Index: Please take the time to send one of these facts to your friends and family, and make them aware of these earth, environment and animal concerns. I bet most of them would say "I did not know"! If you have a good fact please contact us directly by sending an e-mail to info@liznicholas.com

Human Rights:

~ Leonard Peltier is innocent! Read more about this amazing man and his thoughts about caring for Mother Earth!

Animal Facts:

~What is your animal eating???

~The truth about how many die....but why?

~How much does that TUNA salad cost???

~Before you donate, know your facts!!!

~Overpopulation is an abomination. Are you part of the problem?

~Dying Species: Extinctions accelerating across the planes

Environmental Facts

~Where to recycle your "stuff"

~How to Calculate your carbon emission

~Bottled water is harmful to the environment!

~Guilty free appliance use- Be Happy, Use These Appliances

~Dalai Lama Speaks for Wildlife and A Veggie Life Style

~Live With Wild Life or Not? Real Berkeley Lake Issues.

~Are you participating in Global Warming?

~Have you hugged your tree today?

~Animals into Food - Environmental Destruction

~Do you know which of your food is genetically altered?

~Are there pharma crops in your state?

Misc. Facts

~Are you killing yourself with your sweetner?

~Want to leave a "Bequest" to an animal organization?

~Why Vegetarianism?

~Do You know what's in your.......

~Red processed Meat Consumption Increases Cancer

Human Rights ____________________________

NEW 1/2009. The Leonard Peltier Story: Convicted on the basis of fabricated and suppressed evidence, as well as coerced testimony, Leonard Peltier has been imprisoned for over 30 years for a crime he did not commit. Many people believe that the Peltier case is an issue of "left" versus "right". It's not. It's an issue of right versus wrong. The Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee (LP DOC) has launched a new, international public education/awareness and political action campaign on Leonard's behalf. They call it "AIM for Freedom". Their work takes them in four directions, just like the medicine wheel: 1. a grant of parole; 2. an award of Executive Clemency; 3. a congressional investigation into the FBI's misconduct in Indian Country, against the American Indian Movement and in the case of Leonard Peltier; and 4. the release of the tens of thousands of related case documents which are being hidden from public view. To sign a petition to help free Leonard Peltier: http://www.freepeltiernow.org/welcome.htm. To view and purchase his art: http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/paintings.htm To write to him: Leonard Peltier #89637-132 USP-Canaan, U.S. Penitentiary, PO Box 300, Waymart, PA 18472

Leonard asks you to vigorously protect the earth and defend the rights of others, as well as pass on a tradition of activism to and mentor young people everywhere. The following initiatives reflect Leonard's primary concerns: .

• · Caring for Mother Earth (see his statement below)
• · Indigenous Rights and Tribal Sovereignty
• · Political Dissent and Government Misconduct
• · Prisoner Rights and Conditions of Confinement
• · Religious Freedom and Protection of Sacred Places
• · Voter Registration and Get-Out-the-Vote Strategies
• · Youth Activism

Here I am outlining one of seven focuses. You can read more about each of these at: http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/index.htm

Caring for Mother Earth

The Indigenous Peoples of the Americas have lived for over 500 years in confrontation with an immigrant society that holds an opposing world view. As a result, we are now facing an environmental crisis which threatens the survival of all natural life.

We join with others to heal the earth, but we do this in a way that acknowledges Traditional Natural Law, protects Indigenous rights, and ensures environmental and economic justice for the Nations and the generations.

These are some of the issues we agree are critical to address:

• Toxic contaminants, agricultural pesticides and other industrial chemicals that disproportionately impact Indigenous peoples, especially subsistence and livestock cultures.
• Inadequate governmental environment and health standards and regulations.
• Clean up of contaminated lands from mining, military, and other industry activities.
• Toxic incinerators and landfills on and near Indigenous lands.
• Inadequate solid and hazardous waste and wastewater management capacity of Indigenous communities and tribes.
• Unsustainable mining and oil development on and near Indigenous lands.
• National energy policies at the expense of the rights of Indigenous peoples.
• Climate change and global warming.
• Coal mining and coal-fired power plants resulting in mercury contamination, water depletion, destruction of sacred sites and environmental degradation.
• Uranium mining developments and struggles to obtain victim compensation to Indigenous uranium miners, millers, processors and Downwinders of past nuclear testing experiments.
• Nuclear waste dumping in Indigenous lands.
• Deforestation.
• Water rights, water quantity and privatization of water.
• Economic globalization putting stress on Indigenous peoples and local ecosystems.
• Border justice, trade agreements and transboundary waste and contamination along the US/Mexico/Canada borders and other Indigenous lands worldwide.
• Failure of the US government to fulfill its mandated responsibility to provide funding to tribes and Alaska villages to develop and implement environmental protection infrastructures.
• Backlash from US state governments giving in to the lobbying pressures of industry and corporations against the right of tribes to implement their own water and air quality standards.
• Protection of sacred, historical and cultural significant areas.
• Biological diversity and endangered species.
• Genetically modified organisms impacting the environment, traditional plants and seeds and intellectual rights of Indigenous peoples - bio-colonialism.
• Economic blackmail and lack of sustainable economic and community development resources.
• Just transition of workers and communities impacted by industry on and near Indigenous lands.
• Urban sprawl and growth on and near Indigenous lands.
• Failure of colonial governments and their programs to adequately consult with or address environmental protection, natural resource conservation, environmental health, and sacred/historical site issues affecting traditional Indigenous lands and its Indigenous peoples.
• De-colonization and symptoms of internalized oppression/racism/tribalism.

And many others. Compiled by the Indigenous Environmental Network

Animal Facts_____________________________

What is your animal eating?????

