meat is bad for your
lungs, transfers non-human molecules if consumed, the relationship between
hamburgers and asthma, and some stats about "Beef versus Pasta."  And don't
miss the summary of results (and important advice to vegans) from Dr.
Klaper's "Vegan Health Study" of over 900 vegans, and a very funny activist
Flash animation: "Climate Mash."

Moving along, you'll know that the oldest living creature on the Earth is
vegan (and who she is...), find out about an important piece of legislation
concerning animals and disasters (sign the petition!), learn about a great
new film regarding animals & humans narrated by Juaquin Phoenix, read about
raw foods "pros and cons," understand how to add 4 extra years to your
lifespan, and know where to post pictures of your "vegan meals" to help
answer the common question: "What Do Vegans Eat?"

Finally, there's a truckload of resource, info, article, and Holiday Recipe
links in "Quick Bytes."

...And, of course, a warm nod of the hat to our new subscribers.  Y'all can
read past issues of the Newsletter at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Best wishes to everyone for a Safe, Peaceful, & Happy VEG'N Thanksgiving!

Mark

[Personal "V" Blogsite:  http://www.soulveggie.com ]


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00:  Quote from Howard
01:  Pix from Howard's Camera
02:  Winners Announced:  World's Largest Veg Survey
03:  The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
04:  A Special Holiday Recipe from "No More Bull!"
05:  Mad Cow Info Round-up
06:  Meat=Bad Lungs, Non-human Meat Molecules, Beef vs Pasta
07:  Beans/Soy Reduce Cancer, +4 Yrs. Life, Vegan=Weight Loss
08:  Dolphins/Batman, 175 Yrs. Vegan, Climate Mash & Top 10
09:  Disaster Petition, New Film, Gorilla Tools, One Right for All
10:  Vegan Eats Blog, Health Study, Anti-Vegan?, & Raw Debate
11:  Howard's Schedule
12:  Quick Bytes
13:  Closing Thought(s)


************************************************
*00:  Quote from Howard
************************************************
"The best way I've found to recruit friends and loved ones to a plant-based
diet is to invite them over for meals, and show them that we have not
deprived ourselves of anything except the diseases they are prone to.  Show
them how easy it is to eat from the unlimited plant kingdom, and how rich
the choices are.  Expose them to foods they've never eaten before.  You're
better off serving the seitan stew than preaching the gospel of animal
rights.  People either feel for animals or they don't; while I believe they
ought not be shielded from seeing what a slaughterhouse looks like, and the
conditions in which their "food" animals exist, I also think it serves no
purpose to browbeat them over animal rights.  If you must browbeat them, do
so about their health."

(from Howard's New Book "No More Bull!" p. 85)

"No More Bull!" now available at:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VVFprods.002.html


************************************************
*01:  Pix from Howard's Camera
************************************************

http://www.madcowboy.com/HLPix_08to090405/index.html

http://www.madcowboy.com/HLPix_09to102005/index.html


************************************************
*02:  Winners Announced:  World's Largest Veg Survey
************************************************
WINNERS ANNOUNCED OF WORLD'S LARGEST SURVEY OF VEGETARIAN FOOD, PEOPLE &
PLACES:  (11/01/05):  "VegNews, America's premier vegetarian lifestyle
magazine [with a readership of over 150,000], has announced the winners of
the 2005 Veggie Awards in their November/December edition. With over 10,000
readers voting for their favorite vegetarian products in over 70
categories, this annual survey is the largest of its kind in the world. The
awards showcase the best of vegetarian in categories ranging from soy milk,
veggie burger and restaurant to celebrity, website and even most
veg-friendly city.

"These companies are leaders in the natural food industry and continue to
develop high-quality vegetarian products. We are pleased to honor their
accomplishments with a Veggie Award," said VegNews Magazine publisher
Joseph Connelly.

Following are some stand outs: Best Vegetarian Restaurant: Chicago Diner,
Chicago Best Vegan Restaurant: Millennium, San Francisco Best Veg-Friendly
Fast Food Restaurant: Subway Best Veggie Burger: Boca Burger Best Soy milk:
Silk Best Natural Foods Store: Whole Foods Favorite Veg Celebrity: Woody
Harrelson Favorite Veg-Friendly City: San Francisco."

All Veggie Award winners can be viewed at:
http://vegnews.com/veggieawards_2005.html

[Very edited from:
http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2005/11/emw303717.htm


************************************************
*03:  The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST WEEK'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"What is the shelf-life of Tabasco Sauce kept in a cool, dry place?"

(A) 1 year   (B)  2 years   (C)  5 years   (D)  7 years  (E) Beyond the
Infinite

Congratulations to Janet Schmidt, of Belvidere, NJ, for correctly guessing
"(C) 5 years" and winning the luck of the draw.  Enjoy your VegNews
subscription, pardner!

[Answer at:  "Surprising expiration dates:
http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/content/print/0,22304,676079,00.html


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Which of the following countries has the most people with diabetes in the
world?"

(a) India  (b) USA  (c) Britain  (d) China  (e) Russia


Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word "contest"
in your subject line by NLT December 15th, 2005.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE
one-year subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting the
correct answer to each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to Joe, and you
can learn more about VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call 1.415.665.6397]


************************************************
*04:  A Special Holiday Recipe from "No More Bull!"
************************************************
SPICE ROAST

Yield:  6 servings

2 cups vital wheat gluten
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon marjoram
2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 small onion, sliced
2 cups hot water
2 tablespoons soy sauce


GOLDEN GRAVY

2 tablespoons safflower oil
1/4 cup flour
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
Black pepper to taste

Combine first 4 ingredients in large bowl; make a well in the center of the
mixture.  Combine vegetable broth and soy sauce, add to dry ingredients and
knead.  Transfer mixture to a 9x5x3-inch nonstick loaf pan.  Add sliced
onion to top of loaf.  Combine hot water and soy sauce; pour over loaf pan.
Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees F. for 1 1/2 hours.  Let cool
before slicing.  Serve with golden gravy.

GRAVY:  Add safflower oil to saucepan.  Place over medium heat until hot.
Add flour and nutritional yeast, stirring constantly until mixture starts
to bubble.  Whisk in vegetable broth.  Stir until mixture thickens and
comes to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer 1 to 2 minutes, stirring
occasionally.  Add black pepper to taste.

From:  Patricia Bertron, R.D.; PCRM  ("No More Bull," p. 176-177)

[and don't miss the Holiday Recipe links in "Quick Bytes" below]


************************************************
*05:  Mad Cow Info Round-up
************************************************
INSPECTOR TO FILE CHARGES AGAINST USDA:  (09/06/05):
"The federal meat inspector who was charged with misconduct by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture after he claimed mad cow disease safeguards were
being violated at slaughterhouses told United Press International he plans
to file charges against the agency.  Stan Painter, a USDA inspector and
chair of the National Joint Council of Food Inspection Locals, the
inspectors union, notified the agency's management in a letter last
December he was aware of instances where the riskiest parts of older cows
were not being marked or removed from processing.  The USDA did not respond
to Painter's concerns until he made his letter known to news outlets.

For months, USDA officials denied Painter's allegations in media reports,
saying they had investigated and found no evidence to substantiate his
claims. The NRs [noncompliance reports] released last month under the
Freedom of Information Act, however, showed 1,036 violations of SRM
[specified risk materials] regulations in at least 35 states, Puerto Rico
and the Virgin Islands, with some plants being cited repeatedly for
infractions. The USDA delayed releasing the documents for eight months
despite a federal law mandating a response within 30 days.

Sometime around June the U.S. Embassy in Japan posted a notice on its Web
site stating USDA officials had found no evidence to substantiate Painter's
claims and had requested a criminal investigation into his actions. The
notice was removed in July after UPI reported its existence."

[Very edited from:
http://news.monstersandcritics.com/lifestyle/consumerhealth/article_1046394.php/
Inspector_to_file_charges_against_USDA


USDA EASES SLAUGHTER RULES ON MAD-COW:  (09/08/05):  "The government is
easing rules intended to prevent the spread of mad-cow disease among
people, allowing part of a cow's small intestine to be used as casing for
some sausages.  Rules in effect after discovery of the first U.S. case of
mad-cow disease in 2003 required the removal of the small intestine when a
cow was slaughtered.  The Agriculture Department (USDA) and Food and Drug
Administration cleared the way yesterday for a portion of the small
intestine to be used as a casing for specialty sausage.  The rules still
prohibit use of the lower end section of the small intestine, called the
distal ileum. Studies have shown the distal ileum can contain the
infectious protein that causes mad-cow disease.

The Agriculture Department now knows more about effectively separating the
distal ileum from the small intestine, said [the USDA]... The department is
aware of the financial hardship on businesses that make ethnic sausages..."

[Edited from:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002479654_madcow08.html


DENMARK CONFIRMS 14TH CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE:  (09/09/05):  "Denmark on
Friday was cited by Agence France Presse as confirming its 14th case of mad
cow disease after a nine-year-old dairy cow in the northern Jutland region
was found to have been infected with the brain-wasting illness."

[Edited from:
http://www.foodconsumer.org/777/8/Denmark_confirms_14th_case_of_mad_cow_disease.
shtml


GOVERNMENT TO REMOVE MAD COW CONTROL RULE:  (09/15/05): "(Britain): The
country's farm ministry said on Thursday it had accepted a proposal to
allow some older cattle to enter the food chain, opening the way for the
removal of one of the main measures used to combat the deadly mad cow
disease.  The news provided a major boost to the country's beef industry
which was devastated in 1995 following an outbreak of mad cow in the
nation's herds.  The move was based on advice from the Food Standards
Agency."

[Edited from:
http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2005-09-15
T113208Z_01_FOR536305_RTRUKOC_0_UK-FOOD-BRITAIN-MADCOW.xml


U.S. BAN ON JAPANESE BEEF CONTINUES:  (09/20/05):  "Angry with Japan for
refusing to lift a mad cow-related ban on U.S. beef, senators retaliated
Tuesday by voting to retain a ban on Japanese beef.  Last fall, Japan
agreed to lift the ban but still hasn't done so.  In June, U.S. authorities
confirmed a second domestic case in a Texas-born cow. Japan, in contrast,
has found 20 cases of mad cow disease. U.S. regulators proposed last month
to partially lift the ban on Japanese beef.

Japan's stalling is "just unfair," said Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb.  "There
have been two cases of mad cow disease in the United States, one from
Canada," Nelson said in a Senate speech. "Statistically, it's nonexistent,
in terms of the millions of head of cattle that are sent to slaughter every
year."

The U.S. bans beef from all countries with confirmed cases of mad cow
disease, including Japan. The exception is Canada, which resumed limited
beef shipments in 2003 and live cattle shipments earlier this year."

[Edited from:
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8CO5D482.htm?campaign_id=apn_home_
down&chan=db


PRIONS OF MAD COW DISEASE COULD SHOW UP IN URINE:  (10/18/05):  "Prions
responsible for the transmission of mad cow disease and scrapie could end
up in urine, according to Swiss researchers.  Prions are deformed brain
proteins that are contagious and responsible for the transmission of all
types of brain wasting diseases in cows, sheep, dear/elk, and humans. In
the report scheduled to be published in the journal Science this month,
Adrano Aguzzi and colleagues from the University Hospital of Zurich said
prions could show up in urine under certain circumstances.

For a long time, the government held a belief that prions (infectious
agents) are mostly present in the brain and spinal cords. Because of this
notion, many parts of cattle are still allowed for use in animal feed.
Recent studies by others found prions are present in some organs including
the liver."

[Very edited from:
http://www.foodconsumer.org/777/8/Prions_of_mad_cow_disease_could_show_up_in_uri
ne.shtml


NEW GERMAN MAD COW CASE CONFIRMED IN BAVARIA:  (10/25/05):  "A new case of
the deadly mad cow disease has been discovered in Bavaria, the German
state's Ministry of Environment, Health and Consumer Protection said on
Tuesday.  This was the 139th case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)
confirmed in a cow in Bavaria, the second most populous state in Germany
and the largest in terms of land mass, the ministry said in a statement."

[Edited from:
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=scienceNews&storyID=2005-10-
25T170737Z_01_KWA561628_RTRUKOC_0_US-MADCOW-GERMANY.xml&archived=False


CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE FOUND IN MOOSE:  (10/26/05):  "Chronic wasting
disease (CWD), a prion disease that resembles bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE), has been found in a wild moose for the first time,
Colorado wildlife officials announced recently.  Previously the disease had
been found in the wild only in deer and elk.  The only previous finding of
CWD in a moose was in an experiment in which a captive moose was fed some
infective material...

Will Hueston, DVM, an expert on BSE and related diseases, told CIDRAP News
that the Colorado finding "demonstrates that the CWD agent has a broader
range than we hoped. Everyone hoped it would be restricted to deer and
elk."  CWD has now been found in wild deer and elk in eight states,
including four states east of the Mississippi, plus two Canadian provinces,
according to the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance, a coalition of wildlife
conservation groups."
See also:

June 2004 Emerging Infectious Diseases article on CWD
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol10no6/03-1082.htm

Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance map of CWD-affected states
http://www.cwd-info.org/index.php/fuseaction/about.map

[Very edited from:
  http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/other/bse/news/oct2605cwd.html


FRANKENSTEER DEFINITELY SOMETHING TO BEEF ABOUT:  (10/27/05):  "Ever wonder
what exactly is in that ground beef you buy at the supermarket?  If you're
like the majority of Canadian consumers, you may not want to know. Some
things are better left well enough alone, right?  Wrong - at least
according to the creators of Frankensteer...  The homegrown doc reveals
what's really involved in the North American beef industry, including some
startling facts about inspection rules, mad cow disease and the use of
drugs and growth hormones.  This is not a pro-vegetarian propaganda film,
although the troubling revelations certainly inspire a meat-free lifestyle.

"We have taken this benign, natural vegetarian and turned it first into a
cannibal, and when that didn't work, into a vampire," narrates Ted
Remerowski, Frankensteer's writer. "We've turned its brain and spinal cord
into toxic sites. We have managed to turn its feces into something that
routinely makes us sick and occasionally kills us. We have taken the cow
and used it as our experiment in developing the perfect food machine.

"In the process, we've created our very own frankensteer."

[Very edited from from the scary article at:
http://www.edmontonsun.com/Entertainment/Showbiz/2005/10/27/1280858-sun.html


AUSTRIA: MAD COW DISEASE FOUND:  (10/28/05):  "A case of mad cow disease
was found in a slaughterhouse in Salzburg in central Austria, veterinary
officials said on Friday.  It was the third case of mad cow in Austria
since 2001, when adequate testing for the disease began."

[Edited from:
http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_1825447,00.html


CWD OUTBREAK CHANGES IMPORT REGULATIONS:  (10/30/05):  "If you're planning
to hunt deer in West Virginia this season, your options just changed on
what you can bring back to Virginia.  Chronic wasting disease surfaced in
the Mountain State this summer, and the Old Dominion wants no part - or
parts - of it.  A regulation adopted Thursday by the Virginia Department of
Game and Inland Fisheries board prohibits importing or possessing whole
deer carcasses or specified parts of carcasses from states or Canadian
provinces where CWD has been detected.  Although the restriction has been
in the works for months, the outbreak in West Virginia gave it new impetus."

[Very edited from:
http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_Ba
sicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1128767830852&path=!sports&s=1045855934844


PRIONS SUSPECTED IN MILK:  (10/31/05):  Could sheep pass a fatal brain
disease between them through their milk?  The inflamed mammary glands of
sheep have been found to contain protein particles that cause scrapie, a
sickness similar to mad cow disease. This suggests that the suspect
proteins, called prions, may also be present in the milk of infected
animals.

If prions exist in the milk of cows infected with both an inflammatory
illness and mad cow disease, formally known as bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE), this raises concerns for human health. Consumption of
prion-contaminated meat from cows with BSE is believed to cause the fatal
variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in people; so might contaminated
milk.

Adriano Aguzzi, the lead researcher on the study, has not detected prions
in milk itself, because it is difficult to analyse for the abnormal
proteins. But he says he expects to find them.  "It is unlikely that the
prions are not in the milk," says Aguzzi, a pathologist at the University
of Zurich Hospital, Switzerland. "And the prospect is not a pleasant one."
Earlier this year, his group found prions in inflamed pancreases, livers
and kidneys. A study last month showed that the urine produced by inflamed
kidneys in mice also contains prions."

[Very edited from:
http://www.nature.com/news/2005/051031/full/051031-7.html


MAD COW MAY HAVE GOTTEN INTO HUMAN FOOD SUPPLY:  (11/01/05):  "Researchers
hunting the herd linked to the first U.S. case of mad cow disease found
most of the animals were slaughtered - and possibly in the human food
supply - even before the government probe began.  The federal and state
governments closed an investigation into the infected cow, which was raised
at an unidentified Texas ranch, at the end of August.  But the Dallas
Morning News obtained details about the search for the 413 cows and calves
on Tuesday under a Texas Open Records request. About 350 of them, or
roughly 85 percent, were sent for slaughter.

The reports, compiled for the Texas Animal Health Commission by a
government employee, demonstrate how problematic it was to track the herd
mates and progeny of the diseased cow.  With 14 million cattle in Texas
alone, a more efficient system is necessary, insiders say."

[Very edited from the long and quite detailed article at:
http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/tallahassee/news/nation/13055406.htm


REPORT FINDS FLAWS IN MAD COW TEST PROGRAM:  (11/09/05):  "Government
investigators say testing is too slow at times to prevent cattle from
eating feed that might be contaminated, just one flaw they cited in a
program to help stop mad cow disease from spreading.  Feed safeguards are
the most important firewall against mad cow disease, said Sen. Tom Harkin,
D-Iowa, who sought the report the Government Accountability Office issued
Wednesday.

"If FDA's testing program is not catching violations, and catching them in
time, that needs to be corrected immediately," Harkin said.  FDA disputed
the findings, arguing that the report unfairly focused on a small component
of broad government efforts to stop mad cow disease.  In half the feed
samples analyzed, FDA took more than a month to determine whether banned
cattle protein was present. Cattle feed is eaten quickly after it's
manufactured, and the feed may have been consumed before tests are
finished, GAO said. The report examined 989 samples analyzed from August
2003 through June."

[Very edited from:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/11/09/ap/health/mainD8DOSKVO1.shtml


JAPAN INSPECTS US MEAT PROCESSING PLANTS AMID MAD COW FEARS:  (11/02/05):
"The US Government has bowed to Japanese demands to inspect meat processing
plants to ensure traceability for mad cow disease is adequate.  It is the
first time Japan has inspected the processing plants of another country.
The announcement comes after Japan's Food Safety Commission adopted a draft
report paving the way for the resumption of US beef imports from cattle
aged up to 20 months."

[Edited from:
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/content/2005/s1496135.htm


DEER VERSION OF MAD COW DISEASE FEARED:  (11/16/05):  "With hunting season
opening throughout the Northeast, it is now illegal to transport deer into
Connecticut from New York due to a deer version of Mad Cow Disease.  The
illness -- called chronic wasting disease -- was discovered in a herd near
Utica earlier this year, and it is feared western Connecticut's already
shrinking herd will be infected and further decimated.  It is not now known
if deer can pass the disease to humans, but that question is now under
study. "

[Edited from:
http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=4127811&nav=3YeX


KOREA TO RESUME US BEEF IMPORTS:  (11/20/05):  "South Korea is expected to
resume the import of North American beef following a request by the United
States during the just-ended Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC) forum
in Busan(Pusan).  During the APEC meeting, the U.S. delegation called for
the Korean government to lift the ban on U.S. beef imports and domestic
policymakers promised a serious internal discussion over the issue,
according to Korean officials.  The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
(MOAF) will hold a conference on livestock quarantine on Nov. 29 to discuss
with a variety of experts whether to import the American beef.  According
to sources, experts have tentatively agreed that there are few problems
with the American beef.

Korea is Asia's fourth-largest beef consumer and was the third-largest
importer of U.S. beef before the initial ban from the first case of mad cow
disease took effect in 2003."

[Very edited from:
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/biz/200511/kt2005112017521011880.htm


MARYLAND DNR ASKING FOR HELP WITH CWD: (11/20/05): "In an effort to protect
the state's deer herd from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), the Maryland
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requests that Maryland deer hunters
voluntarily abide by certain guidelines when bringing deer parts into
Maryland from West Virginia or other CWD-positive states or Canadian
provinces. CWD, a fatal disease of deer and elk, was recently discovered in
several white-tailed deer in Hampshire County, W.V."

[Edited from:
http://www.newszap.com/articles/2005/11/20/dm/eastern_shore_of_maryland/sports/a
dbspt01.txt


OFFICIALS CONFIRM ANOTHER SICK DEER:  (11/21/05): "A 7 1/2-year-old
Hampshire County whitetail doe that was found alive but weak and
disoriented three weeks ago was confirmed Friday to have chronic wasting
disease, bringing to five the number of infected deer within the county.
New York and West Virginia are the only two states in the extreme eastern
United States where the disease has been confirmed. The illness, which
attacks the animals' brains, is always fatal. CWD had previously been
confirmed in deer from Colorado, South Dakota, Wisconsin and other Rocky
Mountain and northern plains states as well as some Canadian provinces.
CWD has not been known to jump species barriers and infect humans."

[Edited from:
http://www.corsicanadailysun.com/cnhi/corsicanadailysun/outdoors/cnhinsoutdoors_
story_325091944.html


PA GAME COMMISSION PREPARES TO COLLECT SAMPLES FOR CWD TESTING:
(11/21/05):  "While there continues to be no known cases of chronic wasting
disease (CWD) in the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, joined
by veterinarians and laboratory technicians from the Pennsylvania and U.S.
Departments of Agriculture, is stepping up its efforts next week to verify
that fact.

"Currently, there are no confirmed or suspected cases of CWD-infected deer
or elk in Pennsylvania, and we are doing everything we can to ensure that
it stays that way," said Vern Ross, Game Commission executive director.
"We are planning to collect samples from 4,000 hunter-killed deer to test
for CWD. Last year, we tested samples from 3,699 deer, all of which were
negative for CWD."  To learn more about CWD, visit the agency's website
(http://www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on the "CWD Update" section."

[Very edited from:
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/11-21-200
5/0004220491&EDATE=


************************************************
*06:  Meat=Bad Lungs, Non-human Meat Molecules, Beef vs Pasta
************************************************
MEAT-RICH DIET IS BAD FOR YOUR LUNGS:  (11/16/05):  "Individuals whose
diets are rich in meat, refined starches and sodium are 1.43 times more
likely to suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), like
persistent coughs with phlegm, than those who consume a diet high in fruit
and soy, a new study has found.  According to the study, published in
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, researchers
analyzed data to assess the usual dietary intake of 52,325 participants.
Although the study was conducted within a Singaporean population, the
dietary patterns are reflective of U.S. eating patterns."

[Very edited from:
http://www.newkerala.com/news.php?action=fullnews&id=53880


HAMBURGERS CAUSE ASTHMA, NZ RESEARCH SAYS:  (11/08/05):  "Eating hamburgers
more than once a week nearly doubles the risk of asthma attacks and
wheezing in children, according to research carried out on 1300 New Zealand
school pupils.  Other takeaway food and fizzy drinks also increase the
chances of getting asthma, doctors found.  Youngsters who eat at least one
hamburger a week are 75 per cent more likely to have asthma and almost 100
per cent more likely to suffer wheezing problems, according a study
published yesterday in the international scientific journal Allergy.  They
used 1321 children in Hastings, aged between 10 and 12 years.

Asthma is worst in developed countries, which tend to have about 6 per cent
of their population affected. New Zealand has the highest incidence in
developed countries at 20 per cent."

[Edited from:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=204&ObjectID=10354170


NON-HUMAN MOLECULE IS ABSORBED BY EATING RED MEAT:  (09/29/03):  "A
non-human, cellular molecule is absorbed into human tissues as a result of
eating red meat and milk products, according to a study by researchers at
the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine,
published online the week of September 29, 2003 in Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences. The researchers also showed that the same
foreign molecule generates an immune response that could potentially lead
to inflammation in human tissues.

Several previous studies have linked ingestion of red meat to cancer and
heart disease, and possibly to some disorders involving inflammation.
However, that research has primarily focused on the role of red-meat
saturated fats and on products that arise from cooking."

[Very edited from the detailed press release (with veg/meat stats) at:
http://health.ucsd.edu/news/2003/09_29_Varki.html


BEEF VS PASTA:  (09/2005): "In terms of negative effects on the
environment, eating meat is number two on a list compiled by the Union of
Concerned Scientists (UCS).  For example, beef production accounts for 17
times more water pollution damage than pasta production, according to Waren
Leon, PhD, coauthor of The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental
Choices and Is Our Food Safe? (Three Rivers Press, 1999 and 2002,
respectively).  "Because it also uses far more land than grain, the
production of beef is 20 times more threatening to wildlife habitats than
the production of pasta," he says.

According to UCS estimates, "70 percent of antibiotics in the U.S. are fed
to healthy pigs, cows, and chickens to promote growth and prevent disease."
This group also reports that "the Centers for Disease Control considers
animal use of antibiotics to be the major cause of food-borne illnesses
that resist treatment with antibiotics."

[P. 51, September 2005, Taste for Life (magazine)]


************************************************
*07:  Beans/Soy Reduce Cancer, +4 Yrs. Life, Vegan=Weight Loss
************************************************
SOY-RICH DIET MAY REDUCE LUNG CANCER RISK:  (09/27/05):  "A diet rich in
phytoestrogens such as those found in soy as well as spinach, carrots and
broccoli appears to reduce the risk of lung cancer, researchers report.
Researchers at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center here say they have found
evidence that food-derived compounds called phytoestrogens, nonsteroidal
substances that weakly mimic estrogen, have a protective effect.

In the study, participants whose diets included the most phytoestrogens had
a 46% reduction in the risk of lung cancer.  "To our knowledge, this is the
first large study looking at phytoestrogen intake as a protective agent
against lung cancer," she said [Margaret Spitz, M.D., senior author of the
study in the Sept. 28 Journal of the American Medical Association].
Between July 1995 and October 2003, the researchers recruited 1,674 lung
cancer patients and 1,735 matched healthy controls."

[Very edited from:
http://www.medpagetoday.com/HematologyOncology/LungCancer/tb/1825


A DIET RICH IN BEANS MAY MEAN MORE PROTECTION AGAINST CANCER:  (09/15/05):
"A natural compound that is found in everyday foods such as beans, nuts and
cereals has been identified by scientists as a potent agent for fighting
cancer.  Research [published in latest issue of Cancer Research] suggests
that diets high in substances containing the compound, which has been shown
to inhibit the growth of tumours, could help to prevent cancer, while the
chemical offers a new weapon for treating the disease.

Foods particularly rich in the compound, inositol pentakisphosphate, known
as InsP5, include cashews and peanuts and beans such as kidney, pinto and
navy beans, the pulse commonly used in baked beans. Beans and nuts that
have been cooked are a better source because the heating process generates
more InsP5 as it breaks down other compounds."

[Edited from:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1781060,00.html


STUDY: WORKING OUT CAN ADD 4 YEARS TO YOUR LIFE:  (11/14/05): People who
get a good workout almost daily can add nearly four years to their life
spans, according to the first study to quantify the impact of physical
activity. Researchers looked at records of more than 5,000 middle-aged and
elderly Americans and found that those who had moderate to high levels of
activity lived 1.3 to 3.7 years longer than those who got little exercise,
largely because they put off developing heart disease.

"This shows that physical activity really does make a difference - not only
for how long you live but for how long you live a healthy life," said Oscar
Franco of the Erasus M.C. University Medical Center in Rotterdam, the
Netherlands, who led the study published Monday in the Archives of Internal
Medicine.

People who engaged in moderate activity - the equivalent of walking for 30
minutes a day for five days a week - lived about 1.3 to 1.5 years longer
than those who were less active. Those who took on more intense exercise -
the equivalent of running half an hour a day for five days every week -
extended their lives by about 3.5 to 3.7 years.'

[Edited from:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/3460995.html


LOW-FAT VEGAN DIET MAY SPUR WEIGHT LOSS:  (09/23/05): "A diet free of
animal products and low in fat may help trim the waistline without the task
of strict calorie watching, a new study suggests.  Researchers found that
of 64 postmenopausal, overweight women, those assigned to follow a low-fat
vegan diet for 14 weeks lost an average of 13 pounds, compared with a
weight loss of about 8 pounds among women who followed a standard
low-cholesterol diet.  The weight loss came despite the fact that the women
were given no limits on their portion sizes or daily calories -- and
despite the fact that the vegan diet boosted their carbohydrate intake.

[Dr. Neal] Barnard and his colleagues at George Washington and Georgetown
universities report the findings in the American Journal of Medicine.
Despite the restrictions of going vegan, Barnard maintained that it's easy
to take on the lifestyle. "Just eat fruits, vegetables, beans and whole
grains," he said. "Everything you're eating is good for you."  It is wise,
he noted, to take a multivitamin, particularly to get enough vitamin B12,
which is found naturally only in animal products."

SOURCE: American Journal of Medicine, September 2005.

[Very edited from:
http://www.healthypages.net/newsstory.asp?newsid=5280


************************************************
*08:  Dolphins/Batman, 175 Yrs. Vegan, Climate Mash & Top 10
************************************************
THE OLDEST CREATURE ON EARTH IS VEGAN:  (10/19/05):  "She was hatched when
Queen Victoria was still a teenager... next month she'll be 175.  Her skin
is wrinkled and she's carrying a few extra pounds, but there's still a
twinkle in the old girl's eyes.  In fact she's in uncommonly good shape for
someone who was born before Victoria came to the throne.  Harriet, a giant
Galapagos Land tortoise and the world's oldest living creature, celebrates
her 175th birthday on November 15.  Experts at her home in Australia Zoo,
Brisbane, Queensland, reckon she will still be going strong in another 20
years.

"There's really not much of a precedent for such long-living reptiles, so
we're basing our estimate on the fact that she really shows no signs of
slowing down," says Richard Jackson, head reptile keeper.  And nothing
makes her happier than a bunch of flowers and a good scratch. Harriet dines
on a [vegan] diet of aubergines, courgettes, string beans, parsley, squash,
endives, carrots, tomatoes, bok choi and her favourite morning treat - pink
hibiscus flowers."

[Very edited from:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=16265479&method=full&siteid=94762&headl
ine=exclusive--the-oldest-creature-on-earth-name_page.html


DOLPHINS SING 'BATMAN' THEME:  (10/03/05):  "Dolphins are the only mammals
other than humans to recognise rhythms and reproduce them vocall.
Scientists have taught dolphins to combine both rhythm and vocalisations to
produce music, resulting in an extremely high-pitched, short version of the
Batman theme song. The findings, outlined in two studies, are the first
time that nonhuman mammals have demonstrated they can recognise rhythms and
reproduce them vocally.  Gordon Bauer, associate professor of psychology at
the New College of Florida who did not work on the studies, says, "This is
the first report, to my knowledge, of a nonhuman mammal's ability to
discriminate rhythmic patterns.""

[Edited from:
http://abc.net.au/science/news/stories/s1473208.htm


MONSTER MASH" TO FIGHT GLOBAL WARMING:  (10/18/05): ""The Monster Mash,"
the song that defines Halloween, is being brought back to life again today
with the help of the original recording artist and a new Web-based appeal
to fight global warming. The song and a new Flash movie, both available at
http://www.climatemash.org, ask the public to tell their elected
representatives in Washington that they want action on global warming.
2004 Flash movie version of "Monster Mash," recorded by Pickett to protest
the Bush roadless forest rule, was an Internet smash that attracted 398,202
unique visitors who downloaded the song 490,318 times in the two weeks
before last Halloween.

Clear the Air (http://www.cleartheair.org) is a national public education
campaign to combat global warming and improve air quality by reducing
emissions from coal-burning power plants."

[Very edited from:
http://www.climatemash.org/pressrelease-Oct18-05.html


TOP TEN GEORGE W. BUSH SOLUTIONS FOR GLOBAL WARMING:  (07/25/05):  10. NASA
mission to turn down the sun's thermostat, 9. Federal subsidies to boost
production of Cool Ranch Doritos, 8. Fast track Rumsfeld's "Colonize
Neptune" proposal, 7. Convene blue-ribbon committee to explore innovative
ways of ignoring the problem, 6. Let Hillary worry about it when she takes
over, 5. I dunno---tax cuts for the rich?, 4. Give the boys at Halliburton
90-billion dollar contract to patch hole in ozone, 3. Switch to celsius so
scorching 98 becomes frosty 37, 2. Keep plenty of Bud on ice, 1. Invade
Antartica

[From:
http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/top_ten/archive/ls_topten_archive2005/ls_t
opten_archive_20050725.shtml


************************************************
*09:  Disaster Petition, New Film, Gorilla Tools, One Right for All
************************************************
PETITION:  DON'T ABANDOM ANIMALS IN DISASTERS:  (11/2005): "Sign this
petition to support The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act
(PETS Act, H.R. 3858), currently in Congress, that will protect pets in
federal evacuation plans, and urge officials to save currently stranded
pets. Some Hurricane Katrina victims refused to leave home because they
couldn't take their animals with them, resulting in even more casualties.
Furthermore, the Humane Society of the United States believes that while
more than 7,000 animals have been saved in Mississippi and Louisiana,
hundreds more may still be in need of rescue more than a month after
Katrina hit. Pressure is still needed to save these animals, and a formal
policy is needed to protect pets in future disasters, like Hurricane Rita.
Sign today at:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/256230705?ltl=1132578400


EARTHLINGS FILM ON ANIMALS:  (10/2005): "Earthlings" is a feature length
documentary about humanity's absolute dependence on animals (for pets,
food, clothing, entertainment, and scientific research) but also
illustrates our complete disrespect for these so-called "non-human
providers." The film is narrated by Academy Award nominee Joaquin Phoenix
(GLADIATOR) and features music by the critically acclaimed platinum artist
Moby. With an in-depth study into pet stores, puppy mills and animals
shelters, as well as factory farms, the leather and fur trades, sports and
entertianment industries, and finally the medical and scientific
profession... Powerful, informative and thought-provoking, EARTHLINGS is by
far the most comprehensive documentary ever produced on the correlation
between nature, animals, and human economic interests."

[Edited from:
http://www.isawearthlings.com/thefilm.html


WILD GORILLAS SEEN USING TOOLS FOR FIRST TIME:  (09/30/05):  "Two female
gorillas have been photographed using sticks as tools to get through swampy
areas, the first time the apes have been seen doing so in the wild,
researchers reported on Thursday. "This is a truly astounding discovery,"
said Thomas Breuer of the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Max Planck
Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, who led the
study.  "Although there are reports of tool use by captive gorillas,
including object throwing and use of tools in feeding, there has been to
our knowledge no reported case of tool use in by wild gorillas, despite
decades of field research," they wrote in their report, published in the
Public Library of Science Biology, an online journal."

[Very edited from:
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/32745/story.htm


ONE RIGHT FOR ALL:  (10/08/05): "The October 8 issue of New Scientist,
includes a commentary piece on animal rights by Professor Gary Francione.
Here's an excerpt:

"[snip] Is there a morally sound reason not to extend this single right -
the right not to be treated as property - to animals? Or to ask the
question another way, why do we deem it acceptable to eat animals, hunt
them, confine and display them in circuses and zoos, use them in
experiments or rodeos, or otherwise treat them in ways in which we would
never think it appropriate to treat any human irrespective of how "humane"
we were being?

[big snip] Recognising animal rights really means accepting that we have a
duty not to treat sentient non-humans as resources. The interesting
question is not whether the cow should be able to sue the farmer for cruel
treatment, but why the cow is there in the first place."

[Full letter (if you pay, if not, 1st few paragraphs) at:
http://www.newscientist.com/channel/opinion/mg18825205.100

[The above excerpted from the post with the full letter at:
http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/luciedove/vpost?id=693768&trail=


************************************************
*10:  Vegan Eats Blog, Health Study, Anti-Vegan?, & Raw Debate
************************************************
WHAT DO VEGANS EAT?:  (2005): "It's rather simple. This blog collects
pictures and descriptions of vegan foods. Vegan foods are foods that do not
contain any animal products. In general, that means no meat, poultry, fish,
yogurt, milk, cheese, cream, butter, eggs, or other dairy or egg products.
Because so many common foods aren't vegan, people who are vegan or try to
eat vegan often get asked "what do you eat?" This blog attempts to respond
to that question by collecting online various examples of vegan foods, for
your culinary enjoyment."

[Note: anyone can post a picture of their meal! Check it out at:
http://whatdoveganseat.blogspot.com/


VEGAN HEALTH STUDY - CLINICAL SUMMARY 2005:  "The Vegan Health Study
examines vegan health through analyzing questionnaires submitted by over
900 participants... and... also incorporates findings of numerous surveys
of the medical literature, and clinical interviews with many vegans in the
past seven years. Specifically, it addresses three primary issues: 1. The
major health advantages associated with vegan diets,  2. The major risks
for nutritional deficiencies and disease states associated with vegan
diets, and 3. Recommendations for dietary patterns that minimize risks and
optimize health and function for long-term vegans."

[NOTE:  this is a very important study and a MUST-READ for any vegan.  Dr.
Klaper's study shows that one can be a "bad vegan," and he provides several
suggestings for an optimal diet and lifestyle to offset those potential
problems.

[Very edited from:
http://www.veganhealthstudy.org/ClinicalSummary.html


RAW FOOD HEATS UP SOME PROS AND CONS:  (08/24/05):  "Raw food as an
alternative lifestyle has been promoted since the '50s. In recent years,
the success of raw-food restaurants in California has spread the concept
nationwide.  With Raw (Ten Speed Press, 2003), two visionary chefs --
Charlie Trotter in Chicago, Roxanne Klein in San Francisco -- created a
landmark volume celebrating raw food, giving it gourmet glam and nudging it
into the culinary mainstream.  Certainly, eating some raw food is natural
and healthful; raw-food vegetarian diets can promote health and healing.
But questions of long-term success, and possible vitamin deficiencies,
remain. Face it, the concept runs counter to evolution and thousands of
years of cooking.

If that's not enough to stir controversy, add the nutritional complexities
to the mix and you could have a food war on your hands. Here are a few of
the pros and cons:"

[Very edited from the surprisingly fair and balanced article (with
resources) at:
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/living/food/12460765.htm


ANTI-VEGAN PATROL HARD TO SWALLOW:  (09/28/05): "In 2003, apparently short
on terrorists to monitor, the Homeland Security division of the DeKalb
Police Department dispatched an undercover detective to spy on a few vegans
holding an animal cruelty protest. Police ended up arresting two who had
been handing out anti-meat leaflets near a HoneyBaked Ham store.  In
rounding up vegans, the county's Homeland Security division not only looks
foolish, it looks pointless. If homeland security employees have time to
spy on sandal-wearing, tofu-loving vegans, then there's apparently not a
whole lot of work for them to do. They end up wasting time on petty and
embarrassing arrests that can lead to federal lawsuits like the one filed
Thursday by Caitlin Childs and Christopher Freeman.

It's hard to fathom any rationale reason why Homeland Security officers
would be shadowing people for advocating a veggie diet. Last time we
checked, terrorists were throwing bombs, not broccoli."

[Edited from:
http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/opinion/0905/28edveggie.html


************************************************
*11:  Howard's Schedule
************************************************
Dec 10:  Seattle, WA >  Book signing 5270 University Way NE Seattle WA.
SideCar for Pig Peace 206.523.9060

Mar 18:  Portland, OR >  Northwest Veg. info@...  503.224.7380

April 03 - 04:  Grand Rapids, MI > Vegetarian Awakening Conference -
http://www.vegetarianawakening.com - Grand Rapids Community College

April 05:   Ann Arbor, MI > pending

May 07:  New York, NY >  Intergrative Nutrition - Tricia Napor


************************************************
*12:  Quick Bytes
************************************************
ACTIVISM:

["Fallen Fruit:"
http://www.fallenfruit.org/

["Food Force:" (a downloadable game)
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/games/action_adventure/foodforce.html

["Kid-Made Ads Touting Healthy Foods to Go in Metro Buses:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/school/kidads101305.cfm

["Nutritional Content of Foods Advertised During the Television Programs
Children Watch Most:"
http://www.ajph.org/cgi/content/abstract/95/9/1568?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RE
SULTFORMAT=&fulltext=junk%2Bfood%2Bads&searchid=1129224826917_1799&stored_search
=&FIRSTINDEX=0&volume=95&issue=9&journalcode=ajph

["Posters showing gristle, bone and tissue will appear across the UK:"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4413144.stm

["Food Not Bombs:"
http://www.foodnotbombs.net/


AGRICULTURE:

["Save the Flowers (scent): "
http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20050924/bob10.asp

["Cheaper Meat Doesn't Equal Happier Meals - Report:"
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0930-04.htm

["The Truth About Land Use in the United States:"
http://www.westernwatersheds.org/watmess/watmess_2002/2002html_summer/article6.h
tm


ANIMAL ISSUES:

["Dog Flu Spreads Worry Nationwide:"
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=1152491&page=1

[For animal issues news, check the always topical and current:
http://www.animalconcerns.org


DIET/HEALTH:

["Global Health Quiz: How to Save 36 Million Lives:"
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,171245,00.html

["Why There's No Money for Health, Nutrition & Sustainability Programs:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/Politics/healthmoney082605.cfm

["Obesity rates rise throughout USA:"
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=29645

["High Number of Cancers Due to Obesity: Study:"
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_27801.html

["The Five Worst Foods to Grill:"
http://www.cancerproject.org/media/news/fiveworstfoodsreport.php

["Big Food's 'health education'  (and userful resources):"
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/09/07/EDG
H4EJB7U1.DTL

["Light' Smoking Takes Heavy Toll on Health:"
http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/health/feeds/hscout/2005/09/22/hscout528099.html

["WHO urges healthy diet, physical activity, no tobacco use:"
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2005/pr44/en/index.html

["NPD Reports Americans Eat Differently 20 Years Later:"
http://www.npd.com/press/releases/press_051006.html

["Milk Proteins are Rocket Fuel for Cancer:"
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/notmilk/message/2147

["Lid lifted on organic milk:"
http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/swissinfo.html?siteSect=107&sid=6174425&cKey=112971
0879000


ENVIRONMENT:

["Climate Shift Tied To 150,000 Fatalities:"
http://www.nrdc.org/news/newsDetails.asp?nID=1921

[Superb group of Eco-Info websites:
http://www.ecologicalinternet.org/

["Would you like to make your life-style a little more eco-friendly?:"
http://www.climateark.org/articles/reader.asp?linkid=46404

["Nation's Best Recycling Programs to Be Honored:"
http://www.enn.com/aff.html?id=833

["Footwear to revitalize the Earth:"
http://www.metropolismag.com/cda/story.php?artid=178

["Stop Paying for Wasted Energy:"
http://ucsaction.org/ucsaction/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=3452344

["Helping China's environment will help the world:"
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/about_us/Dr_David_Suzuki/Article_Archives/weekly07220
501.asp

["How to Change the World by Buying Organic:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/organic/change110105.cfm

["World Temperatures Keep Rising With a Hot 2005:"
http://www.postcarbon.org/node/1204


NETWORKING:

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

[A delightful, chatty list/group:  Feralvegetarians:"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/theferalvegetarian/


RECIPES:

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[100's of Lowfat Vegan Recipes:
http://www.lowfatvegan.com

["Thanksgiving Veg'n Recipes:"
http://www.tazarat.com/thanksgiving.html

["Vegan Holiday Dessert Recipes:"
http://www.bryannaclarkgrogan.com/page/page/1435893.htm

[Fabulous "Bryanna's Vegan Holiday Menu:"
http://www.vegsource.com/articles2/bryanna_thanksgiving.htm

["Vegan Holiday Meal Menus & Recipes:"
http://www.vegparadise.com/holiday.html

[Superb collection of "Vegan and Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes:"
http://vegweb.com/recipes/events/index-thanksgiving.shtml

["64 Tksgiving and Xmas Vegan Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/holiday/


VEGAN:

["Vegan Vixens... Soy Vey:"
http://www.laist.com/archives/2005/09/13/vegan_vixens_soy_vey.php

["Native Foods' Suggestion: "Eat Different."
http://www.laist.com/archives/2005/09/24/native_foods_suggestion_eat_different.p
hp

["Chef spreads the virtue of veganism:"
http://www.dailytidings.com/2005/1011/101105back.shtml

["Vegetarian Online Food Store (of note:"
http://www.vegecyber.com/

["Vegetarian Phrases In Other Languages:"
http://www.hedweb.com/animals/vegphrase.htm


************************************************
*13:  Closing Thought(s)
************************************************
"But it turned out that the cause of my backache was not my nuptial antics
but a tumor that had been growing for so long, it was practically old
enough to vote.  The damned thing had been sneaking up ojn me, and when it
finally pounced, it pounced hard --- preventing me from walking, from even
being able to feel the floor beneath my feet.  The doctor told me that I
needed an operation to remove the tumor, and that the odds I would ever
walk again were one in a million.  I promised myself that whatever the
outcome of the operation, I'd dedicate the balance of my life to restoring
health to the land I had damaged, and to fighting those agri-business
interests that continue to destroy the fertile earth that should be our
birthright.

My operation was successful.  Every day I thank God that I can walk, and I
renew my vow.  I can truly say that my life splits neatly into two parts:
before the operation, when I was dangerously unhealthy, thoughtless,
self-centered, and devoid of compassion for the animals I slaughtered; and
after, when the lessons I've learned about kindness and compassion have
taken me on a journey that has restored my own health.

...but the smartest thing I ever did was to start down a path that
eventually led me to become a vegan."

--- Howard, in "No More Bull!" (p. 7-8)


"BECAUSE heart disease is the number one killer in America.
BECAUSE it doesn't take anything away from a human to be kind to an animal.
BECAUSE this tradition of eating animals "for traditions sake" should be
replaced
... with better traditions.
BECAUSE wincing at animal suffering speaks well of our humanity.
BECAUSE eating meat and dairy is unhealthy for us.
BECAUSE it takes 16 pounds of grain to produce 1 pound of beef.
AND BECAUSE it only takes 1 pound of grain to produce 1 pound of bread.
BECAUSE 400 pound animals in factory farms are trapped inside 7 foot
crates, 22 inches wide.
BECAUSE fattening animals up for slaughter produces environmental waste.
BECAUSE most animals are vertebrae (having spinal columns) just like us.
BECAUSE animals feel pain."

--- Shaun Monson

[From: http://www.isawearthlings.com/updates.html


******************************************************************
Mark Sutton, Webmaster@...  http://www.madcowboy.com
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to: Mad_Cowboy-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
******************************************************************

Howdy!  Welcome to the 50th Edition of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter!

For this issue, Howard's written a special Holiday letter to his friends
(don't miss the PBS announcement), and we've provided an online peak at the
artwork for his 2005 Holiday card.

Moving along, we have a review of Howard's new book, "No More Bull!" from
none other than Robert Cohen (the NotMilkMan), an International Culinary
Olympics Award-winning Vegan Mince Pie recipe from Chef Ron Pickarski, and
a current "Mad Cow Info" Round-up.  Reading further, you'll learn about new
research demonstrating the positive effects fruit & veggies have on memory
and blood pressure, how fructose may help cause obesity, and why you should
vary your food input.

There's also articles about a company exchanging transfats for GM oil, a
possible food crisis in the making regarding how we are using our land, and
how nanoparticles may cause unforeseen problems for plant life.  You can
learn about bees recognizing faces, why dolphins play, and how cows
contribute to Global Warming.  We've also some disconcerting stats on the
projected rise in Altzheimer's globally, obesity and baby boomers, how our
treatment of nature is affecting our health, and a national tap water
contamination database.

As always, a nod of the hat to our many new subscribers.  Y'all can read
past issues at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

...and don't miss the Quick Bytes section way down below, with additional
holiday recipes and useful information.

Our Best Wishes to Everyone for a Happy Vegan Holidaze and a Great New Year!

Mark

[personal veg'n blogsite:  http://www.soulveggie.com]


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00:  Holiday Letter & Card from Howard
01:  The NotMilkMan Reviews "No More Bull!"
02:  The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
03:  An International Culinary Olympic Award-winning Recipe
04:  Mad Cow Info Round-up
05:  Fruit/Veggies & Obesity, Memory, Blood Press., Antioxidants
06:  Bad Veggies, T. Fat or GMO?, Food Crisis, Nano Plant Damage
07:  Bees&Faces, Dolphin Games, Stowaway Cat, Cows'n'Climate
08:  Dementia2Rise, Boomer=Obesity, Nature/Health, Water DB
09:  PETA: Monitored & a Victory, Bacon Battle, SHAC Attacked
10:  Howard Schedule
11:  Quick Bytes
12:  Closing Thought(s)


************************************************
*00: Holiday Letter & Card from Howard
************************************************
"The year 2005 has been without a doubt, one of the most jam-packed years I
have ever experienced.  It started out as a rather run-of-the-mill year and
we just kept doing more interesting things until it was almost breathtaking.

For some time I had been discussing with my writing partner Glen Merzer the
idea of writing a new book about various diets.  The project really got a
boost when, at a dinner party at Glen's home, we along with some good
friends, came up with the title, "No More Bull!"  From this point on the
book just  seemed to fall into place.  When Glens wife Joanna agreed to do
a number of the recipes along with the support of some of the best chefs in
North America, we completed what I consider a terrific book for a person
who is wondering what do I eat now.  We actually had the book in hand in
time for the fall tour thanks to our publisher Simon and Schuster.

The next thing on the schedule was the completion of the Mad Cowboy
Documentary.  With over three years in the making, 150 hours of raw film
footage, it seemed to be an unending project.  With Michael Tobias as the
director and Pat Fitzgerald doing the producing and editing, we finally had
a  first draft in early summer.  We started out with 120 minutes which was
reduced to 80 minutes and now finally we are at 58 minutes.  This version
has been accepted by PBS to be shown on Earth Day 2006 nationwide.  We have
a verbal commitment which should be signed sealed and delivered by the end
of the year.  Many thanks to the many who had a part in making this dream
come to life.

In June my wife and I lived a dream we had for years which was to raft down
the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.  Along with a number of family
members, we spent a week on the river traveling 188 miles through some of
the most beautiful country we had ever seen.  We did this at the same time
eating a vegan diet among a group of folks eating the standard American
diet.  We had a fabulous time and educated some folks along the way.

We got off the river in time to attend the summer conferences of both
Summerfest and AR 2005.  Both were educational and refreshing.

August gave me time to prepare for the fall tour which was to commence on
the 28th and continue for the next couple of months.  Willow Jeane agreed
to accompany me as we had decided in the midst of the hectic summer to sell
our home in Virginia and move to Ellensburg, WA after the tour.

We hit the trail at the end of August and travel over 15,000 miles before
we moved into our new rental home in Ellensburg.  The tour was fantastic as
well as tiring.  We did over sixty events in all parts of the country from
the East Coast to the West Coast and then down to Florida before we headed
back to Virginia.  We dodged snow storms and hurricanes with some 17 hour
drives, and which my wife told me in no uncertain terms were not to be
repeated.  The support we received during the tour reinforced my faith in
the plant eating community as the greatest group of folks in the world.  I
cannot express my thanks to so many that did so much to make the tour a
resounding success.

We are now settled in Ellensburg, WA and every day we are here we are more
convinced we picked the correct place to live.  I sincerely hope that all
of our friends know that our successes this year were the fruit of our many
friends and for that we are eternally grateful.

From Willow Jeane and myself, may you all have the most wonderful holiday
season."

Howard F. Lyman, LL.D.

President, Voice For A Viable Future
PO Box  1240
Ellensburg, WA 98926

[A smaller version of the Lyman's 2005 Holiday Card:
http://www.madcowboy.com/NMBCardFinalSm.jpg

[online version of this letter with links to pictures:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_HolidayLetter2005.html


************************************************
*01: The NotMilkMan Reviews "No More Bull!"
************************************************
"I have read this book three times, and each time I go through it I become
even more amazed at the words within. Startled. Shocked. Betrayed.
Disappointed that no one had previously published many of these things that
I trust you will soon come face to face with. I wish that I had written "No
More Bull."

[edit]

"If one really wanted to be precise about things, Howard Lyman technically
should have been called America's first Notmilkman. I've taken the title
instead, thanks to enormous inspiration and encouragement from Howard
Lyman, undoubtedly America's first Mad Cowboy. Take it from me, friends.
His book is no bull!"

Robert Cohen
http://www.notmilk.com

Full Review:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/notmilk/message/2205

"No More Bull!" now available at:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VVFprods.002.html


************************************************
*02: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST WEEK'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
Which of the following countries has the most people with diabetes in the
world?

(a) India  (b) USA  (c) Britain  (d) China  (e) Russia

Congratulations to Bill Lawton of Calistoga, CA, for correctly guessing
"(a) India" and winning the luck of the draw.  Enjoy your VegNews
subscription, pardner!

["Global Health Quiz: How to Save 36 Million Lives:"
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,171245,00.html


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Which contains the most calcium? (when measured in equal weights)"

(a) lentils   (b) almonds   (c) sesame seeds   (d) kale    (e) tempeh

Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word "contest"
in your subject line by NLT January 9th, 2006.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE
one-year subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting the
correct answer to each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to Joe, and you
can learn more about VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call 1.415.665.6397]


************************************************
*03: An International Culinary Olympic Award-winning Recipe
************************************************
Mince "Wheat" Pie, by Chef Ron Pickarski

This is my answer to mince meat pie and is every bit as good as the
original in flavor but far superior in nutrition.  Mince "Wheat" Pie won a
silver medal in the 1988 International Culinary Olympics.

Serves 8

1 recipe Double Pie Crust (see below)
1 teaspoon canola oil
1/2 cup diced onions
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups packed ground seitan
1 cup peeled, cored, chopped Granny Smith apples or quince
1/2 cup diced dried apricots
1/2 cup currants or raisins
1/4 cup chopped roasted walnuts
1/2 cup Sucanot
2 tablespoons pecan butter
2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons allspice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon clove powder
2 tablespoons arrowroot
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons light rum

1) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2) Prepare the piecrusts as directed in the recipe.
3)In a 10-inch frying pan, heat the oil and saut� the onions and salt over
medium heat for 5 minutes or until onions are transparent.
4) Add the water, seitan, apples, apricots, currants, walnuts, Sucanat,
pecan butter, cinnamon, allspice, lemon zest, and cloves.  Bring to a
simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
5) Add the arrowroot/water mixture, stirring constantly.  Cook for another
3 minutes or until mixture is thickened.
6) Remove pan from heat and add lemon juice and rum.
7) Transfer the filling to a covered container and refrigerate until cool.
When ready, pour filling into the prepared pie shell and cover it with the
second crust, sealing the edges well and making slits in the top to allow
steam to escape during baking.  Bake for 45 minutes or until crust is
lightly browned and filling is slightly bubbling.  Remove from oven and
cool on rack.  Serve at room temperature.


Double Pie Crust,  by Chef Ron Pickarski

There is no butter, lard, or hydrogenated shortening in this healthy
piecrust.  When it comes out of the oven, the crust is hard, then
tenderizes as it cools.  If you are a lactic vegetarian and want a flakier
crust, substitute butter for the canola oil.

Yield:  2 (9-inch) crusts

1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/2 cups unbleached white flour
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup coconut butter or canola oil
10 tablespoons cold water

1) In a large bowl, combine the flours and salt.
2) Gently blend in the coconut butter or canola oil with a fork or pastry
cutter, until the flour resembles a coarse meal.
3) Add the water and mix until the dough sticks together and pulls away
from the sides of the bowl.
4) Gently form the dough into a disc shape, cover with plastic wrap, and
refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Remove chilled dough from the plastic wrap and divide in half.  On a
lightly floured surface, roll each half into a circle large enough to fit
and cover a 9-inch pie plate.  The crust is now ready to use or freeze for
later use.

From: "No More Bull!," p. 134-136, 1st published in "Eco-Cusine"

[and don't miss the Holiday Recipe links in "Quick Bytes" below!]


************************************************
*04: Mad Cow Info Round-up
************************************************
THREE-QUARTERS OF JAPANESE DON'T WANT TO EAT U.S. BEEF:  (12/08/05):  "Most
Japanese would avoid eating American beef even if imports were resumed,
with consumers deeply wary of U.S. beef because of fears about mad cow
disease, according to a news agency survey released Tuesday.  Just over 75%
of respondents in a telephone poll by Kyodo News agency said they would be
unwilling to eat U.S. beef, compared to 21.2% who said they would consume
it, the agency said.  In the Kyodo poll, 62.5% of respondents who intended
to shun U.S. beef cited concerns over its safety, while 20.6% said there
was no need to eat U.S. beef due to the availability of domestic and
Australian beef.  Kyodo's poll had 1,009 respondents and gave no margin of
error."

[Edited from:
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/content.asp?contentid=14555

JAPAN AGREES TO EASE BAN ON U.S. BEEF:  (12/12/05):  "The easing Monday of
Japan's two-year ban on U.S. and Canadian beef imports could put American
steaks back on Japanese plates by year's end, but lingering worries persist
on both sides of the Pacific.  Japanese consumers are leery as ever about
mad cow disease, while North American ranchers bemoan the limited trade
opening as only a first step toward tapping what was once their most
lucrative overseas market.  U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said he
believed U.S. beef could arrive in Japan within 10 days and applauded
Japan's decision as "an important step in terms of normalizing beef trade
based on scientific standards."

Japanese officials meanwhile tried to reassure a skeptical public that
strict guidelines will guarantee the meat's safety when shipments arrive
for the first time since December 2003, when mad cow disease was discovered
in the U.S. herd.  "We still don't know for sure whether U.S. beef is safe
or not," office worker Nagasawa Haruo, 37, said after lunching on pork and
rice in downtown Tokyo. "My wife says she will not buy beef at grocery
stores.""

[Very edited from:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/world/3518449.html

JAPAN CONFIRMS 21ST CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE:  (12/12/05):  "Japan has
confirmed its 21st case of mad cow disease in a 69-month-old Holstein cow
on the northernmost main island of Hokkaido, the Farm Ministry said.  The
meat and intestines from the slaughtered cow will be destroyed and will not
enter the food supply, the ministry said in a statement dated Dec. 10.  The
cow was born in February 2000, which is before Japan banned the use of
meat-and-bone (MBM) meal as feed for all animals, the ministry said. MBM is
thought to cause mad cow disease.  Japan adopted a policy of testing all
cattle for mad cow in October 2001 after it discovered its first BSE case
in a domestic herd."

[Edited from:
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/33957/story.htm

SOUTH KOREA DECIDES TO TALK WITH U.S. ON RESUMING BEEF IMPORTS:
(12/19/05): "South Korea said Monday it would begin talks with the United
States to resume beef imports following a two-year ban sparked by fears of
mad cow disease.  The decision would mark the first step in reopening what
had been the third-largest market for American beef. It follows last week's
announcement by an advisory committee that banned U.S. beef could be
considered safe to eat if stronger inspection and quarantine measures are
taken.

Before the ban, South Korea had been the third-largest market for U.S. beef
exports. In 2002, the country imported 193,000 tonnes of U.S. beef worth
$610 million US, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation."

[Edited from:
http://www.cbc.ca/cp/business/051219/b121904.html

BEEF INDUSTRY RECOVERING, JOHANNS SAYS:  (12/21/05):  "The beef industry is
finally recovering from the discovery of mad cow disease in the United
States two years ago and can expect a growing number of foreign customers,
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said Wednesday.  A major trading
partner, South Korea, may soon end its embargo on U.S. beef, Johanns said.
Japan lifted its ban last week, reopening a market that had been the most
lucrative for U.S. cattle producers and meat processors.  "Certainly the
pattern now is in the right direction, with Japan's decision. We've
restored the vast percentage of trade in beef," Johanns said in an
interview with The Associated Press.

At the same time, officials anticipate scaling back the higher level of
testing for mad cow disease. Officials had increased testing from about 55
to 1,000 daily after the first case of mad cow disease two years ago.  "It
was not a food safety initiative at all -- it was an attempt to get an idea
of the condition of our herd," Johanns told the AP. Authorities have now
tested 556,143 animals and turned up a second case in a Texas-born cow in
June. The number tested is about 1 percent of the 45 million adult cows in
the United States.  "But certainly sometime after the first of the year,
we'll really start to engage in what that future testing regimen should be
like," he said."

[Very edited from:
http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.asp?feed=AP&Date=20051
221&ID=5372462


************************************************
*05: Fruit/Veggies & Obesity/Memory/Blood Press., Antioxidants
************************************************
FRUIT SUGARS MIGHT SPEED OBESITY:  (12/15/05):  "Fructose, the sugar found
in fruit, honey and the corn-syrup sweeteners used in many processed foods,
may trick the body into thinking it's hungrier than it really is,
researchers report.  The findings could explain why sweet foods help boost
obesity rates in the United States and elsewhere.  In their studies...
researchers at the University of Florida identified fructose as part of a
biochemical chain reaction that causes weight gain and other
characteristics of metabolic syndrome, the precursor to Type 2 diabetes.

The research appears in the December issue of the journal Nature Clinical
Practice Nephrology and in the online edition of the American Journal of
Physiology-Renal Physiology."

[Very edited from:
http://www.healthcentral.com/PrinterFriendly/408/529546.html

FRUITS, VEGETABLES MAY KEEP MEMORY STRONG:  (12/10/05):  "Eating plenty of
fruits and vegetables not only makes you healthier but may also help keep
your memory strong, says a study.  A team of researchers led by Heidi
Wengreen at Utah State University tested the memory of over 5,000 seniors
up to four times over an eight-year period. At the beginning, the
participants also answered questions about their eating habits, the online
edition of abc news reported.  The group of seniors with the highest intake
of fruits and vegetables, five or more servings a day, scored higher on the
test than the rest of the participants. Moreover, those who nibbled on
plenty of veggies and fruits were able to maintain their memory over time.

The findings were presented at the Alzheimer's Association International
Conference on Prevention of Dementia."

[Edited from:
http://news.webindia123.com/news/showdetails.asp?id=187024&n_date=20051210&cat=H
ealth

VEGETABLES CAN HELP LOWER RISK OF ELEVATED BLOOD PRESSURE:  (12/16/05):  "A
report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that
consumption of vegetables, fruits, and other plant foods seems to reduce
the risk of elevated blood pressure.  Lead author Dr. Lyn M. Steffen, from
the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, and colleagues note that as
plant food intake rose, the risk of elevated blood pressure fell. The
opposite trend was observed with red meat intake.  These results, the
authors conclude, suggest that greater plant food intakes and lower meat
intakes as part of a habitual diet may prevent the development of high
blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease."

[From:
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7001514751

EXPERTS URGE LESS FOCUS ON ANTIOXIDANTS, MORE ON VARIETY:  (12/11/05):
"Leading researchers say all those breathless headlines, food packaging
claims and seemingly contradictory studies about what antioxidants can and
can't do have fostered a faulty silver bullet mind-set that can hinder
health more than help.

Instead, experts advise focusing on balance, moderation and variety, and
leaving the phytochemicals, flavanols and phenolic acids to scientists.
It's all about quashing free radicals, harmful chemicals produced by the
body and found in the environment that damage cells. That damage has been
linked to a host of chronic conditions, from heart problems to cancer, even
aging.  Diets rich in antioxidants -- which are in countless foods -- seem
to minimize this damage. What's not clear is whether that benefit is due to
the antioxidants themselves or to the overall diet and the way the
antioxidants and other nutrients in it interact.

Bottom line -- eat a balanced diet and don't get hung up on the particulars."

[Very edited from:
http://www.cnn.com/2005/HEALTH/diet.fitness/12/11/antioxidant.confusion.ap/index
.html?section=cnn_health


************************************************
*06: Bad Veggies, T. Fat or GMO?, Food Crisis, Nano Plant Damage
************************************************
STUDY SHOWS NANOPARTICLES COULD DAMAGE PLANT LIFE:  (11/22/05):  "A
nanoparticle commonly used in industry could have a damaging effect on
plant life, according to a report by an environmental scientist at New
Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT).   The report, published in a recent
issue of "Toxicology Letters," shows that nanoparticles of alumina
(aluminum oxide) slowed the growth of roots in five species of plants --
corn, cucumber, cabbage, carrot and soybean. Alumina nanoparticles are
commonly used in scratch-resistant transparent coatings, sunscreen lotions
that provide transparent-UV protection and environmental catalysts that
reduce pollution, said Daniel J. Watts, PhD, the lead author of the study.

"Before this study there was an assumption that nanoparticles had no effect
on plants," said Watts, executive director of the York Center for
Environmental Engineering and Science and Panasonic Chair in Sustainability
at NJIT. "This study makes the observation that seedlings can interact with
nanoparticles such as alumina, which can have a harmful effect on seedlings
and perhaps stunt the growth of plants.  "Other nanoparticles included in
the study, such as silica, did not show this effect," Watts added. He did
the study with Ling Yang, a doctoral student who recently graduated from
NJIT."

[Edited from:
http://www.njit.edu/publicinfo/press_releases/release_797.php

FOOD CRISIS FEARED AS FERTILE LAND RUNS OUT:  (12/06/05):  "Maps show 40%
of Earth's land is used for agriculture.  New maps show that the Earth is
rapidly running out of fertile land and that food production will soon be
unable to keep up with the world's burgeoning population. The maps reveal
that more than one third of the world's land is being used to grow crops or
graze cattle.  The real question is, how can we continue to produce food
from the land while preventing negative environmental consequences such as
deforestation, water pollution and soil erosion?

"The maps show, very strikingly, that a large part of our planet (roughly
40%) is being used for either growing crops or grazing cattle," said Dr
Navin Ramankutty, a member of the Wisconsin-Madison team. By comparison,
only 7% of the world's land was being used for agriculture in 1700.  The
Amazon basin has seen some of the greatest changes in recent times, with
huge swaths of the rainforest being felled to grow soya beans."

[Very edited from:
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1206-01.htm

KELLOGG REPLACES TRANS FAT WITH GENETICALLY MODIFIED SOYBEAN OIL:
(12/15/05):  "Kellogg has announced that it will limit the trans-fatty
acids in some of its popular snack foods, replacing the trans fats with a
soybean oil genetically modified to be more heart-healthy. Kellogg will
start using a soybean oil called Vistive, introduced last year and made by
Monsanto of St. Louis. Vistive is low in linolenic acid and reduces the
need for partial hydrogenation, a chemical process that gives food longer
shelf lives, yet produces trans fat.  Vistive will be in a number of
Kellogg's convenience foods, such as Cheez-It crackers and the breakfast
pastry Pop-Tarts. The reformulated products are expected to appear in the
market in early 2006, the company said.

Dr. Blumberg [a professor of nutrition science at Tufts] said a genetically
modified soybean oil is an "interesting choice," because the United States
does not require genetically modified ingredients to appear on food labels,
whereas Europe does. Europeans, more so than Americans, have questioned the
safety of genetically modified foods, with some critics dubbing them
"Frankenfoods."

"If you don't know it's in there, you're obviously not going to be
concerned," Dr. Blumberg said.  Kellogg chose a genetically modified oil
because, it said, that's the source of the "the vast majority of soybeans
currently used" in the U.S."

[Very edited from:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/ge/kellog121505.cfm

RESEARCHERS FIND ANIMAL ANTIBIOTICS IN VEGETABLES:  (11/22/05):
"Antibiotics given to livestock can end up in vegetables and pose a health
threat to consumers, according to a study looking at the use of animal
manure as a fertilizer.  The University of Minnesota study will add to the
level of public concern about the food the eat. It also serves as a warning
to food processors that they need to be vigilant when sourcing their
vegetables.  The study, published in the Journal of Environmental Quality,
indicates that processors will have to be careful when sourcing their
vegetables, whether non-organic or organic. The contamination threat is due
to the US laws allowing farmers to use animal manure as fertilizer in both
conventional and organic agriculture.

When the antibiotics are ingested by a human they can spur the bacteria
naturally present in the intestinal tract, including types of bacteria that
can cause serious disease, to become drug-resistant, the researchers
stated."

[Very edited from:
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=64069-antibiotics-organic-manu
re


************************************************
*07: Bees&Faces, Dolphin Games, Stowaway Cat, Cows'n'Climate
************************************************
BEES CAN RECOGNIZE HUMAN FACES, STUDY FINDS:  (12/09/05):  "Honeybees may
look pretty much all alike to us. But it seems we may not look all alike to
them. A study has found that they can learn to recognize human faces in
photos, and remember them for at least two days.  The findings toss new
uncertainty into a long-studied question that some scientists considered
largely settled, the researchers say: how humans themselves recognize
faces.

The bees learned to distinguish the correct face from the wrong one with
better than 80 percent accuracy, even when the faces were similar, and
regardless of where the photos were placed, the researchers found. Also,
just like humans, the bees performed worse when the faces were flipped
upside-down.   Bees are famous for their pattern-recognition abilities,
which scientists believe evolved in order to discriminate among flowers. As
social insects, they can also tell apart their hivemates. But the new study
shows that they can recognize human faces better than some humans can-with
one-ten thousandth of the brain cells."

[Very edited from:
http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/051209_beesfrm.htm

DOLPHIN GAMES: MORE THAN CHILD'S PLAY?:  (11/09/05): "After years of
studying dolphins at play, Kuczaj and his colleagues have reached some
surprising conclusions: dolphin games show remarkable cooperation and
creativity. Dolphins seem to deliberately make their games difficult,
possibly in order to learn from them. And such pastimes may play a key role
in the development of culture and in evolution-both among dolphins and
other species, including humans.

Although dolphins of all ages participated in games, most of the newly
invented ones came from the youngsters themselves, the group wrote,
providing evidence for a contribution of games to dolphin "culture."  The
notion that non-human animals can have culture gained scientific
respectability only in this decade. This profound shift in attitudes came
as a result of findings that chimpanzees and other primates develop local
traditions, such as specific tool use strategies, and pass them on to their
offspring. Such "traditions" have been found among dolphins, too."

[Very very edited from:
http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/051107_dolphinfrm.htm

STOWAWAY US CAT HEADS HOME FROM FRANCE IN LAP OF LUXURY:  (11/30/05):
"Cats, they say, always land on their feet, an adage proved by a US feline
who stowed away to France and was repatriated in business class after
becoming something of a celebrity.  Emily, a one-year-old tabby from the US
state of Wisconsin, somehow managed to slip into a shipping container
destined for an office supplies company in Nancy, eastern France.  After a
three-week sea journey she emerged somewhat thinner but healthy from the
crate to the amazement of staff at the firm.  An identification collar with
a vet's US telephone number allowed them to trace the relieved -- and
shocked -- owners.

On Wednesday, Emily left for home from Paris's Charles de Gaulle airport in
a somewhat more luxurious manner than her arrival.  The cat was scheduled
to travel in a crate in the aircraft's hold, said Joelle de Becker, from
office supply firm Raflatac, which looked after her for two months.
However, US airline Continental offered her a seat in "business-first"
class, accompanied by an employee.  The airline did not say whether Emily,
who travelled in a cage, would be tucking into business class cuisine."

[Edited from:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20051130/od_afp/franceuscatsea_051130211017

WAR ON CLIMATE CHANGE TARGETS FLATULENT COWS:  (12/04/05);  "British
scientists are fighting climate change by reducing the harmful greenhouse
gases produced by flatulent cows.  Researchers claim that by altering the
diet of cows they can cut the animals' emissions of methane - a contributor
to global warming - by up to 70%. Scientists and green groups concerned
about climate change have traditionally focused their efforts on cars,
lorries, power stations and factories that burn fossil fuels and produce
millions of tons of carbon dioxide.

There are 1.4 billion cows worldwide, each producing 500 litres of methane
a day and accounting for 14% of all emissions of the gas.  Carbon dioxide
is by far the biggest contributor to climate change, but methane has 23
times the warming potential of CO2 so reducing its emission is also
considered important."

[Very edited from:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-1903311,00.html


************************************************
*08: Dementia2Rise, Boomer=Obesity, Nature/Health, Water DB
************************************************
HUGE INCREASE IN ALZHEIMER'S, DEMENTIA PREDICTED:  (12/15/05): "Experts are
now predicting that the global incidence of Alzheimer's disease and other
forms of dementia will soar in the next few decades, especially in
developing countries.  That prediction is made by an international group of
12 experts, two of them American, who were provided with "a systematic
review of published studies on dementia" by Alzheimer's Disease
International, a London-based organization.  "We estimate that 24.3 million
people have dementia today, with 4.6 million new cases of dementia every
year," the experts report in the Dec. 17 issue of The Lancet. "The number
of people [with dementia] will double every 20 years, to 81.1 million by
2040," they added.

The number of cases will double by 2040 in developed countries such as the
United States, but will more than triple in India, China and other
countries in south Asia and the western Pacific, the experts wrote.  The
Alzheimer's Disease International experts are recommending public health
measures that focus on reducing risk factors for cerebral blood vessel
damage, such as high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and cholesterol. The
U.S. Alzheimer's Association agrees with that approach, Carrillo said."

[Edited from:
http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/health/feeds/hscout/2005/12/15/hscout529735.html


OLDER BABY BOOMERS PLAGUED BY HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND OBESITY:  (12/08/05):
"Half of Americans aged 55-64 have high blood pressure, a major risk factor
for heart disease and stroke, according to a new annual report on health in
the United States issued today by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention's (CDC). The report concludes that 40 precent of people in that
age bracket are obese.  The report features an in-depth look at the 55-64
age group, which includes the oldest of the baby boomers.  In 2011, the
oldest of the boomers will be eligible for Medicare, and by 2014, the ranks
of Americans ages 55-64 will swell to 40 million, up from 29 million in
2004.

Other highlights: [big edit]:  The United States spent $1.7 trillion, or 15
percent of the gross domestic product, on health care in 2003, the new
report states.  That's $5,671 for every man, woman and child."

[Very edited from:
http://www.livescience.com/humanbiology/051208_health_report.html

HUMANS' TREATMENT OF NATURE SIGNIFICANTLY THREATENS HEALTH:  (12/09/05):
"With 60 per cent of nature's gifts that support life on Earth, such as
fresh water, clean air and relatively stable climate, being degraded or
used unsustainably, the harm to human health, despite net gains, is already
being felt and could worsen significantly over the next 50 years, according
to a United Nations report released today."  Intensive livestock
production, while providing benefits to health in terms of improved
nutrition, has also created environments favourable to the emergence of
diseases. Greater human contact with wild species and 'bush meat' from
encroachment in forests and changes in diet also create opportunities for
disease transmission."

[Very edited from from the stat-filled article at:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=16874&Cr=WHO&Cr1=disease

>140 CONTAMINANTS FOUND IN THE NATION'S DRINKING WATER:  (12/20/05):  "The
>first ever nationwide compilation of tap water testing results from
>drinking water utilities shows widespread contamination of drinking water
>with scores of contaminants for which there are no enforceable health
>standards. Examples include the gasoline additive MTBE, the rocket fuel
>component perchlorate, and a variety of industrial solvents. The pollution
>affects more than one hundred million people in 42 states.  The findings
>are derived from the largest compilation of tap water data ever assembled.
>Over a two-year period, analysts at Environmental Working Group (EWG)
>gathered tap water testing data from 42 states to produce the most
>comprehensive picture of tap water quality ever created.

Individuals can find their own community water system at:
http://www.ewg.org/sites/tapwater/yourwater/.

The National Tap Water Testing database is available at:
http://www.ewg.org/sites/tapwater/.

Tap water contaminants that have been found by water utilities and that
lack enforceable health standards are available at
www.ewg.org/sites/tapwater/national/unregcontams.php/

[Very edited from:
http://www.ewg.org/


************************************************
*09: PETA: Monitored & a Victory, Bacon Battle, SHAC Attacked
************************************************
PAPERS SHOW TERROR INQUIRIES INTO PETA; OTHER GROUPS TRACKED:  (12/20/05):
"FBI counterterrorism investigators are monitoring domestic U.S. advocacy
groups engaged in antiwar, environmental, civil rights and other causes,
the American Civil Liberties Union charged yesterday as it released new FBI
records that it said detail the extent of the activity.  The documents,
disclosed as part of a lawsuit that challenges FBI treatment of groups that
planned demonstrations at last year's political conventions, show the
bureau has opened a preliminary terrorism investigation into People for the
Ethical Treatment of Animals, the well-known animal rights group based in
Norfolk.

The papers offer no proof of PETA's involvement in illegal activity. But
more than 100 pages of heavily censored FBI files show the agency used
secret informants and tracked the group's events for years, including an
animal rights conference in Washington in July 2000, a community meeting at
an Indiana college in spring 2003 and a planned August 2004 protest of a
celebrity fur endorser.

ACLU leaders contend that the memos show that FBI and government Joint
Terrorism Task Forces across the country have expanded the definition of
domestic terrorism to people who engage in mainstream political activity,
including nonviolent protest and civil disobedience.  PETA general counsel
Jeff Kerr called the FBI's conduct an abuse of power that punishes
activists for speaking out.

John Lewis, the FBI's deputy assistant director for counterterrorism, told
a Senate panel in May that environmental and animal rights militants posed
the biggest terrorist threats in the United States, citing more than 150
pending investigations.

The ACLU said it received 2,357 pages of files on PETA, Greenpeace, the
American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and the ACLU itself."

[Very very edited from:
http://www.infoshop.org/inews/article.php?story=20051219225741514

[original article cited source:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/19/AR2005121901777.
html

[See Also: "New Documents Show FBI Targeting Environmental and Animal
Rights Groups Activities as 'Domestic Terrorism':"
http://www.aclu.org/safefree/spying/23124prs20051220.html

[To view the FBI documents released by the ACLU, go to:
http://www.aclu.org/spyfiles.


BACON BUSINESS SIZZLING OVER ANIMAL RIGHTS WEBSITE:  (12/19/05): "An animal
rights activist is vowing to fight a major pork manufacturer over the
ownership of a website that criticises the company over factory farming.
Campaigner Mark Eden has been threatened with legal action by Premiere
Bacon Company over his use of the domain name premierbacon.co.nz.

The official Premiere Bacon Company website is premierebacon.co.nz,
although the website uses both "premier" and "premiere" in referring to the
company.  Mr Eden said Wellington Animal Rights Network bought the domain
name three weeks ago for $25 and set up the site as part of a campaign
against Premiere Bacon.  Activists this month chained themselves to the
bumper of a Premiere Bacon delivery truck in downtown Wellington.

he website says photos of pigs on the site were taken on Premiere's main
Carterton farm, and says "all other pork producers keep pigs in equally
appalling conditions and are just as guilty of animal cruelty". Mr Eden
claims the company "hassled" the domain host over copyright of company
logos and the website was taken down for a few days to be redesigned.  Mr
Eden said the Pork Industry Board had since registered several domain names
relating to the industry."

[Edited from:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10360586

THE LATEST FRONT IN THE "WAR ON TERROR": ANIMAL-RIGHTS ACTIVISTS:
(01/2006): "When you picture a dangerous terrorist, Kevin Kjonaas may not
immediately spring to mind. The 28-year-old Catholic-school graduate stands
5 feet 10 inches, weighs 120 pounds, and speaks in a mezzo-soprano voice.
Until quite recently, Kjonaas was president of Stop Huntingdon Animal
Cruelty (SHAC USA), an animal rights group dedicated to shutting down
Huntingdon Life Sciences. The U.K.-based company owns labs in New Jersey,
where it tests household chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other products on
animals. In 1998, the U.S. Department of Agriculture fined Huntingdon
$50,000 for animal abuses. A British television documentary showed clips of
Huntingdon employees punching beagle puppies.

