Sunday, June 30, 2013

Joel The Band At Eureka Summer Concert Series

Video of Joel The Band playing the Eureka Summer Concert Series on the Eureka Boardwalk. There are 7 more concerts this summer and they all start at 6 pm and go to 8 pm except for next week's Fourth of July Concert that coincides with the High Bars and Old Cars show and Fourth of July Carnival. Next week's Concert goes until 9 pm and leads up to the fireworks show on the bay.

http://youtu.be/vHLul5buB_o

Monday, June 24, 2013

How Much Aluminum Is In Northern California Rain Water?

If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck and is sprayed into the skies where the ducks fly, shouldn't we  take a closer look?
I haven't sent any samples to any labs yet but this has me intrigued enough to consider testing my rain water.



http://youtu.be/ixVG9BKNcTc

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Humboldt State University Journal Challenges Popular Marijuana Claims

Press release from Humboldt State University:

HSU Journal Challenges Popular Marijuana Claims

A number of common assumptions about marijuana use require more scrutiny based on hard scientific evidence instead of limited anecdotal data, according to a Humboldt State University academic journal.

A wide-ranging special issue of the Department of Sociology’s Humboldt Journal of Social Relations cautions, for example, that the so-called ‘gateway’ concept—that marijuana consumption necessarily leads to harder drugs—is oversimplified. The sequence of individual drug use, whether one drug leads to another, appears to vary more than the gateway theory suggests.

In some instances too, according to one of the journal chapters, marijuana appears to be a ‘reverse-gateway’ drug that may reduce certain forms of opiate use among some patients.

The latest edition of the Humboldt Journal of Social Relations, published annually, comprises solicited, peer-reviewed contributions from a national audience of marijuana research specialists, most of them non-HSU academics. The editors were Ronald Swartz, chair of Humboldt State’s Department of Social Work, and Beth Wilson, chair of the Department of Economics. Humboldt State’s new Humboldt Institute for Interdisciplinary Marijuana Research (HIIMR) sponsored the issue.

Co-editor Wilson, a member of the HIIMR, said there are too few scientific studies of marijuana because of the difficulty of obtaining data. “Given the changing legal landscape,” she emphasized, “it is increasingly important that we have a better understanding of marijuana’s effects on the economy, the environment and society.”

Added Swartz, “This collection of peer-reviewed articles supports a growing consensus in scholarly, professional and policymaking communities that expanded research is necessary to keep up with a rapidly developing marijuana-related landscape.”

One of the eight journal submissions cautions policymakers that there is no one-size-fits-all regulatory regime for cannabis. Notably, it says, there is a distinction between the palliative and curative effects of marijuana. Therefore “a dual regulatory approach may work best.” Some elements of the plant could be approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and others could be sold as “herbal supplements,” according to the analysis.

Journal contributors underscore that hard empirical data are essential if the laws and regulations governing marijuana are to be effective and just. For example, field sobriety tests should be developed for driving under the influence of marijuana, one of the journal articles recommends, because it is more difficult to infer motor function impairment from blood tests for past marijuana use than it is for alcohol. Many states are adopting zero tolerance laws that focus on drivers’ past use of marijuana rather than present impairment. Such laws are premature because they will not be verifiable until accurate field sobriety tests can be set up.

Regarding the gateway controversy, contributors say that although there are numerous academic studies of whether marijuana is a gateway drug, the subject remains in serious dispute—again illustrating the need for more, and more comprehensive, scientific research.

Monday, June 17, 2013

California Allows Close To 1000 Times The Amount Of Glyphosate In Drinking Water Than Needed To Cause Breast Cancer In Women

From Natural News dot com.

(NaturalNews) Late last week, a story broke that revealed glyphosate -- the chemical name of Roundup herbicide -- multiplies the proliferation of breast cancer cells by 500% to 1300%... even at exposures of just a few parts per trillion (ppt).

The study, published in Food and Chemical Toxicology, is entitled, "Glyphosate induces human breast cancer cells growth via estrogen receptors." You can read the abstract here.


