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Food Matters

Posted by Michelle Moquin on February 1st, 2011


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Good morning!

I guess food is still on my mind…

I love Whole Foods, but is this the end to truly “whole” “foods”?

The Organic Elite Surrenders to Monsanto: What Now?

By Ronnie Cummins
Organic Consumers Association, Jan 27, 2011
Straight to the Source

“The policy set for GE alfalfa will most likely guide policies for other GE crops as well. True coexistence is a must.” – Whole Foods Market, Jan. 21, 2011

In the wake of a 12-year battle to keep Monsanto’s Genetically Engineered (GE) crops from contaminating the nation’s 25,000 organic farms and ranches, America’s organic consumers and producers are facing betrayal. A self-appointed cabal of the Organic Elite, spearheaded by Whole Foods MarketOrganic Valley, and Stonyfield Farm, has decided it’s time to surrender to Monsanto. Top executives from these companies have publicly admitted that they no longer oppose the mass commercialization of GE crops, such as Monsanto’s controversial Roundup Ready alfalfa, and are prepared to sit down and cut a deal for “coexistence” with Monsanto and USDA biotech cheerleader Tom Vilsack.

In a cleverly worded, but profoundly misleading email sent to its customers last week, Whole Foods Market, while proclaiming their support for organics and “seed purity,” gave the green light to USDA bureaucrats to approve the “conditional deregulation” of Monsanto’s genetically engineered, herbicide-resistant alfalfa. Beyond the regulatory euphemism of “conditional deregulation,” this means that WFM and their colleagues are willing to go along with the massive planting of a chemical and energy-intensive GE perennial crop, alfalfa; guaranteed to spread its mutant genes and seeds across the nation; guaranteed to contaminate the alfalfa fed to organic animals; guaranteed to lead to massive poisoning of farm workers and destruction of the essential soil food web by the toxic herbicide, Roundup; and guaranteed to produce Roundup-resistant superweeds that will require even more deadly herbicides such as 2,4 D to be sprayed on millions of acres of alfalfa across the U.S.

In exchange for allowing Monsanto’s premeditated pollution of the alfalfa gene pool, WFM wants “compensation.” In exchange for a new assault on farmworkers and rural communities (a recent large-scale Swedish study found that spraying Roundup doubles farm workers’ and rural residents’ risk of getting cancer), WFM expects the pro-biotech USDA to begin to regulate rather than cheerlead for Monsanto. In payment for a new broad spectrum attack on the soil’s crucial ability to provide nutrition for food crops and to sequester dangerous greenhouse gases (recent studies show that Roundup devastates essential soil microorganisms that provide plant nutrition and sequester climate-destabilizing greenhouse gases), WFM wants the Biotech Bully of St. Louis to agree to pay “compensation” (i.e. hush money) to farmers “for any losses related to the contamination of his crop.”

In its email of Jan. 21, 2011 WFM calls for “public oversight by the USDA rather than reliance on the biotechnology industry,” even though WFM knows full well that federal regulations on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) do not require pre-market safety testing, nor labeling; and that even federal judges have repeatedly ruled that so-called government “oversight” of Frankencrops such as Monsanto’s sugar beets and alfalfa is basically a farce. At the end of its email, WFM admits that its surrender to Monsanto is permanent: “The policy set for GE alfalfa will most likely guide policies for other GE crops as well True coexistence is a must.”

Why Is Organic Inc. Surrendering?

According to informed sources, the CEOs of WFM and Stonyfield are personal friends of former Iowa governor, now USDA Secretary, Tom Vilsack, and in fact made financial contributions to Vilsack’s previous electoral campaigns. Vilsack was hailed as “Governor of the Year” in 2001 by the Biotechnology Industry Organization, and traveled in a Monsanto corporate jet on the campaign trail. Perhaps even more fundamental to Organic Inc.’s abject surrender is the fact that the organic elite has become more and more isolated from the concerns and passions of organic consumers and locavores. The Organic Inc. CEOs are tired of activist pressure, boycotts, and petitions. Several of them have told me this to my face. They apparently believe that the battle against GMOs has been lost, and that it’s time to reach for the consolation prize. The consolation prize they seek is a so-called “coexistence” between the biotech Behemoth and the organic community that will lull the public to sleep and greenwash the unpleasant fact that Monsanto’s unlabeled and unregulated genetically engineered crops are now spreading their toxic genes on 1/3 of U.S. (and 1/10 of global) crop land.

WFM and most of the largest organic companies have deliberately separated themselves from anti-GMO efforts and cut off all funding to campaigns working to label or ban GMOs. The so-called Non-GMO Project, funded by Whole Foods and giant wholesaler United Natural Foods (UNFI) is basically a greenwashing effort (although the 100% organic companies involved in this project seem to be operating in good faith) to show that certified organic foods are basically free from GMOs (we already know this since GMOs are banned in organic production), while failing to focus on so-called “natural” foods, which constitute most of WFM and UNFI’s sales and are routinely contaminated with GMOs.

>From their “business as usual” perspective, successful lawsuits against GMOs filed by public interest groups such as the Center for Food Safety; or noisy attacks on Monsanto by groups like the Organic Consumers Association, create bad publicity, rattle their big customers such as Wal-Mart, Target, Kroger, Costco, Supervalu, Publix and Safeway; and remind consumers that organic crops and foods such as corn, soybeans, and canola are slowly but surely becoming contaminated by Monsanto’s GMOs.

Whole Food’s Dirty Little Secret: Most of the So-Called “Natural” Processed Foods and Animal Products They Sell Are Contaminated with GMOs

The main reason, however, why Whole Foods is pleading for coexistence with Monsanto, Dow, Bayer, Syngenta, BASF and the rest of the biotech bullies, is that they desperately want the controversy surrounding genetically engineered foods and crops to go away. Why? Because they know, just as we do, that 2/3 of WFM’s $9 billion annual sales is derived from so-called “natural” processed foods and animal products that are contaminated with GMOs. We and our allies have tested their so-called “natural” products (no doubt WFM’s lab has too) containing non-organic corn and soy, and guess what: they’re all contaminated with GMOs, in contrast to their certified organic products, which are basically free of GMOs, or else contain barely detectable trace amounts.

Approximately 2/3 of the products sold by Whole Foods Market and their main distributor, United Natural Foods (UNFI) are not certified organic, but rather are conventional (chemical-intensive and GMO-tainted) foods and products disguised as “natural.”