As president of SHAC USA, Kjonaas posted the home addresses and telephone
numbers of Huntingdon employees on the group's website. Sometimes Kjonaas
helped organize protests in front of workers' homes.   On May 20, 2004,
Kjonaas and six other SHAC members were indicted by a New Jersey grand jury
on federal charges that they had orchestrated an interstate campaign of
terrorism and intimidation in violation of the Animal Enterprise Protection
Act. The law, originally passed in 1992, was strengthened after 9/11 in
response to heavy lobbying from animal-testing firms and pharmaceutical
companies. The changes made it easier to convict people for attacks on
animal-testing facilities and in some cases tripled mandatory jail
sentences.  In its 27-page indictment, the government doesn't allege that
Kjonaas plotted to kill anyone; most of the charges focus on using the
Internet to instill fear in people associated with Huntingdon. If the
prosecution succeeds, Kjonaas and two other defendants each face up to
$1,250,000 in fines and 23 years in prison.

... Kjonaas is busy preparing for his trial, which is scheduled to begin
February 6 in Trenton, New Jersey. He has 890 hours of videotape to watch,
600 taped phone calls to listen to, and thousands of pages of documents to
review-all of it gathered during the FBI's two-year investigation of SHAC. "

[Very very edited from:
http://www.motherjones.com/news/outfront/2006/01/america_no1_threat.html

MAJOR BREAK IN PETA LAWSUIT AGAINST RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY
CIRCUS:  (11/29/05): In a major break in PETA's lawsuits against Kenneth
Feld, the CEO and president of Feld Entertainment, Inc., the parent company
of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and coconspirators, the
Circuit Court of Fairfax County (Virginia) has entered a judgment against
Steven Kendall, a top Feld operative. The lawsuits filed by PETA seek to
uncover the depth and details of Feld's alleged long-running
conspiracy-codirected by former CIA Covert Operations Director Clair
George-to infiltrate PETA in an attempt to halt opposition to Ringling's
abusive elephant training methods, use of the metal bullhook, separation of
mother elephants from their babies, and other acts of cruelty to animals
used by the circus. Kendall, of Pittsburgh, has admitted in public
documents to PETA's allegations against both himself and Feld, including
theft and an extensive conspiracy to discredit the animal rights group.

"This judgment is a major breakthrough in PETA's case to prove that in his
zeal to cover up Ringling's animal abuse, Ringling's owner Kenneth Feld and
his spies broke the law," says PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk. "We hope
that the eventual outcome hastens the day when elephants and other animals
no longer suffer chainings and beatings in Ringling's circus."  The trial
of Kenneth Feld and a hearing to determine an award of damages against
Kendall is scheduled for February 2006. In August, the court ordered the
law firms representing Feld to pay PETA more than $50,000 in sanctions
after they falsely accused the judge in the case of improper judicial
conduct."

[Edited from:
http://www.peta.org/MC/NewsItem.asp?id=7482


************************************************
*10: Howard's Schedule
************************************************
Feb 10-12 Conscious Life Expo LA, CA  > quicksilver@...
Feb 25 Farm Sanctuary SF, CA > nbowman@...

Mar 18:  Portland, OR > Northwest Veg. info@...  503.224.7380

April 03 - 04:  Grand Rapids, MI > Vegetarian Awakening Conference -
http://www.vegetarianawakening.com - Grand Rapids Community College

April 05:   Ann Arbor, MI > pending
April 7 Waterloo Ontario, Canada > infoveg@...
April 26 SFVS > dixiemahy@...
April 28-30 New Living Expo SF, CA > shimamoore@...

May 07:  New York, NY >  Intergrative Nutrition - Tricia Napor

June 3-4 Vancouver, Canada > losken@...

July 5-9 Summerfest Johnston, PA

Sept. 30 SF, CA SFVS > dixiemahy@...

Pending: Winnipeg, Ca   Calgary, Ca   Edmonton, Ca   Kelonia, Ca
Victoria, Ca   Santa Fe NM   Berekey, CA


************************************************
*11: Quick Bytes
************************************************

AGRICULTURE:
["Jane Goodall's "Harvest for Hope" Book - great resources at:
http://www.harvestforhope.com/book.htm

["Is Conventional Produce Declining in Nutritional Value?:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/ofgu/vegies121205.cfm


ANIMAL ISSUES:
[For animal issues news, check the always topical and current:
http://www.animalconcerns.org

["Info on veg diets for cats and dogs:"
http://www.vegepets.info

["Animal Rights Groups Engage in 'Catfight' Over Testing:"
http://www.townhall.com/news/ext_wire.html?rowid=46286

["Study: U.S. Fisheries Discard 22% of Catch:"
http://www.endangeredfishalliance.org/news/20051201_StudyUS.htm

["Fruit bats may carry Ebola virus:"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4484494.stm

["Weak Strain Of Bird Flu Found At Sun Valley Farm (southern california):"
http://cbs2.com/topstories/local_story_333212149.html

["Arctic orcas highly contaminated:"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4520104.stm


DIET/HEALTH:
["Marketers Urged to Junk the Junk-Food Ads for Kids:"
http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/health/feeds/hscout/2005/12/06/hscout529517.html

["Study: Cranberries may help prevent cavities:"
http://www.cnn.com/2005/HEALTH/diet.fitness/11/24/cranberries.cavities.reut/inde
x.html?section=cnn_health

["Chemical found in fruit may help prevent prostate cancer:"
http://badgerherald.com/news/2005/12/09/chemical_found_in_fr.php

["EPA Fines Dupont for Poisoning Consumers with Teflon Cookware:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/foodsafety/dupont121605.cfm

["Despite healthy fruit options, fast-food eaters remain greasy:"
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/business/13441027.htm

["A popular promotion that provided free music downloads to buyers of fresh
fruit will return next year.:"
http://www.1bakersfield.com/news/read/25/57707

["Thailand, China in fruit-for-guns deal:"
http://www.freshplaza.com/2005/12dec/2_th_fruitforguns.htm


ENVIRONMENT:
[Superb group of Eco-Info websites:
http://www.ecologicalinternet.org/

["Sea level rise doubles in 150 years:"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/frontpage/story/0,16518,1650590,00.html

["Alarm over dramatic weakening of Gulf Stream:"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/story/0,3605,1654803,00.html?gusrc=rss

["Great Lakes near ecological breakdown: scientists:"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051208/sc_nm/environment_greatlakes_dc;_ylt=Asbrun1
ksXDp3Z6mhxc9Dm.s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3MzV0MTdmBHNlYwM3NTM-

["Toxic Lands Alert: BLM plans to triple annual herbicide spraying!:"
http://www.alternatives2toxics.org/actionalert-blm-peis11-05.htm

["'Digital Dumps' Heap Hazards at Foreign Sites:"
http://www.infoshop.org/inews/article.php?story=20051212110956848

["Climate, Storms Hit Extremes in 2005 - UN Weather Body:"
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=34070&newsdate=16-Dec-2005

["World is at its hottest since prehistory, say scientists:"
http://news.independent.co.uk/environment/article333840.ece


NETWORKING:
[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

[A delightful, chatty list/group:  Feralvegetarians:"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/theferalvegetarian/


RECIPES:
["Two complete vegan Xmas menus:"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/vegetarian_and_vegan/veganchristmasmenus.shtml

["Vegetarian Society's Christmas 2005 Index:"
http://www.vegsoc.org/christmas/index.html

["161 Vegan Xmas Recipes:"
http://www.recipezaar.com/r/168/259

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[100's of Lowfat Vegan Recipes:
http://www.lowfatvegan.com

["Thanksgiving Veg'n Recipes:"
http://www.tazarat.com/thanksgiving.html

["Vegan Holiday Dessert Recipes:"
http://www.bryannaclarkgrogan.com/page/page/1435893.htm

[Fabulous "Bryanna's Vegan Holiday Menu:"
http://www.vegsource.com/articles2/bryanna_thanksgiving.htm

["Vegan Holiday Meal Menus & Recipes:"
http://www.vegparadise.com/holiday.html

[Superb collection of "Vegan and Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes:"
http://vegweb.com/recipes/events/index-thanksgiving.shtml

["64 Tksgiving and Xmas Vegan Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/holiday/


VEGAN:
["Vegan Dog Treats:"
http://www.vegan-delights.com

["Soy Caseine Coming? A NotMilk column:"
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/notmilk/message/2191

["Excellent Vegetarian Information Sheets:"
http://www.compassionatecooks.com/join.htm

["How to get enough calcium as a vegan:"
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/food/content/food_dining/epaper/2005/11/17/a9fn_veg
col_tofu_1117.html


************************************************
*12: Closing Thoughts from Howard
************************************************
"I've met wonderful vegetarian and vegan people all over this nation who
have been an inspiration to me, taught me most of what I know, and given me
more than I can ever repay.  I've seen vegan children who are the
healthiest, brightest, most active kids you could imagine.  I've seen
people recover from intractable diseases by adapting to the vegan way of
life.  I've had the privilege of getting to know a community of the spirit
that lifts my own every day.

I've also run across unnecessary rifts in that community --- hardly a
privilege a minority as small as our own can afford.

The vegetarian movement at large has done a remarkable job of grass-roots
organizing and teaching.  I have been proud to do my share.  But the
movement needs a macro as well as micro presence.  We mustn't limit our
advocacy to lectures, book signings, health fairs, and potlucks.  It's time
for us to graduate to the next phase of a significant international
movement.  We need to get our message on the airwaves, and to strategize
about the most effective ways of doing so.  Unfortunately, I don't believe
the Big Boys in animal agriculture are going to lose a lot of sleep over us
until we have a real presence on the airwaves.  It's going to take a lot of
money, a lot of planning, a lot of effort, and a lot of guts.  But if we
mean what we say, we simply have to do it.

Or we could just congratulate ourselves that we got a vegan meal on a
shuttle flight.

I've got to believe our future is far greater than that.

Let's make it happen."

--- Howard
(pp. 85-86 in his "Message for My Fellow Vegetarians and Vegans" in "No
More Bull!")


******************************************************************
Mark Sutton, Webmaster@...  http://www.madcowboy.com
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to: Mad_Cowboy-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
******************************************************************

Howdy!  Welcome to the 51st Edition of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter!

In this issue you'll find an excerpt from (and link to) a wonderful letter sent
to Howard about one person's transformational experience and the reaction of her
doctors.  You'll also see a picture of arguably the best vegan pizza (ever),
read four knowledgeable responses to the recent "low fat diets don't work" study
getting all that press, learn about the current scientific consensus about
global climate change, how global warming is impacting frogs, the many problems
with bottled water, and why nutritional labels for shoes is a good idea.

Further on down (of note) there's information about a unique hippo, how squids
are surprising scientists, "the Unsinkable Molly B. (for "bovine"... and she has
a home page!),"  11 Super Foods (and why they are such), how veggies help lower
blood pressure, and new ideas about how red meat contributes to cancer
causation.  There's also our comprehensive "Mad Cow Corral" series of cites,
PETA's 2006 Proggy Awards, the President of the Humane Society of the US picks
the "top 12" animal stories of 2005, and Bryanna's marvelous vegan "melty cheese
sauce" recipe from "No More Bull!"

As always, a nod of the hat to our new subscribers.  Y'all can read back issues
(the're searchable via key words) at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

...and don't miss our "Quick Bytes" section of links to various articles, new
nutrition findings, resources, blogs, and much more.  It's larger than normal
this edition.

Finally, our best wishes to all for a great 2006 and a well-deserved Spring (you
are planning your gardens, aren't you?)

Mark  [personal vegan blog:  http://www.soulveggie.com]

***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00:  Quote(s) from Howard
01:  A Letter to Howard
02:  Pix from Howard's Trips (& Best Vegan Pizza Ever...)
03:  The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
04:  Another Great Recipe from "No More Bull!"
05:  Mad Cow Info Round-up
06:  Low Fat Bull, Adventists' Advantage, McFat+, Blaming Health
07:  Climate Consensus/Frogs, Shoe Nutrition, H2O Concerns
08:  Hippo Love, Bovine Flees, Squids Care, and a Budgie Stitcher
09:  11 Super Foods, Diet/Mental Health, Better BP, Meat/Cancer
10:  Veg MTV, USDA Sued, Proggy Awards, Top 12 Animal Stories
11:  Upcoming Events of Note
12:  Howard Schedule
13:  Quick Bytes
14:  Closing Thought(s)

************************************************
*00: Quote(s) from Howard
************************************************
"For those who are vegetarian and not yet vegan, I ask, what in heaven's name
are you waiting for?  If you are trying to avoid the health pitfalls of eating
carcasses --- high fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol content; lack of fiber;
deficiency of vitamins and enzymes; abundance of stored toxins --- well, then
take a good look at the dairy you're eating.  Dairy is basically liquid meat
without the iron.  The false belief that a vegetarian diet tends to be deficient
in iron stems from the reality that too many vegetarians, in making the
transition away from meat, fall into a tragic dependence upon dairy, which is
not only deficient in iron, but impedes the absorption of iron.  All manner of
vegetables, grains, and legumes will provide you with the iron that dairy lacks.
Milk should be viewed as no more or less than what it is:  a delivery system for
fat, cholesterol, blood, pus, antibiotics, and carcinogenic growth hormones."

--- Howard Lyman ("Message for My Fellow Vegetarians and Vegans," in "No More
Bull!"  pp. 79-80.)

["No More Bull!"
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VVFprods.002.html


************************************************
*01: A Letter to Howard
************************************************
"January 13, 2006

Dear Mr. Lyman:

It is a pleasure to thank you for all of your work and commitment toward
educating us about the dangers of a diet based on meat and dairy.  Your book
(Mad Cowboy) and Dvd lecture, and Robert Cohen's work, have changed my life and
my family's diet.  We so much appreciate that you share your knowledge and
experience with us, as this information is not altogether easy to come by in
America.

My numerous physicians never warned me about the dangers of my diet, except for
one.  Last year I was diagnosed with cancer and a bad liver; I was 40 years old.
Of course it was shocking to me & my family. after several surgeries to removed
the ever-traveling cancer masses from my chest, and enduring a lot of pain and
fear, a new physician (from India) told me that one of my problems was my diet. 
No other physician had told me this.  No other physician told me to change my
diet.  At any rate, this doctor advised me to immediately give up all meat and
diary.

Although it was a difficult transition for me, because I loved drinking milk so
much, I did stop drinking it.  Within 5 - 6 months of juicing vegetables and
eating raw fruits---my liver improved!..."

[excerpted from the notable and complete letter posted at:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_MELetterToHoward.html


************************************************
*02: Pix from Howard's Trips (& Best Vegan Pizza Ever...)
************************************************
[Dale, Jane, and Howard:
http://www.madcowboy.com/2006_03_PIX/Dale_Jane_HL.jpg

[Howard, Willow, and Dave Allen:
http://www.madcowboy.com/2006_03_PIX/Euge_HL_DaveAllen_092006.jpg

[Howard, Willow, and Carrie:
http://www.madcowboy.com/2006_03_PIX/Eugene_HL_Carrie_092006_05.jpg

[Howard and Willow:
http://www.madcowboy.com/2006_03_PIX/HL_Willow _092006.jpg

["Best Vegan Pizza Ever (at the Pizza Research Institute):
http://www.madcowboy.com/2006_03_PIX/BestPizzaEver_092006.jpg

"The Vegan Chef's Choice: usually topped with ten to fifteen different veggies
included small pieces of corn on the cob, squash, portobello mushrooms, peppers,
sliced potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, etc"

[Restaurant Reviews:
http://www.happycow.net/reviews.php?id=2419
http://www.vegguide.org/vendor/view.html?vendor_id=2172
http://www.registerguard.com/news/2005/12/09/3.tk.bestvegpizza.1209.p1.php?secti\
on=bestof


************************************************
*03: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST WEEK'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Which contains the most calcium? (when measured in equal weights)"

(a) lentils   (b) almonds   (c) sesame seeds   (d) kale    (e) tempeh

Congratulations to Dresden Dove for correctly guessing "(c) sesame seeds" and
winning the luck of the draw.  Enjoy your VegNews subscription, pardner!

[Per. 100 g:  lentils (51 mg.), almonds (248 mg.), sesame seeds (975 mg.), kale
(135 mg.), tempeh (111 mg.):
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/cgi-bin/measure.pl


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"The citizens of which of these countries drank the most bottled water per
person (in 2004)?"

(a) Italy   (b) Mexico   (c)  United Arab Emirates   (d)  Belgium   (e) USA

Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word "contest" in
your subject line by NLT March 24th, 2006.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE one-year
subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting the correct answer to
each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to Joe, and you can learn more about
VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call 1.415.665.6397]


************************************************
*04: Another Great Recipe from "No More Bull!"
************************************************
MELTY PIZZA CHEESE, by Bryanna Clark Grogan

"This easy recipe is tastier than any commercial vegan cheese substitute and
much cheaper.  It makes great grilled cheese sandwiches and quesadillas.  The
nutritional yeast adds protein and lots of B-complex vitamins.

(yield:  1 1/4 cups)

1 cup water
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic granules
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon canola oil (optional)

Place all the ingredients, except the water and optional oil, in a blender, and
blend until smooth.  Pour the mixture into a small sauce pan and stir over
medium heat until it starts to thicken, then let it bubble for 30 seconds. 
Whisk vigorously.

Microwave Option:  Pour the mixture into a microwave-proof bowl; cover and cook
on high for 2 minutes.  Whisk, then microwave for 2 more minutes, and whisk
again.

Whisk in the water and optional oil.  The oil adds richness and helps it melt
better, but the cheese still only contains 2.6 grams of fat per 1/4 cup.

Drizzle immediately over pizza or other food, and broil or bake until a skin
forms on top.  Alternatively, refrigerate in a small, covered plastic container
for up to a week.  It will become quite firm when chilled but will remain
spreadable.  You can spread the firm cheese on bread or quesadillas for
grilling, or heat it to spread more thinly on casseroles, etc.

Variations [excerpted... there are many]:

Melty Chedda Cheese:  Use 1/3 cup nutritional yeast flakes and add 1/4 teaspoon
each sweet paprika and mustard powder.  Use only 1/4 teaspoon salt and add 1
tablespoon light soy or garbanzo miso to the blended mixture.  I like this
version using tahini, too.

Melty Suisse Cheese:  Omit the oil and use only 1/4 teaspoon salt.  Add 1
tablespoon tahini and 1 tablespoon light soy or chickpea miso to the blended
mixture.

For a Nacho Sauce:  You can add drained canned black beans, chopped jalapenos or
other chiles, chopped olives, a pinch of cumin, etc."


(From:  "No More Bull!" by Howard Lyman, 1st published in "20 Minutes to
Dinner," by Bryanna Clark Grogan")

[Bryanna's wonderful website:
http://www.bryannaclarkgrogan.com/


************************************************
*05: Mad Cow Info Round-up
************************************************
JAPAN TO STOP ALL IMPORTS OF U.S. BEEF:  (01/20/06):  "Prime Minister Junichiro
Koizumi said on Friday Japan would halt all imports of U.S. beef after a recent
shipment was found to possibly contain material considered at risk for mad cow
disease. "This is a pity given that imports had just resumed," Koizumi told
reporters. "I received the agriculture minister's report over the telephone with
his recommendation that the imports be halted and I think it is a good idea." 
Koizumi said he directed the agriculture and health ministers to talk with the
U.S. side to put measures into place that would guarantee the safety of the beef
sent to Japan."

[Edited from:
http://www.forbes.com/work/feeds/ap/2006/01/20/ap2464080.html


US ADMITS BEEF EXPORT A MISTAKE:  (01/23/06):  "America's deputy secretary of
state Robert Zoellick admitted to Japan's Agriculture Minister Shoichi Nakagawa,
that a beef shipment to Japan that resulted in a renewed ban on imports was an
"unacceptable mistake", a US Embassy official said.  Japan renewed a ban on US
beef imports on Friday, just a month after lifting it, following the discovery
of spinal material, which it insists be removed to reduce the risk of mad cow
disease.  The problem is the discovery of bone, a mad cow disease risk, in a
shipment of veal from a plant in New York. Restrictions against bone in beef
shipments have remained in Asia because officials fear marrow and other bone
tissue might be dangerous."

[Edited from:
http://smh.com.au/news/world/us-admits-beef-export-a-mistake/2006/01/22/11378648\
09648.html


NEW CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE IN POLAND:  (12/28/05):  "A new case of mad cow
disease has been detected in Poland. The infected animal was found on a farm in
the northwest of the country. Eight other animals have been identified as
exposed to a risk of contamination and have also been killed. According to the
national veterinary service, there have been 22 cases of mad cow disease in
Poland since BSE testing began four years ago."

[From:
http://www.radio.com.pl/polonia/article.asp?tId=31199&j=2


REUSED DEVICES, SURGERY'S DEADLY SUSPECTS:  (12/30/05):  "Surgical devices used
during brain surgery frequently are reused on other patients after being
sterilized. But medical experts say traditional sterilization methods do not
always eradicate the infectious agent from surgical instruments exposed to CJD
because it is not a conventional bacteria or virus; it is believed to be an
abnormal protein, or prion. In addition, CJD and other prion diseases are
difficult to detect and can take years to emerge -- through dementia or
neurological impairments.  The Food and Drug Administration has not imposed
rules to address the issue, either. The agency said it is unclear from research
how to effectively decontaminate devices potentially contaminated by prions. As
a result, the federal agency said in an e-mail response to questions, "There are
no specific rules/regulations that address this issue presently nor any
acceptable decontamination protocols."

[Very edited from:
http://www.vegsource.com/talk/madcow/messages/1000350.html

[Original source (may expire):
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/29/AR2005122901536.\
html?referrer=emailarticle


MCDONALD'S SAY U.S. GOVT BSE DEFENSE NOT WORKING:  (01/04/06):  "Researchers and
McDonald's Corp. (MCD) say the government isn't fully protecting animals or
people from bovine spongiform encephalopathy, also known as BSE, or mad-cow
disease.  Stronger steps are needed to keep infection from entering the food
chain for cattle, the critics wrote in comments to the Food and Drug
Administration.  The group includes McDonald's Corp., seven scientists and
experts and a pharmaceutical supplier, Serologicals Corp (SERO).  The government
proposed new safeguards two months ago, but researchers said that effort "falls
woefully short" and would continue to let cattle eat potentially infected feed,
the primary way mad-cow disease is spread.  "We do not feel that we can
overstate the dangers from the insidious threat from these diseases and the need
to control and arrest them to prevent any possibility of spread," the
researchers wrote.  McDonald's said the risk of exposure to the disease should
be reduced to zero, or as close as possible. "It is our opinion that the
government can take further action to reduce this risk," wrote company Vice
President Dick Crawford."

[Very edited from:
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/content.asp?contentid=16082


ALBERTA COW TESTS POSITIVE FOR MAD COW:  (01/23/06):  "A six-year-old cow in
Alberta has tested positive for mad cow disease, the Canadian Food Inspection
Agency confirmed Monday.  No parts of the animal were processed for the human
food system, CFIA chief veterinary officer Dr. Brian Evans told a news
conference in Alberta.  Describing the test results as "unwelcome but not
unexpected," Evans insisted the Canadian food supply was "safe.""

[Edited from:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060123/mad_cow__060123/200\
60123?hub=Health


DEER MUSCLE MAY CARRY BRAIN-WASTING PRIONS: STUDY:  (01/27/06):  "The infectious
proteins that cause brain-wasting disease have been found in the leg muscles of
infected deer, a laboratory experiment shows.  Scientists say there is no
evidence people have caught the disease from infected deer. But the new
findings, in Friday's issue of the journal Science, suggest hunters could
potentially be exposed from sick animals.  Chronic wasting disease affects
ranched elk and wild deer in Saskatchewan and Alberta, according to the Canadian
Food Inspection Agency. It is also found in deer and elk across the U.S. West
and Midwest.  Prion researchers don't yet know if prions that cause chronic
wasting disease can infect people the same way BSE prions can lead to variant
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans.

"It's certainly unsettling," Dr. Neil Cashman, a prion scientist in Toronto,
told the Canadian Press."

[Edited from:
http://www.cbc.ca/story/science/national/2006/01/27/cwd-muscle060127.html


USDA BACKS OFF ON NATIONAL FARM ANIMAL DATA BASE & MANDATORY ID PROPOSAL: 
(01/27/06):  "There won't be a mandatory U.S. animal identification program by
2009, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture has dropped a 6-month-old plan for
contracting with a privatized central database to launch the cattle segment of
ID.  Instead of a single database... USDA, state and tribal animal health
agencies will use multiple databases, relying on those who contract with the
USDA to furnish livestock tracking information. "Our preference is a centralized
system. It is probably the most efficient ... probably the least costly,"
Hammerschmidt [USDA's National Animal Identification System coordinator] said.
"However, it has been made clear to us that achieving one central database is
not in the cards. We will interface with multiple databases, both in the private
sector and with the states.""

[Very edited from:
http://www.capitalpress.info/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=22499&SectionID=67&SubS\
ectionID=782&S=1


USDA: NEWEST [CANADIAN] BSE CASE NO SURPRISE:  (02/02/06):  "The newest case of
bovine spongiform encephalopathy in Canada will not alter the flow of Canadian
beef and live cattle into the United States, contends the U.S. Department of
Agriculture.  Mike Johanns, USDA secretary, affirmed the department's stance
earlier last week, saying, “I anticipate no change in the status of beef or
live cattle imports to the U.S. from Canada under our established agreement
(between the U.S. and Canada).”  John Harrington, chief livestock analyst for
the Data Transmission Network agreed the discovery of another BSE case was not
“statistically surprising.”

[Very edited from:
http://www.theprairiestar.com/articles/2006/02/02/ag_news/livestock/live12.txt


USDA FOUGHT RETESTING OF INFECTED COW:  (02/03/06):  "Agriculture Department
officials overruled field scientists' recommendation to retest an animal that
was suspected of harboring mad cow disease last year because they feared a
positive finding would undermine confidence in the agency's testing procedures,
the department's inspector general said yesterday.  After protests from the
inspector general, the specimen was sent to England for retesting and produced
the nation's second confirmed case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE),
also known as mad cow disease.  The incident was described in an audit report
assessing the department's surveillance program for the disease.  It adds that
top officials at the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
told them not to do the additional tests."

Source:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/02/AR2006020202240.\
html 4feb2006

[Very edited from the disturbing article at:
http://www.mindfully.org/Food/2006/Mad-Cow-USDA3feb2006.htm


U.S. MEAT SUPPLY AT RISK OF MAD COW DISEASE:  (02/06/06): "USDA Report Warns
Meat Supply at Risk of Mad Cow Disease -  The U.S. Agriculture Department's
Inspector General warns beef inspectors aren't strictly following cattle
screening rules, increasing the risk of mad cow disease in the nation's meat
supply.  The report said it found cases where rules covering the slaughter of
cattle were being ignored."

[Edited from:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/02/usda_mad_cow.html


JAPAN WILL DESTROY 45 COWS SUSPECTED OF HAVING MAD COW DISEASE:  (02/09/06): 
"Forty-five cows at a farm in northern Japan are suspected of having mad cow
disease and will be destroyed, officials said Thursday.  The announcement came a
month after Japan halted all imports of U.S. beef following the discovery of
backbones in a shipment of American veal. The bones are deemed to be at risk of
mad cow disease and are banned under a deal that reopened the Japanese market to
U.S. beef in December."

[Edited from:
http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/news/breaking_news/13825818.htm


BRITAIN ANNOUNCES THIRD TRANSFUSION RELATED 'MAD COW' CASE:  (02/10/06):  "The
Health Protection Agency (HPA) has reported a third case of variant-CJD (a brain
disease that represents human form of mad cow disease) in Britain. The patient
is said to have contracted the disease from a blood transfusion that had taken
place 8 years ago.  The donor who had developed symptoms of the disease much
earlier, 20 months following the transfusion is under strict medical supervision
at the National Prion Clinic and is still alive, according to official reports. 
Nearly 30 individuals have been reported to have received a blood transfusion
from a donor who later developed vCJD in the U.K."

[Edited from:
http://www.medindia.net/news/view_news_main.asp?x=7742


JAPAN CITES CONCERNS ABOUT MAD COW AUDIT:  (02/15/06):  "Japan is expressing
concerns about whether the United States has sufficient safeguards against mad
cow disease in slaughterhouses and packing plants.  The concerns were cited in a
phone conversation Tuesday between Japan's agriculture minister, Shoichi
Nakagawa, and Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns.  During the call, Nakagawa
asked about an audit released earlier this month saying investigators were
unable to determine if rules were being followed.  In the audit, investigators
said they couldn't find that at-risk tissues _ brains, spinal cords and other
nerve parts from older animals _ had entered the food supply. However, they
couldn't determine whether slaughterhouses and packing plants followed the rules
for keeping those tissues out of the food supply.  The audit also raised
questions about "downer" cattle, animals that can't walk on their own and are
considered at-risk for mad cow disease. Downer cows were banned from the food
supply in response to a 2003 case of mad cow disease."

[Edited from:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/02/15/ap/health/mainD8FP7KUG0.shtml


U.S. VOWS TO REFORM BEEF INSPECTION PRACTICES:  (02/17/06):  "U.S. Ambassador
Thomas Schieffer told a news conference Friday that Washington will do its
utmost to win back the faith of Japanese consumers with regard to beef imports. 
Schieffer stressed that the United States will provide "safe, healthy products
to Japanese consumers."  His remarks follow the release of an Agriculture
Department report on why a shipment of U.S. beef contained banned vertebral
material, and what measures would be taken to prevent a recurrence.  Schieffer
said the investigation concluded that the "incident was the result of a failure
on the part of the exporter and USDA personnel to know which products were
eligible for shipment to Japan.  Asked whether Washington would introduce 100
percent testing on beef, Schieffer said he would ask Japanese consumers to take
scientific evidence into account.

"We did not believe that any place in the world would require testing 100
percent of cattle, except for Japan," he said."

[Edited from:
http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200602170356.html


JAPAN WANTS ASSURANCES FOR U.S. BEEF:  (02/21/06):  "Japan will resume imports
of U.S. beef only if Washington can convince Tokyo that it will implement
effective safeguards against mad cow disease, a top Japanese official said
Tuesday.  Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe said the government was still
examining a U.S. Department of Agriculture report on the faulty veal shipment
that prompted Japan to close its markets to American beef last month.  Japan's
agriculture minister said on Monday that the report was insufficient and raised
a lot of questions, and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said a quick resumption
of imports was unlikely."

[Edited from:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060221/ap_on_re_as/japan_us_beef


'ANIMAL LINK' IN US ANTHRAX CASE:  (02/23/06):  "A New York-based dancer has
contracted respiratory anthrax, apparently after inhaling spores from raw animal
hides used on drums.  Vado Diamande is in hospital in a stable condition after
collapsing during a performance in the state of Pennsylvania last week. 
Diomande, 44, is said to be a skilled drum tuner, and had recently travelled to
Africa to collect skins.  Correspondents say inhalation anthrax has a 75%
fatality rate, even with antibiotics.  He is thought to have inhaled anthrax
spores while treating the hides, though it is not clear whether infection
occurred in Africa or the US."

[Very edited from:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4743606.stm


MAD COW-LIKE DISEASE IN ELK SPREAD BY FOREST SERVICE AND BLM FEEDING STATIONS: 
(02/27/06): "In an effort to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease and
brucellosis among Wyoming elk, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Jackson Hole
Conservation Alliance, and Wyoming Outdoor Council are asking a Wyoming federal
court to order the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to begin an
environmental review of 15 feedgrounds located on federal lands in western
Wyoming.  The review would study alternatives to the feeding program, such as a
phaseout of the feedgrounds that would force elk to disperse across their
natural winter range as they do in Montana and Idaho. The goal is to prevent an
unnecessary loss of Wyoming's iconic elk herds.

Chronic wasting disease is the elk equivalent of mad cow disease, a brain
wasting disease that is 100 percent fatal in elk.  Wyoming's elk feedgrounds
"provide nearly ideal conditions for transmission among free-roaming elk," says
Markus Peterson, an expert on wildlife diseases from Texas A&M University. 
Brucellosis is an infectious disease of animals including elk that often results
in spontaneous abortion. It is transmissible to human beings."

[Very edited from:
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/feb2006/2006-02-27-09.asp#anchor7


RARE “MAD SHEEP” STRAIN SUSPECTED IN FRANCE:  (02/27/06):  "The bird-flu’s
entry into France seems to be followed by another variety of animal disease that
is vying for news space. The French Agriculture Ministry has announced its
suspicion on two cases of an extremely rare strain of “Mad Sheep” disease in
Central France.  The “Mad Sheep” disease also called, Scrapie and ovine
spongiform encephalopathy, has been noticed on two farms in central France.  It
is premature to make any conclusive assessment of the disease until threadbare
tests are conducted, which will take a timeframe of one year, according to the
Ministry’s statement. The conditions of transmission of the disease as well as
its implications on health remain unknown."

[Edited from:
http://www.medindia.net/news/view_news_main.asp?x=8142


SWEDEN RECORDS FIRST MAD-COW CASE, MAY IMPOSE TOUGHER CONTROLS:  (03/03/06):
"Sweden, the only European Union country considered at "low risk'' for mad-cow
disease, reported its first case of the infection and may now be forced to test
all cattle destined for the food chain.  he announcement comes as the 25-nation
bloc had considered that stricter controls on animal feed and slaughtering
standards had reduced the threat to human health. The EU, which accounts for
more than 99 percent of the world's identified incidents of the disease, saw the
number of cases drop to 482 in the 12 months ending Oct. 30, 2005, from more
than 2,129 in 2002."

[Edited from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000085&sid=ayye8SkI26sk&refer=europe


USDA BEEF TRADE DEALS TOO COMPLEX - US INDUSTRY REPS:  (03/08/06): "U.S.
negotiators have succeeded over the past few months in getting several countries
to ease back bans on U.S. beef, but the web of different deals for different
nations has U.S. industry sour over the increasing complexity of exporting.  The
U.S. Department of Agriculture has separate beef export verification programs --
providing sets of rules for U.S. exporters -- for Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Costa
Rica, Mexico, Egypt, Hong Kong, Canada, and others. And most have different
safety requirements than those in place for domestic U.S. production.  "This is
crazy," one U.S. industry representative said on terms of anonymity. "There's
unbelievable frustration in the industry."

Taiwan, for example, has agreed to import beef from the U.S. only if it comes
from cattle slaughtered before they reach 30 months of age and only if the
animal's brain, eyes, spinal cord, most of the vertebral column and other parts
have been removed.  Japan, on the other hand, agreed only to import beef from
cattle under 21 months old along with many other unique specifications."

[Very edited from:
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/content.asp?contentid=21752


EU LIFTS 10-YEAR "MAD COW" BAN ON BEEF:  (03/08/06):  "British beef can return
to Europe's shops and restaurants after a 10-year absence after EU food safety
experts agreed on Wednesday to lift an export ban that was imposed at the height
of the 1990s mad cow crisis.  The EU ban ravaged Britain's beef industry, which
saw its last full year of exports in 1995 when shipments to the bloc amounted to
some 274,000 tonnes, worth 520 million pounds at the time. The main market was
France.  "This is excellent news for the British beef industry. This EU decision
is a vindication of the controls on BSE and our efforts to eradicate the
disease," Margaret Beckett, farm and environment minister, said in a statement. 
"British farmers produce high quality beef which will be in demand across Europe
once the ban is lifted. We know our beef is at the very least as safe as beef
produced elsewhere in the EU."

[Very edited from:
http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2006-03-08\
T111914Z_01_BRU004424_RTRUKOC_0_UK-MADCOW-EU-BRITAIN.xml


************************************************
*06: Low Fat Bull, Adventists' Advantage, McFat+, Blaming Health
************************************************
THE INFAMOUS LOW-FAT REPORT JUST RELEASED - 4 VIEWS:  (02/08/06):  "The
eight-year studies of nearly 50,000 middle-aged and elderly women reported in
today’s edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association confirm a
22-year-old message of the Great American Meatout: It’s not the fat – it’s
the meat (and the associated saturated fat).  The studies [WHI report] found
that low-fat diets alone do not protect women against heart disease, stroke, and
colon and breast cancer. However, women who cut down on saturated fat were found
to have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and colon cancer. A wealth of
other studies over the past three decades confirm that consumption of saturated
fats, contained in meat and dairy products, raise substantially the risk of
contracting these diseases.

The low-fat obsession began in 1977, when the Senate Select Committee on
Nutrition and Human Needs... published "Dietary Goals for Americans." The
report, authored by Prof. Walter Willett of the Harvard School of Public Health
and based on two years of testimony by expert witnesses, recommended that
Americans reduce their meat consumption.  In response, the meat industry forced
Prof. Willett to change the report to recommend that Americans reduce fat
consumption..."

[Very edited from FARM (Alex Hershaft's press release) at:
  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ivu-veg-news/message/9634

[For more about FARM's "Great American Meatout:"
http://www.meatout.org/

[Dr. McDougall on the report: "“Low-fat diet may not cut some disease risks;
little change seen in cancer, heart problems”"
http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2006other/060200lowfat.htm

[Dr. Dean Ornish on the same report and "why all fats are not the same:"
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/11225530/site/newsweek/

[Dr. Fuhrman on same: "Ten Reasons to Keep Eating Healthy Foods Despite
Today’s Headlines:"
http://www.diseaseproof.com/archives/research-287-ten-reasons-to-keep-eating-hea\
lthy-foods-despite-todayas-headlines.html


A VEGETARIAN DIET NOT ONLY HEALTHIER BUT SAFER, SAYS ADVENTISTS:  (03/07/06): 
"Recent news reports from the Food and Drug Administration in the United States
indicate that meat companies sometimes use carbon monoxide to keep beef looking
red and more attractive to consumers. While many doctors agreed that carbon
monoxide used in small amounts is not unsafe, the concern is that it can cause
even rotting meat to look red and fresh.  This is in addition to other
meat-related concerns over the last several years, such as, the detrimental Mad
Cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy, which can be lethal in humans;
a concern that an increase in Mercury in certain types of fish can cause brain
damage to fetuses and in young children; and, the most recent meat-related
health threat, the Avian flu that is spreading through chickens and other birds.
... the Seventh-day Adventist Church continues to recommend a vegetarian diet
primarily for nutritious and spiritual reasons.

A 1960s study performed by Loma Linda University sponsored by the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) analyzed the lifestyles [vegetarian] of Adventists.
The study found that Adventists, in general, have 50 percent less risk of heart
disease, certain types of cancers, strokes and diabetes.  The NIH is sponsoring
a second study on Adventists to see if there is a link between diet and cancer."

[Edited from:
http://news.adventist.org/data/2006/02/1141762542/index.html.en


MCDONALD'S SAYS FRIES HAVE MORE TRANS FATS THAN THOUGHT:  (02/08/06):  "The
world's largest restaurant chain said Wednesday its fries contain a third more
trans fats than it previously knew, citing results of a new testing method it
began using in December.  That means the level of potentially artery-clogging
trans fat in a portion of large fries is eight grams, up from six, with total
fat increasing to 30 grams from 25.  Often used by restaurants and in packaged
foods, trans fats are thought to cause cholesterol problems and increase the
risk of heart disease.  “Nutritionally it's a disastrous product,” Jacobson
[executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest] said of
the fries. “McDonald's could fry in canola oil or other liquid oil” as it
does in Australia, Denmark and Israel, he said."

[Edited from:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/health/20060208-1420-mcdonalds-fries.html


KRAFT FOODS SHARES FALL IN WAKE OF PLANS:  (01/31/06): "Shares of Kraft Foods
Inc., the nation's biggest food company, fell more than 3 percent Tuesday after
disclosing plans to broaden the cost-cutting effort it launched two years ago to
boost profits.  The maker of Oreo cookies and DiGiorno pizza announced after the
markets closed on Monday a three-year plan to slash an additional 8,000 jobs, or
8 percent of its workers, and close 20 production plants worldwide.  The soaring
cost of meat, coffee, packaging and other commodities has eaten away at the
bottom line of Kraft and other food companies over the last year.  Kraft's 2004
restructuring came just after a shake-up in top management that followed more
than a year of disappointing sales and earnings. At the time, KRAFT EXECUTIVES
BLAMED THE POOR RESULTS ON AMERICAN CONSUMERS' INCREASED HEALTH CONCERNS, which
had put the entire packaged food industry under severe pressure to change."

[Very edited from:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060131/ap_on_bi_ge/kraft


************************************************
*07: Climate Consensus/Frogs, Shoe Nutrition, H2O Concerns
************************************************
CONSENSUS GROWS ON CLIMATE CHANGE:  (03/01/06):  "The global scientific body on
climate change will report soon that only greenhouse gas emissions can explain
freak weather patterns.  Simultaneous changes in sea ice, glaciers, droughts,
floods, ecosystems, ocean acidification and wildlife migration are taking place.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change had previously said gases such as
CO2 were "probably" to blame.  Its latest draft report will be sent to world
governments next month.  A source told the BBC: "The measurements from the
natural world on all parts of the globe have been anomalous over the past
decade."  There will be sceptics, predominantly in the US, who will accuse the
IPCC of trying to scare policy-makers into action with their report.  But the
broad international expert consensus embodied in the IPCC will make it harder
for the US administration to say that climate change is a problem for the future
which can be solved by technological advances."

[Very edited from:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4761804.stm


CLIMATE-CHANGE FUNGUS IS WIPING OUT FROGS – STUDY:  (01/12/06):  "An
infectious fungus aggravated by global warming has killed entire populations of
frogs in Central and South America and driven some species to extinction,
scientists said on Wednesday.  In research that showed the effects of rising
temperatures on delicate ecosystems, a team of researchers found that a warming
atmosphere encouraged the spread of a fungus that has wiped out species of
harlequin frogs and golden toads.  "This is the first clear evidence that
widespread extinction is taking place because of global warming," Dr Alan
Pounds, an ecologist of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve in Costa Rica, said
in an interview.  "Climate change is already altering the dynamics of infectious
disease and causing species to disappear."  "The frogs are sending an alarm call
to all concerned about the future of biodiversity and the need to protect the
greatest of all open-access resources - the atmosphere," [other scientists]
added.

[Edited from:
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/34456/story.htm

[Original study's abstract, etc. from "Nature:"
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v439/n7073/abs/nature04246.html


"NUTRITIONAL LABEL" DETAILING ENVIRONMENTAL AND COMMUNITY IMPACT 1ST OF ITS
KIND:  (01/26/06):  "The Timberland Company today announced a footwear packaging
initiative that reduces Timberland's environmental impact and provides consumers
with new information to help guide them in the purchase process. The initiative,
the first of its kind in the retail industry, will be seen in stores in 2006. 
Timberland will place a "nutritional label" on each box... [the label] has three
sections: The "Manufactured" section gives the name and location of the factory
where the product was made. The "Environmental Impact" section reports how much
energy is needed to produce Timberland(R) footwear and how much of Timberland's
energy is generated from renewable resources... The "Community Impact" section
details what percentage of factories are assessed by the company against Code of
Conduct standards, the percentage of the workforce that are children and the
total number of hours volunteered in the community by Timberland employees.  In
addition to increasing transparency with this initiative, Timberland is
encouraging consumers to take action within their community.

[Very edited from:
01/26/2006 http://www.csrwire.com/article.cgi/4944.html


BOTTLED WATER: POURING RESOURCES DOWN THE DRAIN:  (02/02/06):  "The global
consumption of bottled water reached 154 billion liters (41 billion gallons) in
2004, up 57 percent from the 98 billion liters consumed five years earlier. Even
in areas where tap water is safe to drink, demand for bottled water is
increasing—producing unnecessary garbage and consuming vast quantities of
energy. Although in the industrial world bottled water is often no healthier
than tap water, it can cost up to 10,000 times more. At as much as $2.50 per
liter ($10 per gallon), bottled water costs more than gasoline.

In contrast to tap water, which is distributed through an energy-efficient
infrastructure, transporting bottled water long distances involves burning
massive quantities of fossil fuels. Nearly a quarter of all bottled water
crosses national borders to reach consumers, transported by boat, train, and
truck.  Fossil fuels are also used in the packaging of water. The most commonly
used plastic for making water bottles is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which
is derived from crude oil. Making bottles to meet Americans’ demand for
bottled water requires more than 1.5 million barrels of oil annually, enough to
fuel some 100,000 U.S. cars for a year. Worldwide, some 2.7 million tons of
plastic are used to bottle water each year."

[Very very edited from the detailed and eye-opening article at:
http://www.earth-policy.org/Updates/2006/Update51.htm


************************************************
*08: Hippo Love, Bovine Flees, Squids Care, and a Budgie Stitcher
************************************************
BOVINE FUGITIVE BECOMES RUNAWAY FAVORITE:  (01/08/06): "Early Thursday morning,
she was destined to be steak.  By Saturday afternoon, the heifer that made a
dramatic escape from a Great Falls meat packing plant Thursday was the subject
of clemency pleas from across the nation.  As a result of her escape efforts and
the publicity, she... will be spared from the killing floor, the plant's manager
said.  Since Friday, there has been an impressive response from people asking
that the young cow be spared, said Del Morris, a manager at Mickey's Packing
Plant.  The black 1,200-pound heifer escaped from the packing plant early
Thursday morning and led police, plant workers and animal control officers on a
six-hour chase across the city. The cow was nearly run over by a Chevrolet
Suburban, a semi and a train; swam across the Missouri River, nearly drowning;
and took three tranquilizer darts without going down in her escape attempt.

For surviving the swim across the Missouri River, Morris said he began calling
the heifer "Molly B.," after "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" from the Titanic."

[Edited from from the longer story with interesting comments at:
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060108/NEWS01/6010\
80303/1002

[Molly B.'s website [no kidding, really...]:"
http://www.montanamollyb.com/


BEFRIENDED HIPPO:  (01/06/2006): "A baby-hippopotamus that survived the tsumani
waves on the Kenyan coast has formed a strong bond with a giant male century-old
tortoise, in an animal facility in the port city of Mombasa.  The hippopotamus,
nicknamed Owen and weighing about 300 kilograms, was swept down Sabaki River
into the Indian Ocean, then forced back to shore when tsumani waves struck the
Kenyan coast on Dec 26, before wildlife rangers rescued him. "It is incredible.
A-less-than-a-year-old hippo has adopted a male tortoise, about a century old,
and the tortoise seems to be very happy with being a 'mother'," ecologist Paula
Kahumbu said.  "After it was swept and lost its mother, the hippo was
traumatised. It had to look for something to be a surrogate mother. Fortunately,
it landed on the tortoise and established a strong bond. They swim, eat and
sleep together," the ecologist added.  "The hippo follows the tortoise exactly
the way it follows its mother. If somebody approaches the tortoise, the hippo
becomes aggressive, as if protecting its biological mother," Kahumbu added."

[Edited from the article (check out the photo!!) at:
http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/hippo.asp


DISCOVERY CASTS SQUID MOTHERS IN BETTER LIGHT:  (12/24/05):  "With their slimy
tentacles and big, unblinking eyes, squids have, over the centuries, acquired a
bad reputation... The squid has fared little better in the world of science,
with researchersconcluding that, unlike octopuses and some fish, squids are
inattentive parents, depositing eggs on the seabed and letting them grow or die
on their own.  But a team of ocean scientists exploring the inky depths of the
Monterey Canyon off California has discovered that at least one squid species
cares for its young with loving attention, the mother cradling the eggs in her
arms for months, waving her tentacles to bathe the eggs in fresh seawater. The
scientists  [writing in the Dec. 15 issue of Nature] suspect that other species
are doting parents, too, and that misperceptions about squid behavior have
arisen because the deep is so poorly explored."

[Edited from:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/3545969.html


BUDGIE WINS CROSS-STITCHING AWARD:  (01/06/06):  "A three-year-old budgie
[parakeet] has been named Young Cross-Stitcher of the Year.  Spike picked up the
Cross-Stitcher magazine award after picking up the habit from owner Sandra
Battye.  Sandra, 31, of Stevenage, Herts, who nursed Spike back to health after
a food allergy almost killed her, said: "She would sit on my shoulder and watch
me for hours.  "One day I just sat and didn't stitch. It seemed to frustrate
her. Then suddenly she picked up the needle in her beak and began
cross-stitching herself. I was staggered. Now I can't stop her.  "She still gets
a bit confused at how the patterns work but she is very good at pulling and
pushing the needle through the fabric."

Cross-Stitcher magazine editor Cathy Lewis said: "We were amazed by the photos
of Spike."

[Edited from:
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1673449.html?menu=news.quirkies.animaltales


************************************************
*09: 11 Super Foods, Diet/Mental Health, Better BP, Meat/Cancer
************************************************
PLANT FOODS LINKED TO BETTER BLOOD PRESSURE:  (01/09/06): People who fill up on
vegetables, whole grains and fruit tend to have healthier blood pressure levels
than their more carnivorous peers, according to an international study published
Monday.   The findings, say researchers, bolster recommendations that adults eat
more plant-based foods for the sake of their cardiovascular health.  The study
found that among nearly 4,700 middle-aged adults in four countries, those who
ate more vegetable protein -- from grains, vegetables, beans and fruit -- tended
to have lower blood pressure.  Even a small increase in the proportion of
calories derived from vegetable protein translated into a dip in blood pressure,
according to findings published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.  In this
study, Elliott [lead author] pointed out, people whose diets favored vegetable
protein over animal protein consumed a very different "amino acid mix" than
those with diets rich in animal products. This raises the possibility, he said,
that the blood pressure benefits are related to certain amino acids found in
high amounts in plant foods."

SOURCE: Archives of Internal Medicine, January 9, 2006.

[Very edited from:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060109/hl_nm/diet_bloodpressure_dc


MENTAL HEALTH LINK TO DIET CHANGE:  (01/16/06):  "Changes to diet are being
linked to a range of mental health problems Changes to diets over the last 50
years may be playing a key role in the rise of mental illness, a study says. 
Food campaigners Sustain and the Mental Health Foundation say the way food is
now produced has altered the balance of key nutrients people consume.  The
period has also seen the UK population eating less fresh food and more saturated
fats and sugars.  They say this is leading to depression and memory problems,
but food experts say the research is not conclusive.  The report, Feeding Minds,
pointed out the delicate balance of minerals, vitamins and essential fats
consumed had changed in the past five decades.  Researchers said the
proliferation of industrialised farming had introduced pesticides and altered
the body fat composition of animals due to the diet they are now fed.  Report
researcher Courtney Van de Weyer said: "The good news is that the diet for a
healthy mind is the same as the diet for a healthy body.  "The bad news is that,
unless there is a radical overhaul of food and farming policies there won't be
healthy and nutritious foods available in the future for people to eat."

[Edited from:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4610070.stm


TRY THESE 11 SUPER FOODS FOR BETTER HEALTH:  (01/19/06): "Get 2006 off to the
healthiest possible start by putting plenty of the best disease-fighting,
energy-boosting, and nutrient-rich foods into your diet every day.  Good food is
the foundation for good health. Volumes of studies have demonstrated that the
phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts,
legumes and tea can help ward off heart disease, cancer, diabetes, macular
degeneration and many other serious illnesses. The following 11 "super foods"
are among the world's healthiest and they all can be found at your local
supermarket..."

[Very edited from where you can read the "nutritional why's" of these foods in
detail at:
http://www.star-gazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060119/LIFE/601190310/1\
035


RED MEAT CANCER RISK CLUE FOUND:  (01/31/06):  "Eating lots of red meat is
linked with DNA damage which raises the risk of bowel cancer, researchers
suggest.  Scientists at the MRC Dunn Human Nutrition Unit and the Open
University compared red meat and vegetarian diets.  Their study, published in
Cancer Research, found the red meat diet was associated with a higher level of
DNA damage.  Previous work suggests regular meat eaters are significantly more
likely to develop bowel cancer.  Almost 17,000 people die from the disease each
year.  Last year the Dunn team published a study suggesting the chance of
developing the disease was a third higher for people who regularly ate more than
two portions per day of cooked red meat compared with those who ate less than
one portion per week.  In the latest study the same Dunn team examined cells
from the lining of the colon taken from healthy volunteers eating different
diets.  They found higher levels of DNA damage in the cells taken from people
eating red meat."

[Very edited from:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/health/4662934.stm


1946 AMERICAN MEAT INSTITUTE ADVERTISEMENT:
http://www.ephemeranow.com/av/av138.htm


************************************************
*10: Veg MTV, USDA Sued, Proggy Awards, Top 12 Animal Stories
************************************************
5TH PRO-VEG COMMERICAL AIRS ON MTV:  (02/2006):  "Compassion Over Killing (COK)
is excited to announce that our fifth pro-vegetarian commercial -- "Choices" -- 
hits the MTV airwaves this week in 5 cities across the U.S. and will soon be
seen in at least a dozen additional cities within the next few weeks. This
30-second ad, which exposes some of the horrors of life on factory farms,
empowers MTV's youthful viewers to take a stand against animal cruelty by
choosing vegetarian foods.

[High-bandwidth quicktime verison of commerical:
http://www.cok.net/videos/choice_dsl.mov

[Low-bandwidth quicktime verison of commerical:
http://www.cok.net/videos/choice_56k.mov


ANIMAL ACTIVIST GROUPS SUE USDA:  (02/23/06):  "Multiple animal rights groups
and DeKalb horse owners filed suite against the U.S. Department of Agriculture
to stop them from funding the salaries of horse meat inspectors, adding a new
component to the horse slaughtering controversy.  Gail Vacca, a local trainer of
thoroughbred racehorses, along with the Humane Society of the United States, the
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty and other organizations, are
suing the USDA for not enforcing the preventative measures set forth in House
Resolution 503.  The bill suspends government financing of horse slaughter
plants inspections and places the responsibility on the plants themselves to pay
for inspections in an attempt to limit horse slaughtering in the country. 
"Congress was clear all along the House and Senate debates and repeatedly
referred to this legislation as ending horse slaughter," Vacca said. "The USDA
and the slaughtering plants are trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the
American public.""

[Edited from:
http://www.star.niu.edu/articles/?id=20064


3RD ANNUAL PETA PROGGY AWARDS FOR ANIMAL-FRIENDLY ACHIEVEMENT:  (01/2006):
"People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is proud to present the
third annual Proggy Awards for animal-friendly achievement in 21st century
culture and commerce. Proggy Award winners:  * Help consumers discover, access,
and explore vegan food, animal-friendly fashions, and cruelty-free products *
Help raise awareness of the needs, nature, and behaviors of animals * Promote
respect and empathy for animals through culture, commerce, and community. PETA's
panel of judges has picked the best of the best among animal-friendly
innovations and cruelty-free offerings."

[Edited from:
http://peta.org/feat/proggy/2005/

[Full list and summaries of Proggy Winners at:
http://peta.org/feat/proggy/2005/winners.html


PACELLE'S DOZEN: THE TOP 12 HSUS ANIMAL STORIES OF 2005:  (01/2006):  "As the
Year of Disasters comes to a close, we asked Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of
The Humane Society of the United States, to select the top 10 animal stories in
which The HSUS played a significant role. He pondered the assignment carefully
and...came up with 12 stories instead. It was that kind of year."

[For the list and expanded details on all top 12 stories and more go to:
http://www.hsus.org/legislation_laws/wayne_pacelle_the_animal_advocate/wayne_pac\
elle_dozen_top.html


************************************************
*11: Upcoming Events of Note
************************************************
GREAT AMERICAN MEATOUT (March 20): "In March, consumer, animal, and environment
protection activists in a thousand communities in all 50 states and two dozen
other countries will welcome Spring in front of their local fast food outlets.
They will offer their neighbors samples of wholesome, convenient, delicious,
veggie burgers, soy dogs, and soy "chicken" nuggets.  Others will hold a wide
gamut of colorful educational events ranging from a Congressional Reception and
elaborate Lifestivals to public dinners, cooking demonstrations, exhibits, and
information tables called Steakouts. Visitors will be asked to "kick the meat
habit on March 20th (first day of Spring) and to explore a wholesome nonviolent
plant-based diet."  A vigorous billboard and bus card advertising campaign,
combined with extensive media coverage, will carry the Meatout message to
millions. Nearly 30 governors and mayors are expected to issue Meatout
proclamations promoting consumption of vegetables and fruits."

http://www.meatout.org

VEGETARIAN AWAKENINGS CONFERENCE (April 3 and 4th):
http://www.grcc.edu/ShowPage.cfm?PageID=5674&InFrames=true

SPRING EQUINOX (March 20th, 1:26pm est.):
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/riteofspring1.html


************************************************
*12: Howard's Schedule
************************************************
MAR 15: Missoula, MT > UM  - wholefoodgroup7@...
MAR 18: Portland, OR > Northwest Veg. info@... 503.224.7380
MAR 25: San Francisco, CA > Farm Sanctuary - nbowman@...
MAR 29: Seattle, WA > Pigs Peace Sanctuary - veda@...

APR 03 - 04: Grand Rapids, MI > Vegetarian Awakening Conference - G. Rapids
Community College
APR 06: Ann Arbor, MI > berniefr@...
APR 07: Waterloo Ontario, Canada > infoveg@...
APR 10: Ithaca College, NY > ddunbar1@...
APR 12: Green Mountain College, VT > browng@...
APR 28-30: New Living Expo SF, CA > shimamoore@...

MAY 07: New York, NY > Intergrative Nutrition - Tricia Napor
MAY 21: Winnipeg,Canada > dbayomi@...
MAY 25: Calgary, Canada > valfitch@...
MAY 26: Edmonton, Canada > voa@...
MAY 31: Kolowna, Canada > tracs@...

BEYOND MAY 2006:
JUN 2-4: Vancouver, Canada > losken@...
JUN 5: Abbottsford, Canada
JUN 10: Victoria, BC > Canada trevor@...
JUL 5-9: Johnston, PA > Summerfest
SEP 30: SF, CA SFVS > dixiemahy@...


************************************************
*13: Quick Bytes
************************************************
ACTIVISM:

["McDonald's Wrong to Use Narnia Film to Sell Unhealthy Food:"
http://www.pcrm.org/news/commentary122205.html

["Report Examines Common Traits Among Successful Health & Wellness Programs:"
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-04-200\
6/0004242260&EDATE

["Georgia Animal Rights and Protection:"
http://www.garpatlanta.org/links.asp

AGRICULTURE:

["Organics Booming: 65% of Americans Tried Organic Foods in 2005:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/organic/booming123105.cfm

["Squarefoot Gardening:"
http://www.squarefootgardening.com/

ANIMAL ISSUES:

[For animal issues news, check the always topical and current:
http://www.animalconcerns.org

["What's Really in Pet Food:"
http://www.api4animals.org/facts.php?p=359&more=1

["Info on veg diets for cats and dogs:"
http://www.vegepets.info

["Vegan Dog Treats:"
http://www.vegan-delights.com/vegan-dog-treats.html

["Factory Farms Root Cause of Bird Flu:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/foodsafety/Birdflu022706.cfm

["Flying In The Face Of Nature [Animal Farming]":
http://www.guardian.co.uk/birdflu/story/0,,1715517,00.html

["Great revenge: animal diseases jump to humans:"
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-02/21/content_4207031.htm

["Chicken dung used to feed fish may help spread bird flu:"
http://news.independent.co.uk/environment/article335356.ece

["FDA links deaths of 23 dogs to contaminant in pet food:"
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051231/NEWS07/512310369/1009

["Official: Dog disease likely culprit in Yellowstone wolf decline:"
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/science/20060105-1350-wst-yellowstonewolves.h\
tml

["Ants have teacher-pupil relationships:"
http://news.webindia123.com/news/showdetails.asp?id=217925&cat=Science

["Finger-Lickin' Bad:"
http://www.grist.org/news/maindish/2006/02/21/parker/index.html?source=daily

DIET/HEALTH:

["New Year's Resolution: Eat More Rainbows:"
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/notmilk/message/2225

["FAQ about Trans Fat Nutrition Labeling:"
http://www.foodconsumer.org/777/8/FAQ_about_Trans_Fat_Nutrition_Labeling.shtml

["Diet changes can help with heartburn, diarrhea:"
http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/living/food/13497931.htm

["An A-to-Z guide to vegetarian meal planning:"
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060101/LIFE10/601010328/1006/LIF\
E

["Use the Internet to evaluate your diet:"
http://www.onthetable.net/diet_eval_tools.html

["Kraft Promises to Sell Non-GE Food in China:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/ge/chinakraft123105.cfm

["Early low-fat diet improves children's heart health:"
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-12/06/content_3882224.htm

["Cutting heart risks early could add years to life:"
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=healthNews&storyID=2006-02-0\
7T152417Z_01_COL755318_RTRUKOC_0_US-CUTTING-RISKS.xml

["Whole grains cut diabetes, heart disease risk-study:"
http://today.reuters.com/news/NewsArticle.aspx?type=healthNews&storyID=2006-02-0\
7T152413Z_01_N06178036_RTRUKOT_0_TEXT0.xml&related=true

["Children's Juices & Sodas Contain Ingredients That Can Form Benzene:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/foodsafety/benzene060301.cfm

ENVIRONMENT:

[Superb group of Eco-Info websites:
http://www.ecologicalinternet.org/

["The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil:"
http://www.globalpublicmedia.com/articles/657

["Green diets vs. global warming:"
http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051226/RTD/51226001

["It's better to green your diet than your car:"
http://www.newscientist.com/channel/earth/mg18825304.800

["Co-op America: Ten Things You Should Never Buy Again:"
http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/shopunshop/unshopping/neverbuy.cfm

["Global Ecological Assessment Calls for Humanity to Value Nature :"
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jan2006/2006-01-23-10.asp

["Interactive Map of Polluters:"
http://www.x-maps.com/globalwarming/

["Pollution and Your Community Scorecard:"
http://www.scorecard.org/community/index.tcl?

["China Forcing World To Rethink Its Economic Future"
http://www.earthpolicy.org/Books/PB2/index.htm

["New Year's Resolutions: Better Your Health and the Planet's:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/organic/resolution.cfm

NETWORKING/BOGS:

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

[A delightful, chatty list/group:  Feralvegetarians:"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/theferalvegetarian/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA Award-winning, Bloggy Final Nominee:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

["VegCom | veg'n community... veg and vegan forums:"
http://www.vegcom.com/

["Organic Consumers Read, Blog and Meet-up --- Forum:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/

["Karma Kitchen:"
http://www.karmakitchen.blogspot.com/

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

NUTRITION:

["Barley products can claim heart benefits: FDA:"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051224/hl_nm/barley_dc

["Bananas, root veggies may cut kidney cancer risk:"
http://paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=129476

["Darker Fruits, Vegetables Are Usually Higher In Nutrition:"
http://www.nbc10.com/health/5735548/detail.html

["Finnish study looks at the impact of nutrition on the heart health of
children:"
http://www.newstarget.com/016383.html

["Tomatoes and Broccoli together can cure cancer more effectively:"
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_902397,00500005.htm

["Curry fights prostate cancer, study finds:"
http://washingtontimes.com/national/20060116-101518-4976r.htm

["Carrots and spinach cut macular degeneration:"
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1584809,00110002.htm

["Apple a day may keep dementia away:"
http://betterhumans.com/News/5225/Default.aspx

["Legumes: The universal image of nurture:"
http://www.mailtribune.com/archive/2006/0215/life/stories/02life.htm

["Red Delicious, Northern Spy Apples Have Most Antioxidants, Chemists Find:"
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/05/050523234141.htm

["Fruits, Veggies Not as Vitamin-Rich as in Past, Says New Data:"
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=1671868

RECIPES:

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

VEGAN:

["Excellent Vegetarian Information Sheets:"
http://www.compassionatecooks.com/join.htm

["Top 10 Reasons Not to Eat Pigs:"
http://www.goveg.com/f-top10pigs.asp

["ecosneak - 100% recycled rubber soles:"
http://shoeswithsouls.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=ECOSNEAKS%20(MEN)%20BK


************************************************
*14: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"The health benefits of plants foods know no limit...  The more scientists look,
the more impressive data they develop concerning the array of health benefits
conferred by fruits, nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, and vegetables.  It's
pretty safe to say that science will never be able to delineate fully all the
miraculous ways that the plants we ingest work to keep us alive and well.

Yet never will you read a story about chicken helping you prevent one disease or
another.  Not a single news item will appear anywhere about chuck steak or
meatballs aiding any of your organs to function.  Roast beef offers no benefit
that any scientist can find (and don't think that the meat industry hasn't been
paying them to look)... The only medical reports you will hear about animal
foods concern their dangers... The bad news about animal foods never ends."

--- Howard Lyman (in "No More Bull!" pp. 40 - 41)


******************************************************************
Mark Sutton, Webmaster@...  http://www.madcowboy.com
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to: Mad_Cowboy-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
******************************************************************

Howdy!  And welcome to the 52nd edition of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.  We're
back with a new article by Howard published recently on- and offline, and news
that the contracts are signed:  the Mad Cowboy Documentary will be shown on PBS
this coming Fall (details when available).

In this issue you'll find two great Kale recipes from "No More Bull!", a buncha
articles related to Mad Cow Disease, 100 nutritional facts about vegetables,
legumes, and fruits, as well as reference to the world's oldest person:  a
vegetarian! (read about her in the "Quick Bytes" section).  Reading further,
you'll learn that the Mediterranean Diet appears to help prevent Altzheimer's
disease, there are Vegan Firefighters in Austin, Texas, that the great movie
"Earthlings" is now available online, and what unrecognized tiny critters
contribution to our economy is $57 billion.

Moving along, there's info about animals looking forward in time, personalized
Dolphins, the world's first "Cow Cam," how your diet can be more effective at
fighting global warming than reducing your driving, a Vegan Blog award-winner of
note, and that a veg'n diet promotes weight loss and lower cholesterol than
other diets.  Don't miss the extra large number of articles about diet and
nutrition in our "Quick Bytes" section this issue.

... and, as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers.  Y'all can read
past issues of the newsletter at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Here's wishing everyone a great transition from Spring to Summer... get those
tomatoes planted!

Mark
[personal vegan blog:  http://www.soulveggie.com]


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00:  Quote(s) from Howard
01:  Howard's Article in "Common Ground"
02:  Pix of Howard by Friends
03:  The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
04:  Two Great Kale Recipes from "No More Bull!"
05:  Mad Cow Info Round-up
06:  Omega-3 Hype, 100 Nutri-Facts, USvsUK, Med. Diet/Alz.
07:  S'Long Sodas, Organic Hospitals, Vegan Firefighters/Blog Win
08:  Mootube, Cowboy Eye Doc, Your Diary Cow, Bow Wow Online
09:  Earthlings Online, 6-Legs=$57B, Ape Foresight, Dolphin Names
10:  Vegan: Planet Diet, $2.8B Market, Low Wt./Cholesterol
11:  Upcoming Events of Note
12:  Howard Schedule
13:  Quick Bytes
14:  Closing Thought(s)


************************************************
*00: Quote(s) from Howard
************************************************
"Folks, there's nothing "extreme" about eating a diet that can satisfy you
fully, fortify your cells with nutrition, and help you lose weight if you need
to.  Becoming a vegan is far easier than you may think.  But whether or not you
become a vegan, making plant foods the basis of your diet is absolutely
critical.

When you've finished shopping, look at your cart;  if it's full of packages of
processed food, each with dozens of ingredients, you've done your job wrong.  If
it's full of color, of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, peas, and
lentils, you've done your job right.  If you card has too many boxes in it, and
not enough color, then turn around, put some of those boxes back, and load up on
real foods --- fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts seeds, and legumes.  If many or
all of those items are organic, you've done a service to your health, to the
farmers who are careful stewards of the land, and to the land itself."

--- Howard Lyman, pg. 54:  "No More Bull!"

http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VVFprods.002.html


************************************************
*01: Howard's Article in "Common Ground"
************************************************
[Howard's just published an article, "Mad Cow and Bird Flu Exposed" in the
current issue of "Common Ground."  Here's some excerpts with a link below to the
neat cover and full article.

"...The media never talks about the role that factory farms play in avian flu,
and most consumers think the answer lies in some miracle drug, just waiting for
final approval from our world-class health care system. I shudder to think of
the disaster just over the horizon that will make a tsunami look like child's
play.

It is not what we know that causes problems; the problem is the untruths that
dominate headlines and news reports. It is time to cut through the bull about
mad cow and the bird flu so we can alter our direction on the road, rather than
being forced to drive off a cliff.

Both mad cow disease and the avian flu H5N1 are directly amplified by
factory-farming practices. To feed cows, which are herbivores, a diet of cooked
animal flesh is asking for a big problem. When we cram thousands of poultry into
crowded pens with weakened immune systems, and feed them antibiotics at a level
only high enough to see them through to slaughter, we are providing the perfect
environment for viruses to mutate. So, today, we are skirting the edge of
another pandemic...

...Mad cow disease and the bird flu are direct results of the industry's current
practices..."

http://www.commonground.ca/iss/0605178/cg178_lyman.shtml


************************************************
*02: Pix of Howard by Friends
************************************************
[Ice Sculpture for "Vegetarian Awakenings Conference:"
http://www.madcowboy.com/06_05_21_HLPIX/VACiceSculpture.01.jpg

[Howard, Chef Ken Bergeron, & Chef Eric Tucker:
http://www.madcowboy.com/06_05_21_HLPIX/HL_KB_ET.01.jpg

[Portland:  Howard doing his thing:
http://www.madcowboy.com/06_05_21_HLPIX/Howard_Portland.jpg

[Portland:  Howard, Carol, Maggie, & Rick:
http://www.madcowboy.com/06_05_21_HLPIX/H_Carol_Maggie_Rick_.ptlnd.jpg


************************************************
*03: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST WEEK'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"The citizens of which of these countries drink the most bottled water per
person (in 2004)?"

(a) Italy   (b) Mexico   (c)  United Arab Emirates   (d)  Belgium   (e) USA

Congratulations to Michael Bell, of Plymuth, MI for correctly guessing "(a)
Italy"  and winning the luck of the draw.  Enjoy your VegNews subscription,
pardner!

[Here's where the answer is:
http://www.earth-policy.org/Updates/2006/Update51.htm


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:

"What percentage of total fossil fuel usage by the US in 2002 was for the
production of food?"

(a) 7%  (b) 17%  (c) 27%  (d) 37%  (e) 47%?


Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word "contest" in
your subject line by NLT June 15th, 2006.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE one-year
subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting the correct answer to
each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to Joe, and you can learn more about
VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call 1.415.665.6397]


************************************************
*04: Two Great Kale Recipes from "No More Bull!"
************************************************
SCALLOPED POTATOES
(yield:  4 servings)

1 cup water
1/2 cup apple juice (or water)
4 cups chopped Swiss Chard or kale
2 cups soy milk or rice milk
1/4 leek (or 1 onion), sliced
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon arrowroot (or cornstarch)
4 potatoes, sliced
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 cup sliced onion (optional)

"Heat the water and apple juice in a non-stick pan, and steam-fry the chard
until soft.  Puree the greens in a food processor until smooth, then return to
the pan.

In a blender, puree the soy milk or rice milk, leek, thyme, and arrowroot.  Add
the greens and heat on low until a thick gravy is formed.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Layer the potatoes, mushrooms, and onion in
a casserole dish.  Pour the gravy over the layered potatoes and mushrooms. 
Coiver and bake for 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

FROM:  "The Health Promoting Cookbook," edited by Dr. Alan Goldhamer (and pg.
125 in "NO MORE BULL!" by Howard Lyman).


[Editor's note:  you could also use a variety of cooked chopped veggies in place
of mushrooms, and/or kale]

------

BRAISED COLLARDS OR KALE
(yield:  3 cups)

"Collard greens and kale are rich sources of calcium and beta-carotene as well
as other minerals and vitamins.  One of the tastiest (and easiest) ways to
prepare them is with a bit of soy sauce and plenty of garlic.  Try to purchase
young tender greens, as these have the best flavor and texture."

1 bunch collard greens or kale (6 to 8 cuts chopped)
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup water

Wash greens, remove stems, then chop leaves into 1/2-inch wide strips.

Combine olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and water in a large pot or
skillet.  Cook over high heat about 30 seconds.  Reduce heat to medium-high, add
chopped greens, and toss to mix.  Cover and cook, stirring often, until greens
are tender, about 5 minutes."

FROM:  "Healthy Eating for Life for Children," Jennifer Raymond, with Amy Lanou,
Ph.D., PCRM,  (and pages 231-232 in "NO MORE BULL!" by Howard Lyman).


[Editor's note:  works well without vinegar, too.  Great with a wok.... and
check out the nutrition articles on potatoes and kale in "Quick Bytes" below]


************************************************
*05: Mad Cow Info Round-up
************************************************
HONG KONG SUSPENDS BEEF IMPORTS FROM SWIFT ASSOCIATED PRESS:  (03/12/06):
"Hong Kong has suspended imports from a U.S. beef processing company after
discovering its products contained bones prohibited under regulations aimed at
protecting against mad cow disease, the government said.  Hong Kong partially
lifted a two-year ban U.S. beef imports in December, imposed after mad cow
disease was detected in a cow in Washington state. Only boneless beef from
cattle less than 30 months old - and without the animal's brain, spinal cord or
other parts considered high risk for mad cow disease - are allowed into the
territory.  The government said Swift's products violated a pact between Hong
Kong and the U.S.  "The decision was made following discovery of beef imports
with bones from that plant during inspections," the statement said. "We will
contact the relevant authorities for more information concerning the beef
imports in question."

[Very edited from:
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/business/14079576.htm


US CONFIRMS 3RD CASE OF MAD COW IN 27 MONTHS:  (03/14/06): "A beef cow from a
herd in Alabama has tested positive for mad cow disease, US officials said on
Monday, confirming the third case of the disease in 27 months.  The USDA said
the 10-year-old animal, which had tested "inconclusive" for mad cow disease
during the weekend, showed a positive result when subjected to a more advanced
test.  The latest discovery came at a time when US officials were trying to
convince Japan to reopen its market to US beef after a shipment of veal violated
meat export rules by containing spinal material. Japan suspended beef trade on
Jan. 20.  South Korea said earlier on Monday it could cancel a planned opening
of its market in April to US beef if a new US case was found. Seoul has banned
US beef since the first US case in December 2003.

"We have sufficient safegaurds" to assure US beef is safe to eat, Clifford
[Agriculture Department Chief Veterinarian] said. He said USDA hoped "this would
not affect" trade."

[Very edited from:
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/35616/newsDate/14-Mar-2006/st\
ory.htm


US TO SCALE BACK MAD COW TESTING:  (03/14/06): "Despite the confirmation of a
third case of mad cow disease, the government intends to scale back testing for
the brain-wasting disorder blamed for the deaths of more than 150 people in
Europe.  The testing program detected an infected cow in Alabama last week, and
further analysis confirmed Monday that the animal had mad cow disease. 
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns pointed out testing is not a food safety
measure. Rather, it‘s a way to find out the prevalence of the disease.

"This would be a tenth of a percent of all animals slaughtered," Jean Halloran,
director of food policy initiatives at Consumers Union, said Tuesday. "This
starts to be so small that in our opinion, it approaches a policy of don‘t
look, don‘t find."  Since June 2004, the department has tested 652,697 cows
for the disease. The nation has about 95 million cattle."

[Edited from:
http://www.localnewsleader.com/kindred/stories/index.php?action=fullnews&id=1578\
28


INVESTIGATORS WILL DIG UP INFECTED COW:  (03/15/06): "The Alabama cow infected
with mad cow disease will be exhumed so investigators can get a better idea of
its age, the government said Wednesday.  Investigators are also trying to
determine where the cow came from. The infected animal had spent less than a
year on the Alabama farm, which has not been identified.  The cow's age is
important because of safeguards the U.S. created nearly nine years ago to
prevent the disease from spreading.  If the cow was more than 9 years old, it
could have been exposed to contaminated feed circulating before the feed ban
took effect."

[Edited from:
http://www.forbes.com/business/energy/feeds/ap/2006/03/15/ap2597871.html


US ATE 777 MAD COWS?:  (03/15/06): "Last 8 years: Estimated total cattle
slaughtered About 200 million (25 million per year) Estimated total cattle
tested for Mad Cow About 773,000, Mad Cows Confirmed:  3, Mad Cow Rate: 
0.00039%.  Estimated total mad cows slaughtered (eaten?) 777 in 8 years (780
minus the three detected).  Testing rate before 1st Mad Cow detected (about 55
per day) about 0.06% of cattle slaughtered 6-18 years to detect next Mad Cow. 
"Enhanced" testing rate in effect now (about 1000 per day) about 1.11% of cattle
slaughtered: 4-12 months to detect next Mad Cow.  Proposed "scaled back" testing
rate (about 110 per day) about 0.12% of cattle slaughtered:  3-9 years to detect
next Mad Cow."

[Edited from:
http://www.rangebiome.org/editorials/777MadCows.html


ANALYSIS: WHAT THAT MAD COW MEANS:  (03/15/06): "The U.S. Department of
Agriculture was quick to assure the public earlier this week that the third case
of mad cow disease did not pose a risk to them, but what federal officials have
not acknowledged is that this latest case indicates the deadly disease has been
circulating in U.S. herds for at least a decade.  The second case, which was
detected last year in a Texas cow and which USDA officials were reluctant to
verify, was approximately 12 years old.

"The fact the Texas cow showed up fairly clearly implied the existence of other
undetected cases," Dr. Paul Brown, former medical director of the National
Institutes of Health's Laboratory for Central Nervous System Studies and an
expert on mad cow-like diseases, told United Press International. "The question
was, 'How many?' and we still can't answer that."  "Everything they did on the
Texas cow makes everything they did before 2005 suspect," Brown said.

USDA documents released last year showed more than 1,000 violations of the
regulations requiring the removal of brains and spinal cords in at least 35
states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with some plants being cited
repeatedly for infractions. In addition, a violation of similar regulations that
apply to beef exported to Japan is the reason why Japan closed its borders to
U.S. beef in January six weeks after reopening them."

[Very very edited from the long and very interesting article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/index.php?feed=Science&article=UPI-1-20060315-18\
275900-bc-us-madcow-analysis.xml


JAPAN CONFIRMS FIRST MAD COW CASE IN CATTLE RAISED FOR BEEF:  (03/17/06):
"Officials in Japan have confirmed the country's first case of mad cow disease
in cattle raised to provide meat, an official of the Health Ministry said
Friday.  A 14-year-old cow in the southern prefecture of Nagasaki was confirmed
to have been infected with the disease, said the official, who declined to be
named citing ministry policy.  Japan had previously confirmed 23 cases of the
disease, but they all involved cattle bred to produce milk. People can get a
variant form of the disease by eating contaminated meat products, but milk poses
no known risk."

