The Improving State of the World Explains Why We're Living Longer, Healthier, More Comfortable Lives on a Cleaner Planet

From the Cato Institute: After a few minutes of viewing the evening news, it might be very difficult to believe that anything is getting better. Indur M. Goklany is anything but pessimistic in his enormously compelling new book, The Improving State of the World: Why We're Living Longer, Healthier, More Comfortable Lives On A Cleaner Planet.

Many people believe that globalization and its key components -- economic growth, technological change and free trade -- have made matters worse for humanity and the environment. As Goklany powerfully illustrates, that is a complete myth and we ought to consider how much worse the world would be like without these components.

Goklany confronts foes of globalization and demonstrates that economic growth, technological change and free trade helped power a "cycle of progress" that in the last two centuries enabled unprecedented improvements in every objective measurement of human well-being.

Poverty, hunger, malnutrition, child labor, illiteracy and unsafe water ceased to be global norms; infant mortality has never been lower; and we live longer and healthier lives. Further, Goklany's research demonstrates that global agricultural productivity is up, food prices are down, hunger and malnutrition have dropped worldwide, public health has improved, mortality rates are down, and life expectancies are up.

"The Improving State of the World" is an important contribution to the environment versus development debate, collecting in one volume the long-term trends in a broad array of the most significant indicators of human and environmental well-being, and their dependence on economic development and technological change.

Noting that the environmental record is more complex, the author shows how innovation, increased affluence and key institutions have combined to address environmental degradation. The early stages of development can indeed cause environmental problems, Goklany acknowledges, but additional development creates greater wealth allowing societies to create and afford cleaner technologies.

He maintains that restricting globalization would therefore hamper further progress in improving human and environmental well-being, and in surmounting future environmental or natural resource limits to growth.

Environmentally Friendly Home Spring Cleaning

(ARA) - With spring just around the corner, warmer temperatures remind us of the annual rite of spring cleaning. It invites open windows to freshen the air, picking up winter debris strewn through the yard, and cleaning house.

In your yearly haul out, you will probably find a collection of refuse, from unused medications and old clothes to left-over paint and dead batteries.

While out of sight typically means out of mind, it’s important to keep in mind how what you throw away affects the environment -- and specifically, the water supply.

Properly disposing of these common refuse items is important if we want to protect our watersheds. What is a watershed? It’s the land area over which water flows to reach a river, lake or reservoir and drinking water for your community is drawn from these sources. Any pollution or contamination introduced into the watershed area ultimately affects the quality of the drinking water supply, so it’s important to protect these areas.

Founded in 1944 as the National Sanitation Foundation, NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit organization that educates the public about food and water safety, offers the following suggestions to help get your home ready for this spring while protecting the water supply.

Start in the Kitchen

When cleaning the kitchen, start in the main food preparation area and work your way outward into the rest of the room from the top down, so that you don’t track dirt and germs back into your main food handling areas.

Wipe cabinets, appliances and walls with a hot water and vinegar solution. It’s a great way to freshen the whole room and helps neutralize odors, remove dirt and dissolve grease. And because it’s not a harsh chemical, it’s easier on hands, there are no harsh vapors and it’s safe to pour down the drain.

Surfaces such as counters and sinks that may be used for food preparation activities should first be cleaned with a mild detergent and water, then disinfected, either with a bleach based solution (1 cap of household bleach to a gallon of hot water) or other disinfecting agent as recommended by the countertop manufacturer.

While cleaning the kitchen, don’t forget to check the cupboards, pantry, refrigerator and freezer for expired foods. Discard any that are beyond the posted “use by” dates. If you aren’t sure how long it’s safe to keep foods in the freezer, check out the “NSF Food Storage Kit” (www.nsf.org/consumer/newsroom/kit_food_safety_storage.asp) for recommended guidelines.

While cleaning the kitchen, it’s a good time to check to see if your water filter is due to be replaced. If you don’t use a water filter but are interested in purchasing one, NSF provides online information about them in the drinking water section of their Web site. Included is information you can use to make sure the product meets structural integrity requirements; that the product doesn’t introduce harmful contaminants into the water being filtered; and that the product reduces the contaminants claimed by the manufacturer.

Tips for Bathroom

Just like in the kitchen, start the cleaning process at the top, working your way down and around the room, ending at the toilet. Baking soda is another environmentally friendly product that can be used for tough to clean areas that you don’t want to scratch, such as bathtubs.