Unprecedented wholesale and retail control of the organic marketplace by UNFI and Whole Foods, employing a business model of selling twice as much so-called “natural” food as certified organic food, coupled with the takeover of many organic companies by multinational food corporations such as Dean Foods, threatens the growth of the organic movement.

Covering Up GMO Contamination: Perpetrating “Natural” Fraud

Many well-meaning consumers are confused about the difference between conventional products marketed as “natural,” and those nutritionally/environmentally superior and climate-friendly products that are “certified organic.”

Retail stores like WFM and wholesale distributors like UNFI have failed to educate their customers about the qualitative difference between natural and certified organic, conveniently glossing over the fact that nearly all of the processed “natural” foods and products they sell contain GMOs, or else come from a “natural” supply chain where animals are force-fed GMO grains in factory farms or Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs).

A troubling trend in organics today is the calculated shift on the part of certain large formerly organic brands from certified organic ingredients and products to so-called “natural” ingredients. With the exception of the “grass-fed and grass-finished” meat sector, most “natural” meat, dairy, and eggs are coming from animals reared on GMO grains and drugs, and confined, entirely, or for a good portion of their lives, in CAFOs.

Whole Foods and UNFI are maximizing their profits by selling quasi-natural products at premium organic prices. Organic consumers are increasingly left without certified organic choices while genuine organic farmers and ranchers continue to lose market share to “natural” imposters. It’s no wonder that less than 1% of American farmland is certified organic, while well-intentioned but misled consumers have boosted organic and “natural” purchases to $80 billion annually-approximately 12% of all grocery store sales.

The Solution: Truth-in-Labeling Will Enable Consumers to Drive So-Called “Natural” GMO and CAFO-Tainted Foods Off the Market

There can be no such thing as “coexistence” with a reckless industry that undermines public health, destroys biodiversity, damages the environment, tortures and poisons animals, destabilizes the climate, and economically devastates the world’s 1.5 billion seed-saving small farmers. There is no such thing as coexistence between GMOs and organics in the European Union. Why? Because in the EU there are almost no GMO crops under cultivation, nor GM consumer food products on supermarket shelves. And why is this? Because under EU law, all foods containing GMOs or GMO ingredients must be labeled. Consumers have the freedom to choose or not to choose GMOs; while farmers, food processors, and retailers have (at least legally) the right to lace foods with GMOs, as long as they are safety-tested and labeled. Of course the EU food industry understands that consumers, for the most part, do not want to purchase or consume GE foods. European farmers and food companies, even junk food purveyors like McDonald’s and Wal-Mart, understand quite well the concept expressed by a Monsanto executive when GMOs first came on the market: “If you put a label on genetically engineered food you might as well put a skull and crossbones on it.”

The biotech industry and Organic Inc. are supremely conscious of the fact that North American consumers, like their European counterparts, are wary and suspicious of GMO foods. Even without a PhD, consumers understand you don’t want your food safety or environmental sustainability decisions to be made by out-of-control chemical companies like Monsanto, Dow, or Dupont – the same people who brought you toxic pesticides, Agent Orange, PCBs, and now global warming. Industry leaders are acutely aware of the fact that every single industry or government poll over the last 16 years has shown that 85-95% of American consumers want mandatory labels on GMO foods. Why? So that we can avoid buying them. GMO foods have absolutely no benefits for consumers or the environment, only hazards. This is why Monsanto and their friends in the Bush, Clinton, and Obama administrations have prevented consumer GMO truth-in-labeling laws from getting a public discussion in Congress.

Although Congressman Dennis Kucinich (Democrat, Ohio) recently introduced a bill in Congress calling for mandatory labeling and safety testing for GMOs, don’t hold your breath for Congress to take a stand for truth-in-labeling and consumers’ right to know what’s in their food. Especially since the 2010 Supreme Court decision in the so-called “Citizens United” case gave big corporations and billionaires the right to spend unlimited amounts of money (and remain anonymous, as they do so) to buy media coverage and elections, our chances of passing federal GMO labeling laws against the wishes of Monsanto and Food Inc. are all but non-existent. Perfectly dramatizing the “Revolving Door” between Monsanto and the Federal Government, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, formerly chief counsel for Monsanto, delivered one of the decisive votes in the Citizens United case, in effect giving Monsanto and other biotech bullies the right to buy the votes it needs in the U.S. Congress.

With big money controlling Congress and the media, we have little choice but to shift our focus and go local. We’ve got to concentrate our forces where our leverage and power lie, in the marketplace, at the retail level; pressuring retail food stores to voluntarily label their products; while on the legislative front we must organize a broad coalition to pass mandatory GMO (and CAFO) labeling laws, at the city, county, and state levels.

The Organic Consumers Association, joined by our consumer, farmer, environmental, and labor allies, has just launched a nationwide Truth-in-Labeling campaign to stop Monsanto and the Biotech Bullies from force-feeding unlabeled GMOs to animals and humans.

Utilizing scientific data, legal precedent, and consumer power the OCA and our local coalitions will educate and mobilize at the grassroots level to pressure giant supermarket chains (Wal-Mart, Kroger, Costco, Safeway, Supervalu, and Publix) and natural food retailers such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s to voluntarily implement “truth-in-labeling” practices for GMOs and CAFO products; while simultaneously organizing a critical mass to pass mandatory local and state truth-in-labeling ordinances – similar to labeling laws already in effect for country of origin, irradiated food, allergens, and carcinogens. If local and state government bodies refuse to take action, wherever possible we must attempt to gather sufficient petition signatures and place these truth-in-labeling initiatives directly on the ballot in 2011 or 2012. If you’re interesting in helping organize or coordinate a Millions Against Monsanto and Factory Farms Truth-in-Labeling campaign in your local community, sign up here: http://organicconsumers.org/oca-volunteer/

To pressure Whole Foods Market and the nation’s largest supermarket chains to voluntarily adopt truth-in-labeling practices sign here, and circulate this petition widely: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_22309.cfm

And please stay tuned to Organic Bytes for the latest developments in our campaigns.

Power to the People! Not the Corporations!

Ronnie Cummins
Organic Consumers Association

*************

Readers: This is very scary to me. Please take action on this one. Thoughts? Comments? Ideas? Blog me.

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

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46 Responses to “Food Matters”

  1. Health Info Says:

    How to Prevent a Heart Attack

    Michael Traub, ND
    Lokahi Health Center

    Conventional cardiologists give some attention to lifestyle factors, but they often focus more on high-tech procedures and prescription drugs.

    These physicians are trained mainly to suppress or eliminate symptoms rather than to treat the underlying causes of heart disease.