[Edited from:
http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/business/14121283.htm


HIDDEN CJD IS NEW THREAT TO THOUSANDS:  (03/27/06): "1000s of people in Britain
may be infected with variant CJD, the human equivalent of mad cow disease,
without knowing it, research suggests.  Experiments have confirmed that it is
possible for a much wider group of people than had been assumed to be infected
with the incurable brain condition. The presence in the population of undetected
carriers of the infection has serious implications for the safety of the blood
supply, and it increases the risk of passing on vCJD to others through infected
surgical instruments.  It could make it much harder to eliminate the human
infection, even though cattle no longer carry it. Potentially it could linger
for generations, or for ever. The team behind the research suggested that their
finding represented a " significant public health issue" .  Independent experts
said that the work highlighted the need for a national autopsy programme for
people who died of causes other than vCJD, to determine the extent of latent
infection among those with no symptoms. "

[Edited from:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2105795,00.html


US REFUSAL TO LET MEATPACKER TEST COWS SPURS LAWSUIT:  (03/22/06): "A Kansas
meatpacker has sparked an industry fight by proposing testing all the company's
cattle for mad cow disease.  Creekstone Farms Premium Beef wants to look for the
disease in every animal it processes. The Agriculture Department has said no.
Creekstone says it intends to sue the department.  The department and larger
meat companies oppose comprehensive testing, saying it cannot assure food
safety. Testing rarely detects the disease in younger animals, the source of
most meat.  The U.S. has been testing around 1 percent of the 35 million head of
cattle slaughtered each year, although officials have been planning to scale
back that level of testing."

[Very edited from:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/madcow/lawsuit060326.cfm


TEN COMMANDMENTS JUDGE NOW CHALLENGES MAD COW TRACKING SYSTEM:  (03/28/06):
"Former Chief Justice Roy Moore, whose fight to put a Ten Commandments monument
in the state courthouse led to his ouster, is challenging state and federal
officials on another issue - tracking livestock to deter mad cow disease.  Moore
opposes such tracking, saying it represents unprecedented government intrusion
into the right to own animals. He says an identification system - first for
cattle and then for all types of livestock - is "more identifiable with
communism than free enterprise.""

"We ought to have mad people," Moore said.

[Edited from:
http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/news/local/14207034.htm


JUDGE DENIES FULL HEARING ON MAD COW LAWSUIT, SAYS HANDS 'TIED':  (04/06/06): "A
federal judge has denied a cattlemen group's request for a hearing on its
lawsuit challenging Canadian cattle and beef imports over mad cow disease
concerns. U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull said his "hands are tied" by an
appeals court ruling.  Cebull's order, dated Wednesday, halts the challenge
mounted early last year by R-CALF United Stockgrowers of America to keep
Canadian cattle and beef out of this country. R-CALF claimed such trade would
pose a risk to U.S. consumers and the cattle industry because of mad cow disease
cases in Canada.  The president of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association, Hugh
Lynch-Staunton, called the decision "great news."

[Very edited from:
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/04/06/news/state/28-cattlemen-lawsu\
it.txt


CHINA LIFTS BAN ON BEEF FROM U.S.:  (04/12/06): "China agreed Tuesday to lift a
ban on sales of U.S. beef and promised to crack down on pirated computer
software.  The announcement capped a two-day meeting of the high-level
U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade and appeared aimed at paving
the way for the arrival in the USA next week of Chinese President Hu Jintao.  A
beef industry representative said the decision would return American steaks to a
market that was worth $30 million before the December 2003 ban was imposed over
fears of so-called mad cow disease. "We see this as one of our fastest-growing
markets with tremendous potential," said Greg Doud, chief economist for the
National Cattleman's Beef Association in Washington, D.C."

[Edited from:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/trade/2006-04-11-china-us-trade_x.htm


INSPECTORS DISCOVER POTENTIAL MAD COW CASE AT B.C. DAIRY FARM:  (04/13/06): "A
six-year-old dairy cow in British Columbia could have Canada's latest case of
mad cow disease.  The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is conducting tests to
confirm whether it is the country's fifth case of bovine spongiform
encephalopathy, or BSE.  If tests confirm the animal has BSE, it won't have an
impact on Canada's beef industry, the agency stressed.  ''This case, if
positive, has no bearing on the safety of Canadian beef,'' it said.  ''Canada
has a suite of internationally recognized safeguards that work together to
provide high levels of human and animal health protection.''"

[Very edited from:
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=e47727d4-2dc5-4046-926d-b3\
bc18fcec40&k=84978


CANADA CONFIRMS NEW CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE:  (04/16/06): "Canada's Food
Inspection Agency said it has confirmed a new case of mad cow disease in the
province of British Columbia.  The latest case of bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE) surfaced in a six-year-old dairy cow in the Fraser Valley
on the Pacific coast during a national surveillance program.  But Canada
officials said beef for human consumption remained safe because the BSE-infected
parts of cattle do not enter the food chain.  It was the fifth case of mad cow
detected in Canada since 2003 and the second this year."

[Edited from:
http://www.forbes.com/work/feeds/afx/2006/04/16/afx2673045.html


SUSPECTED MAD COW DISEASE IN JAPAN, 20 MONTH OLD HOLSTEIN:  (04/17/06):
"Japanese authorities say they have found a suspected case of Mad Cow Disease
(BSE) in Fukushima Prefecture, north-east Japan. The animal was a 20-months-old
Holstein. If confirmed, it will be the youngest head of cattle to test positive
in Japan.  This new development could have an effect on beef imports from North
America. At the end of last year Japan started importing beef from the USA as
long as the animal was no older than 20 months. Following a shipment of US veal
containing body parts that might carry BSE, an import ban was imposed again. 
There have been three confirmed cases of BSE in Japan this year."

[Very edited from:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/healthnews.php?newsid=41748


MAD-COW FIREWALL HAS GAPS, CONSUMER GROUPS SAY:  (04/17/06): "One of the main
safeguards against mad cow disease, a ban on using cattle parts in cattle feed,
is ineffective or is not enforced strictly, two U.S. consumer groups said on
Monday in light of a new case of the fatal bovine ailment in Canada.  Both
groups urged more stringent rules on the ingredients allowed in livestock feed
and stronger enforcement of the existing feed ban.  "The feed ban is not a
firewall," said Michael Hansen of Consumers Union. Canada's three most recent
cases of mad cow disease involved cattle born after U.S. and Canadian rules
against using cattle parts in feed were announced in 1997.  [The two consumer
groups]... also called on the Food and Drug Administration to ban the use of
chicken litter, table scraps and cattle blood in livestock feed."

[Very edited from:
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=1852178


CANADA'S MAD COW CASE PUTS PRESSURE ON USDA:  (04/20/06): "This week's news
about a case of mad cow disease in Canada, the eighth confirmed incident in
North America, has led to calls for a ban on imports of Canadian cattle and a
permanent ban on sick or injured cattle ("downer" cows) being allowed to enter
the human food chain.  It also raises questions about the US Department of
Agriculture's testing and tracking procedures, as well as its controversial
prohibition on private testing.   The USDA argues that under current law it has
the sole authority to issue the test kits for mad cow disease.  Meanwhile, some
farmers worry that the USDA's National Animal Identification System, set to
begin next year and become fully operational by 2009, will hurt families with
small farms, homesteaders, and even pet owners."

[Very edited from:
http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0420/p02s01-woam.html


MAD COW MADNESS: USDA STANDS IN THE WAY OF BROADER TESTING:  (04/26/06): "If a
hospital wanted to advertise that it upholds sanitary standards higher than any
required by the government, no one would object. A used-car dealer who decided
to offer only vehicles with the best crash-test scores would be free to do so.
But after a meatpacker announced plans to establish the strictest program around
to protect consumers from mad cow disease, the U.S. Department of Agriculture
replied: fat chance.

Eating meat from animals afflicted with the illness can cause irreversible,
fatal damage to the brain. Last month, a cow in Alabama was found to be
infected, the third confirmed case in this country. Canada, which has similar
regulations to prevent the disease, has had five.  You would think those cases
would indicate the need for more testing of cattle to keep contaminated beef off
our tables. In fact, the USDA, which now tests only 1 percent of all slaughtered
cows, is planning to cut back on that effort. Crazier yet, it also intends to
keep anyone else from conducting more tests.  The government's attempts to
justify its diktat are almost comically inept. The USDA scoffs at testing cattle
younger than 30 months, insisting that the disease usually shows up only in
older animals. It claims the rules on the use of animal remains as cattle feed
are all the protection consumers need."

[Edited from from the excellent summarized opinion of issues at:
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0426-25.htm


MADRID YOUNGSTER THOUGHT TO HAVE DIED FROM MAD COW DISEASE:  (04/27/06): "A
Madrid youngster, Javier Monge, has died, according to his parents from
Creutzfeldt-Jakob, the human form of Mad Cow disease. An autopsy is now being
carried out to confirm the cause of death, but the results of the test will not
be known for a month.  Javier Monge lived in the U.K. for more than a year at
the end of the 90's and his parents say they think that is when he developed the
disease."

[Edited from:
http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_3969.shtml


US AGRICULTURE CHIEF BELIEVES SEVERAL MAD COW CASES EXIST, UNDETECTED: 
(04/28/06): "There are probably a few undetected cases of mad cow disease in the
United States, but the total - estimated at four to seven - is "extraordinarily
low," Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns says.  The calculation comes from new
testing data released Friday. Testing is likely to be scaled back after a panel
of independent scientists reviews the figures, Johanns said. "The data shows the
prevalence of BSE in the United States is extraordinarily low," Johanns told
reporters on a conference call. "In other words, we have an extremely healthy
herd of cattle in our country."  Johanns said there is little justification for
keeping up the higher testing levels, which rose to about 1,000 samples daily,
from about 55 samples daily, after mad cow turned up in the United States.
Johanns pointed out the testing is not supposed to protect food from mad cow
disease; testing is supposed to show how prevalent the disease is.

[Very edited from:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/cpress/20060428/ca_pr_on_wo/us_mad_cow_1;_ylt=A86.I1CY9l\
ZEgpoAqBUl2y8C;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl


US GIVES UP ON MAD COW SEARCH:  (04/28/06): "The government has given up trying
to track the origins of an Alabama cow infected with mad cow disease.  The trail
went cold after seven weeks of investigation of more than three dozen farms, the
Agriculture Department said in a report issued quietly late Tuesday.  Meantime,
in a separate investigation, the U.S. is tracing 15 cattle imported from Canada
that ate the same feed as an infected cow discovered last month in British
Columbia. So far, the government has found one cow and intends to kill and test
it, the Agriculture Department said.

Authorities also couldn't find records that would confirm the cow's age. Experts
checked the Alabama cow's teeth and determined she was 10 or older, but that is
an approximation that grows less reliable after a cow is five or six years old. 
The cow's age is important because it indicates she could have been infected
before steps were taken to safeguard cattle feed."

[Edited from:
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2006/04/28/1555802-ap.html


US SAYS ITS MAD COW RATE LESS THAN ONE IN 1 MILLION:  (04/28/06): "Mad cow
disease in the United States hits fewer than one in 1 million adult cattle,
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said on Friday, unveiling an analysis of the
U.S. testing program aimed at reassuring trading partners.  "We're dealing with
an incredibly low prevalence in the United States and science tells us that
prevalence is likely to decline," he said.  The U.S. Agriculture Department
estimated that between four and seven cattle in the United States have the
disease and said the total should drop as the prevalence level falls.  James
Hodges, president of the American Meat Institute, said: "This is very good news
for the U.S. beef industry. Clearly our multiple firewalls can work to protect
our herds and the public health.""

[Very edited from:
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N28367973.htm


US CAN'T FIND BIRTHPLACE OF LATEST MAD COW:  (05/03/06): "Federal officials say
they cannot find the birthplace of the latest U.S. case of mad cow disease but
see little risk the birth herd is harboring more cattle infected with the fatal,
brain-wasting malady.  "Experience worldwide has shown that it is highly unusual
to find (mad cow) in more than one animal in a herd or in an affected animal's
offspring," said John Clifford, U.S. Agriculture Department chief veterinarian,
in announcing the investigation was closed.  The latest case, reported on March
13, was a red-coated crossbreed beef cow in Alabama that was purchased less than
a year before it fell ill. It was hard to track, Clifford said, because it was
more than 10 years old and carried no tattoos, ear tags or branding marks."

[Edited from:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1918117


EU LIFTS BAN ON BRITISH BEEF:  (05/02/06): "Industry officials and farmers say
British beef producers may face a tough battle in winning back customers when a
decade-old export ban is lifted Wednesday.  The ban was imposed in 1996 because
of mad cow disease.  The European Union has agreed to lift it because the
group's veterinarians have concluded that Britain has met requirements to
contain the spread of the disease."

[Edited from:
http://cbs4.com/topstories/topstories_story_122071548.html


CANADA ENDS SEARCH FOR CATTLE IN MAD COW CASE:  (05/08/06): "The search for
cattle connected by birth or sources of feed with Canada's latest mad cow case
has ended and all tests so far have been negative, officials said on Monday. 
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said it has tested 12 cattle potentially
exposed to the same feed as a six-year-old dairy cow found with the disease last
month in British Columbia, and 11 more will be tested shortly.  The 23 cattle
were among 146 identified as "feed cohorts" or as offspring of the affected cow,
and CFIA said in a statement that "the investigation of animals of interest has
been concluded."  Of the 146 cattle, 74 were already dead, 15 had been exported
to the United States and 34 were deemed untraceable due to a lack of
information.

"Thirty-four untraceable animals out of 146 is not an unusual rate for
investigations of this type," CFIA said in a press release.  The Holstein cow
discovered last month was Canada's fifth native-born case of the brain-wasting
bovine spongiform encephalopathy disease, but the animal did not enter the human
food chain."

[Very edited from:
http://ca.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=domesticNews&storyID=2006\
-05-08T220535Z_01_N08221798_RTRIDST_0_CANADA-MADCOW-CANADA-COL.XML&archived=Fals\
e


JAPAN CONFIRMS 26TH MAD COW DISEASE CASE:  (05/13/06): "Japan has confirmed its
26th case of mad cow disease, this one in a 5-year-old Holstein in the country's
north, the Agriculture Ministry said Saturday.  Meat inspectors in the northern
state of Hokkaido found Thursday that a dairy cow tested positive for the
disease, the ministry said in a statement."

[Edited from:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/05/13/ap/health/mainD8HIOLQ00.shtml


AUSTRIA HAS CONFIRMED IT HAD FOUND A FOURTH CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE: 
(05/14/06): "Austria has confirmed it had found a fourth case of mad cow
disease, this time in the northern province of Upper Austria, Health Minister
Maria Rauch-Kallat said.  But she emphasised "there is no danger for Austrian
consumers." "This case proves once again that the Austrian BSE-monitoring
programme is working flawlessly to identify infected animals with certainty,"
Rauch-Kallat said Saturday.  "The brilliant collaboration with the Upper
Austrian authorities also contributed in eliminating all risk," she added. 
Austria has regularly tested cattle for BSE since early 2001, in accordance with
EU regulation, and more than 200,000 tests are conducted every year in the whole
country."

[Edited from:
http://www.todayonline.com/articles/118289.asp#


IS MAD COW MAKING ITS WAY INTO OUR BEEF?:  (05/17/06): "Japanese officials have
confirmed that their Ministry of Agriculture has identified that nation's 28th
case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), better known as mad cow disease.
And it should be a wake up call for U.S. consumers as well as our leaders in
Washington.  Now, for those of us in the U.S. concerned about the spread of mad
cow disease and its human variant, this may not seem like such a big deal. After
all, the United States doesn't import much beef from Japan.

But that's not the reason for us not to be worried.  In fact, the reason we
don't need to be worried is because Japan's national policy is for every cow to
be tested — which explains how the government has found 28 cases to this
point, and probably will find more.  Here the government tests about one percent
of the cattle population. And, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has
gone on record as saying that, based on its studies and surveillance, it
believes that there are, at maximum, a total of between four and seven BSE cases
in the U.S., and that a reduction in surveillance seems entirely appropriate. We
would disagree. Japan tests every cow, and has so far found 28 cases of BSE. The
U.S. tests one percent of its cattle, and we have fewer than 10 cases. The math
just doesn't add up."

[Edited from:
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/12839903/


SIX FACE REMOTE RISK OF RARE BRAIN DISEASE:  (05/19/06): "A patient at Littleton
Adventist Hospital died of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in March, raising a very
remote risk that six other patients who had surgeries using the same instruments
could contract the rare and fatal neurological disease.  "It's an
extraordinarily low risk," hospital CEO David Crane said Thursday, equating the
chances of developing the disease from contact with the same surgical
instruments as akin to "getting hit by lightning five times in the same day."

The sporadic version of CJD, which the woman at LAH had, cannot be contracted or
spread by the eating of contaminated beef or deer meat, the hospital's chief
medical officer, Dr. Lawrence Wood, said.  About 15 percent of people with CJD
have the variant form, which can be contracted by eating beef or venison from a
diseased cow or deer. Those people tend to be younger than those who get the
classical or sporadic CJD, many of whom also have Alzheimer's disease."

[Very edited from the disturbing (and informative) article at:
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_4711000,00.ht\
ml


POOR COW? VCJD MAY GO ON TO BE SELF-SUSTAINING:  (05/19/06): "Tens of millions
more Britons are at risk of contracting the human form of mad cow disease than
originally thought, raising fears over the safety of blood products and surgery.
Scientists had believed that only 40 per cent of the population with a specific
gene type were susceptible to vCJD, the human form of the cattle disease BSE.
But they recently discovered that the disease can lie dormant for decades in
other people.

The evidence could mean that rather than dying out, as had been hoped, vCJD may
go on to be self-sustaining.  "The question is why we have not seen any patients
with this VV genotype in the past ten years. One possibility is that the
incubation periods are very, very long and so they may occur at a later date. 
"The worst-case scenario is that these individuals could infect other people
through blood donation or surgery and we could get into a situation where vCJD
is self-sustaining.""

[Very edited from:
http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=742652006


************************************************
*06: Omega-3 Hype, 100 Nutri-Facts, USvsUK, Med. Diet/Alz.
************************************************
THE IMPLODED OMEGA-3 HYPE:  (03/28/06): After decades of nutritionists and
government officials strongly urging consumers to eat oily fish containing
Omega-3 fats or take one of the best-selling fatty acids pills, there is now
serious doubt about the scientific value of these recommendations.  British
scientists, who conducted a study measuring the effect of Omega-3 fatty acids on
heart attack, death, cancer, and stroke, have thrown the purported health
benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids into question. The research stated: "When data
on long chain Omega-3 fats were analyzed...total mortality and cardiovascular
events were not reduced."  ...a safe way forward is to cover the need for
Omega-3 through natural means. Suitable foods without any negative side effects
are wild fruit, berries, leafy vegetables, flaxseed, rapeseed, hempseed and
walnuts and nut oils."

European Vegetarian Union Renato Pichler President www.european-vegetarian.org

[Very edited from:
http://www.european-vegetarian.org/lang/en/news/news.php?id=10417


100+ NUTRITION FACTS ABOUT 25 WELL-KNOWN FOODS:  (2006): "Some foods naturally
contain disease-fighting, health promoting properties, while others contain
elements that may hinder your health goals. Find out information that may
surprise you with these helpful food facts."

[Nice, useful list broken down by veggie/fruit with links at:
  http://www.mercola.com/nutritionplan/foodalert.htm


AMERICANS LESS HEALTHY THAN THE BRITISH:  (05/02/06): "An extensive new study
comparing the health of middle-aged, white residents of both countries finds
that "we get sicker, sooner," according to American co-researcher James Smith, a
senior economist at Rand Corp.  The gap between the two countries is
significant, despite the fact that people in the US...  spend more than double
on health care than the British -- $5,274 per capita vs. $2,164, respectively.

Using well-respected national survey data on the health and lifestyles of more
than 6,400 Americans and 9,300 English people aged 40 to 70, the researchers
found that U.S. citizens aged 55 to 64 are twice as likely as their peers in
England to be diabetic (12.5 percent of Americans surveyed vs. 6.1 percent of
British)... and at nearly double the risk for cancer (9.5 percent vs. 5.5
percent). Americans also had higher rates for heart attack, stroke and lung
disease when compared to the British.  The findings appear in the May 3 issue of
the Journal of the American Medical Association."

[Howard has noted in personal conversation that around 25% of the population of
England is vegetarian... is there a connection?]

[Very edited from an interesting, statistically rich article at:
http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/health/feeds/hscout/2006/05/02/hscout532481.htm


MEDITERRANEAN DIET SHOWN TO CUT RISK OF ALZHEIMER'S BY 40%: (04/18/06): "One of
the largest studies of the impact of food and drink on mental decline has found
that eating a Mediterranean diet cuts the risk of Alzheimer's disease by up to
40 per cent. The diet... is known to protect against heart disease and high
blood pressure but this is the first time it has been shown to prevent
Alzheimer's disease.  Researchers monitored 2,258 healthy, elderly people in New
York who were part of a research project into ageing. Their medical and
neurological history was assessed, they had standard physical and neurological
tests and their cognitive function was measured every 18 months.

After four years, 262 of the participants were diagnosed with Alzheimer's
disease, more than one in ten of the total. Records of their diets during the
study period showed that those who adhered most closely to the Mediterranean
diet, eating lots of fruits, vegetables, pulses, some fish and alcohol with
little dairy food and meat had the lowest risk of Alzheimer's, down by 39 to 40
per cent.  Professor Clive Ballard, research director, said: "This study
supports the idea that eating a combined diet of plenty of fruit, vegetables and
fish might help to prevent dementia."

[Very edited from:
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/health_medical/article358352.ece



************************************************
*07: S'Long Sodas, Organic Hospitals, Vegan Firefighters/Blog Win
************************************************
SO LONG, SODA: NATIONWIDE DEAL TO HALT SOFT DRINK SALES TO SCHOOLS:  (05/03/06):
"The nation's major soda makers have agreed to stop selling soda for vending
machines at elementary and middle schools and to sell only diet soda and
healthier drinks to high schools... " That's great news,"  says Irvin Scott,
principal of McCaskey East High School. " To me, it's a sign of big business
understanding their effect on children and the growth of children both
physically and educationally."   It's all part of local, state and national
efforts to curb the growing obesity problem."

[Very edited from:
http://local.lancasteronline.com/4/22433


HOSPITAL GROUP SIGN $200 MILLION CONTRACT FOR ORGANIC FOODS:  (04/20/06): "More
than 2,000 hospitals in the U.S. now have access to natural and organic foods,
thanks to a deal announced today between MedAssets, a leading group purchasing
organization for the health care industry, and United Natural Food Incorporated
(UNFI), the largest publicly traded wholesale distributor to the natural and
organic foods industry. The deal, which is the first contract between a major
health care buyer and organic food distributor, reflects the growing demand in
the health care industry for healthy food options.  MedAssets purchased more
than $200 million worth of food and supplies for 2,400 hospitals in the U.S. in
2005."

For more information: see http://www.noharm.org/us/food/issue

[Very edited from:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/organic/hospital060424.cfm


FIREFIGHTERS GONE VEGAN? EVEN AUSTIN IS IMPRESSED:  (05/26/06): "The five
firefighters of Team C at Firehouse 2 — Rip Esselstyn [his father wrote the
foreward to Howard's "No More Bull!"], James Rae, Matt Moore, Derick Zwerneman
and Scott Walters — now eat vegan, taking turns whipping up plant-based fare
like meatless and cheeseless pizza, pasta primavera and spinach enchiladas.  It
did not happen because they shared a love of sprouts.  A routine cholesterol
test left Specialist Rae, 37, shaken. The American Heart Association ranks
anyone with a level of 240 or more high risk; Specialist Rae's hit 344.

The team's nutrition guru came to his aid. Firefighter Esselstyn, 43, a
professional triathlete for a decade before joining the department in 1997, was
living proof that meat was not necessary for hard work and endurance. He became
a vegetarian in 1986 and a vegan in 2002. He persuaded the group to rally around
Specialist Rae and start cooking vegan dishes.  Firefighter Esselstyn knew
through his father's work that a strict vegan diet would help. His father, Dr.
Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr., had been a general surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic
and still conducts research there.  Dr. Esselstyn's 12-year trial with patients
with what looked like terminal heart disease showed that a very-low-fat,
plant-based diet with cholesterol-lowering medicine could bring striking
improvement."

[Very edited from:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/26/national/26vegan.html?ex=1301029200&en=2a80610\
7c12be10b&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss


VEGANLUNCHBOX WINS "BEST FOOD WEBLOG AWARD:"  (05/06): "...A wonderful blog from
a vegan activist Mom who takes pictures of the lunches she makes for her son,
and publishes his "ratings" of each:

http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com/

There are millions of blogs, thousands of nominees....

[Bloggie Award Winners:
http://2006.bloggies.com/


************************************************
*08: Mootube, Cowboy Eye Doc, Your Diary Cow, Bow Wow Online
************************************************
COWBOY OPTOMETRIST:
http://www.boingboing.net/images/cowboy-optometrist.jpg


OWN YOUR OWN DAIRY COW!: "Imagine the freedom. Imagine the feeling. Imagine the
taste. Imagine the possibilities of owning your own dairy cow in the privacy of
your own home, apartment or office. Imagine never having to buy another gallon
of milk from the local grocery store. Fresh milk in your home, apartment or
office..."

[Edited from:
http://www.mydairycow.com/


COW CAMS ROAM ON MOOTUBE: "The folks at PBS have wired three cows with live
cameras and they're streaming the video on MooTube.com, a new site designed to
promote the upcoming series, Texas Ranch House. "Along with activities like
chomping grass, flicking flies, mooing and hanging out at the watering hole, the
cow-cams capture such fun-loving antics as stealing snacks from the human
production crew to roaming the fields in search of the best siesta spot."  PRESS
RELEASE [edited] -- " In the 500-plus-channel-world, we believe this is a
‘bullish' alternative, especially for those who enjoy grazing,"  said a PBS
executive. " Plus, it's a great way to extend the PBS brand to even greener
pastures."

[See it to believe it:
http://www.mootube.com


ONLINE RADIO STATION FOR DOGS:  (05/02/06): "The world's first internet radio
station for dogs has been launched in Thailand.  DogRadioThailand.com features
barking DJs playing vocal and instrumental music around the clock, reports the
Bangkok Post.  Owner Anupan Boonchuen believes listening to music has an effect
on canine behaviour.  "At my grooming school we found that when we turned on
music the dogs' mood improved. They were more obedient and let us trim their
hair easily."  Mr Boonchuen added: "One of the main qualifications is that he or
she must be good at barking because dogs are our listeners, the DJs may have to
make different sounds, such as whining or barking, to match the mood of music
they play.

"And they must be able to communicate with the dogs, even if they can't see
them."

[Edited from:
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1839996.html?menu=news.quirkies.animaltales


************************************************
*09: Earthlings Online, 6-Legs=$57B, Ape Foresight, Dolphin Names
************************************************
EARTHLINGS VIDEO ONLINE:  (05/06): "EARTHLINGS is a feature length documentary
about humanity's absolute dependence on animals (for pets, food, clothing,
entertainment, and scientific research) but also illustrates our complete
disrespect for these so-called "non-human providers." The film is narrated by
Academy Award nominee Joaquin Phoenix (GLADIATOR) and features music by the
critically acclaimed platinum artist Moby."

[Website:
http://isawearthlings.com/about.html

[Earthlings Writer Interview (mp3):
http://www.animalvoices.ca/files/20060509_shaun_monson.mp3

[Online Video:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3251419433163515470


6-LEGGED WORKERS CONTRIBUTION? $57 BILLION IN SERVICES:  (04/12/06): "Insects
are obviously an important part of the U.S. ecology, but new research suggests
they're also a vital part of the U.S. economy -- to the tune of $57 billion a
year.  "We're trying to turn these creatures into something people can relate to
and understand how they contribute to our lives," said Mace Vaughn, an
entomologist who co-wrote a new study on the economic impact of insects. The
research was completed for the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation -- a
nonprofit environmental group where Vaughn works as conservation director.  The
researchers studied four "services" native insects provide: pest control,
pollination, wildlife nutrition and, of course, dung burial -- for their article
in the April issue of the journal Bioscience.  They concluded that native
insects annually provide more than $4.5 billion in pest control, pollinate $3
billion in crops and save ranchers more than $380 million by cleaning up grazing
lands."

[Very edited from:
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/print?id=1835236

[See the original study/info:
http://www.xerces.org/pubs_merch/Econ_Value_of_Insects.htm


SOME APES, BIRDS CAN THINK AHEAD, STUDIES SHOW:  (05/19/06): "Apes that remember
to carry the right tools to retrieve treats and scrub jays that hide food a
second time when they think a rival is watching prove animals can think ahead --
a trait once believed to be uniquely human, scientists have found.  Two
carefully planned sets of experiments to be published on Friday in the journal
Science show intelligent birds and great apes can plan into the future in a way
that transcends simple food caching, as squirrels, foxes and other animals do.

"Planning for future needs is not uniquely human," Thomas Suddendorf of the
University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, wrote in a commentary."

[Edited from:
http://reuters.myway.com/article/20060519/2006-05-19T024723Z_01_N18345605_RTRIDS\
T_0_NEWS-SCIENCE-ANIMALS-DC.html


DOLPHINS ‘KNOW EACH OTHER'S NAMES':  (05/07/06): Dolphins may be closer to
humans than previously realised, with new research showing they communicate by
whistling out their own " names" .  The evidence suggests dolphins share the
human ability to recognise themselves and other members of the same species as
individuals with separate identities. The research, on wild bottlenose dolphins,
will lead to a reassessment of their intelligence and social complexity, raising
moral questions over how they should be treated.  He said: " Each animal
develops an individually distinctive signature whistle in the first few months
of its life, which appears to be used in individual recognition."

Dolphins may, however, be just the first of many species where individuals are
found to have their own names. Other researchers have already found evidence for
highly developed language skills in parrots, crows and primates.  Even some
rodent species may have developed a rudimentary language. Con Slobodchikoff of
Northern Arizona University recently found that prairie dogs, a large rodent
found in the western United States, shared a language of at least 100 words."

[Edited from:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-2168604,00.html


************************************************
*10: Vegan: Planet Diet, $2.8B Market, Low Wt./Cholesterol
************************************************
STUDY SHOWS VEGAN DIETS HEALTHIER FOR PLANET, PEOPLE THAN MEAT DIETS: 
(04/13/06):  "The food that people eat is just as important as what kind of cars
they drive when it comes to creating the greenhouse-gas emissions that many
scientists have linked to global warming, according to a report accepted for
publication in the journal Earth Interactions.  Both the burning of fossil fuels
during food production and non-carbon dioxide emissions associated with
livestock and animal waste contribute to the problem, the University of
Chicago's Gidon Eshel and Pamela Martin wrote in the report.  The average
American diet requires the production of an extra ton and a half of carbon
dioxide-equivalent, in the form of actual carbon dioxide as well as methane and
other greenhouse gases compared to a strictly vegetarian diet, according to
Eshel and Martin.  The vegetarian diet turned out to be the most
energy-efficient, followed by poultry and the average American diet. Fish and
red meat virtually tied as the least efficient.

"We're starting to investigate whether you can downscale food production and be
efficient that way," Martin said.

[Very edited from:
http://newswire.ascribe.org/cgi-bin/behold.pl?ascribeid=20060413.065556&time=07%\
2024%20PDT&year=2006&public=0


VEGANISM CREATES $2.8B MARKET:  (05/12/06): "No longer considered a "hippie
fad," the vegan lifestyle is translating into business opportunities for some
local entrepreneurs, resulting in part from a growing $50 billion a year
natural-products industry. "People think vegans are grungy, granola eaters,"
said Ana Terrazas, who has been a vegan for 25 years. "But it is becoming more
mainstream, and businesses are thinking about that." ... according to the
Vegetarian Resource Group, based in Baltimore, Md. There are more than 1.7
million vegans, in the United States, according to a 2000 poll conducted by the
group.

The market for foods replacing meat and other animal products is estimated at
$2.8 billion, according to Mintel International Group Ltd., a research consumer
company. "It would behoove a company to introduce new vegan products, because
they would be able to reach the widest market," said Cunningham [VRG], who added
that vegan products have potential to carry over to mainstream consumers.
Success for such products, however, depends on marketing, Cunningham said. But
because vegan products are such a niche business, vegans usually spread the word
quickly, he said.

[Very edited from:
http://www.azstarnet.com/business/129192


REJECTING MEAT 'KEEPS WEIGHT LOW':  (03/14/06): "Meat-eaters who switch to a
vegetarian diet gain slightly less weight than those who do not make major
changes to their diets, a study suggests.  Scientists for Cancer Research UK
compared the weight gains of 22,000 meat eaters, fish eaters, vegetarians and
vegans over a five-year period.  On average people gained two kilos but those
who had switched to a diet with less animal foods gained a little less. Those
switching to a vegan diet showed slightly smaller weight gains. Professor Tim
Key said it had been known for some time that vegetarians and vegans tended to
be slimmer than meat-eaters but they had never been followed over a number of
years...""

[Very edited from:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4801570.stm


VEGGIE, LOW-FAT DIET LOWERS CHOLESTEROL MORE-STUDY:  (05/03/06): "A low-fat diet
rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans has twice the
cholesterol-lowering power of a conventional low-fat diet -- even when the two
diets have the same amount of calories and fat, researchers said on Monday. 
Writing in the Annals of Internal Medicine, they said the study suggests that
low-fat diets may often fail to lower cholesterol because they contain the wrong
nutrients.  Gardner [of Stanford University, who led the study] and colleagues
tested 120 adults aged 30 to 65.  The conventional diet lowered LDL cholesterol
by, on average, 4.6 percent.  The plant-based diet lowered LDL by more than
twice as much, by 9.4 percent, the researchers reported.  "Include more whole
grains and vegetables and beans and colors -- not iceberg lettuce, but red bell
peppers and carrots and broccoli and red cabbage and the really colorful foods,"
[Gardner] said in a statement."

[Edited from:
http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/details.php?id=96666


************************************************
*11: Upcoming Events of Note
************************************************
SUMMERFEST 2006:  the 32nd annual conference is July 5-9, 2006 in Johnstown, PA.
Health and nutrition, lifestyle issues, cooking, recipes, exercise and fitness,
animal rights, compassionate living, Earth stewardship, and even more!  Hundreds
of attendees, from beginners to  seasoned vegetarians – all ages. Great
natural-food vegan meals prepared under the direction of an "International Gold
Medal Winning" chef, Ken Bergeron.

http://www.vegetariansummerfest.org/

ANIMAL RIGHTS 2006: World's largest & oldest animal rights conference, 100
sessions, including workshops, raps, reports, 90 speakers from all sectors of
animal protection, Reports on Katrina, whales defense, & SHAC trial, Newcomers
Orientation Networking, Receptions, 80 videos, 90 free exhibits, Awards Banquet.

http://www.arconference.org/

TAKING ACTION FOR ANIMALS 2006, a leading event for the animal protection
movement is on Sept. 2-5 in Wash. DC. The Conference is designed to motivate,
skill and inspire activists nationwide.  This year:  renowned speakers from the
animal protection movement and beyond who will share their knowledge and a
vision for the future of the movement, keynote sessions and training sessions
designed to ensure the development of practical skills for seasoned activists
and those new to the animal protection movement, a Lobby Day on Capitol Hill,
exhibitions, social events and opportunities for networking.

http://www.takingactionforanimals.com/


************************************************
*12: Howard's Schedule
************************************************
MAY 23: Winnipeg,Canada > dbayomi@...
MAY 24: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada > Jackie 306.586.0402
MAY 25: Calgary, Canada > valfitch@...
MAY 26: Edmonton, Canada > voa@...
MAY 31: Kelowna, Canada > tracs@...

JUN 2-4: Vancouver, Canada > Animal Voices Film Festival - MacMillan Planetarium
- losken@...
JUN 5: Abbottsford, Canada
JUN 7: Courtney, BC > RawRose@...
JUN 8: Duncan, BC Canada > mrooke@...
JUN 10: Victoria, BC > Canada trevor@...

JUL 5-9: Johnston, PA > Summerfest

AUG: AUG 3 - 20th: Africa

SEP 16: Sequim, WA > carylturner@...
SEP 30: SF, CA SFVS > dixiemahy@...


************************************************
*13: Quick Bytes
************************************************
ACTIVISM:

["Group Honours Canada's Capital for Great ‘Green' Eating:"
http://www.peta.org/mc/NewsItem.asp?id=8037

["McDonald's Faces Protests Over Farm Wages:"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060402/ap_on_bi_ge/farmworkers_fast_food

["New organic dining option a first for U.S. campuses:"
http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2006/04/03_organic.shtml

["The Green Guide Names America's Top 10 Green Hospitals:"
http://www.enn.com/press.html?id=261

["PETA protests chicken abuse at KFC:"
http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/2642452.shtml

["Paul McCartney Speaks Out Against Animal Testing:"
http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2006/04/15/paul_mccartney_speaks_out_aga\
inst_animal

["Animal rights activists win flier fight:"
http://www.sltrib.com/contentlist/ci_3725357


AGRICULTURE:

["Organic herbicide made for veggie patch:"
http://www.columbusdispatch.com/homegarden/homegarden.php?story=dispatch/2006/04\
/16/20060416-I7-01.html

["O.C.'s farmers go organic:"
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/money/homepage/article_1118002.php

["Factory farming a threat to health, warns campaign group:"
http://www.peopleandplanet.net/doc.php?id=2729


DIET/HEALTH:

["Sneaking Veggies Into Your Daily Diet:"
http://www.rd.com/content/openContent.do?contentId=15961

["Flawed studies on breast cancer and dietary fat:"
http://www.vegsource.com/articles2/dietary_fat_campbell.htm

["Ginseng linked to better breast cancer survival:"
http://www.foodconsumer.org/777/8/Ginseng_linked_to_better_breast_cancer_surviva\
l.shtml

["Low carb diet health risk fears:"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4814314.stm

["Too Few Car Seats For America's Obese Kids:"
http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/health/feeds/hscout/2006/04/03/hscout531858.html

["Will a "detox cleanse" really leave a body cleaner and more energized?:"
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2002910628_healthdetox05.html

["American fast-food items fattier than other nations':"
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_T\
ype1&c=Article&cid=1145225411130&call_pageid=991479973472

["Low-cal diet 'long-life benefits':"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4875614.stm

["Eat Beans Weigh Less :"
http://www.pcrm.org/news/archive060410.html

["Recipe for a ripe old age: fruit and veg, exercise, no smoking:"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/medicine/story/0,,1761399,00.html?gusrc=rss


ENVIRONMENT:

["Take a personal inventory and see how you can help:"
http://www.fightglobalwarming.com/

["Saving the Planet With Plan B 2.0:"
http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,70455-0.html?tw=wn_index_15

["US Dollars as barrels of crude oil:"
http://turbulence.org/Works/oilstandard/

["Idea of simple life takes hold:"
http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2006-03-22-simple-life_x.htm

["Snowmelt occurring earlier in N. America:"
http://upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20060325-041732-8778r

["An interview with Richard Louv about the need to get kids out into nature:"
http://grist.org/news/maindish/2006/03/30/louv/?source=daily

["Philadelphia Discovers It Pays to Recycle Trash:"
http://www.enn.com/today.html?id=10217

["Britain now 'eating the planet':"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4897252.stm

["China Using Artificial Rain to Clear Dust:"
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/04/18/D8H2JMRG4.html


NETWORKING/BLOGS:

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...
[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

[A delightful, chatty list/group:  Feralvegetarians:"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/theferalvegetarian/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA & Bloggy Award-winning:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's NEW Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["VegCom | veg'n community... veg and vegan forums:"
http://www.vegcom.com/

["Organic Consumers Read, Blog and Meet-up --- Forum:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/


NUTRITION:

["Study:  Tofu, oatmeal lower cholesterol:"
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSSAN283/333/7228/455799.html

["Produce protects against arthritis:"
http://www.brewtonstandard.com/articles/2006/05/03/lifestyles/life04.txt

["Garlic's health benefits have been known for centuries:"
http://www.mywesttexas.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16216940&BRD=2288&PAG=461&dept_i\
d=475591&rfi=6

["Fighting cancer from the cabbage patch:"
http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20010303/food.asp

["Super foods: avocado:"
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/main.jhtml?xml=/health/2006/03/07/hsuperfood04\
.xml&sSheet=/health/2006/03/07/ixhright.html

["Carrots for healthy living:"
http://www.thetidenews.com/article.aspx?qrDate=02/16/2006&qrTitle=Carrots%20for%\
20healthy%20living&qrColumn=WOMEN

["Rooting for potatoes:"
http://www.azcentral.com/home/food/articles/0315potatoes0315main.html

["Spicy food could combat cancer:"
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/health/dietfitness.html?in_articl\
e_id=345623&in_page_id=1798

["No Benefit of Omega-3s:"
http://www.pcrm.org/news/archive060327.html

["Fresh lemon grass fields in Israel become mecca for cancer patients:"
http://www.israel21c.org/bin/en.jsp?enDispWho=Articles%5El1272&enPage=BlankPage&\
enDisplay=view&enDispWhat=object&enVersion=0&enZone=Health

["Tasty, nutritious kale makes a sandwich dinner's main course:"
http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/health_and_fitness/article/0,1426,MCA_522_45\
72509,00.html

["Med schools failing on nutrition teaching:"
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=67000-nutrition-obesity-educat\
ion


RECIPES:

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

["Chicken-Free Recipes & Products:"
http://www.chickenindustry.com/cfi/chickenfreerecipes/

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Awardwinning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/


VEGAN:

["A logical progression:"
http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/03/27/67709

["Missouri senator says MAP test prep pushes vegetarianism:"
http://www.boston.com/news/local/connecticut/articles/2006/03/27/missouri_senato\
r_says_map_test_prep_pushes_vegetarianism/

["New scientific review shows vegetarian diets cause major weight loss:"
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-04/pcfr-nsr033106.php

["NOAA Research Vessel Receives Award For Vegetarian Diet:"
http://communitydispatch.com/artman/publish/article_4653.shtml

["China's happy vegetarian turns 120:"
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20060426-054033-6588r

["Shocking News for Meat Eaters:"
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=8697


************************************************
*14: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"Finally... don't concern yourself for a moment about the fact that all those
healthy foods in your [grocery] cart, brimming with phytochemicals (producing
their color) and antioxidants to protect your from disease, rich in fiber and
vitamins, enzymes, and minerals, and with a healthy complement of protein, also
contain healthy (complex) carbohydrate --- a dirty word to some hucksters, but
no more or less than the primary fuel of the human body.

You see, in the end, there's nothing very confusing at all about the Great
Debate of low-carb versus low-fat diets.  Quite simply, there are those who will
say what they believe Americans want to hear so that they can make a buck, and
then there's the scientific truth."

-- Howard, pg. 54, in "No More Bull!"

******************************************************************
Mark Sutton, Webmaster@...  http://www.madcowboy.com
Personal vegan blog:  http://www.soulveggie.com
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to: Mad_Cowboy-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
******************************************************************

Howdy!  And welcome to the 53d edition of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.
Special News:  "Mad Cowboy: The Documentary" is currently being shown
on select PBS stations.  You can get the listing for showings at:

http://www.madcowboy.com/02_PBSschedule.html

Howard's been busy this month.  A few weeks ago he and his family
left for Africa, and he'll be back in about a week.  We're really
looking forward to being able to post digital pictures of his journey
in the next newsletter.

In the meantime, in this larger than normal issue, there's
information about how plants are challenging scientists with their
amazing positive impact on human physiology, how even one very
saturated fatty meal can negatively affect your arteries, how a bad
diet is worse than smoking, and a new possible connection between
Alzheimer's disease and blood sugar levels.  You'll also find out
about the great "Vegan Food Pyramid" graphic/chart/poster that's
available on the web, how the back-to-back two-time winner of the
world's most grueling marathon is a vegan, and how a vegan diet seems
beat medication in treating diabetes.

We've also got some cartoons and a digital video from Dan "Bizarro"
Piraro, how new research is blurring the line between species, the
Great Ape Project, a GreenPeace notable win, a unique article on how
the Climate Change Debate is changing and why the largest private
consumer of electricity on the planet (Wal-Mart!) is going green, and
why 25 million pairs of chopsticks a years are a major issue between
China and Japan.

...and don't miss our extensive Quick Bytes section of articles, two
tasty recipes from "No More Bull!", and noted Vegan Chef/Cookbook
author, Bryanna Clark Grogan's photo/text blog coverage of dinner
with Howard and Willow Jeane.

As always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers.  Y'all can read
past issues of the newsletter at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Finally, heartfelt congratulations to VegNews editor Joe Connelly and
his staff for VegNews being selected as one of the top 50 magazines
in the country!  A well-earned honor.

Mark, MC editor

[rare and recent pics of Howard and ye olde editor:
http://soulveggie.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/dsc00040c02c.jpg
http://soulveggie.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/dsc00040c01c.jpg

[personal vegan blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00:  Quote(s) from Howard
01:  Howard & Willow Visit Bryanna Clark Grogan
02:  The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
03:  "Sunburst Salsa" and "Cancer-Fighting Pesto" Recipes
04:  Mad Cow Info Round-up
05:  Plants Challenge, 1 Meal Impact, Diet/Smoking, Alzh./Blood Sugar
06:  Vegan: Food Pyramid/Marathoner/diet & diabetes, VegNews<Top 50
07:  Chopstick Tussle, Listen to the Pig, Cartoons/Video, Veg Codes
08:  Merrkats/Apes/Blurring Species Line, Using Rodents in Labs Debate
09:  Cancerous River, Enviro./Death, G'Peace Win, Climate Debate Chg.
10:  Upcoming Events of Note
11:  Howard Schedule
12:  Quick Bytes
13:  Closing Thought(s)


************************************************
*00: Quote(s) from Howard
************************************************
"...I call Alzheimer's a pink elephant not because nobody
acknowledges that it is there, but rather because almost nobody
acknowledges that it was there before.  By historical standards,
Alzheimer's is virtually a brand-new disease.  Like CJD, Alzheimer's
disease (AD) is a mere hundred years old, a significant fact that
tends to be ignored...  Today, the disease has reached epidemic
proportions, as it affects roughly 10 percent of Americans over
sixty-five years of age, and estimates are that an astounding 50
percent of our compatriots over eight-five suffer from the
affliction!  How can it be that a disease that was once so rare is
now so common?

...I believe that, like heart disease, it is a distinctly abnormal
condition brought about by an abnormal diet.  In the coming decades,
science will probably be able to ascribe a cause to Alzheimer's with
the same certainty that it can now ascribe a cause to heart disease.
And I firmly believe that it will be the exact same cause:  meat...
Yes, of course, meat was eaten in the past when Alzheimer's was
unknown.  But meat was not produced in the same way it's produced
today.  Once upon a time, cows used to be vegetarians.  In recent
years, they've been turned into meat eaters, and even cannibals."

[From:  "No More Bull!" by Howard Lyman, pp. 55-56.


************************************************
*01: Howard & Willow Visit Bryanna Clark Grogan
************************************************
[Bryanna Clark Grogan, the noted vegan chef and prolific cookbook
author, recently had "Mad Cowboy" Howard Lyman and his wife, Willow
Jeane, over for dinner.  She's posted a marvelous blog about the
meal. Lotsa pictures, descriptions, and links:

http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/2006/06/dinner-with-mad-cowboy-and-willow.\
html


************************************************
*02: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST WEEK'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:

"What percentage of total fossil fuel usage by the US in 2002 was for
the production of food?"

(a) 7%  (b) 17%  (c) 27%  (d) 37%  (e) 47%?

Congratulations to Adrienne Cohen of Toronto, Canada for correctly
guessing "(b) 17% and winning the luck of the draw.  Enjoy your
VegNews subscription, pardner!

[Answer from:  "Study Shows Vegan Diets Healthier for Planet, People
Than Meat Diets:"
http://newswire.ascribe.org/cgi-bin/behold.pl?ascribeid=20060413.065556&time=07%\
2024%20PDT&year=2006&public=0


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:

"Of the load of pesticides in the average person, what percentage
comes from eating dairy and milk?"

(a) 90%  (b) 80%  (c) 70%  (d) 60%  (e) 50%


Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word
"contest" in your subject line by NLT September 1st, 2006.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE
one-year subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting
the correct answer to each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to
Joe, and you can learn more about VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call 1.415.665.6397]


************************************************
*03:  "Sunburst Salsa" and "Cancer-Fighting Pesto" Recipes
************************************************
SUNBURST SALSA

2 cups Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 cup yellow tomatoes or other heirloom variety tomatoes, seeded and diced
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced orange bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/3 cup thinly sliced green onion
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 serrano or green chile, stemmed, seeded, and minced
1 jalapeno, stemmed, seeded, and minced
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

"In a glass bowl, combine all of the ingredients, and tos well to
combine.  Cover and chill for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.
Ue as a topping for your favorite side and main dishes, as a
condiment in wraps or sandwiches, or as a dip with tortilla chips,
crackers, or raw veggies."

Yields 4 cups - from Beverly Lynn Bennett (aka "the Vegan Chef")

[As published in: "No More Bull!" by Howard Lyman.  Check out
Beverly's website at:
http://www.veganchef.com


CANCER-FIGHTING PESTO

1 bunch fresh basil
2 cloves garlice
1 (12-ounce) package silken tofu
2 handfuls freshly toasted walnuts
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon ground flax seeds
1 teaspoon miso
Zest of 1 lemon
1 bunch arugula (chopped)
1 yam (chopped cooked)

Yields 4 servings - from Dr. Michael Greger

[As published in: "No More Bull!" by Howard Lyman.  Check out Dr.
Greger's website at:
http://www.drgreger.org/

[Information about Howard's latest book, "No More Bull!" is at:
http://www.madcowboy.com


************************************************
*04: Mad Cow Info Round-up
************************************************
GRASS-FED BEEF IS BECOMING A MAJOR TREND IN U.S. AGRICULTURE:
(06/04/06):  "[Before going grass-fed, Mr. Taggart]... crowded his
cattle onto pasture sprayed with weed killers and fertilizers. When
they were half grown, he shipped them in diesel-fueled trucks to huge
feedlots. There they were stuffed with corn and soy--pesticide
treated, of course--and implanted with synthetic hormones to make
them grow faster. To prevent disease, they were given antibiotics.
They were trucked again to slaughterhouses, butchered and
shrink-wrapped for far-flung supermarkets. "It was the chemical
solution to everything," Taggart recalls....

In the past five years, more than 1,000 U.S. ranchers have switched
herds to an all-grass diet. Pure pasture-raised beef still represents
less than 1% of the nation's supply, but sales reached some $120
million last year and are expected to increase more than 20% a year
over the next decade. Upscale groceries like Whole Foods and Trader
Joe's are ramping up grass-fed offerings, including imports from
Australia and Uruguay. Last month the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) proposed a certified grass-fed label to provide a federal
standard."

[Very edited from the well-written article, with good history and
effects summation at:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1200759-1,00.html


U.S. MAD COW CASES ARE MYSTERIOUS STRAIN:  (06/11/06):  "Two cases of
mad cow disease in Texas and Alabama seem to have resulted from a
mysterious strain that could appear spontaneously in cattle,
researchers say.  Government officials are trying to play down
differences between the two U.S. cases and the mad cow epidemic that
has led to the slaughter of thousands of cattle in Britain since the
1980s... These cows appear to have had an "atypical" strain that
scientists are only now starting to identify. Such cases have been
described in about a dozen cows in France, Italy and other European
countries, as well as in Japan.  In the two U.S. cases, researchers
did not detect the telltale spongy lesions caused by prions, the
misfolded proteins that deposit plaque on the brain and kill brain
cells. In addition, the prions in brain tissue samples from the Texas
and Alabama cows seemed to be distributed differently from what would
be expected to be found in cows with the classic form... Some
scientists are raising the possibility that the atypical strain also
might happen spontaneously in cattle."

[Very edited from:
http://www.forbes.com/business/feeds/ap/2006/06/11/ap2807633.html


INSTITUTE TO PROBE ANIMAL, HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT LINKS:  (06/15/06):
"A new research institute in Alberta will study how people, animals
and the environment may interact to threaten public health.
Researchers will assess how animal-based diseases such as mad cow
disease or avian flu could jump the species barrier to be transmitted
to people more easily.  Veterinary researchers, environmental
scientists and medical doctors will work together at the $32-million
facility at the Alberta Veterinary Research Institute in Edmonton.
Another focus of the research will examine how the interactions may
cause economic damage to the livestock industry."

[Edited from:
http://www.cbc.ca/story/science/national/2006/06/15/institute.html


US/EASTERN MAD COW COMMENTS PROVOKE PROBE:  (06/20/06):  "Two workers
at a national research center say they were threatened with their
jobs after questioning how the facility handled the waste of animals
used in mad cow disease research.  Richard Auwerda and Timothy
Gogerty alerted their bosses and Ames city officials in May that the
National Animal Disease Center might be contaminating Ames' sewage
plant with diseased tissue and fluids.  Afterward, the two animal
caretakers received threats and comments from their bosses who
worried how the facility's research would be affected, said Michael
Lewis, Auwerda's attorney.  Research at the U.S. Department of
Agriculture facility has been stopped until at least August while the
caretakers' concerns are reviewed."

[Edited from:
http://cbs4.com/health/health_story_171092054.html


MAD COW CASE CONFIRMED IN MANITOBA:  (07/04/06):  "Federal officials
confirmed Canada's sixth case of mad cow disease since 2003 on
Tuesday and promised a thorough investigation.  The animal was at
least 15 years of age and was born before Canada implemented
restrictions on potentially-dangerous feed in 1997, Dr. George
Luterbach, a senior veterinarian with the agency, told reporters.  An
investigation will be launched to confirm where the cow was born and
what other animals may have eaten the same feed."

[Edited from:
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_T\
ype1&c=Article&cid=1152049811990&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154&t=TS_\
Home


'MAD COW' TREATMENT MAY PROLONG LIVES:  (07/12/06):  "A controversial
treatment may prolong the lives of people with the human form of "mad
cow" disease, a new study suggests.  The treatment -- with an
anti-coagulant and anti-inflammatory drug called pentosan
polysulphate -- appears to slow the loss of brain tissue, although it
does not halt it, said the study, reported by London's Guardian
newspaper.  The independent researchers stopped short of sanctioning
the treatment, although eight British patients have already had the
treatment and the father of one reports his son is "solid as a rock"
after being on the drug for 42 months, the Guardian says."

[Edited from:
   http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20060712-113329-7431r


CANADA CONFIRMS 7TH BSE CASE; US JOINS PROBE:  (07/14/06):  "Canada
yesterday confirmed its seventh case of bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease, the second case verified
this month.  The case was in a 50-month-old dairy cow from Alberta,
according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The cow was
born several years after Canada banned the use of cattle protein in
feed for cattle and other ruminants in 1997. Canada's sixth case, in
a cow from Manitoba, was confirmed Jul 4.

The new case drew concern from US Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns,
who said he was sending a US expert to join the investigation.
Finding the disease in a cow born more than 4 years after the feed
ban took effect "does raise questions that must be answered," he
commented in a prepared statement.  The United States banned imports
of Canadian cattle and beef after Canada's first BSE case in May
2003. The border was reopened to boneless beef from young cattle a
few months later, but live cattle were banned until July 2005, when
officials reopened the border to cattle intended for slaughter before
reaching 30 months of age."

[Edited from:
   http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/other/bse/news/jul1406bse.html


BEEF COMPANY PRESSES LAWSUIT AGAINST USDA TO ALLOW UNIVERSAL TESTING
FOR MAD COW DISEASE:  (07/15/06):  "The chief executive and founder
of Creekstone Farms said Friday that even if Japan accepts U.S. beef,
his company should still be allowed to test all its cattle for mad
cow disease to help grow the Japanese market.  Testing for bovine
spongiform encephalopathy "will help us instill confidence in our
consumers," said John Stewart of Arkansas City-based Creekstone. "We
still know that consumers there are skittish on U.S. beef."

Creekstone filed for summary judgment in its suit against the U.S.
Agriculture Department in federal court Friday, arguing that the
government has no right to keep the company from testing its cattle
for mad cow disease.  The USDA has until Aug. 25 to respond to
Creekstone's filing.  The USDA has kept Creekstone from testing,
saying it controls testing and citing scientific evidence that
Creekstone would test cattle too young to register a reliable result.
Stewart said the science on testing is "too young, and it's unproven"
to conclude that."

[Edited from:
http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/business/15043341.htm


MAD COW TESTING SCALED BACK BY 90%:  (07/20/06):  "Agriculture
Secretary Mike Johanns said there is little justification for the
current level [of testing], which rose to about 1,000 tests a day
after the first U.S. case of mad cow disease in December 2003.  The
new level will be around 110 tests per day for the disease, known
medically as bovine spongiform encephalopathy.  Johanns said testing
has nothing to do with the safety of U.S. beef for consumers here and
abroad. From a food safety standpoint, the real key is the removal at
slaughter of cattle parts known to carry mad cow disease, Johanns
said.  "Those who are trying to convince their consumers that
universal testing or 100 percent testing somehow solves the problem
really are misleading you," he said.

A consumer advocate said Johanns is the one misleading consumers.
"If you do testing of 100 percent of your animals, any ones that test
positive never go into the food chain," said Michael Hansen of
Consumers Union. "That's in part why they do it in Europe, because
they've seen animals that look perfectly fine, and they catch them
just before they go to slaughter."  On an annual basis, the current
level of 1,000 tests a day represents about 1 percent of the 35
million cattle slaughtered last year in the United States."

[Very edited from:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/20/health/main1822050.shtml


THOUSANDS MAY HAVE MAD COW DISEASE ACCORDING TO LANCET STUDY:
(07/25/06):  "Thousands may have Mad Cow Disease according to Lancet
study The British Lancet medical journal reports on a study, which
suggests that variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), the human
variant of Mad Cow Disease, may not reach its peak in the human
population for several decades.  By which time many thousands of
beefeaters and hospital patients that have received tainted blood
transfusions could die from the disease.

Apparently Kuru, a similar fatal brain-wasting prion disease that has
been found in New Guinea, has been discovered to have an incubation
period of 35 to 41 years and researchers suspect it could be longer
for vCJD because the infection is transmitted between cows and
humans, which are two different species."

[Edited from:
http://www.enjoyfrance.com/content/view/475/31/


JAPAN SET TO LIFT BAN ON US BEEF IMPORTS:  (07/26/06):  "Japan is set
to lift a ban on U.S. beef reinstated six months ago due to fears of
mad cow disease as early as Thursday.  However, it may not accept
imports from all U.S. beef processing plants immediately due to
problems found by Japanese inspectors, government officials said on
Wednesday.  Japan's ban on beef from the United States has been one
of the thorniest economic issues between Tokyo and Washington.
Japanese officials have said shipments will only be allowed into
Japan from U.S. plants that they confirm as meeting the export
requirements.

Japan is considering keeping a ban on imports from one of the plants,
now changing its operations manual, until the government confirms the
final contents of the manual, the officials said.  Before the ban,
Japan was the top importer of U.S. beef, buying 240,000 tons valued
at $1.4 billion in 2003."

[Edited from:
http://today.reuters.com/News/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2006-07-26T0\
62911Z_01_T96465_RTRUKOC_0_US-MADCOW-JAPAN-USA.xml&WTmodLoc=NewsHome-C1-topNews-\
8


USDA FAILS ON MAD COW DISEASE:  (07/27/06):  "LETTER TO THE
EDITOR/OPINION: The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last
week that it is cutting testing for mad cow disease by 90 percent,
from one per hundred of cows slaughtered to one per thousand. The
move was applauded by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and
condemned by consumer groups and by Japan, which called for more
intensive testing before resuming imports of U.S. beef... Human
consumption of infected beef leads to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a
deadly dementia frequently confused with Alzheimer's disease that
affects millions. Federal safety measures, including the 1997 ban on
feeding potentially infected cow body parts to other cows, lack
adequate enforcement. USDA has reported 50 violations of mad cow
disease regulations per month by U.S. meat plants. Its failure to
institute an adequate testing program smacks of a crude attempt to
hide the problem from the American people. This failure undermines
consumer confidence in the safety of our nation's meat supply and
provides one more reason to replace beef in our diet with a veggie
burger or another soy-based meat alternative in the frozen food
section of our supermarket.  Lamont Simons, Lexington Ridge Drive."

CFIA CLARIFIES U.S. DECISION TO DELAY LIFTING BAN:  (07/28/06):  "The
United States will delay lifting a ban on importing older Canadian
cattle, but the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said the move will
have little effect on the country's cattle industry. "For now it's a
delay only," Francis Lord, director of animal health at the agency,
told The Canadian Press Friday.  "Not such a big deal. We had a new
case and they just want to be sure that everything is accounted for
in their risk assessment."  Seven cows have been found infected with
mad cow disease in Canada -- four of them just this year.  Some were
born after Canada took safety precautions related to cattle feed that
should have prevented the animals from being infected.  "We're
committed to resuming normal trade with Canada and other trading
partners based on scientific and international guidelines,"
department spokesman Ed Loyd told reporters.  "But we also want to
ensure that all the scientific information is taken into account in
the development of those guidelines.""

[Very edited from:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060728/mad_cow_060728/2006\
0728?hub=Canada


USDA SAYS AMERICANS AT LESS RISK OF CONTRACTING "MAD COW DISEASE":
(07/28/06):  "The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has
hosted a meeting to review the Harvard Risk Assessment of Bovine
Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), also known as "mad cow disease," in
the United States on July 25.  The FSIS, a part of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA), took a look at new data, and says
the risk of a human contracting BSE has fallen.  Under Secretary for
Food Safety Dr. Richard Raymond explains, "We have the safest food
supply in the world. The more people understand the science behind
it, the more they will believe us. In addition to looking at the
actions we have already taken, this report also analyzes the
recommendations made by the panel that was convened to review the
actions taken by the United States in response to the BSE case in
Washington State."

[Edited from:
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7004365573


MEAT GLUT GIVES TYSON FOODS A PUNCH IN THE GUT:  (08/01/06):  "Tyson
Foods Inc., the world's biggest meat processor, reported a second
straight quarterly loss and projected its first yearly loss since
1994 because of a glut in the chicken and beef markets.  The net loss
was $52 million, or 15 cents a share, in the fiscal third quarter,
after net income of $131 million, or 36 cents, a year earlier, Tyson
Foods said Monday in a statement. Analysts expected a 3-cent loss,
based on the average of 11 estimates in a Thomson Financial survey.
Sales fell 4.8 percent to $6.38 billion as avian flu and mad cow
disease hurt poultry and beef exports.  The results "reflected the
challenging protein environment," said Stephens Inc. analyst Farha
Aslam..."

[Edited from:
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/business/stories.nsf/0/538CF149BC1E292A862571BD\
0006CBC6?OpenDocument


PORTUGAL CONFIRMS NEW MAD COW DISEASE CASE:  (08/02/06):  "Portugal's
Azores islands confirmed its new case of mad cow disease. It is the
country's sixth instance of the affliction since November 2000.
Scientifically known as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) or mad
cow disease, it was found in screening tests and verified by the
national veterinary laboratory.  The infected 15-year-old
Holstein-Frisian cow was found on the island of Pico. Its carcass was
destroyed immediately following sanitation procedures.  The Azores
government also had other animals in contact with the infected cow
destroyed."

[Edited from:
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7004415415


MAD COW WATCH GOES BLIND:  (08/03/06):  "EDITORIAL OPINION:  ...Not
only is USDA blocking Creekstone [from testing cows for bse], the
department said last month that it's reducing its mad cow testing
program by 90%. The industry and its sympathetic regulators seem to
believe that the problem isn't mad cow disease. It's tests that find
mad cow. The department tests only 1% of the roughly 100,000 cattle
slaughtered daily. The new plan will test only 110 cows a day.  By
cutting back on testing, USDA will save about $35 million a year.
That's a pittance compared with the devastation the cattle industry
could face if just one human case of mad cow disease is linked to
domestic beef.  Sixty-five nations have full or partial restrictions
on importing U.S. beef products because of fears that the testing
isn't rigorous enough. As a result, U.S. beef product exports
declined from $3.8 billion in 2003, before the first mad cow was
detected in the USA, to $1.4 billion last year. Foreign buyers are
demanding that USDA do more.

"In a nation dedicated to free market competition," says John
Stewart, CEO of Creekstone, which is suing USDA, "a company that
wants to do more than is required to ensure the quality of its
product and to satisfy customer demand should be allowed to do so."
When regulators disagree with reasoning like that, you know the game
is rigged."

[Edited from:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2006-08-03-our-view_x.htm


JAPAN TO CHECK FIRST U.S. BEEF SHIPMENT SINCE MAD COW BAN ENDED:
(08/08/06):  "Japan will today inspect the first shipment of U.S.
beef to arrive since the country ended a six- month ban imposed over
mad cow disease concern.  Costco Wholesale Japan Inc., the Japanese
unit of the U.S. discount warehouse retailer, imported the 5.1-ton
shipment, processed by Cargill Inc., in Colorado state, Japan's
Ministry of Agricultural, Forestry and Fisheries said in a statement.
Japanese inspectors checked U.S. meatpackers and approved 34 as
exporters to Japan after the U.S. pressed Japan to re-open its
market."

[Edited from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601101&sid=adXGzynvytCA&refer=japan


SOUTH KOREA TO SEND NEW BEEF PLANT AUDIT TEAM TO US:  (08/08/09):
"South Korea has agreed to send a new delegation of auditors to the
U.S. to review several beef-processing plants where the country
previously found problems, U.S. Department of Agriculture officials
said Tuesday.  Concerns that six U.S. plants didn't segregate U.S.
and Canadian cattle and one U.S. plant didn't use separate equipment
to cut up younger and older cattle are partly why the U.S. isn't
exporting beef to South Korea.... Another dispute between the two
countries centers on the U.S.' request that South Korea agree to
tolerance levels for bone fragments in U.S. beef shipments, but an
agreement hasn't been reached."

-By Bill Tomson, Dow Jones Newswires; 202-646-0088; bill.tomson@...


U.S. EXPANDS MAD COW-RELATED BEEF RECALL:  (08/09/06):  "The U.S.
government on Sunday said it expanded a recall of beef to a total of
eight states and the territory of Guam as a precaution after the
discovery of one case of mad cow disease.  Beef recalls on slightly
more than 10,000 pounds of beef already were underway in Washington
state, Oregon, California and Nevada. Kenneth Petersen, an official
with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety Inspection
Service, told reporters the recalls have been expanded to Alaska,
Montana, Hawaii, Idaho and Guam. Stores in these states could have
been sold beef from one of the animals slaughtered on Dec. 9 at a
Washington state facility. That plant had the confirmed case of mad
cow disease that was announced on Dec. 23.

Petersen said investigators were still trying to determine how much
of the beef in question could have been shipped to the four
additional states and Guam. Following slaughter and processing, "The
meat gets boxed up and cut and perhaps commingled with other
products," Petersen said.  Even though they have not recaptured all
of the 10,000 pounds of beef, and some of it may have been consumed,
USDA officials insisted the meat posed no human health risks."

[Edited from:
http://www.mycaribbeannews.com/inter/031228.htm


************************************************
*05: Plants Challenge, 1 Meal Impact, Diet/Smoking, Alzh./Blood Sugar
************************************************
ALZHEIMER'S MAY BE TIED TO HIGH BLOOD SUGAR:  (07/17/06):  "People
with elevated blood sugar levels may have an increased risk of
developing Alzheimer's disease, researchers reported yesterday at an
international conference.  Scientists already have linked Type 2
diabetes with Alzheimer's, which afflicts 4.5 million Americans.  But
researchers from Stockholm's Karolinska Institute said the link to
Alzheimer's disease may take hold earlier, in people who have
higher-than-normal blood sugar levels but not in the diabetic range
-- a condition known as pre-diabetes.

Pre-diabetes affects 41 million Americans between the ages of 40 and
74, according to the American Diabetes Association, while diabetes
has been diagnosed in 14.6 million Americans.   Alzheimer's disease
robs the brain of its memory and processing skills. The number of
victims is expected to grow fourfold by the middle of the century as
the population ages and baby boomers reach retirement, according to
the Chicago-based Alzheimer's Association.  Alzheimer's disease still
can only be diagnosed with certainty with an autopsy."

[Edited from:
http://www.healthsentinel.com/news.php?id=1500&title=Alzheimer's+May+Be+Tied+To+\
High+Blood+Sugar&event=news_print_list_item


EVEN ONE FATTY MEAL AFFECTS ARTERIES:  (08/08/06):  "Eating just one
fatty meal can have a major impact on your arteries -- for worse or
for better.  So says a new study that shows eating a meal high in
saturated fats, like a cheeseburger and fries, can reduce the ability
of the body's "good" HDL cholesterolHDL cholesterol to protect
against clogged arteries.  However, a single meal high in
heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, like those found in sunflower and
corn oil, can have the opposite effect, helping protect the arteries
from plaque buildup.

Saturated fats are mostly found in animal products like butter, red
meat, and lard. But they are also in some plant products, such as
coconut and palm oils.  Polyunsaturated fats are primarily
plant-based and include safflower, corn, and sunflower oils. They are
usually liquid at room temperature."

SOURCES: Nicholls, S. Journal of the American College of Cardiology,
Aug. 15, 2006; vol 48: pp 715-720. News release, American College of
Cardiology. News release, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation

[Very edited from:
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/126/116228.htm


UNHEALTHY DIET DAMAGES HEALTH AS SMOKING DOES:  (05/29/06):  "Many
people may not take their diet seriously. But insufficient intake of
certain foods such as fish, fruit, and vegetables is just as bad for
human health as smoking cigarettes, finds a new Dutch report
published Monday by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health
and the Environment (RIVM).  To many people's surprise, the 264-page
report titled "our food our health - Healthy diet and safe food in
The Netherlands" claimed that most cases of serious illness and death
in the Netherlands results from poor diet.  Many scientists have
already come to an agreement that at least more than 75% of diseases,
particularly those seen in affluent countries can be prevented by
just using a healthy diet.

Based on what they learned from their extensive research into the
effects of current food trends in The Netherlands, the authors say
"Much greater health gains are to be made through encouraging a
healthy diet than through improving food safety."  The report
identifies low intake of fish, fruit and vegetables among all the
dietary factors as the cause responsible for the most cases of
serious illness and death in The Netherlands."

[Edited from:
http://www.foodconsumer.org/777/8/Bad_diet_damages_health_as_smoking_does.shtml


PLANT COMPOUNDS CONTINUE TO CHALLENGE SCIENCE:  (06/24/06):  "It is
often said that phytochemicals are to the twenty-first century what
vitamins were to the twentieth. Just as the intensive study of
vitamins led to a new understanding of nutrition so research on
phytochemicals will lead to a new science of prevention through
diet," said AICR Nutrition Advisor Karen Collins, RD.  Phytochemicals
are chemical compounds whose primary function is to provide

Scientists have identified thousands of phytochemicals in plant
foods, and many seem to be involved in protecting our bodies against
disease. It is estimated, for instance, that a diet rich in
phytochemicals can reduce cancer risk by 20 percent.  Phytochemicals
work together in several senses. They may have an additive effect;
that is, two or more performing the same function at the same time
get more done. They may have a synergistic effect; that is, two
enhance each other's performance far beyond the capacity of each
acting alone... What is known about phytochemicals derives from two
kinds of research: population studies showing that people who eat
more plant foods have less cancer and laboratory studies showing how
chemical compounds in plants affect the progression of cancer."

The full text of [the brochure] "A Closer Look at Phytochemicals" can
be read, downloaded, or ordered at http: www.aicr.org/phyto

[Very edited from:
http://www.foodconsumer.org/777/8/Plant_Compounds_Continue_to_Challenge_Science.\
shtml


************************************************
*06: Vegan: Food Pyramid/Marathoner/diet & diabetes, VegNews<Top 50
************************************************
THE VEGAN FOOD PYRAMID:  (2006):  "Our bodies are especially created
for living foods: plant based foods. We thrive off of fresh greens,
veggies, fruits, nuts, whole grains, etc. All the nutrition we need
can be found in the plant kingdom.  The Vegan Food Pyramid is
designed to show a suggested daily intake of food. As you may notice,
this pyramid is slightly, at the least, and drastically, at most,
different then many other pyramids out there. One difference is the
lack of animal based foods [another is the lack of eggs and dairy]."

[This great graphic can be downloaded in printable and web-based sizes at:
http://www.veganfoodpyramid.com/


VEGAN PROVES ATHLETES DON'T NEED ANIMAL PROTEIN TO WIN:  (08/01/06):
Re: 'City woman conquers Death Valley again' (The Spectator, July 27)
- In your coverage of Scott Jurek, seven-time winner of the Western
States marathon and two-time winner of the Badwater Ultramarathon,
there was no mention that Jurek is a vegan.  This is important
because a vegan diet is a more natural, healthy diet for humans than
an omnivorous one and Jurek is proof that even world-class athletes
don't need animal protein to compete.

With obesity and other weight-related diseases at epidemic
proportions among Americans, the benefits of a vegan diet is
important news for everyone.

[Note: Dan Piraro is the author of the "Bizarro" newspaper comic and
some of his cartoons and a video are in the "humor" section below]

[Edited from:
http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=hamilton/Layou\
t/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1154382610962&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=111287\
6262536

[For more on the incredibly and arguably the toughtest marathon of them all:
http://www.badwater.com/2006web/2006postpr.html


VEGNEWS IN TOP 50 BEST MAGAZINES:  "18. VegNews. This hard-hitting,
political and entertaining vegetarian staple should be on every
magazine fan's plate. We love the fantastic roundup of stories that
informs readers of everything from which ballparks serve veggie dogs
and burgers to a forthcoming KFC in India with vegetarian dishes."

[Very edited from:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-0606140373jun15,1,4243630.story?\
coll=chi-homepagenew

[VegNews Magazine:
http://www.vegnews.com/


VEGAN DIET MAY TREAT DIABETES:  (07/26/06):  "Eating a low-fat vegan
diet may be better at managing type 2 diabetes than traditional
diets, according to a new study.  Researchers found 43% of people
with type 2 diabetes who followed a low-fat vegan diet for 22 weeks
reduced their need to take medications to manage their disease
compared with 26% of those who followed the diet recommended by the
American Diabetes Association (ADA).

In addition, participants who followed the vegan diet experienced
greater reductions in cholesterol levels and weight loss than those
on the other diet.  A vegan diet is plant-based and consists of
vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes and avoids animal products,
such as meat and dairy. People who are on a vegan diet are at risk
for vitamin B12 deficiency, and so B12 vitamins were given to the
participants on that diet...  The results showed that both diets
improved diabetes management and reduced unhealthy cholesterol
levels, but some improvements were greater with the low-fat vegan
diet."

SOURCES:Barnard, N. Diabetes Care, August 2006; vol 29: pp 1777-1783.
News release, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.

[Edited from:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/26/health/webmd/main1837927.shtml


************************************************
*07: Chopstick Tussle, Listen to the Pig, Cartoons/Video, Veg Codes
************************************************
VEGETABLES TO GET OLYMPIC IDENTITY CODES:  (07/19/06):
"As if China didn't have its hands full keeping tabs on its 1.3
billion people, the country will now begin tracking its vegetables.
In an attempt to ensure food safety during the 2008 Olympics, Beijing
is to give every cabbage, carrot and pea pod its own identity number
and file, the Beijing News reported on Wednesday.  If there is a
"safety incident" the vegetable's file can be immediately checked and
its origins traced, the newspaper said, in a report accompanied by
graphics showing personnel at computers tracking each vegetable's
path from farm to plate.

"Safety incidents" was a likely reference to pesticide or pollutants
in the soil. The environment group Greenpeace has found banned
pesticides and excessive levels of other chemicals in vegetables
supplied from China.  The city will need more than 5,000 tonnes of
vegetables during the Olympics, mostly from Beijing and the northern
Chinese provinces of Hebei and Shandong.  The report made no mention
of fruit."

[Edited from:
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsarticle.aspx?type=oddlyEnoughNews&storyid=2006\
-07-19T120800Z_01_PEK341632_RTRUKOC_0_US-CHINA-VEGETABLES.xml&src=rss&rpc=22


CHOPSTICK TUSSLE ADDS BITE TO ORIENT'S DIPLOMATIC SPAT:  (06/03/06):
"The diplomatic wrangling between Beijing and Tokyo has spilt on to
dinner tables, forcing Japanese to contemplate the unthinkable:
eating their food the way China wants them to.  For more than two
decades Japan's addiction to disposable chopsticks has been the
ultimate indication of its success. What other Asian nation, runs the
unspoken boast, can afford to throw away 25 billion pairs of wooden
chopsticks every year after only a single use? The use of disposable
chopsticks, or waribashi, surged in the late 1970s and through the
1980s.

About 93 per cent of those 25 billion pairs are produced in China,
and Beijing, citing the environmental concerns of deforestation, has
slapped a heavy duty on chopstick exports, and is planning more
increases.  Beijing is reportedly considering an end to all chopstick
exports in 2008. High oil prices have also inflated waribashi
costs... With the economics of waribashi becoming more difficult to
sustain, and other sources such as Vietnam unable to match the old
prices, Japan is turning to plastic - an investment that is likely to
pay for itself in about a year."

[Very edited from:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,25689-2208694,00.html


SELECTED CARTOONS:
["Big Mac:"
http://www.bizarro.com/vegan/vegan_cartoon01.htm

["Free Range:"
http://www.bizarro.com/vegan/vegan_cartoon04.htm

["Red Paint:"
http://www.bizarro.com/vegan/vegan_cartoon11.htm

["Salmonella Sandwich:"
http://www.bizarro.com/vegan/vegan_cartoon13.htm

LISTEN TO THE PIG ("are humans meant to eat meat?")
[Caution:  needs high-bandwidth:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM3yXd415JE


************************************************
*08: Merrkats/Apes/Blurring Species Line, Using Rodents in Labs Debate
************************************************
NEW RESEARCH IS BLURRING THE SPECIES BOUNDARY:  (06/14/06):
"...We now understand that all vertebrates, and it is argued even
some invertebrates, share many biological structures and processes
that underlie attributes once considered uniquely human: empathy,
personality, culture, emotion, language, intention, tool-use and
violence. Furthermore, we are able to see beyond species differences
in ways we have never been able to before. Neuroimaging advances such
as PET and fMRI can help map more elusive subjective qualities-such
as emotion, states of consciousness and sense of self-to specific
regions of the brain...

...The idea that humans share a psyche with other animals is
enormously challenging... Concepts like sense of self, empathy and
intention have largely been considered exclusive to humans, and have
therefore defined what animals are not. Such perceived
dissimilarities have shaped theory, practice, law and custom for
centuries. The human-animal gap influences how we live, how we
formulate scientific questions, how we practice science and even what
we eat. Today, in contrast, models of species' similarity are
replacing models of difference, and the lines between species have
become increasingly blurred-blurred to the extent that many insist on
limits to stem cell-chimera research to avoid mixing the neuronal and
psychological capacities of humans and other species.

Accordingly then, today's theory, practice, law and customs in
science and society, which have been shaped by human-animal
dissimilarities, must be revised. Clearly, ethical considerations may
be compelled to change, but science itself is also affected..."

