Check out this Duluth news story: there's a lot more going on than we can understand. But we desperately need to look for answers.
True
· Duluth News Tribune ·
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Dog, puppies available from Animal Advocates
True is passing along this info from our dedicated Animal Advocates. I'll skip the lecture, this time, about people not taking responsibility for companion animals under their care.....
Please, if you can, take one of these dogs into your home and your heart, and commit to meeting their welfare and needs.
True
From: "Animal Advocates" =
To: news@boreal.org
Subject: dog/puppies available
Date: Thu, 31 May 2007 18:13:51 -0500
We have two five month old rot shep mixes, vet checked, first shots.
Both these boys are going to be big.
Also, a two year old rot mix,fixed, current shots. He is lovable and quite
the ham. Very strong dog needs room to play and a strong arm. Quite
trainable and loves people. Good with kids but not recommended for a home with small
children as he is too playful.
e mail or 387 1781
--"Advocating for the stray and unwanted animals in the Arrowhead
Region of
Minnesota"
Boreal Access Web Mailer
Please, if you can, take one of these dogs into your home and your heart, and commit to meeting their welfare and needs.
True
From: "Animal Advocates"
To: news@boreal.org
Subject: dog/puppies available
Date: Thu, 31 May 2007 18:13:51 -0500
We have two five month old rot shep mixes, vet checked, first shots.
Both these boys are going to be big.
Also, a two year old rot mix,fixed, current shots. He is lovable and quite
the ham. Very strong dog needs room to play and a strong arm. Quite
trainable and loves people. Good with kids but not recommended for a home with small
children as he is too playful.
e mail or 387 1781
--"Advocating for the stray and unwanted animals in the Arrowhead
Region of
Minnesota"
Boreal Access Web Mailer
Oberstar Announces Assistance for Businesses Hit by Ham Lake Fire
US Rep. Jim Oberstar, ably assisted by Senator Amy Klobuchar, have gotten support for Ham Lake victims despite a rather deaf ear turned to us by Dubya who probably never heard of the Boundary Waters wilderness and couldn't care less. Thanks!
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Announces Assistance for Businesses Hit by Ham Lake Fire
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Announces Assistance for Businesses Hit by Ham Lake Fire
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
On Cindy Sheehan
Cindy Sheehan is that one person who changed the world. When her son Casey died in Iraq she asked Dubya repeatedly why he died: For what noble cause? She was just a pest when she started out and Dubs brushed her easily aside. But today her devotion has brought the US and the world to ask the same questions: What noble cause?
Cindy did not relent when the Dems caved, providing funds without limits for the Iraq war to the crazed "Decider." She will never relent, and nor will True.
But, it hurts when your own base throws mud on you. It really hurts especially when you have given every penny, and every ounce of energy that you have to stop this insane, immoral, unjust, and yes, evil, war....
Check out this story about Cindy... Cindy, my heroine, my saint, my inspiration, and just another human being who needs us to stand up and be counted for peace.
On Cindy Sheehan - CommonDreams.org - Breaking News & Views for the Progressive Community
Cindy did not relent when the Dems caved, providing funds without limits for the Iraq war to the crazed "Decider." She will never relent, and nor will True.
But, it hurts when your own base throws mud on you. It really hurts especially when you have given every penny, and every ounce of energy that you have to stop this insane, immoral, unjust, and yes, evil, war....
Check out this story about Cindy... Cindy, my heroine, my saint, my inspiration, and just another human being who needs us to stand up and be counted for peace.
On Cindy Sheehan - CommonDreams.org - Breaking News & Views for the Progressive Community
Plenty of good news
The amazing WTIP continues with its world-class coverage of the Ham Lake fire and aftermath. Things True learned about today:
The 6,000 donated white pines planted last weekend in a volunteer effort of about 170 folks, half perhaps from the Cities.
How Jim Oberstar and Amy Klobuchar were up the Trail listening to our concerns.
And the good news reported to boreal today, from the Gunflint Trail Association (also reported today on WTIP) about Oberstar's work on our behalf:
Congressman Oberstar has heard our call! After meeting with representatives of the Cook County Sheriff's department the USFS, Gunflint Trail businesses, & residents, here is his report to us:1. He has met with the head of FEMA who has agreed to expedite the production and installation of the phone cable.2. The sprinkler program with FEMA will be repeated. FEMA will pay 75% with a 25% participant match for new system installations, existing system upgrades, or repairs to damaged systems.3. The Director of FEMA (feeling a 800 Mhz system would not be appropriate for this area) will be contacting the Sheriffs office and the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department to get an appropriate communication system for the Gunflint Trail.4. The Director of FEMA and Congressman Oberstar have both looked at theapplication by the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department for the pumper truck. FEMA will contact the GTVFD directly to help write an application that will be approved.5. Congressman Oberstar has also been in touch with the Small Business Administration to see what they could do to help businesses. Two regional SBA representatives will visit Grand Marais to assist people impacted by the fire to get loans directly from the SBA. They have asked the Governor to fax the necessary letter to the SBA where it will be immediately approved. Once approved the SBA people can start issuing loans.6. Finally, FEMA has really nice trailers available for temporary use while rebuilding. The trailers are currently in another state. The Congressman needs to know how many trailers people will need to use while they rebuild. Congressman Oberstar says they are "nice trailers".Watch the http://www.gunflint911.org website to sign up to receive information regarding FEMA assistance for Wildfire Sprinkler Systems. A sign-up form should be available at that site within the next day or so. Our heartfelt thanks to Congressman Oberstar, for his prompt attention and response to our needs.
Lee Kerfoot & Shari Baker
Gunflint Trail Assoication
The 6,000 donated white pines planted last weekend in a volunteer effort of about 170 folks, half perhaps from the Cities.
How Jim Oberstar and Amy Klobuchar were up the Trail listening to our concerns.
And the good news reported to boreal today, from the Gunflint Trail Association (also reported today on WTIP) about Oberstar's work on our behalf:
Congressman Oberstar has heard our call! After meeting with representatives of the Cook County Sheriff's department the USFS, Gunflint Trail businesses, & residents, here is his report to us:1. He has met with the head of FEMA who has agreed to expedite the production and installation of the phone cable.2. The sprinkler program with FEMA will be repeated. FEMA will pay 75% with a 25% participant match for new system installations, existing system upgrades, or repairs to damaged systems.3. The Director of FEMA (feeling a 800 Mhz system would not be appropriate for this area) will be contacting the Sheriffs office and the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department to get an appropriate communication system for the Gunflint Trail.4. The Director of FEMA and Congressman Oberstar have both looked at theapplication by the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department for the pumper truck. FEMA will contact the GTVFD directly to help write an application that will be approved.5. Congressman Oberstar has also been in touch with the Small Business Administration to see what they could do to help businesses. Two regional SBA representatives will visit Grand Marais to assist people impacted by the fire to get loans directly from the SBA. They have asked the Governor to fax the necessary letter to the SBA where it will be immediately approved. Once approved the SBA people can start issuing loans.6. Finally, FEMA has really nice trailers available for temporary use while rebuilding. The trailers are currently in another state. The Congressman needs to know how many trailers people will need to use while they rebuild. Congressman Oberstar says they are "nice trailers".Watch the http://www.gunflint911.org website to sign up to receive information regarding FEMA assistance for Wildfire Sprinkler Systems. A sign-up form should be available at that site within the next day or so. Our heartfelt thanks to Congressman Oberstar, for his prompt attention and response to our needs.
Lee Kerfoot & Shari Baker
Gunflint Trail Assoication
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
The Goods on Goodling and the Keys to the Kingdom
This is IT, folks! Caging, the felony that stole the 2004 election. We already knew that Florida's Bushies backed by the Supremes stole 2000. What journalist will have the courage to publish this in the MSM?
No wonder they "lost" the emails. We know of the many high crimes and misdemeanors but only Monica Goodling has clued us in to how the election theft was managed.....