    Example: A patient with angina (chest pain due to insufficient blood flow) might be treated by a conventional cardiologist with angioplasty to compress and/or remove blockages that restrict circulation to the heart.

    Angioplasty relieves symptoms temporarily, but the procedure has risks… and the blockages return in 30% to 40% of patients, usually within six months.

    A naturopathic physician focuses more on the factors that cause the blockages, including ongoing plaque buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis).

    A patient with angina might be given treatments to naturally lower cholesterol… increase blood flow to the heart… and decrease arterial deposits.

    CONTROL CHOLESTEROL

    Elevated LDL “bad” cholesterol is one of the main cardiovascular risk factors. The use of cholesterol-lowering drugs is not always the answer.

    Recent finding: It was announced in January 2008 that the drug Zetia, widely used to lower cholesterol, had failed to benefit patients in a two-year trial.

    The drug not only did not slow the accumulation of plaque in the arteries — it may have contributed slightly to plaque formation.

    Statins, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) and pravastatin (Pravachol), are effective, but they can cause troubling side effects, including sleep disturbances and severe muscle pain or weakness (myopathy).

    Most patients can manage cholesterol with safer measures, including a high-fiber diet — aim for five to 10 grams of soluble fiber a day (oatmeal and oat bran are good sources). Also important…

    Red yeast rice extract. Red yeast rice is rice that has been fermented by red yeast (Monascus purpureus). It contains chemical compounds, monacolins, that have statinlike effects.

    Patients who take red yeast rice extract can see drops in LDL cholesterol of about 30% and increases in HDL “good” cholesterol of about 20%. Unlike statins, red yeast rice extract is not likely to cause myopathy or other side effects.

    What I recommend: Pharmaceutical-grade red yeast rice extract, which must be prescribed by a doctor. It’s of better quality than most of the supplements available in health-food stores.

    Patients using red yeast rice extract also should take coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a substance that occurs naturally in the body, and the B vitamin niacin.

    The active ingredients in red yeast rice extract may lower the body’s levels of CoQ10. Niacin may enhance the effect of red yeast rice extract.

    Dose: 300 milligrams (mg) of red yeast rice extract… 25 mg of niacin… 5 mg of CoQ10 — all taken twice daily.

    Nuts. All nuts — but particularly walnuts and almonds — have cardio-protective nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and soluble fiber.

    Large studies report that people who eat a handful of nuts (raw or toasted) two or more times weekly have a 30% to 40% reduction in heart disease risk factors.

    Plant sterols. Found in small amounts in many plant foods, sterols decrease intestinal absorption of cholesterol. People who consume 1.6 g of sterols daily, divided over two or more meals, reduce LDL cholesterol by more than 10%. In patients taking statins, adding a plant sterol can lower LDL cholesterol by up to 15%.

    What I recommend: Some brands of orange juice, yogurt, cheese, salad dressing and granola bars are rich in plant sterols — check labels.

    Two eight-ounce servings of plant sterol-fortified orange juice have about two grams of plant sterols. Or you can use plant sterol-fortified margarine (Benecol, Take Control) — about one tablespoon a day.

    BOOST OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

    A review in Archives of Internal Medicine looked at 97 clinical trials involving omega-3 fatty acid consumption. The study found that omega-3s are more effective than statins at reducing heart disease-related mortality.

    Omega-3s, found mainly in cold-water fish, are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Chronic arterial inflammation is believed to be one of the main causes of heart disease.

    Omega-3s also stabilize heart rhythm and inhibit the ability of platelets to form clots.

    What I recommend: Three or more weekly servings of fish. Salmon and canned sardines are good choices because they’re low in mercury.

    If you don’t like fish: Take a daily fish oil supplement that provides between 1,000 mg and 3,000 mg of omega-3s.

    LOWER C-REACTIVE PROTEIN

    C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver. High levels of CRP are a sign of inflammation in the body, which is thought to promote the progression of atherosclerosis and stimulate the release of tissue factor, a protein that increases the risk for clots.

    Everyone should get tested for CRP. A reading of less than 1.0 mg/L is desirable. Readings higher than 3 mg/L can indicate that heart attack risk is high.

    What I recommend: A diet high in anti-inflammatory foods, including fish, garlic, turmeric and ginger, can reduce CRP.

    People should avoid eating inflammatory foods (fatty meats, butter, whole milk, fried foods and sugar). Also, don’t smoke — it increases CRP.

    REDUCE HOMOCYSTEINE

    In excessive amounts, this naturally occurring amino acid damages the inner walls of arteries and increases the activity of clot-promoting platelets.

    What I recommend: Two daily doses of vitamin B6 (60 mg) for a total of 120 mg… vitamin B12 (500 mcg) for a total of 1,000 mcg… and folic acid (1,000 mcg) for a total of 2,000 mcg.

    Bonus: Folic acid enhances the bioavailability of nitric oxide, a naturally occurring blood gas that improves cardiovascular health.

    INCREASE MAGNESIUM

    A deficiency of magnesium is the second most common dietary mineral deficiency in Americans, after iron deficiency.

    Magnesium relaxes the smooth muscles within blood vessels. People who don’t get enough magnesium have an increased risk for high blood pressure (hypertension), one of the main causes of heart disease.

    Magnesium deficiency is common in patients who take diuretics to lower blood pressure. Some diuretics flush magnesium as well as potassium from the body.

    What I recommend: Most people should take a daily supplement of 400 mg of magnesium. Higher doses can help lower blood pressure in some patients but should be used only under a physician’s supervision.

    Bottom Line/Personal interviewed Michael Traub, ND, director of the Lokahi Health Center in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, and an adjunct faculty member at Bastyr University, the leading naturopathic education institution in the country, located near Seattle.

    He is former president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and a contributor to the textbook Integrative Cardiology (McGraw-Hill).

  2. Cheryl Says:

    Howie:

    What you wrote was very scary for me. The volcano thing, is that really true.?

    Who is Roi?

    Cheryl

  3. Fred Says:

    Wow. that thing about the Big Macs! I eat at least twice a week there. I should say I used to eat there twice a week.

    I have found another place to take my business.

    It is shocking what big business can get away with these days.

    Fred

  4. Linda Says:

    Michelle, Wi showed me your kind words about my country. I am coming to the US in three weeks. I hope to visit San Francisco. Is there a chance that I could meet you?

    I believe in UFO’s because I saw one last year. My brother and I were surprised by a noise. When we went to investigate, we saw a dark blue object with very tall skinny people emerging from it.