The multi-billion dollar pet food industry is killing our pets. With millions of dollars to spend on promotion and hype, pet owners have become victims of their marketing ploys. The expression "It's a dog eat dog world" is an apt description of the pet food industry. Millions of euthanized pets from humane shelters and veterinary hospitals all across the United States and Eastern Canada are being recycled back into pet foods. Sandra's article outlines the abuses, and references an 1995 article titled "What's Cooking" , from the Baltimore City Paper where it takes their readers through Valley Proteins, Baltimore's only rendering plant with very graphic pictures of dead animals, (many from area animal shelters) to produce 80 million pounds of pet food. It further reports this is the case for products manufactured by Alpo, Heinz, Ralston Purina, Alpho, Kal Kan, Albertson's, Western Family and Atta -Boy are culprits. And she states that one of the largest rendering facilities is owned by Colgate Palmolive, who incidentally own Hills Science Diet Pet Food is equally abusive in their processing. The article states rendering personnel saying " it is far too costly to cut off flea collars or unwrap spoiled steaks" when preparing food for processing! Additionally, in the veterinary text book, Euthanasia of the Companion Animal (1988), the chapter headed;, Animal Disposal: Fact and Fiction by David Cook, Cook states that "millions of America's deceased pets are being cooked and processed into pet food, most pet owners don't realize this fact. Does this raise questions of ethics that should be answered by the veterinary profession and the pet food industry?" Cook goes on to say, " Consider the introduction of dogs and cats into the human food chain by way of livestock food made from rendered by-products. What happens to all those toxic products that we use so liberally on our pets?" Aside from the moral and ethical issues, this is the dilemma of recycling pets, road kill, and diseased animals of all types into the human and pet food chain. ....also reference articles written by Ann Martin at http://www.newsagepress.com/foodpetsdiefor.html#author. Her article lists resources for vegan dog and cat food substitutes. Think twice before you purchase one of these products. My dogs are on vegan diets, and eat lots of fresh veggies as well!

*Excerpts from an article written by Sandra Brigola and other contributing authors: ______________________________________________________________

The truth about how many die...but why?

~Approximately 25-30% of dogs in America's shelters are purebred animals. And that most animals in shelters and available from Rescues aren't "problem" animals.

~Recent reports reveal in the US annually, 6 to 8 million dogs and cats are placed in shelters, and 3 to 4 million of them are euthanized because they are unable to be placed in homes. "Every Nine Seconds" is an awareness campaign that began last year to promote pet rescue andadoptions. The campaign highlights a typical year, where as many as 405 lost animals are euthanized every hour, or one Every Nine Seconds. http://www.everynineseconds.org

~The number one reason given by owners for surrendering animals to shelters is "we're moving." (Followed closely by reasons that have to do with human children or "I don't have time for an animal.")

~Many animals are given up because human children are "allergic," yet there is a high rate of "false positive" allergen test results in children and parents should always seek a second opinion. Also, a new study has shown that exposing children to cats at an early age may PREVENT a later onset of asthma!

~Animal are euthanized in the USA every two seconds, and that 61% of dogs and 75% of cats are killed in shelters. That amounts to millions of animals per year - in fact, some major metro shelters don't record numbers killed, they report tonnage disposed of.

~Seven puppies and kittens are born for every human born.

-~An unspayed female cat and her first seven offspring can produce a total of 420,000 cats over 7 years.

~An unspayed female dog and her first average litter can produce a total of 67,000 dogs over 6 years.

~The USA & Canada are two of the few countries in the Western world which still allow puppies & kittens to be sold in pet shops, and that most pet shop stock are ticking timebombs of genetic, medical and behavior problems?

PLEASE HELP EDUCATE THE PUBLIC AND YOUR LEGISLATORS!
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How much does that TUNA salad cost????

Dolphins are rank among the most intelligent marine mammals. Did you know over 7 million dolphins have been killed in fishing nets since the 1950's? As a result, three dolphin populations in the ETP–the northeastern offshore spotted, the eastern spinner, and the coastal spotted–are listed as officially “depleted” under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Reacting to the high levels of dolphin mortality in the ETP, Congress amended the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) several times in the 1980s to encourage alternate methods of tuna fishing and, in 1990, created a highly popular consumer labeling program for "dolphin-safe tuna." This program outlawed the labeling of tuna caught by intentionally netting dolphins as "dolphin-safe." Other amendments required all nations exporting tuna to the U.S.to adopt dolphin protection programs "comparable" to that of the U.S. and sought an end to the intentional encirclement of dolphins with tuna nets in the ETP. These regulations, with enforceable trade triggers, resulted in dramatic reductions in dolphin moralities. After the dolphin safe tuna label went into effect, the number of dolphins killed decreased by 97%. Yet, the fishing industry is pressuring our government to call tuna caught by targeting dolphins as "dolphin safe," even though scientists know that such targeting actually harms, if not kills dolphins, and even separates mother dolphins from their helpless babies. Moreover, the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission, an independent agency that reviews federal policies regarding marine mammal protection, has urged Secretary of Commerce, Donald Evans not to weaken the "dolphin-safe" label. The Administration’s intent is to use Secretary Evans’s flawed label finding to justify weakening our nation's "dolphin-safe" tuna standards. If successful, "dolphin-deadly" tuna, caught by chasing and encircling dolphins, will be able to enter the U.S. and be sold in stores with a fraudulent "dolphin-safe" label for the first time in decades deceiving millions of American consumers. For more information on this issue, reference the following web site: http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/dolphins.html

Is it worth eating tuna knowing the possibility that a sentient being such as a dolphin might have died for your lunch?

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Before you donate......know your facts!!!

Did you know that breast cancer research is one of the cruelest in animal abuse circles? They institute creating masses in female animals who are in estrus or pregnant or cause false pregnancy to test, inject, cut and eventually kill animals. Did you know when you are clicking to support breast cancer research you are supporting this activity? Also, for those of you who don't understand the Internet, although we may be in support of a particular petitions, the majority of these campaigns are all about capturing your information for future solicitation. Your vote doesn't always do what you think it will to help drive the "cause home" (of course this is not always the case).