While the MSM agonizes over Rosie and American Idol, the truth is once again hidden. What will it take? Nuking Iran? Doubling troops in Iraq? Stealing Iraqi oil reserves while gouging us with gas prices? Torturing prisoners? Secret prisons? Spying on all of us in our homes, our castles?
What will it take for YOU to stand up and be counted, you shy Norwegians?
The Goods on Goodling and the Keys to the Kingdom
By Greg Palast
BradBlog.com
Thursday 24 May 2007
And the no longer "missing" Rove emails revealing the cagey scheme to steal 2008...
This Monica revealed something hotter - much hotter - than a stained blue dress. In her opening testimony yesterday before the House Judiciary Committee, Monica Goodling, the blonde-ling underling to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and Department of Justice Liaison to the White House, dropped The Big One.... And the Committee members didn't even know it.
Goodling testified that Gonzales' Chief of Staff, Kyle Sampson, perjured himself, lying to the committee in earlier testimony. The lie: Sampson denied Monica had told him about Tim Griffin's "involvement in 'caging' voters" in 2004.
Huh?? Tim Griffin? "Caging"???
The perplexed committee members hadn't a clue - and asked no substantive questions about it thereafter. Karl Rove is still smiling. If the members had gotten the clue, and asked the right questions, they would have found "the keys to the kingdom," they thought they were looking for. They dangled right in front of their perplexed faces.
The keys: the missing emails - and missing link - that could send Griffin and his boss, Rove, to the slammer for a long, long time.
Kingdom enough for ya?
But what's 'caging' and why is it such a dreadful secret that lawyer Sampson put his license to practice and his freedom on the line to cover Tim Griffin's involvement in it? Because it's a felony. And a big one.
Our BBC team broke the story at the top of the nightly news everywhere on the planet - except the USA - only because America's news networks simply refused to cover this evidence of the electoral coup d'etat that chose our President in 2004.
Here's how caging worked, and along with Griffin's thoughtful emails themselves you'll understand it all in no time.
The Bush-Cheney operatives sent hundreds of thousands of letters marked "Do not forward" to voters' homes. Letters returned ("caged") were used as evidence to block these voters' right to cast a ballot on grounds they were registered at phony addresses. Who were the evil fakers? Homeless men, students on vacation and - you got to love this - American soldiers. Oh yeah: most of them are Black voters.
Why weren't these African-American voters home when the Republican letters arrived? The homeless men were on park benches, the students were on vacation - and the soldiers were overseas. Go to Baghdad, lose your vote. Mission Accomplished.
How do I know? I have the caging lists...
I have them because they are attached to the emails Rove insists can't be found. I have the emails. 500 of them - sent to our team at BBC after the Rove-bots accidentally sent them to a web domain owned by our friend John Wooden.
Here's what you need to know - and the Committee would have discovered, if only they'd asked:
1. 'Caging' voters is a crime, a go-to-jail felony. 2. Griffin wasn't "involved" in the caging, Ms. Goodling. Griffin, Rove's right-hand man (right-hand claw), was directing the illegal purge and challenge campaign. How do I know? It's in the email I got. Thanks. And it's posted above. 3. On December 7, 2006, the ragin', cagin' Griffin was named, on Rove's personal demand, US Attorney for Arkansas. Perpetrator became prosecutor.
The committee was perplexed about Monica's panicked admission and accusations about the caging list because the US press never covered it. That's because, as Griffin wrote to Goodling in yet another email (dated February 6 of this year, and posted here), their caging operation only made the news on BBC London: busted open, Griffin bitched, by that "British reporter," Greg Palast.
There's no pride in this. Our BBC team broke the story at the top of the nightly news everywhere on the planet - except the USA - only because America's news networks simply refused to cover this evidence of the electoral coup d'etat that chose our President in 2004.
And now, not bothering to understand the astonishing revelation in Goodling's confessional, they are missing the real story behind the firing of the US attorneys. It's not about removing prosecutors disloyal to Bush, it's about replacing those who refused to aid the theft of the vote in 2004 with those prepared to burgle it again in 2008.
Now that they have the keys, let's see if they can put them in the right door. The clock is ticking ladies and gents...
No wonder they "lost" the emails. We know of the many high crimes and misdemeanors but only Monica Goodling has clued us in to how the election theft was managed.....
While the MSM agonizes over Rosie and American Idol, the truth is once again hidden. What will it take? Nuking Iran? Doubling troops in Iraq? Stealing Iraqi oil reserves while gouging us with gas prices? Torturing prisoners? Secret prisons? Spying on all of us in our homes, our castles?
What will it take for YOU to stand up and be counted, you shy Norwegians?
The Goods on Goodling and the Keys to the Kingdom
By Greg Palast
BradBlog.com
Thursday 24 May 2007
And the no longer "missing" Rove emails revealing the cagey scheme to steal 2008...
This Monica revealed something hotter - much hotter - than a stained blue dress. In her opening testimony yesterday before the House Judiciary Committee, Monica Goodling, the blonde-ling underling to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and Department of Justice Liaison to the White House, dropped The Big One.... And the Committee members didn't even know it.
Goodling testified that Gonzales' Chief of Staff, Kyle Sampson, perjured himself, lying to the committee in earlier testimony. The lie: Sampson denied Monica had told him about Tim Griffin's "involvement in 'caging' voters" in 2004.
Huh?? Tim Griffin? "Caging"???
The perplexed committee members hadn't a clue - and asked no substantive questions about it thereafter. Karl Rove is still smiling. If the members had gotten the clue, and asked the right questions, they would have found "the keys to the kingdom," they thought they were looking for. They dangled right in front of their perplexed faces.
The keys: the missing emails - and missing link - that could send Griffin and his boss, Rove, to the slammer for a long, long time.
Kingdom enough for ya?
But what's 'caging' and why is it such a dreadful secret that lawyer Sampson put his license to practice and his freedom on the line to cover Tim Griffin's involvement in it? Because it's a felony. And a big one.
Our BBC team broke the story at the top of the nightly news everywhere on the planet - except the USA - only because America's news networks simply refused to cover this evidence of the electoral coup d'etat that chose our President in 2004.
Here's how caging worked, and along with Griffin's thoughtful emails themselves you'll understand it all in no time.
The Bush-Cheney operatives sent hundreds of thousands of letters marked "Do not forward" to voters' homes. Letters returned ("caged") were used as evidence to block these voters' right to cast a ballot on grounds they were registered at phony addresses. Who were the evil fakers? Homeless men, students on vacation and - you got to love this - American soldiers. Oh yeah: most of them are Black voters.
Why weren't these African-American voters home when the Republican letters arrived? The homeless men were on park benches, the students were on vacation - and the soldiers were overseas. Go to Baghdad, lose your vote. Mission Accomplished.
How do I know? I have the caging lists...
I have them because they are attached to the emails Rove insists can't be found. I have the emails. 500 of them - sent to our team at BBC after the Rove-bots accidentally sent them to a web domain owned by our friend John Wooden.
Here's what you need to know - and the Committee would have discovered, if only they'd asked:
1. 'Caging' voters is a crime, a go-to-jail felony. 2. Griffin wasn't "involved" in the caging, Ms. Goodling. Griffin, Rove's right-hand man (right-hand claw), was directing the illegal purge and challenge campaign. How do I know? It's in the email I got. Thanks. And it's posted above. 3. On December 7, 2006, the ragin', cagin' Griffin was named, on Rove's personal demand, US Attorney for Arkansas. Perpetrator became prosecutor.
The committee was perplexed about Monica's panicked admission and accusations about the caging list because the US press never covered it. That's because, as Griffin wrote to Goodling in yet another email (dated February 6 of this year, and posted here), their caging operation only made the news on BBC London: busted open, Griffin bitched, by that "British reporter," Greg Palast.
There's no pride in this. Our BBC team broke the story at the top of the nightly news everywhere on the planet - except the USA - only because America's news networks simply refused to cover this evidence of the electoral coup d'etat that chose our President in 2004.