[Very edited from the much much longer and fascinating essay/article at:
http://www.seedmagazine.com/news/2006/06/no_longer_a_mind_of_our_own.php?utm_sou\
rce=SB-rightcol&utm_medium=linklist&utm_campaign=internal%2Blinkshare

NEW REVIEW RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT RODENTS IN EXPERIMENTS:
(06/27/06): "Standard laboratory housing thwarts the basic behavioral
needs of rats, mice, and other rodents, inflicting physiological and
psychological harm and raising serious scientific and ethical
questions about using these animals in experiments, according to a
scientific review in the July issue of the journal Laboratory Animals.

In "Laboratory Environments and Rodents' Behavioral Needs: A Review,"
author Jonathan Balcombe, Ph.D., an ethologist with the Physicians
Committee for Responsible Medicine, examined more than 200 published
studies addressing the ill effects of impoverished housing typical of
laboratories.  Among the many findings: both rats and mice value and
will work for the opportunity to forage, build nests, explore, and
have social contact; rats kept in impoverished environments have
smaller brains than stimulated rats; solitary rats try to escape more
than group-housed rats; tens of millions of lab-bound mice dig, gnaw
and/or circle neurotically for hours at a time, mostly at night when
researchers have gone home; and mice kept in barren cages consume
more stress-relieving drugs.

Dr. Balcombe's findings also show that physiological and
psychological effects of laboratory housing contaminate scientific
data, amplifying the futility of using rodents to advance human
health. "

[Edited from:
http://www.pcrm.org/cgi-bin/lists/mail.cgi?flavor=archive&id=20060627115941&list\
=news


MEERKATS TEACH PUPS HOW TO EAT RISKY FOOD:  (0713/06): "Faced with a
potentially deadly diet, adult meerkats teach their pups how to deal
with scorpions and other prey, a new study shows.  The behavior is
the first hard evidence of active teaching by a nonhuman mammal,
researchers say.  Chimpanzees and other mammals have been shown to
teach their young passively-babies learn by watching adults.  But
adult meerkats in the Kalahari Desert of southern Africa were
observed devoting much time and effort to teaching pups how to handle
tricky food items-a task that carried no immediate advantage for the
adults.  In addition to lizards, beetles, and millipedes, deadly
scorpions are on the meerkats' menu... The report, which will be
published tomorrow in the journal Science, suggests that teaching may
be much more widespread in animals than previously thought."

[Edited from:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/07/060713-meerkats.html

DEMANDING RIGHTS FOR GREAT APES:  (2006)"The Great Ape Project: An
Idea, A Book, An Organization - The idea is founded upon undeniable
scientific proof that non-human great apes share more than
genetically similar DNA with their human counterparts. They enjoy a
rich emotional and cultural existence in which they experience
emotions such as fear, anxiety and happiness. They share the
intellectual capacity to create and use tools, learn and teach other
languages. They remember their past and plan for their future... The
Great Ape Project seeks to end the unconscionable treatment of our
nearest living relatives by obtaining for non-human great apes the
fundamental moral and legal protections of the right to life, the
freedom from arbitrary deprivation of liberty, and protection from
torture.

...The organization is an international group founded to work for the
global removal of non-human great apes from the category of mere
property, and for their immediate protection through the
implementation of basic legal principles designed to provide these
amazing creatures with the right to life, the freedom of liberty and
protection from torture. "

[Edited from:
http://www.greatapeproject.org/


************************************************
*09: Cancerous River, Enviro./Death, G'Peace Win, Climate Debate Chg.
************************************************
CHINA'S LONGEST RIVER "CANCEROUS" WITH POLLUTION:  (05/30/06):
"China's longest river is "cancerous" with pollution and rapidly
dying, threatening drinking water supplies in 186 cities along its
banks, state media said on Tuesday.  Chinese environmental experts
fear worsening pollution could kill the Yangtze river within five
years, Xinhua news agency said, calling for an urgent clean-up.
Industrial waste and sewage, agricultural pollution and shipping
discharges were to blame for the river's declining health, experts
said.  The river, the third longest in the world after the Nile and
the Amazon, runs from remote far west Qinghai and Tibet through 186
cities including Chongqing, Wuhan and Nanjing and empties into the
sea at Shanghai.  It absorbs more than 40 percent of the country's
waste water, 80 percent is untreated, said Lu Jianjian, from East
China Normal University.

"As the river is the only source of drinking water in Shanghai, it
has been a great challenge for Shanghai to get clean water," Xinhua
quoted him as saying.  China is facing a severe water crisis -- 300
million people do not have access to drinkable water -- and the
government has been spending heavily to clean major waterways like
the Yellow, Huaihe and Yangtze rivers.  Most of the Yellow River, the
second-longest in China and the cradle of early Chinese civilization,
is so polluted it is not safe for drinking or swimming, Xinhua news
agency said in May last year.

[Very edited from:
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsarticle.aspx?type=healthNews&storyid=2006-05-3\
0T171238Z_01_COL061860_RTRUKOC_0_US-RIVER-CANCEROUS.xml&src=rss&rpc=22


ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS CAUSE 23% OF DEATHS WORLDWIDE:  (06/16/06):
"Environmental factors such as dirty water and air pollution cause 23
percent of all deaths globally, the United Nations' World Health
Organization said.  Developing countries are worst impacted, with
environmental factors accounting for 25 percent of all deaths
compared with 17 percent of all deaths in developed regions, the WHO
said in a report being published today.  Maria Neira, director of
WHO's Department for Public Health and Environment, said at a press
conference... "We're talking about diseases linked to the air we
breathe, the water we drink and the chemicals we're exposed to. Every
year, 13 million deaths could be prevented.''

The diseases most closely linked to such environmental factors
include diarrhea, respiratory infections and malaria, the report
said. Safe household water storage, better hygienic measures and the
use of cleaner and safer fuels could cut the impact of the
environment on disease now, the WHO said.

While the developing world is harder hit by infectious diseases such
as malaria and diarrhea, the impact of environmental factors on
cardiovascular disease and cancer is higher in the developed world.
Physical inactivity, for example, is a risk factor for diseases
including heart disease, breast, colon and rectum cancers as well as
diabetes.  The WHO estimates that the number of healthy life years
lost is seven times higher per capita in certain developed regions
than in developing regions and cancer rates were four times higher."

[Very edited from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000086&sid=aXecu8B87IVQ&refer=latin_ame\
rica


SOYA TRADERS AGREE TO A MORATORIUM ON AMAZON DEFORESTATION:
(07/25/06): "In a statement released in Brazil, multinational soya
traders have agreed to a two year moratorium on buying soya from
newly deforested land in the Amazon. This move shows that the
international soya trade has been affected by the negative publicity
around the huge environmental crisis in the Amazon rainforest. This
is an important move forward, but it is their actions not their words
that is important. Following a Greenpeace investigation into the
impacts of the soya trade in the Amazon, McDonald's and other leading
European food retailers have formed a unique alliance with Greenpeace
to demand action from soya traders to stop deforestation in the
Amazon rainforest.

As a result of pressure from this alliance, the US commodities giants
Cargill, ADM, Bunge, French-owned Dreyfus, and Brazilian-owned Amaggi
- which between them account for the majority of the soya trade in
Brazil - along with the rest of the soya trade in Brazil have been
brought to the negotiating table... The soya traders' statement
follows a three year Greenpeace investigation into the negative
impacts of soya in the Amazon. Soya is the leading cash crop in
Brazil and soya farming - much of it illegal - is now one of the
biggest drivers, along with cattle ranching and illegal logging, of
deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. Violent conflict over
illegally cleared land is not uncommon. Most of this soya is exported
to Europe to feed chicken, pigs and cows for meat products..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/press/releases/soya-traders-agree-to-a-m\
orato


GLOBAL WARMING DEBATE CHANGING WITH CLIMATE:  (08/13/06): "...
Wal-Mart chief executive Lee Scott Jr. announced this month that his
company would double the energy efficiency of its 7,000-truck fleet
in a decade, reduce waste from its U.S. stores by 25 percent in three
years and design a new prototype store that will reduce greenhouse
emissions by 30 percent. "Have you ever known Wal-Mart not to follow
through on a commitment of this kind?" one speaker asked. "I have
not." The speaker was Al Gore.

Indeed, Wal-Mart is already cutting emissions, which is a big deal,
because the company is the largest private consumer of electricity on
the planet. Wal-Mart has reduced its fuel use 8 percent by preventing
its trucks from idling, saving $25 million in the past year while
cutting 100,000 metric tons of emissions.  It recently began buying
organic cotton, and all 3,700 of its U.S. stores are using
energy-efficient light bulbs. Wal-Mart is so big that a slight
reduction in the packaging of one of its toy lines saved the company
$2.4 million last year by cutting trucking costs, while saving 1,000
barrels of oil and 3,800 trees.

Scott thinks waste reduction and energy efficiency are good for
business as well as the Earth; he eventually wants his company to
generate zero waste and use only renewable energy, and he wants his
60,000 suppliers to follow suit. That could drive the climate debate
faster than years of congressional bloviation..."

[Very very edited from the extremely long and most interesting article at:
http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/local/states/california/1526515\
5.htm


************************************************
*10: Upcoming Events of Note
************************************************
TAKING ACTION FOR ANIMALS 2006, a leading event for the animal
protection movement is on Sept. 2-5 in Wash. DC. The Conference is
designed to motivate, skill and inspire activists nationwide.  This
year:  renowned speakers from the animal protection movement and
beyond who will share their knowledge and a vision for the future of
the movement, eynote sessions and training sessions designed to
ensure the development of practical skills for seasoned activists and
those new to the animal protection movement, a Lobby Day on Capitol
Hill, exhibitions, social events and opportunities for networking.

[http://www.takingactionforanimals.com/


************************************************
*11: Howard's Schedule
************************************************
AUG: AUG 3 - 20th: Africa

SEP 16: Sequim, WA > carylturner@...
SEP 30: SF, CA SFVS > dixiemahy@...


************************************************
*12: Quick Bytes
************************************************
ACTIVISM:

["10 Reasons to Eat Local Food:"
http://www.lifebeginsat30.com/elc/2006/04/10_reasons_to_e.html

["Salt Initiative Backed by Professionals:"
http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/health/feeds/hscout/2006/06/14/hscout533259.htm\
l

["What Does Your Grocery Shopping Cart Say About Your Values?:"
http://www.startribune.com/104/story/547730.html

["Wild Oats launches nationwide initiative to promote local produce:"
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=69182-wild-oats-local-products-lo\
cal-sourcing

AGRICULTURE:

["Can Organic Food Feed the World?:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_561.cfm

["Organic food goes mainstream:"
http://www.c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060806/NEWS/608060335

["Comparing the So-Called Cheap Costs of Industrial Food Versus Organic Food:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_517.cfm

["Heirloom Vegetables have Stood the Test of Time:"
http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060709/NEWS/607090326/\
1031/FEATURES02

["Power in Agriculture Markets Shifts to China, Brazil, OECD Says:"
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=aJMdThnQGaw4&refer=latin_ame\
rica

["Study links pesticides with Parkinson's:"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060626/hl_nm/parkinsons_dc

BLOGS/PODCASTS:

["Journey of a New Vegan:"
http://newvegan.blogspot.com/

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA & Bloggy Award-winning:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm

DIET/HEALTH:

["The salad solution to diet success:"
http://calorielab.com/news/2006/06/22/the-salad-solution-to-diet-success/

["Forget the USDA's Food Pyramid: Change Your Eating Habits and Get Healthier:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_546.cfm

["What is a Normal Diet?"
http://www.newstarget.com/019417.html

["More Problems for Coke and Pepsi in India:"
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20060809-104344-4866r

["What You Drink May be Ruining Your Diet:"
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/521545/

["Super-size Not a Super Deal:"
http://go.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=12384540

["Surgery with a Side of Fries:"
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0706-29.htm

["Meat Associated with Pancreatic Cancer:"
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=healthNews&storyID=2006-06-2\
7T043510Z_01_SIB716501_RTRUKOC_0_US-RED-MEAT-ASSOCIATED-WITH-PANCREATIC-CANCE.xm\
l

["Artificial hormones in U.S. beef linked to breast cancer, prostate cancer:"
http://www.NewsTarget.com/019557.html

"Interactive Map of Obesity, the US (by State), over time:"
http://www.NewsTarget.com/019633.html

["Slim Down Get Healthy with Spices:"
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060607/FEATURES02/606070395/10\
27/FEATURES

["Diet low in antioxidants tied to worsened asthma attacks:"
http://www.macleans.ca/topstories/health/article.jsp?content=20060601_122442_493\
2

["Tobacco alone is predicted to kill 1 billion people this century:"
http://news.worldfitness.ca/news/071206/TobaccoToKill1BillionThisCenturyAlone.ph\
p

ENVIRONMENT:

["Work begins on Arctic seed vault:"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/5094450.stm

["The Canary Project:"
http://www.canary-project.org/

["1st Half of 2006 is Warmest on Record:"
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/07/14/D8IRSULOB.html

["Heat Causes Pileup of Livestock Carcasses:"
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/D/DEAD_LIVESTOCK?SITE=7219&SECTION=HOME&TEM\
PLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2006-07-26-03-19-01

["Extinction Crisis for Amphibians:"
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/07/07/MNG0LJRC9U1.DTL

["Solar-power compactors press the mess in Boston:"
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/07/26/solar_power_c\
ompactors_press_the_mess_in_boston/

NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

[A delightful, chatty list/group:  Feralvegetarians:"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/theferalvegetarian/

["VegCom | veg'n community... veg and vegan forums:"
http://www.vegcom.com/

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/

NUTRITION:

["Dairy Products and 10 False Promises:"
http://www.nealhendrickson.com/mcdougall/030400pudairyproductsfalsepromises.htm

["Milke? Does a Body Good?"
http://www.beyondhealth.com/milk.htm

["Almonds on Par with Fruit/Veggies:"
http://www.health24.com/news/DietFood_News_Feed/1-3420,36396.asp

["Here are some easy ways of increasing your intake of phytochemicals:"
http://www.aicr.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pub_closer_look_pc&JServSessionIdr0\
03=et7c5hfz82.app1a

["Enjoy the season's fresh fruits, vegetables for better health:"
http://www.texarkanagazette.com/articles/2006/07/12/local_news/features/features\
01.txt

["Research Shows That Seeds And Nuts Are "Brain Foods":
http://www.newstarget.com/019885.html

["Kiwifruit seen as way to avert cancer-causing cell damage:"
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3745626a7144,00.html

["Apples' Effect on Health Investigated:"
http://www.foodproductdesign.com/hotnews/65h1881431.html

["FDA confirms barley/heart health claim:"
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=67912-barley-fiber-coronary-he\
art-disease
["Sodium: Are you getting too much?:"

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sodium/NU00284
["Blueberries could stop liver cancer growth:"

http://www.foodproductiondaily-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=67978-blueberries-anthocyan\
ins-cancer

["Whole Grains and Gum Disease:"
http://www.smh.com.au/news/nutrition/whole-grains/2006/07/26/1153816248392.html

RECIPES:

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html
["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"

http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html
[PCRM Recipe Archives:

http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html
[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:

http://www.fatfree.com
[Awardwinning searchable veg'n recipe database:

http://vegweb.com/
[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:

http://www.fatfreevegan.com/
["Non-Dairy Cheese Recipes:"

http://www.aboverubies.org/health/cheese.html

VEGAN:

["What do veg'ns eat??:"
http://michaelbluejay.com/veg/eat.html

["A meeting of veg-minded souls:"
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_T\
ype1&c=Article&cid=1148383603688&call_pageid=991479973472&col=991929131147

["Make Mine Vegetarian:"
http://www.al.com/living/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/living/1153906122247070.\
xml&coll=2

["Vegetarian Diets are a Lasting Health Trend:"
http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/living/15009882.htm

************************************************
*13: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"Dr. Marilyn Albert, who chairs scientific and medical research for
the Alzheimer's Assocition, accurately summed up the state of
knowledge concerning Alzheimer's risk, when she said, "The message is
that the risk factors that are bad for the heart are bad for the
brain."

Exactly.  And we know perfectly well what's bad for the heart:  meat
and dairy."

--- Howard Lyman (p. 59, "No More Bull!")

******************************************************************
Mark Sutton, Webmaster@...  http://www.madcowboy.com
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to: Mad_Cowboy-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
******************************************************************

Howdy!  Welcome to the 54th Edition of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.  In
this issue we've a couple of surprises for y'all:  250 pictures taken
during Howard's recent trip to Africa and news that Howard's
Documentary will be aired at the famed Hollywood Egyptian Theater this
coming November as part of the "3rd Annual Artivist Film Festival &
Awards."  Check out their website:

http://www.ARTIVISTS.org

There's also two great recipes from "No More Bull!" (one from Dr. T.
Colin Campbell), and 10 links to help you and yours have a Happy Veg'n
Halloween!  As you read on, you'll see a buncha information in the Mad
Cow Corral covering "mad cow, mad sheep, mad honey, and mad deer"
issues, articles related to the recent spinach/e.coli crisis and
industrial farming, learn about an unusal and contempletive canine,
why New York City may become "less fatty," what Dr. Esselstyn says
about "moderation," an activist success story from "Compassion Over
Killing," and a reminder to celebrate World Vegan Day.

Amongst it all, there's also the article about fruit and vegetables
relationship to heart disease, a new study showing that a salad a day
(and raw vegetables) are "scientifically recommended," a detailed
article about how the Elephant Culture is showing signs of social
stress, where you can generate your own "McDonald's Sign Message," a
ton of articles referenced in our "Quick Bytes" section, a cite about
Asia's largest cat shelter going "vegan,"  and why there may be
different "shades of moo."

... and, as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers.  Y'all
can read past issues of the newsletter at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Enjoy the Fall weather while you can!

Mark
[personal vegan blog:  http://www.soulveggie.com]


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00: Quote(s) from Howard
01: Mad Cowboy in Africa
02: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
03: Recipes from "No More Bull!"
04: 10 Useful Links for a Veg'n Halloween!
05: Mad Cow Info Round-up
06: Spinach/E.coli/Pigs - Sick Industrial Food, Farm System
07: NYC<Fatty, Salad Day, Fruit/Veggies<HD, US-Backed Killer Diet
08: Accent on the Moo, Bow-omm, Sign-o-Matic, Safety Singing
09: World Vegan Day, Crocker Goes Veg, Esselstyn, Meaty Args
10: No Egg Logo, Foie Gras Fight,  Elephant Stress, Cats Go Vegan
11: Upcoming Events of Note
12: Howard's Schedule
13: Quick Bytes
14: Closing Thoughts


************************************************
*00: Quote(s) from Howard
************************************************
"According to Julie L. Gereberding, Director of the Centers for
Disease Controland Prevention (CDC), "Eleven of the last twelve
emerging infectious diseases that we're aware of in the world, that
have had human health consequences, have probablly arisen from animal
sources."  We should not be surprised to learn this, as humans have a
long history of falling victim to diseases that afflicted animals
first.  Measles and smallpox originated in cows, anthrax in wild
sheep, tuberculosis in goats, whooping cough in pigs, and typhoid
fever in chickesn.  Other diseases that humans picked up from animnals
include yellow fever, bubonic plague, influenza, and leprosy.

Since animal agriculture poses many health threats that we are just
beginning to recognize, it's safe to assume that it poses others that
have thus far escaped scrutiny.  Here's an example of one that
recently came to light:  a University of Iowa study released in
December 2004 uncovered a serious link between hog farming and
incidence of asthma in children.  The study found at least one
indicator of asthma in over 55 percent of children residing on hog
farms that use antibiotics in their feed.  That's more than twice the
incidence in children on farms that do not raise hogs.

You [my meat-eating friends] put your health at risk --- that's your
business.  But animal-based diets put the land, the water, the air, a
society's collective health, and even our collective pharmaceutical
resources at risk.  That's my business.  That's everyone's business."

--- Howard Lyman, in "No More Bull!" pp. 64-65


************************************************
*01: Mad Cowboy in Africa
************************************************
[In August, Howard, members of his family, and a friend, took an
extraordinary trip to Africa.  Between Howard and his son-in-law, some
1200+ photographs were taken.  250 of them have been culled and are
available via the following webpage (as thumbnails with links), along
with the trip's itinerary and imbedded links for more information on
where they stayed, the cities, the animals, and the land:

http://www.madcowboy.com/002_MCinAfrica.html


************************************************
*02: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST WEEK'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:

"Of the load of pesticides in the average person, what percentage
comes from eating dairy and milk?"

(a) 90%  (b) 80%  (c) 70%  (d) 60%  (e) 50%

Congratulations to Don Renninger for correctly guessing "(b) 80%" and
winning the luck of the draw.  Enjoy your VegNews subscription, pardner!

["Milk- Does a Body Good?"
http://www.beyondhealth.com/milk.htm


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Of the 37 or so ingredients in a Chicken McNugget, roughly how many,
directly or indirectly, come from corn?

(a) 37    (b) 30    (c)  23   (d) 16

Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word
"contest" in your subject line by NLT November 15, 2006.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE
one-year subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting
the correct answer to each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to
Joe, and you can learn more about VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call
1.415.665.6397]


************************************************
*03:  Recipes from "No More Bull!"
************************************************

RED HOT SOUP
(yield: 4 servings)

This soup is ready in 15 minutes and really packs a punch, providing
189 percent of your recommended vitamin C per serving.  It's also
loaded with beta-carotene from the peppers, tomatoes, and orange
juice.  Enjoy for lunches at work or a starter for dinner.  Blend for
a creamier tomato soup.

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 medium garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon ginger root (approximately 1 inch), grated
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 cups vegetable stock or water
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice, or orange juice with pulp

Heat oil in a soup pot over medium heat.  Add onion, garlic, ginger
and pepper and saute for 5 to 8 minutes.  Add broth, tomatoes,
coriander, cinnamon and cayenne.  Simmer and cook for 10 minutes.  Add
orange juice, warm through and serve.  Season to taste.

(From Sally Errey, registered nutritional consulting practitioner,
Centre for Integrated Healing Society (p. 215-216 in "No More Bull!"
by Howard Lyman).

[Sally's website:
http://www.beyondtheordinary.net/sallyerrey.shtml


BROCCOLI WITH MUSTARD SAUCE
(yield: 4 to 6 servings)

This is royally delicious treatment for broccoli, "The King of the
Vegetables."

1 bunch broccoli
1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1 teaspoon stone ground or Dijon-style mustard
1 clove garlic, pressed or minced

Break the broccoli into bite-sized florets.  Peel the stems and slice
them into 1/2-inch-thick rounds.  Steam until just tender, about 5
minutes.  While the broccoli is steaming, whisk the dressing
ingredients in a serving bowl.  Add the steamed broccoli and toss to
mix.  Serve immediately.

(From Dr. T. Colin Campbell, author, The China Study (p. 232 in "No
More Bull!")

[Dr. Campbell's website:
http://www.thechinastudy.com/


************************************************
*04: 10 Useful Links for a Veg'n Halloween!
************************************************
["Halloween Safety Tips:"
http://www.fabulousfoods.com/holidays/halloween/safetytips.html

RECIPES:

["Top 10 Things to do with Non-Vegan Halloween Candy:"
http://www.vegfamily.com/holidays/non-vegan-halloween-candy.htm

["Vegan Halloween Recipes And Resources" from Bryanna Clark Grogan:
http://www.bryannaclarkgrogan.com/page/page/1435913.htm

["Treats Fit for a-Gobblin'!" (and links):
http://www.vegcooking.com/goblintreats.asp?c=G_VC10_03

["Humane Halloween Recipe Links:"
http://www.vegforlife.org/eats_halloween.htm

["Vegan Recipes for the Harvest:" (impressive number of recipes):
http://www.geocities.com/miaow2000/fall.html

["11 Vegan Halloween Recipes:"
http://www.recipezaar.com/recipes.php?categ=vegan%2Challoween

["A Vegan Halloween Party:"
http://www.vegparadise.com/cookingwith510.html

["Vegan Food for Halloween and Bonfire Night:"
http://www.vegsoc.org/cordonvert/recipes/halloween2000.html

RESOURCE:

["Vegan Candy is Dandy:" (from PETA - what candy is vegan?)
http://www.petakids.com/candy.html


************************************************
*05: Mad Cow Info Round-up
************************************************
CANADA FINDS 8TH CASE OF BSE:  (08/23/06):   "Canada has identified
its eighth case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow
disease, just a few weeks after the seventh case.  The illness was
found in an Alberta beef cow estimated to be between 8 and 10 years
old, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced. Given the
cow's age, it was probably exposed to the disease either before or
shortly after Canada banned the feeding of cattle protein to cattle
and other ruminants in 1997, the agency said.  The cow was tested in
the course of Canada's BSE surveillance program, which targets
high-risk cattle.

[Edited from:
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/other/bse/news/aug2306bse.html


USDA STILL PREVENTING ONE OF NATION'S LARGEST MEATPACKERS FROM TESTING
ITS CATTLE FOR MAD COW DISEASE:  (09/13/06):  "... [the] USDA can no
longer ignore the overwhelming public support for allowing companies
such as Creekstone Farms to voluntarily test all of its production.
Testing will give consumers at home and abroad added confidence in
U.S. beef and improve America's trade status with countries such as
South Korea and Japan. At the same time, USDA must apply its trade
policy fairly and reasonably, enabling facilities to export beef even
while those that fail inspections are held back temporarily. It is the
right thing to do; it will create U.S. jobs, grow our economy and help
us regain global market share."

[Edited from:
  http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/editorial/15502782.htm


MAD SHEEP -- THE USDA'S WAR ON SMALL FARMERS & CONSUMERS:  (09/15/06):
  "Foreword to the Book by Ronnie Cummins: ...Armed with $90 billion in
taxpayer money each year, the USDA is waging war against all of
us�consumers, family farmers, farm animals, and the environment. The
direct and collateral damage of this war includes rampant water, air,
and food pollution; an epidemic of cancer, birth defects, obesity, and
hormone disruption; pollution by genetically engineered crops; an
unsustainable, massive venting of climate-destabilizing greenhouse
gases; pesticide and antibiotic contamination; proliferation of junk
food; systematic exploitation of small farmers, farm workers, and
slaughterhouse workers; and the dumping of millions of tons of
subsidized crops and meat at below the cost of production on
developing nations, thereby destroying the livelihoods of millions of
small farmers and rural communities."

[The full foreward is well worth reading for more behind-the-scenes
descriptions of what Mr. Cummins, and to a similiar degree Howard,
have been through addressing these issues:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_2158.cfm


CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE FOUND IN FRANCE:  (09/18/06):  "A cow in
central France has tested positive for mad cow disease, the country's
fifth detected case this year, local authorities said.  Local
veterinary chief Dominique Chabanet said Monday it was probably
infected by eating animal-based flour, before its use as cow feed was
banned in 1996.   France has recorded a total of 15 cases of the human
form of the disease, variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, since it first
appeared in 1996..."

[Edited from:
http://www.todayonline.com/articles/143313.asp


US BEEF MAKING TENTATIVE RETURN TO NORTH ASIAN MARKET:  (09/24/06):
"American beef is back in the Japanese market and slated to return to
South Korea soon. But for America's beef exporters, who lost two of
their three largest markets in 2003 after a few cases of mad cow
disease were discovered in the United States, it is going to be an
uphill struggle to rebuild their north Asian business.  Ambassador
Thomas Schieffer has been heavily promoting U.S. beef to help American
exporters rebuild their nearly $1.5-billion annual business in Japan.
  Amb. Thomas Schieffer being served American roast beef Amb. Thomas
Schieffer being served American roast beef The ambassador, leaving
another beef promotional lunch in downtown Tokyo, joked that his
cholesterol count must have soared in recent days after eating
American beef for nearly every meal. But he says what is important is
Japan's appetite for U.S. meat..."

[Very edited from:
  http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-09-24-voa15.cfm


EXPERT SAYS U.S. NEEDS TO BEEF UP PROTECTION OF FOOD SUPPLY:
(09/25/06):  "The United States needs to continue taking steps to
protect its food supply from terrorism just as it would its buildings,
airports and other elements of its infrastructure, FBI deputy director
John S. Pistole said Monday.  "The threat from agroterrorism may not
be widely recognized, but the threat is real and the impact could be
devastating," Pistole said. "The recent E. coli outbreak in California
spinach has captured the public attention even without a terror nexus.
  Pistole, keynote speaker at the second International Symposium on
Agroterrorism, pointed to a nonterrorism example, a single case of mad
cow disease in the United States in 2003, to illustrate the potential
impact.  The U.S. food and agriculture industry employs about one in
eight Americans and is important not only to Americans, but because of
its massive exports, to much of the world, as well, Pistole said.
"The bottom line is that agriculture, just like buildings, bridges and
tunnels, is a critical infrastructure in need of defense," he said."

[Edited from:
http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/state/15606917.htm


U.S. BEEF GROUP SPENDS ON ADS, BARBECUES TO WOO JAPAN CONSUMERS:
(09/27/06):  "The U.S. Meat Export Federation is running full page ads
in Japanese newspapers that cost as much as 79 million yen ($681,000)
each to convince consumers American beef is safe to eat. The biggest
supermarket chains don't buy it. Repairing the image of U.S. beef
after it was banned in Japan because of mad cow disease has fallen to
Philip Seng, the chief executive officer of the U.S. Meat Export
group, which has Tyson Foods Inc. and Cargill Inc. among its members.
He said in an interview the U.S. industry may have lost $5 billion
since Japan first imposed the ban in December 2003.  The ad spending,
along with barbecue events and a new website are part of Seng's
strategy to convince Aeon Co. and Seven & I Holdings Co., Japan's two
biggest supermarket chains, to put U.S. beef back on the shelves after
the government lifted the ban in July. He says demand is growing and
supply shortages are a problem."

[Very edited from:
  http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601101&sid=alIWeAUINXMA&refer=japan

[See also: "Beef is luxurious. Beef is healthy. And, yes, beef is sexy. :"
http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB115878077581269173-29kHi_L3Unxk7J2r16krHO\
uyKSE_20070920.html?mod=tff_main_tff_top


JAPANESE CONFIRM 29TH CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE:  (09/28/06):  "Japanese
authorities... have confirmed the country's 29th case of mad cow
disease.  The Agriculture Ministry said tests had confirmed that a
75-month-old Holstein cow from a farm on the northern island of
Hokkaido had been infected with mad cow disease, also known as bovine
spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).  'The cow will be incinerated so that
it will not be used as fodder or food for human beings,' the ministry
said in a written statement.  The authorities run mad cow tests on all
animals to be slaughtered for consumption."

[Edited from:
  http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/afx/2006/09/28/afx3050937.html


MAD COW BURGERS `KILLED MY SON':  (09/29/06):  "The mother of a man
who died from the human form of mad cow disease said she believes
burgers caused her son's illness.  Margaret Marshall was speaking
after an inquest into the death of her 30-year-old son Stephen which
concluded he contracted variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD)
through eating contaminated beef.  Mrs Marshall, from Richmond, North
Yorkshire, said the father of one had probably become infected 10
years before, when he used to eat burgers regularly.  She said: "I
think it was from when he was about 18 or 19, when he was travelling
about a lot. He used to live on burgers."  She added: "It's a
devastating illness, I would not wish it on anybody."  Mr Marshall was
diagnosed with vCJD last December. He died in March... Earlier this
year, British scientists said the number of people infected could be
far higher than originally thought because of a longer incubation
period.  They believe the time between infection with BSE and
developing vCJD could be more than 50 years."

[Edited from:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006450354,00.html


SCHWARZENEGGER SIGNS BILL THAT ENDS SECRECY ABOUT MEAT RECALLS:
(10/02/06):   "California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a
bill, SB 611 (Speier), that allows California public health officers
to notify the public of the names of retailers that receive
USDA-recalled meat and poultry, so that consumers can better protect
themselves from food-borne illnesses.  In 2002, California's
Department of Health Services (DHS) signed a secrecy agreement with
USDA, agreeing not to release the names of the stores and restaurants
where tainted, USDA-recalled beef and poultry have been shipped and
sold. Federal and California state agencies maintain that secrecy is
necessary in order to protect the proprietary interests of the beef
and poultry industries. But eighty percent of Californians believe
that the public should be told the names of retail stores and
restaurants that receive and sell potentially contaminated,
USDA-recalled beef and poultry, according to a 2006 Field Research
Corporation survey."

[Very edited from:
http://www.commondreams.org/news2006/1002-05.htm


ELK EQUIVALENT OF "MAD COW DISEASE" A CONCERN IN IDAHO:  (10/02/06):
"Fish and Game officials are looking for four domestic elk believed to
be ear-tagged and roaming near the town of Chubbuck, Idaho.  It's not
known where the elk came from, but it's raising more questions about
the security of farm-raised elk and what could happen should they come
into contact with wild elk.  This latest case comes on the heels of
another high-profile escape last month.  When more than 100 domestic
elk took off from a hunting reserve in Eastern Idaho, Gov. Jim Risch
ordered that they be shot on sight. The fear was that they might
pollute the wild elk gene pool and possibly spread disease, most
notably the deer and elk equivalent of mad cow disease.  There is
still a lot unknown about Chronic Wasting Disease, the brain disorder
that kills deer and elk. Researchers still don't know what causes it
or exactly how the disease is transmitted among animals. It hasn't
shown up in Idaho yet, but because of the severity of the disease,
state wildlife officials aren't taking any chances.   Since about
2002,  [the USDA] has required that all domestic elk be tested for
Chronic Wasting Disease when they die... To date, there is no proof
that any humans have been infected by CWD. However, scientists still
do not understand the potential risk it poses to public health."

[Edited from:
http://www.fox12news.com/Global/story.asp?S=5457307&nav=menu439_2


MEXICO EASES MAD-COW BAN TO ALLOW U.S. DAIRY HEIFERS:  (10/04/06):
"Mexico is resuming imports of U.S. dairy heifers, lifting a ban
imposed in December 2003 when the U.S. found its first case of mad-cow
disease, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said...  Under the
agreement, exported animals must be under 24 months of age, the
Agriculture Department said in a statement. The heifers will be
individually identified as they leave the U.S. as part of Mexico's
mad-cow surveillance program... "My goal is to restore the
once-vibrant live cattle commerce between the U.S. and Mexico and to
do so in accordance with science-based international guidelines,''
Johanns said in the statement. He called the agreement on dairy
heifers a "first step'' in that process.

[Edited from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=a34w_2na7Yp8&refer=latin_ame\
rica


MAD DEER DISEASE MAY SPREAD WITH SALIVA/BLOOD:  (10/05/06):   "Deer
probably spread a brain-destroying illness called chronic wasting
disease through their saliva, concludes a study that finally pins down
a long-suspected culprit.  Chronic wasting disease is in the same
family of fatal brain illnesses as mad cow disease and its human
equivalent. There is no evidence that people have ever caught chronic
wasting disease from infected deer or elk.  But CWD is unusual
because, unlike its very hard-to-spread relatives, it seems to spread
fairly easily from animal to animal.  Scientists were not sure how,
primarily because studying large wild animals is a logistical
nightmare. The sheer stress of researchers handling a deer caught in
the wild could kill it.

Is it spread through shared salt licks? Or by drooling onto grass or
into streams? Studying environmental contamination by infectious
proteins, called prions, that cause CWD is among Hoover's next steps.
  "It's very likely they could be shedding a lot of saliva" shortly
before death, noted Richard Race, a veterinarian who studies CWD at
the National Institutes of Health's Rocky Mountain Laboratories.
"Saliva's a good bet."

[Very edited from:
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/mld/sanluisobispo/living/health/15687057.htm

[See also: "Scientists Find Blood, Saliva Can Be Common Channels For
Infection Between Animals:"
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_4449588


IOWA COMPANY INSISTS MEAT RECALLED FOR POSSIBLE E. COLI IS SAFE:
(10/07/06): "The owner of an Iowa meat company says the federal
government has needlessly requested that he recall 5,200 pounds of
meat that he claims is safe and has likely already been consumed by
thousands of people across seven states.  Jim Goeser, owner of Jim's
Market and Locker Inc., said tests have negated the government's claim
that his meat may have the same E. coli strain responsible for three
deaths in the recent outbreak of contaminated spinach.  Goeser said he
voluntarily issued the recall Friday after federal inspectors
questioned the testing methods used by a slaughterhouse in Omaha, Neb.
No illnesses have been reported and none likely will, he said.  E.
coli lives in the intestines of cattle and other animals and typically
is linked to contamination by fecal material.  It's believed
responsible for about 60 deaths and 73,000 infections a year in the
United States."

[Edited from:
http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/15704817.htm


TAIWAN HALTS CANADIAN BEEF FROM U.S.:  (10/09/06):  "Taiwan is no
longer accepting imports of Canadian beef products from the United
States, according to a news release from R-CALF USA.  The Billings,
Mont., advocacy group said the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food
Safety and Inspection Service on Tuesday issued updated export
requirements for Taiwan regarding fresh and frozen boneless beef
derived from Canadian cattle under 30 months of age.  Effective
Monday, Oct. 9, beef products derived from cattle imported from Canada
for immediate slaughter are not eligible for export to Taiwan,
according to the news release from the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal
Fund, United Stockgrowers of America."

[Edited from:
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2006/10/09/news/agnews/news01.txt


DENMARK REPORTS FIRST CASE OF LETHAL SCRAPIE ANIMAL DISEASE:
(10/12/06):  "Denmark reported its first case of scrapie, a lethal
disease affecting sheep and goats which is related to mad cow disease.
  A crippled animal in Kjellerup in Viborg County was confirmed to have
died of an atypical form of scrapie last month, Preben Willeberg,
Denmark's chief veterinary officer, said in a report to the World
Organization for Animal Health. The report didn't say whether a sheep
or goat was infected.  The animal was more than 10 years old and the
source of its infection is unknown, according to the report, which was
received by the Paris-based organization this week. Another 17 animals
were susceptible to infection and the affected property has been
quarantined, it said.  Scrapie is a degenerative disease that affects
the central nervous system. Scientists believe that the feeding of
rendered scrapie-infected livestock in the form of meatmeal to cattle
in the U.K. in the late 1970s and 1980s caused the emergence of bovine
spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE.  The disease, also known as mad cow
disease, has been linked with the fatal brain-wasting disease, variant
Creutzfeldt-Jakob, in humans."

[Edited from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=aTUUKdZc568k&refer=europe


US SENATOR SEEKS OKING BLANKET BSE TESTS FOR EXPORTS TO JAPAN:
(10/12/06):  "U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Ky., has sent a letter to U.S.
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns urging him to allow beef producers
to conduct blanket testing for mad-cow disease for their exports to
Japan and other countries, according to a copy of the letter made
available Thursday, Kyodo News reported.  "This is vital to regaining
U.S. market share in Japan, South Korea and other markets critical to
U.S. beef suppliers," Bunning said in the letter dated last Friday.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture restricts testing to its own
program, banning voluntary testing despite repeated requests for
permission from some American meat processors so they can test all
cattle for beef exports, especially to Japan to satisfy consumers
there.  Japan conducts blanket testing on all slaughtered cattle.  But
the U.S. tests only a small proportion of the total cattle herd
because the USDA program is designed to statistically check the
prevalence of the disease."

[Edited from:
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/content.asp?contentid=75572


RESEARCHERS DETECT CWD IN HEART MUSCLE OF ELK AND WHITE-TAILED DEER:
(10/13/06):  "Chronic wasting disease for the first time has been
found in the heart muscle of white-tailed deer and elk, according to
researchers in the University of Wyoming's College of Agriculture.
The finding is important to wildlife managers, hunters and scientists
because the cardiac muscle -- which comprises meat -- of big-game
animals susceptible to CWD is consumed by humans.  Hunters, however,
should not be alarmed, said Jean Jewell, a research scientist in the
UW Department of Veterinary Sciences.  "There is a tendency for people
to become alarmed when they hear something that makes them think their
health might be at risk, but at this stage there is no evidence to
suggest humans are susceptible to CWD," Jewell said.  That does not
mean hunters shouldn't take precautions, according to the Wyoming Game
and Fish Department (G&F). They are advised not to kill or eat animals
that appear sick, and it is recommended they wear long, disposable
rubber or latex gloves when field dressing animals."

[Very very edited from:
http://www.uwyo.edu/news/showrelease.asp?id=10840


JAPANESE RULES PROMPT CATTLE ID TAG USE:  (10/15/06):  "Japanese
consumers aren't just asking, "Where's the beef?" They want to know:
"Where's the beef from?" That question is proving to be a good
opportunity for cattle businesses to test a new national system for
tracking animals that federal officials hope to have operative on a
voluntary basis by 2009.  The Japanese government is making sure that
any U.S. beef it imports can be traced to its origins and comes from
cows not more than 20 months old.  The strict protocol stems from the
December 2003 find of a Washington state cow that tested positive for
bovine spongiform encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease. As a
result, 52 countries, including Japan, banned U.S. beef. That cow
eventually was traced to Canada.  In the United States, the tags are
part of the first phase of a National Animal Identification System the
U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Florida Department of Agriculture
and the livestock industry are developing.  The program, which will
allow tracking of animals through the system from farm to feedlot and
slaughterhouse, is slated to be implemented on a widespread voluntary
basis by 2009."

[Edited from:
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/10/15/news/business/55-tag.txt


QUEBEC FARMER SEEKING PERMISSION FOR CLASS ACTION OVER MAD COW CRISIS:
  (10/16/06):
"Ottawa and a multinational feed company knew how to prevent the
spread of mad cow disease a decade before BSE showed up in Canadian
cattle but they did nothing, says a Quebec farmer who is trying to
initiate a class action lawsuit against both.  Their negligence and
inaction led to the crisis that saw international borders closed to
Canadian beef, costing Quebec farmers between $6 billion and $7
billion and Canadian farmers overall up to $20 billion, alleges the
lawsuit filed by Donald Berneche.  "The respondents are responsible
for the present mad cow crisis due to their inaction and negligence,"
says the suit.  "Since the end of the 80s, the beginning of the 1990s,
worldwide its been known how BSE is spread, which is basically through
ruminant meat and bone meal," Berneche's lawyer, Gilles Gareau, told
reporters outside the courtroom.  "Stop feeding (it) to cows. It's as
simple as that."  Great Britain banned ruminant meat and bone meal, or
animal parts, in its cattle feed in 1988.  "Here in Canada we waited
until 1997 to do that," Gareau said."

[Edited from:
http://www.news1130.com/news/national/article.jsp?content=n101617A


MAD COW DISEASE FOUND IN RUSSIA NEAR THE EU BORDER:  (10/18/06):  "A
case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or mad cow disease has
been discovered in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad between Poland
and Lithuania, the Federal Control Service for Consumer Rights said.
"A case of mad cow disease was detected in the town of Razdolnoye in
the Nesterovski region," near the Lithuanian border, it said in a
press release.  "The two people who had contact with the animal have
received vaccinations," it added, saying that authorities are "taking
measures designed to eliminate the source of the disease."  In July
2005, Moscow announced it had found around 10 cases of mad cow disease
in four farms in Mordovia, in the eastern European area of Russia."

[Edited from:
http://www.todayonline.com/articles/149235.asp


EU WILL COMMENT ON HUMAN RISK FROM PRION DISEASE:  (10/18/06):
"Europe's top food safety agency will give its views next month on
whether a fatal brain-wasting disease, similar to mad cow disease,
might threaten human health if transmitted form sheep and goats, its
executive director said on Wednesday.  Earlier this year, two sheep in
France and one in Cyprus, were suspected of being infected with bovine
spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) infection, also known as mad cow
disease. A final series of tests is continuing and should be completed
next year.  Scrapie belongs to a family of diseases known as TSEs
(transmissible spongiform encephalopathy) and characterised by a
degeneration of brain tissue giving a sponge-like appearance.  While
no case of BSE has ever been confirmed as naturally occurring in
sheep, there are fears that some sheep diagnosed as having scrapie --
not known to be harmful to humans -- might be carrying the other
brain-wasting disease."

[Edited from:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2584619


TO SLEEP, PERCHANCE TO SURVIVE:  (10/23/06):  "In his new book The
Family That Couldn't Sleep: A Medical Mystery, science writer D.T. Max
explores the strange world of prions and their connections to
cannibalism, fatal insomnia and hamburgers.  Max talked about his
findings with Wired News. [excerpts:

WN: What do you make of food safety in the United States when it comes
to prion diseases?

Max: The USDA does as poor a job as you could imagine. I've never seen
an organization that seems more determined to not find what it's in
charge of exploring..."

WN: Are you a vegetarian?

Max: I don't eat cheap hamburger. When I learned it was comprised of
hundreds of thousands of body parts and when I learned how it was
blown off the bones of the cow and steer, I just decided I didn't
quite have the stomach for it anymore."

[Very edited from:
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/medtech/1,71971-0.html


OHIO EXPANDS TESTS OF DEER FOR DISEASE:  (10/24/06):  "Ohio is
changing its method of testing white-tailed deer for a deadly
neurological disease.  The state will test 1,500 Ohio deer this fall
for chronic wasting disease and for the first time will include deer
killed on roads, said Dave Risley of the Ohio Department of Natural
Resources' Division of Wildlife.  That's a boost from 2005 when Ohio
tested about 700 deer from both hunters' check-in stations and
deer-processing facilities.  That testing effort will cover the entire
state although it will be more intense in eastern Ohio where deer
concentrations are higher and the chronic wasting disease threat are
greater, Risley said."

[Edited from:
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/15834549.htm


SCIENTISTS WARN OF 'MAD HONEY DISEASE':  (09/10/06):  "Mad honey
disease is among the rarest afflictions in the world, but it appears
to be on the increase.  Only 58 cases have been reported worldwide,
but eight people were treated in 2005 alone.  The trend towards eating
more natural products may be driving a rise in cases of the disease,
whose symptoms can include convulsions, low blood pressure, fainting
and temporary heart problems, according to a new report.  "Mad honey
disease has the potential to cause death if untreated," say the
researchers. "Because of the increasing preference for natural
products, intoxication induced by consumption of honey will increase
in the future."

Just a spoonful of the wrong honey can cause problems, according to
researchers, who report their findings this week in the American
Journal of Emergency Medicine.  Mad honey poisoning is most prevalent
in honey from the Black Sea region of Turkey. Compounds called
grayanotoxins, found in the nectar of rhododendrons, mountain laurels
and azaleas, are thought to be responsible for the disease. Though
harmless to bees, they are psychoactive and poisonous to humans.
Affected honey is said to have a very bitter taste.

[Very edited from:
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/health_medical/article1433411.ece


************************************************
*06:  Spinach/E.coli/Pigs - Sick Industrial Food, Farm System
************************************************
SPINACH E. COLI OUTBREAK DECLARED OVER WITH 3 DEAD:  (10/26/06):  "A
deadly outbreak of spinach-borne E. coli that killed three people has
ended after sickening 204 people in 26 U.S. states and Canada, federal
and California investigators said today.  The investigation continues
to examine four farms in Monterey and San Benito counties in
California, Kevin Reilly, deputy director of prevention services with
the California Department of Health Services, said in a conference
call with reporters. The fields under investigation grow conventional,
rather than organic, spinach, and all of the illnesses came from one
day's production, he said.  Investigators using DNA tests have now
matched nine E. coli samples taken from one ranch to the outbreak. The
ranch previously had positive tests for the bacteria in cow droppings,
Riley said. The new samples came from a creek, the guts of a wild pig
killed on the property and additional cow droppings.  Investigators
found other strains of the virulent bacterium known as E. coli 0157:H7
on two of the three other ranches. All of the bacteria came from the
droppings of grass-fed cattle, rather than feedlots, Riley said."

[Edited from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aSdKueKkdaSE&refer=us


PIGS SOURCE OF SPINACH E COLI OUTBREAK:  (10/28/06): "Investigators
say a wild pigs were very likely the source of a spinach E. Coli
outbreak that caused the death of three people and made over 200
people ill in the USA and Canada. The investigators have found six new
samples of the E. Coli strain that match those of the tainted spinach
on a ranch in California. The ranch is located in Monterey and San
Benito counties.  Two samples came from a wild pig (wild boar) that
was killed on the ranch, while the other four came from cattle in the
same ranch, according to the California Department of Health Services.
Investigators say the pigs probably spread the bacteria into the
spinach fiends through their droppings (excrement). However, so far,
no one really knows how the bacteria made it way to the spinach farm.

Dr. Kevin Reilly, from the California Department of Health Services,
said "Clearly, we have positive results on one property that are
helping to refine our investigation. We have not closed any
possibilities on three other ranches, but the information is
accumulating that our environmental findings are consistent on this
one property."  Reilly added "Animals, wildlife and water were in
close proximity to the field. We have evidence for fences torn down,
wildlife going into the actual spinach fields themselves. That's where
the investigation is centered right now. There's clear evidence that
the pig population has access and goes onto the fields. Is that the
ultimate means of contamination or is that one potential means,
including water and wildlife? We're still investigating that."

[Edited from:
  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/healthnews.php?newsid=55300


MASS-PROCESSED FOODS MORE EASILY CONTAMINATED:  (09/23/06):  "In the
spring and summer of 1982, McDonald's held a special promotion -- two
burgers for the price of one -- that led to the first reported
outbreak of a food-borne bacterial infection that now sweeps the
nation with some regularity.  That year, at least 47 people in Oregon
and Michigan, most of whom took advantage of the promotion, fell ill
with severe abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea. Doctors and public
health investigators were spooked -- they'd never seen anything like
it.  A year later, after months of investigation by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, investigators were able to identify
the infection. It was a common bacterium, one that microbiologists had
long known to live in human intestinal tracts with mostly harmless,
and sometimes even helpful, results.

The bacterium was E. coli, but this was a rare strain that had
mutated. It had attached itself to a virus, and that virus made people
very sick. Today, that same strain, called 0157:H7, sickens hundreds
if not thousands of Americans every year, and is the source of the
latest epidemic linked to bagged fresh spinach that has sickened 166
people so far, one of whom died.  "At the time of that (1982)
outbreak, there was no knowledge that E. coli could cause a disease
like this, so nobody believed it," said Lee Riley, a professor of
infectious disease and epidemiology at UC Berkeley who was one of the
lead investigators for the CDC in the McDonald's case and an author of
the first paper published on E. coli in the New England Journal of
Medicine.  "The outbreak occurred because the restaurants were having
these promotions and going through a lot of hamburgers," Riley said.
"It's the mass consumption of meat and the way it's processed and
delivered and distributed that made it possible for this E. coli to
spread."

[Very edited from:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/09/23/ECOLI.TMP


TAINTED SPINACH ANOTHER SIGN OF SICK FOOD, FARM SYSTEM:  (09/25/06):
"The deadly E. coli outbreak in bagged spinach should make us rethink
our farming practices and reinvigorate our regulatory system.
Food-borne outbreaks are due, in part, to corporate agribusiness
practices, according to infectious disease specialists like Professor
Lee Riley at the University of California-Berkeley... For instance,
livestock that are force-fed grain in confinement have up to 300 times
more pathogenic bacteria in their guts as compared to grass-fed
cattle, according to researchers from Cornell University. Other
studies have found similar results. California, which boasts of its
new status as the No. 1 dairy state, is awash in factory-farm manure.
This manure enters the food chain when it runs off into channels
designed to irrigate vegetables or when it blows onto nearby produce
fields. Unfortunately, proper manure disposal rarely occurs in
large-scale livestock confinement operations. The upshot is a
nightmarish landscape of leaking lagoons, tainted wells, fish kills,
debilitated farmworkers and poisoned food. Food safety began to
deteriorate in the United States under President Clinton.

Public oversight shifted to ineffectual, feel-good self-policing
programs. Under President Bush, this deregulation of our food and farm
system has only accelerated. Recent budget and staff cuts at the
federal level have left the majority of food-safety inspection and
enforcement in the hands of city, county and state agencies.
Ironically, the Bush administration is now trying to railroad through
Congress the National Uniformity for Food Act, which would take away
this local control over food safety and labeling... Our agricultural
system deserves a thorough democratic cleansing with consumer
right-to-know labeling, tough antitrust action, corporate liability
measures and serious incentives for viable alternatives. We must
safeguard our food supply not just from terrorists, but from dangerous
farming practices."

[Very edited from:
http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_4394305


THE VEGETABLE-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX:  (10/15/06):  "... But these days,
the way we farm and the way we process our food, both of which have
been industrialized and centralized over the last few decades, are
endangering our health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
estimate that our food supply now sickens 76 million Americans every
year, putting more than 300,000 of them in the hospital, and killing
5,000. The lethal strain of E. coli known as 0157:H7, responsible for
this latest outbreak of food poisoning, was unknown before 1982; it is
believed to have evolved in the gut of feedlot cattle. These are
animals that stand around in their manure all day long, eating a diet
of grain that happens to turn a cow's rumen into an ideal habitat for
E. coli 0157:H7. (The bug can't survive long in cattle living on
grass.) Industrial animal agriculture produces more than a billion
tons of manure every year, manure that, besides being full of nasty
microbes like E. coli 0157:H7 (not to mention high concentrations of
the pharmaceuticals animals must receive so they can tolerate the
feedlot lifestyle), often ends up in places it shouldn't be, rather
than in pastures, where it would not only be harmless but also
actually do some good. To think of animal manure as pollution rather
than fertility is a relatively new (and industrial) idea..."

[Very very edited from from the excellent essay/article by Michael
Pollan at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/15/magazine/15wwln_lede.html?em&ex=1161316800&en=\
59c7751ffa65d98a&ei=5087%0A


************************************************
*07:  NYC<Fatty, Salad Day, Fruit/Veggies<HD, US-Backed Killer Diet
************************************************
  A LESS FATTY NEW YORK CITY?:  (09/26/06):  "New York City has taken a
bold step in the fight against obesity and heart disease. Today the
New York City Department of Health announced a proposal to ban all
trans fats from New York restaurants. A public hearing is scheduled
for Oct. 30.  It also announced that all restaurants that list
nutritional information must include calories.  Trans fats are found
in many types of cooking oils used in the preparation of doughnuts,
french fries and pastries. The Food and Drug Administration has
required that food labels list trans fats since Jan. 1, 2006. Trans
fats include margarine, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil,
partially hydrogenated vegetable shortening and shortening.  New York
had already instituted a voluntary ban on trans fats, but 30 to 60
percent of restaurants in the city refused to make the switch.  New
York is the first city to make the ban citywide, but Chicago is also
considering the measure. The only other large ban is in North
Carolina, where trans fats have been banned from all school foods.
Trans fats have been linked to elevated cholesterol and to an
increased risk of heart disease.

"This is an extremely important step for public health," said Michael
Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public
Interest. "If implemented nationwide, a ban on partially hydrogenated
fats -- trans fats -- could save an estimated 50,000 lives a year."

[Edited from:
  http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=2494843&page=1


EAT A SALAD A DAY:  (09/01/06):  "A new UCLA/Louisiana State
University study of dietary data on more than 17,500 men and women
finds consumption of salad and raw vegetables correlates with higher
concentrations of folic acid, vitamins C and E, lycopene and alpha and
beta carotene in the bloodstream.  Published in the September edition
of the peer-reviewed Journal of the American Dietetic Association, the
study also suggests that each serving of salad consumed correlates
with a 165 percent higher likelihood of meeting recommended dietary
allowances (RDA) for vitamin C in women and 119 percent greater
likelihood in men.

The study is the first to examine the relationship between normal
salad consumption and nutrient levels in the bloodstream, and also the
first to examine the dietary adequacy of salad consumption using the
latest nutritional guidelines of the Food and Nutrition Board of the
National Academy of Sciences.  "The findings endorse consumption of
salad and raw vegetables as an effective strategy for increasing
intake of important nutrients. Unfortunately, we also found daily
salad consumption is not the norm in any group, and is even less
prevalent among African Americans," [Lenore Arab, visiting professor
of epidemiology at the UCLA School of Public Health] said.  "In fact,
our findings suggest that eating just one serving of salad or raw
vegetables per day significantly boosts the likelihood of meeting the
recommended daily intake of certain nutrients."

[Very edited from:
 
http://www.foodconsumer.org/777/8/UCLA_LSU_study_details_nutritional_value_of_sa\
lad.shtml


FRUIT AND VEGETABLES CUT HEART ATTACK RISK, SAYS STUDY:  (09/27/06):
"Every extra of fruit or vegetable consumed daily could cut the risk
of heart disease by four percent, says a meta-analysis of almost a
quarter of a million people, giving people even more reason to seek
out the nutrient-rich foods. The meta-analysis by scientists from
France's INSERM in Paris, Lille's Pasteur Institute, and Rouen's
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, pooled nine cohort
studies giving an overall study population of 91,379 men, 129,701
women, and 5,007 coronary heart disease events.

The analysis, published in the current issue of the Journal of
Nutrition (Vol. 136, pp. 2588-2593), found that the risk of coronary
heart disease (CHD), conditions that cause of 20 per cent of deaths in
the US and 17 per cent of deaths in Europe, was cut by four per cent
for each additional fruit and vegetable portion consumed, and by seven
per cent for fruit portion intake.

[Very edited from:
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=70841&m=1NIU928&c=yhpgkjfymtnz\
esv


U. S. GOVERNMENT BACKED KILLER DIET:  (09/18/06):   "The food
industry, the drug industry, leading academics bought up by those two
industries, and government are working together to perpetuate a diet
that is the great killer of our time, leading to the accelerating
epidemic of heart disease, stroke diabetes, and other chronic
diseases.  This means government, under the influence of powerful
lobbies, is saying to the American people that a diet sure to kill and
sicken by the millions is good for you. Dr. Colin T. Campbell, one of
the world's leading authorities on nutrition science, says that the
killer diet is rich in "animal products, dairy and meat, refined
sugar, and fat... Why are we headed to a needless, incredibly
destructive epidemic of chronic diseases? The saddest part of the
story is that this disastrous scenario could easily be avoided by a
change of the national diet from animal to plant food.  Dr. Campbell
is not only one of the most eminent nutrition scientists in the world,
but also conducted the most comprehensive study of the diet/health
connection in history. He reports his study and lifetime of research
in his book, The China Study: Startling Implications for Diet, Weight
loss and Long-Term Health (2006)..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.theeveningbulletin.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17211740&BRD=2737&PAG=461\
&dept_id=576361&rfi=6

[See also: "Expert: Ag Policies Make Some Fatter: The agricultural
policies of the world's top producing nations are contributing to the
increasing problem of obesity in developing nations:."
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4164159.html


************************************************
*08: Accent on the Moo, Bow-omm, Sign-o-Matic, Safety Singing
************************************************
MOO-AR!:  (09/23/06):  "Phonetics experts have backed up dairy
farmers' claims that cows moo with regional accents.  Dairy farmers in
Somerset noticed a local twang to the sounds made by their animals,
reports the Guardian.  John Wells, Professor of Phonetics at the
University of London, said: "This phenomena is well attested in birds.
You find distinct chirping accents in the same species around the
country.  "This could also be true of cows. In small populations such
as herds you would encounter identifiable dialectical variations which
are most affected by the immediate peer group."  The phenomenon was
noticed by members of the West Country Farmhouse Cheesemakers group,
who put it down to the close bond between farmer and cow.  The group
has also noted similar accent shifts in Midlands, Essex, Norfolk and
Lancashire moos.  Farmer Lloyd Green of Glastonbury said: "I spend a
lot of time with my ones and they definitely moo with a Somerset drawl."

[Edited from:
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1965356.html?menu=news.quirkies.animaltales


BOW-OMMM: (09/13/06):  "Dog takes up yoga:  A three year old German
Shepherd dog has reportedly taken up yoga in India.  Hritik practices
traditional exercises under the watchful eyes of his trainer in
Ranchi, reports the Mumbai Mirror.  Nanda Dulal said: "He was weak
when he was born. We took special care of him and he gradually became
strong after his yoga lessons.  "He started imitating me two years
ago, and now sits beside me when I perform yoga. He follows my
asanas(yoga techniques) including my breathing.  "When I found that he
wanted to do yoga I started training him. Now both of us do yoga
together every morning."  It is reported that the animal helps in
household chores, is a vegetarian and loves to eat ripe papayas and
cucumber.  When asked if he would teach yoga to other dogs, Dulal
said: "Right now, I have no such plans.

[Edited from:
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1993659.html?menu=news.quirkies.animaltales


RONALD MCHUMMER SIGN-O-MATIC�:  (09/2006):  "This month McDonald's is
giving away toy Hummers � 42 million of them, in eight models and
colors � with every Happy Meal or Mighty Kids Meal. That's right: The
fast-food chain that helped make our kids the fattest on Earth is now
selling future car buyers on the fun of driving a supersized,
smog-spewing, gas-guzzling SUV originally built for the military. Use
the Ronald McHummer Sign-O-Matic� to tell us what you think of this
misguided marriage of two icons of American excess."

[from:
http://www.ronaldmchummer.com/


SINGING FOR SAFETY:  (10/08/06):  "Expert parodies tunes to warn of
food dangers:  Carl Winter, a food toxicologist at the University of
California at Davis, has spent his career studying and teaching the
ways food can make people sick.  Over the past 10 years, the amateur
musician has been writing humorous lyrics to popular songs to convey
critical messages, such as keeping cold foods cold and cooking meat to
high temperatures.  The Beatles, the Drifters and the Village People
are among artists subjected to Winter's musical revisions. His
parodies are peppered with clever lyrics about bacteria,
gastroenteritis, hepatitis and mad cow disease."

[Edited from:
http://www.modbee.com/business/story/12853040p-13536238c.html

[Listen and watch some of Carl's efforts at the "Food Safety Music
Homepage":
http://foodsafe.ucdavis.edu/


************************************************
*09: World Vegan Day, Crocker Goes Veg, Esselstyn, Meaty Args
************************************************
WORLD VEGAN DAY IS FAST APPROACHING:  (10/26/06): "November 1st is
World Vegan Day, a global celebration of a healthy and compassionate
lifestyle free from all animal products. More and more people are
embracing this way of life, as much because of concerns over the
health problems and environmental destruction associated with eating
meat, as animal welfare.  [Among the] reasons to go vegan will give
you food for thought:

- You'll save animals' lives: 30 million day-old male chicks are
gassed or mined alive every year because they cannot produce eggs.
Male calves born to dairy herds are 'surplus' to the industry. Many
are shot, others are sent on punishing journeys to continental veal
farms. - Cows' milk contains a cocktail of hormones, chemicals,
antibiotics, fat and droplets of blood and pus from weeping, infected
udders. - Vegans have been shown to live longer and have a lower risk
of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and some cancers than meat-eaters.

[See also:
http://www.worldveganday.org/

[Edited from:
http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/content/camden/hamhigh/postbag/story.aspx?brand=NorthLo\
ndon24&category=Postbaghamhigh&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=postbaghamhigh&ite\
mid=WeED26%20Oct%202006%2016%3A16%3A02%3A857


BETTY CROCKER GETS ON VEGETARIAN BANDWAGON:  (09/17/06): "With the
familiar signature on the cover of a new cookbook, "Betty Crocker Easy
Everyday Vegetarian" (Wiley, 2006, $24.95), the generic Betty Crocker
now offers about 200 recipes for family-style meatless dishes.  As
always, the style is "from her family to yours." The recipes cater to
hunger pangs of varying urgency ranging from snacks, bites and
nibbles, through wraps and pizza, to pot pies, soups, stews and
chilies.  The adjectives "oriental" and "Mediterranean," the worldly
use of "Moroccan" and "Indian" in recipe titles proves awareness of
today's far-flung acceptance of once-exotic tastes. But the recipes
keep practicality in mind, and make use of canned or packaged
ingredients where that suits the day's menu. Each recipe includes
preparation and cooking times, and the book is sprinkled with color
photos."

[Edited from:
 
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060917/LIFE10/609170319/1006/LIF\
E


INTERVIEW WITH DR. ESSELSTYN:  (10/2006):  "Vegetarians in Paradise
proudly presents its 24 Carrot Award to Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr.,
M.D. , renowned physician and surgeon.  Since 1985 Dr. Esselstyn has
conducted the longest running study that proves heart disease can be
arrested or reversed by a low fat, plant-based diet. Results of his
study will be described in his book Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease
to be published in 2007." [excerpt:

VIP: You use the phrase "moderation kills." Could you explain what
that means?

CE: Moderation kills is a phrase I use to emphasize to patients the
importance of total nutritional adherence. I cannot stress this point
enough. The only reason we succeed where others may fail is attention
to detail. The data are now so powerful that even a single meal of
added fat will injure the delicate endothelial cells' capacity to
manufacture nitric oxide. This function is critical in the restoration
of cardiovascular health. You wake up every day and make a simple
decision: either I am going to enhance or injure my cardiovascular
system today.

VIP: If a person resolves to improve his/her health and lose weight at
the same time, what initial dietary measures would you recommend?

CE: To improve health and lose weight I'd encourage fully plant based
nutrition without any animal products or oils. Avoid processed white
flour. To aggressively lose weight, it is helpful to decrease or
eliminate the grains (cereals, bread, pasta) and white potatoes. This
allows total focus on nutrient rich green leafy vegetables, green
vegetables, all other colorful vegetables, legumes and 2-3 servings of
fruit daily. Avoid fruit juices but drink plenty of water and exercise
regularly."

[Very edited from the excellent interview at:
http://www.vegparadise.com/24carrot.html

[Dr. Esselstyn's website:
http://www.heartattackproof.com


MEATY ARGUMENTS:  (08/21/06):  "In The Bloodless Revolution, published
today by HarperCollins, Tristram Stuart considers the history of
vegetarianism in our society from its origins in the collision of
ethical ideas of abstinence, early medicine and Indian philosophy...
Amazingly, three of Europe's most important early seventeenth-century
philosophers - Descartes, Gassendi and Francis Bacon - all advocated
vegetarianism. At no time before or since has vegetarianism been
endorsed by such a formidable array of intellectuals, and by the 1700s
their pioneering work had blossomed into a powerful movement of
scientific vegetarianism.... The remarkable and long under-appreciated
lives of early vegetarians are inroads into uncharted areas of
history; they simultaneously shed light on why you think about nature
the way you do, why you are told to eat fresh vegetables and avoid too
much meat, and how Indian philosophy has crucially shaped those
thoughts over the past 400 years."

[Extremely edited from the academic prose at:
http://books.guardian.co.uk/extracts/story/0,,1855079,00.html


************************************************
*10: No Egg Logo, Foie Gras Fight,  Elephant Stress, Cats Go Vegan
************************************************
CATS GO VEGAN IN ASIA'S BIGGEST FELINE SHELTER:  (08/16/06):  "In
Asia's biggest shelter for rescued cats, the feline inmates are
turning vegetarian these days, thanks to animal lovers who import
alternative Italian food for the furry laptops.  These days the cats
in Karunakunj, a centre for rescued animals near here run by the
Compassionate Crusaders Trust (CCT), are getting addicted to an
Italian food which is completely vegetarian.  'To avoid serving
non-veg food to cats some of our animal-loving patrons thought that we
should try to find out an alternative vegetarian food which can
provide cats required nourishment and at the same time save innocent
lives of other animals,' said Debasis Chakraborti, founder of CCT, a
strategic partner of Maneka Gandhi's People for Animals (PFA).  This
dietary change, launched last week, was inspired by the principle of
non-violence advocated by the Jain religion."
[Edited from:
http://www.indiaenews.com/india/20060816/18656.htm


AN ELEPHANT CRACKUP?:  (10/08/06): "...in "Elephant Breakdown," a 2005
essay in the journal Nature, Bradshaw and several colleagues argued
that today's elephant populations are suffering from a form of chronic
stress, a kind of species-wide trauma. Decades of poaching and culling
and habitat loss, they claim, have so disrupted the intricate web of
familial and societal relations by which young elephants have
traditionally been raised in the wild, and by which established
elephant herds are governed, that what we are now witnessing is
nothing less than a precipitous collapse of elephant culture.  It has
long been apparent that every large, land-based animal on this planet
is ultimately fighting a losing battle with humankind. And yet
entirely befitting of an animal with such a highly developed
sensibility, a deep-rooted sense of family and, yes, such a good
long-term memory, the elephant is not going out quietly. It is not
leaving without making some kind of statement, one to which scientists
from a variety of disciplines, including human psychology, are now
beginning to pay close attention...

...Elephants, when left to their own devices, are profoundly social
creatures. A herd of them is, in essence, one incomprehensibly massive
elephant: a somewhat loosely bound and yet intricately interconnected,
tensile organism. Young elephants are raised within an extended,
multitiered network of doting female caregivers that includes the
birth mother, grandmothers, aunts and friends. These relations are
maintained over a life span as long as 70 years... When an elephant
dies, its family members engage in intense mourning and burial
rituals, conducting weeklong vigils over the body, carefully covering
it with earth and brush, revisiting the bones for years afterward,
caressing the bones with their trunks, often taking turns rubbing
their trunks along the teeth of a skull's lower jaw, the way living
elephants do in greeting."

[Edited from the long, fascinating & comprehensive article about the
social behavior of elephants as well as their growing aggression to
human encroachment:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/08/magazine/08elephant.html?ex=1162094400&en=8e82\
3134e605f346&ei=5070


THE FOIE GRAS FIGHT IS OFFICIALLY ON:  (08/21/06):  "For some chefs
here in Chicago, the foie gras fight is officially on.  Starting on
Tuesday, the gourmet delicacy is off the menu when a city-wide ban
goes into effect. Chicago will be the first city in the nation to go
foie gras-free.  But chefs who are stewing over what they call a
frivolous city law are planning to take action. A lawsuit is ready and
attorneys will file it first thing Tuesday morning.  CBS 2's Mai
Martinez reports some restaurant owners are cooking up a way to try to
keep the delicacy on their menus.  The ordinance passed the City
Council with overwhelming support (48-1) but not everyone is a fan.
Ald. Moore says the mayor's office will decide how this law is
ultimately enforced, and they will likely rely on citizen complaints.
  More than a dozen countries, mostly in Europe, have banned production
of the delicacy. "

[Edited from:
http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/local_story_233173733.html


EGG INDUSTRY TO DROP LOGO:  (09/21/06):  "The egg industry has agreed
to permanently drop "Animal Care Certified" logos on egg cartons,
after state officials and animal rights groups said consumers were
being misled.  The industry has already replaced the logos, which now
read, "United Egg Producers Certified." The industry also agreed to
pay $100,000 to states for attorney fees, consumer education and other
costs.  "A certification program must not be promoted in a way that
misleads consumers," said Robert J. Spagnoletti, attorney general for
the District of Columbia, which reached the agreement with 16 states
and United Egg Producers.  States contended the old logo falsely
implied a higher level of care for hens. Spagnoletti released the
agreement Thursday.  Last November, the egg group's decision to drop
the "Animal Care Certified" logo prompted the Federal Trade Commission
to stop reviewing a complaint from one animal rights group,
Maryland-based Compassion Over Killing. "

[Edited from:
http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/montereyherald/news/politics/15575403.htm


************************************************
*11: Upcoming Events of Note
************************************************
World Vegan Day - November 1st, 2006:
http://www.worldveganday.org/

Gentle Thanksgiving 2006:  "Gentle Thanksgiving is an effort to
encourage friends, family and neighbors to adopt compassionate
alternatives to unnecessarily cruel turkey dinners. We accomplish this
by demonstrating the great taste and superior nutrition of gourmet
vegetarian recipes and a variety of festive plant-based foods."

[More details at:
http://www.gentlethanksgiving.org


************************************************
*12: Howard's Schedule
************************************************
NOV 02: San Diego, CA > Fall Health Classic -contact: healthcl@...

NOV 04: Medford, OR > SOARS - contact: meowwoof@...

NOV 09-12: Hollywood, CA > Artivist Film Festival, contact:
diakydiaz@... - http://www.ARTIVISTS.org

NOV 18: Portland, OR > Vegan Holiday Festival - Lincoln High School at
16th and Solmon Portland - contact: robert@... -
541.231.6269

APRIL  2007:  (last three weeks): some openings on the East Coast -
contact: webmaster@...

[More information/embedded links at:
http://www.madcowboy.com/01_SchedCA.000.html


************************************************
*13: Quick Bytes
************************************************
AGRICULTURE:

["China launches satellite for super fruit and vegetables:"
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/09/09/060909134839.9pelioda.html

["Fewer spuds, more spinach crops:"
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/food/sfl-farmbillsep07,0,2948230.story?coll\
=sfla-features-food

[For local Food Directories: "National Sustainable Agriculture
Information Service::"
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/localfood_dir.php

["Seeds 200 years old breathe again:"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/5361396.stm

["U.S. Factory Farms � So Bad They're A Tourist Attraction:"
http://www.commondreams.org/news2006/0929-05.htm


BLOGS/PODCASTS:

["Journey of a New Vegan:"
http://newvegan.blogspot.com/

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA & Bloggy Award-winning:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm


DIET/HEALTH:

["We Are What We Eat:"
http://www.ecoliteracy.org/publications/rsl/michael-pollan.html

["Scientists Worry About Potential Risks of Nanotechnology in Food:"
http://www.livescience.com/technology/060907_nanotech_food.html

["Slow Food Nation - Essays:"
http://www.alternet.org/story/41131/

["Green Calculators: Web site promotes a healthy you and a healthy
planet:"
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/food/4161220.html

["Interactive State Map of health/obesity:"
http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2006/

["The top ten things food companies don't want you to know:"
http://www.NewsTarget.com/019957.html

["FDA Says Viruses Safe for Treating Meat:"
http://www.forbes.com/business/healthcare/feeds/ap/2006/08/18/ap2959720.html

["High-Fat, Copper-Rich Diet Boosts Risk of Cognitive Decline in Elder:"
http://www.abqtrib.com/albq/nw_science/article/0,2668,ALBQ_21236_4926799,00.html

["Obesity 'engulfing the entire world':"
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-09-03-obesity-conference_x.htm?csp=34

["In India, more wealth and more diabetes:"
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/09/13/asia/web.0912india.php


ENVIRONMENT:

["Another Inconvenient Truth: Meat is a Global Warming Issue:"
http://www.emagazine.com/view/?3312

["Bottled Water: A Global Environmental Problem:"
http://www.projectcensored.org/censored_2007/index.htm#20

["The Scoop On Dirt--Why We Should all Worship the Ground We Walk On:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_2103.cfm

["U.N.: Number of ocean 'dead zones' rise:"
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/oct2006/2006-10-19-03.asp

["Is it Time for A Tax on Dairy & Meat?:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_3108.cfm

["Imagine Earth without people:"
http://www.newscientist.com/channel/life/mg19225731.100


NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/


NUTRITION:

["Disney's PR Strategy Unhealthy for 'Little Consumers':"
http://www.alternet.org/story/43181

["How Omega-6s Usurped Omega-3s in US Diet - New Book:"
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/523290/

["Whole-grain diets may help reduce blood pressure:"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060912/hl_nm/whole_grain_dc

["Herbs' benefit is greater than simply good taste:"
http://www.megayachtnews.com/index.php?news=1041

["Curcumin halts colorectal cancer, breast cancer by inducing death of
cancer cells:"
http://www.newstarget.com/020527.html

["Sugar linked with mental problems in Norway study:"
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=healthNews&storyid=2006-09-2\
8T204517Z_01_N28374556_RTRUKOC_0_US-SUGAR.xml&src=rss&rpc=22

["Fruit and vegetables cut heart disease risk, says study"
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=70841&m=1NIU928&c=yhpgkjfymtnz\
esv

["When Should You Buy Organic?:"
http://www.commondreams.org/news2006/1004-10.htm

["Lots Of Citrus Fruits And Veggies May Reduce Oral Cancer Risk In Men:"
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7005074807

["Study: Vegetables may keep brains young:"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061023/ap_on_he_me/diet_vegetables_aging

["Cola 'is bad' for women's bones:"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/5410476.stm

["Got Milk ads amuse but can't stop falling milk sales among the young:"
http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=100306_milk.htm

["Udder danger - 10 things wrong with cow's milk:"
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060327/news/news6.html


RECIPES:
[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Awardwinning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/


************************************************
*14: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"If Americans followed the U.S. Department of Agriculture's dietary
guidelines to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, the USDA
Economic Research Service estimates that we would need to add 3
million to 4 million acres of fruit production and 2 million to 3
million acres of vegetable production to our agriculture portfolio.

Additionally, 1.5 million acres of farmland would be converted from
crops like starchy vegetables -- think french fries -- to leafy-green
and deep-yellow vegetables, and millions of acres currently devoted to
corn, soybeans and sugar would be used to grow fruits, vegetables and
grains. Clearly it is time for change."

-- From: "Food Policies Fail to Spur Good Health:"
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=514174&category=JWILKINS&BCCo\
de=&newsdate=10/28/2006


******************************************************************
Mark Sutton, Webmaster@...  http://www.madcowboy.com
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to: Mad_Cowboy-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
******************************************************************

We're having some problems with Yahoo, we think.  Some people received
the newsletter when it was sent out Saturday night, some have not
(including Howard, ironically enough).

This is a test to see if the system is working properly now, and also
to let y'all know that you might be getting a second copy of the
newsletter in the near future.

Yahoo is looking into the problem as this is being written.

My apologies for the inconvenience!

Best to all, Mark   MC webmaster/editor

Howdy!  Welcome to the 54th Edition of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.  In
this issue we've a couple of surprises for y'all:  250 pictures taken
during Howard's recent trip to Africa and news that Howard's
Documentary will be aired at the famed Hollywood Egyptian Theater this
coming November as part of the "3rd Annual Artivist Film Festival &
Awards."  Check out their website:

http://www.ARTIVISTS.org

There's also two great recipes from "No More Bull!" (one from Dr. T.
Colin Campbell), and 10 links to help you and yours have a Happy Veg'n
Halloween!  As you read on, you'll see a buncha information in the Mad
Cow Corral covering "mad cow, mad sheep, mad honey, and mad deer"
issues, articles related to the recent spinach/e.coli crisis and
industrial farming, learn about an unusal and contempletive canine,
why New York City may become "less fatty," what Dr. Esselstyn says
about "moderation," an activist success story from "Compassion Over
Killing," and a reminder to celebrate World Vegan Day.

Amongst it all, there's also the article about fruit and vegetables
relationship to heart disease, a new study showing that a salad a day
(and raw vegetables) are "scientifically recommended," a detailed
article about how the Elephant Culture is showing signs of social
stress, where you can generate your own "McDonald's Sign Message," a
ton of articles referenced in our "Quick Bytes" section, a cite about
Asia's largest cat shelter going "vegan,"  and why there may be
different "shades of moo."

... and, as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers.  Y'all
can read past issues of the newsletter at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Enjoy the Fall weather while you can!

Mark
[personal vegan blog:  http://www.soulveggie.com]


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00: Quote(s) from Howard
01: Mad Cowboy in Africa
02: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
03: Recipes from "No More Bull!"
04: 10 Useful Links for a Veg'n Halloween!
05: Mad Cow Info Round-up
06: Spinach/E.coli/Pigs - Sick Industrial Food, Farm System
07: NYC<Fatty, Salad Day, Fruit/Veggies<HD, US-Backed Killer Diet
08: Accent on the Moo, Bow-omm, Sign-o-Matic, Safety Singing
09: World Vegan Day, Crocker Goes Veg, Esselstyn, Meaty Args
10: No Egg Logo, Foie Gras Fight,  Elephant Stress, Cats Go Vegan
11: Upcoming Events of Note
12: Howard's Schedule
13: Quick Bytes
14: Closing Thoughts


************************************************
*00: Quote(s) from Howard
************************************************
"According to Julie L. Gereberding, Director of the Centers for
Disease Controland Prevention (CDC), "Eleven of the last twelve
emerging infectious diseases that we're aware of in the world, that
have had human health consequences, have probablly arisen from animal
sources."  We should not be surprised to learn this, as humans have a
long history of falling victim to diseases that afflicted animals
first.  Measles and smallpox originated in cows, anthrax in wild
sheep, tuberculosis in goats, whooping cough in pigs, and typhoid
fever in chickesn.  Other diseases that humans picked up from animnals
include yellow fever, bubonic plague, influenza, and leprosy.