In December of 1997, California released its Glyphosate in Drinking Water California Public Health Goal (PHG) document. You can view the document yourself at:
http://oehha.ca.gov/water/phg/pdf/glypho_c.pdf

The document openly admits:

Glyphosate is a non-selective systemic herbicide used in agriculture, rights-of-way and aquatic systems. Exposure to glyphosate may occur from its normal use due to drift, residues in food crops and from runoff into potential drinking water sources.

It then goes on to state something borrowed straight from Monsanto's quack science team: "Glyphosate is not mutagenic or teratogenic and there is no evidence for reproductive toxicity in multigeneration studies in rats."

Based on this blatant lie, California set an upper limit of "1.0 mg/L (1,000 ppb) for glyphosate in drinking water."

Yes, that's 1,000 times higher than the amount now shown to cause a 500% to 1300% increase in cancer cell proliferation.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/040808_glyphosate_breast_cancer_drinking_water.html#ixzz2WVhB9tua
Read the entire story at NaturalNews.com 

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Oyster Festival, More Pix And Some Video

Oysters on the grill.





Clams.


Wood fired brick oven on wheels.


North from the plaza looking toward Hotel Arcata.


Oyster Ice Cream?

The Arcata Main Street Oyster Festival is in full swing. This morning was the annual oyster calling contest hosted by local news guy and celebrity Dave Silverbrand.
People waiting to pay their new $10.00 fee to get in.

Ladies with Oyster Ice Cream Cones

I'll have some video of the oyster calling contest and one of the bands as soon as I can get them uploaded to youtube. Here are some more pictures


Looking north on the east sidewalk.

More than just water oysters were available.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Trinidad Bay Eatery Is Now Open

I just spoke to one of the staff at the Trinidad Bay Eatery by phone to ask if they would be open this weekend and they said "today is our first day reopened". This means that Trinidad California's premiere breakfast spot is back open for business.

The Trinidad Bay Eatery has been serving up fantastic breakfast and lunch creations since 1975 and has been sorely missed since their closing last year. Call them at 707-677-3777 or check out their web site www.trinidadeatery.com 

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

A Petition To Remove Klamath River Dams

Change.org
Petition by
Regina Chichizola
United States

Recently PacifiCorp quietly submitted a plan to apply toxins for the second year to Klamath River reservoirs as an algae killing experiment. River users, including fisherman and Native American Tribes unanimously oppose this action citing last year’s studies that show killing the algae actually releases the algae toxin, microcystin, at a time of year when people are in the Klamath River.

Levels of microcystin behind PacifiCorp's dams have consistently been up to 3000 times over the World Health Organization limits for recreation contact. This has lead to the entire river below the reservoirs has been declared a health hazard every late summer for the past five years. Studies, commissioned through the Klamath dam relicensing process have proven the reservoirs create the algae.
Photo from EPA.gov

The fact is it is time for PacifiCorp to move forward with needed Clean Water Act certification to remove their dams, which create the algae problem. PacifiCorp has stated publicly they want to remove the dams, but have not taken any needed legal actions to support dam removal in years.

PacifiCorp’s has stated this proposal is part of an experiment proposed under interim measures of the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement (KHSA). The KHSA is tied to Klamath water sharing legislation that died in the last Congress. Last year PacifiCorp did a simalr experiment without giving any notification of the chemical use to river users, or initiating public comment. This has lead parties to the KHSA that oppose chemical use in the Klamath River to initiate a conflict resolution process available for those who signed the agreement. However PacifiCorp has indicated they have no plans to initiate a public comment period or to notify the public of when the chemicals will be used.

This has lead to claims that PacifiCorp is using stalled out agreements to essentially make the Klamath a corporately controlled river. Needed Clean Water Act processes and other environmental regulations have been stalled by the promise of Klamath legislation for nearly a decade. It is time to move forward with dam removal.

Click here for a link to the online petition

To:
Warren Buffett's PacifiCorp, Tim Hemstreet, Project Manager
State of California, Jeanine Townsend, Clerk to the Board, California State Water Resources Control Board
Cancel Plans to Use Algaecides in the Klamath River.