Another issue with using animals in cancer research, (and in all disease research), is the fact that scientists must induce cancer in their laboratory subjects, and induced cancers are much different in their characteristics than naturally occurring cancers. Animals in the laboratory who experience
the stress of confinement and who are often irradiated or force-fed highly concentrated doses of carcinogens to give them tumors make scientifically invalid laboratory subjects. Something is clearly wrong with our battle strategy, and that something is the focus on animal research as a methodology for finding a cure. Despite more than $25 billion invested in animal research since 1971, it has provided little in return. This is what we need to be telling people. Why? The answer lies partly in the difference between human and nonhuman animals, and partly in the nature of cancer itself. Human and nonhuman animals are different from each other anatomically, physiologically and metabolically, and so there can be no "perfect" animal model for a human

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has a web site devoted to differentiating between medical charities that do and don't support animal research, for diseases ranging from cancer to heart disease to diabetes, etc. The address is www.HumaneSeal.org, and it's a good list to check before donating to any medical charity/research group.

Some times people send messages which ask you to click and donate to worthy causes, such as breast cancer, children's diabetes funds, etc. Before you "click" your support, check the organizations first. Know what you are supporting!

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Overpopulation is an abomination. Are you part of the problem?

Did you know that 71% of all cats and kittens and 55% of all dog which enter US animal shelters each year are euthanized. Or that 30% of all dogs in shelters today are "pure-bred". An estimate of over 7 million animals are put to deaths in shelters in the US. Gas methods are actually still used in many shelters across the country which is not only a outdated method but causes suffering by intoxication which in some instances is not final, causing the animal to suffer in the end even further. The Mexican government actually "rounds up" the unwanted street roamer, and either electrocutes or drowns them. With no SPCAs or Humane Societies anywhere in Mexico, the poorly run government animal control facilities in Monterrey are basically "catch and kill" operations without adoption or reclaim programs. Sadly, the Mexican government does not have money for food or veterinary care for animals in the Centro Anti Rabicos (CAR), so dogs and cats starve or resort to cannibalism during their stay in these facilities. Pet overpopulation has become something of a epidemic. One female unspayed dog and her off spring could be responsible for birth of 67,000 puppies over a 7 year period. And the facts are more so staggering, in that a feline and her off spring are capable of an astonishing 420,000 kittens in just 6 years. "We" have the power to STOP THE MADNESS! Animal overpopulation is also a human problem that has resulted in a costly crisis for the safety, health, and environment of all nations. There is no medical evidence to justify allowing a dog or cat to have a litter before spaying. In fact, spaying female dogs and cats eliminates the possibility of developing uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the threat of mammary cancer. What can you do? Support local spay and neutering programs in your community. Take responsibility to ensure you, and everyone you know stops this cycle of cruelty by making the right choices for the animals. Adopt from a shelter, vs. supporting pet stores, puppy mills or back yard breeders. Did you know the City of Los Angeles passed a landmark Pet Overpopulation Ordinance in 2000 which increased unaltered animal licensing from $30 annually to $100 annually and increased breeding permits from $50 to $100. A fine of $500 is allowed to be levied against individuals for noncompliance with the ordinance. The intent of the Pet Overpopulation Ordinance was to make the annual cost to breed a dog $200, therefore making spaying and neutering an affordable alternative to compliance. The Department of Animal Regulation agreed to provide free spaying and neutering services for animals in poor families to assist income-qualified residents of Los Angeles in complying with the new ordinance. And there are many states which have spay and neuter programs to support the community. For example, Georgia has a special plate, considered the Dog & Cat Sterilization, where fore $45, a portion goes to fund spaying and neutering programs in Georgia. The special fund is under the direction of the Ga. Dept. of Agriculture. Cost to renew each tag annually: $20 plus applicable ad valorem tax. Additional animal friendly states with plates which go to similar programs are included in Massachusetts, Texas, North & South Carolina, Illinois, Hawaii, Kentucky, New York, Utah, Montana, Delaware, Tennessee, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey and Connecticut. For tips in how to rally for a plate in your state, reference the following site: http://www.palc.org/petprojects/aflpgettheprogram.html

Remember, even the littlest efforts can make a difference. Tell someone today the facts...it could save a life, of two, or a thousand.....

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Dying Species: Extinctions accelerating across the planet

The world is losing between 50,000 and 100,000 species every year – the worst rate of extinction since the disappearance of dinosaurs 65 million years ago. That's according to the distinguished conservationist Dr. Richard Leakey, who said in a speech in South Africa that human activities are causing the deaths of species to accelerate. Unless this trend is reversed, he said, the world could lose 55 percent of its species over the next 50 to 100 years. This rate of extinction is twice what Leakey estimated only four years ago. "Such rapid catastrophic losses to biodiversity have happened before, and these catastrophes have always had far-reaching consequences for the surviving species," Leakey said.

Environment Facts_____________________________________

~Where to recycle your stuff?

In the US, we scrap about 400 million units per year of consumer electronics, according to recycling industry experts. Discarded computers, monitors, televisions, and other consumer electronics (so called e-waste) are the fastest growing portion of our waste stream -- growing by almost 8% from 2004 to 2005, even though our overall municipal waste stream volume is declining, according to the EPA.

Rapid advances in technology mean that electronic products are becoming obsolete more quickly. This, coupled with explosive sales in consumer electronics, means that more products are being disposed of, finding their way into landfills and incinerators. To make matters worse, the FCC mandated transition to digital television (like HDTV) in February 2009, will only speed up the pace, as consumers will soon be dumping large numbers of old TVs that can't receive the new digital-only signals.

Discarded computers and electronics are toxic hazardous waste. Monitors and televisions made with tubes (not flat panels) have between 4 and 8 pounds of lead in them. Most of the flat panel monitors and TV's contain less lead, but more mercury, from their mercury lamps. About 40% of the heavy metals, including lead, mercury and cadmium, in landfills come from electronic equipment discards. The health effects of lead are well known; just 1/70th of a teaspoon of mercury can contaminate 20 acres of a lake, making the fish unfit to eat.