    We crouched and crawled closer to get a better look. My brother was hit by a flashing green light. I rolled into a thicker part of the thicket we were in and he got up walked up to the blue vehicle they were standing next to.

    He entered and returned about 15 minutes later. He headed off the trail towards the city. I followed him. To this day he swears we saw nothing.

    Lin

  5. Kelly Says:

    Zen Lill:

    Are you a professional writer? I read your comments never quite satisfied because they end too soon. The ease with which you grasp a topic and break it down into civil, sexy banter makes me very envious.

    My brother is in love. Me I just want to meet you.

    Kelly

  6. Jackie Says:

    can’t believe what I’ve been eating at the Big Slop Joint. It is too disgusting to be true. But I know it is.

    What can be trusted these days?

    My mind reels, and my anger grows. I wish there was something we could do to get our country back from the power the Supreme Court has given the big corporations. As it is we can only shake our heads when we discover yet another atrocity they have done to us.

    Jackie

  7. Irene Says:

    Howie and Al:

    I can not tell you how much pleasure seeing your bylines has been for me. I missed the way you two reveal the way you observe the world.

    It is a pleasant change from the general.

    Just an observation

    Irene

  8. Josh Says:

    I saw you at the Starlight Room Michelle. My diligence paid off. I took several pictures of you on the dance floor and one of you smiling as you emerged from the ladies room.

    No, I wasn’t being a voyeur or stalking you. I was told by a friend that she thought she saw someone that looked like you when she was in the ladies room when she came out. So I hung around for a few minutes and there you came.

    It was a treat seeing you in person. I hung around and took a few more shots. Never has my investment in the new 4G been a better thrill.

    The shots were fantastic!

    Sorry I missed you Zen Lill.

    Maybe next time.

    Josh

  9. Pearl Says:

    My God, what is McDonald thinking?

    Where is the government protection we come to expect? I will never eat at the Big Maggots again. I have informed my family and friends. They were shocked by your article.

    I can not tell you how many times my family has had those McNuggets. It is sickening!

    Thank you for keeping us informed. I am so lucky my 19 year old loves you. I used to say(less than a year ago) that you had too much influence upon her but you have my blessings.

    Keep doing what you do to wake up the young females and giving us mothers a reason to believe that there is hope for those that think we are too old to have a useful suggestion.

    Pearl

  10. Clark Says:

    Michelle:

    When I told my friends that I saw you at Harry’s they did not believe me. So when you printed your blog pictures. Their jaws dropped.

    You are a beautiful woman. I watched you dance with your females friends. You bring a whole lot of excitement to the dance floor.

    Clark

  11. Greg Says:

    I’ll say you are in the know Howie. I have been checking up on the volcanos in Yellowstone park. There seems to be a lot more interest going on that before. I detected a lot more traffic between those that monitor their activities.

    Greg

  12. Kelly Says:

    Michelle:

    I have been trying to get on the net for two days. This is another multiple try. Thanks for all the support you give us. I believe this time we will get our country back. But I don’t believe that the men will make our lives any better.

    My group of women are expected to take the same risk that the young men in our peer group take. Yet we are also expected to accept that we will not be treated equally.

    It is so unfair. I don’t know what will happen to me. Will I die while fighting for change or will I die because I refuse to accept the bondage the change will force upon me?

    K

  13. Helena Says:

    What indeed Michelle! Will the world survive its own poisoning, if Howie’s scenario about the volcano’s doesn’t happen?

    Helena

  14. Anonymous Says:

    Thanks for standing up for us Michelle. The world is watching what happens in my country now that the men are fighting for a cause.

    Where were they when we women were fighting to keep from having to be veiled?

    Oil is their only concerned.

    We fear for our lives every day. This is but another reason to cringe.

  15. TAO Says:

    Howie:

    Thanks for the encouragement. I see why the TAO has selected you. I will do my best. Any help with Carr will be appreciated.

    Roi

  16. Debra Says:

    So I guess “Organic” goes the way of all the other republican noise.

    Just words.

  17. Mike Says:

    Steve Hunt is at it again driving up the fear to get you to buy what he wants you to from the market. Here is his latest bull shit article.
    ====================
    A 100% Accurate Stock Market Indicator… Since 1940
    By Dr. Steve Sjuggerud
    Tuesday, February 1, 2011
    In the last 100 years, this indicator has only been wrong twice… And one of those losses was less than 1%.

    Since 1940, this indicator has been infallible… Stocks have risen 22% a year when this indicator says “buy.”

    We’ve been hard at work crunching numbers, developing our True Wealth Systems project. We have the world’s deepest historical data sets at our fingertips. And we’ve been testing all kinds of investing systems going back hundreds of years.

    ———-Advertisement———-
    Cyber Terrorists Plan $105 Billion Theft

    Pentagon officials have uncovered a plot by sophisticated hackers to “steal millions of dollars from banks all over the world.”

    Estimates put the total expected loss to be as high as $105 billion. And security experts say two out of every three internet users will be targets.

    If you care about your retirement and the well-being of your family, I strongly encourage you to watch this free video presentation.

    It explains everything you need to know to protect yourself…
    ———————————

    Our goal is to find what works in investing, over the long run.

    Today’s indicator is incredibly simple: It’s the third year of the presidential election cycle. Stocks have gone up every third year of a presidential election cycle going back to 1940.

    In the third year of an election cycle, stocks have delivered a total return of 22% a year. For the other three years together – the other 75% of the time – the total return on stocks has been a single-digit percentage gain annually.

    Why such a huge discrepancy?

    Legendary stock market analyst Jeremy Grantham calls it the “routine Year 3 stimulus.”

    Barack Obama was elected in 2008. It’s now 2011… Year 3. The stock market goes up, the theory goes, in anticipation of Big Government stimulating the economy in the coming pre-election year.

    We have a double tailwind this year… Grantham says the Year 3 stimulus will be “spiced up” even more by “QE2″ – what I call The Bernanke Asset Bubble.

    I said this indicator has been infallible since 1940… but what about before then? We tested it back to 1800…

    The thing is, until the Great Depression in the 1930s, government stimulus didn’t really exist as we know it today.

    In 1929, the lowest tax bracket was less than 1%. And the top tax bracket was in the 20s. Astoundingly, government spending as a percentage of GDP was less than 5% a year until the Depression (NOT including defense spending… which shot up during wars). These days, government spending (including spending by state and local governments) is up over 40% of GDP.