Since animal agriculture poses many health threats that we are just
beginning to recognize, it's safe to assume that it poses others that
have thus far escaped scrutiny.  Here's an example of one that
recently came to light:  a University of Iowa study released in
December 2004 uncovered a serious link between hog farming and
incidence of asthma in children.  The study found at least one
indicator of asthma in over 55 percent of children residing on hog
farms that use antibiotics in their feed.  That's more than twice the
incidence in children on farms that do not raise hogs.

You [my meat-eating friends] put your health at risk --- that's your
business.  But animal-based diets put the land, the water, the air, a
society's collective health, and even our collective pharmaceutical
resources at risk.  That's my business.  That's everyone's business."

--- Howard Lyman, in "No More Bull!" pp. 64-65


************************************************
*01: Mad Cowboy in Africa
************************************************
[In August, Howard, members of his family, and a friend, took an
extraordinary trip to Africa.  Between Howard and his son-in-law, some
1200+ photographs were taken.  250 of them have been culled and are
available via the following webpage (as thumbnails with links), along
with the trip's itinerary and imbedded links for more information on
where they stayed, the cities, the animals, and the land:

http://www.madcowboy.com/002_MCinAfrica.html


************************************************
*02: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST WEEK'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:

"Of the load of pesticides in the average person, what percentage
comes from eating dairy and milk?"

(a) 90%  (b) 80%  (c) 70%  (d) 60%  (e) 50%

Congratulations to Don Renninger for correctly guessing "(b) 80%" and
winning the luck of the draw.  Enjoy your VegNews subscription, pardner!

["Milk- Does a Body Good?"
http://www.beyondhealth.com/milk.htm


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Of the 37 or so ingredients in a Chicken McNugget, roughly how many,
directly or indirectly, come from corn?

(a) 37    (b) 30    (c)  23   (d) 16

Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word
"contest" in your subject line by NLT November 15, 2006.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE
one-year subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting
the correct answer to each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to
Joe, and you can learn more about VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call
1.415.665.6397]


************************************************
*03:  Recipes from "No More Bull!"
************************************************

RED HOT SOUP
(yield: 4 servings)

This soup is ready in 15 minutes and really packs a punch, providing
189 percent of your recommended vitamin C per serving.  It's also
loaded with beta-carotene from the peppers, tomatoes, and orange
juice.  Enjoy for lunches at work or a starter for dinner.  Blend for
a creamier tomato soup.

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 medium garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon ginger root (approximately 1 inch), grated
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 cups vegetable stock or water
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice, or orange juice with pulp

Heat oil in a soup pot over medium heat.  Add onion, garlic, ginger
and pepper and saute for 5 to 8 minutes.  Add broth, tomatoes,
coriander, cinnamon and cayenne.  Simmer and cook for 10 minutes.  Add
orange juice, warm through and serve.  Season to taste.

(From Sally Errey, registered nutritional consulting practitioner,
Centre for Integrated Healing Society (p. 215-216 in "No More Bull!"
by Howard Lyman).

[Sally's website:
http://www.beyondtheordinary.net/sallyerrey.shtml


BROCCOLI WITH MUSTARD SAUCE
(yield: 4 to 6 servings)

This is royally delicious treatment for broccoli, "The King of the
Vegetables."

1 bunch broccoli
1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1 teaspoon stone ground or Dijon-style mustard
1 clove garlic, pressed or minced

Break the broccoli into bite-sized florets.  Peel the stems and slice
them into 1/2-inch-thick rounds.  Steam until just tender, about 5
minutes.  While the broccoli is steaming, whisk the dressing
ingredients in a serving bowl.  Add the steamed broccoli and toss to
mix.  Serve immediately.

(From Dr. T. Colin Campbell, author, The China Study (p. 232 in "No
More Bull!")

[Dr. Campbell's website:
http://www.thechinastudy.com/


************************************************
*04: 10 Useful Links for a Veg'n Halloween!
************************************************
["Halloween Safety Tips:"
http://www.fabulousfoods.com/holidays/halloween/safetytips.html

RECIPES:

["Top 10 Things to do with Non-Vegan Halloween Candy:"
http://www.vegfamily.com/holidays/non-vegan-halloween-candy.htm

["Vegan Halloween Recipes And Resources" from Bryanna Clark Grogan:
http://www.bryannaclarkgrogan.com/page/page/1435913.htm

["Treats Fit for a-Gobblin'!" (and links):
http://www.vegcooking.com/goblintreats.asp?c=G_VC10_03

["Humane Halloween Recipe Links:"
http://www.vegforlife.org/eats_halloween.htm

["Vegan Recipes for the Harvest:" (impressive number of recipes):
http://www.geocities.com/miaow2000/fall.html

["11 Vegan Halloween Recipes:"
http://www.recipezaar.com/recipes.php?categ=vegan%2Challoween

["A Vegan Halloween Party:"
http://www.vegparadise.com/cookingwith510.html

["Vegan Food for Halloween and Bonfire Night:"
http://www.vegsoc.org/cordonvert/recipes/halloween2000.html

RESOURCE:

["Vegan Candy is Dandy:" (from PETA - what candy is vegan?)
http://www.petakids.com/candy.html


************************************************
*05: Mad Cow Info Round-up
************************************************
CANADA FINDS 8TH CASE OF BSE:  (08/23/06):   "Canada has identified
its eighth case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow
disease, just a few weeks after the seventh case.  The illness was
found in an Alberta beef cow estimated to be between 8 and 10 years
old, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced. Given the
cow's age, it was probably exposed to the disease either before or
shortly after Canada banned the feeding of cattle protein to cattle
and other ruminants in 1997, the agency said.  The cow was tested in
the course of Canada's BSE surveillance program, which targets
high-risk cattle.

[Edited from:
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/other/bse/news/aug2306bse.html


USDA STILL PREVENTING ONE OF NATION'S LARGEST MEATPACKERS FROM TESTING
ITS CATTLE FOR MAD COW DISEASE:  (09/13/06):  "... [the] USDA can no
longer ignore the overwhelming public support for allowing companies
such as Creekstone Farms to voluntarily test all of its production.
Testing will give consumers at home and abroad added confidence in
U.S. beef and improve America's trade status with countries such as
South Korea and Japan. At the same time, USDA must apply its trade
policy fairly and reasonably, enabling facilities to export beef even
while those that fail inspections are held back temporarily. It is the
right thing to do; it will create U.S. jobs, grow our economy and help
us regain global market share."

[Edited from:
  http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/editorial/15502782.htm


MAD SHEEP -- THE USDA'S WAR ON SMALL FARMERS & CONSUMERS:  (09/15/06):
  "Foreword to the Book by Ronnie Cummins: ...Armed with $90 billion in
taxpayer money each year, the USDA is waging war against all of
us�consumers, family farmers, farm animals, and the environment. The
direct and collateral damage of this war includes rampant water, air,
and food pollution; an epidemic of cancer, birth defects, obesity, and
hormone disruption; pollution by genetically engineered crops; an
unsustainable, massive venting of climate-destabilizing greenhouse
gases; pesticide and antibiotic contamination; proliferation of junk
food; systematic exploitation of small farmers, farm workers, and
slaughterhouse workers; and the dumping of millions of tons of
subsidized crops and meat at below the cost of production on
developing nations, thereby destroying the livelihoods of millions of
small farmers and rural communities."

[The full foreward is well worth reading for more behind-the-scenes
descriptions of what Mr. Cummins, and to a similiar degree Howard,
have been through addressing these issues:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_2158.cfm


CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE FOUND IN FRANCE:  (09/18/06):  "A cow in
central France has tested positive for mad cow disease, the country's
fifth detected case this year, local authorities said.  Local
veterinary chief Dominique Chabanet said Monday it was probably
infected by eating animal-based flour, before its use as cow feed was
banned in 1996.   France has recorded a total of 15 cases of the human
form of the disease, variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, since it first
appeared in 1996..."

[Edited from:
http://www.todayonline.com/articles/143313.asp


US BEEF MAKING TENTATIVE RETURN TO NORTH ASIAN MARKET:  (09/24/06):
"American beef is back in the Japanese market and slated to return to
South Korea soon. But for America's beef exporters, who lost two of
their three largest markets in 2003 after a few cases of mad cow
disease were discovered in the United States, it is going to be an
uphill struggle to rebuild their north Asian business.  Ambassador
Thomas Schieffer has been heavily promoting U.S. beef to help American
exporters rebuild their nearly $1.5-billion annual business in Japan.
  Amb. Thomas Schieffer being served American roast beef Amb. Thomas
Schieffer being served American roast beef The ambassador, leaving
another beef promotional lunch in downtown Tokyo, joked that his
cholesterol count must have soared in recent days after eating
American beef for nearly every meal. But he says what is important is
Japan's appetite for U.S. meat..."

[Very edited from:
  http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-09-24-voa15.cfm


EXPERT SAYS U.S. NEEDS TO BEEF UP PROTECTION OF FOOD SUPPLY:
(09/25/06):  "The United States needs to continue taking steps to
protect its food supply from terrorism just as it would its buildings,
airports and other elements of its infrastructure, FBI deputy director
John S. Pistole said Monday.  "The threat from agroterrorism may not
be widely recognized, but the threat is real and the impact could be
devastating," Pistole said. "The recent E. coli outbreak in California
spinach has captured the public attention even without a terror nexus.
  Pistole, keynote speaker at the second International Symposium on
Agroterrorism, pointed to a nonterrorism example, a single case of mad
cow disease in the United States in 2003, to illustrate the potential
impact.  The U.S. food and agriculture industry employs about one in
eight Americans and is important not only to Americans, but because of
its massive exports, to much of the world, as well, Pistole said.
"The bottom line is that agriculture, just like buildings, bridges and
tunnels, is a critical infrastructure in need of defense," he said."

[Edited from:
http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/state/15606917.htm


U.S. BEEF GROUP SPENDS ON ADS, BARBECUES TO WOO JAPAN CONSUMERS:
(09/27/06):  "The U.S. Meat Export Federation is running full page ads
in Japanese newspapers that cost as much as 79 million yen ($681,000)
each to convince consumers American beef is safe to eat. The biggest
supermarket chains don't buy it. Repairing the image of U.S. beef
after it was banned in Japan because of mad cow disease has fallen to
Philip Seng, the chief executive officer of the U.S. Meat Export
group, which has Tyson Foods Inc. and Cargill Inc. among its members.
He said in an interview the U.S. industry may have lost $5 billion
since Japan first imposed the ban in December 2003.  The ad spending,
along with barbecue events and a new website are part of Seng's
strategy to convince Aeon Co. and Seven & I Holdings Co., Japan's two
biggest supermarket chains, to put U.S. beef back on the shelves after
the government lifted the ban in July. He says demand is growing and
supply shortages are a problem."

[Very edited from:
  http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601101&sid=alIWeAUINXMA&refer=japan

[See also: "Beef is luxurious. Beef is healthy. And, yes, beef is sexy. :"
http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB115878077581269173-29kHi_L3Unxk7J2r16krHO\
uyKSE_20070920.html?mod=tff_main_tff_top


JAPANESE CONFIRM 29TH CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE:  (09/28/06):  "Japanese
authorities... have confirmed the country's 29th case of mad cow
disease.  The Agriculture Ministry said tests had confirmed that a
75-month-old Holstein cow from a farm on the northern island of
Hokkaido had been infected with mad cow disease, also known as bovine
spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).  'The cow will be incinerated so that
it will not be used as fodder or food for human beings,' the ministry
said in a written statement.  The authorities run mad cow tests on all
animals to be slaughtered for consumption."

[Edited from:
  http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/afx/2006/09/28/afx3050937.html


MAD COW BURGERS `KILLED MY SON':  (09/29/06):  "The mother of a man
who died from the human form of mad cow disease said she believes
burgers caused her son's illness.  Margaret Marshall was speaking
after an inquest into the death of her 30-year-old son Stephen which
concluded he contracted variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD)
through eating contaminated beef.  Mrs Marshall, from Richmond, North
Yorkshire, said the father of one had probably become infected 10
years before, when he used to eat burgers regularly.  She said: "I
think it was from when he was about 18 or 19, when he was travelling
about a lot. He used to live on burgers."  She added: "It's a
devastating illness, I would not wish it on anybody."  Mr Marshall was
diagnosed with vCJD last December. He died in March... Earlier this
year, British scientists said the number of people infected could be
far higher than originally thought because of a longer incubation
period.  They believe the time between infection with BSE and
developing vCJD could be more than 50 years."

[Edited from:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006450354,00.html


SCHWARZENEGGER SIGNS BILL THAT ENDS SECRECY ABOUT MEAT RECALLS:
(10/02/06):   "California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a
bill, SB 611 (Speier), that allows California public health officers
to notify the public of the names of retailers that receive
USDA-recalled meat and poultry, so that consumers can better protect
themselves from food-borne illnesses.  In 2002, California's
Department of Health Services (DHS) signed a secrecy agreement with
USDA, agreeing not to release the names of the stores and restaurants
where tainted, USDA-recalled beef and poultry have been shipped and
sold. Federal and California state agencies maintain that secrecy is
necessary in order to protect the proprietary interests of the beef
and poultry industries. But eighty percent of Californians believe
that the public should be told the names of retail stores and
restaurants that receive and sell potentially contaminated,
USDA-recalled beef and poultry, according to a 2006 Field Research
Corporation survey."

[Very edited from:
http://www.commondreams.org/news2006/1002-05.htm


ELK EQUIVALENT OF "MAD COW DISEASE" A CONCERN IN IDAHO:  (10/02/06):
"Fish and Game officials are looking for four domestic elk believed to
be ear-tagged and roaming near the town of Chubbuck, Idaho.  It's not
known where the elk came from, but it's raising more questions about
the security of farm-raised elk and what could happen should they come
into contact with wild elk.  This latest case comes on the heels of
another high-profile escape last month.  When more than 100 domestic
elk took off from a hunting reserve in Eastern Idaho, Gov. Jim Risch
ordered that they be shot on sight. The fear was that they might
pollute the wild elk gene pool and possibly spread disease, most
notably the deer and elk equivalent of mad cow disease.  There is
still a lot unknown about Chronic Wasting Disease, the brain disorder
that kills deer and elk. Researchers still don't know what causes it
or exactly how the disease is transmitted among animals. It hasn't
shown up in Idaho yet, but because of the severity of the disease,
state wildlife officials aren't taking any chances.   Since about
2002,  [the USDA] has required that all domestic elk be tested for
Chronic Wasting Disease when they die... To date, there is no proof
that any humans have been infected by CWD. However, scientists still
do not understand the potential risk it poses to public health."

[Edited from:
http://www.fox12news.com/Global/story.asp?S=5457307&nav=menu439_2


MEXICO EASES MAD-COW BAN TO ALLOW U.S. DAIRY HEIFERS:  (10/04/06):
"Mexico is resuming imports of U.S. dairy heifers, lifting a ban
imposed in December 2003 when the U.S. found its first case of mad-cow
disease, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said...  Under the
agreement, exported animals must be under 24 months of age, the
Agriculture Department said in a statement. The heifers will be
individually identified as they leave the U.S. as part of Mexico's
mad-cow surveillance program... "My goal is to restore the
once-vibrant live cattle commerce between the U.S. and Mexico and to
do so in accordance with science-based international guidelines,''
Johanns said in the statement. He called the agreement on dairy
heifers a "first step'' in that process.

[Edited from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=a34w_2na7Yp8&refer=latin_ame\
rica


MAD DEER DISEASE MAY SPREAD WITH SALIVA/BLOOD:  (10/05/06):   "Deer
probably spread a brain-destroying illness called chronic wasting
disease through their saliva, concludes a study that finally pins down
a long-suspected culprit.  Chronic wasting disease is in the same
family of fatal brain illnesses as mad cow disease and its human
equivalent. There is no evidence that people have ever caught chronic
wasting disease from infected deer or elk.  But CWD is unusual
because, unlike its very hard-to-spread relatives, it seems to spread
fairly easily from animal to animal.  Scientists were not sure how,
primarily because studying large wild animals is a logistical
nightmare. The sheer stress of researchers handling a deer caught in
the wild could kill it.

Is it spread through shared salt licks? Or by drooling onto grass or
into streams? Studying environmental contamination by infectious
proteins, called prions, that cause CWD is among Hoover's next steps.
  "It's very likely they could be shedding a lot of saliva" shortly
before death, noted Richard Race, a veterinarian who studies CWD at
the National Institutes of Health's Rocky Mountain Laboratories.
"Saliva's a good bet."

[Very edited from:
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/mld/sanluisobispo/living/health/15687057.htm

[See also: "Scientists Find Blood, Saliva Can Be Common Channels For
Infection Between Animals:"
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_4449588


IOWA COMPANY INSISTS MEAT RECALLED FOR POSSIBLE E. COLI IS SAFE:
(10/07/06): "The owner of an Iowa meat company says the federal
government has needlessly requested that he recall 5,200 pounds of
meat that he claims is safe and has likely already been consumed by
thousands of people across seven states.  Jim Goeser, owner of Jim's
Market and Locker Inc., said tests have negated the government's claim
that his meat may have the same E. coli strain responsible for three
deaths in the recent outbreak of contaminated spinach.  Goeser said he
voluntarily issued the recall Friday after federal inspectors
questioned the testing methods used by a slaughterhouse in Omaha, Neb.
No illnesses have been reported and none likely will, he said.  E.
coli lives in the intestines of cattle and other animals and typically
is linked to contamination by fecal material.  It's believed
responsible for about 60 deaths and 73,000 infections a year in the
United States."

[Edited from:
http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/15704817.htm


TAIWAN HALTS CANADIAN BEEF FROM U.S.:  (10/09/06):  "Taiwan is no
longer accepting imports of Canadian beef products from the United
States, according to a news release from R-CALF USA.  The Billings,
Mont., advocacy group said the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food
Safety and Inspection Service on Tuesday issued updated export
requirements for Taiwan regarding fresh and frozen boneless beef
derived from Canadian cattle under 30 months of age.  Effective
Monday, Oct. 9, beef products derived from cattle imported from Canada
for immediate slaughter are not eligible for export to Taiwan,
according to the news release from the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal
Fund, United Stockgrowers of America."

[Edited from:
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2006/10/09/news/agnews/news01.txt


DENMARK REPORTS FIRST CASE OF LETHAL SCRAPIE ANIMAL DISEASE:
(10/12/06):  "Denmark reported its first case of scrapie, a lethal
disease affecting sheep and goats which is related to mad cow disease.
  A crippled animal in Kjellerup in Viborg County was confirmed to have
died of an atypical form of scrapie last month, Preben Willeberg,
Denmark's chief veterinary officer, said in a report to the World
Organization for Animal Health. The report didn't say whether a sheep
or goat was infected.  The animal was more than 10 years old and the
source of its infection is unknown, according to the report, which was
received by the Paris-based organization this week. Another 17 animals
were susceptible to infection and the affected property has been
quarantined, it said.  Scrapie is a degenerative disease that affects
the central nervous system. Scientists believe that the feeding of
rendered scrapie-infected livestock in the form of meatmeal to cattle
in the U.K. in the late 1970s and 1980s caused the emergence of bovine
spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE.  The disease, also known as mad cow
disease, has been linked with the fatal brain-wasting disease, variant
Creutzfeldt-Jakob, in humans."

[Edited from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=aTUUKdZc568k&refer=europe


US SENATOR SEEKS OKING BLANKET BSE TESTS FOR EXPORTS TO JAPAN:
(10/12/06):  "U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Ky., has sent a letter to U.S.
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns urging him to allow beef producers
to conduct blanket testing for mad-cow disease for their exports to
Japan and other countries, according to a copy of the letter made
available Thursday, Kyodo News reported.  "This is vital to regaining
U.S. market share in Japan, South Korea and other markets critical to
U.S. beef suppliers," Bunning said in the letter dated last Friday.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture restricts testing to its own
program, banning voluntary testing despite repeated requests for
permission from some American meat processors so they can test all
cattle for beef exports, especially to Japan to satisfy consumers
there.  Japan conducts blanket testing on all slaughtered cattle.  But
the U.S. tests only a small proportion of the total cattle herd
because the USDA program is designed to statistically check the
prevalence of the disease."

[Edited from:
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/content.asp?contentid=75572


RESEARCHERS DETECT CWD IN HEART MUSCLE OF ELK AND WHITE-TAILED DEER:
(10/13/06):  "Chronic wasting disease for the first time has been
found in the heart muscle of white-tailed deer and elk, according to
researchers in the University of Wyoming's College of Agriculture.
The finding is important to wildlife managers, hunters and scientists
because the cardiac muscle -- which comprises meat -- of big-game
animals susceptible to CWD is consumed by humans.  Hunters, however,
should not be alarmed, said Jean Jewell, a research scientist in the
UW Department of Veterinary Sciences.  "There is a tendency for people
to become alarmed when they hear something that makes them think their
health might be at risk, but at this stage there is no evidence to
suggest humans are susceptible to CWD," Jewell said.  That does not
mean hunters shouldn't take precautions, according to the Wyoming Game
and Fish Department (G&F). They are advised not to kill or eat animals
that appear sick, and it is recommended they wear long, disposable
rubber or latex gloves when field dressing animals."

[Very very edited from:
http://www.uwyo.edu/news/showrelease.asp?id=10840


JAPANESE RULES PROMPT CATTLE ID TAG USE:  (10/15/06):  "Japanese
consumers aren't just asking, "Where's the beef?" They want to know:
"Where's the beef from?" That question is proving to be a good
opportunity for cattle businesses to test a new national system for
tracking animals that federal officials hope to have operative on a
voluntary basis by 2009.  The Japanese government is making sure that
any U.S. beef it imports can be traced to its origins and comes from
cows not more than 20 months old.  The strict protocol stems from the
December 2003 find of a Washington state cow that tested positive for
bovine spongiform encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease. As a
result, 52 countries, including Japan, banned U.S. beef. That cow
eventually was traced to Canada.  In the United States, the tags are
part of the first phase of a National Animal Identification System the
U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Florida Department of Agriculture
and the livestock industry are developing.  The program, which will
allow tracking of animals through the system from farm to feedlot and
slaughterhouse, is slated to be implemented on a widespread voluntary
basis by 2009."

[Edited from:
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/10/15/news/business/55-tag.txt


QUEBEC FARMER SEEKING PERMISSION FOR CLASS ACTION OVER MAD COW CRISIS:
  (10/16/06):
"Ottawa and a multinational feed company knew how to prevent the
spread of mad cow disease a decade before BSE showed up in Canadian
cattle but they did nothing, says a Quebec farmer who is trying to
initiate a class action lawsuit against both.  Their negligence and
inaction led to the crisis that saw international borders closed to
Canadian beef, costing Quebec farmers between $6 billion and $7
billion and Canadian farmers overall up to $20 billion, alleges the
lawsuit filed by Donald Berneche.  "The respondents are responsible
for the present mad cow crisis due to their inaction and negligence,"
says the suit.  "Since the end of the 80s, the beginning of the 1990s,
worldwide its been known how BSE is spread, which is basically through
ruminant meat and bone meal," Berneche's lawyer, Gilles Gareau, told
reporters outside the courtroom.  "Stop feeding (it) to cows. It's as
simple as that."  Great Britain banned ruminant meat and bone meal, or
animal parts, in its cattle feed in 1988.  "Here in Canada we waited
until 1997 to do that," Gareau said."

[Edited from:
http://www.news1130.com/news/national/article.jsp?content=n101617A


MAD COW DISEASE FOUND IN RUSSIA NEAR THE EU BORDER:  (10/18/06):  "A
case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or mad cow disease has
been discovered in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad between Poland
and Lithuania, the Federal Control Service for Consumer Rights said.
"A case of mad cow disease was detected in the town of Razdolnoye in
the Nesterovski region," near the Lithuanian border, it said in a
press release.  "The two people who had contact with the animal have
received vaccinations," it added, saying that authorities are "taking
measures designed to eliminate the source of the disease."  In July
2005, Moscow announced it had found around 10 cases of mad cow disease
in four farms in Mordovia, in the eastern European area of Russia."

[Edited from:
http://www.todayonline.com/articles/149235.asp


EU WILL COMMENT ON HUMAN RISK FROM PRION DISEASE:  (10/18/06):
"Europe's top food safety agency will give its views next month on
whether a fatal brain-wasting disease, similar to mad cow disease,
might threaten human health if transmitted form sheep and goats, its
executive director said on Wednesday.  Earlier this year, two sheep in
France and one in Cyprus, were suspected of being infected with bovine
spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) infection, also known as mad cow
disease. A final series of tests is continuing and should be completed
next year.  Scrapie belongs to a family of diseases known as TSEs
(transmissible spongiform encephalopathy) and characterised by a
degeneration of brain tissue giving a sponge-like appearance.  While
no case of BSE has ever been confirmed as naturally occurring in
sheep, there are fears that some sheep diagnosed as having scrapie --
not known to be harmful to humans -- might be carrying the other
brain-wasting disease."

[Edited from:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2584619


TO SLEEP, PERCHANCE TO SURVIVE:  (10/23/06):  "In his new book The
Family That Couldn't Sleep: A Medical Mystery, science writer D.T. Max
explores the strange world of prions and their connections to
cannibalism, fatal insomnia and hamburgers.  Max talked about his
findings with Wired News. [excerpts:

WN: What do you make of food safety in the United States when it comes
to prion diseases?

Max: The USDA does as poor a job as you could imagine. I've never seen
an organization that seems more determined to not find what it's in
charge of exploring..."

WN: Are you a vegetarian?

Max: I don't eat cheap hamburger. When I learned it was comprised of
hundreds of thousands of body parts and when I learned how it was
blown off the bones of the cow and steer, I just decided I didn't
quite have the stomach for it anymore."

[Very edited from:
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/medtech/1,71971-0.html


OHIO EXPANDS TESTS OF DEER FOR DISEASE:  (10/24/06):  "Ohio is
changing its method of testing white-tailed deer for a deadly
neurological disease.  The state will test 1,500 Ohio deer this fall
for chronic wasting disease and for the first time will include deer
killed on roads, said Dave Risley of the Ohio Department of Natural
Resources' Division of Wildlife.  That's a boost from 2005 when Ohio
tested about 700 deer from both hunters' check-in stations and
deer-processing facilities.  That testing effort will cover the entire
state although it will be more intense in eastern Ohio where deer
concentrations are higher and the chronic wasting disease threat are
greater, Risley said."

[Edited from:
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/15834549.htm


SCIENTISTS WARN OF 'MAD HONEY DISEASE':  (09/10/06):  "Mad honey
disease is among the rarest afflictions in the world, but it appears
to be on the increase.  Only 58 cases have been reported worldwide,
but eight people were treated in 2005 alone.  The trend towards eating
more natural products may be driving a rise in cases of the disease,
whose symptoms can include convulsions, low blood pressure, fainting
and temporary heart problems, according to a new report.  "Mad honey
disease has the potential to cause death if untreated," say the
researchers. "Because of the increasing preference for natural
products, intoxication induced by consumption of honey will increase
in the future."

Just a spoonful of the wrong honey can cause problems, according to
researchers, who report their findings this week in the American
Journal of Emergency Medicine.  Mad honey poisoning is most prevalent
in honey from the Black Sea region of Turkey. Compounds called
grayanotoxins, found in the nectar of rhododendrons, mountain laurels
and azaleas, are thought to be responsible for the disease. Though
harmless to bees, they are psychoactive and poisonous to humans.
Affected honey is said to have a very bitter taste.

[Very edited from:
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/health_medical/article1433411.ece


************************************************
*06:  Spinach/E.coli/Pigs - Sick Industrial Food, Farm System
************************************************
SPINACH E. COLI OUTBREAK DECLARED OVER WITH 3 DEAD:  (10/26/06):  "A
deadly outbreak of spinach-borne E. coli that killed three people has
ended after sickening 204 people in 26 U.S. states and Canada, federal
and California investigators said today.  The investigation continues
to examine four farms in Monterey and San Benito counties in
California, Kevin Reilly, deputy director of prevention services with
the California Department of Health Services, said in a conference
call with reporters. The fields under investigation grow conventional,
rather than organic, spinach, and all of the illnesses came from one
day's production, he said.  Investigators using DNA tests have now
matched nine E. coli samples taken from one ranch to the outbreak. The
ranch previously had positive tests for the bacteria in cow droppings,
Riley said. The new samples came from a creek, the guts of a wild pig
killed on the property and additional cow droppings.  Investigators
found other strains of the virulent bacterium known as E. coli 0157:H7
on two of the three other ranches. All of the bacteria came from the
droppings of grass-fed cattle, rather than feedlots, Riley said."

[Edited from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aSdKueKkdaSE&refer=us


PIGS SOURCE OF SPINACH E COLI OUTBREAK:  (10/28/06): "Investigators
say a wild pigs were very likely the source of a spinach E. Coli
outbreak that caused the death of three people and made over 200
people ill in the USA and Canada. The investigators have found six new
samples of the E. Coli strain that match those of the tainted spinach
on a ranch in California. The ranch is located in Monterey and San
Benito counties.  Two samples came from a wild pig (wild boar) that
was killed on the ranch, while the other four came from cattle in the
same ranch, according to the California Department of Health Services.
Investigators say the pigs probably spread the bacteria into the
spinach fiends through their droppings (excrement). However, so far,
no one really knows how the bacteria made it way to the spinach farm.

Dr. Kevin Reilly, from the California Department of Health Services,
said "Clearly, we have positive results on one property that are
helping to refine our investigation. We have not closed any
possibilities on three other ranches, but the information is
accumulating that our environmental findings are consistent on this
one property."  Reilly added "Animals, wildlife and water were in
close proximity to the field. We have evidence for fences torn down,
wildlife going into the actual spinach fields themselves. That's where
the investigation is centered right now. There's clear evidence that
the pig population has access and goes onto the fields. Is that the
ultimate means of contamination or is that one potential means,
including water and wildlife? We're still investigating that."

[Edited from:
  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/healthnews.php?newsid=55300


MASS-PROCESSED FOODS MORE EASILY CONTAMINATED:  (09/23/06):  "In the
spring and summer of 1982, McDonald's held a special promotion -- two
burgers for the price of one -- that led to the first reported
outbreak of a food-borne bacterial infection that now sweeps the
nation with some regularity.  That year, at least 47 people in Oregon
and Michigan, most of whom took advantage of the promotion, fell ill
with severe abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea. Doctors and public
health investigators were spooked -- they'd never seen anything like
it.  A year later, after months of investigation by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, investigators were able to identify
the infection. It was a common bacterium, one that microbiologists had
long known to live in human intestinal tracts with mostly harmless,
and sometimes even helpful, results.

The bacterium was E. coli, but this was a rare strain that had
mutated. It had attached itself to a virus, and that virus made people
very sick. Today, that same strain, called 0157:H7, sickens hundreds
if not thousands of Americans every year, and is the source of the
latest epidemic linked to bagged fresh spinach that has sickened 166
people so far, one of whom died.  "At the time of that (1982)
outbreak, there was no knowledge that E. coli could cause a disease
like this, so nobody believed it," said Lee Riley, a professor of
infectious disease and epidemiology at UC Berkeley who was one of the
lead investigators for the CDC in the McDonald's case and an author of
the first paper published on E. coli in the New England Journal of
Medicine.  "The outbreak occurred because the restaurants were having
these promotions and going through a lot of hamburgers," Riley said.
"It's the mass consumption of meat and the way it's processed and
delivered and distributed that made it possible for this E. coli to
spread."

[Very edited from:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/09/23/ECOLI.TMP


TAINTED SPINACH ANOTHER SIGN OF SICK FOOD, FARM SYSTEM:  (09/25/06):
"The deadly E. coli outbreak in bagged spinach should make us rethink
our farming practices and reinvigorate our regulatory system.
Food-borne outbreaks are due, in part, to corporate agribusiness
practices, according to infectious disease specialists like Professor
Lee Riley at the University of California-Berkeley... For instance,
livestock that are force-fed grain in confinement have up to 300 times
more pathogenic bacteria in their guts as compared to grass-fed
cattle, according to researchers from Cornell University. Other
studies have found similar results. California, which boasts of its
new status as the No. 1 dairy state, is awash in factory-farm manure.
This manure enters the food chain when it runs off into channels
designed to irrigate vegetables or when it blows onto nearby produce
fields. Unfortunately, proper manure disposal rarely occurs in
large-scale livestock confinement operations. The upshot is a
nightmarish landscape of leaking lagoons, tainted wells, fish kills,
debilitated farmworkers and poisoned food. Food safety began to
deteriorate in the United States under President Clinton.

Public oversight shifted to ineffectual, feel-good self-policing
programs. Under President Bush, this deregulation of our food and farm
system has only accelerated. Recent budget and staff cuts at the
federal level have left the majority of food-safety inspection and
enforcement in the hands of city, county and state agencies.
Ironically, the Bush administration is now trying to railroad through
Congress the National Uniformity for Food Act, which would take away
this local control over food safety and labeling... Our agricultural
system deserves a thorough democratic cleansing with consumer
right-to-know labeling, tough antitrust action, corporate liability
measures and serious incentives for viable alternatives. We must
safeguard our food supply not just from terrorists, but from dangerous
farming practices."

[Very edited from:
http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_4394305


THE VEGETABLE-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX:  (10/15/06):  "... But these days,
the way we farm and the way we process our food, both of which have
been industrialized and centralized over the last few decades, are
endangering our health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
estimate that our food supply now sickens 76 million Americans every
year, putting more than 300,000 of them in the hospital, and killing
5,000. The lethal strain of E. coli known as 0157:H7, responsible for
this latest outbreak of food poisoning, was unknown before 1982; it is
believed to have evolved in the gut of feedlot cattle. These are
animals that stand around in their manure all day long, eating a diet
of grain that happens to turn a cow's rumen into an ideal habitat for
E. coli 0157:H7. (The bug can't survive long in cattle living on
grass.) Industrial animal agriculture produces more than a billion
tons of manure every year, manure that, besides being full of nasty
microbes like E. coli 0157:H7 (not to mention high concentrations of
the pharmaceuticals animals must receive so they can tolerate the
feedlot lifestyle), often ends up in places it shouldn't be, rather
than in pastures, where it would not only be harmless but also
actually do some good. To think of animal manure as pollution rather
than fertility is a relatively new (and industrial) idea..."

[Very very edited from from the excellent essay/article by Michael
Pollan at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/15/magazine/15wwln_lede.html?em&ex=1161316800&en=\
59c7751ffa65d98a&ei=5087%0A


************************************************
*07:  NYC<Fatty, Salad Day, Fruit/Veggies<HD, US-Backed Killer Diet
************************************************
  A LESS FATTY NEW YORK CITY?:  (09/26/06):  "New York City has taken a
bold step in the fight against obesity and heart disease. Today the
New York City Department of Health announced a proposal to ban all
trans fats from New York restaurants. A public hearing is scheduled
for Oct. 30.  It also announced that all restaurants that list
nutritional information must include calories.  Trans fats are found
in many types of cooking oils used in the preparation of doughnuts,
french fries and pastries. The Food and Drug Administration has
required that food labels list trans fats since Jan. 1, 2006. Trans
fats include margarine, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil,
partially hydrogenated vegetable shortening and shortening.  New York
had already instituted a voluntary ban on trans fats, but 30 to 60
percent of restaurants in the city refused to make the switch.  New
York is the first city to make the ban citywide, but Chicago is also
considering the measure. The only other large ban is in North
Carolina, where trans fats have been banned from all school foods.
Trans fats have been linked to elevated cholesterol and to an
increased risk of heart disease.

"This is an extremely important step for public health," said Michael
Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public
Interest. "If implemented nationwide, a ban on partially hydrogenated
fats -- trans fats -- could save an estimated 50,000 lives a year."

[Edited from:
  http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=2494843&page=1


EAT A SALAD A DAY:  (09/01/06):  "A new UCLA/Louisiana State
University study of dietary data on more than 17,500 men and women
finds consumption of salad and raw vegetables correlates with higher
concentrations of folic acid, vitamins C and E, lycopene and alpha and
beta carotene in the bloodstream.  Published in the September edition
of the peer-reviewed Journal of the American Dietetic Association, the
study also suggests that each serving of salad consumed correlates
with a 165 percent higher likelihood of meeting recommended dietary
allowances (RDA) for vitamin C in women and 119 percent greater
likelihood in men.

The study is the first to examine the relationship between normal
salad consumption and nutrient levels in the bloodstream, and also the
first to examine the dietary adequacy of salad consumption using the
latest nutritional guidelines of the Food and Nutrition Board of the
National Academy of Sciences.  "The findings endorse consumption of
salad and raw vegetables as an effective strategy for increasing
intake of important nutrients. Unfortunately, we also found daily
salad consumption is not the norm in any group, and is even less
prevalent among African Americans," [Lenore Arab, visiting professor
of epidemiology at the UCLA School of Public Health] said.  "In fact,
our findings suggest that eating just one serving of salad or raw
vegetables per day significantly boosts the likelihood of meeting the
recommended daily intake of certain nutrients."

[Very edited from:
 
http://www.foodconsumer.org/777/8/UCLA_LSU_study_details_nutritional_value_of_sa\
lad.shtml


FRUIT AND VEGETABLES CUT HEART ATTACK RISK, SAYS STUDY:  (09/27/06):
"Every extra of fruit or vegetable consumed daily could cut the risk
of heart disease by four percent, says a meta-analysis of almost a
quarter of a million people, giving people even more reason to seek
out the nutrient-rich foods. The meta-analysis by scientists from
France's INSERM in Paris, Lille's Pasteur Institute, and Rouen's
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, pooled nine cohort
studies giving an overall study population of 91,379 men, 129,701
women, and 5,007 coronary heart disease events.

The analysis, published in the current issue of the Journal of
Nutrition (Vol. 136, pp. 2588-2593), found that the risk of coronary
heart disease (CHD), conditions that cause of 20 per cent of deaths in
the US and 17 per cent of deaths in Europe, was cut by four per cent
for each additional fruit and vegetable portion consumed, and by seven
per cent for fruit portion intake.

[Very edited from:
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=70841&m=1NIU928&c=yhpgkjfymtnz\
esv


U. S. GOVERNMENT BACKED KILLER DIET:  (09/18/06):   "The food
industry, the drug industry, leading academics bought up by those two
industries, and government are working together to perpetuate a diet
that is the great killer of our time, leading to the accelerating
epidemic of heart disease, stroke diabetes, and other chronic
diseases.  This means government, under the influence of powerful
lobbies, is saying to the American people that a diet sure to kill and
sicken by the millions is good for you. Dr. Colin T. Campbell, one of
the world's leading authorities on nutrition science, says that the
killer diet is rich in "animal products, dairy and meat, refined
sugar, and fat... Why are we headed to a needless, incredibly
destructive epidemic of chronic diseases? The saddest part of the
story is that this disastrous scenario could easily be avoided by a
change of the national diet from animal to plant food.  Dr. Campbell
is not only one of the most eminent nutrition scientists in the world,
but also conducted the most comprehensive study of the diet/health
connection in history. He reports his study and lifetime of research
in his book, The China Study: Startling Implications for Diet, Weight
loss and Long-Term Health (2006)..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.theeveningbulletin.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17211740&BRD=2737&PAG=461\
&dept_id=576361&rfi=6

[See also: "Expert: Ag Policies Make Some Fatter: The agricultural
policies of the world's top producing nations are contributing to the
increasing problem of obesity in developing nations:."
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4164159.html


************************************************
*08: Accent on the Moo, Bow-omm, Sign-o-Matic, Safety Singing
************************************************
MOO-AR!:  (09/23/06):  "Phonetics experts have backed up dairy
farmers' claims that cows moo with regional accents.  Dairy farmers in
Somerset noticed a local twang to the sounds made by their animals,
reports the Guardian.  John Wells, Professor of Phonetics at the
University of London, said: "This phenomena is well attested in birds.
You find distinct chirping accents in the same species around the
country.  "This could also be true of cows. In small populations such
as herds you would encounter identifiable dialectical variations which
are most affected by the immediate peer group."  The phenomenon was
noticed by members of the West Country Farmhouse Cheesemakers group,
who put it down to the close bond between farmer and cow.  The group
has also noted similar accent shifts in Midlands, Essex, Norfolk and
Lancashire moos.  Farmer Lloyd Green of Glastonbury said: "I spend a
lot of time with my ones and they definitely moo with a Somerset drawl."

[Edited from:
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1965356.html?menu=news.quirkies.animaltales


BOW-OMMM: (09/13/06):  "Dog takes up yoga:  A three year old German
Shepherd dog has reportedly taken up yoga in India.  Hritik practices
traditional exercises under the watchful eyes of his trainer in
Ranchi, reports the Mumbai Mirror.  Nanda Dulal said: "He was weak
when he was born. We took special care of him and he gradually became
strong after his yoga lessons.  "He started imitating me two years
ago, and now sits beside me when I perform yoga. He follows my
asanas(yoga techniques) including my breathing.  "When I found that he
wanted to do yoga I started training him. Now both of us do yoga
together every morning."  It is reported that the animal helps in
household chores, is a vegetarian and loves to eat ripe papayas and
cucumber.  When asked if he would teach yoga to other dogs, Dulal
said: "Right now, I have no such plans.

[Edited from:
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1993659.html?menu=news.quirkies.animaltales


RONALD MCHUMMER SIGN-O-MATIC�:  (09/2006):  "This month McDonald's is
giving away toy Hummers � 42 million of them, in eight models and
colors � with every Happy Meal or Mighty Kids Meal. That's right: The
fast-food chain that helped make our kids the fattest on Earth is now
selling future car buyers on the fun of driving a supersized,
smog-spewing, gas-guzzling SUV originally built for the military. Use
the Ronald McHummer Sign-O-Matic� to tell us what you think of this
misguided marriage of two icons of American excess."

[from:
http://www.ronaldmchummer.com/


SINGING FOR SAFETY:  (10/08/06):  "Expert parodies tunes to warn of
food dangers:  Carl Winter, a food toxicologist at the University of
California at Davis, has spent his career studying and teaching the
ways food can make people sick.  Over the past 10 years, the amateur
musician has been writing humorous lyrics to popular songs to convey
critical messages, such as keeping cold foods cold and cooking meat to
high temperatures.  The Beatles, the Drifters and the Village People
are among artists subjected to Winter's musical revisions. His
parodies are peppered with clever lyrics about bacteria,
gastroenteritis, hepatitis and mad cow disease."

[Edited from:
http://www.modbee.com/business/story/12853040p-13536238c.html

[Listen and watch some of Carl's efforts at the "Food Safety Music
Homepage":
http://foodsafe.ucdavis.edu/


************************************************
*09: World Vegan Day, Crocker Goes Veg, Esselstyn, Meaty Args
************************************************
WORLD VEGAN DAY IS FAST APPROACHING:  (10/26/06): "November 1st is
World Vegan Day, a global celebration of a healthy and compassionate
lifestyle free from all animal products. More and more people are
embracing this way of life, as much because of concerns over the
health problems and environmental destruction associated with eating
meat, as animal welfare.  [Among the] reasons to go vegan will give
you food for thought:

- You'll save animals' lives: 30 million day-old male chicks are
gassed or mined alive every year because they cannot produce eggs.
Male calves born to dairy herds are 'surplus' to the industry. Many
are shot, others are sent on punishing journeys to continental veal
farms. - Cows' milk contains a cocktail of hormones, chemicals,
antibiotics, fat and droplets of blood and pus from weeping, infected
udders. - Vegans have been shown to live longer and have a lower risk
of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and some cancers than meat-eaters.

[See also:
http://www.worldveganday.org/

[Edited from:
http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/content/camden/hamhigh/postbag/story.aspx?brand=NorthLo\
ndon24&category=Postbaghamhigh&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=postbaghamhigh&ite\
mid=WeED26%20Oct%202006%2016%3A16%3A02%3A857


BETTY CROCKER GETS ON VEGETARIAN BANDWAGON:  (09/17/06): "With the
familiar signature on the cover of a new cookbook, "Betty Crocker Easy
Everyday Vegetarian" (Wiley, 2006, $24.95), the generic Betty Crocker
now offers about 200 recipes for family-style meatless dishes.  As
always, the style is "from her family to yours." The recipes cater to
hunger pangs of varying urgency ranging from snacks, bites and
nibbles, through wraps and pizza, to pot pies, soups, stews and
chilies.  The adjectives "oriental" and "Mediterranean," the worldly
use of "Moroccan" and "Indian" in recipe titles proves awareness of
today's far-flung acceptance of once-exotic tastes. But the recipes
keep practicality in mind, and make use of canned or packaged
ingredients where that suits the day's menu. Each recipe includes
preparation and cooking times, and the book is sprinkled with color
photos."

[Edited from:
 
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060917/LIFE10/609170319/1006/LIF\
E


INTERVIEW WITH DR. ESSELSTYN:  (10/2006):  "Vegetarians in Paradise
proudly presents its 24 Carrot Award to Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr.,
M.D. , renowned physician and surgeon.  Since 1985 Dr. Esselstyn has
conducted the longest running study that proves heart disease can be
arrested or reversed by a low fat, plant-based diet. Results of his
study will be described in his book Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease
to be published in 2007." [excerpt:

VIP: You use the phrase "moderation kills." Could you explain what
that means?

CE: Moderation kills is a phrase I use to emphasize to patients the
importance of total nutritional adherence. I cannot stress this point
enough. The only reason we succeed where others may fail is attention
to detail. The data are now so powerful that even a single meal of
added fat will injure the delicate endothelial cells' capacity to
manufacture nitric oxide. This function is critical in the restoration
of cardiovascular health. You wake up every day and make a simple
decision: either I am going to enhance or injure my cardiovascular
system today.

VIP: If a person resolves to improve his/her health and lose weight at
the same time, what initial dietary measures would you recommend?

CE: To improve health and lose weight I'd encourage fully plant based
nutrition without any animal products or oils. Avoid processed white
flour. To aggressively lose weight, it is helpful to decrease or
eliminate the grains (cereals, bread, pasta) and white potatoes. This
allows total focus on nutrient rich green leafy vegetables, green
vegetables, all other colorful vegetables, legumes and 2-3 servings of
fruit daily. Avoid fruit juices but drink plenty of water and exercise
regularly."

[Very edited from the excellent interview at:
http://www.vegparadise.com/24carrot.html

[Dr. Esselstyn's website:
http://www.heartattackproof.com


MEATY ARGUMENTS:  (08/21/06):  "In The Bloodless Revolution, published
today by HarperCollins, Tristram Stuart considers the history of
vegetarianism in our society from its origins in the collision of
ethical ideas of abstinence, early medicine and Indian philosophy...
Amazingly, three of Europe's most important early seventeenth-century
philosophers - Descartes, Gassendi and Francis Bacon - all advocated
vegetarianism. At no time before or since has vegetarianism been
endorsed by such a formidable array of intellectuals, and by the 1700s
their pioneering work had blossomed into a powerful movement of
scientific vegetarianism.... The remarkable and long under-appreciated
lives of early vegetarians are inroads into uncharted areas of
history; they simultaneously shed light on why you think about nature
the way you do, why you are told to eat fresh vegetables and avoid too
much meat, and how Indian philosophy has crucially shaped those
thoughts over the past 400 years."

[Extremely edited from the academic prose at:
http://books.guardian.co.uk/extracts/story/0,,1855079,00.html


************************************************
*10: No Egg Logo, Foie Gras Fight,  Elephant Stress, Cats Go Vegan
************************************************
CATS GO VEGAN IN ASIA'S BIGGEST FELINE SHELTER:  (08/16/06):  "In
Asia's biggest shelter for rescued cats, the feline inmates are
turning vegetarian these days, thanks to animal lovers who import
alternative Italian food for the furry laptops.  These days the cats
in Karunakunj, a centre for rescued animals near here run by the
Compassionate Crusaders Trust (CCT), are getting addicted to an
Italian food which is completely vegetarian.  'To avoid serving
non-veg food to cats some of our animal-loving patrons thought that we
should try to find out an alternative vegetarian food which can
provide cats required nourishment and at the same time save innocent
lives of other animals,' said Debasis Chakraborti, founder of CCT, a
strategic partner of Maneka Gandhi's People for Animals (PFA).  This
dietary change, launched last week, was inspired by the principle of
non-violence advocated by the Jain religion."
[Edited from:
http://www.indiaenews.com/india/20060816/18656.htm


AN ELEPHANT CRACKUP?:  (10/08/06): "...in "Elephant Breakdown," a 2005
essay in the journal Nature, Bradshaw and several colleagues argued
that today's elephant populations are suffering from a form of chronic
stress, a kind of species-wide trauma. Decades of poaching and culling
and habitat loss, they claim, have so disrupted the intricate web of
familial and societal relations by which young elephants have
traditionally been raised in the wild, and by which established
elephant herds are governed, that what we are now witnessing is
nothing less than a precipitous collapse of elephant culture.  It has
long been apparent that every large, land-based animal on this planet
is ultimately fighting a losing battle with humankind. And yet
entirely befitting of an animal with such a highly developed
sensibility, a deep-rooted sense of family and, yes, such a good
long-term memory, the elephant is not going out quietly. It is not
leaving without making some kind of statement, one to which scientists
from a variety of disciplines, including human psychology, are now
beginning to pay close attention...

...Elephants, when left to their own devices, are profoundly social
creatures. A herd of them is, in essence, one incomprehensibly massive
elephant: a somewhat loosely bound and yet intricately interconnected,
tensile organism. Young elephants are raised within an extended,
multitiered network of doting female caregivers that includes the
birth mother, grandmothers, aunts and friends. These relations are
maintained over a life span as long as 70 years... When an elephant
dies, its family members engage in intense mourning and burial
rituals, conducting weeklong vigils over the body, carefully covering
it with earth and brush, revisiting the bones for years afterward,
caressing the bones with their trunks, often taking turns rubbing
their trunks along the teeth of a skull's lower jaw, the way living
elephants do in greeting."

[Edited from the long, fascinating & comprehensive article about the
social behavior of elephants as well as their growing aggression to
human encroachment:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/08/magazine/08elephant.html?ex=1162094400&en=8e82\
3134e605f346&ei=5070


THE FOIE GRAS FIGHT IS OFFICIALLY ON:  (08/21/06):  "For some chefs
here in Chicago, the foie gras fight is officially on.  Starting on
Tuesday, the gourmet delicacy is off the menu when a city-wide ban
goes into effect. Chicago will be the first city in the nation to go
foie gras-free.  But chefs who are stewing over what they call a
frivolous city law are planning to take action. A lawsuit is ready and
attorneys will file it first thing Tuesday morning.  CBS 2's Mai
Martinez reports some restaurant owners are cooking up a way to try to
keep the delicacy on their menus.  The ordinance passed the City
Council with overwhelming support (48-1) but not everyone is a fan.
Ald. Moore says the mayor's office will decide how this law is
ultimately enforced, and they will likely rely on citizen complaints.
  More than a dozen countries, mostly in Europe, have banned production
of the delicacy. "

[Edited from:
http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/local_story_233173733.html


EGG INDUSTRY TO DROP LOGO:  (09/21/06):  "The egg industry has agreed
to permanently drop "Animal Care Certified" logos on egg cartons,
after state officials and animal rights groups said consumers were
being misled.  The industry has already replaced the logos, which now
read, "United Egg Producers Certified." The industry also agreed to
pay $100,000 to states for attorney fees, consumer education and other
costs.  "A certification program must not be promoted in a way that
misleads consumers," said Robert J. Spagnoletti, attorney general for
the District of Columbia, which reached the agreement with 16 states
and United Egg Producers.  States contended the old logo falsely
implied a higher level of care for hens. Spagnoletti released the
agreement Thursday.  Last November, the egg group's decision to drop
the "Animal Care Certified" logo prompted the Federal Trade Commission
to stop reviewing a complaint from one animal rights group,
Maryland-based Compassion Over Killing. "

[Edited from:
http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/montereyherald/news/politics/15575403.htm


************************************************
*11: Upcoming Events of Note
************************************************
World Vegan Day - November 1st, 2006:
http://www.worldveganday.org/

Gentle Thanksgiving 2006:  "Gentle Thanksgiving is an effort to
encourage friends, family and neighbors to adopt compassionate
alternatives to unnecessarily cruel turkey dinners. We accomplish this
by demonstrating the great taste and superior nutrition of gourmet
vegetarian recipes and a variety of festive plant-based foods."

[More details at:
http://www.gentlethanksgiving.org


************************************************
*12: Howard's Schedule
************************************************
NOV 02: San Diego, CA > Fall Health Classic -contact: healthcl@...

NOV 04: Medford, OR > SOARS - contact: meowwoof@...

NOV 09-12: Hollywood, CA > Artivist Film Festival, contact:
diakydiaz@... - http://www.ARTIVISTS.org

NOV 18: Portland, OR > Vegan Holiday Festival - Lincoln High School at
16th and Solmon Portland - contact: robert@... -
541.231.6269

APRIL  2007:  (last three weeks): some openings on the East Coast -
contact: webmaster@...

[More information/embedded links at:
http://www.madcowboy.com/01_SchedCA.000.html


************************************************
*13: Quick Bytes
************************************************
AGRICULTURE:

["China launches satellite for super fruit and vegetables:"
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/09/09/060909134839.9pelioda.html

["Fewer spuds, more spinach crops:"
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/food/sfl-farmbillsep07,0,2948230.story?coll\
=sfla-features-food

[For local Food Directories: "National Sustainable Agriculture
Information Service::"
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/localfood_dir.php

["Seeds 200 years old breathe again:"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/5361396.stm

["U.S. Factory Farms � So Bad They're A Tourist Attraction:"
http://www.commondreams.org/news2006/0929-05.htm


BLOGS/PODCASTS:

["Journey of a New Vegan:"
http://newvegan.blogspot.com/

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA & Bloggy Award-winning:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm


DIET/HEALTH:

["We Are What We Eat:"
http://www.ecoliteracy.org/publications/rsl/michael-pollan.html

["Scientists Worry About Potential Risks of Nanotechnology in Food:"
http://www.livescience.com/technology/060907_nanotech_food.html

["Slow Food Nation - Essays:"
http://www.alternet.org/story/41131/

["Green Calculators: Web site promotes a healthy you and a healthy
planet:"
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/food/4161220.html

["Interactive State Map of health/obesity:"
http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2006/

["The top ten things food companies don't want you to know:"
http://www.NewsTarget.com/019957.html

["FDA Says Viruses Safe for Treating Meat:"
http://www.forbes.com/business/healthcare/feeds/ap/2006/08/18/ap2959720.html

["High-Fat, Copper-Rich Diet Boosts Risk of Cognitive Decline in Elder:"
http://www.abqtrib.com/albq/nw_science/article/0,2668,ALBQ_21236_4926799,00.html

["Obesity 'engulfing the entire world':"
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-09-03-obesity-conference_x.htm?csp=34

["In India, more wealth and more diabetes:"
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/09/13/asia/web.0912india.php


ENVIRONMENT:

["Another Inconvenient Truth: Meat is a Global Warming Issue:"
http://www.emagazine.com/view/?3312

["Bottled Water: A Global Environmental Problem:"
http://www.projectcensored.org/censored_2007/index.htm#20

["The Scoop On Dirt--Why We Should all Worship the Ground We Walk On:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_2103.cfm

["U.N.: Number of ocean 'dead zones' rise:"
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/oct2006/2006-10-19-03.asp

["Is it Time for A Tax on Dairy & Meat?:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_3108.cfm

["Imagine Earth without people:"
http://www.newscientist.com/channel/life/mg19225731.100


NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/


NUTRITION:

["Disney's PR Strategy Unhealthy for 'Little Consumers':"
http://www.alternet.org/story/43181

["How Omega-6s Usurped Omega-3s in US Diet - New Book:"
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/523290/

["Whole-grain diets may help reduce blood pressure:"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060912/hl_nm/whole_grain_dc

["Herbs' benefit is greater than simply good taste:"
http://www.megayachtnews.com/index.php?news=1041

["Curcumin halts colorectal cancer, breast cancer by inducing death of
cancer cells:"
http://www.newstarget.com/020527.html

["Sugar linked with mental problems in Norway study:"
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=healthNews&storyid=2006-09-2\
8T204517Z_01_N28374556_RTRUKOC_0_US-SUGAR.xml&src=rss&rpc=22

["Fruit and vegetables cut heart disease risk, says study"
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=70841&m=1NIU928&c=yhpgkjfymtnz\
esv

["When Should You Buy Organic?:"
http://www.commondreams.org/news2006/1004-10.htm

["Lots Of Citrus Fruits And Veggies May Reduce Oral Cancer Risk In Men:"
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7005074807

["Study: Vegetables may keep brains young:"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061023/ap_on_he_me/diet_vegetables_aging

["Cola 'is bad' for women's bones:"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/5410476.stm

["Got Milk ads amuse but can't stop falling milk sales among the young:"
http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=100306_milk.htm

["Udder danger - 10 things wrong with cow's milk:"
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060327/news/news6.html


RECIPES:
[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Awardwinning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/


************************************************
*14: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"If Americans followed the U.S. Department of Agriculture's dietary
guidelines to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, the USDA
Economic Research Service estimates that we would need to add 3
million to 4 million acres of fruit production and 2 million to 3
million acres of vegetable production to our agriculture portfolio.

Additionally, 1.5 million acres of farmland would be converted from
crops like starchy vegetables -- think french fries -- to leafy-green
and deep-yellow vegetables, and millions of acres currently devoted to
corn, soybeans and sugar would be used to grow fruits, vegetables and
grains. Clearly it is time for change."

-- From: "Food Policies Fail to Spur Good Health:"
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=514174&category=JWILKINS&BCCo\
de=&newsdate=10/28/2006


******************************************************************
Mark Sutton, Webmaster@...  http://www.madcowboy.com
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to: Mad_Cowboy-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
******************************************************************

We want to thank everyone for their patience as we endeavored to
figure out "why" some people were receiving the newsletter (sent out
late 10/28/06) and some were not.  This e-mail will explain what we
think has been going on and what steps affected people can take to
correct the problem.

1) apparently, those impacted were largely some AOL and GMAIL users.
We believe that since the newsletter was larger than normal, some of
the more stringent spam filtering was triggered.

2) in the case of AOL, we were able to validate that a "high" setting
for spam filtering, accompanied with a "permanently delete" (instead
of "file to spam folder) co-option, could cause the newsletter to
"disappear (or note show up)" without any return error messages.
Discussions with AOL and subsequent tests have confirmed this probability.


WHAT TO DO:

Subscribers who've not received the newsletter, should check their
current "spam folders" and see if the newsletter is there, and if so,
select it and tell your spam filter (usually by selecting "this is not
spam" or something similar), and the newsletter will (a) be put into
your IN Box and (b) the spam filter will know that subsequent
newsletters are NOT spam.

AOL users, in particular, if not having received a newsletter, should
consider checking their spam filter settings and set them for "put
suspect spam into spam filter" instead of "delete."  The Yahoo Group
address (below), presumably, can also be added as a "friend" to defer
flagging as spam.


FINAL NOTES:

1) everyone not receiving a newsletter, who have received one before,
should consider checking their spam folders/settings

2) we're going to try and keep the newsletter down to the same size as
issue 53 (previous, no problems "mailing") as, assuming AOL, GMAIL,
and others e-mail providers didn't change anything significant in how
they handle spam since that issue was sent, this should avoid future
problems.

3) please note, too, that you can always see current/past newsletters
at the following address:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

We plan to send out a final copy of Issue 54 late Thursday, and that
should give people time to check their settings.

Again, we are sorry for any inconvenience, and if there are any
questions, please feel free to contact the Mad Cowboy Newsletter
editor at:  Mad_Cowboy-owner@yahoogroups.com

Best regards, and wishes for a Great Fall!   Mark

Again, thanks for the patience.  We'll be making future issues smaller !

Regards, Mark  Editor


-------
Howdy!  Welcome to the 54th Edition of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.  In
this issue we've a couple of surprises for y'all:  250 pictures taken
during Howard's recent trip to Africa and news that Howard's
Documentary will be aired at the famed Hollywood Egyptian Theater this
coming November as part of the "3rd Annual Artivist Film Festival &
Awards."  Check out their website:

http://www.ARTIVISTS.org

There's also two great recipes from "No More Bull!" (one from Dr. T.
Colin Campbell), and 10 links to help you and yours have a Happy Veg'n
Halloween!  As you read on, you'll see a buncha information in the Mad
Cow Corral covering "mad cow, mad sheep, mad honey, and mad deer"
issues, articles related to the recent spinach/e.coli crisis and
industrial farming, learn about an unusal and contempletive canine,
why New York City may become "less fatty," what Dr. Esselstyn says
about "moderation," an activist success story from "Compassion Over
Killing," and a reminder to celebrate World Vegan Day.

Amongst it all, there's also the article about fruit and vegetables
relationship to heart disease, a new study showing that a salad a day
(and raw vegetables) are "scientifically recommended," a detailed
article about how the Elephant Culture is showing signs of social
stress, where you can generate your own "McDonald's Sign Message," a
ton of articles referenced in our "Quick Bytes" section, a cite about
Asia's largest cat shelter going "vegan,"  and why there may be
different "shades of moo."

... and, as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers.  Y'all
can read past issues of the newsletter at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Enjoy the Fall weather while you can!

Mark
[personal vegan blog:  http://www.soulveggie.com]


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00: Quote(s) from Howard
01: Mad Cowboy in Africa
02: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
03: Recipes from "No More Bull!"
04: 10 Useful Links for a Veg'n Halloween!
05: Mad Cow Info Round-up
06: Spinach/E.coli/Pigs - Sick Industrial Food, Farm System
07: NYC<Fatty, Salad Day, Fruit/Veggies<HD, US-Backed Killer Diet
08: Accent on the Moo, Bow-omm, Sign-o-Matic, Safety Singing
09: World Vegan Day, Crocker Goes Veg, Esselstyn, Meaty Args
10: No Egg Logo, Foie Gras Fight,  Elephant Stress, Cats Go Vegan
11: Upcoming Events of Note
12: Howard's Schedule
13: Quick Bytes
14: Closing Thoughts


************************************************
*00: Quote(s) from Howard
************************************************
"According to Julie L. Gereberding, Director of the Centers for
Disease Controland Prevention (CDC), "Eleven of the last twelve
emerging infectious diseases that we're aware of in the world, that
have had human health consequences, have probablly arisen from animal
sources."  We should not be surprised to learn this, as humans have a
long history of falling victim to diseases that afflicted animals
first.  Measles and smallpox originated in cows, anthrax in wild
sheep, tuberculosis in goats, whooping cough in pigs, and typhoid
fever in chickesn.  Other diseases that humans picked up from animnals
include yellow fever, bubonic plague, influenza, and leprosy.

Since animal agriculture poses many health threats that we are just
beginning to recognize, it's safe to assume that it poses others that
have thus far escaped scrutiny.  Here's an example of one that
recently came to light:  a University of Iowa study released in
December 2004 uncovered a serious link between hog farming and
incidence of asthma in children.  The study found at least one
indicator of asthma in over 55 percent of children residing on hog
farms that use antibiotics in their feed.  That's more than twice the
incidence in children on farms that do not raise hogs.

You [my meat-eating friends] put your health at risk --- that's your
business.  But animal-based diets put the land, the water, the air, a
society's collective health, and even our collective pharmaceutical
resources at risk.  That's my business.  That's everyone's business."

--- Howard Lyman, in "No More Bull!" pp. 64-65


************************************************
*01: Mad Cowboy in Africa
************************************************
[In August, Howard, members of his family, and a friend, took an
extraordinary trip to Africa.  Between Howard and his son-in-law, some
1200+ photographs were taken.  250 of them have been culled and are
available via the following webpage (as thumbnails with links), along
with the trip's itinerary and imbedded links for more information on
where they stayed, the cities, the animals, and the land:

http://www.madcowboy.com/002_MCinAfrica.html


************************************************
*02: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST WEEK'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:

"Of the load of pesticides in the average person, what percentage
comes from eating dairy and milk?"

(a) 90%  (b) 80%  (c) 70%  (d) 60%  (e) 50%

Congratulations to Don Renninger for correctly guessing "(b) 80%" and
winning the luck of the draw.  Enjoy your VegNews subscription, pardner!

["Milk- Does a Body Good?"
http://www.beyondhealth.com/milk.htm


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Of the 37 or so ingredients in a Chicken McNugget, roughly how many,
directly or indirectly, come from corn?

(a) 37    (b) 30    (c)  23   (d) 16

Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word
"contest" in your subject line by NLT November 15, 2006.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE
one-year subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting
the correct answer to each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to
Joe, and you can learn more about VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call
1.415.665.6397]


************************************************
*03:  Recipes from "No More Bull!"
************************************************

RED HOT SOUP
(yield: 4 servings)

This soup is ready in 15 minutes and really packs a punch, providing
189 percent of your recommended vitamin C per serving.  It's also
loaded with beta-carotene from the peppers, tomatoes, and orange
juice.  Enjoy for lunches at work or a starter for dinner.  Blend for
a creamier tomato soup.

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 medium garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon ginger root (approximately 1 inch), grated
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 cups vegetable stock or water
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice, or orange juice with pulp

Heat oil in a soup pot over medium heat.  Add onion, garlic, ginger
and pepper and saute for 5 to 8 minutes.  Add broth, tomatoes,
coriander, cinnamon and cayenne.  Simmer and cook for 10 minutes.  Add
orange juice, warm through and serve.  Season to taste.

(From Sally Errey, registered nutritional consulting practitioner,
Centre for Integrated Healing Society (p. 215-216 in "No More Bull!"
by Howard Lyman).

[Sally's website:
http://www.beyondtheordinary.net/sallyerrey.shtml


BROCCOLI WITH MUSTARD SAUCE
(yield: 4 to 6 servings)

This is royally delicious treatment for broccoli, "The King of the
Vegetables."

1 bunch broccoli
1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1 teaspoon stone ground or Dijon-style mustard
1 clove garlic, pressed or minced

Break the broccoli into bite-sized florets.  Peel the stems and slice
them into 1/2-inch-thick rounds.  Steam until just tender, about 5
minutes.  While the broccoli is steaming, whisk the dressing
ingredients in a serving bowl.  Add the steamed broccoli and toss to
mix.  Serve immediately.

(From Dr. T. Colin Campbell, author, The China Study (p. 232 in "No
More Bull!")

[Dr. Campbell's website:
http://www.thechinastudy.com/


************************************************
*04: 10 Useful Links for a Veg'n Halloween!
************************************************
["Halloween Safety Tips:"
http://www.fabulousfoods.com/holidays/halloween/safetytips.html

RECIPES:

["Top 10 Things to do with Non-Vegan Halloween Candy:"
http://www.vegfamily.com/holidays/non-vegan-halloween-candy.htm

["Vegan Halloween Recipes And Resources" from Bryanna Clark Grogan:
http://www.bryannaclarkgrogan.com/page/page/1435913.htm

["Treats Fit for a-Gobblin'!" (and links):
http://www.vegcooking.com/goblintreats.asp?c=G_VC10_03

["Humane Halloween Recipe Links:"
http://www.vegforlife.org/eats_halloween.htm

["Vegan Recipes for the Harvest:" (impressive number of recipes):
http://www.geocities.com/miaow2000/fall.html

["11 Vegan Halloween Recipes:"
http://www.recipezaar.com/recipes.php?categ=vegan%2Challoween

["A Vegan Halloween Party:"
http://www.vegparadise.com/cookingwith510.html

["Vegan Food for Halloween and Bonfire Night:"
http://www.vegsoc.org/cordonvert/recipes/halloween2000.html

RESOURCE:

["Vegan Candy is Dandy:" (from PETA - what candy is vegan?)
http://www.petakids.com/candy.html


************************************************
*05: Mad Cow Info Round-up
************************************************
CANADA FINDS 8TH CASE OF BSE:  (08/23/06):   "Canada has identified
its eighth case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow
disease, just a few weeks after the seventh case.  The illness was
found in an Alberta beef cow estimated to be between 8 and 10 years
old, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced. Given the
cow's age, it was probably exposed to the disease either before or
shortly after Canada banned the feeding of cattle protein to cattle
and other ruminants in 1997, the agency said.  The cow was tested in
the course of Canada's BSE surveillance program, which targets
high-risk cattle.

[Edited from:
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/other/bse/news/aug2306bse.html


USDA STILL PREVENTING ONE OF NATION'S LARGEST MEATPACKERS FROM TESTING
ITS CATTLE FOR MAD COW DISEASE:  (09/13/06):  "... [the] USDA can no
longer ignore the overwhelming public support for allowing companies
such as Creekstone Farms to voluntarily test all of its production.
Testing will give consumers at home and abroad added confidence in
U.S. beef and improve America's trade status with countries such as
South Korea and Japan. At the same time, USDA must apply its trade
policy fairly and reasonably, enabling facilities to export beef even
while those that fail inspections are held back temporarily. It is the
right thing to do; it will create U.S. jobs, grow our economy and help
us regain global market share."

[Edited from:
  http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/editorial/15502782.htm


MAD SHEEP -- THE USDA'S WAR ON SMALL FARMERS & CONSUMERS:  (09/15/06):
  "Foreword to the Book by Ronnie Cummins: ...Armed with $90 billion in
taxpayer money each year, the USDA is waging war against all of
us�consumers, family farmers, farm animals, and the environment. The
direct and collateral damage of this war includes rampant water, air,
and food pollution; an epidemic of cancer, birth defects, obesity, and
hormone disruption; pollution by genetically engineered crops; an
unsustainable, massive venting of climate-destabilizing greenhouse
gases; pesticide and antibiotic contamination; proliferation of junk
food; systematic exploitation of small farmers, farm workers, and
slaughterhouse workers; and the dumping of millions of tons of
subsidized crops and meat at below the cost of production on
developing nations, thereby destroying the livelihoods of millions of
small farmers and rural communities."

[The full foreward is well worth reading for more behind-the-scenes
descriptions of what Mr. Cummins, and to a similiar degree Howard,
have been through addressing these issues:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_2158.cfm


CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE FOUND IN FRANCE:  (09/18/06):  "A cow in
central France has tested positive for mad cow disease, the country's
fifth detected case this year, local authorities said.  Local
veterinary chief Dominique Chabanet said Monday it was probably
infected by eating animal-based flour, before its use as cow feed was
banned in 1996.   France has recorded a total of 15 cases of the human
form of the disease, variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, since it first
appeared in 1996..."

[Edited from:
http://www.todayonline.com/articles/143313.asp


US BEEF MAKING TENTATIVE RETURN TO NORTH ASIAN MARKET:  (09/24/06):
"American beef is back in the Japanese market and slated to return to
South Korea soon. But for America's beef exporters, who lost two of
their three largest markets in 2003 after a few cases of mad cow
disease were discovered in the United States, it is going to be an
uphill struggle to rebuild their north Asian business.  Ambassador
Thomas Schieffer has been heavily promoting U.S. beef to help American
exporters rebuild their nearly $1.5-billion annual business in Japan.
  Amb. Thomas Schieffer being served American roast beef Amb. Thomas
Schieffer being served American roast beef The ambassador, leaving
another beef promotional lunch in downtown Tokyo, joked that his
cholesterol count must have soared in recent days after eating
American beef for nearly every meal. But he says what is important is
Japan's appetite for U.S. meat..."

[Very edited from:
  http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-09-24-voa15.cfm


EXPERT SAYS U.S. NEEDS TO BEEF UP PROTECTION OF FOOD SUPPLY:
(09/25/06):  "The United States needs to continue taking steps to
protect its food supply from terrorism just as it would its buildings,
airports and other elements of its infrastructure, FBI deputy director
John S. Pistole said Monday.  "The threat from agroterrorism may not
be widely recognized, but the threat is real and the impact could be
devastating," Pistole said. "The recent E. coli outbreak in California
spinach has captured the public attention even without a terror nexus.
  Pistole, keynote speaker at the second International Symposium on
Agroterrorism, pointed to a nonterrorism example, a single case of mad
cow disease in the United States in 2003, to illustrate the potential
impact.  The U.S. food and agriculture industry employs about one in
eight Americans and is important not only to Americans, but because of
its massive exports, to much of the world, as well, Pistole said.
"The bottom line is that agriculture, just like buildings, bridges and
tunnels, is a critical infrastructure in need of defense," he said."

[Edited from:
http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/state/15606917.htm


U.S. BEEF GROUP SPENDS ON ADS, BARBECUES TO WOO JAPAN CONSUMERS:
(09/27/06):  "The U.S. Meat Export Federation is running full page ads
in Japanese newspapers that cost as much as 79 million yen ($681,000)
each to convince consumers American beef is safe to eat. The biggest
supermarket chains don't buy it. Repairing the image of U.S. beef
after it was banned in Japan because of mad cow disease has fallen to
Philip Seng, the chief executive officer of the U.S. Meat Export
group, which has Tyson Foods Inc. and Cargill Inc. among its members.
He said in an interview the U.S. industry may have lost $5 billion
since Japan first imposed the ban in December 2003.  The ad spending,
along with barbecue events and a new website are part of Seng's
strategy to convince Aeon Co. and Seven & I Holdings Co., Japan's two
biggest supermarket chains, to put U.S. beef back on the shelves after
the government lifted the ban in July. He says demand is growing and
supply shortages are a problem."

[Very edited from:
  http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601101&sid=alIWeAUINXMA&refer=japan

[See also: "Beef is luxurious. Beef is healthy. And, yes, beef is sexy. :"
http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB115878077581269173-29kHi_L3Unxk7J2r16krHO\
uyKSE_20070920.html?mod=tff_main_tff_top


JAPANESE CONFIRM 29TH CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE:  (09/28/06):  "Japanese
authorities... have confirmed the country's 29th case of mad cow
disease.  The Agriculture Ministry said tests had confirmed that a
75-month-old Holstein cow from a farm on the northern island of
Hokkaido had been infected with mad cow disease, also known as bovine
spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).  'The cow will be incinerated so that
it will not be used as fodder or food for human beings,' the ministry
said in a written statement.  The authorities run mad cow tests on all
animals to be slaughtered for consumption."

[Edited from:
  http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/afx/2006/09/28/afx3050937.html


MAD COW BURGERS `KILLED MY SON':  (09/29/06):  "The mother of a man
who died from the human form of mad cow disease said she believes
burgers caused her son's illness.  Margaret Marshall was speaking
after an inquest into the death of her 30-year-old son Stephen which
concluded he contracted variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD)
through eating contaminated beef.  Mrs Marshall, from Richmond, North
Yorkshire, said the father of one had probably become infected 10
years before, when he used to eat burgers regularly.  She said: "I
think it was from when he was about 18 or 19, when he was travelling
about a lot. He used to live on burgers."  She added: "It's a
devastating illness, I would not wish it on anybody."  Mr Marshall was
diagnosed with vCJD last December. He died in March... Earlier this
year, British scientists said the number of people infected could be
far higher than originally thought because of a longer incubation
period.  They believe the time between infection with BSE and
developing vCJD could be more than 50 years."

[Edited from:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006450354,00.html


SCHWARZENEGGER SIGNS BILL THAT ENDS SECRECY ABOUT MEAT RECALLS:
(10/02/06):   "California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a
bill, SB 611 (Speier), that allows California public health officers
to notify the public of the names of retailers that receive
USDA-recalled meat and poultry, so that consumers can better protect
themselves from food-borne illnesses.  In 2002, California's
Department of Health Services (DHS) signed a secrecy agreement with
USDA, agreeing not to release the names of the stores and restaurants
where tainted, USDA-recalled beef and poultry have been shipped and
sold. Federal and California state agencies maintain that secrecy is
necessary in order to protect the proprietary interests of the beef
and poultry industries. But eighty percent of Californians believe
that the public should be told the names of retail stores and
restaurants that receive and sell potentially contaminated,
USDA-recalled beef and poultry, according to a 2006 Field Research
Corporation survey."

[Very edited from:
http://www.commondreams.org/news2006/1002-05.htm


ELK EQUIVALENT OF "MAD COW DISEASE" A CONCERN IN IDAHO:  (10/02/06):
"Fish and Game officials are looking for four domestic elk believed to
be ear-tagged and roaming near the town of Chubbuck, Idaho.  It's not
known where the elk came from, but it's raising more questions about
the security of farm-raised elk and what could happen should they come
into contact with wild elk.  This latest case comes on the heels of
another high-profile escape last month.  When more than 100 domestic
elk took off from a hunting reserve in Eastern Idaho, Gov. Jim Risch
ordered that they be shot on sight. The fear was that they might
pollute the wild elk gene pool and possibly spread disease, most
notably the deer and elk equivalent of mad cow disease.  There is
still a lot unknown about Chronic Wasting Disease, the brain disorder
that kills deer and elk. Researchers still don't know what causes it
or exactly how the disease is transmitted among animals. It hasn't
shown up in Idaho yet, but because of the severity of the disease,
state wildlife officials aren't taking any chances.   Since about
2002,  [the USDA] has required that all domestic elk be tested for
Chronic Wasting Disease when they die... To date, there is no proof
that any humans have been infected by CWD. However, scientists still
do not understand the potential risk it poses to public health."

[Edited from:
http://www.fox12news.com/Global/story.asp?S=5457307&nav=menu439_2


MEXICO EASES MAD-COW BAN TO ALLOW U.S. DAIRY HEIFERS:  (10/04/06):
"Mexico is resuming imports of U.S. dairy heifers, lifting a ban
imposed in December 2003 when the U.S. found its first case of mad-cow
disease, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said...  Under the
agreement, exported animals must be under 24 months of age, the
Agriculture Department said in a statement. The heifers will be
individually identified as they leave the U.S. as part of Mexico's
mad-cow surveillance program... "My goal is to restore the
once-vibrant live cattle commerce between the U.S. and Mexico and to
do so in accordance with science-based international guidelines,''
Johanns said in the statement. He called the agreement on dairy
heifers a "first step'' in that process.

[Edited from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=a34w_2na7Yp8&refer=latin_ame\
rica


MAD DEER DISEASE MAY SPREAD WITH SALIVA/BLOOD:  (10/05/06):   "Deer
probably spread a brain-destroying illness called chronic wasting
disease through their saliva, concludes a study that finally pins down
a long-suspected culprit.  Chronic wasting disease is in the same
family of fatal brain illnesses as mad cow disease and its human
equivalent. There is no evidence that people have ever caught chronic
wasting disease from infected deer or elk.  But CWD is unusual
because, unlike its very hard-to-spread relatives, it seems to spread
fairly easily from animal to animal.  Scientists were not sure how,
primarily because studying large wild animals is a logistical
nightmare. The sheer stress of researchers handling a deer caught in
the wild could kill it.