How To Find a Responsible Recycler in your state???? If you want to get rid of electronic equipment that you no longer use and want to protect the environment, the best way is to re-sell it or donate it if it still fairly new and in good shape. If the product is too old or no longer working, you should bring it to an environmentally responsible recycler. Some electronics recyclers operate under strict environmental controls and follow worker safety protections, but many other firms do not. http://www.computertakeback.com/the_solutions/recyclers_map.cfm

~How to Calculate your carbon emission by Mother Earth News: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Nature-Community/2007-12-01/How-to-Calculate-Your-Carbon-Emissions.aspx

You’ve heard of global warming and carbon offsets, but have you ever wondered about the connection and what you can do about it? "Carbon emissions” refers to the carbon dioxide that’s released into the atmosphere as a result of burning fossil fuels. The carbon dioxide becomes trapped, allowing more of the heat from the sun to remain in Earth’s atmosphere. An excess of carbon dioxide occurs when more emissions are released into the atmosphere than can be consumed by CO2-absorbing forests and oceans, also known as carbon sinks. Elevated CO2 levels in natural ocean sinks are already killing reefs, fish and other ocean life. And as the build-up increases, atmospheric temperatures rise — i.e. global warming — which causes extreme temperatures (hot and cold), increases flooding and expands desert areas, and causes more intense weather disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes.

Burning fossil fuels in cars, planes, homes, factories and power plants is the largest contributor to global warming today — which is why smart driving, energy efficiency and reduced use of nonrenewable energy sources are key factors in fighting climate change. Doing your part to combat unnatural climate change is made simple by tallying your personal carbon emissions, then making a plan to reduce the amount.

Fortunately, calculating your carbon footprint is easy. There are a number of Web sites that offer carbon calculators for individuals, businesses and organizations — you can even determine the emissions for a specific event, such as a wedding — and it takes just a couple minutes. Here are just a few:

Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html

Climate Crisis http://www.climatecrisis.net/takeaction/carboncalculator/

SafeClimate http://www.safeclimate.net/calculator/

Emissions are determined based on the size of your home, number of residents, driving (car size and mileage) and other factors such as whether or not you use EnergyStar appliances. Most calculators require basic information, though it helps to have your annual estimated mileage and average energy use available (in kWh, therms or gallons, if you use electricity, natural gas or heating oil, respectively). You can find monthly fuel usage numbers on your regular utility bill.

There are a number of ways to cut down carbon emissions, including carpooling, regular car maintenance, flying less, combining trips, making your home more energy efficient and switching to renewable energy sources, among others. According to SafeClimate, the average American produces 9.44 tons of carbon dioxide annually. That’s the emissions equivalent of cutting and burning all of the trees that would fit in a football field-sized swath of the Amazon rainforest. Once you’ve found your number, you’ll know just how much you need to whittle down. Many calculators tell you where you use the most energy and provide tips for lowering your use.

You can find great tips for reducing your carbon footprint at home here and here. Don’t forget responsible travel and work, and carbon offsets for the numbers that just won’t reach zero.

~Bottled Water is harmful to the environment!

Did you know that for every gallon of water that is bottled, two more gallons are wasted in processing? And most plastic water bottles end up as trash. Here's why: Americans drank more than 8.3 billion gallons of bottled water in 2006. Manufacturing all those bottles required 900,000 tons of plastic and emitted as much greenhouse gas as 500,000 cars. And that bottled water may not be so special - as much as 40% of bottled water is actually bottled tap water!

So what can you do? Take the pledge to Break the Bottled Water Habit with the Carbon Conscious Consumer campaign and then fill up your reusable water bottle. It's that easy. You'll save energy and money, too! Pledge to Break the Bottled Water Habit!

http://c3.newdream.org/campaigns/c3/register/149c96ec8c48a02cba9432d0f73b2164/

Why you should take this pledge:

Everything we consume has a climate impact, but manufacturing and trucking water bottles to homes with clean tap water seems particularly wasteful. The Beverage Marketing Corporation reports that Americans consumed 31.2 billion liters of water in 2006 – nearly 9 liters per month for every man, woman, and child.

Manufacturing all those bottles requires 900,000 tons of plastic, the equivalent of more than 17 million barrels of oil, and emit more than 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide. Trucking around all those heavy bottles emits even more greenhouse gases. Beyond the climate impact there’s the massive waste – 86% of water bottles aren’t recycled -- and water bottling is also, ironically, a very water-intensive endeavor. The Pacific Institute tells us that it takes three liters of water to produce one liter of bottled water!

~Guilty free appliance use: Be Happy, Use These Appliances

Inspired by The Home Energy Diet, by Paul Scheckel (New Society Publishers, 2005) and published on http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/home/3230

Everywhere you turn these days you are urged to reduce your energy consumption to fight global warming. We are all for this. But we also wanted the list of appliances NOT to worry about, or feel guilty about. Sometimes we just want to just use our bread maker in peace. As a result, here is a list of appliances with low annual power use:

Appliances with An Average Annual Power Use Under 100 kWh. Note that, as in the case of a food processor, for example, the reason the annual power use is low is because on average most people don’t use the appliance very often. If you use any of these appliances a great deal, such as if you are a seamstress and you use your sewing machine eight hours a day, this list isn’t relevant.