    So if Grantham is right, and the routine Year 3 stimulus rally is here, stocks could go up yet again.

    Stocks have delivered a 22% total return on average, going back seven decades, during Year 3. We’re in Year 3 now. And stocks are only up about 2% so far. So there’s plenty of room to run, based on history.

    This indicator is another example of our True Wealth Systems work… finding things that I wouldn’t believe are possible. So far, in every case, whenever I personally guessed against our systems, I was wrong, and our systems were right…

    If this indicator from True Wealth Systems is right, it’s a high probability bet for you to own stocks in 2011.

    Good investing,

    Steve
    ====================

    Creep like this are literally stealing from the people.

    Mike

  18. Bruce Says:

    Howie:

    I believe it when I read it from you. Maybe it is because of the sincerity that comes across in your writing.

    I missed the input. Don’t stay away so long in the future.

    This is your home, too.

    Bruce

  19. General Info Says:

    Fixing Your Own Car Just Got Easier

    Eric Peters

    If you like to make auto repairs yourself, here are a few gadgets, including diagnostic tools, that could make it easier…

    Battery Monitor ($19.95). Know the current state of your car battery at a glance with the simple installation (with basic hand tools) of the Battery Doctor 3-in-1 monitor on or near the battery.

    The device also can act as a surge protector during jump-starting (or recharging). Available from AutoSport, 800-953-0814, http://www.autosportcatalog.com.

    Non-Contact Laser Thermometer ($59.99). Car lovers often need to take the temperature of components in their cars to trace an overheating problem.

    This handheld tool saves time and hassle because you can read the temperature of things, such as radiators and cylinder heads, just by pointing at them.

    It also is helpful for diagnosing problems with air-conditioning systems — and can read temperatures from -4°F to 968°F. Available from Harbor Freight Tools, 805-388-3000, http://www.HarborFreight.com.

    Multi Fluid Extractor ($89.99). Changing the oil can be a messy job that may require jacking up the car and crawling underneath — unless you have this tool.

    The pump can suck the old oil out of the engine with a nozzle that slips into the oil dipstick tube. It holds nearly seven quarts of oil. Available from Griot’s Garage, 800-345-5789, http://www.GriotsGarage.com.

    POR-15 Super Starter Kit ($19.80). A car lover’s nemesis is rust — and POR-15 is the best stuff available to stop rust in its tracks.

    A rust-preventive paint (a favorite of those who restore old cars), it permanently seals existing rust and can protect exposed metal with a virtually indestructible coating that can be drilled and painted.

    The kit includes enough POR-15 to cover six square feet with two coats, plus metal-preparation treatment, a degreaser, gloves and two brushes. Available from POR-15, Inc., 800-726-0459, http://www.POR15.com (click on “POR-15 Rust Preventive Paint”).

    Personal interviewed Eric Peters, a Washington, DC-based automotive columnist and author of Automotive Atrocities! The Cars We Love to Hate (MBI).

    A member of the International Motor Press Association and the Washington Auto Press Association, he has been writing about cars for 17 years. His next book, Road Hogs (MBI), will be published later this year. http://EricPetersAutos.com

  20. HOWIE Says:

    Roi:

    I remember when you first arrived and asked “How does an Alien get money on this Planet?”

    You sure have climed the ladder of importance. Now you are asked to help both the Girlz and the Planet Earth. That makes you a Hero in my book.

    Keep up the good work. Carr seems to enjoy acts of Heroism.

    HOWIE

  21. Carol Says:

    Dito Mike. The bastards are always trying to scare us into their schemes to manipulate the market.

    Here’s one I got.
    ———————
    Wealthy women fear they’ll outlive retirement money
    By Roland Jones, msnbc.com editor

    Wealthy women expect to be more active than their male counterparts in their retirement years, but they’re also more worried about outliving their retirement funds, according to a Bank of America Merrill Lynch study released Monday.

    The study, which looks at affluent Americans’ concerns and financial priorities associated with retirement, found that most affluent baby boomers — defined as the more than 75 million Americans born from 1946 through 1964 — believe their retirement will be more active and prosperous than that of their parents.

    Seventy percent of respondents said they expect to work, at least part time, to fund a more dynamic retirement, in which they expect to take up activities such as learning a new trade, or starting a new business.

    Bank of America spoke to 1,000 Americans with at least $250,000 in investable assets for the study.
    Bank of America also found that affluent women expect to be more active than their male counterparts when they retire.

    Eighty-six percent of women plan to travel, compared with 75 percent of men, while 64 percent of women plan to be involved in their community (only 43 percent of men said they plan to take a more active role in their communities).

    The study also found that 62 percent of women plan to dedicate more time to philanthropic endeavors, compared to 41 percent of men, but 24 percent of men plan to start their own business in retirement, compared with just 14 percent of women.

    Women are also more concerned about the high cost of healthcare and worry their retirement funds won’t last through their lifetime, the study shows.

    Seventy percent of women said they are worried about the cost of healthcare and 63 percent of women expressed concern about the longevity of their retirement assets, compared to 57 percent and 52 percent of men respectively.
    —————————
    Once the creeps have found a strategy that works they will work it and work it. And it appears for now the fear of the black man in the white house screwing us white people out of our money WORKS!

    Carol

  22. TAO Says:

    Howie:

    You have info that only one in the know would know. Perhaps a private telephone chat would be in order? Or if you prefer a personal visit.

    At your leisure

    Roi

  23. Zen Lill Says:

    hi Mischa, I am extremely disappointed in WF, I call the place whole paycheck that’s how much I frequent the store, guess I’ll have to rely on farmers markets and hope they don’t jack their organic prices through the stinkin’ roof, damn, can’t anything be left in its purest state? What is wrong with these large companies, is this the shit their feeding their families??