And now, not bothering to understand the astonishing revelation in Goodling's confessional, they are missing the real story behind the firing of the US attorneys. It's not about removing prosecutors disloyal to Bush, it's about replacing those who refused to aid the theft of the vote in 2004 with those prepared to burgle it again in 2008.
Now that they have the keys, let's see if they can put them in the right door. The clock is ticking ladies and gents...
Friday, May 25, 2007
AlterNet: War on Iraq: One-Third of Troops in Iraq Support Torture, Majority Condone Mistreating Innocent Civilians
Our soldiers are our children, and we love them.....
They would never sanction torture unless they were mesmerized by propaganda. War is hell. Over all the centuries we know about the cruelty of the predators and conquerors is well documented.
In future the people of America will be dismayed at the shattering of Iraqi society sponsored by the Bush administration.... Our beloved former president Jimmy Carter finally announced that the emporer is stark naked.
Please, people, don't let the Dem cave-in stop us from standing firm against an immoral, illegal and tragic war...
AlterNet: War on Iraq: One-Third of Troops in Iraq Support Torture, Majority Condone Mistreating Innocent Civilians
They would never sanction torture unless they were mesmerized by propaganda. War is hell. Over all the centuries we know about the cruelty of the predators and conquerors is well documented.
In future the people of America will be dismayed at the shattering of Iraqi society sponsored by the Bush administration.... Our beloved former president Jimmy Carter finally announced that the emporer is stark naked.
Please, people, don't let the Dem cave-in stop us from standing firm against an immoral, illegal and tragic war...
AlterNet: War on Iraq: One-Third of Troops in Iraq Support Torture, Majority Condone Mistreating Innocent Civilians
We Gave Them Our Hearts, They Gave Him A Blank Check - CommonDreams.org - Breaking News & Views for the Progressive Community
Even though True predicted the Dems would cave, the pain remains just the same.... True's heart is broken, for those whose lives will be lost, who will be maimed in both body and spirit, and who will be totally innocent victims of the Iraq civil war.
Apparently the will of the American people is not subject to elections. Last November it was made perfectly clear: end the war in Iraq.
The Dems we elected caved. It is a dark day.
We Gave Them Our Hearts, They Gave Him A Blank Check - CommonDreams.org - Breaking News & Views for the Progressive Community
Apparently the will of the American people is not subject to elections. Last November it was made perfectly clear: end the war in Iraq.
The Dems we elected caved. It is a dark day.
We Gave Them Our Hearts, They Gave Him A Blank Check - CommonDreams.org - Breaking News & Views for the Progressive Community
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Vote Alert: Dick Cheney Dems Plan to Hide Votes On Iraq - CommonDreams.org - Breaking News & Views for the Progressive Community
Oh, Cook County,
The personal is the political.... please don't act like Pelosi and Hillary and just play along... please keep informed with articles like this excellent one:
Vote Alert: Dick Cheney Dems Plan to Hide Votes On Iraq - CommonDreams.org - Breaking News & Views for the Progressive Community
The personal is the political.... please don't act like Pelosi and Hillary and just play along... please keep informed with articles like this excellent one:
Vote Alert: Dick Cheney Dems Plan to Hide Votes On Iraq - CommonDreams.org - Breaking News & Views for the Progressive Community
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Democrats Cave on Timetable
True really really hates to say I told you so. What the hell did we elect these bozo Dems for? They are lily-livered cowards and just as beholden to special interests as the evil Repugs.
Some Americans and thousands of Iraqis will die because the Dems have no guts. Billions more will be spent that could better be applied to our desperate domestic needs. Hatred of our country will multiply without limits.
The people of the United States will .... what? Cave like those Deficient Dems? or, Just Say No to more evil, unjust, stupid war.....
With just the faintest hope from True
Truthdig - Ear to the Ground - Democrats Cave on Timetable
Some Americans and thousands of Iraqis will die because the Dems have no guts. Billions more will be spent that could better be applied to our desperate domestic needs. Hatred of our country will multiply without limits.
The people of the United States will .... what? Cave like those Deficient Dems? or, Just Say No to more evil, unjust, stupid war.....
With just the faintest hope from True
Truthdig - Ear to the Ground - Democrats Cave on Timetable
Oberstar Introduces Clean Water Legislation
More good work by Jim Oberstar on behalf of clean water; follow the link
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Introduces Clean Water Legislation
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Introduces Clean Water Legislation
Sunday, May 20, 2007
With New Embassy, US Presence in Iraq Appears Permanent
Hello, Cook County,
Thought you might like to know that the US is looking to a permanent presence in Iraq. Can you say, stolen oil revenues? permanent military bases? global imperialism?
Check out this story:
With New Embassy, US Presence in Iraq Appears Permanent
Thought you might like to know that the US is looking to a permanent presence in Iraq. Can you say, stolen oil revenues? permanent military bases? global imperialism?
Check out this story:
With New Embassy, US Presence in Iraq Appears Permanent
GAO Says Homeland Security is Breaking Privacy Laws
What kind of country do we want to live in? I won't be flying to Hawaii like one of our luminous locals who found herself on the No-Fly list due to no fault of her own.
Well, I AM at fault in my unflagging criticism of this administration and its policies that increase terrorism and insecurity and death and dislocation and destruction and torture and hatred in our world. So, if I go, it will be across the border to Canada and I won't be coming back.
True
GAO Says Homeland Security is Breaking Privacy Laws
Well, I AM at fault in my unflagging criticism of this administration and its policies that increase terrorism and insecurity and death and dislocation and destruction and torture and hatred in our world. So, if I go, it will be across the border to Canada and I won't be coming back.
True
GAO Says Homeland Security is Breaking Privacy Laws
Ham Lake fire 100 percent contained in U.S.
Here's breaking news from the Duluth Tribune:
· Duluth News Tribune ·
As fire fighting winds down and our heroes maybe get some family time, I know we will all step up to the plate with kindness and help for those who lost their homes or still have major infrastructure needs.
Kindness is what we are about, same as the Dalai Lama who says, "Kindness is my religion."
True
· Duluth News Tribune ·
As fire fighting winds down and our heroes maybe get some family time, I know we will all step up to the plate with kindness and help for those who lost their homes or still have major infrastructure needs.
Kindness is what we are about, same as the Dalai Lama who says, "Kindness is my religion."
True
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Ham Lake 50 percent contained
True is signing off on Ham Lake fire coverage; there is so much good stuff out there, on boreal news, on WTIP, on Inciweb, and at the Community Center. Good news today; the combination of rain and heroic efforts by our fire and rescue folks have resulted in 50 percent containment in Cook County; Canada with less rain and more recent fires is looking at only 20 percent.
Today True heard stories of firefighters who worked 12-hour shifts in the wake of smoke, burned skin, and short rations. They perservered because they care, and also because the mutual aid support they got from each other inspired them to g0 one step beyond the call of duty. "I would have done it for nothing," said one young firefighter today, and he meant it.
In actual fact, there is no provision in the county and townships' contracts with the DNR for reimbursement to firefighters; this is expected to come out of the hourly rate for truck rentals. Nonetheless, the legislature is proposing a $750 bonus to local fire and rescue volunteers, and True feels sure we have not heard the last word on compensation for our heroes.
Today True heard stories of firefighters who worked 12-hour shifts in the wake of smoke, burned skin, and short rations. They perservered because they care, and also because the mutual aid support they got from each other inspired them to g0 one step beyond the call of duty. "I would have done it for nothing," said one young firefighter today, and he meant it.
In actual fact, there is no provision in the county and townships' contracts with the DNR for reimbursement to firefighters; this is expected to come out of the hourly rate for truck rentals. Nonetheless, the legislature is proposing a $750 bonus to local fire and rescue volunteers, and True feels sure we have not heard the last word on compensation for our heroes.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Ham Lake Updates: WTIP is the best
Today, WTIP's coverage of the Ham Lake fire is the best of all the website waters trolled daily by True. Here's the web link:
WTIP North Shore Radio - 90.7 FM
WTIP North Shore Radio - 90.7 FM
Sunday, May 13, 2007
InciWeb: Ham Lake Fire Wildland Fire
Latest this afternoon: fire is 15 percent contained; here's the link
InciWeb: Ham Lake Fire Wildland Fire
InciWeb: Ham Lake Fire Wildland Fire
Saturday, May 12, 2007
What can I do? Give to Northland Chapter of American Red Cross
From: Boreal news (Mary Petz)
Subject:
"What Can I Do?"