Since a great deal of water can be lost due to a leaky toilet, find out if yours is leaking by putting a few drops of food coloring in the fresh water tank behind the toilet. Wait about 15 minutes, then check to see if any of the colored water has seeped into the toilet bowl. If you notice colored water in the bowl, a seal or other component in the toilet is leaking and should be repaired.

While in the bathroom, check the medicine cabinet and drawers for old or expired dietary supplements, prescriptions and other medicines. Don’t flush unused medicines down the toilet, as they may enter the watershed and adversely affect water supplies. Contact your local pharmacist or local waste hauling provider for instructions on disposing of unused medicines and related items.

Basement/Garage

When cleaning the garage and basement, check for old paints, lawn care products and other chemicals. If they are no longer usable, contact your community or waste hauling provider for instructions on proper disposal.

Never dispose of potentially hazardous products with regular trash, or by pouring them down the drain or into sewers or ditches. Check with your community to see if they sponsor events where hazardous wastes and other household items can be dropped off for disposal or recycling.

Update Your Emergency Kit

Spring is also a good time to take a look at the supplies in your emergency kit to see what needs to be replaced. Refresh your emergency water supply and replace any canned or prepackaged foods. Don’t forget to replace batteries in flashlights, radios and other battery-operated equipment.

If you don’t have an emergency kit, it is simple to create one by locating a portable, waterproof container. Fill it with two to three days of supplies your family would need to survive in the event of an emergency. An extra set of clothes for each family member as well as a supply of drinking water and nonperishable foods should be included.

The NSF Consumer Affairs Office offers a series of fact sheets containing tips to help make your home safer. These kits are available online at www.nsfconsumer.org or by calling the NSF consumer hotline at (800) 673-8010. You can also e-mail questions or requests kits by sending an e-mail to info@nsf.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Readers Beware!

I just rec'd a notice from SitePro News saying spammers and hackers and nasty types are sneaking garbage onto blogs. Here's the link to read about it: http://www.fortiguardcenter.com:80/advisory/FGA-2007-04.html

Watch what you click on blogs! When I put a link on my blog just know it'll be easy to tell it came from me.

Another example of reporting leading...

Anyone who reads my blogs & has been to the Fayette Front Page or the Georgia Front Page knows I have a serious problem with so-called media reporting. I worked in it for years and was in marketing & public relations for years... and have worked with many, many local elected officials on their elections. Reporters slant things. Very, very few reporters have the time or inclination to do research of any importance into the issues they're covering. They tell you what they see.

A recent example of what I consider to be slanted reporting. In a local newspaper the following statement was printed in regards to GRTA, MARTA, buses, etc. in the Atlanta area: "Boardings have grown from more than 17,000 .... to more than 47,000.... A boarding represents one rider stepping onto or off a bus for a ride into or out of downtown."

Now think about that. It says a rider stepping onto OR off a bus. Are they counting the person twice? Should the actual numbers used be cut in half? If a connection is made while going into town does the person get counted four times? Once on and off each connection?

If they're being counted separately when they go to work in the morning, then again when they come home in the afternoon, should that number be divided by four? Or, if they're making a connection, should it be divided by eight?

Is it possible to just get an actual count of how many individuals use the GRTA express buses? I travel around Atlanta a few times a month and see empty express buses. We've gotten where we watch the buses to see how they're being filled... or not filled. They're more often than not empty or maybe have one or two people on them. I'm sure there are some that are utilized to a larger degree --- I'm not trying to take a tiny random sampling and make it out to be the norm. I don't know. I wouldn't mind knowing.

I've heard that many of the counties that signed on aren't happy with the results. It would be great to have a true, non-biased look at GRTA, MARTA, express routes, etc. Just the facts.

Fed. Appeals Court Issues Split Decision Over Prayer At School Bd. Meetings

Fed. Appeals Court Issues Split Decision Over Prayer At School Bd. Meetings

DOE V. TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHL. BD.U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, Dec. 18, 2006A permanent injunction barring a school board from opening its meetings with prayer is affirmed where the prayers demonstrated a clear preference for Christianity, and thus, were not permitted federal law. The injunction, however, requires significant narrowing since it enjoins all prayers at school board meetings.

http://caselaw.lp.findlaw .com/data2/circs/5th/0530294cv0p.pdf

The Establishment Clause
http://caselaw.lp.findlaw. com/data/constitution/amendment01/

Big cable changes in the works!

There's some interesting changes a-happening in regards to cable and the way franchises are handled at the local level. I'm generally against anything that takes away local control and started out completely against this. However, after reading some counter view points I'm completely undecided! I'll have to do some more reading.