Is it spread through shared salt licks? Or by drooling onto grass or
into streams? Studying environmental contamination by infectious
proteins, called prions, that cause CWD is among Hoover's next steps.
  "It's very likely they could be shedding a lot of saliva" shortly
before death, noted Richard Race, a veterinarian who studies CWD at
the National Institutes of Health's Rocky Mountain Laboratories.
"Saliva's a good bet."

[Very edited from:
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/mld/sanluisobispo/living/health/15687057.htm

[See also: "Scientists Find Blood, Saliva Can Be Common Channels For
Infection Between Animals:"
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_4449588


IOWA COMPANY INSISTS MEAT RECALLED FOR POSSIBLE E. COLI IS SAFE:
(10/07/06): "The owner of an Iowa meat company says the federal
government has needlessly requested that he recall 5,200 pounds of
meat that he claims is safe and has likely already been consumed by
thousands of people across seven states.  Jim Goeser, owner of Jim's
Market and Locker Inc., said tests have negated the government's claim
that his meat may have the same E. coli strain responsible for three
deaths in the recent outbreak of contaminated spinach.  Goeser said he
voluntarily issued the recall Friday after federal inspectors
questioned the testing methods used by a slaughterhouse in Omaha, Neb.
No illnesses have been reported and none likely will, he said.  E.
coli lives in the intestines of cattle and other animals and typically
is linked to contamination by fecal material.  It's believed
responsible for about 60 deaths and 73,000 infections a year in the
United States."

[Edited from:
http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/15704817.htm


TAIWAN HALTS CANADIAN BEEF FROM U.S.:  (10/09/06):  "Taiwan is no
longer accepting imports of Canadian beef products from the United
States, according to a news release from R-CALF USA.  The Billings,
Mont., advocacy group said the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food
Safety and Inspection Service on Tuesday issued updated export
requirements for Taiwan regarding fresh and frozen boneless beef
derived from Canadian cattle under 30 months of age.  Effective
Monday, Oct. 9, beef products derived from cattle imported from Canada
for immediate slaughter are not eligible for export to Taiwan,
according to the news release from the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal
Fund, United Stockgrowers of America."

[Edited from:
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2006/10/09/news/agnews/news01.txt


DENMARK REPORTS FIRST CASE OF LETHAL SCRAPIE ANIMAL DISEASE:
(10/12/06):  "Denmark reported its first case of scrapie, a lethal
disease affecting sheep and goats which is related to mad cow disease.
  A crippled animal in Kjellerup in Viborg County was confirmed to have
died of an atypical form of scrapie last month, Preben Willeberg,
Denmark's chief veterinary officer, said in a report to the World
Organization for Animal Health. The report didn't say whether a sheep
or goat was infected.  The animal was more than 10 years old and the
source of its infection is unknown, according to the report, which was
received by the Paris-based organization this week. Another 17 animals
were susceptible to infection and the affected property has been
quarantined, it said.  Scrapie is a degenerative disease that affects
the central nervous system. Scientists believe that the feeding of
rendered scrapie-infected livestock in the form of meatmeal to cattle
in the U.K. in the late 1970s and 1980s caused the emergence of bovine
spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE.  The disease, also known as mad cow
disease, has been linked with the fatal brain-wasting disease, variant
Creutzfeldt-Jakob, in humans."

[Edited from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=aTUUKdZc568k&refer=europe


US SENATOR SEEKS OKING BLANKET BSE TESTS FOR EXPORTS TO JAPAN:
(10/12/06):  "U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Ky., has sent a letter to U.S.
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns urging him to allow beef producers
to conduct blanket testing for mad-cow disease for their exports to
Japan and other countries, according to a copy of the letter made
available Thursday, Kyodo News reported.  "This is vital to regaining
U.S. market share in Japan, South Korea and other markets critical to
U.S. beef suppliers," Bunning said in the letter dated last Friday.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture restricts testing to its own
program, banning voluntary testing despite repeated requests for
permission from some American meat processors so they can test all
cattle for beef exports, especially to Japan to satisfy consumers
there.  Japan conducts blanket testing on all slaughtered cattle.  But
the U.S. tests only a small proportion of the total cattle herd
because the USDA program is designed to statistically check the
prevalence of the disease."

[Edited from:
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/content.asp?contentid=75572


RESEARCHERS DETECT CWD IN HEART MUSCLE OF ELK AND WHITE-TAILED DEER:
(10/13/06):  "Chronic wasting disease for the first time has been
found in the heart muscle of white-tailed deer and elk, according to
researchers in the University of Wyoming's College of Agriculture.
The finding is important to wildlife managers, hunters and scientists
because the cardiac muscle -- which comprises meat -- of big-game
animals susceptible to CWD is consumed by humans.  Hunters, however,
should not be alarmed, said Jean Jewell, a research scientist in the
UW Department of Veterinary Sciences.  "There is a tendency for people
to become alarmed when they hear something that makes them think their
health might be at risk, but at this stage there is no evidence to
suggest humans are susceptible to CWD," Jewell said.  That does not
mean hunters shouldn't take precautions, according to the Wyoming Game
and Fish Department (G&F). They are advised not to kill or eat animals
that appear sick, and it is recommended they wear long, disposable
rubber or latex gloves when field dressing animals."

[Very very edited from:
http://www.uwyo.edu/news/showrelease.asp?id=10840


JAPANESE RULES PROMPT CATTLE ID TAG USE:  (10/15/06):  "Japanese
consumers aren't just asking, "Where's the beef?" They want to know:
"Where's the beef from?" That question is proving to be a good
opportunity for cattle businesses to test a new national system for
tracking animals that federal officials hope to have operative on a
voluntary basis by 2009.  The Japanese government is making sure that
any U.S. beef it imports can be traced to its origins and comes from
cows not more than 20 months old.  The strict protocol stems from the
December 2003 find of a Washington state cow that tested positive for
bovine spongiform encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease. As a
result, 52 countries, including Japan, banned U.S. beef. That cow
eventually was traced to Canada.  In the United States, the tags are
part of the first phase of a National Animal Identification System the
U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Florida Department of Agriculture
and the livestock industry are developing.  The program, which will
allow tracking of animals through the system from farm to feedlot and
slaughterhouse, is slated to be implemented on a widespread voluntary
basis by 2009."

[Edited from:
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/10/15/news/business/55-tag.txt


QUEBEC FARMER SEEKING PERMISSION FOR CLASS ACTION OVER MAD COW CRISIS:
  (10/16/06):
"Ottawa and a multinational feed company knew how to prevent the
spread of mad cow disease a decade before BSE showed up in Canadian
cattle but they did nothing, says a Quebec farmer who is trying to
initiate a class action lawsuit against both.  Their negligence and
inaction led to the crisis that saw international borders closed to
Canadian beef, costing Quebec farmers between $6 billion and $7
billion and Canadian farmers overall up to $20 billion, alleges the
lawsuit filed by Donald Berneche.  "The respondents are responsible
for the present mad cow crisis due to their inaction and negligence,"
says the suit.  "Since the end of the 80s, the beginning of the 1990s,
worldwide its been known how BSE is spread, which is basically through
ruminant meat and bone meal," Berneche's lawyer, Gilles Gareau, told
reporters outside the courtroom.  "Stop feeding (it) to cows. It's as
simple as that."  Great Britain banned ruminant meat and bone meal, or
animal parts, in its cattle feed in 1988.  "Here in Canada we waited
until 1997 to do that," Gareau said."

[Edited from:
http://www.news1130.com/news/national/article.jsp?content=n101617A


MAD COW DISEASE FOUND IN RUSSIA NEAR THE EU BORDER:  (10/18/06):  "A
case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or mad cow disease has
been discovered in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad between Poland
and Lithuania, the Federal Control Service for Consumer Rights said.
"A case of mad cow disease was detected in the town of Razdolnoye in
the Nesterovski region," near the Lithuanian border, it said in a
press release.  "The two people who had contact with the animal have
received vaccinations," it added, saying that authorities are "taking
measures designed to eliminate the source of the disease."  In July
2005, Moscow announced it had found around 10 cases of mad cow disease
in four farms in Mordovia, in the eastern European area of Russia."

[Edited from:
http://www.todayonline.com/articles/149235.asp


EU WILL COMMENT ON HUMAN RISK FROM PRION DISEASE:  (10/18/06):
"Europe's top food safety agency will give its views next month on
whether a fatal brain-wasting disease, similar to mad cow disease,
might threaten human health if transmitted form sheep and goats, its
executive director said on Wednesday.  Earlier this year, two sheep in
France and one in Cyprus, were suspected of being infected with bovine
spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) infection, also known as mad cow
disease. A final series of tests is continuing and should be completed
next year.  Scrapie belongs to a family of diseases known as TSEs
(transmissible spongiform encephalopathy) and characterised by a
degeneration of brain tissue giving a sponge-like appearance.  While
no case of BSE has ever been confirmed as naturally occurring in
sheep, there are fears that some sheep diagnosed as having scrapie --
not known to be harmful to humans -- might be carrying the other
brain-wasting disease."

[Edited from:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2584619


TO SLEEP, PERCHANCE TO SURVIVE:  (10/23/06):  "In his new book The
Family That Couldn't Sleep: A Medical Mystery, science writer D.T. Max
explores the strange world of prions and their connections to
cannibalism, fatal insomnia and hamburgers.  Max talked about his
findings with Wired News. [excerpts:

WN: What do you make of food safety in the United States when it comes
to prion diseases?

Max: The USDA does as poor a job as you could imagine. I've never seen
an organization that seems more determined to not find what it's in
charge of exploring..."

WN: Are you a vegetarian?

Max: I don't eat cheap hamburger. When I learned it was comprised of
hundreds of thousands of body parts and when I learned how it was
blown off the bones of the cow and steer, I just decided I didn't
quite have the stomach for it anymore."

[Very edited from:
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/medtech/1,71971-0.html


OHIO EXPANDS TESTS OF DEER FOR DISEASE:  (10/24/06):  "Ohio is
changing its method of testing white-tailed deer for a deadly
neurological disease.  The state will test 1,500 Ohio deer this fall
for chronic wasting disease and for the first time will include deer
killed on roads, said Dave Risley of the Ohio Department of Natural
Resources' Division of Wildlife.  That's a boost from 2005 when Ohio
tested about 700 deer from both hunters' check-in stations and
deer-processing facilities.  That testing effort will cover the entire
state although it will be more intense in eastern Ohio where deer
concentrations are higher and the chronic wasting disease threat are
greater, Risley said."

[Edited from:
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/15834549.htm


SCIENTISTS WARN OF 'MAD HONEY DISEASE':  (09/10/06):  "Mad honey
disease is among the rarest afflictions in the world, but it appears
to be on the increase.  Only 58 cases have been reported worldwide,
but eight people were treated in 2005 alone.  The trend towards eating
more natural products may be driving a rise in cases of the disease,
whose symptoms can include convulsions, low blood pressure, fainting
and temporary heart problems, according to a new report.  "Mad honey
disease has the potential to cause death if untreated," say the
researchers. "Because of the increasing preference for natural
products, intoxication induced by consumption of honey will increase
in the future."

Just a spoonful of the wrong honey can cause problems, according to
researchers, who report their findings this week in the American
Journal of Emergency Medicine.  Mad honey poisoning is most prevalent
in honey from the Black Sea region of Turkey. Compounds called
grayanotoxins, found in the nectar of rhododendrons, mountain laurels
and azaleas, are thought to be responsible for the disease. Though
harmless to bees, they are psychoactive and poisonous to humans.
Affected honey is said to have a very bitter taste.

[Very edited from:
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/health_medical/article1433411.ece


************************************************
*06:  Spinach/E.coli/Pigs - Sick Industrial Food, Farm System
************************************************
SPINACH E. COLI OUTBREAK DECLARED OVER WITH 3 DEAD:  (10/26/06):  "A
deadly outbreak of spinach-borne E. coli that killed three people has
ended after sickening 204 people in 26 U.S. states and Canada, federal
and California investigators said today.  The investigation continues
to examine four farms in Monterey and San Benito counties in
California, Kevin Reilly, deputy director of prevention services with
the California Department of Health Services, said in a conference
call with reporters. The fields under investigation grow conventional,
rather than organic, spinach, and all of the illnesses came from one
day's production, he said.  Investigators using DNA tests have now
matched nine E. coli samples taken from one ranch to the outbreak. The
ranch previously had positive tests for the bacteria in cow droppings,
Riley said. The new samples came from a creek, the guts of a wild pig
killed on the property and additional cow droppings.  Investigators
found other strains of the virulent bacterium known as E. coli 0157:H7
on two of the three other ranches. All of the bacteria came from the
droppings of grass-fed cattle, rather than feedlots, Riley said."

[Edited from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aSdKueKkdaSE&refer=us


PIGS SOURCE OF SPINACH E COLI OUTBREAK:  (10/28/06): "Investigators
say a wild pigs were very likely the source of a spinach E. Coli
outbreak that caused the death of three people and made over 200
people ill in the USA and Canada. The investigators have found six new
samples of the E. Coli strain that match those of the tainted spinach
on a ranch in California. The ranch is located in Monterey and San
Benito counties.  Two samples came from a wild pig (wild boar) that
was killed on the ranch, while the other four came from cattle in the
same ranch, according to the California Department of Health Services.
Investigators say the pigs probably spread the bacteria into the
spinach fiends through their droppings (excrement). However, so far,
no one really knows how the bacteria made it way to the spinach farm.

Dr. Kevin Reilly, from the California Department of Health Services,
said "Clearly, we have positive results on one property that are
helping to refine our investigation. We have not closed any
possibilities on three other ranches, but the information is
accumulating that our environmental findings are consistent on this
one property."  Reilly added "Animals, wildlife and water were in
close proximity to the field. We have evidence for fences torn down,
wildlife going into the actual spinach fields themselves. That's where
the investigation is centered right now. There's clear evidence that
the pig population has access and goes onto the fields. Is that the
ultimate means of contamination or is that one potential means,
including water and wildlife? We're still investigating that."

[Edited from:
  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/healthnews.php?newsid=55300


MASS-PROCESSED FOODS MORE EASILY CONTAMINATED:  (09/23/06):  "In the
spring and summer of 1982, McDonald's held a special promotion -- two
burgers for the price of one -- that led to the first reported
outbreak of a food-borne bacterial infection that now sweeps the
nation with some regularity.  That year, at least 47 people in Oregon
and Michigan, most of whom took advantage of the promotion, fell ill
with severe abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea. Doctors and public
health investigators were spooked -- they'd never seen anything like
it.  A year later, after months of investigation by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, investigators were able to identify
the infection. It was a common bacterium, one that microbiologists had
long known to live in human intestinal tracts with mostly harmless,
and sometimes even helpful, results.

The bacterium was E. coli, but this was a rare strain that had
mutated. It had attached itself to a virus, and that virus made people
very sick. Today, that same strain, called 0157:H7, sickens hundreds
if not thousands of Americans every year, and is the source of the
latest epidemic linked to bagged fresh spinach that has sickened 166
people so far, one of whom died.  "At the time of that (1982)
outbreak, there was no knowledge that E. coli could cause a disease
like this, so nobody believed it," said Lee Riley, a professor of
infectious disease and epidemiology at UC Berkeley who was one of the
lead investigators for the CDC in the McDonald's case and an author of
the first paper published on E. coli in the New England Journal of
Medicine.  "The outbreak occurred because the restaurants were having
these promotions and going through a lot of hamburgers," Riley said.
"It's the mass consumption of meat and the way it's processed and
delivered and distributed that made it possible for this E. coli to
spread."

[Very edited from:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/09/23/ECOLI.TMP


TAINTED SPINACH ANOTHER SIGN OF SICK FOOD, FARM SYSTEM:  (09/25/06):
"The deadly E. coli outbreak in bagged spinach should make us rethink
our farming practices and reinvigorate our regulatory system.
Food-borne outbreaks are due, in part, to corporate agribusiness
practices, according to infectious disease specialists like Professor
Lee Riley at the University of California-Berkeley... For instance,
livestock that are force-fed grain in confinement have up to 300 times
more pathogenic bacteria in their guts as compared to grass-fed
cattle, according to researchers from Cornell University. Other
studies have found similar results. California, which boasts of its
new status as the No. 1 dairy state, is awash in factory-farm manure.
This manure enters the food chain when it runs off into channels
designed to irrigate vegetables or when it blows onto nearby produce
fields. Unfortunately, proper manure disposal rarely occurs in
large-scale livestock confinement operations. The upshot is a
nightmarish landscape of leaking lagoons, tainted wells, fish kills,
debilitated farmworkers and poisoned food. Food safety began to
deteriorate in the United States under President Clinton.

Public oversight shifted to ineffectual, feel-good self-policing
programs. Under President Bush, this deregulation of our food and farm
system has only accelerated. Recent budget and staff cuts at the
federal level have left the majority of food-safety inspection and
enforcement in the hands of city, county and state agencies.
Ironically, the Bush administration is now trying to railroad through
Congress the National Uniformity for Food Act, which would take away
this local control over food safety and labeling... Our agricultural
system deserves a thorough democratic cleansing with consumer
right-to-know labeling, tough antitrust action, corporate liability
measures and serious incentives for viable alternatives. We must
safeguard our food supply not just from terrorists, but from dangerous
farming practices."

[Very edited from:
http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_4394305


THE VEGETABLE-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX:  (10/15/06):  "... But these days,
the way we farm and the way we process our food, both of which have
been industrialized and centralized over the last few decades, are
endangering our health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
estimate that our food supply now sickens 76 million Americans every
year, putting more than 300,000 of them in the hospital, and killing
5,000. The lethal strain of E. coli known as 0157:H7, responsible for
this latest outbreak of food poisoning, was unknown before 1982; it is
believed to have evolved in the gut of feedlot cattle. These are
animals that stand around in their manure all day long, eating a diet
of grain that happens to turn a cow's rumen into an ideal habitat for
E. coli 0157:H7. (The bug can't survive long in cattle living on
grass.) Industrial animal agriculture produces more than a billion
tons of manure every year, manure that, besides being full of nasty
microbes like E. coli 0157:H7 (not to mention high concentrations of
the pharmaceuticals animals must receive so they can tolerate the
feedlot lifestyle), often ends up in places it shouldn't be, rather
than in pastures, where it would not only be harmless but also
actually do some good. To think of animal manure as pollution rather
than fertility is a relatively new (and industrial) idea..."

[Very very edited from from the excellent essay/article by Michael
Pollan at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/15/magazine/15wwln_lede.html?em&ex=1161316800&en=\
59c7751ffa65d98a&ei=5087%0A


************************************************
*07:  NYC<Fatty, Salad Day, Fruit/Veggies<HD, US-Backed Killer Diet
************************************************
  A LESS FATTY NEW YORK CITY?:  (09/26/06):  "New York City has taken a
bold step in the fight against obesity and heart disease. Today the
New York City Department of Health announced a proposal to ban all
trans fats from New York restaurants. A public hearing is scheduled
for Oct. 30.  It also announced that all restaurants that list
nutritional information must include calories.  Trans fats are found
in many types of cooking oils used in the preparation of doughnuts,
french fries and pastries. The Food and Drug Administration has
required that food labels list trans fats since Jan. 1, 2006. Trans
fats include margarine, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil,
partially hydrogenated vegetable shortening and shortening.  New York
had already instituted a voluntary ban on trans fats, but 30 to 60
percent of restaurants in the city refused to make the switch.  New
York is the first city to make the ban citywide, but Chicago is also
considering the measure. The only other large ban is in North
Carolina, where trans fats have been banned from all school foods.
Trans fats have been linked to elevated cholesterol and to an
increased risk of heart disease.

"This is an extremely important step for public health," said Michael
Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public
Interest. "If implemented nationwide, a ban on partially hydrogenated
fats -- trans fats -- could save an estimated 50,000 lives a year."

[Edited from:
  http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=2494843&page=1


EAT A SALAD A DAY:  (09/01/06):  "A new UCLA/Louisiana State
University study of dietary data on more than 17,500 men and women
finds consumption of salad and raw vegetables correlates with higher
concentrations of folic acid, vitamins C and E, lycopene and alpha and
beta carotene in the bloodstream.  Published in the September edition
of the peer-reviewed Journal of the American Dietetic Association, the
study also suggests that each serving of salad consumed correlates
with a 165 percent higher likelihood of meeting recommended dietary
allowances (RDA) for vitamin C in women and 119 percent greater
likelihood in men.

The study is the first to examine the relationship between normal
salad consumption and nutrient levels in the bloodstream, and also the
first to examine the dietary adequacy of salad consumption using the
latest nutritional guidelines of the Food and Nutrition Board of the
National Academy of Sciences.  "The findings endorse consumption of
salad and raw vegetables as an effective strategy for increasing
intake of important nutrients. Unfortunately, we also found daily
salad consumption is not the norm in any group, and is even less
prevalent among African Americans," [Lenore Arab, visiting professor
of epidemiology at the UCLA School of Public Health] said.  "In fact,
our findings suggest that eating just one serving of salad or raw
vegetables per day significantly boosts the likelihood of meeting the
recommended daily intake of certain nutrients."

[Very edited from:
 
http://www.foodconsumer.org/777/8/UCLA_LSU_study_details_nutritional_value_of_sa\
lad.shtml


FRUIT AND VEGETABLES CUT HEART ATTACK RISK, SAYS STUDY:  (09/27/06):
"Every extra of fruit or vegetable consumed daily could cut the risk
of heart disease by four percent, says a meta-analysis of almost a
quarter of a million people, giving people even more reason to seek
out the nutrient-rich foods. The meta-analysis by scientists from
France's INSERM in Paris, Lille's Pasteur Institute, and Rouen's
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, pooled nine cohort
studies giving an overall study population of 91,379 men, 129,701
women, and 5,007 coronary heart disease events.

The analysis, published in the current issue of the Journal of
Nutrition (Vol. 136, pp. 2588-2593), found that the risk of coronary
heart disease (CHD), conditions that cause of 20 per cent of deaths in
the US and 17 per cent of deaths in Europe, was cut by four per cent
for each additional fruit and vegetable portion consumed, and by seven
per cent for fruit portion intake.

[Very edited from:
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=70841&m=1NIU928&c=yhpgkjfymtnz\
esv


U. S. GOVERNMENT BACKED KILLER DIET:  (09/18/06):   "The food
industry, the drug industry, leading academics bought up by those two
industries, and government are working together to perpetuate a diet
that is the great killer of our time, leading to the accelerating
epidemic of heart disease, stroke diabetes, and other chronic
diseases.  This means government, under the influence of powerful
lobbies, is saying to the American people that a diet sure to kill and
sicken by the millions is good for you. Dr. Colin T. Campbell, one of
the world's leading authorities on nutrition science, says that the
killer diet is rich in "animal products, dairy and meat, refined
sugar, and fat... Why are we headed to a needless, incredibly
destructive epidemic of chronic diseases? The saddest part of the
story is that this disastrous scenario could easily be avoided by a
change of the national diet from animal to plant food.  Dr. Campbell
is not only one of the most eminent nutrition scientists in the world,
but also conducted the most comprehensive study of the diet/health
connection in history. He reports his study and lifetime of research
in his book, The China Study: Startling Implications for Diet, Weight
loss and Long-Term Health (2006)..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.theeveningbulletin.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17211740&BRD=2737&PAG=461\
&dept_id=576361&rfi=6

[See also: "Expert: Ag Policies Make Some Fatter: The agricultural
policies of the world's top producing nations are contributing to the
increasing problem of obesity in developing nations:."
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4164159.html


************************************************
*08: Accent on the Moo, Bow-omm, Sign-o-Matic, Safety Singing
************************************************
MOO-AR!:  (09/23/06):  "Phonetics experts have backed up dairy
farmers' claims that cows moo with regional accents.  Dairy farmers in
Somerset noticed a local twang to the sounds made by their animals,
reports the Guardian.  John Wells, Professor of Phonetics at the
University of London, said: "This phenomena is well attested in birds.
You find distinct chirping accents in the same species around the
country.  "This could also be true of cows. In small populations such
as herds you would encounter identifiable dialectical variations which
are most affected by the immediate peer group."  The phenomenon was
noticed by members of the West Country Farmhouse Cheesemakers group,
who put it down to the close bond between farmer and cow.  The group
has also noted similar accent shifts in Midlands, Essex, Norfolk and
Lancashire moos.  Farmer Lloyd Green of Glastonbury said: "I spend a
lot of time with my ones and they definitely moo with a Somerset drawl."

[Edited from:
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1965356.html?menu=news.quirkies.animaltales


BOW-OMMM: (09/13/06):  "Dog takes up yoga:  A three year old German
Shepherd dog has reportedly taken up yoga in India.  Hritik practices
traditional exercises under the watchful eyes of his trainer in
Ranchi, reports the Mumbai Mirror.  Nanda Dulal said: "He was weak
when he was born. We took special care of him and he gradually became
strong after his yoga lessons.  "He started imitating me two years
ago, and now sits beside me when I perform yoga. He follows my
asanas(yoga techniques) including my breathing.  "When I found that he
wanted to do yoga I started training him. Now both of us do yoga
together every morning."  It is reported that the animal helps in
household chores, is a vegetarian and loves to eat ripe papayas and
cucumber.  When asked if he would teach yoga to other dogs, Dulal
said: "Right now, I have no such plans.

[Edited from:
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1993659.html?menu=news.quirkies.animaltales


RONALD MCHUMMER SIGN-O-MATIC�:  (09/2006):  "This month McDonald's is
giving away toy Hummers � 42 million of them, in eight models and
colors � with every Happy Meal or Mighty Kids Meal. That's right: The
fast-food chain that helped make our kids the fattest on Earth is now
selling future car buyers on the fun of driving a supersized,
smog-spewing, gas-guzzling SUV originally built for the military. Use
the Ronald McHummer Sign-O-Matic� to tell us what you think of this
misguided marriage of two icons of American excess."

[from:
http://www.ronaldmchummer.com/


SINGING FOR SAFETY:  (10/08/06):  "Expert parodies tunes to warn of
food dangers:  Carl Winter, a food toxicologist at the University of
California at Davis, has spent his career studying and teaching the
ways food can make people sick.  Over the past 10 years, the amateur
musician has been writing humorous lyrics to popular songs to convey
critical messages, such as keeping cold foods cold and cooking meat to
high temperatures.  The Beatles, the Drifters and the Village People
are among artists subjected to Winter's musical revisions. His
parodies are peppered with clever lyrics about bacteria,
gastroenteritis, hepatitis and mad cow disease."

[Edited from:
http://www.modbee.com/business/story/12853040p-13536238c.html

[Listen and watch some of Carl's efforts at the "Food Safety Music
Homepage":
http://foodsafe.ucdavis.edu/


************************************************
*09: World Vegan Day, Crocker Goes Veg, Esselstyn, Meaty Args
************************************************
WORLD VEGAN DAY IS FAST APPROACHING:  (10/26/06): "November 1st is
World Vegan Day, a global celebration of a healthy and compassionate
lifestyle free from all animal products. More and more people are
embracing this way of life, as much because of concerns over the
health problems and environmental destruction associated with eating
meat, as animal welfare.  [Among the] reasons to go vegan will give
you food for thought:

- You'll save animals' lives: 30 million day-old male chicks are
gassed or mined alive every year because they cannot produce eggs.
Male calves born to dairy herds are 'surplus' to the industry. Many
are shot, others are sent on punishing journeys to continental veal
farms. - Cows' milk contains a cocktail of hormones, chemicals,
antibiotics, fat and droplets of blood and pus from weeping, infected
udders. - Vegans have been shown to live longer and have a lower risk
of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and some cancers than meat-eaters.

[See also:
http://www.worldveganday.org/

[Edited from:
http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/content/camden/hamhigh/postbag/story.aspx?brand=NorthLo\
ndon24&category=Postbaghamhigh&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=postbaghamhigh&ite\
mid=WeED26%20Oct%202006%2016%3A16%3A02%3A857


BETTY CROCKER GETS ON VEGETARIAN BANDWAGON:  (09/17/06): "With the
familiar signature on the cover of a new cookbook, "Betty Crocker Easy
Everyday Vegetarian" (Wiley, 2006, $24.95), the generic Betty Crocker
now offers about 200 recipes for family-style meatless dishes.  As
always, the style is "from her family to yours." The recipes cater to
hunger pangs of varying urgency ranging from snacks, bites and
nibbles, through wraps and pizza, to pot pies, soups, stews and
chilies.  The adjectives "oriental" and "Mediterranean," the worldly
use of "Moroccan" and "Indian" in recipe titles proves awareness of
today's far-flung acceptance of once-exotic tastes. But the recipes
keep practicality in mind, and make use of canned or packaged
ingredients where that suits the day's menu. Each recipe includes
preparation and cooking times, and the book is sprinkled with color
photos."

[Edited from:
 
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060917/LIFE10/609170319/1006/LIF\
E


INTERVIEW WITH DR. ESSELSTYN:  (10/2006):  "Vegetarians in Paradise
proudly presents its 24 Carrot Award to Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr.,
M.D. , renowned physician and surgeon.  Since 1985 Dr. Esselstyn has
conducted the longest running study that proves heart disease can be
arrested or reversed by a low fat, plant-based diet. Results of his
study will be described in his book Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease
to be published in 2007." [excerpt:

VIP: You use the phrase "moderation kills." Could you explain what
that means?

CE: Moderation kills is a phrase I use to emphasize to patients the
importance of total nutritional adherence. I cannot stress this point
enough. The only reason we succeed where others may fail is attention
to detail. The data are now so powerful that even a single meal of
added fat will injure the delicate endothelial cells' capacity to
manufacture nitric oxide. This function is critical in the restoration
of cardiovascular health. You wake up every day and make a simple
decision: either I am going to enhance or injure my cardiovascular
system today.

VIP: If a person resolves to improve his/her health and lose weight at
the same time, what initial dietary measures would you recommend?

CE: To improve health and lose weight I'd encourage fully plant based
nutrition without any animal products or oils. Avoid processed white
flour. To aggressively lose weight, it is helpful to decrease or
eliminate the grains (cereals, bread, pasta) and white potatoes. This
allows total focus on nutrient rich green leafy vegetables, green
vegetables, all other colorful vegetables, legumes and 2-3 servings of
fruit daily. Avoid fruit juices but drink plenty of water and exercise
regularly."

[Very edited from the excellent interview at:
http://www.vegparadise.com/24carrot.html

[Dr. Esselstyn's website:
http://www.heartattackproof.com


MEATY ARGUMENTS:  (08/21/06):  "In The Bloodless Revolution, published
today by HarperCollins, Tristram Stuart considers the history of
vegetarianism in our society from its origins in the collision of
ethical ideas of abstinence, early medicine and Indian philosophy...
Amazingly, three of Europe's most important early seventeenth-century
philosophers - Descartes, Gassendi and Francis Bacon - all advocated
vegetarianism. At no time before or since has vegetarianism been
endorsed by such a formidable array of intellectuals, and by the 1700s
their pioneering work had blossomed into a powerful movement of
scientific vegetarianism.... The remarkable and long under-appreciated
lives of early vegetarians are inroads into uncharted areas of
history; they simultaneously shed light on why you think about nature
the way you do, why you are told to eat fresh vegetables and avoid too
much meat, and how Indian philosophy has crucially shaped those
thoughts over the past 400 years."

[Extremely edited from the academic prose at:
http://books.guardian.co.uk/extracts/story/0,,1855079,00.html


************************************************
*10: No Egg Logo, Foie Gras Fight,  Elephant Stress, Cats Go Vegan
************************************************
CATS GO VEGAN IN ASIA'S BIGGEST FELINE SHELTER:  (08/16/06):  "In
Asia's biggest shelter for rescued cats, the feline inmates are
turning vegetarian these days, thanks to animal lovers who import
alternative Italian food for the furry laptops.  These days the cats
in Karunakunj, a centre for rescued animals near here run by the
Compassionate Crusaders Trust (CCT), are getting addicted to an
Italian food which is completely vegetarian.  'To avoid serving
non-veg food to cats some of our animal-loving patrons thought that we
should try to find out an alternative vegetarian food which can
provide cats required nourishment and at the same time save innocent
lives of other animals,' said Debasis Chakraborti, founder of CCT, a
strategic partner of Maneka Gandhi's People for Animals (PFA).  This
dietary change, launched last week, was inspired by the principle of
non-violence advocated by the Jain religion."
[Edited from:
http://www.indiaenews.com/india/20060816/18656.htm


AN ELEPHANT CRACKUP?:  (10/08/06): "...in "Elephant Breakdown," a 2005
essay in the journal Nature, Bradshaw and several colleagues argued
that today's elephant populations are suffering from a form of chronic
stress, a kind of species-wide trauma. Decades of poaching and culling
and habitat loss, they claim, have so disrupted the intricate web of
familial and societal relations by which young elephants have
traditionally been raised in the wild, and by which established
elephant herds are governed, that what we are now witnessing is
nothing less than a precipitous collapse of elephant culture.  It has
long been apparent that every large, land-based animal on this planet
is ultimately fighting a losing battle with humankind. And yet
entirely befitting of an animal with such a highly developed
sensibility, a deep-rooted sense of family and, yes, such a good
long-term memory, the elephant is not going out quietly. It is not
leaving without making some kind of statement, one to which scientists
from a variety of disciplines, including human psychology, are now
beginning to pay close attention...

...Elephants, when left to their own devices, are profoundly social
creatures. A herd of them is, in essence, one incomprehensibly massive
elephant: a somewhat loosely bound and yet intricately interconnected,
tensile organism. Young elephants are raised within an extended,
multitiered network of doting female caregivers that includes the
birth mother, grandmothers, aunts and friends. These relations are
maintained over a life span as long as 70 years... When an elephant
dies, its family members engage in intense mourning and burial
rituals, conducting weeklong vigils over the body, carefully covering
it with earth and brush, revisiting the bones for years afterward,
caressing the bones with their trunks, often taking turns rubbing
their trunks along the teeth of a skull's lower jaw, the way living
elephants do in greeting."

[Edited from the long, fascinating & comprehensive article about the
social behavior of elephants as well as their growing aggression to
human encroachment:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/08/magazine/08elephant.html?ex=1162094400&en=8e82\
3134e605f346&ei=5070


THE FOIE GRAS FIGHT IS OFFICIALLY ON:  (08/21/06):  "For some chefs
here in Chicago, the foie gras fight is officially on.  Starting on
Tuesday, the gourmet delicacy is off the menu when a city-wide ban
goes into effect. Chicago will be the first city in the nation to go
foie gras-free.  But chefs who are stewing over what they call a
frivolous city law are planning to take action. A lawsuit is ready and
attorneys will file it first thing Tuesday morning.  CBS 2's Mai
Martinez reports some restaurant owners are cooking up a way to try to
keep the delicacy on their menus.  The ordinance passed the City
Council with overwhelming support (48-1) but not everyone is a fan.
Ald. Moore says the mayor's office will decide how this law is
ultimately enforced, and they will likely rely on citizen complaints.
  More than a dozen countries, mostly in Europe, have banned production
of the delicacy. "

[Edited from:
http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/local_story_233173733.html


EGG INDUSTRY TO DROP LOGO:  (09/21/06):  "The egg industry has agreed
to permanently drop "Animal Care Certified" logos on egg cartons,
after state officials and animal rights groups said consumers were
being misled.  The industry has already replaced the logos, which now
read, "United Egg Producers Certified." The industry also agreed to
pay $100,000 to states for attorney fees, consumer education and other
costs.  "A certification program must not be promoted in a way that
misleads consumers," said Robert J. Spagnoletti, attorney general for
the District of Columbia, which reached the agreement with 16 states
and United Egg Producers.  States contended the old logo falsely
implied a higher level of care for hens. Spagnoletti released the
agreement Thursday.  Last November, the egg group's decision to drop
the "Animal Care Certified" logo prompted the Federal Trade Commission
to stop reviewing a complaint from one animal rights group,
Maryland-based Compassion Over Killing. "

[Edited from:
http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/montereyherald/news/politics/15575403.htm


************************************************
*11: Upcoming Events of Note
************************************************
World Vegan Day - November 1st, 2006:
http://www.worldveganday.org/

Gentle Thanksgiving 2006:  "Gentle Thanksgiving is an effort to
encourage friends, family and neighbors to adopt compassionate
alternatives to unnecessarily cruel turkey dinners. We accomplish this
by demonstrating the great taste and superior nutrition of gourmet
vegetarian recipes and a variety of festive plant-based foods."

[More details at:
http://www.gentlethanksgiving.org


************************************************
*12: Howard's Schedule
************************************************
NOV 02: San Diego, CA > Fall Health Classic -contact: healthcl@...

NOV 04: Medford, OR > SOARS - contact: meowwoof@...

NOV 09-12: Hollywood, CA > Artivist Film Festival, contact:
diakydiaz@... - http://www.ARTIVISTS.org

NOV 18: Portland, OR > Vegan Holiday Festival - Lincoln High School at
16th and Solmon Portland - contact: robert@... -
541.231.6269

APRIL  2007:  (last three weeks): some openings on the East Coast -
contact: webmaster@...

[More information/embedded links at:
http://www.madcowboy.com/01_SchedCA.000.html


************************************************
*13: Quick Bytes
************************************************
AGRICULTURE:

["China launches satellite for super fruit and vegetables:"
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/09/09/060909134839.9pelioda.html

["Fewer spuds, more spinach crops:"
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/food/sfl-farmbillsep07,0,2948230.story?coll\
=sfla-features-food

[For local Food Directories: "National Sustainable Agriculture
Information Service::"
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/localfood_dir.php

["Seeds 200 years old breathe again:"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/5361396.stm

["U.S. Factory Farms � So Bad They're A Tourist Attraction:"
http://www.commondreams.org/news2006/0929-05.htm


BLOGS/PODCASTS:

["Journey of a New Vegan:"
http://newvegan.blogspot.com/

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA & Bloggy Award-winning:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm


DIET/HEALTH:

["We Are What We Eat:"
http://www.ecoliteracy.org/publications/rsl/michael-pollan.html

["Scientists Worry About Potential Risks of Nanotechnology in Food:"
http://www.livescience.com/technology/060907_nanotech_food.html

["Slow Food Nation - Essays:"
http://www.alternet.org/story/41131/

["Green Calculators: Web site promotes a healthy you and a healthy
planet:"
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/food/4161220.html

["Interactive State Map of health/obesity:"
http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2006/

["The top ten things food companies don't want you to know:"
http://www.NewsTarget.com/019957.html

["FDA Says Viruses Safe for Treating Meat:"
http://www.forbes.com/business/healthcare/feeds/ap/2006/08/18/ap2959720.html

["High-Fat, Copper-Rich Diet Boosts Risk of Cognitive Decline in Elder:"
http://www.abqtrib.com/albq/nw_science/article/0,2668,ALBQ_21236_4926799,00.html

["Obesity 'engulfing the entire world':"
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-09-03-obesity-conference_x.htm?csp=34

["In India, more wealth and more diabetes:"
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/09/13/asia/web.0912india.php


ENVIRONMENT:

["Another Inconvenient Truth: Meat is a Global Warming Issue:"
http://www.emagazine.com/view/?3312

["Bottled Water: A Global Environmental Problem:"
http://www.projectcensored.org/censored_2007/index.htm#20

["The Scoop On Dirt--Why We Should all Worship the Ground We Walk On:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_2103.cfm

["U.N.: Number of ocean 'dead zones' rise:"
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/oct2006/2006-10-19-03.asp

["Is it Time for A Tax on Dairy & Meat?:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_3108.cfm

["Imagine Earth without people:"
http://www.newscientist.com/channel/life/mg19225731.100


NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/


NUTRITION:

["Disney's PR Strategy Unhealthy for 'Little Consumers':"
http://www.alternet.org/story/43181

["How Omega-6s Usurped Omega-3s in US Diet - New Book:"
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/523290/

["Whole-grain diets may help reduce blood pressure:"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060912/hl_nm/whole_grain_dc

["Herbs' benefit is greater than simply good taste:"
http://www.megayachtnews.com/index.php?news=1041

["Curcumin halts colorectal cancer, breast cancer by inducing death of
cancer cells:"
http://www.newstarget.com/020527.html

["Sugar linked with mental problems in Norway study:"
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=healthNews&storyid=2006-09-2\
8T204517Z_01_N28374556_RTRUKOC_0_US-SUGAR.xml&src=rss&rpc=22

["Fruit and vegetables cut heart disease risk, says study"
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=70841&m=1NIU928&c=yhpgkjfymtnz\
esv

["When Should You Buy Organic?:"
http://www.commondreams.org/news2006/1004-10.htm

["Lots Of Citrus Fruits And Veggies May Reduce Oral Cancer Risk In Men:"
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7005074807

["Study: Vegetables may keep brains young:"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061023/ap_on_he_me/diet_vegetables_aging

["Cola 'is bad' for women's bones:"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/5410476.stm

["Got Milk ads amuse but can't stop falling milk sales among the young:"
http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=100306_milk.htm

["Udder danger - 10 things wrong with cow's milk:"
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060327/news/news6.html


RECIPES:
[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Awardwinning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/


************************************************
*14: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"If Americans followed the U.S. Department of Agriculture's dietary
guidelines to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, the USDA
Economic Research Service estimates that we would need to add 3
million to 4 million acres of fruit production and 2 million to 3
million acres of vegetable production to our agriculture portfolio.

Additionally, 1.5 million acres of farmland would be converted from
crops like starchy vegetables -- think french fries -- to leafy-green
and deep-yellow vegetables, and millions of acres currently devoted to
corn, soybeans and sugar would be used to grow fruits, vegetables and
grains. Clearly it is time for change."

-- From: "Food Policies Fail to Spur Good Health:"
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=514174&category=JWILKINS&BCCo\
de=&newsdate=10/28/2006


******************************************************************
Mark Sutton, Webmaster@...  http://www.madcowboy.com
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to: Mad_Cowboy-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
******************************************************************

Welcome to the 55th issue of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.  We're proud
as peacocks to announce that "Mad Cowboy: The Documentary" won an
Artivist Award earlier this month in Hollywood, and you can watch the
first trailer of the movie here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mron0MTinFk

Also, the Mad Cowboy extends a hearty handshake to Senator-elect John
Testor, from Montanna.  The Senator is an organic farmer (remember,
Howard ran for the House years ago and almost won).  Here's some info
about Mr. Testor's background:

http://www.ifoam.org/press/press/John_Tester_US_Senate.html

In this Thanksgiving issue of the newsletter you'll find a bunch of
links for holiday recipes collected below.  And, don't miss the link
(in Mad Cow Info Round-Up) to the Canadian TV show "Regenesis," kind
of a "X-files" on biotechnology issues (with an interactive online
game).  There's also a tally of how Animal Issues faired in this
recent election, an essay about "Humane Eating," an interview with
Eric Schlosser and links to the "Fast Food Nation"
trailers/behind-the-scenes.  Then there's the "Backwards Hamburger"
and Meatrix 2.5 videos, the new studies about red meat and cancer -
good fat and heart disease, the 1st study to connect soil mineral
depletion to cancer-causing chemicals in food, and the "eating local
challenge" posted by "Locavores."

You'll also find out that scientists now realize that birds are
brainy, manatees are smarter than they originally thought, elephants
can recognize themselves in mirrors, and no one knows how that dog
figured out how to take the bus periodically into town.

... and, as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers.  Y'all
can read past issues of the newsletter at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Here's wishing everyone a blessed, happy, and veg'n Thanksgiving!

Keep warm... Mark

[personal vegan blog:  http://www.soulveggie.com]


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00: Quote(s) from Howard
01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
02: Recipe from "No More Bull!"
03: Veg'n Thanksgiving Links
04: Mad Cow Info Round-up
05: Animals Win, "Humane" Eating, Fast Food Nation, NY Foie Gras?
06: Red Meat/Cancer, Healthy Fats, Food Depletion, Locavores
07: Adopt-A-Microbe, Backwards Burger, Meatrix2.5, Rabbit or Tiger?
08: Brainy Birds/Manatees, Elephant's "I am", Vortex Menace
09: Upcoming Events of Note
10: Howard's Schedule
11: Quick Bytes
12: Closing Thoughts


************************************************
*00: Quote(s) from Howard
************************************************
"When I decided to become a vegetarian, I lost over 100 pounds, my
blood pressure came down, my cholesterol came down, I knew I had the
answer to my health problems.  I could hardly wait to share that with
my friends and family.  I was even considering sharing it with my
mother-in-law.

I invited her for Thanksgiving dinner. I said to her that turkey
would be available for her.  My mother-in-law came into the house,
went to the oven and to the refrigerator: no turkey. She felt I had
let her down. I took her to the back yard where I had a live turkey.
I told her that if she wanted turkey for dinner she would have to
kill it herself.

That turkey survived."

--- Howard Lyman (from the interview posted at:
http://www.ivu.org/congress/euro97/my-name.html


SPECIAL FLASHBACK -- Howards Meet:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_HLBioPhotosV01/pictures/1987_turkey.00.s..html


************************************************
*01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST WEEK'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:

"Of the 37 or so ingredients in a Chicken McNugget, roughly how many,
directly or indirectly, come from corn?   (a) 37    (b) 30    (c)  23
(d) 16

In a recent article, Michael Pollen said "30," then in the book (as
pointed out on a website) he implied "13," then some intrepid MC
Newsletter subscribers found references online to "14 to 16"
ingredients.  As such, those who answered (b) and (d) were considered
"correct."

Congratulations to Shanti Portia of Daylesford, Australia for winning
the luck of the draw!

[Michael Pollen online essay:
http://www.ecoliteracy.org/publications/rsl/michael-pollan.html

[Subscriber supplied reference:
http://www.accidentalhedonist.com/index.php/all?s=mcnuggets


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Around 300 million turkeys are killed each year.  Approx. what
percentage of that number are slaughtered just for Thanksgiving
alone?"

(a) 75%   (b)  50%   (c)  25%   (d)  15%

Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word
"contest" in your subject line by NLT December 15, 2006.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE
one-year subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting
the correct answer to each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to
Joe, and you can learn more about VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call 1.415.665.6397]


************************************************
*02:  Recipe from "No More Bull!"
************************************************

NUTTY DATE COOKIES
Yield:  2 dozen cookies

"These cookies are a delicious and nutritious treat --- they are
moist and chewy.

2 cups dates, packed
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup high oleic sunflower oil*
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup soy milk
2 tablespoons ground flax
1 grated apple
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup walnut halves

*High oleic sunflower oil is 80% monoumsaturated fat.  This is
preferable to regular sunflower oil which is mainly omega-6 fatty
acids.  You may substitute organic canola oil or other vegetable oil
of your choice.

"In a small sauce pan, cook dates and water until dates are soft.
Remove from heat and mash (a potato masher works well).  In a large
bowl, combine oil, vanilla, soy milk, lemon juice, ground flax,
apples and mashed dates.

In a 2-cup measuring cup, mix all remaining dry ingredients except
nuts.  Pour dry ingredients into wet ingredients and stir to combine
(do not overstir).  Fold in walnuts.  Drop by heaping teaspoon onto
an oiled cookie sheet.  Bak at 325 degrees F for about 20 minutes or
until nicely browned.

Variations:  Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries and use pecan halves
instead of walnut halves.  Replace grated apples with 1/2 cup of
apple suace.

--- Vesanto Melina and Brenda Davis, "No More Bull!" (by Howard
Lyman), pg. 128-129 (originally published in "The New Becoming
Vegetarian," by Melina and Davis)


************************************************
*03:  Veg'n Thanksgiving Links
************************************************
["Bryanna Vegan Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes:"
http://www.bryannaclarkgrogan.com/page/page/1435893.htm

["Holiday Tricks to Fill the Vegan Void:"
http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/living/1162587346292\
680.xml&coll=7

----
[Posted by FARM (http://www.farmusa.org):
"Thanks to Boston Vegetarian Society for compiling this list!"

["Thanksgiving recipes from the Post Punk Kitchen:"
http://www.satyamag.com/nov06/chandra.html

["Celebrate a Vegetarian Thanksgiving:"
http://www.vegcooking.com/f-thanks05.asp

["VegWeb's Thanksgiving Recipes:"
http://vegweb.com/recipes/events/index-thanksgiving.shtml

["Thanksgiving Favorites They'll Really Give Thanks For:"
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/thanksgiving.html

["Compassionate Thanksgiving Recipes:"
http://www.adoptaturkey.org/resources_recipes.htm

["International Vegetarian Union's Holiday Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/holiday/

["What to Serve When Veg'ns Visit at the Holidays:"
http://www.veggievisitors.com/recipes.asp

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen's Thanksgiving Recipes:"
http://www.vegkitchen.com/thanksgiving.html

["Vegetarians in Paradise (scroll down to Thanksgiving):"
http://www.vegparadise.com/holiday.html

["Essenes Thanksgiving Menu:"
http://essenes.net/vthanks.html

-------
[Graphic descriptions: the modern turkey:
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=16811
http://www.compassionatecooks.com/blog/2006/11/talking-turkey.html

["Making a Turkey" from Farm Sanctuary (graphic):"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylSgGXOkQhg


************************************************
*04: Mad Cow Info Round-up
************************************************
CANADIAN TV NEWS REPORTS, LINKING CJD & TO FOOD-SUPPLIES TRIGGER:
(10/2006): "Safe To Eat? She thought her son died of a random
illness, one with no known cause, no cure. Now some scientists are
questioning whether there's a new link to mad cow disease. Kelly
Crowe reports. -For years, scientists have known that B.S.E. causes
variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. What some people call the human
form of Mad Cow Disease. But another form of C.J.D., Sporadic C.J.D.,
has always confounded them. The most common theory has been that the
deadly illness occurs spontaneously with no known cause. Now some of
the world's leading scientists in the field are having another look
at sporadic C.J.D. and the possibility that it too is linked to mad
cow."

[Full transcript of broadcast at:
http://lists.iatp.org/listarchive/archive.cfm?id=114173


MS DIAGNOSIS RATE SOARING FOR CANADIAN WOMEN:  (10/30/06):  "A new
study has pinpointed an alarming trend that suggests women with
multiple sclerosis now outnumber men in Canada by a ratio of more
than three to one.  The researchers, led by Dr. George Ebers of
Oxford University, examined Canadian data on multiple sclerosis
sufferers. They also found that this gender ratio has been rising for
at least 50 years.  More than 1,000 new cases of the disease will be
diagnosed this year in Canada, and an estimated 55,000 to 75,000
people are currently living with the disease.

The team that conducted the research into the Canadian multiple
sclerosis data is speculating that an unknown contributing factor has
emerged in the last half century to make MS a female-dominated
disease. The findings will appear in the November edition of the
Lancet's neurology journal.  there is growing acceptance of the
theory that a vitamin D deficiency due to low sun exposure may be a
contributing factor in the development of the often-disabling
disease.  Other possible factors that could be contributing to the
trend include the changing role of women in the work force, dietary
habits, increase in smoking among women, use of oral contraceptives,
and changes in the timing of childbearing years."

[Edited from:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20061030/ms_women_061030/200\
61030/


SLOVENIA REPORTS NEW CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE:  (11/05/06):
"Slovenia's Veterinary Administration said on Sunday a new case of
mad cow disease was reported in a 6-year-old cow from Slovenia which
was slaughtered in Austria earlier this week.  This is Slovenia's
seventh case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in animals,
with the last being diagnosed in an ox in August 2005.  First
detected in Britain in 1986, BSE caused millions of animals to be
slaughtered in Britain in the 1980s and early 1990s. Nearly all
European Union countries subsequently reported BSE cases and Sweden
saw its first case earlier this year. But the overall incidence of
BSE in the EU is falling."

[Edited from:
http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/CrisesArticle.aspx?storyId=L05237053&WTmodLoc=Wo\
rld-R5-Alertnet-3


PLAN TO CREATE HUMAN-COW EMBRYOS:  (11/06/06): "UK scientists have
applied for permission to create embryos by fusing human DNA with cow
eggs.  Researchers from Newcastle University and Kings College,
London, have asked the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
for a three-year licence.  The hybrid human-bovine embryos would be
used for stem cell research and would not be allowed to develop for
more than a few days.  [Stem cells] are the body's master cells and
five-day-old embryos are packed with them - each with the potential
to turn into any tissue in the body.  It is this ability which
scientists want to harness to treat diseases such as Parkinson's
Disease, strokes and Alzheimer's Disease.  The problem is that human
eggs for research are in short supply and to obtain them women have
to undergo surgery.  That is why scientists want to use cows' eggs as
a substitute. The resulting embryo would be 99.9% human, the only
bovine element would be DNA outside the nucleus of the cell.  It
would though, technically be a chimera, part-human, part-animal.  The
aim would be to extract stem cells from the embryo when it is six
days old, before destroying it.

Calum MacKellar, from the Scottish Council on Human Bioethics, said
the research undermines the distinction between animals and humans
and breaches human rights.  He said: "In the history of humankind
animals and human species have been separated.  "In this kind of
procedure you are mixing at a very intimate level animal eggs and
human chromosomes, and you may begin to undermine the whole
distinction between humans animals and humans."

[Very edited from:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6121280.stm


CREEKSTONE ANSWERS USDA IN COURT OVER MAD COW TESTING:  (11/07/06):
"Creekstone Farms Premium Beef has answered the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's court documents opposing the company's motion for
summary judgment in its lawsuit against [the] USDA.  Creekstone sued
the USDA in March for refusing to allow the Arkansas City beef
processor to voluntarily test all the cattle it slaughters for BSE,
commonly called mad cow disease.

USDA officials have told the U.S. District Court for the District of
Columbia that Creekstone's case is now largely moot because Japan and
Korea have re-opened their borders to U.S. imports. Several countries
had banned imports of U.S. beef because of concerns over mad cow. The
USDA maintains that it has the right to regulate private testing for
BSE on the basis of a 100-year-old law intended to stop the sale of
bogus hog cholera serums to Midwest farmers.  In its filing,
Creekstone maintains that the USDA is using the law in a way it was
never intended, not to protect ranchers from suppliers of bogus
serums but to regulate competition among beef processors.
Creekstone's filing also maintains that the company is seeking to
test 100 percent of its beef for BSE to enhance its brand reputation
and to make it possible to sell beef for higher prices in both
domestic and foreign markets.

The filing supports Creekstone's claim of serious economic harm both
in the main document and in several friend of the court briefs filed
in support of Creekstone's case.  Testing all the cattle processed at
the Arkansas City plant would cost Creekstone about $6 million
annually, but officials have contended that regaining lost markets
would more than pay for the additional cost."

[Edited from:
   http://www.kansas.com/mld/eagle/business/industries/agriculture/15946141.htm


JAPAN HALTS SWIFT SHIPMENTS:  (11/09/06):  "When it comes to
international beef trade, there's just no room for error anymore.
Greeley-based Swift & Co. is learning that tedious lesson after the
Japanese government on Wednesday temporarily halted beef shipments
from the Greeley beef plant for what amounts to a clerical error.
Japanese officials found one box containing thymus glands in a
shipment of 760 boxes of chilled beef and beef tongue in its Osaka
port. The thymus gland product is not a designated risk material, and
it is eligible for import to Japan. The internal organ, commonly
called the "sweetbread" and considered a delicacy in fine dining
circles overseas, was not on Swift's official list of products to
send to Japan. Swift typically ships the product domestically but has
in the past shipped it to South America, Mexico and Europe.

"I don't understand how their procedures can miss this," said Steve
Kay, publisher of Cattle Buyer's Weekly, which follows the
beefpacking industry. "Somehow, there wasn't a system inside the
Greeley plant to check the shipment that was put together, and
second, the boxes weren't checked against their export certificate.
"It raises pretty serious questions about Swift's ability to comply
with the absolute minutiae of the protocols."  After receiving a
report from the USDA, the Japanese will send a delegation to the
Greeley plant to review whether it is following rules for export to
Japan before allowing trade to resume.  "We are very concerned about
what appears to be a simple error because it comes so soon after
Japan lifted its import ban," said Yasushi Yamaguchi, an Agriculture
Ministry official in Tokyo."

[Very edited from:
   http://www.greeleytrib.com/article/20061109/NEWS/111090107


MAD COW PANIC HITS 2000 SHOPS:  (11/11/06): "The Co-op were last
night facing a nationwide scare over their beef because a single cow
at risk of BSE was allowed into the food chain by mistake.  A wide
range of beef products from Co-op branches all over the UK were
recalled or taken off shelves. Customers who had already bought
affected meat were warned not to eat it.  Ox liver sold at ASDA was
also recalled. In all, more than 2000 shops all over the country were
hit.  Store bosses and health experts said there was virtually no
chance of anyone falling ill after eating the beef.  But the panic is
still set to cost the industry millions of pounds.  A Co-op
spokeswoman said the company could not tell exactly where the
offending cow's meat had ended up.  She added: "It could be any of
our UK stores, so we have to recall the product as a precaution.

The crisis was sparked after a cow was sold to the supermarkets
despite being too old to meet safety standards.  Rules brought in to
prevent mad cow disease say all animals older than 30 months should
be screened for BSE. But the offending cow wasn't checked, despite
being well above the age limit.  Sources say a government official
simply failed to spot the animal's date of birth."

[Edited from:
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/tm_headline=mad-cow-panic-hits-2000-shops-&met\
hod=full&objectid=18079781&siteid=66633-name_page.html


JAPAN'S FARM MINISTRY CONFIRMS COUNTRY'S 30TH CASE OF MAD COW
DISEASE:  (11/13/06): Japan's Agriculture Ministry said Monday it
confirmed that a cow from northern Japan had the country's 30th case
of mad cow disease.  Tests on the 5 year-old dairy cow performed at
the National Institute of Animal Health confirmed that the cow, which
died at a ranch on Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido, was
infected with the fatal illness.  The animal will be destroyed and
incinerated so its parts will not be circulated for consumption or
used as feed, the ministry said.  Japan has now confirmed 30 animals
infected with the fatal illness - known formally as bovine spongiform
encephalopathy, or BSE - since the first case in Japan was defected
in 2001."

[Edited from:
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/11/13/business/AS_FIN_Japan_Mad_Cow.php


NEW ZEALAND SEEKS FACTS FROM BRITAIN ON UNUSUAL SHEEP BRAIN DISEASE:
(11/15/06): "Authorities sought details from British scientists
Wednesday following reports that a new form of an unusual brain
disease was discovered in a New Zealand sheep in the U.K., a senior
official said.  The Veterinary Laboratories Agency in Britain - New
Zealand's most important lamb export market - said the atypical form
of the disease scrapie had been detected in a six-year-old cheviot
ewe on a U.K. research farm.  The ewe's scrapie-free, New
Zealand-raised parents had been kept in strict quarantine since they
were sent to Britain in 1998 and 2001 for research purposes.

"They (British scientists) have no idea how this animal got atypical
scrapie," said Biosecurity New Zealand assistant director-general
Barry O'Neill. Today in Asia - Pacific Blair calls for a new focus on
Afghanistan Competition between China and India goes beyond borders
Bush meets with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia  The
number of ways it could have been infected would be checked by the
U.K. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, or DEFRA, he
said.  The sheep was born in the United Kingdom in 2000 and while it
was understood it had originated from New Zealand genetic material it
had lived in the United Kingdom for all its life, he said.  O'Neill
said that New Zealand was free of the classical form of scrapie, and
that officials there had found no evidence of atypical scrapie.
Neither animal brain disease is considered a risk to humans.  New
Zealand farms about 40 million sheep, and exports large quantities of
lamb and mutton each year.

They are part of a family of diseases known as transmissible
spongiform encephalopathies, which also include mad cow disease, as
well chronic wasting disease in deer.  Mad cow disease, formally
called bovine spongiform encephalopathy or BSE, is regarded as
dangerous to humans."

[Edited from:
  
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/11/15/asia/AS_GEN_New_Zealand_UK_Sheep_Disea\
se.php


'MAD COW' KILLS SECOND DUTCH VICTIM:  (11/16/06): "A second Dutch
person has died from the human variant of mad cow disease following
the death of a woman last year, health authorities said on Thursday.
The Dutch Institute for Health and Environment (RIVM) give no details
about the victim, but Dutch television stations said he was a
16-year-old boy.  A spokeswoman for the RIVM said the victim died
from the brain-wasting Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) N the human
form of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) N about two weeks ago.

She did not explain why the RIVM had waited two weeks to confirm the
death, which was reported in Dutch media on Thursday.  The RIVM
diagnosed the person with the human variant of mad cow in June and
said at the time that the patient had most probably become infected
by eating contaminated meat products.  It was the second Dutch death
from the human variant of mad cow disease after a 26-year-old woman
died in May 2005."

[Edited from:
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=117&art_id=qw116369190368S433


THE WORLD MEAT MARKET WILL KEEP RISING IN 2007:  (11/17/06):  "The
world meat market will keep rising in 2007. This is the indication of
the USDA in its biannual report to the world market. Sanitary crises
involving the three segments seem not to have affected the
projections on world meat consumption and trade next year. Not even
bird flu seems to have raised fear about the levels of production or
consumption, which reveals a situation imposed by the excellent level
of world economic growth still forecast to 2007.

The sanitary crises registered in the last few months and in the last
three years, at least, seem to have only benefited a temporary
replacement of some meat segments for others. The crisis of BSE or
mad cow in the United States did not affect its domestic consumption,
but affected the volume of exports, which helped other beef exporters
and other meat alternatives. Foot-and-mouth disease in Brazil ended
up affecting the flow of pork to some destinations such as Russia,
for example, which made way to local production and/or convergency of
demand to other meat products. Bird flu affected directly the
consumption of broiler meat n Europe, mainly, also with some
flotation of demand to alternative meat, but the effects of the
disease were softened by the strict control of the virus-dissipating
factors in the region in the short run.

At first, 2007 shows a decrease of such risky sanitary factors,
mainly involving foot-and-mouth disease and mad cow. Of course, the
risk of the outbreak of new cases persists, but a stricter control of
the risk factors of such diseases seem to suggest more discreet
effects to the world meat trade. Bird flu seems to be the most severe
world sanitary still present and still without chances of elimination
of risks in the short run, or at least for 2007. In other words, the
still aggressive presence of the virus in Asia maintains the world
market still under alert about the outbreak of new cases and their
dissipation.

[Edited from:
  
http://futures.fxstreet.com/Futures/content/100820/content.asp?menu=commodities&\
dia=16112006


U.S. BEEF RETURNS TO RUSSIA:  (11/20/06):  "The U.S. and Russia's
official signing of a bilateral trade agreement yesterday effectively
ends a Russian ban on U.S. beef.  After U.S. officials discovered
bovine spongiform encephalopathy, often called 'mad cow disease,' in
December 2003, Russia banned the import of U.S. beef.  "Before
December 2003, Russia was a huge export market for U.S. cattle
producers," says South Dakota cattleman Ed Blair, chair of the beef
industry's Joint International Markets Committee. "Cattle producers
are relieved Russia has finally acknowledged established
international trade standards regarding BSE."

After a Russian audit team visits plants in the U.S., the Russian
market will open for U.S. boneless beef, bone-in beef and beef
variety meats from cattle under 30 months with an export certificate.
"Previously, Russia was the largest export market for U.S. beef
livers, and we look forward to rebuilding this market once again,"
says Blair.  "In 2003, Russia was the fifth largest export market for
U.S. beef in terms of quantity, importing over 140 million pounds of
U.S. beef and beef variety meats valued at over $53 million."

[Edited from:
http://www.farmfutures.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=CD26BEDECA4A4946A1283CC7786AEB5A&n\
m=News&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=5E1620\
2E586449FDA0D0D40FD904F273


FRAUD EXPOSES BRITISH TO MAD COW DISEASE:  (11/20/06):
"Inspectors in Britain believe widespread fraud at slaughterhouses
may be exposing the public to meat contaminated with mad cow disease.
The inspectors accuse slaughterhouses of swapping samples from
carcasses to stop them from failing tests to detect bovine spongiform
encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, The Independent
reports.  The practice of swapping was revealed by employees at two
British slaughterhouses and a third case is under investigation in
Northern Ireland but inspectors believe it is more widespread.
Earlier this month, beef was removed from supermarket shelves across
Britain because of the failure to test just one cow's brain for BSE.
People who eat products infected with BSE can develop the incurable
degenerative neurological disorder known as Creutzfeldt-Jacob
disease."

[Edited from:
http://www.dailyindia.com/show/84076.php/Fraud-exposes-British-to-mad-cow-diseas\
e


SALMONELLA OUTBREAK TRACED TO TOMATOES IN RESTAURANTS:  (11/03/06):
"U.S. health officials said Friday they have traced the source of the
recent salmonella outbreak to tomatoes served in restaurants.  "We've
done standard interviews with people who've become ill with this
organism and with well people in the same communities, and we've
identified tomatoes eaten in restaurants as the cause of this
outbreak," Dr. Christopher Braden, chief of outbreak response and
surveillance in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's
Foodborne Branch, said during a teleconference.  The outbreak has
sickened 183 people in 21 states in the United States, as well as two
people in Canada. Twenty-two people have been hospitalized. Most of
the cases have been east of the Mississippi River, with the exception
of Washington state.   CDC officials said they first noticed a
salmonella problem two weeks ago, via a national computer lab system
that looks for patterns and matches in reports of food-borne illness.

Salmonella is a germ that causes a bacterial disease called
salmonellosis. The typical symptoms included diarrhea, fever and
stomach pain, which can start up to three days after people become
infected. The symptoms usually go away after one week. But some
victims do see a doctor or end up in a hospital, because the diarrhea
is severe or the infection has affected other organs, according to
the CDC.  There are about 2,500 types of salmonella. The type in the
new outbreak -- salmonella typhimurium -- is one of the most common,
Braden said.  According to the CDC, people can get salmonellosis by
eating contaminated food, such as chicken, eggs or produce.  Animals
can carry salmonella and pass it in their feces. Therefore, people
can also get salmonellosis if they don't wash their hands after
touching the feces of animals. Reptiles (such as lizards, snakes and
turtles), baby chicks, and ducklings are especially likely to pass
salmonellosis to people. Dogs, cats, birds (including pet birds),
horses and farm animals can also pass salmonella in their feces."

[Very edited from:
  
http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/health/feeds/hscout/2006/11/03/hscout535933.htm\
l

"Health officials estimate that more than 1.4 million cases of
salmonellosis occur in the U.S. each year, about 1.3 million from
food."
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/15889362.htm


FASCINATING CANADIAN TV SERIES "REGENSIS:" "The future is here.
Bioterrorism. Designer babies. Frankenfoods. Suddenly Humanity
possesses the ability to play God. But is it progress or madness?
Will cutting-edge science be our salvation? Or our demise? Leading
the charge is the recently set up NorBAC Lab - a joint effort between
Canada, the US and Mexico to investigate questionable advances in
biotechnology. The Pandora's box of biotech is wide open. It's a
modern gold rush, where billions will be made and geo-power will be
staked. And everyone's involved: governments, multinational drug
companies, rogue states, and terrorists. But ideas can't be put back
in - once they're out, they're out."

[There's an interactive game, episode descriptions (some about
"prions"), at this extremely popular Canadian website:
http://www.regenesistv.com

[More program listings:
http://www.canada.com/globaltv/globalshows/regenesis/index.html


************************************************
*05:  Animals Win, "Humane" Eating, Fast Food Nation, NY Foie Gras?
************************************************
VOTERS IN ARIZONA AND MICHIGAN SIDE WITH HUMANE SOCIETY ON STATEWIDE
BALLOT MEASURES:  (11/07/06):  "As voters across the country
participated in historic mid-term elections, citizens in Arizona and
Michigan also chose animal welfare policies by landslide votes in
state ballot measure contests - continuing a remarkable two-decade
track record of success on animal issues. The Humane Society of the
United States, which led efforts to combat abusive factory farming
practices in Arizona and to keep mourning doves protected from target
shooting in Michigan, praised the overwhelming votes as an
unmistakable signal that Americans want public policies that provide
for the humane treatment of animals.  "Kindness to animals is a value
shared by Americans of all political stripes, and the landslide votes
tonight prove that rule once again," said Wayne Pacelle, president
and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "Animals need
protection from cruelty and abuse, and these ballot measures provide
critical protections for millions of animals."

Since 1990 voters have enacted more than two dozen animal protection
reforms through ballot initiatives, including: * Banning cockfighting
in Arizona, Missouri and Oklahoma * Outlawing the slaughter of horses
and the sale of horse meat in California * Restricting cruel and
inhumane traps and poisons in Arizona, California, Colorado,
Massachusetts and Washington * Prohibiting inhumane bear hunting
practices in Colorado, Massachusetts, Oregon and Washington * Banning
the use of gestation crates for breeding pigs in Florida * Providing
specialty spay/neuter license plates in Georgia * Banning canned
hunts and prohibiting future game farms in Montana * Outlawing aerial
wolf killing in Alaska

"Voters have consistently chosen to protect animals when given the
opportunity to cast their ballots in favor of humane treatment," said
Michael Markarian, executive vice president of The Humane Society of
the United States."

[Very edited from:
http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/animals_win_big_at_bal\
lot_box.html
Animals Win Big at Ballot Box


ADVOCATES SEEK FOIE GRAS BAN IN NEW YORK:  (11/15/06): "Animal rights
activists hoping to end foie gras production in New York filed a
lawsuit against the state Wednesday claiming the controversial
delicacy should be banned because it comes from "diseased and
severely ill" birds.  The Humane Society of the United States in
state court in Albany sued agricultural officials, arguing that foie
gras is an "adulterated food product" that should not be produced or
sold in New York.  The society's argument is based on the way foie
gras - French for "fat liver" - is produced. Farms like Hudson Valley
Foie Gras in Sullivan County force-feed ducks to fatten their livers
well beyond normal sizes. The advocates claim the process destroys
the birds' livers, causes blood toxicity, nerve damage and other
conditions that make the resulting foie gras an adulterated food
product.

"Animals should not be kept sick and dying to appease the palates of
a few gourmands," said Carter Dillard, an attorney with the society.
"These animals are diseased and dying. State law prohibits turning
such animals into food."  As anti-foie gras forces have scored
victories from California to Chicago recently, the Humane Society has
focused attention on New York, home to the No. 1 producer, Hudson
Valley Foie Gras, and La Belle Farm a few miles away.  California is
banning force-fed foie gras starting in 2012 and Chicago in August
banned foie gras sales. Similar bans have been proposed in other
states and cities."

[Edited from:
http://www.silive.com/newsflash/metro/index.ssf?/base/news-19/116361656744190.xm\
l&storylist=simetro


FROM CRADLE TO GRAVE: THE FACTS BEHIND "HUMANE" EATING:  (10/31/06):
"I have yet to meet a non-vegetarian who didn't care about the
treatment of animals raised and killed for human consumption. Even
people who eat meat, aware on some level that the experience is
unpleasant for the animals, will tell you they object to unnecessary
abuse and cruelty. They declare that they buy only "humane" meat,
"free-range" eggs and "organic" milk, perceiving themselves as
ethical consumers and these products as the final frontier in the
fight against animal cruelty. Though we kill over 10 billion land
animals every year to please our palates, we never question the
absurdity of this sacred societal ritual. Instead, we absolve
ourselves by making what we think are guilt-free choices, failing to
recognize the paradox of "humane slaughter" and never really knowing
what the whole experience is for an animal from cradle
(domestication) to grave (our bodies).

When we tell ourselves we're eating meat from "humanely raised
animals," we're leaving out a huge part of the equation. The
slaughtering of an animal is a bloody and violent act, and death does
not come easy for those who want to live.  As much as we don't want
to believe we are the cause of someone else's suffering, our
consumption of meat, dairy, eggs and other animal products
perpetuates the pointless violence and unnecessary cruelty that is
inherent in the deliberate breeding and killing of animals for human
consumption. If we didn't have a problem with it, we wouldn't have to
make up so many excuses and justifications. We dance around the
truth, label our choices "humane," and try to find some kind of
compromise so we can have our meat and eat it, too.

The movement toward "humanely raised food animals" simply assuages
our guilt more than it actually reduces animal suffering. If we truly
want our actions to reflect the compassion for animals we say we
have, then the answer is very simple. We can stop eating them.   In
short, there is nothing humane about eating meat."

[Very very edited from the excellent essay at:
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/1031-22.htm

[The Compassionate Cooks website/blog:
http://www.compassionatecooks.com


FAST FOOD NATION: ERIC SCHLOSSER ON OBESITY, KIDS, AND FAST FOOD:
(11/17/06):  "When PR Watch most recently caught a cell phone signal
from Eric Schlosser, author of "Fast Food Nation" and the new "Chew
on This: Everything You Don't Want to Know About Fast Food,"
Schlosser was rushing from car to car in New York City, after London,
which was just after Berkeley, where he was giving students a preview
of the Indie film version of "Fast Food Nation." We didn't have the
chance to ask him when he had time to eat. But we did use the time to
speak with him about fast food, the U.S. childhood obesity epidemic,
and the public relations industry's techniques in attacking his work.
Schlosser has been likened to a latter day Upton Sinclair-exposing
the abattoirs and abuses in the meatpacking and calorie-packing
processed food industry. If you haven't read his books, you should,
and here are a few reasons why you can't just see the movie.

PR Watch: Your new book [with Charles Wilson], "Chew on This," reads
like a spin control manual on fast food. It could be for kids or a
number of audiences.... . Did you intend to, and how does one, debunk
spin for younger audiences?

Eric Schlosser: The chapter on marketing especially is an attempt to
provide some kind of media literacy for kids and to help them be
aware they're being targeted. I didn't see it in the context so much
of the PR industry. It was that kids are bombarded every day,
everywhere we go, by marketing. I wanted just to make them aware of
that fact, and to help make them aware of some of the tactics being
used.

[Very edited from the interesting and well-done interview at:
http://www.prwatch.org/node/5488

["Fast Food Nation" trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfPYbFCLZ5o

["Behind the Scenes" Part 1 of 6:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQUHzaldN14

[The Campaign:
http://www.participate.net/fastfoodnation


************************************************
*06: Red Meat/Cancer, Healthy Fats, Food Depletion, Locavores
************************************************
RED MEAT MAY BE LINKED TO BREAST CANCER AT EARLY AGE:  (11/20/06):
"Women who eat lots of red meat may be at greater risk of getting a
certain type of breast cancer at a young age, a new analysis by
Harvard researchers suggests.  Breast cancer is the most common
cancer among women in the US, and finding ways to prevent it is a
high priority. If the connection seen in this study holds true in
further research, cutting back on red meat may prove to be a
relatively simple way for women to lower their risk of some types of
breast cancer.

Harvard Medical School researchers wanted to tease out the possible
relationship between red meat and breast cancer in younger women. To
do so, they looked at the records of 91,000 women between the ages of
26 and 46 who were taking part in a large lifestyle study of women
called the Nurses' Health Study II. During the course of the study,
these women -- none of whom had reached menopause -- periodically
answered questions about their diet, including how much red and
processed meat (including beef, lamb, pork, hamburger, bacon, hot
dogs, etc.) they ate and how often they ate it. The findings appear
in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

What was found: Over the course of 12 years, 1,021 of the women in
that group went on to develop invasive breast cancer. Women who ate
lots of red meat -- more than 1.5 servings per day -- had nearly
double the risk of developing breast cancer as did those who ate 3
servings a week or less.   The study did not examine how red meat
might raise breast cancer risk.  Citation: "Red Meat Intake and Risk
of Breast Cancer Among Premenopausal Women." Published in the Nov.
13, 2006 Archives of Internal Medicine (Vol. 166. No. 20: 2253-2259).
First author: Eunyoung Cho, ScD, Brigham and Women's Hospital and
Harvard Medical School."

[Very edited from:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content/NWS_1_1x_Red_Meat_May_Be_Linked_to_Bre\
ast_Cancer_at_Early_Age.asp


STUDY SAYS HEALTHY FATS CUT WOMEN'S HEART RISKS:  (11/09/06):  "Women
who eat a diet moderately low in carbohydrates, but rich in vegetable
fat and vegetable protein, can cut their risk of heart disease by as
much as 30 percent compared to just following a low-fat approach,
according to a new Harvard study.  The findings, drawn from a study
of more than 80,000 nurses, reinforce a growing shift in nutritional
advice toward moderate amounts of healthy fat found in such foods as
nuts, avocados, liquid vegetable oils and seafood along with
less-processed carbohydrates, including whole-grain bread and cereal,
fruit and vegetables.  The new findings, published in today's issue
of the New England Journal of Medicine, underscore that eating few
processed carbohydrates, such as bagels, white bread, cookies, candy
and cake, and replacing animal fat with a moderate amount of healthy
vegetable oils "can help reduce the risk of heart disease," said
Alice Lichtenstein, professor at Tufts University Friedman School of
Nutrition Science and Policy.

... experts agree on several guidelines for controlling weight and
risk of heart disease: -- Avoid saturated and trans fats; use healthy
vegetable oils such as canola and olive.  -- Get as much protein and
fat as you can from vegetable sources, rather than animals, and stick
to lean meats and fish. -- Avoid baked goods, white bread and highly
processed foods heavy on sugar, corn syrup and sodium. -- Eat more
high-quality carbohydrates such as whole-grain breads and rice,
oatmeal, fresh fruit and vegetables. -- Limit sugary beverages.

[Edited from:
   http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/11/09/MNG42M8VE41.DTL


MINERAL DEPLETION OF SOILS RESULTS IN HIGHER ACRYLAMIDE CONTENT OF
FOODS:  (11/13/06):  "A team from Reading University and Rothamsted
Research in the U.K. has discovered that wheat grown from
sulfur-deprived soils creates flour with high acrylamide production
levels.  Acrylamides are found in foods such as potato chips, cookies
and crusty bread, and is created when specific amino acids -- such as
asparagines -- and sugars reach high temperatures while being cooked
-- a process known as the Maillard reaction.  The carcinogen first
began to gain notoriety in 2002 when Swedish Food Administration
scientists reported unexpectedly high levels of it in foods with high
levels of carbohydrates. This latest research, published in the
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, is part of a food
industry initiative to reduce acrylamides in foods by analyzing the
source ingredients.

Experts say the soil mineral content problem has stemmed from the
decreased use of sulphate-enriched fertilizers and increase in crop
yields. According to the U.K.'s Home Grown Cereals Authority, sulfur
about 23 percent of the land used for cereal crops.  The Reading and
Rothamsted researchers discovered the soil mineral/acrylamide link
when they grew three varieties of winter wheat and found that
sulfur-deprived grain had up to 30 times more amino acids. When flour
made from that wheat was heated to 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 20
minutes, the acrylamide content reached a level between 2,600g to
5,200g per kg compared to normal levels of 600g to 900g (on a parts
per billion scale).

"This is the first research we've seen that shows how mineral
depletion of our soils causes increased toxicity in our foods," said
Mike Adams, a consumer health advocate and author of the Honest Food
Guide. "Mineral depletion not only reduces the nutritional content of
the foods we eat, it actually alters the chemical reactions of foods
during processing, resulting in the runaway creation of toxic
chemicals that promote cancer.  "This research provides yet another
strong reason for buying organic," he added."