Date:
Fri, 11 May 2007 21:18:48 -0500
The questions "What can I do?" or "What do you need?" are so generously being repeatedly heard during this Ham Lake Fire situtation. What is really needed now is to rebuild the ability of the Northland Chapter of the American Red Cross to assist in this effort. Much money is being spent on food, lodging for evacuees, and other immediate needs. Donations of money are suggested as a meaningful way of helping the Northland Chapter as they help in Cook County. It is important for you to know that in order for your gift to be used in our area, it must be sent to the Northland Chapter at 2524 Maple Grove Road, Duluth, MN 55811. You may make contact by using the web address of redcrossnorthland.org, or by calling 1-800-950-4275. For the
fifth consecutive year, the American Red Cross has received a 4-star
rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of charities. Receiving four out of a possible four stars indicates that
the American Red Cross excels, as compared to other charities in America, in successfully managing the finances of the organization in an efficient and effective manner. Charity Navigator reported that 91.5% of all donor dollars to the American Red Cross is used for programs and services.
Administrative expenses make up only 5% and fundraising expenses attribute to the remaining 3.5% of all dollars collected. "These are exceptional results. The American Red Cross has received the 4-star rating each of the past four years.
This is a tribute to our hardworking staff and dedicated volunteers who
believe in the Red Cross mission," states Tony Guerra, Emergency Services Director of the Northland Chapter of the American Red Cross. Thank you for your consideration in helping others.
------------------------
Subject:
"What Can I Do?"
Date:
Fri, 11 May 2007 21:18:48 -0500
The questions "What can I do?" or "What do you need?" are so generously being repeatedly heard during this Ham Lake Fire situtation. What is really needed now is to rebuild the ability of the Northland Chapter of the American Red Cross to assist in this effort. Much money is being spent on food, lodging for evacuees, and other immediate needs. Donations of money are suggested as a meaningful way of helping the Northland Chapter as they help in Cook County. It is important for you to know that in order for your gift to be used in our area, it must be sent to the Northland Chapter at 2524 Maple Grove Road, Duluth, MN 55811. You may make contact by using the web address of redcrossnorthland.org, or by calling 1-800-950-4275. For the
fifth consecutive year, the American Red Cross has received a 4-star
rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of charities. Receiving four out of a possible four stars indicates that
the American Red Cross excels, as compared to other charities in America, in successfully managing the finances of the organization in an efficient and effective manner. Charity Navigator reported that 91.5% of all donor dollars to the American Red Cross is used for programs and services.
Administrative expenses make up only 5% and fundraising expenses attribute to the remaining 3.5% of all dollars collected. "These are exceptional results. The American Red Cross has received the 4-star rating each of the past four years.
This is a tribute to our hardworking staff and dedicated volunteers who
believe in the Red Cross mission," states Tony Guerra, Emergency Services Director of the Northland Chapter of the American Red Cross. Thank you for your consideration in helping others.
------------------------
Evacuation order lifted on parts of Gunflint Trail as fire calms
This story from the Duluth paper was also heard around town today, in stores and at the post office as grateful Trail residents prepared to go home:
· Duluth News Tribune ·
· Duluth News Tribune ·
Friday, May 11, 2007
We've got a friend
Energy and climate change: the ultra fears for all of us who care about the future of the planet after we check out. Our own Rep. Jim Oberstar stands up to be counted on this issue and also provides us with helpful information....
Let's be a part of the solution and help the good guys like Oberstar kick some butt.
True
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Chairs Hearing on Energy and Global Climate Change
Let's be a part of the solution and help the good guys like Oberstar kick some butt.
True
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Chairs Hearing on Energy and Global Climate Change
Fire doubles since yesterday
Readers, please send your suggestions about how we can help our neighbors and friends and fire and rescue heroes in this escalating crisis. We would only make it worse by going up there, but surely there are things we can do from here. Can we donate food? Places to stay? Offer some respite care for exhausted families and rescue workers? Serve as messengers?
Here's today's latest Duluth news story:
· Duluth News Tribune ·
Here's today's latest Duluth news story:
· Duluth News Tribune ·
Thursday, May 10, 2007
AlterNet: War on Iraq: Tension Mounts as Antiwar Movement Challenges Dems' Commitment to Stop the War
True here. This story by Matt Taibbi for RollingStone.com shows off the Emporer prancing around in his birthday suit.
MSM fails us again. Two things True finds most reprehensible:
1) blaming the victim: the Iraqi government is a puppet of the US and making them take responsibility for benchmarks is like making the sheep take responsibility for the wolves.
2) Oil takeover: nobody but nobody, MSM, Dems or Repugnants, have mentioned that the war funding bills require Iraq to sign over huge chunks of their oil revenues to to foreign companies. And who do you think will reap this bonanza? And HOW can anybody justify it?
If you are willing to look at complexities and ponder them before endorsing legislation that blames the Iraqi victims and strips them of their revenue stream after destroying their country, read on:
AlterNet: War on Iraq: Tension Mounts as Antiwar Movement Challenges Dems' Commitment to Stop the War
MSM fails us again. Two things True finds most reprehensible:
1) blaming the victim: the Iraqi government is a puppet of the US and making them take responsibility for benchmarks is like making the sheep take responsibility for the wolves.
2) Oil takeover: nobody but nobody, MSM, Dems or Repugnants, have mentioned that the war funding bills require Iraq to sign over huge chunks of their oil revenues to to foreign companies. And who do you think will reap this bonanza? And HOW can anybody justify it?
If you are willing to look at complexities and ponder them before endorsing legislation that blames the Iraqi victims and strips them of their revenue stream after destroying their country, read on:
AlterNet: War on Iraq: Tension Mounts as Antiwar Movement Challenges Dems' Commitment to Stop the War
Gunfllint fire jumps line
This late-breaking story from the Duluth News Tribune provides helpful info for us here in Cook County:
Gunflint fire jumps line
Gunflint fire jumps line
InciWeb: Ham Lake Fire Wildland Fire
Latest report from InciWeb including new evacuation order this afternoon:
InciWeb: Ham Lake Fire Wildland Fire
InciWeb: Ham Lake Fire Wildland Fire
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Firefighters hope burnout will create firebreak
Today: A new controlled burn was put in place in an effort to preserve housing around Magnetic Lake from wind shifts. Keep up-to-date with this link as well as http://www.WTIP.org.news/ and the USFS links previously posted.
News Express » Archive » Firefighters conduct burnout to help block returning blaze
News Express » Archive » Firefighters conduct burnout to help block returning blaze
Catholics, Baptists dominate Congress
By a wide majority, Catholics are the most represented group in Congress (155 members), followed by Baptists (59 members). For us Minnesotans, there are only 17 Lutherans! Can you believe it? Still, there are 37 Episcopalians and despite some criticism these two Protestant sects have merged to some extent. (Think, Garrison Keillor: I've got nothing against Episcopalians, but I'm a Lutheran till I die.")
True was just wondering about the demographics of Congress. In a country where freedom of speech and religion are guaranteed, this should not matter.... but, today, we have presidentially sanctioned limits on both speech and religion..... True himself adamantly supports freedom of religion and separation of church and state. But that's a sword that cuts both ways.
Today the pope reiterated the Catholic position on abortion. Baptists are not really well known for ecumenical thinking, or even reconciling congregations. True just wonders to what extent the religious makeup of Congress determines its vote, no matter what the religious or non-religious makeup of its constituency. Just wondering, just asking.
True
FCNL: Legislative Action Center
True was just wondering about the demographics of Congress. In a country where freedom of speech and religion are guaranteed, this should not matter.... but, today, we have presidentially sanctioned limits on both speech and religion..... True himself adamantly supports freedom of religion and separation of church and state. But that's a sword that cuts both ways.