Answering machine , Aquarium light, Battery Charger, Blender, Bread Maker , Bug Zapper , Clock - Digital alarm radio , Clothes dryer - gas , Clothes washer - top loader , Clothes washer - front loader ,Coffee Grinder , Computer - laptop , Computer - laptop on standby , Computer printer - inkjet Computer printer - laser, Computer scanner, with light on , Crock pot , DVD player , Electric fence Fan--bath , Fan--window , Fax machine (in standby or in use) , Food processor , Garage door opener , Garbage disposal , Hair curler ,Hair dryer ,Heat lamp ,Iron ,Oil burner motor ,Humidifier Knife, electric ,Mixer, hand held ,Oven, gas, glowplugs only ,Popcorn popper - hot air ,Popcorn popper - oil ,Radio/tape player ,Sewing machine ,Shaver ,Stereo ,Telephone, cell ,Telephone, ,Cordless, with or without answering machine ,Television ,Toaster, 2 slice ,Toaster oven ,Trash compactor ,Vaporizer - cold air and VCR (on and on standby)

~Dalai Lama Speaks for Wildlife and a Veggie Life Style

"In life, the difficult periods are the best periods to gain experience and shore up determination. As a result, my mental status is much improved because of them." --The Dalai Lama

In April of 2005, a campaign was launched by the DalaiLama to build awareness of nature conservation and the protection of wild species among the Tibetan community living in India and the Buddhists of the Himalayan regions. "BRAVO" was given from wildlife organzaitons around the globe for his stance on nature, and compassion to living things. It is understood that most of those following the Buddhist practies preach love and compassion towards all other living beings on Earth. They feel that it is their moral responsibility to realize the importance of wildlife conservation and to act upon it. And to boot, the Dalai Lama stated that he has recently turned to a vegetarian diet, called on people to "stop killing and destroying animals. Everything that our Earth holds is a treasure and is like ornaments, without which life would be very boring and dull. It is a shame that we kill these poor animals to satisfy our own aggrandizement" . Specific to what sparked this campaign by the Dalai Lama, until a few years ago, herds of wild blue sheep, yak, deer and flocks of migrating birds would travel with Tibetan nomads, or land in the midst of human settlements - apparently sensing they were safe - and for the most part they were. The same is not necessarily true today. Even animals protected by international treaty from trade and exploitation are no longer safe from poachers and smugglers. A longtime campaigner against poaching and trade in wildlife, it is his hope that the campaign will reach target audiences with the conservation message before all the animals are gone. Species are becoming extinct one at a time....whether or not we exploit their defenselessness is our choice. In terms of guiding this choice, Buddhism and its focus on compassion and the elimination of suffering has many useful things to say to each and every one of us about how to live side by side with other species. It offers us a different way of being.

For more information on this topic, you can reference the following:
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/apr2005/2005-04-08-01.asp

Live with Wildlife or Not? Real Berkeley Lake Issues (Geogia)

Nestled in an arid of endless greenery, flowing waters and bustling life forms, all trying to get somewhere fast or slow, sits the residents of Berkeley Lake. They scurry quickly to work, bask in the sun, or just "be" amongst each other...........most of the time. Both the two legged humankind and the multiple legged animal variety take residence here. We come feathered, finned, or scaly. Flat or web footed, with claws, slinky, wet or dry, bodies of all shapes and sizes, young and old. Some times you might even see one with a toe ring!

"Our" wildlife is one of the most compelling reasons "we" humans selected to take up reside here in Berkeley Lake. We are blessed with an abundance of so many things, more specifically, that of natural resources in an area which is challenged daily due to urban sprawl. If you are observant, you share in our appreciation for the bats that roosting under our shutters; keeping the mosquito population at bay, or the incredible array of birds who sing their songs at our windows, from red cardinals to gold finches and this summer a bumper crop of humming birds. And that's not to discount the charming little chippies, which carry on family "rituals" when meeting outside our patios. How too soon "we" forget what a valuable food source they and those nutty squirrels provide to our new hawk-lets, as we are again privileged by the presence of family of red tail hawks who have decided to live here year round. This is not to discount all the other precious and important animals that, on occasion we might catch a glimpse of, such as our foxes, turkeys, deer, opossums, raccoons, beavers, and even a skunk! Some of the most commonly seen are the snakes and turtles, who sometimes remind us of animals of long ago, as they sun themselves on dead logs and waterfronts walls. In fact, the first known turtles appeared on earth in the late Triassic Period - this is around 200 million years ago, which makes them older than many of the well known great dinosaurs.

Each plays an important part in this "circle of life" and our ecosystem which keeps our little corner of the world balanced. I once read a quote, which was written without author noted which states: "you can never learn to be unselfish.you can only learn to care...and in order to care you must witness, understand, and decide your allegiances. Obligation is a fantasy, desire is the truth". The wisdom offered in this simple and true statement lends us something to ponder when addressing incidents such as that of the be-heading of perhaps one of the lakes oldest turtles in July. Do "we" appreciate the fact that we are privileged souls living in a community that
is literally teaming with wildlife? How do we deal with wildlife when there is a perceived danger and/or fear of it? What is the most humane way in which to ensure that everyone, including the animal are not suffering due to our fears or just ignorance?

The world is home to about two hundred and ninety different species of turtle, also known as Chelonians, but they are disappearing from the wild at an ever increasing pace. Major causes of these declines are all anthropogenic, and include habitat loss and degradation due to human
encroachment, incidental take, and deliberate possession of species for the food and pet trade. To this point, snapping turtles, which are abundant in the south, still provide some with a delicacy, if you are schooled in the ways of making Creole Cajun turtle soup. But considering that we reside in one of Atlanta's most "elite neighborhoods", it's hard to believe that "we"
human residents are considering eating one of our own. Those colonial and survival times are long past, but one thing remains constant and in full force, is exploring the platforms proposed by some "animal advocacy" groups, that say certain customs, and down right ignorance regarding animal welfare does not validate an excuse for animal cruelty.

So the questions becomes, was the chopping off of one of of our first "native" residents here at the lake cruel and inhumane, and most of all justified?

Turtle experts have offered us many opinions on this species in our lake. Many agree that "snapping turtles" seem to be quite shy animals, and whenever approached near water or in the water, prefer to quickly swim away. Considering the turtle's predatory nature, at first judged as plainly vicious, snappers are in fact not this bad. Their "snap " is not an act of aggression, but a defense mechanism, which in its nature comes from the way snappers hunt - approaching its prey with a slow motion walking movement and grabbing it with blurring strike. Considering the fact that they are super hunters, as well as an important part of the balance of our lake which is
still teaming with an overabundance of fish, they really are our equalizers to ensure the fish population does not once again become an issue.