    Al, thanks for clarifying what should’ve been glaringly obvious to me re: men/Quran, I have no excuse and I thank the muslim women out there for not wanting to rip me a new one over my dumb oversight, may I just say that I don’t care to read any of the ‘good books’ will that cover it? I’m sure the bible insists on no cheating (and who cares about her pleasure there, too, perhaps?) in there but I can’t say for sure, I glanced at the book a few times and it seems to me Christians glom on to certain passages and rip em’ up as in ‘gays are an abomination’ (hmmm, if you believe in god – well, didn’t ‘HE’ invent them? Hello…) and the you must believe in Jesus or you can’t get into heaven, hmmm, seems to me hell and heaven are located right here, could be me and I’d have to elaborate on that and I have to be somewhere for a noon meeting : ) and talking about that takes a while for me, my belief system is rather contrary : ) as am I sometimes…

    Kelly, thank you for the compliment, I have written much, published nothing, but that could change if I can get myself to stop multi-tasking and do what is asked of me – by Friday : ) I’ll do it but my life is full of distractions, the good, the very good and the bad…but there’s no one else’s life I’d rather be leading. tell me about your bro ; ) I’m always up for a banter, think you know that. I guess it’s my dealio that I throw in some sexy banter, my close pals claim I must’ve been a very horny man in my last life, I often see things as a man does (?, I’m almost not sure sometimes what the fuck that means but I hear it quite a bit…aren’t other women thinking of sex and dry shit like politics and pragmatic business practices regularly?) and especially when it comes to my libido and seeing things from that frame of mind, listen it makes my day to think the thoughts I do and all the while wanting to change the world and esp for the women of this world, too. I have busily planning my contribution and while there is little financial pay off initially it will get done…very soon…

    Caio for now, Luv, Zen Lill

  24. Health Info Says:

    LEARN TO LOVE YOUR ANGER

    If you’re like many people I know, you would rather clean a bathroom with a cotton swab than sit down for an honest airing of angry feelings — yours or anyone else’s.

    This is common and understandable, because anger can be ugly, upsetting and destructive… but that’s because it’s misunderstood.

    When handled well, anger can become a powerful force for dramatic, positive change — and in a relationship, it can be the catalyst for unprecedented growth and intimacy.

    But, of course, few of us are good at processing anger or know how to express it well… and therein lies the challenge.

    WHY ANGER GETS BURIED

    I recently sat down with life coach and regular Daily Health News contributor Lauren Zander for a discussion on this “hot” topic.

    She agreed that many (if not most) people are uncomfortable with anger — both feeling and receiving it.

    She told me that in her coaching practice, she sees many clients who fail to recognize that unexplored, unexpressed anger is at the root of their problems.

    Some are completely unaware of their anger, while others who are tuned in to their feelings don’t have any idea what to do with them. They push their anger underground and simply pretend it doesn’t exist.

    That doesn’t work, however. It doesn’t take a psychologist to know that buried anger is dangerous. It’s like a volcano on the verge of bubbling up and spewing out unpredictably, often with disastrous results.

    Do you have issues with buried anger? If you’re not entirely sure, Zander suggested that you ask yourself the following questions:

    Do I have a tendency to complain about some aspect of a relationship to people who can do nothing about it?
    Do I feel resigned about something, as in “I have no control over that (his drinking, her overeating), so I just accept it?”

    TRAPPED!

    While “yes” answers to both of those questions may seem like mature responses to anger because they avoid confrontation, Zander says in actuality they make matters worse.

    Venting to people who can’t change what makes you angry and/or martyring yourself with feelings of resignation are both efforts to “feel better in areas where you feel trapped,” she said, pointing out that “trapped” is not a good place to be. You’ll stay angry… and get more so over time.

    Far better is to take steps to free yourself from the feelings that are interfering with your life by challenging yourself to address your anger.

    And you may be surprised to learn that the way to do this is not to walk away from that part of your life, but rather to open it up.

    Only when you stop holding everything inside can you get to work on fixing what makes you feel so unhappy.

    WHY IS THIS FRIGHTENING?

    All of the above seems fairly self-evident. So why are people so fearful about bringing their anger out into the open? Zander explained that often what lurks beneath the reluctance is deep-seated anxiety that broaching angry feelings may create an irreparable rift in a relationship.

    What might happen then? Will there be drama? Will your anger bring pain to someone you love? Might the relationship come to an end?

    There’s another possibility, too, and it’s scary in its own right, Zander said. If you speak your feelings, you may also have to give the other person a chance to share his/hers… and that means having to listen.

    “Even those who feel their grudges are justified may fear that revealing their feelings will open the door to allow the other person to say things that they don’t want to hear,” she said. “Since you can’t control the outcome of a conversation like that, it feels safer to hold it in.”

    Zander said that many people are uncomfortable with the idea of being in such an honest relationship… but this is true intimacy.

    “If you stop selling out by hiding your true feelings, you will find the love that you need and deserve,” she explained.

    WHAT SHOULD I SAY?

    I asked Zander for some guidelines on how to express anger in a healthy and productive manner…

    First, be honest with yourself. Exactly why are you angry? And is there another side to the problem?

    It’s vital to understand what’s behind your own feelings, but you also should remember that your truth isn’t a universal one.

    The other person has a point of view as well, and it will likely be different from yours.

    Be respectful in presenting your request to discuss your feelings. For instance, don’t blast your partner as he/she walks in the door after a hard day at work.

    A better way: Ask permission to raise an important matter, and suggest a time that won’t present conflicts for either of you.

    What to say? Zander suggests saying something like this: “There’s something I need to discuss, but I’m scared because I’m not sure what you will think or say. I am so committed to you being happy with me that I am afraid to share my innermost feelings, but I think talking about it will help.

    Please listen first… and then repeat what you heard so I know you understand… and then tell me what you think.”

    Believe it or not, in a caring relationship, resolution is usually right around the corner from here. (If not, you’ve got a different problem — see Daily Health News, “Quitting Time — How to Have a Happy Ending,” September 30, 2010, for more on this tough topic.)

    When you get feelings out into the open, you can heal problems and let them go, Zander said. And then, she said — and this is important — that’s what you need to do, let them go. An apology — a real one, with empathy behind it — needs to be enough. And fortunately, for people who really do care about one another, it usually is.

    Source(s):

    Lauren Zander, cofounder and chairman, The Handel Group, http://www.TheHandelGroup.com.

  25. Vicky Says:

    Zen lill

    You are so right about WF. I read this a month ago.

    Organic Food May Become a Thing of the Past
    Over the past 15 years or so, a collection of five giant biotech corporations — Monsanto, Syngenta, Bayer, Dow and DuPont — have bought up more than 200 other companies, allowing them to dominate access to seeds.
    The takeover has been so dramatic that it is becoming difficult for farmers to find alternatives. As a result, in the U.S., 90 percent of soybeans are genetically-modified, and many conventional farmers have trouble obtaining non-genetically modified seeds.
    According to The Ecologist:

    “… [O]ne solution to restricting their control would be through banning the practice of granting patents on seeds, plants and genes.

    A patent gives a company exclusive rights to sell and develop a new invention. In the case of patents on plants and genes it grants them temporary monopolies and bans farmers from saving seeds.
    ————————————-

    Vicky

  26. Lorna Says:

    I read that article too Vicky. You left out this part.