Today the pope reiterated the Catholic position on abortion. Baptists are not really well known for ecumenical thinking, or even reconciling congregations. True just wonders to what extent the religious makeup of Congress determines its vote, no matter what the religious or non-religious makeup of its constituency. Just wondering, just asking.
True
FCNL: Legislative Action Center
InciWeb: Ham Lake Fire Update
WTIP has been providing super coverage of the Ham Lake Fire, but if you can't listen in here is another web site that has the very latest. (Well, if it is working; there have been some problems the last couple of days).... But just keep clicking on links about the Ham Lake fire and it is all out there.
True
InciWeb: Ham Lake Fire Update
True
InciWeb: Ham Lake Fire Update
Foster mom asks True for backbone on issues
I almost missed this very excellent letter from Foster Mom, which was in response to a True post about the "poor tax" (i.e., new sales tax).
Others have also said we should not be anonymous. Mom makes a good point. Please share your thoughts.
True
Have a voice, people. What you think is important. Regardless of the popularity. I like this site for its voice but to be anonymous is chicken shit. It is like all the people at the local watering holes running their mouths about what should be done, while doing nothing themselves. It is a waste of time if you don't have the backbone to stand up for what you think and believe. I have a sick mother, I have a very sick father, I have work, I have dogs. I have no time for other crap.
But I begged people to come to "the meeting". True north posted it. Very few of you came came. Restaurant owners did. We beat our part of of it but when the vote came for the rest of it ... I said, "Who is here to speak for the outfitters, the other people?" and about six people raised their hands. Somebody has to speak out!!
Anonymous people deserve what they get. Nothing. We needed your opinions then! Before it left Cook County.
Sarah Hamilton
Trail Center Lodge
Others have also said we should not be anonymous. Mom makes a good point. Please share your thoughts.
True
Have a voice, people. What you think is important. Regardless of the popularity. I like this site for its voice but to be anonymous is chicken shit. It is like all the people at the local watering holes running their mouths about what should be done, while doing nothing themselves. It is a waste of time if you don't have the backbone to stand up for what you think and believe. I have a sick mother, I have a very sick father, I have work, I have dogs. I have no time for other crap.
But I begged people to come to "the meeting". True north posted it. Very few of you came came. Restaurant owners did. We beat our part of of it but when the vote came for the rest of it ... I said, "Who is here to speak for the outfitters, the other people?" and about six people raised their hands. Somebody has to speak out!!
Anonymous people deserve what they get. Nothing. We needed your opinions then! Before it left Cook County.
Sarah Hamilton
Trail Center Lodge
The People's Emergency Funding Bill, and other anti-veto outrage
Today the president with all the symptoms of sociopathic personality disorder vetoed the limp and lame bill offered by Congress to fund his illegal, immoral and bloody war just because they suggested in a non-binding way that we might want to start to withdraw. This comes after his humongous hurbris and chutzpah in deciding to "surge" the troops when everybody else wanted to get out.
The agenda was written years ago by the American Reich (read: Rove, Cheney and the ultra-right, ultra-rich), which lets its toadie prez pull his cowboy maneuvers so that they can take over Iraq's oil fields. Yes, people, wake up: this bill requires Iraq to sign over its oil rights to us, it gives every penny asked for including the highly paid and unaccountable "shadow army" of mercenaries hired by Blackwater. Despite the fact that Iraqis and Americans alike want us to get out, that the 2006 elections showed an angry electorate wants us out, despite the fact that we never should have been there in the first place, despite the fact that sooner or later the American people will know what the rest of the world already knows: The president is the most hated guy on the planet. The MSM has done an exemplary job of not covering the issues, or the facts, about this war for oil or what the rest of the world thinks of us, which used to be considered part of statesmanship and diplomacy. These old-fashioned notions no longer apply because the Decider says he doesn't have meet with world leaders unless he feels like it, BUT he can give backrubs at state dinners if they are female.
So. What to do? United for Peace and Justice has some ideas. Seems like folks in Cook County just might be too embarrassed to stand on street corners and kick up a fuss. So, The People's Emergency Funding Bill is something easy, something anybody and everybody can do from the privacy of home.
Just download the "bill," then download addresses and fax numbers, then send the bill to the lawmakers who are apparently too cowed by the Decider to make laws.
True
TAKE ACTION TODAY!
* Join and help build an emergency veto action in your area. And it's not too late to organize an action! Click here for ideas.
* Write letters to the editors of your local news outlets.
* Call into local radio talk shows.
* Call the offices of your members of Congress.
* Show Congress what kind of funding bill YOU want them to pass!
Download and deliver ";The People's Emergency Funding Bill," by fax or in person, to your representative's and senators' local and Washington DC offices. (Click here to find their office addresses and fax numbers.)
The agenda was written years ago by the American Reich (read: Rove, Cheney and the ultra-right, ultra-rich), which lets its toadie prez pull his cowboy maneuvers so that they can take over Iraq's oil fields. Yes, people, wake up: this bill requires Iraq to sign over its oil rights to us, it gives every penny asked for including the highly paid and unaccountable "shadow army" of mercenaries hired by Blackwater. Despite the fact that Iraqis and Americans alike want us to get out, that the 2006 elections showed an angry electorate wants us out, despite the fact that we never should have been there in the first place, despite the fact that sooner or later the American people will know what the rest of the world already knows: The president is the most hated guy on the planet. The MSM has done an exemplary job of not covering the issues, or the facts, about this war for oil or what the rest of the world thinks of us, which used to be considered part of statesmanship and diplomacy. These old-fashioned notions no longer apply because the Decider says he doesn't have meet with world leaders unless he feels like it, BUT he can give backrubs at state dinners if they are female.
So. What to do? United for Peace and Justice has some ideas. Seems like folks in Cook County just might be too embarrassed to stand on street corners and kick up a fuss. So, The People's Emergency Funding Bill is something easy, something anybody and everybody can do from the privacy of home.
Just download the "bill," then download addresses and fax numbers, then send the bill to the lawmakers who are apparently too cowed by the Decider to make laws.
True
TAKE ACTION TODAY!
* Join and help build an emergency veto action in your area. And it's not too late to organize an action! Click here for ideas.
* Write letters to the editors of your local news outlets.
* Call into local radio talk shows.
* Call the offices of your members of Congress.
* Show Congress what kind of funding bill YOU want them to pass!
Download and deliver ";The People's Emergency Funding Bill," by fax or in person, to your representative's and senators' local and Washington DC offices. (Click here to find their office addresses and fax numbers.)
Links for Ham Lake fire info
In case you missed the earlier comments from bwca, fire information can be found online at:
http://www.HamLakeFire.com
and
http://www.BWCAFire.com
http://www.HamLakeFire.com
and
http://www.BWCAFire.com
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Losses on Gunflint Trail heavy with tears
Here's a feature from the Strib, an unusual and personal take on the Ham Lake fire that brings it right home for us who live here. Check out the link:
Losses on Gunflint Trail heavy with tears
Losses on Gunflint Trail heavy with tears
Can you foster or adopt these incarcerated young dogs?
Help! Four puppies and a yearling need fostering and/or GOOD homes. Good means being committed to the difficult task of training for these younglings, with shepherd and rottweiler genes that require a firm and steady hand.
Animal Advocates doesn't lecture, but True can. It's a crime that people allow their animals to breed indiscrimately and then abandon the offspring. It's a crime that people get cute, free puppies and then abandon them when they need to be trained and spay/neutered.
It's a crime, and maybe there is nothing to be done about it. But, those of us who care need to take responsibility. We need to open our hearts to unwanted pets who can't survive on their own, who have been bred for hundreds or thousands of years as human companions.
SO, you can't adopt. Can you foster? So, you can't foster. Can you help to find foster homes? Can you offer training? Low-cost spay/neuter?
The Animal Advocates don't have money to hire trainers or pay for vets. All they have to offer is love and a commitment to save lives and find truly good homes.