[Very edited from:
   http://www.newstarget.com/021053.html


'LOCAVORES' DINE ON REGIONAL CHOW:  (11/21/06):  "Hundreds of
"locavores" scattered around the country are celebrating Thanksgiving
this year with their own 100-mile meals.  Local, sustainable eating
is a noble cause. As advocates like Alice Waters and Michael Pollan
have labored to make clear, it's good for both eater and eaten, not
to mention the economy and the planet. The 100-mile diet is perhaps
the quickest and cleverest way to build awareness of food miles, and
the pleasures and challenges of local "foodsheds." In just one
traditional Thanksgiving dessert, easily assembled at any
supermarket, pecans from Georgia fill a pie shell made with Oregon
wheat and Wisconsin butter, with corn syrup from Iowa, sugar from
Florida, bourbon from Kentucky. If you're eating it in New York, that
adds up to some 6,000 miles for one pie -- 14,000 if you splash in
some Madagascar vanilla.

...here are some starting points for those who want to go local.
First, find your 100-mile radius at http://100milediet.org/map/ --
it'll give you a sense of what's included and what isn't. (The
mapping feature only works in the United States and Canada.)"

[Very edited from the article with many embedded and sidebar links at:
   http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,72148-0.html?tw=wn_index_1

["The Eat Local Challenge:"
http://eatlocalchallenge.com/

["Local Food for National Security and Public Health:"
http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/005111.html

************************************************
*07: Adopt-A-Microbe, Backwards Burger, Meatrix2.5, Rabbit or Tiger?
************************************************
["Adopt-A-Microbe:"
http://adoptamicrobe.blogspot.com/

[Video: "The Backwards Hamburger:"
http://www.backwardshamburger.com

[Video: "The Meatrix 2.5:"
http://www.moremeatrix.com/


DOG HOPS ON BUS TO GO TO PUB:  (11/08/06):  "A dog owner is having to
chain up his pet to stop him hopping on to the bus and going to the
pub.  Gary Kay's terrier Ratty regularly got on the bus on his own to
go to the Black Bull pub, in Hull Road, York.  Ratty made the trip to
the pub, where he was fed sausages by a barmaid, twice a week,
reports the York Post.  His outings came to an end when the pub went
upmarket and banned animals from the premises.  But now Gary, from
Dunnington, York, says Ratty has found a new local - the Rose And
Crown Pub, in Lawrence Street.  He believes Ratty has been getting
off the bus at the Black Bull on his own, crossing the road and
turning up at the Rose and Crown.  "I've had to start chaining him up
because, although he can get to the pub on his own he can't get
home," said Gary.  "I've no idea how he is doing any of this or how
he crosses the road. This dog just has a mind of his own."

[Edited from:
  
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2070203.html?menu=news.quirkies.animaltales


ALF TARGETS TIGER, TAKES RABBIT:  (10/23/06): "Animal rights
activists who broke into a circus to liberate a rare white tiger
changed their minds after seeing it - and took a bunny rabbit
instead.  Campaigners from the Swiss faction of the Animal Liberation
Front had earlier told Circus Royal director Oliver Skreinig they
planned to steal the Siberian tiger and hand him to a zoo.  But when
they broke into the circus enclosure and saw the animal they changed
their minds - and stole a rabbit instead.  The liberationists then
posted pictures of themselves online wearing black army uniforms and
balaclavas and holding the rabbit.  Skreinig said: "The pet rabbit
was not even in the show, it belonged to our clown's six-year-old
daughter.""

[Edited from:
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2047670.html?menu=news.quirkies.animaltales


************************************************
*08:  Brainy Birds/Manatees, Elephant's "I am", Vortex Menace
************************************************
ELEPHANTS RECOGNIZE SELVES IN MIRROR, STUDY:  (10/30/06):  "Elephants
can recognize themselves in mirrors, according to a new study.
Humans, great apes, and dolphins are the only other animals known to
possess this form of self-awareness.  All of these animals also lead
socially complex lives and display empathy-concern and understanding
of another's feelings-researchers report.  "There seems to be some
correlation between an ability to recognize oneself in a mirror and
higher forms of social complexity," said Joshua Plotnik, a graduate
student in psychology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

To assess elephants' self-awareness, Plotnik and his colleagues
tested three adult female Asian elephants in front of a mirror.  All
three pachyderms sized up their mirror images by inspecting behind
the mirror, rubbing their trunks the length of the mirror, or probing
their mouths with their trunks to see if their reflections did the
same.  One elephant named Happy also passed the so-called mark test,
repeatedly touching her trunk to a white X painted on her forehead
that was only visible in the mirror.  The researchers say this is
firm evidence of mirror self-recognition.  Plotnik and colleagues add
that documentation of mirror self-recognition in elephants suggests
that self-awareness has evolved independently in elephants, dolphins,
humans, and great apes, which include orangutans, gorillas, and
chimpanzees."

[Very edited from:
   http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/10/061030-asian-elephants.html


BIRDS HAVE BRILLIANT BRAINS, SAY EXPERTS:  (11/06/06): "Scientists
have discovered that the common pigeon actually has an astonishingly
good long-term memory.  In tests they found a single bird can
memorise 1,200 pictures.  The team said that, despite clear physical
differences between birds and other animals, there are important
similarities in the way their memories work.  They therefore
concluded that the processes that drive the way we store and retrieve
memories appear to be largely the same throughout the animal world.
Anyone who has seen squirrels dig up nuts will know they have some
long-term memory.

But to date no-one has actually challenged different species to see
just how much they can learn. The new study, published in the
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), set out to do
just this with two species - pigeons and baboons. Each species was
given tests in which they were shown a picture and then given a
choice of two possible responses.  For example if shown a picture of
a lamp they might then get shown a red and green key - one of which
has been randomly selected by a computer as the 'correct' label for
the image.  To train them, the birds were given a food reward if they
correctly pecked the key that matched the image.  Baboons were given
a similar test but had to push a button instead.  Both species were
tested over the course of several years to see just how much they
could remember.

To the amazement of the scientists from the Mediterranean Institute
of Cognitive Neurosciences in Marseille, France, the pigeons were
able to memorise up to 1,200 pictures and the correct responses.
Baboons performed much better with some managing to remember 5,000
successfully.  Despite the difference in the capacity of their
memories, the researchers noted some key similarities in their
reaction times and rate of forgetfulness."

[Very edited from:
  
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=4149\
38&in_page_id=1770


MANATEES MAY BE SMARTER THAN WE THINK:  (11/11/06):  "Back in 1902, a
scientist examining the smooth, grapefruit-size brain of a manatee
remarked that the organ's unwrinkled surface resembled that of the
brain of an idiot. Ever since then, manatees have generally been
considered incapable of doing anything more complicated than chewing
sea grass.  But Hugh, a manatee in a tank at a Florida marine
laboratory, doesn't seem like a dimwit. When a buzzer sounds, the
speed bump-shaped mammal slowly flips his 1,300 pounds and aims a
whiskered snout toward one of eight loudspeakers lowered into the
water. Nosing the correct speaker earns him treats.

Hugh is no manatee prodigy. Such sensory experiments, along with
other recent studies, are revealing that sea cows aren't so stupid
after all.  "They're not under any selection pressure to evolve the
rapid-type behavior we've associated with hawks, a predator, or
antelopes, a prey. They look like very contented animals that don't
have very much to do all day," said Roger Reep, a neuroscientist at
the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine.  The
experiments under way at the independent Mote Marine Laboratory,
could help scientists protect Florida's manatees, an endangered
species, from propellers and other dangers.

Scientists have long assumed brains with many folds - such as those
belonging to dolphins and humans - are a sign of intelligence. But
Reep argues the cause behind those brain folds is unknown, and
smooth-brained manatees don't seem to be missing anything important.
"The brain looks just as complex internally as any other mammalian
brain," said Reep, co-author with Bob Bonde, a Florida biologist with
the U.S. Geological Survey, of a book on manatee physiology."

[Edited from:
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20061111/D8LAS2HO0.html


SWIRLING PLASTIC VORTEX MENACES SEA LIFE:  (11/06/06):  "Old
toothbrushes, beach toys and used condoms are part of a vast vortex
of plastic trash in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, threatening sea
creatures that get tangled in it, eat it or ride on it, a new report
says.  Because plastic doesn't break down the way organic material
does, ocean currents and tides have carried it thousands of miles to
an area between Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast, according to the
study by the international environmental group Greenpeace.  This
swirling vortex, which can grow to be about the size of Texas, is not
far from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, designated as a protected
U.S. national monument in June by President George W. Bush.

The Greenpeace report, "Plastic Debris in the World's Oceans" said at
least 267 species -- including seabirds, turtles, seals, sea lions,
whales and fish -- are known to have suffered from entanglement or
ingestion of marine debris.  Some 80 percent of this debris comes
from land and 20 percent from the oceans, the report said, with four
main sources: tourism, sewage, fishing and waste from ships and
boats.  The new report comes days after the journal Science projected
that Earth's stocks of fish and seafood would collapse by 2048 if
trends in overfishing and pollution continue.

By hitching rides on plastic debris, invasive species can be carried
thousands of miles to interact with native creatures, Smith said.
Plastic also poses a hazard to animals that mistake it for prey and
eat it, he said.  "Plastics in the oceans act as a toxic sponge,
soaking up a lot of the persistent pollutants out here," Smith [of
Greenpeace] said. "We've seen photos of albatrosses who eat this
plastic ... Even though their stomachs are filled, they end up
starving because there's no nutrients in there."  Discarded or lost
fishing nets and traps can continue to catch fish when they are no
longer in use, the report said.  Greenpeace called for a global
network of marine reserves, covering 40 percent of the world's
oceans, and responsibility by coastal countries to cut down on
"excessive consumption" and boost recycling."

[Edited from:
  
http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/science/11/06/plastic.trash.vortex.reut/index.html

[Download the GreenPeace report at:
http://oceans.greenpeace.org/en/documents-reports/plastic_ocean_report


************************************************
*09: Upcoming Events of Note
************************************************
Gentle Thanksgiving 2006:  "Gentle Thanksgiving is an effort to
encourage friends, family and neighbors to adopt compassionate
alternatives to unnecessarily cruel turkey dinners. We accomplish
this by demonstrating the great taste and superior nutrition of
gourmet vegetarian recipes and a variety of festive plant-based
foods."

[More details at:
http://www.gentlethanksgiving.org


************************************************
*10: Howard's Schedule
************************************************
DEC 02:  Seattle, WA > Premiere of the film "Pigs Peace Sanctuary" -
7pm, Historic University Center, 5510 University Way NE -
peggywasman@...

APRIL  2007:  (last three weeks): some openings on the East Coast -
contact: webmaster@...

[More information/embedded links at:
http://www.madcowboy.com/01_SchedCA.000.html


************************************************
*11: Quick Bytes
************************************************
ACTIVISM:

["Fast Food Folly:" (review of "Fast Food Nation")
http://www.nypost.com/seven/11122006/entertainment/movies/fast_food_folly_movies\
_sara_stewart.htm


AGRICULTURE:

["Native Vegetables Could Help Solve Africa's Food Crisis:"
http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=11763

[SUPERB CSA (community supported agriculture) interactive resource:"
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa/


BLOGS/PODCASTS:

["Journey of a New Vegan:"
http://newvegan.blogspot.com/

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA & Bloggy Award-winning:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm


DIET/HEALTH:

["Bellying Up Organic:"
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/living/food/15905237.htm

["Clogged Arteries Showing Up in Kids:"
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_41193.html

["Elevated blood sugar kills 3 million people world wide each year:"
http://www.newstarget.com/021037.html


ENVIRONMENT:

["Only 50 years Left for Sea Fish:"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6108414.stm


NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:

[Farmed Animal Net:
http://www.farmedanimal.net/

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/


RECIPES:

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html
[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Awardwinning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/


VEGAN:

["Green for Go if You're Vegan:
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/tm_headline=green-for-go-if-you-re-vegan-&meth\
od=full&objectid=18017649&siteid=66633-name_page.html

["A Foodie on the Loose at the Vegan Holiday Festival:"
http://www.wweek.com/wwire/?p=6371


************************************************
*12: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"Therefore, if we want to change the world, we must do it with the
full cooperation of others, that is with a smile on our faces. We
need to sow the seed by becoming ambassadors of information. Remember
that each and everyone of us operates in a pool of people who may not
even listen or talk to you. But if you get a new blouse or a car,
they'll know about it because they are watching.

One solution to the problem could be to get a thick book on
vegetarianism, take it to work with you, leave it on the desk - you
don't even have to read it.  Sooner or later some of those people
will come along, they'll flick through that book and they'll ask you
what it's about. You might answer that by reading it, it's possible
to learn how to remove 91% of potential carcinogens and toxins from
your diet and also how to live 15 years longer. They will look at you
and ask, "Are you one of those V people?" At this point, you can talk
to them about the reasons for your vegetarian choice - but until they
ask you the question, it means they're not ready.

Never forget that the most potent statement in the world that you can
make every day is what you put on your fork."

--- Howard Lyman (from the interview posted at:
http://www.ivu.org/congress/euro97/my-name.html


******************************************************************
Mark Sutton, Webmaster@...  http://www.madcowboy.com
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to: Mad_Cowboy-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
******************************************************************

Howdy!  Welcome to the 56th edition of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.

We a couple of special holiday treats today.  First, a letter to
y'all from the Big Guy himself:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_HolidayLetter2006.html

As Howard mentions, the Mad Cowboy Documentary recently won an
Artivist Award.  Here's the Press Release and a link to pictures
taken at the event:

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&ne\
wsId=20061201005138&newsLang=en

http://www.madcowboy.com/06_1220_ArtivistPixF/index.html

Also in this issue, we've a new interactive "Mad Cowboy Interview"
with Dr. Suzanna Havala Hobbs.  A well-known author, speaker, and
nutritionist, Suzanna has just published her 10th book:  "Get the
Trans Fat Out:  601 Simple Ways to Cut the Trans Fat Out of Any
Diet."  You'll see some snippets from the interview and a link to the
full two-parter below.  If you aren't aware of Trans Fat in your
diet, you need to be.

Reading onward, there's a lot of activity in the Mad Cow Info
Round-up regarding BSE and related issues, several links to Veg'n
Holidaze Recipes, more articles about vegetables helping prevent skin
cancer, mental decline, and maybe cancers in general.  There's
information about new surveys of bacteria in purchased chickens, the
infamous "Robo-Deer" and Singing Sheep, a disturbing new US law
affecting animal issues activists, South Korea having the world's
largest garbage-fueled power plant, a definitive study by the UN on
the global climate change impact of meat-eating, and a surprise about
what you can do with cell phones while shopping for food in Japan.

... and, as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers.  Y'all
can read past issues of the newsletter at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Best Wishes to Everyone for a Happy Holidaze, Warm Winter Solstice,
and Great New Year!

Mark
[personal vegan blog:  http://www.soulveggie.com]


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00:  Quote(s) from Howard
01:  A Mad Cowboy Interview with Dr. Suzanne Havala Hobbs
02: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
03:  Veg'n Holiday Recipe Links
04:  Mad Cow Info Round-up
05:  Skin Cancer, Cancer, IQ, Mental Decline >> Eat Veggies
06:  Bacteria in Chicken, Ham/Turkey Recall, 600 Ill, More Outbreaks
07:  Robo-Deer, Singing Sheep, Rough Peek, Food & Cell Phones
08:  Animal: Terrorism Act, Political Party, Law Suit, Root'n'Shoots
09:  Garbage Fuels, Pesticides/Kids, GMO Fuzzy, Meat=Climate Change
10: Howard's Schedule
11: Quick Bytes
12: Closing Thoughts


************************************************
*00: Quote(s) from Howard
************************************************
"...the smartest thing I ever did was to start down a path that
eventually led me to become a vegan.  It was a process that took
years; I made some mistakes along the way, and I'm still learning.
But I have arrived now at a diet that leaves me with more energy than
I've felt since I was a kid, and leaves my doctor shaking his head in
wonder at all the glorious numbers in my blood work --- one hell of
an improvement over the ominous numbers that used to make me think
that my only hope was to buy more life insurance.  I understand now
that no change could produce as much benefit for our land and the
water --- and our health --- than a shift among the American populace
toward a plant-based diet."

[From:  "No More Bull!" by Howard Lyman, pp. 08]


************************************************
*01:  A Mad Cowboy Interview with Dr. Suzanne Havala Hobbs
************************************************
[some snippets from the Mad Cowboy Interview with Dr. Suzanne Havala
Hobbs, author of:  "Getting Trans Fat Out:  601 Simple Ways to cut
the Trans Fat Out of Any Diet."]

M:  "Now, you've written 9 books, which is amazing in itself, I don't
know how you find time to do so much.  And now, you've just published
your tenth book:  "Get the Trans Fat Out:  601 simple Ways to Cut the
Trans Fat Out of Any Diet."  This begs the big question:  what are
trans fats and why should we be worried about them?"

S:  "Trans fats are primarily a man-made fat, created when vegetable
oil is bombarded with hydrogen, and the chemical nature of the liquid
oil is changed.  Trans fats stimulate the body to produce more
cholesterol, and they are associated with greater rates of coronary
artery disease.  A recent report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM)
concluded that there's no safe level of intake of trans fat, and that
people should minimize their exposure to trans fats."

[snip]

M:  "If you were the Food Czar of the United States, and had complete
authority over all aspects of diet, nutrition, the food supply, what
we eat, how we eat, and so on... what would you do, Madam?"

S:  [snip]... I would make sure that people in all neighborhoods had
access to fresh seasonal locally grown produce, and to meal programs.
I would have universal free meals for kids in schools, and I would
put greater restrictions on advertising that targets children with
junk food, and I would integrate nutrition education into the public
school curricula, from the very earliest age, from kindergarten on
up.  I think nutrition and health, just like personal finance should
be integrated into the curriculum.  We should be giving kids
practical life skills

S:  [snip - regarding her new book]...I think so often, people get
fixated on one aspect of diet and they lose sight of the bigger
picture, so I always try to put information in perspective and in the
context of the total diet.  I also think that it makes people see
that it's easier to pull this off if they see that all this advice is
interrelated, and that the net result is that you can eat one way and
address all of the various recommendations that people are hit with
all the time.  Get more fiber, eat less saturated fat, avoid trans
fat, moderate your protein intake, lower your sodium intake --- ALL
of that advice can be achieved by eating the same way."

[You can read the full interview (with embedded links) at:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_MCIview04.000.html


************************************************
*02: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST WEEK'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:

Around 300 million turkeys are killed each year.  Approx. what
percentage of that number are slaughtered just for Thanksgiving
alone?"

(a) 75%   (b)  50%   (c)  25%   (d)  15%

Congratulations to Shar Bracke for being correct and winning the luck
of the draw!

["Most people don't stop to think about the nearly 300 million birds
that are killed each year in the U.S., just to satisfy our taste
buds. Of this number, 45 million are killed for Thanksgiving alone."
http://www.compassionatecooks.com/blog/2006/11/talking-turkey.html


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Of the following, beer, milk, bottled water, and coffee:  which does
the average American drink the most of by week?"

(a) beer  (b) milk  (c) coffee  (d) nice try - about the same of each


Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word
"contest" in your subject line by NLT January 15, 2007.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE
one-year subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting
the correct answer to each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to
Joe, and you can learn more about VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call 1.415.665.6397]


************************************************
*03:  Veg'n Holiday Recipe Links
************************************************
["Bryanna Clark Grogan Xmas and Winter Holiday Vegan Recipes:"
http://www.bryannaclarkgrogan.com/page/page/1553047.htm

["VeganFamily Xmas Recipes:"
http://www.veganfamily.co.uk/yule.html

["VegSoc Xmas 2006 Vegan Recipes:"
http://www.vegsoc.org/christmas/2006/index.html

["BBC Vegan Xmas Menus/Recipes:"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/vegetarian_and_vegan/veganchristmasmenus.shtml

["European Vegan Holiday Recipes:"
http://www.fitnessandfreebies.com/ebooks/free/veganholiday/contents.html

["Cherry's Vegan Xmas Recipes:"
http://www.parsleysoup.co.uk/christmas.htm

["VegWeb Winter Holiday Recipes:"
http://vegweb.com/index.php?board=307.0

["Cat-Tea:  Tons of Great Vegan Recipes:"
http://www.catteacorner.com/recipes.htm

["Holiday Tricks to Fill the Vegan Void:"
http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/living/1162587346292\
680.xml&coll=7

["International Vegetarian Union's Holiday Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/holiday/

["What to Serve When Veg'ns Visit at the Holidays:"
http://www.veggievisitors.com/recipes.asp

["Tips to avoid packing on pounds:"
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=health&id=4836050


************************************************
*04: Mad Cow Info Round-up
************************************************
SEOUL BANS SALE OF US BEEF WITH BONE FRAGMENTS:  (11/24/06):  "The
government said it will not allow the first batch of beef shipped
from the United States to be sold in the country after a bone
fragment was detected in a package.  The detection of a bone fragment
in the beef, which arrived at Incheon International Airport last
month, is expected to trigger fresh concerns about the safety of U.S.
beef.  The U.S. shipped 8.9 tons of beef in about 720 separate
packages, the first shipment to South Korea since the latter lifted
its three-year ban on U.S. beef following the reporting of a case of
mad cow disease in the U.S.  At a news briefing, the National
Veterinary Research & Quarantine Service (NVRQS) said it has asked
the government to destroy the beef or send it back to the U.S.
Meanwhile, Japan suspended poultry imports from South Korea on
Thursday after a suspected bird flu outbreak in Iksan, North Cholla
Province.  Japan has started disinfecting the shoes of travelers from
Korea when entering the country, said Chief Cabinet Secretary
Yasuhisa Shiozaki."

[Edited from:
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/200611/kt2006112417211910160.htm


FDA TO CHEW OVER MAD COW RISKS:  (11/27/06):   "The U.S. Food and
Drug Administration is seeking advice from a panel of experts on how
to communicate to the public the risk that products derived from
human plasma could transmit the human form of Mad Cow Disease.  The
risk of the products to transmit Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease,
or VCJD, "is highly uncertain, but appears likely to be very low,"
the agency said in documents posted on its Web site Monday.
"Nevertheless, FDA believes it is appropriate to share both the
findings of and the uncertainties in our risk assessment ... with
physicians, patients, and the general public since it is possible
that the risk is not zero," the agency added."

[Edited from:
http://www.smartmoney.com/bn/on/index.cfm?story=ON-20061127-000419-1314&nav=pf_h\
p

U.S. AGRICULTURE SECRETARY CRITICIZES SOUTH KOREA FOR REJECTING BEEF
SHIPMENT: (11/28/06):   "Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns harshly
criticized South Korea for halting beef shipments from a U.S.
meatpacker, saying authorities there had "invented" a standard for
imports.  "They have applied a standard we did not agree to. It was a
standard that they invented along the way," Johanns told reporters
Tuesday.  Both countries have agreed to accept only boneless beef
from the United States, because some Asian countries consider bone to
carry a greater risk for mad cow disease. That is stricter than
international rules, which deem many bone-in cuts of beef to be safe.
Johanns said: "South Korea has been, until this arose, pretty
straightforward to deal with, but you can't trade under these
circumstances.  "And so my hope is that we can get this solved and we
can get beef moving into Korea like we agreed upon," he said. "

[Edited from:
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/11/28/america/NA_GEN_US_Mad_Cow_Korea.php


USDA RESUMES PLAN TO EASE MAD-COW STRICTURES ON CANADIAN CATTLE:
(11/28/06): "The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it will proceed
with a plan to expand beef and cattle trade with Canada after putting
the proposal on hold in July when Canada found its seventh case of
mad-cow disease.  The department has resubmitted a proposal to the
White House Office of Management and Budget that would allow
shipments of cattle over 30 months of age and beef from the older
animals, spokesman Jim Rogers said. The U.S. currently allows only
animals 30 months or younger destined for immediate slaughter and
boneless beef from cattle of that age...  Scientists say cattle under
30 months are at little risk of contracting BSE, which has a rare but
fatal human form. The USDA also argues that beef from cattle of any
age is safe, once the tissues that harbor the BSE-causing agent,
including the brain and spinal cord, have been removed from the
carcass."

[Edited from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601082&sid=a0oFc7R5tXEM&refer=canada


IS IT REALLY ALZHEIMER'S?:  (11/28/06): "Tens of thousands of
Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer's each year, but some
scientists now question if doctors are overlooking other possible
causes for dementia.  A brain scan offers clues about what's causing
memory loss, explains UCSD neurologist Adam Fleisher.  "The spaces
inside the brain and outside the brain as the brain is shrinking,"
said neurologist Adam Fleisher.  But forgetfulness and mental decline
don't always mean Alzheimer's.  Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease or CJD, a
rare brain infection associated with mad cow disease, also causes
dementia.  And some scientists suggest some cases of Alzheimer's are
actually CJD.  Short-term memory loss is associated with Alzheimer's,
while long-term memory loss is common early on among CJD patients.
The Centers for Disease Control is now collecting autopsy data to
determine if Alzheimer's disease is indeed being mis-diagnosed.  So
far, they say more than 92% of Alzheimer's cases are correctly
diagnosed."

[Very edited from:
http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5738334


CZECHS SAY BSE UNDER CONTROL DESPITE 25TH INFECTED COW:  (11/29/06):
"Officials confirmed Wednesday a 25th case of the mad-cow disease BSE
in the Czech Republic, but said the infection rate has declined
significantly since peaking last year.  Czech veterinarians have
detected only two, BSE-tainted cows so far this year, compared with a
record eight last year and seven in 2004."

[Edited from:
http://rawstory.com/news/2006/Czechs_say_BSE_under_control_despit_11292006.html


SOUTH KOREA DECLARES FIRST BIRD FLU OUTBREAK IN THREE YEARS:
(11/28/06):  "The bird flu has struck South Korea after three years
of little to no activity. The H5N1 virus is a highly virulent strain
that could potentially spread to and kill humans.  South Korea's
Agriculture Ministry said earlier this week it suspected bird flu had
killed 6,000 chickens at a farm in the southwest of the country that
lies on a path for migratory birds. A Ministry official said "It is
the H5N1 strain" after seeing test results from the suspected case.
After the results were reported, the Agriculture Ministry ordered the
culling of 236,000 poultry within a 1,640-foot radius of the farm in
South Korea's North Cholla province, which is located about 100 miles
from Seoul. In addition, quarantine authorities also banned the
shipment of more than 5 million poultry from 221 farms within a
6.2-mile radius of the farm.  After the 2003 South Korean outbreak,
tests in the U.S. indicated that at least nine South Korean workers
involved in the cull had been infected with the H5N1 virus. However,
none of the infected workers developed major illnesses. Since 2003,
outbreaks have been confirmed in around 50 countries and territories
around the globe."

[Very edited from:
   http://www.newstarget.com/021189.html


JOHANNS RULES OUT MANDATORY LIVESTOCK ID:  (11/29/06):  "The Bush
administration has ruled out requiring livestock producers to
participate in a national animal identification system.  "Producers
want a voluntary system," Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said
Tuesday. "They just recoil against this notion that it's going to be
the Washington way or the highway."  Earlier this year, Johanns had
said that the system would initially be voluntary but might be made
mandatory if enrollment targets were not met. His predecessor, Anne
Veneman, had pledged to speed development of a nationwide animal ID
system after the nation's first case of mad cow disease was
discovered in Washington state three years ago. However, the ID plan
has run into resistance from producers, especially in the cattle
industry and among small-scale farms, who don't want to be forced to
buy ID tags for their livestock or worry about the privacy of farm
data. An ID program is supposed to allow investigators to quickly
track suspect livestock in case of a disease outbreak."

[Edited from:
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061129/BUSINESS01/6112\
90362/1030


BIRD FLU: S KOREA SLAUGHTERS DOGS, CATS, PIGS, MICE:  (11/29/06):
"South Korean quarantine officials in Iksan City on Tuesday began the
slaughter of pigs and dogs although international health experts have
questioned the necessity of killing non-poultry species to prevent
the spread of bird flu.  But the officials insist the decision to
slaughter pigs and dogs was not unusual and that the step has been
taken in other countries without public knowledge.  Park Kyung-hee,
an official at Iksan city hall, said Wednesday 426 pigs and four dogs
have been killed along with 127,200 chickens and 6.8 million eggs.
Park said nearly 700 dogs -- bred on farms for consumption -- were to
be killed, but it was unclear when the slaughter would take place.
She said efforts are focused on destroying more susceptible animals
like poultry and pigs for now.

Dogs bred for food are regularly slaughtered in South Korea, where
dog meat is widely consumed, especially among middle-aged men who
believe bosintang, or dog soup, is good for stamina and virility.
Animal-rights activists called the government move "unacceptable."
"The government should know better about their course of action,"
said Kum Sun-lan, spokesman for Korea Animal Protection Society. "It
is unacceptable how they just move on with the extermination
procedure without any reliable evidence for it."

[Very edited from:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-11/29/content_5406728.htm


MAD COW-LIKE DISEASE SPREADING TO MOOSE:  11/30/06):  "The Colorado
Division of Wildlife (DOW) has confirmed that 2 legally harvested
bull moose from northern Colorado have tested positive for chronic
wasting disease (CWD).  CWD is a fatal neurological disease that has
been diagnosed in wild deer and elk in 10 states and 2 Canadian
provinces. Animals show no apparent signs of illness throughout much
of the disease course. In terminal stages of CWD, animals typically
are emaciated and display abnormal behavior.  CWD has been found in
portions of northeastern Colorado and southeastern Wyoming for more
than 2 decades. State and federal health officials have found no
connection between CWD and any human illness. As a precaution,
however, hunters are advised not to eat meat from diseased animals."

[Edited from:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_3460.cfm


US ACCUSED OF BEING LAX ON BEEF SAFETY:  (12/03/06):  "Currently, the
U.S. government tests only 1 percent of the roughly 100,000 cattle
slaughtered daily.  The USDA is planning to reduce daily testing for
mad cow disease by 90 percent. It has not been confirmed whether the
plan has been implemented, but the revised plan calls for testing
only 0.11 percent, or about 110, of the 100,000 cattle tested daily.
Byun Hye-jin, a ranking official at the Korean Federation of Medical
Groups for Health Rights (KFHR), said the U.S. government's alleged
laxness in oversight of mad cow disease is not news.  "The U.S.
agriculture industry is the No. 2 political funding source to the
Bush administration,'' she said." "I believe the USDA's blockade for
some meat processors' proposal to extend mad cow disease testing is
to block fatal damages to the agriculture industry (from a
possibility of more BSE detection).''

[Edited from:
   http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/biz/200612/kt2006120320321111910.htm


U.S. SENATOR CRITICIZES S. KOREA OVER BEEF IMPORTS:  (12/04/06):
"Ahead of a new round of free trade talks with South Korea, an
influential U.S. senator criticized South Korea Sunday for rejecting
U.S. beef imports by applying rules too strictly.  South Korea, which
had bought US$850 million worth of U.S. beef a year, closed its doors
to the American meat in late 2003 as mad cow disease broke out in the
U.S. It lifted the ban earlier this year on the condition that it
import only boneless meat to stem the mad cow fears.  For the second
time in a month, South Korea last week rejected several tons of U.S.
beef imported with some bone pieces in the meat in violation of a
bilateral agreement under which it agreed to resume imports.
"American beef is safe regardless of bones," Max Baucus, a Democrat
from Montana, told reporters while eating a beef stake [sic] for
lunch with Kim Jong-hoon, South Korea's chief free trade negotiator,
and his U.S. counterpart, Wendy Cutler.

"Very delicious," Baucus repeated six times after taking a bite of
the stake which he said was cooked with beef from cattle raised in
Montana.  "It's unfortunate that Korea continues to aggressively
press its unscientific ban on U.S. beef with another round of free
trade talks just days away," the senator said in a statement.
"According to international standards, Korea should be accepting
bone-in beef and offal as well as boneless U.S. beef right now, and
they should move to take that step in Montana," he said.  In
Washington last week, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns also
warned that South Korea's rejection of U.S. beef shipments would
negatively affect the proposed free trade deal between the two
countries."

[Edited from:
http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/Engnews/20061204/640000000020061204143403E7.html


PUBLIC HEALTH IS NO SUBJECT FOR TRADE BARGAINING:  (12/04/06): "The
fifth round of Korea-U.S. free trade talks will open Tuesday (KST) in
Montana, one of the ``Beef-Belt'' states. Just as Korea held the
fourth session in Cheju Island to highlight the difficulties of
Korean fruit farmers, the U.S. intent in selecting the venue is
beyond question. Still, stressing an industry's situation in an
indirect manner is one thing and actually raising issue with it is
another. The beef trade is not a formal agenda item this time, which
should be separately discussed later... Korea's criterion _ which
restricts imports to meat from 30-month-old cattle or younger _ is
also more loose than Japan's 20-month limit. Japan does not even
approve the practice of estimating cattle ages by their teeth, while
Korea does... There are more problems.  Recent reports say a dozen
cases of mad cow disease have been found in cattle younger than 30
months as well as in red meat, meaning import limits by age or parts
have their own limits... public health cannot be subject for trade
negotiations."

[Edited from:
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/opinion/200612/kt2006120417401054050.htm


POSSIBLE HUMAN MAD-COW DISEASE IN LONDON, ONT.:  (12/05/06):
"University Hospital has cancelled all surgeries, most medical
procedures and diverted ambulances away from the site following the
discovery of a patient who may have the human version of mad-cow
disease.  The patient had brain surgery Nov. 30, leading to the
possibility that surgical and other medical instruments may have been
contaminated with the brain-wasting Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.
"I want to stress that at this point we are talking about a potential
risk. We have not confirmed a diagnosis of CJD and therefore cannot
confirm that any instruments were in fact contaminated," said London
Health Sciences Centre president Cliff Nordal.  Nordal said hospital
officials are still adding up the number of patients that might have
been in contact with contaminated instruments and it could be upwards
of 1,500."

[Edited from:
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2006/12/05/2637872.html


CATTLE ATE TRACES OF ANIMAL REMAINS:  (12/05/06):  "The Canadian Food
Inspection Agency said Monday that 10,000 cattle in Ontario and
Quebec have consumed feed containing traces of animal byproducts, but
the risk of exposing humans to mad cow disease is negligible.  The
feed used on 113 farms became contaminated recently when a rail car
used to ship meat and bone meal for hog and poultry feed was later
employed to transport blood meal that was added to cattle feed.  The
beef will be sold to Canadians, but the food inspection agency has
decided to track the cattle movements so they cannot be exported.
Darcy Unseth, a veterinarian with the agency, said Russia and Lebanon
refuse to accept meat that comes from cattle exposed to meat and bone
meal."

[Very edited from:
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=33e3002f-aae9-4976-bfb6\
-bcc378ab989b&k=37675


SAUDI MAN HAS THIRD VCJD CASE FOUND IN US:  (12/05/06):  "A third
case of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) has been reported in
a US resident, but health officials believe he contracted the disease
in Saudi Arabia when he was a child.  The patient is a young man who
has lived in the United States since 2005 but was born and raised in
Saudi Arabia, according to a Nov 29 report from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The man occasionally stayed in
the United States for up to 3 months at a time since 2001 and made a
shorter visit in 1989."

[Edited from:
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/other/bse/news/dec0506cjd.html
JUVENILE DIABETES MAY BE CAUSED BY MAD COW PROTEIN:  (12/06/06):
"Researchers from Ottawa Health Research Institute have found a
protein that causes a brain wasting disease called Creutzfeld-Jakob
can cause Type 1 Diabetes as it effects the regulation of glucose in
the blood stream.  According to the team of researchers, there is no
direct effect of the disease on the regulatory mechanism of blood
glucose. The protein which comes in the healthy form in the blood is
found as a twisted, deformed protein during the disease."

[Edited from:
http://www.medindia.net/news/view_news_main.asp?x=16500


SOUTH KOREA SAYS BANNED BONE PIECES FOUND IN THIRD U.S. BEEF
SHIPMENT:  (12/06/06):
"South Korea said Wednesday it has found banned bone pieces in a
third shipment of U.S. beef and will suspend imports from the U.S.
slaughterhouse that processed the meat.  Three shipments have since
arrived in the country, with the first two failing to meet quarantine
requirements because they contained bone pieces. The two U.S.
slaughterhouses where the shipments of beef were processed were
suspended from handling meat bound for South Korea..."

[Edited from:
   http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/12/06/asia/AS_GEN_SKorea_US_Beef.php

SCARE OVER BRAIN-WASTING DISEASE EASES:  (12/07/06): "The fallout of
a scare over the human equivalent of mad cow disease eased at a
London hospital yesterday, with cancelled surgeries to resume today.
Dozens of operations were cancelled during the two-day shutdown --
and a general alert went out to as many as 1,500 patients who might
have been exposed, amid concerns a brain-surgery patient might have
the fatal, brain-wasting Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.  There were
concerns patients might have come into contact with contaminated
hospital medical instruments. But preliminary tests came back
negative, officials said yesterday.  The hospital is waiting for
final confirmation from testing by a federal laboratory."

[Edited from:
http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/National/2006/12/07/2669503-sun.html


JAPAN FINDS 31ST CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE FOUNd:  (12/08/06):
"Japan's Health Ministry said Friday it has confirmed the country's
31st case of mad cow disease in an animal. Tests on an 84-month-old
Holstein showed the cow, born at a ranch on Japan's northernmost
island of Hokkaido, was infected with the fatal illness, it said."

[Edited from:
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/content.asp?contentid=89454


BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS HARBOR MAD COW DISEASE RISK, STUDY SHOWS:
(12/08/06):  "The human form of mad cow disease can be passed from
person to person through blood transfusions, posing an increased
public health risk, according to a study published in The Lancet.  An
analysis of tonsil tissue collected by the U.K's Health Protection
Agency may soon give estimates of the number of people who are
harboring the disease without knowing it, said researchers including
John Collinge of the Medical Research Council Prion Unit, a publicly
funded organization that supports U.K. health services."

[Edited from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=akH8IFtNnD90&refer=europe


SOUTH KOREA USING HIGH-TECH MEASURES ON U.S. BEEF:   (12/08/06):
"South Korea has turned to X-ray machines and a lot of sharp knives
to reject shipments of U.S. beef due to bone chips as small as grains
of rice, prompting Washington to say Seoul is seeking excuses to turn
back imports.  South Korea, which once was the third-largest importer
of U.S. beef, struck a deal with the United States to resume imports,
provided the shipments do not have risky materials such as bone. And
Seoul is abiding by the letter of the law.  As a part of that
process, it is subjecting every piece of imported U.S. beef to X-ray.
The agriculture ministry has been able to find chips the size of a
pea and coffee bean this way, which has prompted it to reject tonnes
of U.S. beef.  "The rejection of the third shipment clearly
illustrates that South Korean officials are determined to find an
excuse to reject all beef products from the United States," U.S.
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said this week."

[Edited from:
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SEO300540.htm


E. COLI CASES RISING; 220 EYED IN N.Y.:  (12/09/06):"Federal health
officials warned yesterday that the number of infections from an E.
coli outbreak traced to contaminated food at Taco Bell is continuing
to climb, with about 220 potential cases in New York.  Taco Bell
ordered the removal of green onions from its 5,800 restaurants
nationwide earlier this week after testing by an independent lab
suggested the bacteria may have come from tainted scallions.
Scallions from a California farm are considered the potential source
of the outbreak, although health officials have not yet made a formal
determination.  McLane Co., which distributes the fast-food chain's
vegetables, said it distributed the scallions to 450 Taco Bells in
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New
Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.  The CDC has counted 62 confirmed cases
in six states, most of them in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and
Delaware. South Carolina and Utah reported one case each.

E. coli is ordinarily a harmless bacteria. The dangerous strain that
caused the infections is often found in the intestines of healthy
goats, sheep and cattle.  It can be passed from person to person if
people don't take steps such as thoroughly washing their hands."

[Edited from:
http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/478627p-402612c.html


SOUTH KOREA'S TRADE TALKS WITH US TO RESUME IN JANUARY:  (12/10/06):
"A wrangling fifth round of a free trade negotiations between the US
and South Korea ended in a mixed atmosphere of disappointment and
hope, South Korean media reported Sunday. Efforts to narrow the gap
between two countries' positions failed after both sides refused to
make key concessions.  Seoul officials complained that the US would
not agree to rewrite US trade laws to relax their anti-dumping
duties, which South Korea believes often discriminate against its
products.  Top US negotiator Wendy Cutler termed as "extremely
troubling" the week-long talks that took place against the backdrop
of a Montana ski resort. It concluded with no progress over critical
trade issues over the pharmaceuticals, automotive and beef trade.  A
sixth round of talks is scheduled January 15 in South Korea. "

[Edited from:
http://rawstory.com/news/2006/South_Korea_s_trade_talks_with_US_t_12102006.html


NO CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE, BUT IOWA REMAINS VIGILANT:  (12/10/06):
"Iowa wildlife biologists still have found no chronic wasting disease
in Iowa.  However, testing will continue indefinitely, with brain
stems and lymph nodes being taken from Iowa deer in six eastern Iowa
counties during this fall and winter's whitetail deer seasons. The
second shotgun season started Saturday.  Chronic wasting disease
became a concern for wildlife biologists, deer hunters and people who
eat deer meat after the disease was found in Wisconsin, about 90
miles from the Iowa border in 2002. At first, only deer killed in
vehicle accidents were tested by taking a sample of brain stem
tissue. Iowa later set up testing stations in northeast Iowa for
hunters to bring in deer.  "Since 2002 16,000 animals have been
tested," Suchy said. "We have been concentrating on six counties
along the Mississippi River in northeast Iowa, because of the
proximity to Wisconsin and Illinois, where diseased deer have been
found.""

[Edited from:
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061210/SPORTS10/612100\
372/-1/ENT05


ANOTHER CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE CONFIRMED IN CZECH REPUBLIC:
(12/12/06): "A new case of mad cow disease has been confirmed in the
Czech Republic, bringing the country's total to 26, officials said
Tuesday."

[Edited from:
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/12/12/europe/EU_GEN_Czech_Mad_Cow.php


ABOUT 10% OF UK PLANTS BREACH BSE RULES, REGULATOR FINDS:
(12/12/06): "About 10 per cent of British meat cutting plants, or 47
out of 465, are not following the regulations on bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE), according to a survey by the country's food
regulator.  The breeches of law means that some illegal animal parts,
those with material from the spinal cord deemed to be risky, has
ended up in the food chain, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said in
releasing the survey results.  The survey indicates that a
significant segment of the industry is not taking the proper
precautions to ensure beef parts judged to be of high BSE risk do not
end up in the food chain. The EU's 10-year-old ban on UK beef exports
came to an end earlier this year on the condition that the UK
maintain strict safety controls in place."

[Very edited from:
www.foodproductiondaily.com/news/ng.asp?n=72689-bse-fsa-srm


US SENATORS: WILL OPPOSE S. KOREA TRADE PACT WITHOUT BEEF TRADE:
(12/13/06):  "Seven U.S. senators pledged Wednesday that they will
work to block a free trade agreement being negotiated between the
U.S. and South Korea if South Korea refuses to pull back restriction
on U.S. beef exports.  Keith Williams, spokesman for the Senate
Agriculture Committee, said seven Democratic and Republican senators
have vowed that if South Korea does not resume buying U.S. beef and
accept "a bone tolerance for future shipments," they "would work to
oppose an overall free trade agreement with South Korea."  Sens.
Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Norm Coleman, R-Minn.,
Pat Leahy, D-Vt., Craig Thomas, R-Wyo., Kent Conrad, D-N.D., and Jim
Talent, R-Mo., signed on to the letter."

[Edited from:
   http://www.cattlenetwork.com/content.asp?contentid=90929


SWIFT & CO. RUNS AT REDUCED LEVELS AFTER ICE RAIDS:  (12/13/06):
"Swift & Co. meatpacking plants in Greeley and in five other states
were running at reduced levels on Wednesday, one day after nearly
1,300 employees were arrested in a massive immigration sweep that
temporarily halted operations, the company said.  The blow to Swift's
20,000-person global workforce came after the company cheered the
resumption of U.S. beef exports to Japan after being blocked for 2
1/2 years. Greeley-based Swift, which calls itself the world's
second-largest fresh beef and pork processor, said operations had
resumed at reduced levels on Tuesday at the plants in Greeley; Grand
Island, Neb.; Cactus, Texas; Hyrum, Utah; Marshalltown, Iowa; and
Worthington, Minn.  The trade publication Cattle Buyers Weekly
estimates Swift has the capacity to process 15,850 cattle per day and
about 46,000 hogs per day, editor and publisher Steve Kay said.  That
would rank Swift behind Tyson Foods Inc. and Cargill Meat Solutions
for beef processing and behind Smithfield Foods Inc. and Tyson for
hogs, Kay said. He estimated that Tyson can process up to 32,600
cattle per day while Smithfield can process 101,100 hogs per day."

[Edited from:
http://cbs4denver.com/business/local_story_347183651.html


ILLINOIS RECEIVES FUNDING FOR BSE SURVEILLANCE:  (12/15/06):
"Governor Blagojevich Friday announced Illinois will receive
additional federal funds to continue important on-farm inspections
for "mad cow" disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
renewed a cooperative agreement with Illinois that provides $233,528
for the Illinois Department of Agriculture to ensure cattle feed
produced on Illinois farms does not contain ingredients that could
transmit the rare brain-wasting disease."

[Edited from:
http://www.ilfb.org/viewdocument.asp?did=12735&r=0.452984


THIRD AMERICAN DIES FROM MAD COW DISEASE:  (12/15/06):  "The Virginia
Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention has announced the recent confirmation of a vCJD case in a
U.S. resident. This latest case occurred in a young adult who was
born and raised in Saudi Arabia and has lived in the United States
since late 2005. The patient occasionally stayed in the United States
for up to 3 months at a time since 2001 and there was a shorter visit
in 1989.  As of November, 200 vCJD patients were reported world-wide,
including 164 patients identified in the United Kingdom, 21 in
France, 4 in the Republic of Ireland, 2 in the Netherlands and 1 each
in Canada, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Saudi Arabia and Spain."

[Edited from:
http://www.wisconsinagconnection.com/story-national.php?Id=2625&yr=2006


************************************************
*05:  Skin Cancer, Cancer, IQ, Mental Decline >> Eat Veggies
************************************************
EATING VEGETABLES CAN SLOW MENTAL DECLINE, STUDY SHOWS:  (11/28/06):
"Eating two or more servings of vegetables a day may slow a person's
mental decline by about 40 per cent compared with a person who
consumes few vegetables, according to a six-year study of nearly
4,000 Chicago residents age 65 or older.  Consuming lots of fruit did
not appear to offer the same mental protection, although fruit has
been associated with a wide variety of other health benefits, said
Martha Clare Morris, chief of Rush University Medical Center's Rush
Center for Healthy Ageing.  The slowdown in the rate of cognitive
decline experienced by people who ate 2.8 or more servings of
vegetables a day is "equivalent to about five years of younger age"
compared with people who ate less than one serving of vegetables per
day, Morris reported in Neurology, the scientific journal of the
American Academy of Neurology.  And older people who started eating
more than two servings of vegetables a day still showed a significant
delay in mental decline, Morris said.  "When we controlled for all of
those healthy lifestyle variables - physical exercise, age, sex,
race, education, cognitive activity, participation - the effects of
vegetables on cognition actually became stronger," Morris said...
"The results are encouraging," Morris said. "It seems that two or
more vegetables per day was responsible for a significant decrease in
the rate of decline of thinking ability.""

[Edited from:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/health/view/243919/1/.html


CONSUME MORE GREENS TO PREVENT SKIN CANCER:  (12/04/06):
"Researchers from Queensland, Australia have established that eating
green leafy green vegetables plays as important a role in reducing
skin cancer risks as does wearing protective clothing and sun cream.
The study found that those who consumed at least 3 weekly servings of
green vegetables could cut their chances of developing the cancer by
up to 55%.  The study, led by Dr Jolieke van der Pols from The
Queensland Institute of Medical Research was accumulation of over 11
years of research with a database of 1,000 people from Sunshine
Coast, Queensland.  Dr Jolieke van der Pols states that green leafy
vegetables have a variety of nutrients such as folic acid, vitamins
A, C and E, the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and others - all of
which work together to produce a synergistic effect.  The study is
particularly relevant since it outlines another step that one can
take in the prevention of skin cancer, making people more responsible
for their health. This kind of proactive involvement will eventually
go a long way in reducing skin cancer statistics. Currently, more
than 1300 people die annually of skin cancer in Australia, accounting
for 80% of all new cancers diagnosed."

[Edited from:
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/11563.html


VEGETARIANS' LOW-CALORIE DIET GIVES NEW CANCER-CURE CLUE:
(12/15/06):  "Researchers studying a group of vegetarians whose diet
was low in protein and calories found they had reduced blood levels
of several hormones and other substances that have been tied to
certain cancers.  A comparison group of distance runners also had
lower levels of most of these substances, compared with sedentary
adults with diets relatively high in protein from meat and dairy
products.  But the low-protein group also had a potential advantage
over the runners: lower levels of the insulin-like growth factor
IGF-1, a body protein that helps cells grow.  The study was done by a
team led by Dr Luigi Fontana, an assistant professor of medicine at
Washington University in St Louis.  He and his colleagues report
their findings in this month's American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition.  "Many people are eating too many animal products,"
Fontana said.  He also singled out processed foods and sugars for
criticism... Fontana said: "We hope to further clarify what happens
to cancer risk when we chronically eat more protein than we need."

[Edited from:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10415456


HIGH IQ LINK TO BEING VEGETARIAN:  (12/15/06):  "Intelligent children
are more likely to become vegetarians later in life, a study says.  A
Southampton University team found those who were vegetarian by 30 had
recorded five IQ points more on average at the age of 10.
Researchers said it could explain why people with higher IQ were
healthier as a vegetarian diet was linked to lower heart disease and
obesity rates.  The study of 8,179 was reported in the British
Medical Journal.  Researchers said the findings were partly related
to better education and higher occupational social class, but it
remained statistically significant after adjusting for these factors.
Lead researcher Catharine Gale said: "The finding that children with
greater intelligence are more likely to report being vegetarian as
adults, together with the evidence on the potential benefits of a
vegetarian diet on heart health, may help to explain why higher IQ in
childhood or adolescence is linked with a reduced risk of coronary
heart disease in adult life.""

[Edited from:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6180753.stm


************************************************
*06:  Bacteria in Chicken, Ham/Turkey Recall, 600 Ill, More Outbreaks
************************************************
HONEYBAKED FOODS RECALLS NEARLY 47,000 POUNDS OF HAM AND TURKEY DUE
TO POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION:  (11/28/06):  "HoneyBaked Foods from Ohio
is recalling 46,941 pounds of turkey and ham products that officials
fear could cause listeriosis -- a potentially fatal disease, said the
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) last Friday.  HoneyBaked Foods,
Inc is voluntarily recalling the meat, including cooked, glazed and
sliced ham and turkey produced between September 5 and November 13 of
this year.  Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria
monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially
fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis, but it can
cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea.
Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as
serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weakened immune
systems -- such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV
infection or undergoing chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer."

[Edited from:
http://www.NewsTarget.com/021190.html


MORE THAN 600 REPORT ILLNESS RELATED TO DINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE:
(12/02/06):  "The number of illnesses connected to the Dinosaur
Bar-B-Que in Syracuse is now up to more than 600. Initial complaints
came from people who ate at the restaurant either last Friday or
Saturday night. But now, people who ate leftovers taken from the
Dinosaur on those nights and others who may have come into contact
with those that were ill are coming forward.  Preliminary tests show
that the illness was not bacterial in nature, but more tests are
still being conducted. So, while health officials say it could be
something viral, they think it's too early to be sure.

[Edited from:
http://www.news10now.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=87913


BACTERIA FOUND IN 83% OF CHICKENS:  (12/04/06):  "Eighty-three
percent of broiler chickens tested by a leading consumer magazine
were infected with either or both campylobacter and salmonella, the
leading bacterial causes of food-borne illnesses.  The 525 chickens
tested by Consumer Reports for its January issue were purchased in
the spring from supermarkets, bulk retailers, gourmet shops and
natural food stores in 23 states. It is the highest rate of
contamination the magazine has found in the nine years it has been
doing such tests.  Eighty-one percent of the chickens tested were
contaminated with campylobacter, 15% with salmonella and 13% with
both. Both bacteria can cause diarrhea, cramping, fever, nausea and
vomiting and life-threatening infections of the blood in the elderly,
babies and people with impaired immune systems...  The CDC estimates
that campylobacter and salmonella from all sources sickens more than
3.4 million Americans each year and kills more than 700. "

[Edited from:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-12-04-chicken-bacteria_x.htm


REPORTS OF PRODUCE OUTBREAKS ON THE RISE:  (12/15/06):  "Recent E.
coli outbreaks have drawn attention to foodborne illnesses, and
though officials say the overall number of cases is on the decline,
produce - particularly leafy vegetables - is increasingly a carrier
of germs once linked only to meat and dairy.  From 1996 to 2005,
illnesses were down for virtually every major foodborne germ,
including E. coli, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.  But the number of cases of foodborne illness related to
produce has more than doubled within that time, from about 40 in 1999
to 86 in 2004, said Caroline Smith DeWaal, director of food safety
for the Washington-based Center for Science in the Public Interest.
Each case has affected an average of 50 people.  Newer technology and
better informed consumers mean more cases are being reported, and
also have made the outbreaks easier to track.

Farmers, who say food safety is their No. 1 priority, are tired of
being seen as the bad guy and are working to implement voluntary
standards that are science-based and practical, said Dave Kranz, a
spokesman for the 88,000-member California Farm Bureau Federation.
But the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest
petitioned the federal government last month to set regulations on
manure, irrigation and sanitation facilities for farmworkers to
ensure compliance across the board, DeWaal said."

[Edited from:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061215/ap_on_bi_ge/e_coli_produce_outbreaks


************************************************
*07:  Robo-Deer, Singing Sheep, Rough Peek, Food & Cell Phones
************************************************
ROBO-DEER:  (11/8/06):  "Officials estimated there is 1.7 million
deer for the more than 643,000 hunters that bought licenses in
Wisconsin. While there is no danger in running out of deer to hunt,
officials want to be sure everyone is hunting legally.  Police are
using a "robo-deer" to keep hunters honest.  The realistic looking
deer is used mainly in problem areas to catch anyone who might be
hunting from the roadway or people hunting from inside their
vehicles.  "We want people to make sure they are hunting away from
roads and vehicles. It's an unsafe practice and that's how a lot of
people get injured or hurt or killed," said Wood.  Hunting stings are
nothing new for the Wisconsin DNR, but the technology has changed.
Twenty years ago they used plywood deer cutouts. Today they have a
handful of the "robo-deer" in use as well as a number of other
decoys.  They said they are putting these stings on all across the
state.  Hunters caught shooting the "robo-deer" face fines that could
cost hundreds of dollars, or the seizure of their firearms."

[Edited from:
http://www.themilwaukeechannel.com/news/10353707/detail.html


TRACKING FOOD WITH YOUR CELL PHONE:  (11/24/06):  "...I will now
predict a future where our cell phones can scan a barcode, and tell
us everything we'd ever want to know about a product.  Why am I so
confident in my prediction? Well...uh...they're already doing it in
Japan. After a breakout of Mad Cow in 2001, Japan's Food Safety
Commission began to tag more and more foods with radio frequency or
QR tags that contain information on the origin of foods. Almost all
cell phones sold in Japan today contain QR code readers, and the
Japanese Food Safety commission has already begun to notice
preferential purchase of locally grown foods due to the QR tags. It
turns out that knowing more about food actually results in buyers
making better decisions...who'd have guessed!? Now I guess we're just
going to have to wait for the rest of the world to catch up."

[Edited from:
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/11/tracking_food_w.php


HORRIFYING DOCUMENTARY OFFERS PEEK AT FOOD INDUSTRY:  (12/07/06):
"If you're considering becoming a vegetarian, you might like to check
out Our Daily Bread, a documentary that offers an inside peek at the
lethal logistics of the high-tech food industry. Welcoming you to a
world of callously-efficient production from conception to harvest,
and all for the benefit of human consumption, this emotionally
detached expose' makes its case against cruelty to animals, and
without reliance on an editorializing narrator or on judgmental
commentary of any kind.  Simply allowing authentic workplace
acoustics to serve as the soundtrack, the film effectively positions
the viewer inside the killing fields of assorted futuristic
slaughterhouses as an almost involuntary eyewitness to the callous
butchery. Our Daily Bread graphically depicts, not merely death, but
the mistreatment doled out to these unfortunate factory animals at
every stage of their lifecycles.

Our Daily Bread also devotes its attention to the present-day,
antiseptic approach to agriculture, depicting the goings-on inside
airport hangar-size greenhouses where fruits and vegetables are grown
entirely under artificial light and sprayed with pesticides by what
resembles astronauts in protective jumpsuits and headgear outfitted
with gasmasks...  A most perturbing experience guaranteed to haunt
you for meals to come.

[Very edited from:
http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/article_3094.shtml

[Movie trailers/segments:
http://www.ourdailybread.at


SINGING SHEEP OUT OF RETIREMENT FOR XMAS SINGLE:  (12/2006): "In the
true tradition of the Christmas charts, a festive single by a flock
of real-life singing sheep from the Lake District is being
re-released due to massive public demand.  The Baarmy Sheep of the
Lake District retired after the World Cup having released three songs
exclusively on the internet but are now coming out of retirement one
last time to re-release last year's Christmas hit.

Jingle Bells received over 146,000 downloads when it was released
last Christmas - the highest number of visitors ever to Cumbria
Tourism's website, www.golakes.co.uk.  And since December this year,
dozens of members of the public have been contacting Cumbria Tourism
asking if the sheep are releasing their Christmas single and how they
can access it and the accompanying sheep pop video.  Consequently,
Cumbria Tourism is making the single available again free of charge
at:

http://www.golakes.co.uk/xmasbaarmysheep

......where people can download it, and watch the video."

[Very edited from:
http://www.golakes.co.uk/xmasbaarmysheep/


************************************************
*08:  Animal: Terrorism Act, Political Party, Law Suit, Root'n'Shoots
************************************************
HOUSE PASSES 'TERRORISM' ACT AGAINST ANIMAL ACTIVISTS:  (11/15/06):
"Monday afternoon, the US House of Representatives passed a bill that
reclassifies unlawful animal-rights tactics as terrorism under
certain conditions, even if they are non-violent... the Animal
Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA), the bill will classify civil
disobedience actions - such as blockades, property destruction,
trespassing, and the freeing of captive animals - as terrorism.  The
AETA amends current law enabling the government to prosecute
activists for intentionally damaging property used by "animal
enterprises" - businesses that use or sell animals. The AETA expands
those provisions to enhance penalties against activists who
"interfere" with animal enterprises by destroying property or
engaging in behavior that appears "threatening." It even includes
perceive threats to companies that work with animal enterprises and
takes into account resulting profit losses.

Because only a voice vote was taken, there is no record of who
approved or opposed the AETA bill. Representative Dennis Kucinich
(D-Ohio) spoke against the legislation, saying it compromises civil
rights and threatens to "chill" free speech.  Kucinich also addressed
the animals he fears will be less protected if the legislation scares
off protesters. "Just as we need to protect people's right to conduct
their work without fear of assault, so too this Congress has yet to
address some fundamental ethical principles with respect to animals.
How should animals be treated humanely? This is a debate that hasn't
come here."

[Very edited from:
http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/3887

[See also:
http://www.noaeta.org/index.htm
http://www.hsus.org/legislation_laws/federal_legislation/animals_in_research/ani\
mal_enterprise_terrorism.html


NEW POLITICAL PARTY FOR ANIMAL RIGHTS:  (12/05/06):  "A new political
party has been set up to campaign for animal rights in the UK.  The
Animals Count party will be focusing on several animal rights issues
including campaigning against the live transport of animals and for
an end to intense farming practices. The party is linked to the Dutch
Party for Animals, which last month became the first animal rights
party to win seats in a European parliament.  The party's launch at
the Kensington Town Hall, London was attended by 200 people.
Commenting at the event Jasmijn de Boo, chairman of the party said:
"First slaves were liberated, then women and children. Now it is time
to do the same for animals." The party has pledged it will 'avoid the
violent tactics often associated with the animal rights movement'.

As well as campaigning for an end to intensive farming systems with
poor welfare consequences and the transportation of animals to
continental Europe the party will also be addressing issues such as
animal testing and calling for a ban "without loopholes" on hunting.
The party's line on non animal issues such as education, public
services and the economy has yet to be finalised."

[Edited from:
http://www.meatinfo.co.uk/articles/24681/New-political-party-for-animal-rights.a\
spx?categoryid=9034


JANE GOODALL PROMOTES ANIMAL RIGHTS TO YOUNGER GENERATION:
(12/08/06):  "Goodall's research of chimpanzees has since evolved
into a much larger concern: one of environmental degradation, of
global warming, and now, even world peace. "As I began traveling
around the world talking about the problems facing the chimpanzees
and the African environment, I realized how this was all related to
unsustainable lifestyles of the wealthy, related to the continual
demand for these non-renewable natural resources," she said. "We
could lose our hatred today, but if we don't learn to live in harmony
with the environment, we will soon be fighting again. We fight today
over oil, but we can live without oil. We cannot live without water."

... During her talk at the school following the parade, Goodall
encouraged everyone to get in touch with their inner animals,
conducting exercises in barking, meowing, and again--her
specialty--the chimpanzee pant-hoot. Such activities are how Goodall
passes her time these days, and the majority of her visit to Taiwan
was spent with children and young people, because, she believes,
change will come through educating the next generation, hence the
Roots and Shoots' focus on youth empowerment. "Cruelty to animals is
because people haven't really understood," she said. "This is why I
spend so much of my time talking to young people, because if young
people get the opportunity to be with animals when they're small,
they'll understand and never become cruel."  "It may not make much
difference if you turn off the water when you clean your teeth, or
turn off the light, or switch your engine off when you're idling,"
Goodall recognized. "But, if millions of people are doing those small
things, then there is going to be massive change in the world."

[Very edited from:
http://taiwanjournal.nat.gov.tw/ct.asp?CtNode=122&xItem=23564


NEW JERSEY SUIT A TEST CASE ON FARM ANIMAL CRUELTY:  (12/13/06):
"New Jersey allows cruelty to farm animals by failing to ban
practices such as castration without anesthetic, animal rights
activists said on Wednesday in a lawsuit that might help set national
standards for the treatment of livestock.  Groups including the
Humane Society of the United States and Farm Sanctuary said the state
Department of Agriculture had failed to establish humane standards
for farm animals as required by a law implemented in 2004.  New
Jersey is the only state requiring officials to set humane standards
for the treatment of farm animals, and enforcing the measure could
lead to better treatment of livestock across the country, said Gene
Baur, president of Farm Sanctuary.

Lawyers for the groups told a panel in the appellate division of New
Jersey Superior Court that the state had bowed to the farm industry
by allowing inhumane methods to persist on the grounds they are
common practice for farmers and agricultural colleges.  They cited
other practices including the starvation of chickens in order to
boost egg production, the permanent confinement of pigs in cages so
small they cannot turn around, de-beaking of fowl and tail-docking in
which most of a cow's tail is amputated to make milking easier.
Katherine Meyer, an attorney for the animal rights groups, said the
state has endorsed common agricultural practices without determining
whether they are humane.  A decision by the three-judge panel is not
expected for months."

[Edited from:
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=domesticNews&storyID=2006-12\
-13T212418Z_01_N13488270_RTRUKOC_0_US-ANIMAL-RIGHTS.xml&WTmodLoc=USNewsHome_C2_d\
omesticNews-4


************************************************
*09:  Garbage Fuels, Pesticides/Kids, GMO Fuzzy, Meat=Climate Change
************************************************
PESTICIDE COMMONLY USED ON FRUITS AND VEGETABLES POSES SERIOUS
THREAT:  (12/05/06): "A new study published today in a leading
pediatric journal links a pesticide found on fruits and vegetables
with a variety of behavioral and attention disorders in young
children. The finding confirms longstanding concern, according to the
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), which is now calling on the
Environmental Protection Agency to outlaw the widely used chemical,
known as chlorpyrifos.  "Health experts have worried for years about
the risk chlorpyrifos poses to pregnant mothers and their kids. Now
we have the evidence," said Dr. Gina Solomon, a physician and senior
scientist at NRDC. "We shouldn't be allowing a pesticide known to
cause learning disorders to be used on fruits and vegetables,
period."  NRDC sued the EPA in 1999 to force the agency to assess the
safety of chlorpyrifos. As a result, in December 2001, the agency
prohibited the chemical for virtually all household uses. But it
still allows farmers to spray it on a variety of crops, many of which
are commonly consumed by children.

Last year, nearly 5 million pounds of the pesticide were used on U.S.
crops, mainly on apples, corn, grapes, oranges and soybeans, as well
as on broccoli, nectarines, peaches, pears and cherries. The problem
is even worse with produce grown in other countries, where
regulations on pesticide use are more lax.  In 2004, for example,
nearly 30 percent of imported Chilean grapes, 10 percent of imported
Mexican strawberries, 7 percent of imported Mexican tomatoes, and 78
percent of imported Mexican bell peppers contained chlorpyrifos
residue, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That same
year 1 percent to 4 percent of the same crops grown in the United
States had chlorpyrifos residue."

[Edited from:
http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/m-news+article+storyid-17190.html


EATING MEAT CONTRIBUTES TO CLIMATE CHANGE, UN STUDY CONFIRMS:
(12/07/06):  "The typical American diet adds significantly to
pollution, water scarcity, land degradation and climate change,
according to a United Nations report released last week... the report
is the latest research linking meat-eating with environmental
destruction. According to the FAO, the arm of the UN that works on
worldwide hunger-defeating initiatives, animal farming presents a
"major threat to the environment" with such "deep and wide-ranging"
impacts that it should rank as a leading focus for environmental
policy.  The report calls the livestock sector a "major player" in
affecting climate change through greenhouse-gas production. The FAO
found that the ranching and slaughter of cows and other animals
generates an estimated 18 percent of total human-induced
greenhouse-gas emissions globally.  Livestock emit methane and other
greenhouse gasses through excrement and belching. The FAO estimates
that cow manure and flatulence generate 30 to 40 percent of total
methane emissions from human-influenced activities.

While the report gives a global picture of meat production,
sustainable-food advocates say the US is leading the world in harmful
meat-eating habits and industry practices.  From 2000 to 2002,
consumers in the United States ate on average approximately 38.5
million tons of meat per year, second only to China, according to the
FAO analysis. In those same years, the United Kingdom consumed nearly
5 million tons of meat each year, Brazil nearly 15.5 million tons and
Uganda 308,647 tons.  North America had one of the highest methane
emissions from livestock manure management in the world in 2004,
according to the report. Methane is more readily produced when manure
is managed in a liquid form, such as in holding tanks or lagoons
commonly used in North America.  Additionally, the US is a leader in
CO2 emissions from the burning of fossil fuels in the manufacture of
nitrogen fertilizer used to grow food for livestock. Researchers
found that the difference between the greenhouse gases emitted by a
person consuming a red-meat diet over a plant diet equaled the
difference between driving a sedan and a sport-utility vehicle.

[Very edited from:
http://newstandardnews.net/content/?action=show_item&itemid=3956


SURVEY: AMERICANS FUZZY ON BIOTECH FOODS:  (12/11/06):  "Ten years
after genetically engineered crops were first planted commercially in
the United States, Americans remain ill-informed about and
uncomfortable with biotech food, according to the fifth annual survey
on the topic, released Wednesday.  People vastly underestimate how
much gene-altered food they are already consuming; lean toward
wanting greater regulation of such crops; and have less faith than
ever that the Food and Drug Administration will provide accurate
information, the survey found.  The poll also confirmed that most
Americans, particularly women, do not like the idea of eating meat or
milk from cloned animals - a view that stands in contrast to
scientific evidence that cloned food is safe. The FDA recently said
it is close to allowing such food on the market.

In the five years since Pew began plumbing American attitudes toward
genetically engineered food, U.S. acreage in such crops has grown
substantially. Today, 89% of soybeans, 83% of cotton and 61% of corn
is genetically engineered to resist weed-killing chemicals or to help
the plants make their own insecticides.  Because most processed foods
contain at least small amounts of soy lecithin, corn syrup or related
ingredients, almost everyone in the United States has consumed some
amount of gene-altered food."

[Very edited from:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_3554.cfm


SOUTH KOREA BUILDS WORLD'S LARGEST GARBAGE-FUELED POWER PLANT:
(12/13/06): "South Korea has opened the world's largest
garbage-fuelled power plant and expects to reduce its imports of
heavy oil by 500,000 barrels a year as a result.  The 50-megawatt
plant, designed to provide power to more than 180,000 households,
began operating on Tuesday. It sits on a mammoth garbage dump in the
city of Incheon west of Seoul, the ministry said in a statement.  For
fuel, it uses only the methane gas naturally generated from the
decomposing garbage on the site.  The plant will save the country the
import of 500,000 barrels of heavy oil and will reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by 1.37 million tonnes per year, he said."

[Edited from:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20061213/wl_asia_afp/skoreaenvironmentenergy


************************************************
*10: Howard's Schedule
************************************************
APRIL  2007:  (last three weeks): some openings on the East Coast -
contact: webmaster@...

[More information/embedded links at:
http://www.madcowboy.com/01_SchedCA.000.html


************************************************
*11: Quick Bytes
************************************************
ACTIVISM:
["The International Vegetarian Union has new websites for each of its regions:"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ivu-veg-news/message/11987

["Alternative to REACH Animal Testing Campaign Online: BUAV (British
Union for the Abolition of Vivisection):"
http://www.BUAV.org

AGRICULTURE:
[SUPERB CSA (community supported agriculture) interactive resource:"
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa/

["Corporations Control Your Dinner:"
http://www.alternet.org/story/44984/

["Organic Lawn Care: Three New Educational Videos at SafeLawns.org:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_3504.cfm

["USDA approves genetically engineered rice that contaminated U.S.
food supply; safety tests skipped:"
http://www.newstarget.com/021203.html

BLOGS/PODCASTS:
["Journey of a New Vegan:"
http://newvegan.blogspot.com/

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA & Bloggy Award-winning:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm

DIET/HEALTH:
["Garlic, onions may offer wide-ranging cancer protection:"
http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/news/ng.asp?n=72558&m=1FPDD06&c=ctnjryolzpagj\
lt

["Flame-grilled foods linked wth higher risk of breast cancer:"
http://www.newstarget.com/021133.html

["Research links bacon consumption with 59 percent increase in bladder cancer:"
   http://www.newstarget.com/021215.html

["Americans use TV, other media 10 hrs a day: Census:"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061215/us_nm/usa_census_statistics_dc_2

["Tainted Oysters Sicken 8 in Oregon:"
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/12/12/D8LVK2T80.html

["Restricting Calories Boosts the Immune System:"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20061208/hl_hsn/restrictingcaloriesbooststheimmunesy\
stem

["How Healthy Is Your State? Rankings Released:"
http://www.channel3000.com/health/10465744/detail.html

NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:
[Farmed Animal Net:
http://www.farmedanimal.net/

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/

RECIPES:
[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Awardwinning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/


************************************************
*12: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"Be easy on yourself: Lifesyle changes can be difficult, and life
introduces hurdles along the way including holidays, illnesses, and
other distractions.  You don't want to delude yourself into thinking
you're making progress when you're not, but there's also no need to
be too harsh on youself if you have a setback now and then.

Be positive:  Some people see the joy in a challenge, and others just
see the challenge.  When you embark on a diet change, think about the
many appealing foods you have to choose from rather than what you're
leaving behind.  It's all about attitude.  Don't waste time thinking
about what you need to eat.  Move on and look ahead."

--- Dr. Suzanna Havala Hobbs, p. 182, "Getting the Trans Fat Out"


******************************************************************
Mark Sutton, Webmaster@...  http://www.madcowboy.com
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to: Mad_Cowboy-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
******************************************************************

Howdy!  Welcome to the 57th Edition of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.  As
we enter this new year, we've a couple of surprises for our readers.

First, we've a special "Mad Cowboy Interview" with world famous Dr.
Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr..  An Olympic Gold Medal winner, awarded the
Bronze Star for service in Vietname, and top surgeon, Essy has just
published his new and exciting book, "Prevent and Reverse Heart
Disease."  Packed with information about heart disease, how he's
proven that a totally plant-based diet can arrest and reverse heart
disease with a 20-year peer-reviewed study (the longest of its kind),
as well as giving us 150 tasty "field-tested" recipes (some of which
are in this Newsletter), his book represents a breakthrough in the
most serious health matter facing Americans today.  In the course of
their lives, 1 out of 2 men, and 1 out of 3 women, will experience
aspects of heart disease... it is the leading killer of humans in the
United States.

A few excerpts of the interview are in the Newsletter, the full
three-part interview (with subject links) is on the website (address
below with said excerpts).

And secondly, among the many articles and/or links included in this
edition, don't miss the link to Howard being interviewed on "Out There
TV" in our new "Veg Video Watch" section.  Not only is it relatively
current, there's a fine new video trailer of the Documentary prior to
the interview created by their team showing bits not seen anywhere
else online.

... and, as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers.  Y'all
can read past issues of the newsletter at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Best wishes to everyone for a Healthy National Heart Month and a Happy
Valentines Day!

Mark
[personal vegan blog:  http://www.soulveggie.com]


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00:  Quote(s) from Howard
01:   A Mad Cowboy Interview with Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr.
02:  The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
03:  3 Heart Safe Recipes from Dr. Essy's New Book!
04:  Mad Cow Info Round-up
05:  Red Meat/Diabetes, HSFC Dangers, Soy Myths, No T.Fat L.A.?
06:  Bad Tap, "Cheap Food," Pork Secrets, Appetite for Profit
07:  Cow: -scapes, with guns (new), go mad, -girl
08:  Veg Video Watch
09:  Bad Act, AR Impacts Farm Bill, Vegan Lessons & Planet
10:  Howard's Schedule
11:  Quick Bytes
12:  Closing Thoughts


************************************************
*00: Quote(s) from Howard
************************************************
"Dr. Esselstyn's solution in "Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease" is as
profound as Newton's discovery of gravity.  Half of all Americans
dying today could have changed their date with the undertaker by
folowing Dr. Esselstyn's plan."

--- Howard Lyman


************************************************
*01:  A Mad Cowboy Interview with Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr.
************************************************
[some snippets from the Mad Cowboy Interview with Dr. Cauldwell
Esselstyn, Jr., author of:  "Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease:"

C:  "... right now we're having close to a million people die of
cardiovascular disease every year, and 500,000 dying of heart attacks.
  For many people [1 out of 4] the first manifestation of the disease
is that they suddenly find themselves dead. When you think about the
attempt to treat this with, let's say, stents --- stents have a
mortality that is accepted at 1%, but 1% of a million stents, which is
the number that are done per year in this country, adds up to about
10,000 people that are dying.  Now if you had 10,000 U.S. soldiers
dying in Iraq this year, that would really be called carnage."

<edit>

C:  "What I was involved with is something that was ridiculously
simple:  when one looks at the epidemiology of heart disease, and you
see that it doesn't exist in cultures where they live primarily on
plant-based nutrition, and they have a cholesterol of a range, let's
say, of 90 to 150, as in the rural Chinese, it just begs the
opportunity to take patients who are seriously ill with coronary
disease and have them eat this plant-based nutrition and see if we
can't absolutely halt the disease, or perhaps even reverse it."

<edit>

C:  "...the exciting thing is this:  we were able to show... that
indeed the disease could be arrested and reversed.  Let's suppose you
have a disease that never before has been arrested or reversed.  Then
you have several investigators throughout the country, within five or
six years, finding the same thing.  Really, this disease is kind of a
paper tiger.  Chronic heart disease is not inevitably progressive,
like cancer, this is something that really can be changed, can be
changed drastically when you make significant changes in the
nutritional profile."

<edit>

M: "... What happens to the cravings for fat?"
C: "Within about 8 to 12 weeks you've down-regulated the fat receptors
and it's no longer an issue."

[You can read the full interview (with embedded links) at:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_MCIview05.000.html


************************************************
*02: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST WEEK'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:

"Of the following, beer, milk, bottled water, and coffee:  which does
the average American drink the most of by week?"

(a) beer  (b) milk  (c) coffee  (d) nice try - about the same of each

The correct answer is "(d) about the same of each.  Unfortunately, for
the first time in memory, there no one got this right!  Here's the
statistical source (table 201):
http://www.census.gov/prod/www/statistical-abstract.html

The original yahoo article is gone, but here's another with the
Reuters summary paragraph of note:
http://mediaworld.wordpress.com/2006/12/20/americans-use-tv-other-media-10-hrs-a\
-day-census/

"In its "Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2007" released on
Friday, the agency also noted that Americans drink about a gallon of
soda a week, along with a half gallon each of milk, bottled water,
coffee and beer."

Howard has decided to select a winner, and that's Donna G., of
Fairfax, Virginia.  Congratulations, Donna!


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:

"How many vending machines are in high, middle, and elementary schools
in the United States?"

(a) 15,000   (b)  20,000   (c)  25,000  (d)  30,000

Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word
"contest" in your subject line by NLT March 1st, 2007.


[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE
one-year subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting
the correct answer to each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to
Joe, and you can learn more about VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call
1.415.665.6397]


************************************************
*03:  3 Heart Safe Recipes from Dr. Essy's New Book!
************************************************
CURRY SAUCE
(makes about 3 cups)

"This sauce is adapated from one of my favorite cookbooks, Fat Free
and Delicious, by Robert Siegel.  It is good on broccoli, cauliflower,
asparagus, rice, or pasta.

1 cup cooked brown rice
2 cups water
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon white miso (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1-2 teaspoons curry powder, to taste

1.  Combine brown rice and water in a food processor and process until
smooth.  It may take a minute or two.
2.  Add remaining ingredients and continue to process until smooth.
Pour into a saucepan and heat, stirring constantly until just bubbling.


BROCCOLI-MUSHROOM PIE
(makes 3-5 servings)

1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash lemon pepper seasoning blend
2 cups brown rice, cooked
1 medium-large tomato, thinly sliced
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 10-ounce box mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon miso
1 cup Lemon Sauce (recipe follows)
3 cups broccoli, chopped and lightly steamed
1 bunch collard greens, stems removed, greens chopped in bite-size
pieces, and steamed or boiled until soft)
pepper to taste

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2.  Mix garlic and Mrs. Dash lemon pepper into cooked brown rice.
3.  Cover bottom of a large pie plate with the cooked rice and pat
into place.
4.  Arrange tomate slices over rice and sprinkle with a handful of
green onions.
5.  In a nonstick sauce pan, stir-fry mushrooms and remaining green
onions in vegetable sotck, wine, or water until just slightly cooked.
6.  Mix miso in a small bowl with 2 tablespoons of stock or water and
stir into mushrooms.
7.  Prepare Lemon 'Sauce.
8.  Add broccoli and collards to the mushrooms mixture, then mix in
Lemon Sauce and pepper to taste.
9.  Pour broccoli-mushroom mixture over tomatoes and bake for 20-30
minutes.  (Optional:  before baking, sprinkle lightly with nutritional
yeast.)

NOTE:  If you prefer, you can substitute lightly steamed spinach or
kale for collard greens.