    “At this point, a mere FIVE companies – biotechnology companies at that — own the vast majority of all worldwide seeds. The enormous ramifications of this should be fairly obvious.

    Genetically modified (GM) seeds, particularly corn and soy, have already taken over in many areas of the world, effectively eliminating the use of conventional and “heirloom” seeds, and along with them, the ancient, sustainable farming practices that produces healthful food.

    For example, in the US, as of 2009 genetically modified (GM) soybeans accounted for 91 percent of the soybean market. Eighty-five percent of all corn grown was GM, as well as 88 percent of all cotton.

    Many pro-GM crop fanatics argue that genetically engineered (GM) crops are superior in a number of ways, but evidence to the contrary is all around us…

    Five Biotech Giants Now Control the Global Seed Market

    The Ecologist, shows how five biotech giants have gobbled up seed companies, large and small alike, across the world, with Monsanto clearly leading the pack.”

    ———————————
    Now that they own everything. They are going to rid us of natural seeds so we have to buy their engineered food.

    Lorna

  27. Lorna Says:

    I read that article too Vicky. You left out this part.

    “At this point, a mere FIVE companies – biotechnology companies at that — own the vast majority of all worldwide seeds. The enormous ramifications of this should be fairly obvious.

    Genetically modified (GM) seeds, particularly corn and soy, have already taken over in many areas of the world, effectively eliminating the use of conventional and “heirloom” seeds, and along with them, the ancient, sustainable farming practices that produces healthful food.

    For example, in the US, as of 2009 genetically modified (GM) soybeans accounted for 91 percent of the soybean market. Eighty-five percent of all corn grown was GM, as well as 88 percent of all cotton.

    Many pro-GM crop fanatics argue that genetically engineered (GM) crops are superior in a number of ways, but evidence to the contrary is all around us…

    Five Biotech Giants Now Control the Global Seed Market

    The Ecologist, shows how five biotech giants have gobbled up seed companies, large and small alike, across the world, with Monsanto clearly leading the pack.”

    ———————————
    Now that they own everything. They are going to rid us of natural seeds so we have to buy their engineered food.

    Lorna

  28. Steve Says:

    I can’t get in once and Lorna does it twice. So are you policing this blog Michelle or allowing it to go helter skelter?

    If you do let those in with important things to say your blog will be filled with trite mutterings from the likes of Lorna.

    Why you allow so many women so much space is a true mystery.

    Oh, please Zen Lill, I told my wife about you and she says you will probably burn in hell for your disrespect of the man God put here for women to serve.

    Couldn’t have said it better myself. And my wife is an ordained Minister. She knows of what she speaks.

    Jesus is Lord

    Steve

  29. Al Says:

    Hi Michelle,

    Yesterday it was McDonalds, yuck. Today you informed us about Monsanto and Whole Foods Market, among others. Is there anything safe to eat these days. What is left?

    What happened to our watchdog agencies? Bought off, and eliminated by the corporate powers that be.

    Soon we will be buying the air we breath, filtered and bottled under pressure, off your local grocer’s shelf. You have been bringing us some great topics just this week alone. Informing the public while exposing corporate abuse of the trust we once had in those who supply our food.

    Could it be that this is the only way our suppliers can meet the demand? Or is it just plain old corporate greed. I suspect the latter of course.

    Some days I could swear that you have a staff of investigators and few detectives working for you. I commend and thank you for all the work you put into your blog. I have learned a lot here, both from you and your commentator’s.

    Thank you,
    Al

  30. Linda Says:

    I’m glad you’re back Al. You are a man who thinks before he speaks. But you never let anger get in the way of your sense of humor.

    Your sense of humor is wicked at times. I love it!.

    Your Florida sweetheart.

    Linda

  31. Zen Lill Says:

    Steve, your ‘wife’s’ words can only sting me if I have a belief system that works as your and hers does, I don’t, therefore, Steve, you and your ordained wife can think I’m going to hell in a handbag, but ask me if I care or if your opinions (based soley on YOUR belief system) will affect the way I live my life. At least the men in mine know exactly where they stand…or…they don’t get to stand too close. I hope you and your wife are happy together, you and she are convinced (or brainwashed) into standing united on the man rules the roost, so go live it. I never said nor do I practice disrespect with the males in my life, quite the contrary, and if you had to ask a few they’d tell it like it is, I’m guessing it’d go like this: she’s respectful to all humans, man – woman and child, as well as animals, yes, she’s a challenging female in that she always stands her ground but I can listen and talk to her (and other thangs) for hours…yeah, I’m going to say that’s a good assessment : )

    …so seriously, Steve and wife, live your life, I’ll live mine, we don’t have to agree on who runs who, you two as well as many Christian couples seem to have that wrapped up bc maybe you need the structure, me – I like my relationships to unravel the organic way, shifts of power included, I use my strengths, you use yours and everybody’s happy, no one has to dictate how the other lives or makes decisions or judge and pick who they associate with (unless you think your partner is about to self-destruct, then I step in with some words and I would hope someone who cares about me would do the same, nothing like a good old-fashioned verbal ass kicking sometimes : ) People who are on the same page with each other usually make it and even if one sex has to make so many more concessions than the other, and serve the other, if you are both ok with it, who am I to judge? I don’t. I just choose to not agree and not live it that way…besides, it’s delicious TO serve and BE served, you should try it, Steve, you just might love it : ) don’t be so one way all your life ; )

    Luv, Zen Lill

  32. Milburn Says:

    Michelle, thanks for the information about that crooked nigger Clarence Thomas. I guess this confirms what the other nigger Robert has been saying about the Supreme Court being bought and paid for.

    It is a shame that the other four are white men gone astray. What is this world coming to?

    I went back and reread some of the nigger’s ranting and if half of what he says is true, I am switching to the Tea Party.

    Milburn

  33. Al Says:

    Hi Linda,

    I am flattered to be admired by a woman that I do not even know. If and when we get to know each other, it will be by the way you write about Michelle’s topics, and those of her other readers.

    I will be happy to be your blog friend, but Sweetheart is more or less a romantic term, and I am not looking for romance via this blog.

    Glad that you enjoy my sense of humor and that you can get a laugh or two considering some of the dire topics discussed here.

    Perhaps we can become good blog friends in time. Thank you for the compliments.

    Sincerely,
    Al

  34. Doug The Main Dude Says:

    Gee, Steve, I’m an ordained minister, too. Does that mean I know of what I speak?