From:
"Animal Advocates" View Contact Details Add Mobile Alert
To:
news@boreal.org
Subject:
four shep pups still need homes
Date:
Tue, 8 May 2007 17:18:08 -0500
four month old and full of life.......been cooped up in pound for
over a
week. Need help to foster or permanent home for the three boys and one
lady.
Foster one or more,just need to get them in a setting where they can be
puppies.. e mail or call 387 1781
--"Advocating for the stray and unwanted animals in the Arrowhead
Region of
Minnesota"
Boreal Access Web Mailer
From:
"Animal Advocates"View Contact Details Add Mobile Alert
To:
news@boreal.org
Subject:
young male rot mix needs home
Date:
Tue, 8 May 2007 17:15:08 -0500
Jones is a year old,fixed,current shots. He is very affectionate
and
needs a yard or lots of walks. Sweetest face around. He has been in the
pound
too long. If interested e mail or call 387 1781, Foster or forever
home
needed. Gay
--"Advocating for the stray and unwanted animals in the Arrowhead
Region of
Minnesota"
Boreal Access Web Mailer
Animal Advocates doesn't lecture, but True can. It's a crime that people allow their animals to breed indiscrimately and then abandon the offspring. It's a crime that people get cute, free puppies and then abandon them when they need to be trained and spay/neutered.
It's a crime, and maybe there is nothing to be done about it. But, those of us who care need to take responsibility. We need to open our hearts to unwanted pets who can't survive on their own, who have been bred for hundreds or thousands of years as human companions.
SO, you can't adopt. Can you foster? So, you can't foster. Can you help to find foster homes? Can you offer training? Low-cost spay/neuter?
The Animal Advocates don't have money to hire trainers or pay for vets. All they have to offer is love and a commitment to save lives and find truly good homes.
From:
"Animal Advocates"
To:
news@boreal.org
Subject:
four shep pups still need homes
Date:
Tue, 8 May 2007 17:18:08 -0500
four month old and full of life.......been cooped up in pound for
over a
week. Need help to foster or permanent home for the three boys and one
lady.
Foster one or more,just need to get them in a setting where they can be
puppies.. e mail or call 387 1781
--"Advocating for the stray and unwanted animals in the Arrowhead
Region of
Minnesota"
Boreal Access Web Mailer
From:
"Animal Advocates"
To:
news@boreal.org
Subject:
young male rot mix needs home
Date:
Tue, 8 May 2007 17:15:08 -0500
Jones is a year old,fixed,current shots. He is very affectionate
and
needs a yard or lots of walks. Sweetest face around. He has been in the
pound
too long. If interested e mail or call 387 1781, Foster or forever
home
needed. Gay
--"Advocating for the stray and unwanted animals in the Arrowhead
Region of
Minnesota"
Boreal Access Web Mailer
Deadly Dust: Study Suggests Cancer Risk from Depleted Uranium - CommonDreams.org - Breaking News & Views for the Progressive Community
True has been dismayed at the number of young environmentalists who think nuclear energy is a "clean" alternative to carbon emissions. He will be passing along studies that suggest enormous damages to health of all beings from spent uranium, which can never be safely disposed of. True was alive in World War II when the Bomb dropped on Japan devastated a generation or two in its impact, long after the immediate death toll. Perhaps the young don't read history? School funding has been sadly diminished over the past quarter-century.
Deadly Dust: Study Suggests Cancer Risk from Depleted Uranium - CommonDreams.org - Breaking News & Views for the Progressive Community
Deadly Dust: Study Suggests Cancer Risk from Depleted Uranium - CommonDreams.org - Breaking News & Views for the Progressive Community
Latest on Ham Lake fire Tuesday afternoon
This link to the Duluth coverage of the Ham Lake fire includes a link to all the stories by reporter John Myers.
Note Pawlenty's insulting remark that we need to be "more coordinated." This comes from the governor who has relentlessly cut aid to local governments. Does he even know that our Fire and Rescue teams up here are all volunteer and that they cover huge areas? Does he care?
· Duluth News Tribune ·
Note Pawlenty's insulting remark that we need to be "more coordinated." This comes from the governor who has relentlessly cut aid to local governments. Does he even know that our Fire and Rescue teams up here are all volunteer and that they cover huge areas? Does he care?
· Duluth News Tribune ·
Monday, May 07, 2007
Ham Lake fire presages seasonal danger
The Ham Lake fire is among the worst in decades. Firefighters from all over the U.S. have arrived to help in containment. Homes have been destroyed. People have been evacuated. All of this is good.
But, given the clear signals, why was there no alert until the conflagration burned beyond repair?
Check out this update:
· Duluth News Tr
But, given the clear signals, why was there no alert until the conflagration burned beyond repair?
Check out this update:
· Duluth News Tr
UN Scientists Warn Time Is Running Out to Tackle Global Warming
There is NO time to waste on corporate lobbying, NO time to waste on reducing carbon emissions, NO time to waste on global warming. It is here, it is now, and it must be dealt with here and now. IF we want our children and grandchildren to know this planet as we know it, IF we want to have biological diversity and even enough food to eat while enormous forces of nature re-define our environment.
Eight years? So far it is four years and counting of a Repug Reich war over oil profits that apparently cannot be reined in. So far the big oil profiteers have reduced life forms on the planet not only by their disastrous carbon emissions but also by dumping toxic wastes in equatorial waters, by lobbying for oil drilling in coastal waters and the Alaskan wilderness, by oil spills that kill aquatic life and pollute the oceans, and by robbing other nations of the oil revenues which in many cases are their only assets.
True urges everybody to look to their carbon footprint personally, but MUCH more important, to speak out against the huge international corporations that want to devour the planet wholesale.
Here's the link:
UN Scientists Warn Time Is Running Out to Tackle Global Warming
Eight years? So far it is four years and counting of a Repug Reich war over oil profits that apparently cannot be reined in. So far the big oil profiteers have reduced life forms on the planet not only by their disastrous carbon emissions but also by dumping toxic wastes in equatorial waters, by lobbying for oil drilling in coastal waters and the Alaskan wilderness, by oil spills that kill aquatic life and pollute the oceans, and by robbing other nations of the oil revenues which in many cases are their only assets.
True urges everybody to look to their carbon footprint personally, but MUCH more important, to speak out against the huge international corporations that want to devour the planet wholesale.
Here's the link:
UN Scientists Warn Time Is Running Out to Tackle Global Warming
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Evacuation order in effect along Gunflint Trail
Here's the latest from Duluth about the mandatory Gunflint Trail evacuation order to the north and west of the Cross River:
· Duluth News Tribune ·
· Duluth News Tribune ·
Saturday, May 05, 2007
BWCA fire spreads in Cook Coungty
600-acre fire at Ham Lake, 25 miles NW of Grand Marais, kicks off 2007 fire season:
· Duluth News Tribune ·
· Duluth News Tribune ·
Urgent FDA Warning re antidepressants for kids
There's still time to call legislators who are on the conference committee regarding HF6, "safe" schools (i.e. "war is peace"-get it?) regarding the dangerous TEENSCREEN legislation authored by a board member of the Teenscreen group herself!
Controversy and conflict of interest abound on this one, let alone the irresponsible and dangerous consequences to
our children, let alone parent's rights. CALL NOW the numbers listed at the end of this email. It is vitally important that
the legislators are not swayed by those who stand to make money on this deal. See the latest from the FDA below.
NOTE: THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO HAVE COME OUT IN SUPPORT OF THIS LEGISLATION ARE THOSE WHO STAND TO MAKE MONEY FROM IT. WHERE ARE THE PARENTS AND STUDENTS WHO HAVE SUPPOSEDLY BENEFITTED FROM THIS? THEY DON'T EXIST!