Our turtles have received a bad reputation for the potential to bite swimmers and eating baby ducks, when in reality, and according to specialties from the Department of Natural Resources Game Management division, in most all cases, and unless provoked "they will retreat from
anything except lunch (fish, dead carrion, etc)". On land, when threatened, snappers will live up to their reputation by hissing while standing on all fours and rocking back and forth, again as a defensive posture only. And to debunk their reputation for killing baby ducks, this ONLY happens when there is an over abundance or a number of sick ducklings present.

So it brings us full circle again to the question; how do we address animals who live among us that are perceived as dangerous? Answer: education,communication and conscious decision making. There are hundreds of alternatives which includes wildlife relocation. Non-Profit organizations such as the Chattahoochee Nature Center has a full time wildlife staff which
can not only advise us of how to handle wildlife in distress but how to re-locate animals of great significance such as our now deceased turtle elder. Additionally, there are lists of humane trappers who, under the state of Georgia, are licensed to humanely remove animals and either
relocate or offer humane euthanasia.

When we choose to take a plant and put it our gardens we become responsible for it. The same holds true for our obligation to these animals since we have taken over habitats that once belonged to them. Communing with nature has always been a pleasure and some times a challenge for those of us whofind it difficult to stomach the swarms of tent caterpillars eating our
trees, or sharing our sunning spots on our docks with a water moccasin. But the benefits to being able to see structure in nature, much unlike society, is priceless. Nature runs in a cycle of predictability that is comforting. We can spend a life time enjoying the wonders in nature, and never see it all. In contrast, let's make conscious decisions to ensure we are not doing
the same in reverse for those animals in which we share this dwelling space. Why shorten their equally valuable time here on this planet? We should choose the path with consideration, and in honor of their "life contributions". After all, they where here first. As one of our Native
Americans so eliquently put it : "Treat the earth well. It was not given to you by your parents. It was loaned to you by your children." Chief Seattle

Source: Article written by Liz Nicholas for Berkeley Lake reflections in 2004, but due to the controversial nature of the topic, it was never published

Are you participating in Global Warming?

~Antarctic Glaciers Are Melting Faster

In a study that was published in Reuters, September 22, 2004-documents that glaciers which once held up floating ice shelves off Antarctica are now sliding off into the sea -- at a faster rate. Two separate studies from climate researchers and the space agency NASA show the glaciers are flowing into Antarctica's Weddell Sea, freed by the 2002 breakup of the Larsen B ice shelf, the researchers said their satellite measurements suggest climate warming can lead to rapid sea level rise. Teams at NASA's said the findings also prove that ice shelves hold back glaciers. Researchers are keeping a close eye on parts of Antarctica that are steadily melting. It was thought that floating ice shelves did not affect sea level as they melted. Glaciers, however, are another story. They rest on land and when they slide off into the water they instantly affect sea level. It was not clear how the loss of the Larsen B ice shelf would affect nearby glaciers. But soon after its collapse, researchers saw nearby glaciers flowing up to eight times faster than before. They claim that they have seen 150 miles of coastline change drastically in just 15 years. In the past 30 years, ice shelves in the region have lost more than 5,200
square miles of area. "While the consequences of this area are small compared to other parts of the Antarctic, it is a harbinger of what will happen when the large ice sheets begin to warm," Scambos said. "The much larger ice shelves in other parts of Antarctica could have much greater effects on the rate of sea level rise." Published by Reuters Posted, and posted at:
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0922-02.htm So, ask yourself how you are participating personally in global warming, and what you can do to present change? ______________________________________________________________

Have you hugged your tree today???

Trees help us breath by taking carbon dioxide out of the air and producing oxygen. Carbon dioxide a "greenhouse gas" is the most blamed gas for trapping heat in the atmosphere and causing global climate change. If you were to planting 30 trees each year, you can offsets greenhouse gases from your car alone! Did you know that one acre filled with trees produces enough oxygen for 18 people to breathe each day and eliminates as much carbon dioxide from the air as is produced from driving a car 26,000 miles. Tree leaves help trap and remove tiny particles of soot and dust which otherwise damages human lungs, and their roots work as an underground networks to filter contaminants in soils, therefore producing clean water. Not only do they clean the water, but prevent erosion by trapping soil that would otherwise become silt. Silt destroys fish eggs and other aquatic wildlife and makes rivers and streams shallower, causing more frequent and more severe flooding. Trees along streams also hold stream banks in place to protect against flooding. Another amazing fact is, did you know that if you plant three trees strategically around your house, you can cut air conditioning bills in half. On a larger scale, the cooling effects of trees can save millions of energy dollars. And, studies show.....the presence of trees in urban neighborhoods has been linked to less crime and because of their green scenery, it has been proven that patients with a window view in rehab or hospital facilities have speedier recovery and reduce stress. As far as wildlife, did you know that almost all woodpeckers can dig out holes for nests only in standing dead trees or the dead stubs on live trees and many other wildlife species depend on dead wood for nesting. For those of us who prefer a "natural" yard vs. the "manicured" look, a dead and decayed trees on the ground replenish soils by returning important nutrients, and provide food resources for many types of wildlife (snakes love to lay their eggs in decomposing trees). Did you know that your property value can increase between 5 - 20% with a canopy or trees. Healthy cities are now aiming to have 40% of their city with tree cover to ensure ecological and economic balance. But studies show some sad facts on some of the nations largest cities: Atlanta has an average tree cover of 27%, Boston 21.2%, Austin 34%, Baltimore 31%, Milwaukee 18%, Chicago 11 percent, and New York City 16.6 percent.

For more information about the environement, check out sites like TREES Atlanta at http://www.treesatlanta.org/index.html

Isn't it time we green things up.....for our viewing and breathing pleasure?

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Did you know the transformation of animals into food is causing environmental destruction?