  35. Doug The Main Dude Says:

    Milburn,
    Smart move, follow Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachmann. Nice…

  36. Linda Says:

    Al, I didn’t want to put you off sweetie. I just couldn’t help myself after waiting so long to hear from you again. The ways of woman may be somewhat of a lost memory for you so I will take it as slow as you wish.

    We can be blog sweeties. I’ll start off with something nice like “Sure Al whatever you say.”

    Actually, I’m just funning with you. I’d l’d be delighted to become more acquainted with you via the blog although I do live in Miami also.

    No, ages, no past, just comments and observations with a little tenderness from time to time.

    Linda

  37. Steve Says:

    Doug, if you are truly an ordained minister, why do you allow Michelle to be so combative toward men on your blog?

    I allowed my wife to me a minister provided she keeps her advice to other women and she follows the Scripture as Jesus meant it to be administered to women.

    I have been known to discipline her if she fails to remember her place. I am the head of my household and she knows it.

    Steve

  38. Jason Says:

    Zen Lill you are my kind of woman. If more women could see both sides of the issues between men and women the way you do life would be better for all of us.

    I agree with you who’s business is it who serves who in a committed marriage or togetherness?

    I’m a big man who because of my size men and women usually give me deference. So it is not surprising that most of my lady friends tend to feel a little intimidated by the bulk of me.

    Before becoming a lawyer I played defensive lineman for 4 college years. At 6’8″ and 308lbs I am a pretty intimidating sight in court.

    Madge told me that there was a little firebrand who’s blog could teach me a thing or two about the sexes.

    Frankly, I have more interest in how you see the male perspective. You must have been a man in a previous life.

    I practice in San Diego, but I will be in LA for a conference in April. This is not a solicitation. It is merely an opportunity to tell you about an invitation I am considering to speak at a Defense Attorney’s round table.

    I’ve only been reading this blog for two weeks, but I look forward to your posts.

    Jason

  39. Julie Says:

    Well, since so many people are writing in to express their interest in other bloggers to this blog, I’d like to toss my hat in the ring.

    I’m a southern 31 year old white woman from Houston, Texas. I’ve been in San Francis for almost a year helping my sister pick up from a disastrous relationship.

    She tried to get me to read this blog before I came to this sinful city. I read it a few times and I didn’t like the liberal crap it was full of.

    But I joined Gold’s Gym here and I have met and made friends with some very interesting minorities. I have cast aside my square dance aerobic classes for the mored modern persuasion.

    I am a biochemist who has been abled to live rather handsomely from a couple of patents I registered. I am not a shy person so I will just say it.

    Robert you interest me. I have had plenty of time on my hands to read back issues of Michelle’s blog. Let’s talk if the opinions of a southern white republican woman doesn’t intimidate you.

    Julie

  40. LLoyd Says:

    Howie, now that you are back, what do you know about this talk of two royal aliens? I don’t believe it.

    You always have the facts at hand, so what’s the truth.

    Lloyd

  41. Emily Says:

    Go fly a Kite!

    A husband in his back yard is trying to fly a kite.
    He throws the kite up in the air, the wind catches it for a few seconds, then it comes crashing backdown to earth.

    He tries this a few more times with no success.
    All the while, his wife is watching from the kitchen window, Muttering to herself how men need to be told how to do everything.

    She opens the window and yells to her husband,
    ‘You need a piece of tail.’

    The man turns with a confused look on his face and says, ‘Make up your mind. Last night, you told me to go fly a kite.’

  42. General Info Says:

    What to Wear for Outdoor Winter Workouts

    Cedric X. Bryant, PhD
    American Council on Exercise

    The coldest days of winter have arrived — but there’s no need to stick to indoor exercise. When you’re outside:

    As you work out, more than 75% of the energy produced by your muscles is converted to heat, so you won’t feel cold for long…

    blood vessels in the skin’s surface, hands and feet constrict, diverting blood to your core, so vital internal organs stay warm…

    and the cold raises your metabolic rate, so you burn more calories than you would indoors. But whatever your workout — walking, running, skiing — you need to dress right.

    Key: Layers trap warm air close to your body and allow you to shed clothing if you get too warm.

    Guidelines…
    For your innermost layer, do not choose cotton — it absorbs sweat, leaving skin damp and cold.

    Better: Breathable synthetics, such as polypropylene, wick moisture away from skin. Try: Under Armour (888-727-6687, http://www.UnderArmour.com).

    The number of insulating middle layers (cotton shirts, a fleece vest) depends on the weather.

    Hint: If hands and feet are cold, add another shirt — so your core has spare heat to share with your extremities. Avoid bulky movement-constricting garments.

    For your outermost layer, choose a jacket that is water-, snow- and wind-proof, such as Gore-Tex (800-467-3839, http://www.Gore-Tex.com).

    Choose a wool or synthetic skull-type hat that covers your ears.

    Opt for wool or fleece-lined mittens so fingers can share heat.

    Wear moisture-wicking polyester blend socks, such as Thorlos CoolMax (www.Thorlo.com), and waterproof shoes. Damp feet are blister-prone.

    Wrap a scarf loosely around your face. This warms and moistens air, making it easier to breathe.

    Helpful: Before you wrap up, protect your face with sunscreen, moisturizer and lip balm.

    Women’s Health interviewed Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, chief science officer and vice president of educational services, American Council on Exercise, San Diego.

    He is author or coauthor of numerous books, including Strength Training for Women (Human Kinetics). http://www.AceFitness.org

  43. Doug The Main Dude Says:

    Steve, So you “allowed” your wife…I guess that makes you god…

  44. Al Says:

    Sure Linda,

    “Whatever you say” We can become blog friends.

    Bye-Bye,
    Al

  45. Michelle Moquin’s “A day in the life of…” » Blog Archive » More Is Not Better Says:

    [...] Kelly: I am assuming that this is an alias name and you are from Egypt. I don’t believe the men will make your lives better either. So those questions are tough to answer. I have never been in your position. You have a strength that most women in America have never had to summon. You are “expected to accept that you will not be treated equally”.  It isn’t fair, but in life many things are not fair. If they were we wouldn’t be having this conversation and the world wouldn’t be in the state that it is in. Not exactly what you wanted to hear from me, I am sure. But it is the hand that has been dealt, so how do we change it? [...]

  46. Znak towarowy wspólnoty Says:

    Wycena znaków towarowych…

    Michelle Moquin’s “A day in the life of…” » Blog Archive » Food Matters…