Can this be any more clear??? Call your legislator NOW. See this week's articles on this issue below:
FDA News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 2, 2007
Media Inquiries: Sandy Walsh, 301-827-6242Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
FDA Proposes New Warnings About Suicidal Thinking, Behavior in Young Adults Who Take Antidepressant Medications
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today proposed that makers of all antidepressant medications update the existing black box warning on their products' labeling to include warnings about increased risks of suicidal thinking and behavior, known as suicidality, in young adults ages 18 to 24 during initial treatment (generally the first one to two months).
The proposed labeling changes also include language stating that scientific data did not show this increased risk in adults older than 24, and that adults ages 65 and older taking antidepressants have a decreased risk of suicidality. The proposed warning statements emphasize that depression and certain other serious psychiatric disorders are themselves the most important causes of suicide.
"Today's actions represent FDA's commitment to a high level of post-marketing evaluation of drug products," said Steven Galson, M.D., MPH, director of FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "Depression and other psychiatric disorders can have significant consequences if not appropriately treated. Antidepressant medications benefit many patients, but it is important that doctors and patients are aware of the risks."
People currently prescribed antidepressant medications should not stop taking them. Those who have concerns should notify their health care providers.
The proposed labeling changes apply to the entire category of antidepressants. Results of individual placebo-controlled scientific studies are reasonably consistent in showing a slight increase in suicidality for patients taking antidepressants in early treatment for most of the medications. Available data are not sufficient to exclude any single medication from the increased risk of suicidality.
The proposed labeling update follows similar labeling changes made in 2005 that warned of a suicidality risk in children and adolescents who use antidepressants. At that time, FDA asked manufacturers to add a black box warning to the labeling of all antidepressants to describe this risk and to emphasize the need for appropriate monitoring and close observation, particularly for younger patients taking these medications. In addition, FDA directed manufacturers to develop Medication Guides, FDA-approved user-friendly information for patients, families and caregivers, that could help improve monitoring. Medication Guides are intended to be distributed at the pharmacy with each prescription or refill of a medication.
Also in 2005, FDA began a comprehensive review of 295 individual antidepressant trials that included over 77,000 adult patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders, to examine the risk of suicidality in adults who are prescribed antidepressants.
In December 2006, FDA's Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee agreed that labeling changes were needed to inform health care professionals about the increased risk of suicidality in younger adults using antidepressants. Additionally, the committee noted product labeling needed to reflect the apparent beneficial effect of antidepressants in older adults and to remind health care professionals that the disorders themselves are the most important cause of suicidality.
FDA has been developing language to revise product labeling and update the Patient Medication Guides for these products. Manufacturers of antidepressants will now have 30 days to submit their revised product labels and revised Medication Guides to FDA for review.
Products involved in today's action include:
Anafranil (clomipramine)Asendin (amoxapine)Aventyl (nortriptyline)Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide)Cymbalta (duloxetine)Desyrel (trazodone HCl)Elavil (amitriptyline)Effexor (venlafaxine HCl)Emsam (selegiline)Etrafon (perphenazine/amitriptyline)fluvoxamine maleateLexapro (escitalopram hydrobromide)Limbitrol (chlordiazepoxide/amitriptyline)Ludiomil (maprotiline)Marplan (isocarboxazid)Nardil (phenelzine sulfate) nefazodone HClNorpramin (desipramine HCl)Pamelor (nortriptyline)Parnate (tranylcypromine sulfate)Paxil (paroxetine HCl)Pexeva (paroxetine mesylate)Prozac (fluoxetine HCl)Remeron (mirtazapine)Sarafem (fluoxetine HCl)Seroquel (quetiapine)Sinequan (doxepin)Surmontil (trimipramine)Symbyax (olanzapine/fluoxetine)Tofranil (imipramine)Tofranil-PM (imipramine pamoate)Triavil (perphenazine/amitriptyline)Vivactil (protriptyline)Wellbutrin (bupropion HCl)Zoloft (sertraline HCl)Zyban (bupropion HCl)
For more information:
Antidepressant use in children, adolescents, and adults, including the draft labeling and draft
Medication Guides www.fda.gov/cder/drug/antidepressants/default.htm
FDA's Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee, including transcripts from the December 2006 meeting www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/cder06.html#Psychopharmacologic
21,211 Total Signatures - TeenScreen petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/TScreen/petition.html
From: Parents Against TeenScreen [mailto:parents_against_teenscreen@earthlink.net] Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 6:37 AMTo: Parents Against TeenScreenSubject: Yo Minnesota - More
Go Minnesota Go!
Also check out the following links to see letters from a lot of people opposed to Teen Screen:
Several are from the St. Cloud Times, St. Cloud, Minn.:
http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070503/OPINION/105030023/1006/NEWS01
http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070503/OPINION/105030026/1006/NEWS01%C2%A0
http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070503/OPINION/105030025/1006
http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070503/OPINION/105030024/1006
Finally, this link updates the status of TeenScreen in the Minnesota House and Senate and provides some contact information:
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01624.html
Bev Miller
Controversy and conflict of interest abound on this one, let alone the irresponsible and dangerous consequences to
our children, let alone parent's rights. CALL NOW the numbers listed at the end of this email. It is vitally important that
the legislators are not swayed by those who stand to make money on this deal. See the latest from the FDA below.
NOTE: THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO HAVE COME OUT IN SUPPORT OF THIS LEGISLATION ARE THOSE WHO STAND TO MAKE MONEY FROM IT. WHERE ARE THE PARENTS AND STUDENTS WHO HAVE SUPPOSEDLY BENEFITTED FROM THIS? THEY DON'T EXIST!
Can this be any more clear??? Call your legislator NOW. See this week's articles on this issue below:
FDA News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 2, 2007
Media Inquiries: Sandy Walsh, 301-827-6242Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
FDA Proposes New Warnings About Suicidal Thinking, Behavior in Young Adults Who Take Antidepressant Medications
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today proposed that makers of all antidepressant medications update the existing black box warning on their products' labeling to include warnings about increased risks of suicidal thinking and behavior, known as suicidality, in young adults ages 18 to 24 during initial treatment (generally the first one to two months).
The proposed labeling changes also include language stating that scientific data did not show this increased risk in adults older than 24, and that adults ages 65 and older taking antidepressants have a decreased risk of suicidality. The proposed warning statements emphasize that depression and certain other serious psychiatric disorders are themselves the most important causes of suicide.
"Today's actions represent FDA's commitment to a high level of post-marketing evaluation of drug products," said Steven Galson, M.D., MPH, director of FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "Depression and other psychiatric disorders can have significant consequences if not appropriately treated. Antidepressant medications benefit many patients, but it is important that doctors and patients are aware of the risks."
People currently prescribed antidepressant medications should not stop taking them. Those who have concerns should notify their health care providers.
The proposed labeling changes apply to the entire category of antidepressants. Results of individual placebo-controlled scientific studies are reasonably consistent in showing a slight increase in suicidality for patients taking antidepressants in early treatment for most of the medications. Available data are not sufficient to exclude any single medication from the increased risk of suicidality.
The proposed labeling update follows similar labeling changes made in 2005 that warned of a suicidality risk in children and adolescents who use antidepressants. At that time, FDA asked manufacturers to add a black box warning to the labeling of all antidepressants to describe this risk and to emphasize the need for appropriate monitoring and close observation, particularly for younger patients taking these medications. In addition, FDA directed manufacturers to develop Medication Guides, FDA-approved user-friendly information for patients, families and caregivers, that could help improve monitoring. Medication Guides are intended to be distributed at the pharmacy with each prescription or refill of a medication.
Also in 2005, FDA began a comprehensive review of 295 individual antidepressant trials that included over 77,000 adult patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders, to examine the risk of suicidality in adults who are prescribed antidepressants.
In December 2006, FDA's Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee agreed that labeling changes were needed to inform health care professionals about the increased risk of suicidality in younger adults using antidepressants. Additionally, the committee noted product labeling needed to reflect the apparent beneficial effect of antidepressants in older adults and to remind health care professionals that the disorders themselves are the most important cause of suicidality.
FDA has been developing language to revise product labeling and update the Patient Medication Guides for these products. Manufacturers of antidepressants will now have 30 days to submit their revised product labels and revised Medication Guides to FDA for review.