If you read the first link to the blog, the author lays out a very good case for why we should watch out for this one. Be sure to read the responses to his blog, there's some good counter arguments. NACO, the National Association of Counties is dead set against the changers. Read on to see their press release and then click on the links to see some background info and other opinions.

Here's a great blog on the subject: YOUR CABLE TV RIGHTS ARE IN JEOPARDY

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/csgen.html

http://www.mediatank.org/resources/ownership/cable/

Communications, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006: http://www.benton.org/benton_files/bartonbillaprilupdate.doc

Best place I've found to keep up with the latest and greatest on the bill:

Summary (http://www.benton.org/index.php?q=node/1882)
This bill, now H.R. 5252, would create of national cable franchises, provides the FCC with authority to ensure Net Neutrality, set rules for emergency 911 services on Internet telephone (VoIP) services and govern municipal broadband networks.
House Report 109-470 includes this analysis of the bill
Read full summary from Benton Foundation.

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National Association of Counties says FCC oversteps legal authority with draft order on video franchising

WASHINGTON, D.C.– The National Association of Counties (NACo) today said that the Federal Communications Commission has overstepped its legal authority with today’s decision to change the way cable franchises are granted in communities across the country.

“The nation’s counties are disappointed and unhappy about this overreaching decision by the FCC,” said NACo Executive Director Larry E. Naake. “They have decided to limit the authority for video franchising such as cable services from local government and to oversee franchising by the FCC even though the FCC has no expressed legal authority to do so.

“The nation’s counties welcome video competition in their communities,” Naake said. “However, this decision undermines local franchising authority and enforcement, threatens local budgets, and limits the benefits of broadband video competition to a few well-to-do neighborhoods.”

NACo, along with the National League of Cites, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, had written to the FCC Chairman outlining their collective concerns about the draft order. The letter is available at http://www.naco.org/Template.cfm?Section=telecommunications_and_technology&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=22014

In addition, several members of Congress, including Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.), Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Pa.), Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), have expressed similar concerns in recent days about the legal authority of the decision in letters to Chairman Martin.

Change the size of our bills?

I didn't catch the entire story on Fox News this morning, but I gather a judge has ruled that the size of our currency has to be changed to accomodate the blind. I don't know how far up the chain the case had gone so I'm not sure if the government will be refitting all of their money making machines any time soon.

I can understand why it's difficult for the blind to tell the difference between a one, five, ten or other denomination bill. They don't feel different and they are the same size. Not being blind, and not having taken any time to do any research, I can't begin to give an informed opinion as to whether this is a huge difficulty for the blind. The few friends I've known who were blind got along fine - they had a system so they'd know where the bills were in their wallets. I would imagine quite a few folks are now using debit cards, only go to places where the trust people, or they have friends who help.

However, IF it turns out the government is forced to change the size of our bills we are all in for a rough time. Just think about cash register drawers. The compartments are all uniform size, made for the standard bill. What about the machines that give change? What about all the new self-check out machines at grocery stores (and others now, too).

It seems to me that if the grocery store check-out machines can scan bills through a slot and identify the denomination, we ought to have the technology to make a hand-held scanner for the blind. Assuming such a scanner could be made (or is already available), it would be cheaper to give one to ever blind person who qualifies rather than re-tool every machine in the country!

I'm going to be following this one just to see how far it will go!

Immigration in Rural America

I found this report to be extremely thought provoking. I highly recommend flipping through it and pondering the findings. I haven't finished looking through it yet, will probably be compelled to share my thoughts when I finish (aren't blogs so much better than vanity plates or 'I love me' walls? We write and assume someone is reading our "profound" thoughts ;-)

11/27/2006 - New Immigrant Settlements in Rural America: Problems, Prospects and Policies A recent study by the Carsey Institute found that immigrant settlers may have a big impact on small, rural communities - sometimes straining resources, but more often than not, reinvigorating dying communities. The report explores policy and community recommendations to help rural America flourish.

Tomato

A tomato is a fruit, but it is legally known as a vegetable. In 1893, there was a case before the United States Supreme Court about importing tomatoes from the West Indies. Fruits could be imported tax-free, vegetables couldn't. Since tomatoes were eaten with main dishes, and not as or with desserts, the Court ruled them to be a vegetable.