"The way that we breed animals for food is a threat to the planet. It pollutes our environment while consuming huge amounts of water, grain, petroleum, pesticides and drugs. The results are disastrous." ~David Brubaker, PhD Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins University, Environmental News Network, 9/20/99

Those who claim to care about the well-being of human beings and the preservation of our environment should become vegetarians for THAT reason alone. They would thereby increase the amount of grain available to feed people elsewhere, reduce pollution, save water and energy, and cease contributing to the clearing of forests. Pete Singer of Animal Liveration is quoted to say "when nonvegetarians say that “human problems come first” I cannot help wondering what exactly it is that they are doing for human beings that compels them to continue to support the wasteful, ruthless exploitation of farm animals."

To take it a step further, many of the “environmental challenges” posed by industrial livestock systems, particularly through feed production and manure, are acknowledged to have caused some of the most catastrophic environmental hazards (ie from the FAO’s Livestock & the Environment report). They include :

~Greenhouse gas production (nitrous oxide, methane, carbon dioxide)
~Decreased biodiversity through habitat loss and ecosystem damage
~Aquifer depletion; reduction in the availability of irrigation water
~Nitrogen, phosphorus, and pesticide contamination of water
~Heavy metal contamination of soil; soil erosion
~Acid rain from ammonia emissions

In addition, the report lists the manure contamination of surface waters, aquatic ecosystem damage, soil contamination with heavy metals, etc. How can this all be good? I wonder if those who eat meat understand that millions of gallons of liquefied feces and urine seeped into the environment from collapsed, leaking or overflowing storage lagoons, and flowed into rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands and groundwater.

According to the EPA's Animal Waste Management: ie "What's the Problem?": The growing scale and concentration of AFOs [animal feeding operations] has contributed to negative environmental and human health impacts. Pollution associated with AFOs degrades the quality of waters, threatens drinking water sources, and may harm air quality. By definition, AFOs produce large amounts of waste in small areas. For example, a single dairy cow produces approximately 120 pounds of wet manure per day. Estimates equate the waste produced per day by one dairy cow to that of 20-40 humans per day. Manure, and wastewater containing manure, can severely harm river and stream ecosystems. Manure contains ammonia which is highly toxic to fish at low levels. Increased amounts of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from AFOs can cause algal blooms which block waterways and deplete oxygen as they decompose. This can kill fish and other aquatic organisms, devastating the entire aquatic food chain.

What is being done? In 2002, after collecting thousands of records from state and federal regulatory agencies, the Sierra Club researchers compiled a report and database called "The RapSheet on Animal Factories", documenting "crimes, violations or other operational malfeasance" at more than 630 industrial meat factories in 44 states.The two-and-a-half-year investigation revealed that “environmental violations" by the meat industry adds up to a rap sheet longer than "War and Peace.” Among other findings, the RapSheet documents:

~Government files show that approximately 50 corporations, or their managers, racked up a total of more than 60 misdemeanor or felony indictments, charges, convictions or pleas.

~Criminal fines total nearly $50 million. The criminal counts included animal cruelty, bribery, destroying records, fraud, distributing contaminated meat and pollution.

~Millions of gallons of liquefied feces and urine seeped into the environment from collapsed, leaking or overflowing storage lagoons, and flowed into rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands and groundwater.

~Hundreds of manure spills have killed millions of fish. Despite lax federal and state law enforcement, these companies were assessed tens of millions of dollars in fines, penalties and court judgments. More than 20% of the 220 companies profiled in detail have been hit with criminal charges or convictions.

There’s a schizoid quality to our relationship with animals, in which sentiment and brutality exist side by side. Think of this....half the dogs in America will receive Christmas presents this year, yet few of us pause to consider the miserable life of the pig—an animal easily as intelligent as a dog—that becomes the Christmas ham. (quoted from “An Animal’s Place” by Michael Pollan, 11/10/02)

Additionally, if you look at the question on water and grain consumption by cattle, there was another article in the Georgia Conservancy's summer newsletter which states what it takes to produce only ONE pound of beef: 16 pounds of grain and over 2000 gallons of water! Efforts to conserve water by taking shorter showers or keeping the faucet off while brushing your teeth don't even begin to compare with just not ordering a quarter-pounder or not having steak for dinner. For further information about the consequences of eating beef, see How to Win an Argument with a Meat Eater at http://www.vegsource.com/how_to_win.htm.

For more information on how to educate yourself, your children and start down the vegan/vegitarian trail for a better world, reference the following:

http://www.veganoutreach.org/about/about.html

Isn't it time people know the truth about the slaughter business and the overall ramifications to the environment? Keep this in mind for your environmental friends who still eat meat!

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Do you know which of your food is genetically altered?

The Campaign to Label Genetically Engineered Foods has released an Action Alert Deb 2005. The mission of their work is to : "create a national grassroots consumer campaign for the purpose of lobbying Congress and the President to pass legislation that will require the labeling of genetically engineered foods in the United States." They are requesting that people send comments to the FDA. In conjunction with their request, they are notifying Americans on President Bush's new nominee for Secretary of Agriculture, Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns. You may be aware, our current Secretary of Agriculture, Ann Veneman, has been a big supporter of genetically engineered crops. Veneman served on the board of directors of Calgene, the maker of the very first commercially grown genetically engineered crop, the Flavr Savr tomato. Because Veneman has been such a strong supporter of agricultural biotechnology, we figured whoever President Bush nominated as the new Secretary of Agriculture would probably be an improvement over Veneman. According to Craig Winters, Executive Director for the Campaign to Label Genetically Engineered Foods, Bush has managed to find someone who is perhaps even more enthusiastic about agricultural biotechnology. NOT good news! The goal of the Governors Biotechnology Partnership is to "increase public
understanding and support of biotechnology as a key component in providing a safe, nutritious and abundant food supply to a rapidly growing global population." He states "it appears we have our work cut out for us."

American citizens must be permitted to know if our foods have been genetically altered through adequate labeling. To protect human health and the environment, biotech crops must be adequately safety tested. And organic crops must be protected from cross-pollination from genetically altered DNA.