Products involved in today's action include:
Anafranil (clomipramine)Asendin (amoxapine)Aventyl (nortriptyline)Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide)Cymbalta (duloxetine)Desyrel (trazodone HCl)Elavil (amitriptyline)Effexor (venlafaxine HCl)Emsam (selegiline)Etrafon (perphenazine/amitriptyline)fluvoxamine maleateLexapro (escitalopram hydrobromide)Limbitrol (chlordiazepoxide/amitriptyline)Ludiomil (maprotiline)Marplan (isocarboxazid)Nardil (phenelzine sulfate) nefazodone HClNorpramin (desipramine HCl)Pamelor (nortriptyline)Parnate (tranylcypromine sulfate)Paxil (paroxetine HCl)Pexeva (paroxetine mesylate)Prozac (fluoxetine HCl)Remeron (mirtazapine)Sarafem (fluoxetine HCl)Seroquel (quetiapine)Sinequan (doxepin)Surmontil (trimipramine)Symbyax (olanzapine/fluoxetine)Tofranil (imipramine)Tofranil-PM (imipramine pamoate)Triavil (perphenazine/amitriptyline)Vivactil (protriptyline)Wellbutrin (bupropion HCl)Zoloft (sertraline HCl)Zyban (bupropion HCl)
For more information:
Antidepressant use in children, adolescents, and adults, including the draft labeling and draft
Medication Guides www.fda.gov/cder/drug/antidepressants/default.htm
FDA's Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee, including transcripts from the December 2006 meeting www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/cder06.html#Psychopharmacologic
21,211 Total Signatures - TeenScreen petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/TScreen/petition.html
From: Parents Against TeenScreen [mailto:parents_against_teenscreen@earthlink.net] Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 6:37 AMTo: Parents Against TeenScreenSubject: Yo Minnesota - More
Go Minnesota Go!
Also check out the following links to see letters from a lot of people opposed to Teen Screen:
Several are from the St. Cloud Times, St. Cloud, Minn.:
http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070503/OPINION/105030023/1006/NEWS01
http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070503/OPINION/105030026/1006/NEWS01%C2%A0
http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070503/OPINION/105030025/1006
http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070503/OPINION/105030024/1006
Finally, this link updates the status of TeenScreen in the Minnesota House and Senate and provides some contact information:
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01624.html
Bev Miller
Friday, May 04, 2007
News Express » Archive » EDA requests affordable housing bids from local builders
True loves News Express, the on-line headline news posted to Boreal by the Cook County News Herald.
The local folks who asked the EDA and the Grand Marais City Council for a chance to bid on affordable housing projects have gotten their wish. It's not maybe as simple as they thought, navigating the mysterious realms of federal, state and private grant applications, mortgage lending, infrastructure costs, and the strict criteria set by the Minnesota Green Communities Initiative while still creating high quality affordable housing. The Land Trust model will also have to do duty here if the project has any chance of succeeding.
But, best of luck, locals. It would be a win for everybody if we had an affordable housing coalition of city, county and contractors to meet the needs of the half of residents who fall below the median income. Go for it.
News Express » Archive » EDA requests affordable housing bids from local builders
The local folks who asked the EDA and the Grand Marais City Council for a chance to bid on affordable housing projects have gotten their wish. It's not maybe as simple as they thought, navigating the mysterious realms of federal, state and private grant applications, mortgage lending, infrastructure costs, and the strict criteria set by the Minnesota Green Communities Initiative while still creating high quality affordable housing. The Land Trust model will also have to do duty here if the project has any chance of succeeding.
But, best of luck, locals. It would be a win for everybody if we had an affordable housing coalition of city, county and contractors to meet the needs of the half of residents who fall below the median income. Go for it.
News Express » Archive » EDA requests affordable housing bids from local builders
Thursday, May 03, 2007
House tax bill passes without local tax options
True thanks the Cook County News Herald for letting us know that our local tax "options" were not approved by the Minnesota House.
True also thanks some kind providence that perhaps favors the poor.
Here's the link:
News Express » Archive » House tax bill passes without local tax options
True also thanks some kind providence that perhaps favors the poor.
Here's the link:
News Express » Archive » House tax bill passes without local tax options
WTIP North Shore Radio - 90.7 FM » Park board drops wetland identification and mapping proposal
Ah, so. The Grand Marais Park Board narrowly defeats a gentle and sustainable plan to explore, simply explore, identifying wetlands in the harbor. Who remembers that Grand Marais means "big swamp"?
Anyway, lots of folks would like to look further into this issue. And where's the harm in that? The city attorney has assured us that this won't bind the city to anything.
It makes True wonder, why? Is there some subtext here?
Check the story link:
WTIP North Shore Radio - 90.7 FM » Park board drops wetland identification and mapping proposal
Anyway, lots of folks would like to look further into this issue. And where's the harm in that? The city attorney has assured us that this won't bind the city to anything.
It makes True wonder, why? Is there some subtext here?
Check the story link:
WTIP North Shore Radio - 90.7 FM » Park board drops wetland identification and mapping proposal
Democrats Back Down On Iraq Timetable - washingtonpost.com
Here's a link to the WaPo story that Dems have already caved on the Iraq timetable. Pelosi and Reid say it isn't so, but the Post isn't backing down. But True thinks the Dems WILL cave, if they haven't already. They are mostly lily-livered polecats, who can't seem to stand on their feet without slipping on any issue from the 2006 elections. Make our Rep. Oberstar an exception; he is still standing, at least.
Democrats Back Down On Iraq Timetable - washingtonpost.com
Democrats Back Down On Iraq Timetable - washingtonpost.com
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
The USDA's unhealthful budget - baltimoresun.com
You heard it first from True: the USDA makes us fat!!! Check out this Emperor's-New-Clothes story from the Baltimore Sun:
The USDA's unhealthful budget - baltimoresun.com
The USDA's unhealthful budget - baltimoresun.com
Paul Campos | Bush's Farewell Tantrum
True has of course been closely watching the events surrounding congressional funding of the outrageous war in Iraq that has claimed so many lives and ratcheted up the level of hatred in our world. NOT TO MENTION, that the money spent alone would have addressed climate change, Katrina, health care, and untold other domestic needs like local tax relief and infrastructure management.
This story by Paul Campos says all of what True thinks:
Paul Campos Bush's Farewell Tantrum
This story by Paul Campos says all of what True thinks:
Paul Campos Bush's Farewell Tantrum
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Small Footprint Living: Building Energy Efficient Homes in Cold Climates
YES to Small Footprint Living! Truesters, please try to attend at least one or two of these fabulous sessions on June 8th and 9th. Check out the web link; this is only one of many topics of critical interest and importance to us in the boreal forest.
True
From:
"Diane Booth"
To:
news@boreal.org
Subject:
Building Energy Efficient Homes in Cold Climates
Date:
Tue, 1 May 2007 11:03:21 -0500
Join us on Friday, June 8 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. for "Building
Energy Efficient Homes in Cold Climates". Dick Stone, U of M Extension
Educator and former Cook County builder will be here to show us the
latest techniques on cold climate housing. We hope to have several tours of homes as well for the tour. Cost is $30 with lunch on your own.
To register please call the Cook County Extension office at 387-3015 or download the 'Small Footprint Living' brochure at http://www.co.cook.mn.us
------------------------
True
From:
"Diane Booth"
To:
news@boreal.org
Subject:
Building Energy Efficient Homes in Cold Climates
Date:
Tue, 1 May 2007 11:03:21 -0500
Join us on Friday, June 8 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. for "Building
Energy Efficient Homes in Cold Climates". Dick Stone, U of M Extension
Educator and former Cook County builder will be here to show us the
latest techniques on cold climate housing. We hope to have several tours of homes as well for the tour. Cost is $30 with lunch on your own.
To register please call the Cook County Extension office at 387-3015 or download the 'Small Footprint Living' brochure at http://www.co.cook.mn.us
------------------------
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