PacifiCorp please cancel plans to use chemicals to kill toxic algae in the Klamath River. This action is being planned outside of public processes, despite the fact that last year's tests on the algaecide experiments show killing the algae releases the toxin, microcystin, at a time of year when Tribal people, fishermen and boaters are in the Klamath River. Algaecides are dangerous and are not effect in dealing with the level of toxic contamination in these reservoirs. Your company has stated you wish to remove the Klamath dams, which is the only action that can effectively deal with the algae issue. We request that you instead put your energy into doing a necessary dam removal 401, Clean Water Act, certification, so dam removal can move forward. This certification is needed whether dam removal occurs under a dam surrender agreement through the FERC public process, or through legislation. However your company has stalled the 401 process for over 7 years by falsely stated it can only do a relicensing 401. It is time to take Clean Water seriously and move forward to Un-Dam the Klamath


Sincerely,
[Your name]


Saturday, June 8, 2013

UFO8 At Lighthouse Cafe Trinidad Arts Nignt


If you don't see the video click the you tube link below.
http://youtu.be/uI6EnX5gBs8

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

North Coast CO-OP Announces New GMO Policy


June 4, 2013

Press Release 
North Coast Co-op Introduces New GMO Policy
Arcata, CA—On June 1, 2013, the North Coast Co-op implemented a new policy regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The new policy reads as follows:
“In order to influence the regulation of GMO labeling, we are no longer knowingly accepting new non-organic products that include GMO high-risk items in their ingredient list, unless they are enrolled in The Non-GMO Project or can provide to us a detailed description of the measures they have taken to avoid GMO contamination. With the exception of WIC items, this new policy applies to all departments. Non-organic crops at high risk for being GMO include, but are not limited to: canola (rapeseed), corn, cotton, soy and sugar beets.”

The policy continues on to define organic, Non-GMO Project and WIC, as well as provide information about ingredients that are commonly derived from genetically modified organisms, such as high fructose corn syrup, aspartame and natural flavors.
“If ever we are to achieve national labeling regulations, our new GMO policy must have the specific, stated goal of influencing labeling, and not be confused with removing GMOs from our shelves. We must continue to provide education about GMOs and the need for labeling. Without labeling laws, we will never have the ability to truly remove GMOs from our stores, if that’s what our members demand, because our ‘natural’ food supply is becoming more tainted with GMOs every day in the absence of labeling regulations. We appreciate the time and energy of everyone who voiced their desire for the Co-op to continue to be a leader in this matter, and to those who helped develop the best policy for the North Coast Co-op,” said Melanie Bettenhausen, Outreach Director.
Many consumers were not aware of GMOs until Prop 37, the initiative to label GMOs, made the ballot in California’s election last fall. Although Prop 37 didn’t pass, it received 49 percent of the votes in favor of labeling, and it passed with 63 percent of the votes in Humboldt County. Since that time, consumers have been more conscious of GMOs, their potential negative health and environmental effects, and have made an effort to avoid them.
Genetic modification occurs when the gene of one plant or animal is inserted into the DNA of another plant or animal to produce a desired result. These genetic mutations do not occur naturally, but in a lab. Proponents of genetically modifying food claim that more crops can be grown in adverse conditions such as drought, but opponents say that crops are genetically modified to resist herbicides and pesticides, encouraging the use of more toxins in farming practices.
Those in opposition to GMOs range from faith based groups to natural food enthusiasts to moms looking for answers for the rise in food allergies in kids. Regardless of the reason for concern over GMOs, the demand for labeling includes bi-partisan support and has become a national issue. People want to know what is in their food.
“With as much as 80% of conventional processed foods now contaminated with GMOs it’s a mind blowing prospect to try and live a life free from GMOs, but I am hopeful,” said Kelli Reese, General Manager of the North Coast Co-op, “There are a number of states with labeling initiatives on their ballots and there are a number of individuals who are investing countless hours into the fight, including congress members and senators.”
The North Coast Co-op is not alone in implementing a GMO policy. Other natural food co-ops around the nation have banded together to implement similar policies that don’t allow new products to contain GMOs.
The North Coast Co-op has been working on the GMO issue since 1998, bringing awareness to GMOs in our food supply through education. Their first labeling attempt, nearly a decade ago, was to identify GMO-free products by applying a green dot to price tags of organic products. Since that time, many more companies have become certified organic (meaning no GMOs), but transparency in non-organic products that are not Non-GMO Project verified is still an issue. As it has in the past, the North Coast Co-op is asking for the community’s help in identifying opportunities to provide education around GMOs. The full GMO policy can be read in the June issue of the Co-op News at www.northcoastco-op.com/stores.htm#news.
The North Coast Co-op is a member-owned community market guided by cooperative principles emphasizing a diverse selection of organic, bulk, and local food products. The Co-op provides consumer education so that shoppers can make informed choices.