Neither adequate labeling or safety testing is now occurring in the United States or Canada. And organic crops continue to be subject to genetic contamination from biotech crops. The FDA's policy for regulating genetically engineered crops is broken and needs a major overhaul. The band-aid approach that this Draft Guidance for Industry provides is totally inadequate.

The FDA needs to develop an entirely new policy for regulating crops produced through agricultural biotechnology. The new policy should include the following requirements:

1) mandatory labeling of all genetically engineered foods
2) mandatory safety testing of recombinant-DNA plants similar to what is
required for a new drug or food additive
3) all biotech crop experiments should be conducted in greenhouses or
similar controlled environments

If you would like to support their campaign or find more information about this controversial issue, visit them at: http://www.thecampaign.org or by contacting them via the following: The Campaign, PO Box 55699, Seattle, WA 98155, Tel: 425-771-4049
or e-mail label@thecampaign.org

Are there "pharma crops" in your state?

Pharma and industrial crops are genetically engineered to produce products like drugs and plastics. Most pharma crops are corn or other food crops. UCS has concluded that it will be virtually impossible to keep these crops "not meant for consumption"out of the food supply? To find out if pharma crops have been approved for planing in your state, visit the pharma crop database at: http://go.ucsusa.org/food_and_environment/pharm/index.php?s_keyword=XX

Misc. Facts __________________________________________________

Are you killing yourself with your sweetner?

70% of the American population and 40% of the children using aspartame marketed as NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc. Aspartame contains 50% phenylalanine which is neurotoxic and goes directly into the brain. It lowers the seizure threshold and depletes serotonin. Lowered serotonin triggers manic depression or bipolar, suicidal tendencies, mood swings, paranoia, hallucinations, panic attacks, etc. So why is it out there..and why are we using it?

Aspartame is a psycho drug masquerading as an additive. Dr. Ralph Walton, Psychiatrist and Chairman of the Center for Behavioral Medicine said: "We have known for years that when aspartame is ingested with a carbohydrate rich meal the usual physiologic increase in tryptophan is blocked, while brain phenylalanine and tyrosine concentrations are increased. These changes in amino acid neurotransmitter precursors could, I believe, alter indolamine/catecholamine balance and thus have a profound effect on mood and cognition ... depressed mood, anxiety, dizziness, panic attacks, nausea, irritability, impairment of memory and concentration." Dr. Walton actually did a study on aspartame (www.wnho.net click on aspartame). Knowing that aspartame triggers depression he wanted to see what aspartame would do to those who already had comprised conditions such as depression. Monsanto agreed to sell him the aspartame but changed their mind because they knew they could not control the study. Indeed one person had a retinal detachment and another suffered conjunctival bleeding. Many of those in the depressed group said they felt like they were being poisoned. When you read articles that say 65% of diabetics suffer from Alzheimers, should we be thinking of aspartame (marked as NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, E951, Canderel, etc.) as it is escalating the disease. One hospice nurse doucments that 30 year olds are being admitted with Alzheimers and it is now epidemic. Memory loss is #9 on the FDA list of 92 documented symptoms triggered by this neurotoxin. You may remember when Michael Fox said: "How could I get
Parkinson's at the age of 30, an old man's disease." Michael Fox was a Diet Pepsi spokesman and informants said addicted to it. It not only can precipitate Parkinsons but also interacts with L-dopa and other Parkinson medication.See for yourself in the movie, Sweet Misery: A Poisoned World, www.docworkers.com You will hear Attorney James Turner tell the story, and this paper will be brought to life as you hear from all the doctors mentioned in this paper. This documentary is getting
rave reviews around the world and now medical organizations are finding out where these epidemics are coming from. For a review copy you can contact cori@soundandfuryproductions.com http://www.wnho.net and http://www.dorway.com Aspartame Toxicity Center, www.holisticmed.com/aspartame

Want let leave a "Bequest" to an animal organization without changing your Will?

If your Will was done awhile ago, but now you would like to include a special organization in your estate plans, you can still make that organization "a beneficiary" of your life insurance policy or retirement plan instead. This will allow you achieve your goal without having to incurr the costs of revising your Will. In either case, you must complete a "new" beneficiary form to include that organization as that beneficiary. You’ll need their Federal Tax ID# (usually a 9 digit number), their address and phone number to include when updating your information. Its that simple! Just contat your agency, HR department or companies internal contacts for more information. It's simplier than you think!

Why Vegetarianism?

Respect for the Physical Self
If one considers the body to be a temple which shelters our spiritual core, then it makes sense to respect and maintain the health of that entity. A vegetarian diet, developed in a conscious, gradual way, is now widely recognized as an excellent diet for promoting health, vitality, endurance and general well-being. A vegetarian diet minimizes and prevents disease. Heart disease and many cancers have been found to be diet-related. Consuming primarily whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes (pulses), vegetables and fruits ensures a high intake of carbohydrates, vitamins A, C and E, beta-carotene, magnesium and fiber, while limiting cholesterol and saturated fat intake.

Respect for Animal Life
A vegetarian diet minimizes the violence and exploitation of animals. It is a statement against animal cruelty and is based on a reverence for life of all God’s creatures great and small.

Respect for the Environment and Natural Resources
A vegetarian diet minimizes the wasteful and inefficient use of natural resources for producing food. The breeding and slaughter of animals, and the processing and packaging of meat, requires a tremendous amount of land, water, energy and raw materials. By changing to a vegetarian diet one can make a personal contribution to the preservation of our fragile ecosystem.

Respect for the Global Community
A vegetarian diet minimizes the wasting of food itself, particularly in the form of grain fed to livestock. A vegetarian way of life makes it possible to curtail 60 million deaths per year due to starvation. If meat-consuming societies would limit (or end) their demand for meat and free-up grazing land for feeding people directly, global suffering from malnutrition would cease.

Respect for the Spiritual Self
Vegetarian food tends to create a calmer, more centered, and clearer emotional and mental state; thus, supporting meditation. A vegetarian diet enhances spiritual life and awareness. The transition to a vegetarian way of life is one of self-discovery and self-transformation. Old thoughts an