Schlotzsky's bought by Roark Capital Group

Here's the first part of the press release I rec'd:

ATLANTA, Nov. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm, announced today the acquisition of Schlotzsky's, Ltd. Schlotzsky's is a quick casual restaurant chain offering made-to-order sandwiches, soups, salads, and pizza. Founded in 1971 as the home of the Original(TM) toasted sandwich and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Schlotzsky's has approximately 365 franchised and company-owned locations generating $210 million of system-wide revenues throughout the United States and six foreign countries.

Schlotzsky's has become a wholly owned subsidiary of FOCUS Brands, Inc., a company owned by affiliates of Roark Capital Group. Also based in Atlanta, FOCUS Brands is the franchisor and operator of nearly 1,400 ice cream stores, bakeries, and cafes under the brand names Carvel, Cinnabon, and Seattle's Best Coffee. With its acquisition of Schlotzsky's, FOCUS Brands now has four franchise brands generating nearly $800 million in system-wide revenues through over 10,000 points of distribution in 50 states and 33 countries.

...we had one or two (?) Schlotzsky's in Fayette County. If I'm not mistaken both of them are now gone? I know the one in Fayetteville is closed. Along with the Wendy's in the middle of the city. Schlotzky's was a bit hard to see and find --- about the time you saw it you'd passed the entrance. It should have been a good location, right on Hwy. 85 going toward the Pavilion.

Anyway, I just thought it was interesting that they'd been bought out by a local group... and that the main company owned Carvel, which was my favorite of favorite ice creams when I lived in New York way back when.

Maybe someone will open up another Schlotzsky's in a better location (yes, lots more money involved in set up to get prime spots around here anymore!).

Anyone know what happened to Wendy's? That rather surprised me at first, but maybe it's another casualty of location. That's a tough place to leave if you're making a left out of the lot! We have so many choices any more that even the smallest problem can kill a good restaurant.

(I have to do a disclaimer after that last comment --- I am not a fast food type and rarely, if ever, go to Wendy's, Schlotzky's, McDonalds, etc. I'm more likely to go to Schlotzky's than any other type fast food restaurant as they have a few more healthy choices. Thus, my comments are more from an outsiders perspective. Those who frequented Wendy's & Schlotzky's may have a much better idea of why they bit the dust.)

Question the validity of an email?

Seems like almost every day an email comes across with a plea for help of some sort, a warning about terroristic activities, etc. I'm sure many of you are aware of this site, but for those who haven't found it yet: www.Snopes.com. You can check most emails that are floating around to see if they are a hoax (or not). There are other sites that do the same, but Snopes is my personal favorite.

Preambles, states & God

My Mom sent me the following preambles. I found it interesting, and thought-provoking, that in every single one God was a focus. Does anyone know if any of these have been changed? Seems like there's a clear intent when our states were being formed and /or firmed up! It's obvious that God was not to be excluded from government when you start digging into our past.

Alabama 1901 , Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution.

Alaska 1956, Preamble . We, the people of Alaska , grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.

Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...

Arkansas 1874, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas, gratef ul to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...

California 1879, Preamble. We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom.

Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe.

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.

Delaware 1897, Preamble. Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences.

Florida 1885, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...

Georgia 1777, Preamble. We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...

Hawaii 1959, Preamble. We, the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution.

Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.

Illinois 1870, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil l, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.

Iowa 1857, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Iowa , grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings establish this Constitution.

Kansas 1859, Preamble. We, the people of Kansas , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...

Louisiana 1921, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Louisiana , grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.

Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... And imploring His aid and direction.

Maryland 1776, Preamble. We, the people of the state of Mary land , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble. We...the people of Massachusetts , acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe . In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction ..

Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom establish this Constitution.

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:

Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Al mighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.

Missouri 1845, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this Constitution .

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ...

Nebraska 1875, Preamble. We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish th is Constitution.

Nevada 1864, Preamble. We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom establish this Constitution

New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V . Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.

New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitt ed us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty

New York 1846, Preamble . We, the people of the State of New York , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.

North Carolina 1868, Preamble . We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of t hose

North Dakota 1889, Preamble . We , the people of North Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...

Ohio 1852, Preamble . We the people of the state of Ohio , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble . Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty ... establish this .

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I. Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences..

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble . We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

South Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of South Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...

Texas 1845, Preamble. We the People of the Republic of Texas , acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.

Utah 1896, Preamble. Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.

Vermont 1777, Preamble. Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man .

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Chris tian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other

Washington 1889, Preamble . We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution

West Virginia 1872, Preamble . Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ..

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble . We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility

Wyoming 1890, Preamble . We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties .. establish this Constitution.