LEMON SAUCE
1 tablespoon whole-wheat flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot
1 tablespoon low-sodium tamari
1-2 tablespoons lemon juice plus zest of 1 lemon
pepper, to taste
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/2 cup oat, almond, multigrain, or nonfat soy milk

1.  Combine first five ingredients in saucepan.
2.  Gradually add vegetable broth and milk, whisking until all lumps
are gone.
3.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until sauce is smooth
and thick.

NOTE:  This sauce is also good with vegetables.


CHOCOLATE RED DEVIL CAKE
(makes 8-10 servings)

For his fifth birthday, our grandson Zeb requested a chocolate cake.
This recipe, adapted from Joanne Stepaniak's The Vegan Sourcebook,
sounded appealing.  Zeb never had a clue he was eating beets!

2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 teaspoons double-acting baking powder

[for more information on baking powders:
http://www.recipezaar.com/library/getentry.zsp?id=6

2 teaspoons baking soda
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
1/3 cup water
1 large beet, cooked and diced (1 cup)
1 cup water
1/3 cup baby-food prunes (1 large jar)
2 teaspoons apple-cider vinegar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Creamy Fudge Frosting (see below)

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Use an 8-inch square baking pan, or
two 9-inch round cake pans if you want icing between layers.
2.  In a large mixing bowl, place flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking
powder, and baking soda and whisk until combined.
3.  Place flaxseed meal in a dry blender.  Add 1/3 cup water and blend
about 30 seconds, until mixture is gummy.  Add beets, water, prunes,
vinegar, and vanilla and process 1-2 minutes, until frothy and well
blended.
4.  Mix liquid into dry ingredients.  Stir until combined, then
quickly spoon batter into pan.
5.  Bake 35-40 minutes, until a tooth pick inserted in the center
comes out clean.  Cool for at least 30 minutes.  Spread cooled cake
with Creamy Fudge Frosting.


CREAMY FUDGE FROSTING
(makes enough to frost a layer generously)

1 12.3-ounce package light extra-firm tofu
1/3 cup maple syrup, agar nectar, or honey
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in food processor and process until smooth.
Ice thickly on Chocolate Red Devil Cake.  Even though it seems runny,
the frosting stays on."


************************************************
*04: Mad Cow Info Round-up
************************************************
IDENTIFYING VARIATION IN THE U.S. BOVINE PRION GENE:  (01/07):  "Are
some cattle more susceptible to BSE? Is there a genetic component
involved?  To address these and other questions, ARS scientists at the
U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) at Clay Center, Nebraska,
have sequenced the bovine prion gene, PRNP, in 192 cattle representing
16 beef and 5 dairy breeds common in the United States.  Prions are
proteins that occur naturally in mammals. BSE is a fatal neurological
disorder characterized by irregularly folded prions.  Much is unknown
about the disease, but scientists recognize a correlation between
variations in the PRNP gene in some mammals and susceptibility to
transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, such as scrapie in sheep.
"Evidence indicates that this could also be true in cattle," says
molecular biologist Mike Clawson. He is among the USMARC scientists
examining PRNP variation to learn if and how different forms, or
alleles, of the prion gene correlate with BSE susceptibility."

[Edited from:
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/jan07/bovine0107.htm


FAMILY SUE GOVERNMENT AFTER CJD DEATH:  (01/19/07):  "A South
Yorkshire widow is suing the Department of Health for more than
�300,000 after her husband contracted CJD from a contaminated batch of
human growth hormone. Barry Metcalf died of the human form of mad cow
disease after being treated with hormones extracted from corpses in
the 1970s and '80s... Barry was treated with human growth hormone
between 1979 and 1985 as part of a national programme of treatment for
children with growth hormone deficiency, according to a writ issued in
London's High Court. His diagnosis of Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease was
confirmed in January 2003.  Around 1,900 children received treatment
with human growth hormone as part of the government programme, an
inquest heard at the time."

[Edited from:
http://www.sheffieldtoday.net/ViewArticle.aspx?SectionID=58&ArticleID=1982337


APPRECIABLE QUANTITIES OF CLONED MEAT, MILK ARE STILL YEARS AWAY FROM
HITTING SUPERMARKETS:  (01/19/07):  "Ten years after the birth of the
world's first cloned animal, the United States is on the cusp of
becoming the first nation to introduce meat and milk from cloned
cattle into the food supply. The Food and Drug Administration recently
ruled it saw no difference between conventionally raised farm animals
and clones, and that both were equally safe to eat. However, a Kansas
State University agricultural economist thinks it will be awhile
before cloned meat and milk are made available to consumers... "We're
probably still several years away from seeing any appreciable
quantities of meat and milk from cloned animals in the food chain,"
Fox [a K-State professor of agricultural economics] said. "Cloning
appears to be expensive and thus will be used, at least initially,
only for purebred breeding stock, such as to replicate a prize bull.""

[Edited from:
http://www.checkbiotech.org/root/index.cfm?fuseaction=news&doc_id=14248&start=1&\
control=152&page_start=1&page_nr=101&pg=1


RFID COW TATTOOS:  (01/21/07):  "Somark Innovations, a small firm
based out of St. Loius, successfully tested a new system of cattle
branding using radio frequency identification, or RFID.  The company
already tested this new method... and are able to identify an animal
from almost 4 feet away.  This "tattoo" uses a special RFID ink that
can be invisible or colored. The "tattoo" is injected by a set of
needles in a dot shape patterns which change with each injection.  The
tags can be read through fur and hair and have been biocompatibly
tested so even humans can ingest the ink.. The development of the new
RFID "tattoo" sprouted from a need for a cheap way to ID cattle.  Tags
that are clipped to cattle ears are expensive and can be torn out.
Chip implants are expensive and relatively large in size (12mm x
12mm), but also have a very restricted range."

[Edited from:
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=5764


FOURTH VCJD CASE LINKED WITH BLOOD TRANSFUSION IN UK:  (01/22/07):
"Health officials in the United Kingdom have found a probable fourth
case of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) associated with a
blood transfusion from someone who unknowingly had the disease.  The
case was diagnosed in a patient who received blood 9 years ago from a
person who later was found to have vCJD, the UK Health Protection
Agency (HPA) said in a Jan 18 statement... The first case of vCJD
associated with a blood transfusion was found in December 2003. So
far, authorities have identified 66 people in the United Kingdom who
have received "vCJD-implicated" transfusions, of whom 40 have died of
causes other than vCJD, the HPA said. Twenty-three people are alive
and have not been diagnosed with vCJD."

[Edited from:
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/other/bse/news/jan2207vcjd.html


BEEF PRICES HIGHEST IN KOREA:  (01/22/07):  "Beef prices were found to
be the highest in Korea among 13 major countries including several
OECD members, according to a report of the International Labor
Organization (ILO).  Korea's consumer beef prices topped an average of
$56.44 per kilogram as of October 2005, the ILO said. The beef price
was the lowest in Mexico with $7.85 per kilogram _ prices in other
countries were $8.94 in the United States, $11.15 in Britain, $10.36
in Italy and $40.5 in Japan.  The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
attributed the high beef prices in the domestic market to sentiment
involving health issues... According to a recent survey of 1,213
housewives conducted by the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry, 70.2
percent of the respondents said they are unwilling to buy U.S. beef
even if it is distributed in the market..."

[Edited from:
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/200701/kt2007012216235110220.htm


JOHANNS: TALKS WITH JAPAN NEEDED TO INCREASE BEEF TRADE:  (01/23/07):
  "U.S. and Japanese government officials need to sit down for talks on
how the countries can best move toward increasing beef trade, U.S.
Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said Tuesday.  Japan
restricts exports of U.S. beef by requiring that it be derived from
cattle under 21 months old. Johanns said he would like to see that
restriction lifted and stressed that he doesn't want the process to
stretch out any longer than it has to.  Japan made it clear earlier
this month that it wants to send auditing teams back to the U.S. to
once again to inspect U.S. beef processing plants before considering a
move to lift the restriction.  But USDA's Johanns told reporters
Tuesday he has not agreed to that..."

[Edited from:
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/content.asp?contentid=100148


SINGLE PROTEIN PLAYS A MAJOR ROLE IN PRION DISEASES:  (01/23/07):  "A
single protein plays a major role in deadly prion diseases by smashing
up clusters of these infectious proteins, creating the "seeds" that
allow fatal brain illnesses to quickly spread, new Brown University
research shows. The findings are exciting, researchers say, because
they might reveal a way to control the spread of prions through drug
intervention. If a drug could be made that inhibits this fragmentation
process, it could substantially slow the spread of prions, which cause
mad cow disease and scrapie in animals and, in rare cases,
Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease and kuru in humans.  Because similar protein
replication occurs in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, such a
drug could also slow progression of these diseases as well...."

[Edited from:
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=21460


FDA APPROVES MORE MEAT ADDITIVES:  (01/24/07):  "The federal food
safety inspection unit has approved an additional batch of additives,
antimicrobals and agents for use as processing aids directly on meat
and poultry products.  The updated list adds more substances that can
be used during meat and poultry processing operations, giving more
options in the food safety arsenal available to processors....
Increased food safety regulations and the cost of recalls due to
contaminated foods are driving processors to search for better
solutions to reduce pathogens in their plants... The analyss forecasts
that US demand for antimicrobials -- chemicals used to wash equipment
and foods to ensure they are free of food borne pathogens -- will
reach $215.8m in 2012, from $161.7m in 2005.  The market segments
demanding more and more antimicrobials include dairy, bakery,
beverages, and meat processors."

[Very edited from:
 
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=73645&m=1FNU124&c=yhpgkjfymtnzesv


JAPAN REJECTS REVIEW OF U.S. BEEF RULES:  (01/25/07):  "The Japanese
government has rejected a U.S. request for early talks about easing
restrictions on American beef imports, an official said Thursday.  "We
are not in a stage to accept consultations toward reviewing the trade
conditions for now," Yoshio Kobayashi, vice minister of the
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry, said in a statement on
the ministry's Web site.  Kobayashi said it was too early to enter
talks with the United States as Japan's verification of U.S. beef
exporting conditions had not been completed. He did not indicate when
the verification would be finished.  The minister's comments were in
response to a letter from the U.S. urging Japan to ease its import
conditions, the ministry said. A letter stating Tokyo's position was
sent to Washington on Wednesday, it added... Japan, once the United
States' most lucrative overseas market for beef, bought $1.4 billion
worth of beef in 2003 before the first case of mad cow disease was
found in a U.S. herd..."

[Edited from:
  http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/01/25/ap3362121.html


FEDERAL LEGISLATION SEEKS TO KEEP 'DOWNED' ANIMALS OUT OF FOOD SUPPLY:
  (01/25/07):  "Farm Sanctuary, the nation's leading farm animal
shelter and advocacy organization, today announced its support of the
Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act (HR 661), introduced by
U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY) with 74 original co- sponsors. This act
would amend the Humane Methods of Livestock Slaughter Act of 1958 to
prohibit downed animals from becoming part of the human food supply.
Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) is introducing similar legislation in the
U.S. Senate.  Downed animals can pose serious health threats. A Swiss
study found that non-ambulatory cattle are 49 to 58 times more likely
to have "Mad Cow Disease," or Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).
Several cases of BSE identified in North America have involved downed
animals.... The bill introduced today would make that temporary
measure permanent. It would also cover sheep, swine, goats, horses and
mules, and call for immediate, humane euthanasia as soon as an animal
becomes non-ambulatory..."

[Edited from:
http://sev.prnewswire.com/agriculture/20070125/UNTH05825012007-1.html


US RULE WOULD LET IN 610,000 OLDER CANADA CATTLE YEARLY:  (01/25/07):
  "A recently unveiled U.S. plan to let Canada ship older cattle -
usually too decrepit to produce milk anymore - to the U.S. for
slaughter would result in an average of about 610,000 of them crossing
the border yearly, according to an estimate made by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture.  The U.S. has banned such "cull cattle"
since Canada reported its first case of bovine spongiform
encephalopathy, or mad-cow disease, in May 2003.  The U.S. eased
restrictions on cattle under 30 months old, which are the bulk of
Canadian exports, in July 2005. The younger cattle are believed to be
far less likely to be infected with BSE.  Older cattle are believed to
a higher risk for infection with the fatal brain-wasting disease that
is transmissible to humans through consumption. All of the eight BSE
cases found in Canada - and the three discovered in the U.S. -have
involved cattle over 30 months old.... USDA officials said they
weighed risks carefully before deciding to allow in more Canadian
cattle imports. They stressed that a series of safeguards in the U.S.
protect both cattle and humans from the disease.  USDA Chief
Veterinarian John Clifford said earlier this month: "Even if by small
chance (Canadian) BSE-infected material were to make it past the first
mitigation, it is highly unlikely that the material would eventually
infect a U.S. animal."

[Very edited from:
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/content.asp?contentid=100880


GOVERNMENT FOOD SAFETY SYSTEM A SHAM:  (01/25/07):  "A new federal
program for livestock tracking will benefit big corporations, threaten
small producers and do nothing to protect consumer health... To date,
much of the controversy surrounding the national animal tracking
system has hinged on whether the program will be mandatory or
voluntary for farmers. At first, the U.S. Department of Agriculture
said that the program would be compulsory for all livestock. A year
ago the USDA announced that it wanted all farmers and ranchers to
register their premises. The next step was to implant radio tracking
devices in all cattle and to assign tracking numbers to groups of hogs
and chickens, which are usually raised by lot. By 2009, according to
the plan, all livestock in the United States would be tagged, and a
tracking database would be in place.  Then farmers and ranchers pushed
back. They complained that the system was too complicated, too costly,
and, essentially, unnecessary. Websites and email listserves opposing
the ID system proliferated. Protest letters flooded the USDA offices.
In Acres USA -- one of the most influential newsletters for the
organic farming community -- one Texas rancher wrote: "It appears that
the ... unstated reason behind [the program] is to get rid of those
independent farmers, ranchers and homesteaders."

Confronted with this grassroots opposition, the USDA backpedaled. The
agency now says that the animal tracking program will be voluntary..."

[Very edited from the long and comprehensive article at:
  http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/46876/


EVIDENCE BUILDS THAT VIRUS SPURS MAD COW:  (01/30/07):  "Researchers
have found more evidence that a virus may cause mad cow disease and a
related brain disorder in humans, threatening to overturn 25 years of
research focusing on malformed proteins called prions.  Nerve cells
infected with the human form of mad cow disease contained a
virus-sized particle that doesn't appear in uninfected cells, said
Laura Manuelidis, a neuropathologist at Yale Medical School in New
Haven, Conn. Cells infected with scrapie, a sheep disorder related to
mad cow disease, contained the same germ.  The findings raise the
possibility of vaccines against the diseases and challenge research
showing the disorders are spread by prions, abnormal proteins that
have also been detected in the brains of infected humans and animals.
Few other scientists have questioned the research performed by Stanley
Prusiner of the University of California at San Francisco since he won
the Nobel Prize in 1997, Manuelidis said.... Prusiner won the Nobel in
Physiology or Medicine in 1997 "for his discovery of prions - a new
biological principle of infection." He declined an interview through a
university spokeswoman."

[Edited from:
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_5119687

[See also the more detailed science view at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-sci-prion31jan31,0,150653.story?coll=la-h\
ome-headlines


LINKAGE OF U.S. BEEF ISSUE TO FTA 'INAPPROPRIATE': KOREAN MINISTER:
(02/02/07):  "South Korea's top economic policymaker expressed
opposition Friday to the United States raising the issue of the
nation's U.S. beef import quarantine within ongoing bilateral free
trade pact negotiations.  "Connecting the issue of resuming U.S. beef
imports with the South Korea-U.S. free trade agreement (FTA) talks
seems inappropriate," Kwon O-kyu, minister of finance and economy,
said in a press briefing.  South Korea reopened its market to American
beef last year, ending a three-year import ban prompted by the
discovery of mad cow disease in the U.S., but has since turned back
three shipments totaling 22.3 tons after bone chips were found in the
meat.  South Korea had agreed to accept only deboned U.S. beef for
health reasons. According to scientists, mad cow disease can be
transmitted to humans through intestinal parts or the bone marrow of
cattle infected with the disease... The issue has become a major
stumbling block in the FTA talks between the countries. U.S. officials
warn that Congress won't approve the proposed free trade pact with
South Korea unless Seoul fully opens its beef market..."

[Edited from:
http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/Engnews/20070202/610000000020070202161222E6.html


BSE: HOW RISKY IS IT TO DRINK MILK?:  (02/05/07):  "In a first-time
global breakthrough, a Swiss start-up firm has succeeded in detecting
prion proteins in the milk of humans, cows, sheep, and goats. This
again raises the question of a "mad cow disease" risk from drinking
milk. Tests are underway to verify disease-causing prions in milk.
Prions are known to be causes of neurological conditions such as Mad
Cow disease (BSE) and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in human beings. The
causative agent destroys the central nervous system in humans and
animals. It is known that prions can also emerge in body fluids such
as blood and be transferred by them. In the past it was difficult to
estimate the risk of an infection through blood transfusion or
drinking milk, since the concentration of prions in body fluids is
very low; nor is there a sensitive method to identify prions.
Moreover, the incubation time for infection in human beings can take
10 years or longer... Hence, beside blood and urine, milk is another
body fluid in which prions causing disease could be present. As an
American team of scientists has shown recently, infectious prions even
arise in saliva..."

[Edited from:
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,55018.shtml


S KOREAN FARMERS PROTEST OUTSIDE BEEF TALKS:  (02/07/07):  "Cattle
farmers protested Wednesday as U.S. and South Korean officials
discussed easing restrictions on imports of American beef, an issue
Washington says threatens to scuttle a possible free trade agreement.
  About 30 South Korean farmers chanted "No U.S. beef, no more talks"
and burned an effigy of a U.S. cow painted with anti-free trade
slogans in Anyang, just south of Seoul, the site of the two-day talks.
  Farmers say imports of cheaper foreign agricultural products threaten
their livelihood, and question their safety. South Korea banned all
imports of U.S. beef in December 2003 after the first reported U.S.
case of mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy... The
issue seems to have divided the South Korean government. Ambassador
Kim Jong-hoon, Cutler's counterpart in the free trade talks, said at a
forum Wednesday that not all bones are dangerous and their presence
doesn't automatically mean beef is infected with mad cow disease,
according to his office. This week's meeting, billed a "technical
consultation," was requested by Washington..."

[Edited from:
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/content.asp?contentid=103976


BEEF STALLS KOREA-U.S. TALKS:  (02/08/07):  "The United States failed
to narrow differences with South Korea over Seoul's boycott of
American beef, a news report said Thursday. Washington says the issue
threatens a possible free trade deal.  Agriculture officials from the
two countries met for two days of "technical consultations" requested
by Washington over South Korea's rejection of U.S. beef imports for
containing banned bone fragments.  The talks, however, failed to reach
any agreement, Yonhap news agency reported, citing a South Korean
Agriculture and Forestry Ministry official it did not identify... The
beef import issue, though not technically part of ongoing free trade
talks, has still cast a shadow over them... About 80 farmers and
protesters, some throwing eggs at a van carrying U.S. Department of
Agriculture officials, rallied outside the meeting venue in Anyang, 14
miles south of Seoul... Protesters, carrying a sign printed with "Mad
USA Cow Out of Korea," said they opposed any U.S. beef imports,
calling them unsafe... On Wednesday, protesters burned an effigy of a
U.S. cow painted with anti-free trade slogans."

[Edited from:
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8N5KIQ80.htm


LATEST CANADA MAD COW CASE SHOWS EPIDEMIC:  (02/08/07):  "Two major
U.S. cattle groups reacted to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's
overnight announcement of a new case of bovine spongiform
encephalopathy, or mad cow disease, by decrying the latest case as
proof of an epidemic and calling for more information.  The CFIA said
it had confirmed BSE in a mature bull from Alberta. Early information
indicated the age of the bull fell within the age range of previous
cases in Canada.  "This case shows Canada has a widespread epidemic
that spans several provinces and over a decade in time," said R-CALF
United Stockgrowers of America Chief Executive Bill Bullard. "This
suggests there has been widespread exposure of this disease in the
Canadian cattle herd."... Bullard said the newest case, either
Canada's ninth or 10th depending on whether a Washington state case is
counted as U.S. or Canadian, will further complicate the U.S. ability
to restore export markets. The U.S. still has a policy of co-mingling
U.S. and Canadian beef, which Bullard said he feels hampers foreign
acceptance of U.S. products... so far, the USDA hasn't commented on
the latest BSE case in Canada."

[Edited from:
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/content.asp?contentid=104578


ALBERTA AG MINISTER SAYS MORE BSE CASES WERE EXPECTED:  (02/08/07):
"Alberta's Agriculture Minister says the latest case of BSE in Alberta
is a setback for producers, but he remains hopeful it won't stall
plans to open the U.S. border to older cattle. A 6-and-a-half year-old
Angus bull from central Alberta is the latest mad cow case in the
province, and it's a situation Agriculture Minister George Groeneveld
says is unfortunate for Canadian producers looking forward to U.S.
markets opening up once again to older cattle. Groeneveld says
protectionist factions in the U.S. should consider that if their level
of testing was what Canada's is, BSE cases would be present there as
well. Groeneveld says he's optimistic the U.S. border will soon
re-open to older cattle from Canada, but he fears the U.S. group
R-CALF will use the case to argue against the move."

[Edited from:
http://www.770chqr.com/news/news_local.cfm?cat=7428545912&rem=58029&red=80154523\
aPBIny&wids=410&gi=1&gm=news_local.cfm


BSE-INFECTED ANIMAL MAY HAVE BEEN BORN AFTER CANADIAN FEED BAN:
(02/09/07):  "Preliminary information suggests that a Canadian bull
diagnosed with BSE Wednesday was born in 2000, well after Canada
imposed its ruminant-to-ruminant feed ban in 1997, Dr. George
Luterbach, senior veterinarian with the Canadian Food Inspection
Agency, told Meatingplace.  However, Luterbach cautioned that
investigators will first need to confirm the birthplace of the animal
before determining its exact age. Once the age is confirmed,
investigators will need to determine what the animal consumed during
its first year of life.  Meantime, AMI Senior VP of Regulatory Affairs
Mark Dopp told Meatingplace the case shouldn't undermine USDA's
proposed rule to allow older Canadian cattle into the U.S. food chain.
"The case is consistent in both age and location with other cases
found in Canada. This latest case is not expected to derail the
rulemaking process.""

By John Gregerson on Friday, February 09, 2007

[Edited from:
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/content.asp?contentid=104708


S.KOREA, U.S. TO HOLD 7TH ROUND OF TALKS:  (02/09/07):  "South Korean
and U.S. free trade negotiators will sit down for a seventh time next
week in Washington, with Seoul hoping a strategy of linking
contentious issues together will yield a breakthrough.  South Korea
and the United States in June launched talks aimed at slashing tariffs
and other trade barriers, but differences in key sectors have slowed
progress with time running out.  Negotiators will meet from Sunday
through Wednesday in Washington, the scheduling dictated by South
Korea's upcoming lunar new year celebrations beginning late next week.
  South Korea "will push to strike deals on key issues in each sector
by linking them with each other," Trade Minister Kim Hyun-chong said
in a report submitted to the National Assembly on Thursday.  He
specified areas important for his country, such as gaining concessions
on U.S. trade remedies, as well as those key for the United States,
such as automobiles and pharmaceuticals..."

[Edited from:
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8N65FRG0.htm


USDA MAY ALLOW CHINA TO IMPORT CHICKENS TO U.S.:  (02/09/07):  "The
U.S. Department of Agriculture wants to allow China, where 14 people
have died of bird flu since 2003, to sell chicken to the United
States.  The agency is drafting a rule that would permit China to
export cooked poultry to Americans, even though public health
officials have been warning for several years about a potential avian
influenza pandemic.  Food safety watchdog groups are alarmed, but U.S.
poultry producers, who would be facing new competition, are generally
keeping mum. Some believe that the proposed rule could be a bargaining
chip to get the Chinese to drop a ban on U.S. beef imports that they
imposed after a case of mad-cow disease in 2003.  The World Health
Organization has said that chicken and other poultry are safe to eat
when cooked at the proper temperatures. USDA spokesman Steven Cohen
said that since the exported chicken would be cooked, there'd be no
risk to public health...  "The reality is China has had cases of avian
influenza within their flocks," said Caroline Smith DeWaal, director
of food safety at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a
nonprofit consumer advocacy group concerned with health and nutrition
issues. "It wouldn't seem like a good time to be importing poultry,
even cooked poultry."...  The issue could have just as much to do with
cows as it does chickens. The beef industry has been unable to tap the
Chinese market since Beijing blocked American beef imports after a
case of mad-cow disease surfaced in 2003.  China, meanwhile, has been
trying for several years to export chicken here. The United States is
the world's largest producer of chicken. Less than 1 percent of the
chicken consumed here comes from abroad..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/nation/16665792.htm


OFFICIAL: H5N1 [BIRD FLU] MAY BE IN HUMAN FOOD CHAIN:  (02/09/07):
"The Food Standards Agency confirmed today that it was investigating
the possibility that turkey meat contaminated by bird flu at a Bernard
Matthews poultry farm has entered the human food chain.  The
government's chief scientist, Sir David King, said the agency would be
considering ordering supermarkets to remove packaged turkey from
shelves after it emerged that Bernard Matthews had been transporting
turkey meat from Hungary to the Suffolk farm where the H5N1 strain of
the virus was discovered... Initial tests have shown that the strain
of avian flu involved in the outbreak that led to the culling of 2,600
turkeys at the Suffolk farm is H5N1 and may be identical to the
variety responsible for two serious outbreaks in Hungary last month...
Sir David confirmed that the latest scientific findings suggested the
"most likely scenario" was that the virus had been brought into the UK
by dead poultry rather than by wild birds, as originally thought..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/birdflu/story/0,,2009826,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=1


CANADA HAS NINTH CONFIRMED CASE OF MAD COW DISEASE:  (02/11/07):
"Another case of mad cow disease � the country's ninth � was confirmed
Wednesday by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.  That animal is a
mature bull from Alberta.  The agency said preliminary information
indicates the age of the animal falls within the age range of previous
cases detected in Canada under the national BSE surveillance program.
  As such, it's likely the animal was exposed to a small amount of
infective material, probably during its first year of life, the agency
said in a release.  The exact age of the animal was was not released,
but so far five of Canada's diagnosed cases of BSE have been born
between 1996 and 1998...  Although any new case of BSE is unwelcome,
it's not unexpected given Canada's level of surveillance. Such
findings are consistent with the experiences of other countries around
the world, he noted... "We know that there's the likelihood that we'll
find a few additional cases, but we're well on our way to
eradication," Laycraft said."

[Edited from:
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=138609b8-ea3a-4bd1-a8a0\
-5d0b1e146b0b&k=99718


DEATH TOLL AT 65 AS TWO MORE INDONESIANS DIE FROM BIRD FLU:
(02/11/07):  "Indonesian health officials say a 20-year-old woman who
tested positive for bird flu has died, making her the country's 64th
human victim of the deadly H5N1 virus.  The woman had direct contact
with infected chickens and died on Sunday in West Java province, a day
after being diagnosed with the H5N1 strain of the virus.  Two of her
neighbours are in hospital with symptoms of the virus... Local media
have also reported the death of a 9-year-old boy at 4:30 p.m. also on
Sunday in West Java, who was referred to Slamet Hospital on the advice
of health officials on Sunday morning.  If confirmed he will be the
country's 65th human victim of the virus.  Indonesia's first human
case of the avian flu appeared in 2005 and since then 84 people have
contracted the virus and 65 have died.  Indonesia has the highest
human death toll in the world from the virus..."

[Edited from:
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=21822


************************************************
*05:  Red Meat/Diabetes, HSFC Dangers, Soy Myths, No T.Fat L.A.?
************************************************
THE DOUBLE DANGER OF HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP:  (2007): "..."The
bodies of the children I see today are mush," observed a concerned
chiropractor recently. The culprit is the modern diet, high in
fructose and low in copper-containing foods, resulting in inadequate
formation of elastin and collagen--the sinews that hold the body
together.  Until the 1970s most of the sugar we ate came from sucrose
derived from sugar beets or sugar cane.  Then sugar from corn--corn
syrup, fructose, dextrose, dextrine and especially high fructose corn
syrup (HFCS)--began to gain popularity as a sweetener because it was
much less expensive to produce. .. In 1980 the average person ate 39
pounds of fructose and 84 pounds of sucrose. In 1994 the average
person ate 66 pounds of sucrose and 83 pounds of fructose, providing
19 percent of total caloric energy. Today approximately 25 percent of
our average caloric intake comes from sugars, with the larger fraction
as fructose.

High fructose corn syrup is extremely soluble and mixes well in many
foods. It is cheap to produce, sweet and easy to store. It's used in
everything from bread to pasta sauces to bacon to beer as well as in
"health products" like protein bars and "natural" sodas... Pure
fructose contains no enzymes, vitamins or minerals and robs the body
of its micronutrient treasures in order to assimilate itself for
physiological use... Research indicates that... fructose interferes
with the heart's use of key minerals like magnesium, copper and
chromium. Among other consequences, HFCS has been implicated in
elevated blood cholesterol levels and the creation of blood clots.  It
has been found to inhibit the action of white blood cells so that they
are unable to defend the body against harmful foreign invaders..."

[Very edited from the very detailed, disturbing, and extremely
well-documented article at:
  http://www.westonaprice.org/modernfood/highfructose.html


LOS ANGELES TO STUDY TRANS FAT BAN:  (01/10/07):  "The government war
on trans fat, started when New York City banned it from restaurant
food, has reached Los Angeles. Los Angeles County supervisors voted
Tuesday to study the feasibility of banning artificial trans fats from
restaurants there, and the City Council in December had asked for
similar report on at least restricting it.  "I'm very concerned about
the whole trans-fat issue," Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke said
after Tuesday's vote for the study. "Every time I buy something, I
look to see if it has trans fat."... Condie, president of the
22,000-member California Restaurant Association, said he's open to
suggestions but believes banning something widely used in homes "has
more cons than pros."  "What's next? Butter, cheese or anything that
has saturated fat, which accounts for 15 percent of the average
American diet, and also is not healthy, but that also needs to be
taken in moderation," Condie asked.  Since January 2006, the Food and
Drug Administration has required that trans-fat content be listed on
all packaged foods. Trans fats, listed on food labels as partially
hydrogenated vegetable oil, are believed to be harmful because they
wreak havoc with cholesterol levels.  Last year, the New York City
Board of Health voted to ban trans fats in restaurants and to require
food labels on menus at all chain restaurants that already provide
calorie information."

[Edited from:
http://apnews.myway.com//article/20070111/D8MIO38O0.html


RED MEAT MAY INCREASE DIABETICS HEART DISEASE RISK:  (01/17/07):
"High consumption of red meat and heme iron from the diet may the risk
of coronary heart disease amongst diabetics by 50 per cent, says new
research from Harvard.  The researchers behind the study note,
however, that the results do not prove that increased heme iron
consumption from red meat is the actual cause of the apparent increase
in CHD risk.  The research looked at the effects of red meat and
dietary iron intake on the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD)
among the 6,161 women with diagnosed type-2 diabetes enrolled in the
Nurses Health Study.  "The major importance of this finding is that,
high consumption of heme iron and red meat may be a more dangerous
cardiovascular risk factor for diabetic patients compared with the
general population," lead author Lu Qi told FoodNavigator.com.  An
estimated 19 million people are affected by diabetes in the EU 25,
equal to four per cent of the total population. This figure is
projected to increase to 26 million by 2030.  In the US, there are
over 20 million people with diabetes, equal to seven per cent of the
population. The total costs are thought to be as much as $132 bn, with
$92 bn being direct costs from medication, according to 2002 American
Diabetes Association figures..."

[Edited from:
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=73424&m=1FNU117&c=yhpgkjfymtnzesv


EATING SOY: MYTHS, TRUTHS, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN: "Soy foods have
received a great deal of attention in the media in recent years. Very
little that the public hears about soy is neutral. Depending upon whom
you choose to believe, soy is either a wonder food or the next
asbestos. Even among professionals in the field of nutrition and other
sciences, there is much confusion about the conflicting information
drawn from the countless research articles published each year on
soybeans and their derivatives. While it is unlikely that I will
address all concerns or cover every study ever conducted on the health
effects of soy consumption, I hope to give a clearer picture of what
the research regarding soy and human health tells us.... What forms of
soy and how much soy should you be eating?... Choosing traditional and
less processed forms of soy (such as tofu, miso, tempeh, edamame and
even soy milk) over highly processed soy foods (such as soy cheeses,
soy meats, and soy protein isolates) is likely to be a safer choice,
as well. We all need our treats sometimes and the research does not
support the conclusion that eating a little vegan soy cheese on your
pizza is going to cause health problems, so go ahead and allow
yourself some indulgences every now and then if you want to. Just
don't make soy cheese and soy sausage casserole the mainstay of your diet.

[Very edited from from the excellent, well-documented, quite useful,
and with some great opinion links article at:
http://www.vegfamily.com/health/vegan-soy-information.htm


************************************************
*06:  Bad Tap, "Cheap Food," Pork Secrets, Appetite for Profit
************************************************
MOST TAP WATER POLLUTED:  (01/25/07):  "As the United States becomes a
nation of 300 million, the country's older cities face the reality of
overpopulation, crumbling infrastructures, and the health concerns
raised by both, especially those related to the availability of fresh
water.  Eric Goldstein, a spokesman for the Natural Resources Defense
Council, has stated that the water distribution systems of cities such
as Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia and New York are in urgent need of
repair.  The antiquated water delivery systems in these cities are
comprised of nearly 1 million miles of piping, mostly made of iron. As
the iron pipes corrode, clean water flowing through them becomes
contaminated with rust. Over time the pipes also rupture, causing not
only water loss, but the introduction of pollutants and diseases from
the ground.  "Investigations conducted in the last five years suggest
that a substantial proportion of waterborne disease outbreaks, both
microbial and chemical, are attributable to problems within
distribution systems," said the National Research Council in a report
released in December for the Environmental Protection Agency... "I
advise everyone to avoid drinking water from the tap, no matter how
clean the city claims it to be," said consumer health advocate Mike
Adams. "Even when cities claim their water is clean, they may still
add toxic fluoride chemicals and chlorine, which we know promotes
bladder cancer. Filtering your water is crucial for protecting your
health.""

[Edited from:
  http://www.newstarget.com/021504.html


A HIGH PRICE FOR 'CHEAP FOOD':  (01/28/07):  "Whenever someone
criticizes agricultural practices of America's farmers and ranchers as
I do, supporters of the industry... deliver their coup de grace to
silence critics -- cheap food. Don't criticize farmers and ranchers
because they are producing America's cheap food.  Cheap food?
Agriculture is the most destructive land use in America. A field of
corn, hay or alfalfa is one of the most simplified ecosystems around.
Not only have these field crops destroyed and replaced native plant
and animal communities, but they have greatly simplified
bio-diversity. Add in the lands used for grazing by livestock, and as
much as 70 percent of America's land is modified or at least
ecologically compromised to accommodate agriculture -- to the great
detriment of native ecosystems and animals...  Cheap food? The nation
has lost 44 percent of its original endowment of wetlands, and
agriculture is responsible for the draining of the majority of all
these wetlands. This is certainly the case in Vermont, in which the
Department of Natural Resources estimates the state has lost 35
percent of its wetlands. Draining for farming and other agricultural
practices is the No. 1 cause of damage to Vermont's wetlands...
Agriculture is the No. 1 cause of nonpoint water pollution, accounting
for far more pollution than all the logging, mining, urbanization and
other land uses combined. One cow produces the same daily wastes as 50
people... Nearly 90 percent of the pharmaceutical drugs, including
antibodies, found in our waterways come from livestock production.
Dairy farming in particular uses a tremendous number of these drugs.
Their presence threatens native aquatic life and creates
drug-resistant life forms that ultimately threaten the effectiveness
of all drugs.

The majority of America's farmer produce cheap food -- but it is not
inexpensive. We just aren't paying the full cost at the supermarket.

[Very edited from a great opinion essay with some useful statistics at:
 
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070128/OPINION/7\
01280330/1006/NEWS05


BACK TO PORK'S DIRTY SECRET: (12/14/06):  "The nation's top hog
producer is also one of America's worst polluters. Boss Hog America's
top pork producer churns out a sea of waste that has destroyed rivers,
killed millions of fish and generated one of the largest fines in EPA
history... Smithfield Foods, the largest and most profitable pork
processor in the world, killed 27 million hogs last year. That's a
number worth considering. A slaughter-weight hog is fifty percent
heavier than a person. The logistical challenge of processing that
many pigs each year is roughly equivalent to butchering and boxing the
entire human populations of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston,
Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, San Jose,
Detroit, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, San Francisco, Columbus, Austin,
Memphis, Baltimore, Fort Worth, Charlotte, El Paso, Milwaukee,
Seattle, Boston, Denver, Louisville, Washington, D.C., Nashville, Las
Vegas, Portland, Oklahoma City and Tucson.  Smithfield Foods actually
faces a more difficult task than transmogrifying the populations of
America's thirty-two largest cities into edible packages of meat. Hogs
produce three times more excrement than human beings do. The 500,000
pigs at a single Smithfield subsidiary in Utah generate more fecal
matter each year than the 1.5 million inhabitants of Manhattan. The
best estimates put Smithfield's total waste discharge at 26 million
tons a year. That would fill four Yankee Stadiums..."

[Very edited from must read extensive, well-documented, and disturbing
article at:
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/12840743/porks_dirty_secret_the_natio\
ns_top_hog_producer_is_also_one_of_americas_worst_polluters/1


AGRIBUSINESS' ENDLESS APPETITE FOR PROFIT:  (01/29/07):  "[From] An
interview with author Michelle Simon, whose latest book. "Appetite for
Profit," covers the ruthless manner in which corporate giants market
junk foods to boost their profit margin.  "... I got the idea for the
book was at a conference in 2004 hosted by ABC News and Time magazine.
It was called "The Summit on Obesity" and they said they were bringing
together 500 of the nation's top experts to forge solutions to the
obesity epidemic. Giving the keynote address was former Secretary of
Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson, a man who knew nothing about
public health, but he was giving his cheerleading speech about how we
all "had to spread the gospel of personal responsibility," which sent
chills down my spine.  He then went on to talk about all the major
food companies and what a great job they were doing in coming on
board, and one of the companies he mentioned was Coca-Cola. And
Thompson said something to the effect that Coca-Cola has stopped
marketing in schools, which I knew wasn't true.  Then a funny thing
happened: He took questions from the audience. A man got up from the
audience by the name of Charles Brown, who is a representative from
Indiana. He wanted to know that if Coca-Cola was such a responsible
company, then why had they sent five lobbyists to his state capital to
kill his piece of legislation that would have required just half of
all beverages sold in the school vending machines to be healthy? Well,
Tommy Thompson didn't have a very good answer to that, and he just
kinda stammered and said, "Well, I don't know anything about that, but
if it happened again, you call me."  ... I felt that this needed to be
exposed, so I put it together with a lot of other examples of
hypocrisy and responses to it, so the book is basically an expose of
the various ways that major food companies are responding to the
criticism that's been leveled against them -- and rightly so -- and
then basically tearing apart their claims and exposing the truth
behind it and showing how it is just a lot of PR.

[Very edited from from the excellent interview at:
http://www.alternet.org/story/46929/


************************************************
*07:  Cow: -scapes, with guns (new), go mad, -girl
************************************************
BEAUTIFUL COWSCAPES:
http://www.kvha.org/rachael/rs/cows.htm


A NEW "COWS WITH GUNS" FLASH ANIMATION TO THE CLASSIC SONG:
http://www.3dweb.no/galleri/stuestolbm/bilder/anim1.swf


WHEN GOOD COWS GO MAD (& CYBERCOUGARS):  (01/17/07):  "2007: A
biotechnology company in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, breeds cattle that
are immune to mad cow disease. A relieved beef industry pours funding
into the lab.  2008: Mad-cow-immune cows become the standard for
livestock, but it is discovered that their prion-resistant brains have
given them a primitive, sinister intelligence. Farmhand kickings,
rodeo clown gorings and milkmaid stompings rise 400 percent. A few of
the cows escape into the wild, making capture difficult. The
government decides to sow biogenetically engineered grasses in their
grazing areas, grasses that will release deadly spores into their
systems.  2009: The genetically engineered grass spores fuse
symbiotically with the musculature of the cows, giving them enhanced
strength, increased endurance and possibly X-ray vision. These evil
veg-cows begin to harass South Dakotan suburbs. Deciding to give
genetic engineering a rest, the Department of Homeland Security
instead creates a small army of cybernetically enhanced cougars to
track and hunt the super-cows..."

[Very edited from from the funny satire/parody at:
http://www.wired.com/news/columns/0,72508-0.html


DVD REVIEW: MAD COWGIRL:  (2007):  "Therese (Sarah Lassez), a meat
inspector in a sloppy slaughterhouse, is mourning her failed marriage
while carrying on an affair with a creepy televangelist (Walter
Koenig). This chain-smoking alcoholic's already troubled life is
further complicated by an incestuous relationship with a solicitous
sibling (James Duval). And her plight only goes from bad to worse when
her brother deliberately allows her to eat some flesh he knows to be
infected with Mad Cow Disease.  As the plague gradually infects her
brain, Therese is mysteriously driven to venture down an even more
self-destructive path... An ultra avant-garde adventure into the
surreal..."

[Very dited from:
http://www.upstagemagazine.com/articles/getarticle-new.php?ID=4351&wherefrom=mai\
npage


************************************************
*08:  Veg Video Watch
************************************************
[Fine interview of Howard Lyman (he's on the phone) on "Out There TV."
  Well-done trailer of clips (some graphic slaughterhouse footage
included) from the Mad Cowboy Documentary starts the 57 minute video,
and there's 27 minutes of Howard interspaced with absurd commercials
(unfortunately).  Probably June or July 2006.  Original source here:
http://www.lvitv.com/OutThereTV/playflash.php?v_id=222&state=flash

also here:
http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-8301346448585395273&hl=en

[2006 World Veg Day Video, from In Defense of Animals.  Snippets of
the SF event, John Robbins, Howard, and others:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMy8WMunPy4

[Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLNA12RKFdE


************************************************
*09:  Bad Act, AR Impacts Farm Bill, Vegan Lessons & Planet
************************************************
ARE YOU THE TERRORIST NEXT DOOR?:  (01/28/07):  "Congress recently
passed legislation called the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA),
which can be used to prosecute civil disobedience and speech as
"domestic terrorism" when an animal-related business loses profits and
property. The Act also protects corporations that pollute and destroy
the environment... What are the parameters of the Animal Enterprise
Terrorism Act and who could be tangled in its web, slapped with prison
time and branded a terrorist? Could Oprah Winfrey--the beloved and
successful talk show host--and her former vegetarian guest, Howard
Lyman, be prosecuted as terrorists if they were to repeat anti-beef
comments made to Winfrey's 15 million viewers in 1996?

It is indeed possible because the AETA is overbroad, vague and subject
to the whims of law enforcement, as evidenced last year when six
young, New Jersey website operators became the first individuals
convicted on "animal enterprise terrorism" charges... In 1996, Oprah
Winfrey invited ex-cattle rancher Howard Lyman to talk about Mad Cow
disease on her television show. Lyman knew first-hand how cows--even
diseased ones--were fed being to other cows and how their diets were
supplemented with ground-up dogs, cats and road kill. He explained the
meat production process, and Winfrey offered that she would never eat
another burger. The audience cheered. On the following day, cattle
futures plummeted, and the financial disaster was labeled the "Oprah
Crash."

Estimated losses to the beef industry were $10 - $12 million, and a
group of cattlemen filed a lawsuit against Winfrey and Lyman under a
Texas food disparagement law. They wanted compensation for loss of
profits. Winfrey and Lyman won, but only after spending over a million
dollars on legal fees. In his book, Mad Cowboy, Lyman says that those
who sued "apparently believe that the First Amendment� was not meant
to be interpreted so broadly as to allow people to say unpleasant
things about beef."  If Winfrey and Lyman were to make these comments
today, and viewers hit the streets, embarking upon civil disobedience,
vandalism, even breaking into factory farms and rescuing frightened
death row cows from slaughter, could the pair be held liable as AETA
conspirators? It is entirely possible..."

[Very edited from the disturbing, well-thought analysis of this new
law at:
http://charlottelaws.typepad.com/the_official_charlotte_la/2007/01/are_you_the_t\
er.html

[Learn more, get involved:
http://www.noaeta.org


ANIMAL-RIGHTS GROUPS COULD IMPACT UPCOMING DEBATES:  (02/11/07):
"Used to be that farmers only watched the debates over a farm bill to
see how much money they would get out of it.  This year, some
producers have reason to watch a little nervously. Flush with cash,
animal-welfare groups will be pushing to use this year's farm bill to
stop practices they consider inhumane... "We need to see the farm bill
not just as a producer bill but as a producer bill and a consumer
bill," said Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the
United States. "This is important to the public. The public cares
about the humane treatment of animals."  A lot has happened since the
last farm bill was written in 2002.  The Humane Society, now the most
influential animal-rights group, has more than doubled its membership,
merged with several smaller organizations and expanded its staff.
Between 2002 and 2005, the organization's annual revenue jumped from
$76 million to $141 million... Animal-rights activists view the
legislation as the first step to setting nationwide standards for
livestock care..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070211/BIZ/702110341/1\
005/BIZ


SHARING LESSONS FROM A DECADE OF VEGANISM:  (01/28/07):  "Sharing a
few of the lessons learned from a decade of veganism: this week I will
have been vegan for 10 years. That's right, beginning in early
February of 1997, I stopped eating all meat, dairy, and egg products.
Additionally, I gave up clothing made with animal products, such as
leather and wool. Normally, I'm not one to discuss my "vegan-ness"
with others unless asked. However, I thought since I now have a decade
of experience with the subject that I would offer some advice on the
subject - to both meat eaters and vegetarians/vegans alike.  First,
some tips for my meat-eating friends:  Tip #1: I'd love to talk to you
about why I'm a vegan, but only if you promise not to ask while I'm
eating. Honestly, would you like to be interrupted in the midst of
eating your dinner with 20 questions about what was on your plate? I
thought not. So, if you wait until I'm done, we can have a nice
nonjudgmental conversation (on both sides) about why we both eat what
we eat.  Tip #2: Most fake meat (and tofu) is delicious. Yes, some of
it looks gross. But really, you should try some - it might surprise
you.....

Now some tips for my vegan (and vegetarian) friends:  Tip #2: Do your
best to cook fantastic food for meat eaters. Don't just have potlucks
with your vegan friends - invite over meat eaters and cook good food.
E-mail me for suggestions if you need them. Tip #6: Contests over who
is the "most vegan" are for losers and waste a whole lot of time and
energy. In other words, I don't care that you don't eat honey.
Moreover, chastising someone for giving up "only" most meat in their
diet is not a good thing. We all do what we feel comfortable doing."

[Very edited (Jason acknowledged his was careless in how he wrote the
protein comment, from a personal query, so don't bug him about it)
from the refreshingly non-dogmatic article at:
http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/01/26/70501


VEGANISM GOOD FOR THE PLANET:  (02/04/07):  "The Environment Minister
Ben Bradshaw has warned that Britain may need to go back to Second
World War-style rationing if climate change gets worse.  Ben Bradshaw
has pointed out that food production did just as much damage as
private transport and housing. Mr. Bradshaw made his comments as a new
government website advised shoppers to help the planet by avoiding
meat and cheese.  The www.direct.gov.uk/greenerfood website makes
clear that eating meat and dairy products contributes to global
warming because of the energy and land needed to rear animals. Sheep
and cows also emit harmful methane gas.  According to the UK Vegan
Society 'The meat-intensive diets of the developed world contribute to
global warming, deforestation, desertification and water pollution...
The new government website says that meat and cheese are among the
worst for warming the planet, "because of the way they are produced,
packaged, transported or cooked". Although transport and housing get
all the blame for heating up the planet, food production and
preparation do just as much damage, accounting for 25 per cent of
global warming. Flying accounts for just two per cent... In a world
where every year 6 million children under the age of 5 die as a result
of hunger and malnutrition, the meat-intensive diets of the western
world represent a tragic misuse of limited planetary resources.""

[Edited from:
http://www.arkangelweb.org/international/uk/20070204veganism.php


************************************************
*10: Howard's Schedule
************************************************
APR 01: New York City, NY > Integrative Nutrition Lincoln Center
APR 08: Baltimore, MD > EarthSave Baltimore
APR 12: Stamford, CT >
APR 15: New York City, NY > Integrative Nutrition Lincoln Center
APR 18: Akron, OH > Tangier Restaurant
APR 21: Chicago, IL > Chicago Green Festival

JUL 19 - 23: Los Angeles, CA > AR2007
JUL 25 -29: Johnstown, PA > Summerfest 2007

SEP 15: Albany, NY > NY Capital Region's Vegetarian Expo.

[More information/embedded links for contact information at:
http://www.madcowboy.com/01_SchedCA.000.html


************************************************
*11: Quick Bytes
************************************************
ACTIVISM:
["The International Vegetarian Union has new websites for each of its
regions:"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ivu-veg-news/message/11987

[No AETA activist/resource website... get involved:
http://www.noaeta.org

AGRICULTURE:

[SUPERB CSA (community supported agriculture) interactive resource:"
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa/

BLOGS/PODCASTS:

["Journey of a New Vegan:"
http://newvegan.blogspot.com/

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA & Bloggy Award-winning:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm

NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:

[Farmed Animal Net:
http://www.farmedanimal.net/

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/

RECIPES:

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Awardwinning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/


************************************************
*12: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"... Where this is really so very powerful from an emotional
standpoint, is the following:  you've got a patient, and their family,
but a patient who has had a heart attack.  That family is going to
live, with every day and week that goes by, with that deep fear of
when the next shoe is going to drop... And that really takes away a
lot of the humor and spontaneity of life, if so many people have it in
the back of their mind that concern of when that next event is going
to happen.  What is so powerful for people who've had heart disease
where this has occurred, when they KNOW that as long as they can eat a
plant-based diet where they keep that LDL cholesterol at 80 and under,
I have not seen a heart attack.  You have made yourself, and will
remain, heart attack proof by maintaining adherence to this
nutritional lifestyle change.  This is such a great relief... and we
know that it works because we now have data beyond 20 years to prove it."

--- Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn (February 2007 Mad Cowboy Interview)


"We must never underestimate the layman's ability to adopt healthier
lifestyles."

--- Dr. Esselstyn (p. 110, "Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease")

******************************************************************
Mark Sutton, Webmaster@...  http://www.madcowboy.com
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to: Mad_Cowboy-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
******************************************************************

"No act of modern warfare, with the possible exception of a nuclear exchange
between major world powers, has the potential to threaten as many lives and
cause as much disruption to the global economy as the H5N1 avian influenza would
if it makes the evolutionary leap that allows it to spread among humans as
quickly and as lethally as it has among birds."

---  Stephen Flynn, Homeland Security Expert
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/02/20/flynn.commentary/index.html


Welcome to this very special 58th Edition of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.  The
only two topics for this issue are Mad Cow Disease and the potential Avian Flu
Pandemic.  We have a special interview with Dr. Michael Greger (author, "Bird
Flu:  A Virus of Our Own Hatching), a new "Flu News" section with article
excerpts/references grouped in broad categories, quotes & statistics from the
book, and also a list of "online resources" related to this very serious
potential threat to all of us.

You are urged to read the interview, or at least visit Dr. Greger's website:

http://www.birdflubook.com

...where the entire book is available online, with hypertexted
topics/references, and resource links.

For this edition, we've temporarily removed our "Quick Bytes" section to
accomodate the extra information, quotes/statistics from the book, and links
provided.

... and, as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers.  Y'all can read
past issues of the newsletter at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

There's much we can do to prepare for a possible pandemic (or any natural
disaster in general).  There is hope, and being armed with knowledge about the
subject is the first step to being prepared.

Best wishes to all for a Great Spring,  Mark

[personal vegan blog:  http://www.soulveggie.com]


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00:  Quote(s) from Howard
01:   A Mad Cowboy Interview with Dr. Michael Greger
02:  The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
03:  Some Recipes from "No More Bull!" by Dr. Greger
04:  Mad Cow Info Round-up
05:  Quotes/Stats from "Bird Flu: A Virus of Our Own Hatching"
06:  Flu News
07:  Howard's Schedule
08:  Closing Thoughts


************************************************
*00: Quote(s) from Howard
************************************************

"You will reassured to know that, in order to protect your health, individual
chicken inspectors examine about twelve thousand chickens a day, each for about
two seconds.  In spite of those two-second inspections, contaminated chicken
still manages to kill at least one thousand Americans a year, and estimates of
how many they sicken range as high as 80 million."

--- Howard Lyman (in "Mad Cowboy," p. 38)


************************************************
*01:  A Mad Cowboy Interview with Dr. Michael Greger
************************************************

[some snippets from the Mad Cowboy Interview with Dr. Michael Greger, author of:
"Bird Flu:  A Virus of Our Own Hatching"]

G: "Over the past 30 years more than 30 new diseases have emerged at a rate
really unprecedented in the history of medicine. Emerging infectious diseases
have gone from a mere curiosity in the field of medicine to a whole discipline
that's moved to center stage. Medical historians have called this time in which
we live in the age of "the emerging plagues," some of which come from animals."

<snip>

G: "We know another pandemic is inevitable.... there's now a consensus among the
medical and public health community around the world that this is perhaps the
greatest health threat facing humanity currently... not some kind of "conspiracy
theory" by some kind of marginalized opinion. This is the mainstream public
health and medical opinion: the global populace should prepare for another
pandemic."

<snip>

G: "It's important to recognize that 76 million Americans every year come down
with food poisoning. That's 1 in 4. We may remember a co-worker having 24/48
hour flu, but there's no such thing as a 24 hour flu, a 48 hour flu... that was
food poisoning. There's no such thing as the stomach flu, that's a colloquial
term that is essentially food poisoning.  And that just speaks to how really
contaminated our food supply is... "

<snip>

G: "During a pandemic there's nothing magical about this virus. You stay away
from people, you'll stay away from an infection. With a virus this deadly, the
primary strategy is not to get infected in the first place... you don't want to
get infected in the first place, and the way one does that is that during a
pandemic you self-isolate, you quarantine yourself. It's called "sheltering in
place" within one's home until the pandemic wave passes..."

<snip>

G: "I encourage people to go to my website. The entire text of the book is
online for free, so there's no excuse for not having this information to protect
themselves and my contact information is on the website as well, so feel free to
contact me anytime for anything."

[You can read the full interview (with embedded links) at:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_MCIview06.000.html


************************************************
*02: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************

LAST WEEK'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"How many vending machines are in high, middle, and elementary schools in the
United States?"

(a) 15,000   (b)  20,000   (c)  25,000  (d)  30,000

The correct answer is "(b) 20,000"

Congratulations to Brenda K. Durbin from Jamestown, KY,  for being one of the
correct answerers, and winning the "luck of the draw."

"There are an estimated 20,000 vending machines in schools nationwide, according
to the National Automatic Merchandising Association."

[Above statistic from: "The Double Danger of High Fructose Corn Syrup:"
http://www.westonaprice.org/modernfood/highfructose.html


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:

"How many influenza pandemics are recognized as having occurred in the 20th
century?"

(a) 1  (b) 2  (c) 3  (d) 4


Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word "contest" in
your subject line by NLT April 7th, 2007.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE one-year
subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting the correct answer to
each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to Joe, and you can learn more about
VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call 1.415.665.6397]


************************************************
*03:  Some Recipes from "No More Bull!" (and Dr. Greger)
************************************************

FLAXILICOUS BLUE SMOOTHIE
(1 serving)

1 cup organic motherless milk (soy, rice, or almond milk)
1/2 cup frozen overripe organic banana
1/2 cup frozen organic blueberries
2 TBL ground organic flaxseeds
1/8 t ground cinnamon

Put in a blender and blend!

[from Dr. Michael Greger, in "No More Bull!" by Howard Lyman


CANCER-FIGHTING PESTO
(4 servings)

1 bunch fresh basil
2 cloves garlic
1 (12-ounce) package silken tofu
2 handfuls freshly toasted walnuts
1 TBL nutritional yeast
1 TBL ground flax seeds
1 t miso
Zest of 1 lemon
1 bunch arugula (chopped)
1 yam (chopped cooked)

Food process all but the yam.

Serve on whole grain pasta with chopped cooked yam.  Sprinkle with vegan
parmesan cheese and salt to taste."

[from Dr. Michael Greger, in "No More Bull!" by Howard Lyman


************************************************
*04: Mad Cow Info Round-up
************************************************

TYSON MISTAKENLY VIOLATES JAPANESE MAD COW CODES:  (02/17/07): "A costly mistake
at the Lexington Tyson plant has placed a dark cloud over the beef exports to
Japan once again. Japanese officials found meat in a shipment from Lexington's
Tyson that may violate a regulation imposed over mad cow concerns; also known as
bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).  According to Gary Mickelson, Tyson
media contact, two boxes containing a total of 95 pounds of boneless short ribs
were included in a shipment destined for export.  The shipment's importer could
not confirm that the meat met a government requirement that all beef destined
for Japan be from animals age 20 months or younger."

[Edited from:
http://www.lexch.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17862773&BRD=284&PAG=461&dept_id=55850\
9&rfi=6


CANADA MAD COW CASE DELAYS MEXICO IMPORT PLANS:  (02/17/07):  "Mexico has
postponed plans to reopen its borders to dairy cattle imports from Canada after
a case of mad cow disease was found in an Alberta bull last week.  Enrique
Sanchez, Mexico's head of animal health, told Reuters on Friday that Mexico
would carry out new tests before considering allowing Canadian dairy cow
imports.  "This means we have to go back and revise everything again," Sanchez
said."

[Edited from:
http://za.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=businessNews&storyID=2007\
-02-17T083234Z_01_BAN730744_RTRIDST_0_OZABS-CANADA-MEXICO-MADCOW-20070217.XML


MEAT COMPANY PRES. GUILTY TO DEFRAUDING GOV'T'S MAD COW DISEASE PROGRAM: 
(02/18/07): "Farm Fresh Meats, Inc. and Roland Emerson Farabee, 55, of Maricopa,
Arizona, pleaded guilty to stealing $390,000 in government funds, mail fraud and
wire fraud, in federal district court in Phoenix.  Evidence uncovered during the
government's investigation established that Farm Fresh Meats and Farabee
submitted samples from cattle outside the Targeted Cattle Population.
Specifically, Farm Fresh Meats and Farabee submitted, or caused to be submitted,
obex samples from healthy, USDA inspected cattle, in order to steal government
moneys....  Farm Fresh Meats and Farabee failed to maintain cattle carcasses and
heads pending test results and falsified corporate books and records to conceal
their malfeasance. Such actions, to the extent an obex sample tested positive
(fortunately, none did), could have jeopardized the USDA's ability to identify
the diseased animal and pinpoint its place of origin."

[Very edited from:
http://lawfuel.com/show-release.asp?ID=10754


PORTUGAL REPORTS PROBABLE 2ND CASE OF HUMAN MAD COW DISEASE:  (02/22/07): 
"Portugal has probably detected the second case of the human form of mad cow
disease in the country, health authorities said on Wednesday.  There is
laboratory evidence of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD), also known as
the human form of mad cow disease, in a young Portuguese woman's brain, said the
Portugal's General Health Directorate in a statement."

[Edited from:
http://english.people.com.cn/200702/22/eng20070222_351821.html


MAD-COW SCRUTINY IS SCALED WAY BACK:  (02/22/07):"The U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) recently scaled back mad-cow testing by more than 90 percent,
leading to closure of the WSU lab and several others around the country. The
agency has backed off plans for a mandatory animal-tracking system, which can
help identify the source of an infection and other animals at risk, and now says
the program will be voluntary.  Several of the unappetizing - and risky -
practices that came to light in the wake of the initial mad-cow case are still
allowed, including the use of cow blood as a food supplement for calves.  And
even the prohibition on slaughtering sickly cows, called downers, for human
consumption has not been made permanent, though it is being enforced... The USDA
says mad-cow is very rare in the United States, and costly testing and tracking
programs aren't necessary."

[Very edited from the long, with chronology of events, detailed article at:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003583249_madcow22m0.html


GERMAN FIRMS CHARGED WITH EXPORTING MAD-COW-DISEASE FOOD:  (02/23/07):  "A
German consumer group has accused several German firms of exporting over 50,000
tons of feed which may cause mad cow disease in cattle to countries including
Vietnam. But they have denied any wrongdoing.  Berlin-based Foodwatch said
Wednesday the meat and bone meal (MBM) from German slaughterhouses should not
have been sold to those countries - Russia and Bangladesh being the others -
because Germany had no food-safety agreements with them.  As a result, those
countries could use the MBM to feed cattle, unlike the EU and other countries
where it was banned. MBM, a power-like brown food, is thought to be responsible
for the spread of mad cow disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). 
Foodwatch also charged that officials had "colluded" in the exports."

[Edited from:
http://www.thanhniennews.com/society/?catid=3&newsid=25404


US GOVERNMENT PUSHES AHEAD WITH NEW MEAT INSPECTION SYSTEM:  (02/23/07):  "The
US government is to push ahead with a new risk-based meat inspection system in
April despite concerns raised by industry and consumer groups.  Federal meat
inspectors will be conducting "robust" risk-based inspection (RBI) in 254
processing plants in 30 locations starting in April, said the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Food Safey, Dr Richard A
Raymond in a news conference yesterday.  Meat industry and consumer groups have
expressed concern at the announcement. While they support the idea of RBI, they
say that the plan is not ready for rolling out so soon... Meat inspectors
already conduct inspections on a daily basis. Under the new system FSIS says it
is going to make better use of the information that is already collected.  FSIS
will use the daily inspection data to assess the relative risk of the products
made at a plant, which when taken into account with the actions the plant is
taking to control the risk, will help FSIS to target inspections where they will
be most needed.... The objections to the government's action boil down to two
arguments. One is that by not involving all the stakeholders in the planning and
design of the new system the government will not get the co-operation needed to
make it work "transparently".  And the second argument that is being made by the
objectors is that the data going into the risk assessment will be flawed."

[Edited from:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/healthnews.php?newsid=63711


CONTRACT EXPIRATION CLOSES WSU MAD COW TESTING LAB:  (02/26/07): "The region's
only mad cow testing facility, a part of the Washington Animal Disease
Diagnostic Laboratory at WSU, will no longer test for mad cow disease as a
contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture comes to an end March 1... The
USDA began stricter testing of cows in 2004, and 759,000 cows were tested in the
U.S. since then. Two other cows tested positive: one in Alabama and one in
Texas.  Jim Baszler, director of laboratory operations for WADDL, said the
incidence is very low. The testing and tracking programs are costly so the USDA
is reducing the number of samples they test.  "We should still do surveillance,
but on a lesser level," he said.  A peer review of the USDA's testing, found the
prevalence of BSE to be about one case in every million, which has convinced the
USDA to scale back the number of samples it tests. This led to the end of the
contract with WSU's facility and others across the country.  USDA representative
Andrea McNally told The Seattle Times that the department will continue to test.
She said it will target about 40,000 cows a year, which is still fewer than what
the World Health Organization for Animals recommends."

[Edited from:
http://www.dailyevergreen.com/story/21402


NEW BSE RULES AFFECT CANADIAN WASTE FACILITIES:  (02/26/07):  "According to a
notice sent to members of the Ontario Waste Management Association (OWMA),
beginning July 12, 2007, enhanced animal health safeguards come into effect to
help eliminate bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease, from
Canada. Certain cattle tissues capable of transmitting BSE, known as specified
risk material (SRM), are banned from all animal feeds, pet foods and
fertilizers. There are also requirements for anyone disposing of cattle
remains... SRM are defined as: the skull, brain, trigeminal ganglia (nerves
attached to the brain), eyes, tonsils, spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia
(nerves attached to the spinal cord) of cattle aged 30 months or older; and the
distal ileum (portion of the small intestine) of cattle of all ages..."

[Edited from:
http://www.solidwastemag.com/issues/ISArticle.asp?id=65914&issue=02262007


FDA POISED TO APPROVE CATTLE ANTIBIOTIC DESPITE WARNINGS:  (03/03/07): "The
government is on track to approve a new antibiotic to treat a pneumonia-like
disease in cattle, despite warnings from health groups and a majority of the
agency's own expert advisers that the decision will be dangerous - for people. 
The drug, called cefquinome, belongs to a class of highly potent antibiotics
that are among medicine's last defense against several serious human infections.
No drug from that class has ever been approved in the United States for use in
animals.  The American Medical Association and about a dozen other health groups
warned the Food and Drug Administration that giving cefquinome to animals would
probably speed the emergence of microbes resistant to that important class of
antibiotic, as has happened with other drugs. Those super-microbes could then
spread to people..."

[Edited from:
  http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/4600179.html


JAPAN HEIGHTENS INSPECTIONS OF U.S. MEAT:  (03/05/07):  "Japan will check all
processed meats imported from the United States after a shipment was found last
week with sausages containing beef in violation of regulations aimed at
containing mad cow disease, an official said Monday.  Last Friday, Japan
suspended imports from Jobbers Meat Packing Co. after a 1,108-box shipment was
found to include two types of sausages in 188 boxes that listed beef as an
ingredient.  Japan bans the import of U.S. meat products such as sausage that
contain processed beef under restrictions aimed at controlling the threat of mad
cow disease, the common name for bovine spongiform encephalopathy..."

[Edited from:
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/business/ci_5359494


A NEW OPTION FOR DEALING WITH DEAD LIVESTOCK:  (03/07/07): "To avoid paying
higher rendering costs, some farmers are considering composting dead livestock
on their farms.  Penn State Cooperative Extension is encouraging composting even
large cows over burial or illegal disposal. But a renderer warns that composting
done incorrectly could spark a disease outbreak here.  "If you have avian
influenza or foot-and-mouth disease, composting at a low temperature will not
kill the bacteria," said J.J. Smith, president of the county's largest renderer,
Valley Proteins... "

[Edited from:
  http://local.lancasteronline.com/4/201470


CANADIAN AGENCY RELEASES MAD COW DETAILS:  (03/07/07):  "Alberta's latest case
of mad cow disease -- the province's ninth overall -- involved a 61/2-year-old
animal born and raised on the same farm where it died.  The Canadian Food
Inspection Agency issued a news release on the case yesterday, explaining its
investigation was nearing completion... The bull was born in 2000 and died in
early February, having been detected as an "animal of interest" through a
national farm surveillance program.  Provincial and federal tests then confirmed
it had bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE... "

[Edited from:
http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Alberta/2007/03/07/3708446-sun.html


SOUTH KOREA TO LOWER QUARANTINE STANDARDS FOR AMERICAN BEEF IMPORTS: 
(03/08/07): "South Korea said Thursday that it will lower its quarantine
standards this month over banned bone fragments in American beef shipments,
paving the way for the resumption of U.S. beef imports. South Korea - once
America's third-largest overseas beef market - notified the United States of the
plan during negotiations in Washington on Tuesday, and the U.S. did not oppose
it, the South's Agriculture Ministry said in a statement... "

[Very edited from:
http://business.bostonherald.com/businessNews/view.bg?articleid=187187


WASHINGTON COW DEATHS INVESTIGATED:  (03/09/07):  "State animal health officials
are investigating reports of dead cows at a Stevens County dairy farm, a
Washington state Department of Agriculture spokesman said Thursday... "We don't
have any information that would lead us to identify one cause of illness or
death," Kelly [State Veternairan] said. "Right now, we're just investigating
these reports we've gotten about diseased animals... "

[Edited from:
http://www.theolympian.com/130/story/69499.html


CANADA 'CONTROLLED RISK' FOR MAD COW DISEASE: WORLD BODY:  (03/09/07): "Canada
is earning praise from an influential international body for taking proper
measures to control the risk of mad cow disease.  A panel of the World
Organization for Animal Health is recommending Canada be classed among a group
of countries in the "controlled risk" category for the brain-wasting disease. 
The classification is expected to help further open world markets to Canadian
beef exports.  The organization decided last spring to adopt new definitions for
risk categories in countries affected by bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
he categories are negligible risk, controlled risk or undetermined risk... "

[Edited from:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/edmonton/story/2007/03/09/madcow-risk.html


U.S. OFFICIALS GET TO WORK ON RULE RESUMING TRADE IN OLDER CANADIAN COWS: 
(03/09/07): "The U.S. Agriculture Department will close a public comment period
Monday on resuming imports of older Canadian cattle despite pressure from some
American ranchers to extend it.  But it could still be several months before
officials come out with a final rule after considering all the submissions. 
"That can take quite a bit of time," said spokeswoman Karen Eggert.  Last month,
protectionist group R-CALF USA asked Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns raised
concerns about Canada's latest mad cow case.  The Montana-based group said
Johanns should wait until all the information is in on the cow before cutting
off public submissions... "

[Edited from:
http://www.brooksbulletin.com/news/business.asp?itemid=61108


OIE SAYS U.S. A MAD COW "CONTROLLED RISK":  (03/09/07):  "The U.S. Agriculture
Department said efforts to control mad cow disease are working after the World
Organization for Animal Health (OIE) declared on Friday the United States is a
"controlled risk" country for mad cow disease... "

[Edited from:
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN0924173820070309


************************************************
*05:  Quotes/Stats from "Bird Flu: A Virus of Our Own Making"
************************************************

"The 1918 influenza pandemic killed more people in a single year than the
bubonic plague ("black death") in the Middle Ages killed in a century. The 1918
virus killed more people in 25 weeks than AIDS has killed in 25 years." - p. 6

"The domestic duck of southern China is now considered the principal host of all
influenza viruses with pandemic potential. This is probably why the last two
pandemics started in China.  According to the UN Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO), China is the largest producer of chicken, duck, and goose
meat for human consumption.  It accounts for 70% of the world's tonnage of duck
meat and more than 90% of global goose meat.  China has more than two dozen
species of waterfowl.  As Osterholm has said, "China represents the most
incredible reassortment laboratory for influenza viruses that anyone could ever
imagine." - p. 39

"... it is really asking the consumer to operate a kind of biohazard lab
[regarding recommendations for how to handle chicken in the kitchen, from a
microbiologist]."  - p. 50

"... H5N1 may be more than ten times more lethal than the virus that sparked the
greatest medical tragedy in human history."  - p. 57

"... 11 of the last 12 emerging infectious diseases that we're aware of, that
have had human consequences, have probably arisen from animal sources."  - p. 87

"Eleven out of the top 12 most dangerous bioterrorism agents are [animal
disease] pathogens." - p. 87

"A single corporation, Tyson, churns out more than 20 million pounds of chicken
a day." - p. 109

"In the United States, farm animals produce more than one billion tons of manure
each year -- the weight of 10,000 Nimitz-class aircraft carriers."-  p. 111

"Spread wing to wing, the number of chickens killed every day [45 billion] would
wrap more than twice around the world's equator." - p. 145

"You have to say that high intensity chicken rearing is a perfect environment
for generating virulent avian flu virus. [quoting a virologist] " -  p. 180

"The USDA points out that a single gram of manure (approximately the weight of a
paper clip) from an infected chicken can contain "enough virus to infect 1
million birds." - p. 191

"The United States... has reported more bird flu than any other country in the
world. [regarding US poultry industry's claims that they have the "best
biosecurity system in the world"]" - p. 224

"The president of the Institute of Medicine and former dean of the Harvard
School of Public Health describes nature as the worst terrorist one can imagine.
"It's too bad that Saddam Hussein's not behind influenza," complained a member
of the federal government's advisory panel on vacccination.  "We'd be doing a
better job." - p. 265

"If the avian flu were to hit here, it would be like having a Category 5 viral
hurricane hit everysingle state simultaneously," said the director of Trust for
America's Health [health advocacy organization]." - p. 266

"One of the best things modern animal agriculture has going for it is that most
people... haven't a clue how animals are raised and processed. [written by the
editor, Journal of Animal Science]" - p. 349

"Tragically, it may take a pandemic with a virus like H5N1 before the world
realizes the true cost of cheap chicken." - p. 358


************************************************
*06:  Flu News
************************************************

***** BIRD FLU OUTBREAKS

CHRONOLOGY-BIRD FLU DEVELOPMENT:  (from 2006 up to 02/27/07):  "Feb. 8, 2006 -
The first African cases of the deadly H5N1 strain are detected in poultry in the
northern Nigerian states of Kano, Kaduna and Plateau... "

[Very edited from the full chronology at:
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L27232652.htm


KUWAIT FINDS TWO BIRD FLU CASES IN CHICKENS:  (03/03/07):  "Kuwait said on
Saturday it had found two new cases of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu in
chickens, raising to 48 the total number of infected birds in the Gulf Arab
country this year... 121 handlers and their families had tested negative for the
disease while thousands of birds have been culled in a campaign by the
government to prevent the disease's spread that had led to a ban on live bird
imports... Kuwait confirmed 39 cases of bird flu last month but said 20 of them
were found in falcons at the zoo and a farm in the south of the country. The
rest did not belong to poultry farms but were domestic birds caged in private
yards... "

[Edited from:
  http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L03539051.htm


BIRD FLU EXPERTS URGE HALT TO WILD BIRD TRADE:  (03/03/07): "Leading virologists
urged governments on Saturday to curb the trade of wild birds as they can spread
the H5N1 bird flu virus, which has made a comeback in many parts of the world in
recent months.  The warning comes as Hong Kong confirmed a scaly-breasted munia
found dead in late February in the densely-populated district of Sham Shui Po
had tested positive for the H5N1.  It was the 13th wild bird to have been found
dead with the virus in Hong Kong since the start of this year.  "The munia is
not a migratory bird. Again, it points to humans and the trade in movement of
birds that are responsible for spreading this virus," said virologist Robert
Webster from St Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis... "

[Very edited from:
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/HKG268712.htm


TIBET REPORTS BIRD FLU OUTBREAK:  (03/07/07):  "Bird flu has struck a poultry
market in the Tibetan capital city of Lhasa, prompting the culling of nearly
7,000 birds, the government said today.  The outbreak of the deadly H5N1 virus,
which began March 1 in Lhasa's Chengguan village, killed 680 chickens and
prompted the culling of 6,990 birds, The Associated Press said today, citing
Xinhua news agency.  The Beijing Youth Daily reported yesterday that the market
has since been shut down and authorities were trying to determine the source of
the infection. It was possible that the chicken were infected through contact
with migrating wild birds, it said... "

[Edited from:
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-03/07/content_821906.htm


BIRD FLU HITS TWO CHICKEN FARMS IN VIETNAM'S CAPITAL:  (03/07/07):  "Bird flu
has struck two chicken farms in Vietnam's capital Hanoi, animal health officials
said Wednesday, marking the latest outbreaks reported in recent weeks across the
country.  Several chicks died suddenly on two farms in the rural district of
Dong Anh on Sunday and authorities have slaughtered the remaining 1,950 chicks,
said Hoang Gia Tuc, director of the district animal health station. None of the
chicks, aged 10 to 20 days old, were vaccinated... Tuc said local animal health
workers disinfected the two farms and banned the movement of poultry to and from
the area... "

[Edited from:
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/content.asp?contentid=111390


EXPERTS FLY IN [to Kuwait]; MORE CASES OF 'BIRD FLU' FOUND:  (03/10/07): "The
number of bird flu cases continued to rise as Kuwait on Tuesday detected two new
cases involving a falcon and a chicken found in Jahra and Farwaniya
respectively, says Dr Ahmad Al-Shatti, spokesman for the Ministry of Health.
With this, the total number of H5N1 cases discovered in the country now stands
at 52. Since the outbreak of the disease, 25,000 birds have been slaughtered and
fumigation campaign is being conducted in poultry farms across the country. Dr
Al-Shatti observed that blood samples of 50 bird handlers on Tuesday were tested
negative for H5N1 strain and that 65 teams are actively involved in containing
the outbreak... Meanwhile, a team of experts from the World Organisation for
Animal Health (OIE) arrived in Kuwait... Kuwait has stocked some 10 million
capsules of the Tamiflu, which are sufficient to treat about 40 percent of the
population of three million... "

[Edited from:
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/arabtimes/kuwait/Viewdet.asp?ID=9890&cat=a


BURMA REPORTS BIRD FLU OUTBREAKS IN TWO TOWNS:  (03/11/07): "Burma's official
newspaper says experts have confirmed an outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu virus in
two Burmese towns. The New Light of Myanmar says the virus was detected late
last month on farms in Mayangon and Hlinethaya Townships. It says experts from
the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization confirmed the outbreak last week
using bacteria samples from dead chickens.  The newspaper says the two poultry
farms have been destroyed and sprayed with pesticide to prevent the disease from
spreading... "

[Edited from:
http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-03-11-voa17.cfm


[Scottish] RESPONSE TO FIFE BIRD FLU ATTACKED:  (03/11/07): "Shocking failings
in Scotland's preparations for dealing with an outbreak of bird flu have been
laid bare in a report on the handling of the crisis sparked when a swan carrying
the disease washed up on the Fife coast last year.  An internal 'debriefing'
document obtained by Scotland on Sunday has revealed a series of shortcomings in
the response to the emergency, beginning with the incorrect identification of
the stricken bird and a day's delay in getting the crisis operation off the
ground.  It goes on to catalogue failings in areas ranging from organisation and
communications to the entire health-protection operation established to guide
and reassure the public.  The problems encountered when dealing with the impact
of a single diseased bird raise serious concerns over the nation's ability to
cope with a mass outbreak similar to the one that crippled the Bernard Matthews
plant in Norfolk last month... "

[Edited from:
http://news.scotsman.com/scitech.cfm?id=385712007


VILLAGE WAYS FUEL BIRD FLU SPREAD IN RURAL EGYPT:  (03/13/07):  "Health
officials say the cultural practice of keeping birds at home, often in secret,
is aiding the spread of bird flu in the most populous Arab country, where 24
people have contracted the disease since it emerged in Egyptian poultry a year
ago... "

[Edited from:
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa003&articleID=F749025817F607FFF3160D1E\
5244A9F6


FEARING FRESH BIRD FLU OUTBREAK, INDIA BANS POULTRY IMPORTS:  (03/13/07): 
"Fearing fresh outbreak of the deadly bird flu, India today banned import of
live poultry and poultry products from the countries where Avian Influenza has
been reported. The ban, notified by the Director General of Foreign Trade, would
cover import of live chicks, ducks, turkey and other newly hatched Avian species
apart from meat and meat products from Avian species including wild birds. It
includes eggs and egg products, feathers, live pig and pig meat products,
pathological material and biological products from birds and products of animal
origin intended for use in animal feeding or for agricultural or industrial
use... So far India has escaped the H5N1 virus.. "

[Edited from:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Fearing_fresh_bird_flu_outbreak_India_bans_p\
oultry_imports/articleshow/1759388.cms


***** HUMAN AVIAN FLU CASES


FIRST HUMAN AVIAN FLU CASE IN LAOS, MORE IN CHINA, EGYPT:  (03/02/07): 
"Investigations are under way in Laos, China and Egypt into new human cases of
avian influenza, and the World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing to meet
with representatives of developing countries to discuss equitable distribution
of pandemic vaccine and the sharing of avian flu virus samples.  The latest
human cases of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian flu, confirmed by WHO, bring the
number of cases worldwide to 277, with 167 death