Local PBS Station At Risk Due To Funding


Local Public Broadcasting Station at Risk; KEET Could Close Without Support


By Valerie Eachus and Ron Schoenherr
KEET-TV


 In recent weeks you may have seen spots featuring the President and CEO of the Public Broadcasting System
speaking to viewers about the importance of their support
to their local public television station and to the long-term
future of PBS.
You may have wondered why such a message was necessary, and why now.  The reasons are perhaps not unexpected.  The recent recession and the loss of members and community funding throughout the country have caught up to public television and to our local PBS station, KEET-TV.
KEET-TV is one of the smallest PBS stations in the nation.
keet satellite dishLike most PBS stations it is funded in part by Corporation for Public Broadcasting.  CPB is allocated funding by Congress and distributes these funds to both PBS stations and public radio stations.  In order to receive any CPB funding, all public television stations are required to raise $800,000 each year from their viewers and communities.
No matter the size, it is this funding that is identified as Non-Federal Financial Support (NFFS).  That money comes from memberships, pledge nights, auctions, corporate underwriting of programs, major donations, board fundraising and special events, non-federal grants, gifts of stock, grants from foundations, non-federal grants, our Ready To Learn Vehicle Donation Program and bequests.
Our station has not been able to raise the $800,000 and CPB is requiring that KEET-TV explore either a merger with another California station, enter into some form of a collaboration or partnership with another station or come up with a viable plan to ensure that the $800,000 of NFFS can be raised each year, if it is to receive funding in the fall.
It is clear that KEET-TV is at risk of no longer being able to receive CPB funding in the future and that would mean an end to KEET-TV as you see it today.
keet control roomWe feel that merging with another station should be the last option.  KEET would lose control of our national and local programming.  
In a merger KEET would lose the ability to produce local programming like North Coast Perspectives, the award winning documentary Searchlight Serenade, HomeWork Hotline, the Humboldt County League of Women Voters’ candidate forums, our Ready To Learn early childhood project, Exploring Humboldt and other local productions.
Over the past few years KEET-TV has raised an average of $570,000 -$600,000 in NFFS funds annually from the people and communities we serve.  We can only reach that $800,000 annual NFFS level through an increase in our community support.
We can reach that goal through increasing our membership numbers from our current level of 2400 to 4400, increase our underwriting support from the business community, and seek out more non-federal grants.  
keet antoiques roadshowMany people watch one of KEET’s channels but don’t join as a member.  Public television is not free and most households could afford at least a basic membership to do their share.
We will need to demonstrate by June 30 an increase in our community support or a merger with another station will be the result.
How can you help?  If you are not a member of KEET-TV, join
today.  If you are a business owner consider being an underwriter
or join KEET with a business membership.  Consider KEET in your
estate planning or donate a few shares of stock.

KEET inspired memberIf you want KEET to remain a locally operated community station and if you enjoy and appreciate the programming and services KEET-TV provides your community, we need your support.
If you are not a member, join today by calling the station at 445-0813 or sign up online at www.keet.org.

US Senator Joe Liberman, WTC 7 Did Not Occur