Contributions

This will be my last newsletter until the 2nd week of January 2010.

Many of you may have noticed the addition of a contribution button at the bottom of the newsletter over the last month, and on the left-hand side of the website. There is also a contribution page which provides more detail and options.

2009 was an interesting year for observing my costs versus my down-sized income (to go back to mothering). I haven't become a financial burden to my household yet, and I enjoyed myself immensely - I just love sifting through information! But I started to have doubts about continuing the effort - the line between being self-supporting or not is getting very thin!

As soon as I expressed those thoughts on the ground at some local events recently many stepped up saying they would be happy to pay to keep it going. In all honesty I am not keen on the idea of putting a price on my hobby, and putting up with the attendant bookwork that would accompany that. After a bit of thinking, the idea of contributions emerged (a donation in the pure sense of the word - no tax benefits attached), and no bookwork either.

Many thanks to those who have already used the button - it really does help.

I plan to remind subscribers of the contribution option twice a year - at year's end and mid-year - by simply asking you to consider what value you might put on the miscellaneous information this newsletter provides you. There are a number of options for payment, and I can assure you that all contributions do go towards it's running, but perhaps next year I can investigate expanding the website service. So much maintenance (and perhaps training) is also needed!

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to you all - I look forward to witnessing the unfolding of 2010 together...

Brown Coal to Fertiliser

You would not normally expect to find the owner of a major brown coal resource sitting in the high chair at an environmental forum, but that is what has happened because the chief executive of Ignite Energy can see it playing a significant role in helping farm lands absorb carbon dioxide. Ignite Energy has been using its reserves of brown coal in a joint venture with Lawrie Co, where the coal is blended with solid and liquid plant nutrients to produce a biological fertiliser.

Bio-Agriculture

Important findings in bio-agricultural research offer a solution to the impasse between developed and developing nations on climate change, using biodynamic and organic means. This presentation offers a solution to Global Climate Change and contributes practical solutions to the problem of global food security. It offers many other benefits and can be implemented immediately, at low cost. It also includes an interactive climate change calculator [What a beautifully presented, and researched website]

Time-Controlled Grazing

Time-controlled (TC) grazing, which involves short periods of intensive grazing, has raised concerns about sustainability and environmental impacts on water and soil resources, and ecosystem health generally. A runoff experiment at the catchment scale was established on a grazing property where sediment loss was reduced significantly, irrespective of the size of runoff events. The results indicate that TC grazing has a superior capability to produce and maintain a higher level of ground cover (up to 90%) than continuous grazing (up to 65%).

Measuring Soil Carbon

While critics of soil carbon as a means of reducing emissions have dismissed it on the grounds it is too hard to measure, new research out of Brazil could provide the answer for farmers and the potential for a more agriculture-friendly climate deal. The measurements are possible using laser-induced optical techniques to test soil carbon and can be applied in different agricultural systems and regions.

Limit Tree Plantings

The Liberal Party has assured the Nationals that the Coalition's greenhouse gas reduction policy would involve planting trees almost entirely on marginal land, not good farm land. But the Government said the sheer volume of trees needed to reduce greenhouse gases in the absence of an emissions trading scheme would require the reforestation of farm land as well. The Opposition's policy is being shaped on a speech Malcolm Turnbull gave in February when he outlined the alternative methods to reduce carbon. [I liked Turnbull's speech back then, but weirdly he changed tack and lost the game!]

Proposed Changes to Food Law

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today invited individuals and organisations with an interest in the regulation of food to provide information and comment on a number of possible changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. The changes under consideration include the approval of genetically modified (GM) maize, cotton and corn, erythrosine as a colouring for icing and a national food safety standard for the production and processing of raw milk products. It might be worth checking out and commenting on. Submissions close 10th February 2010. I notice that the food colouring will require labeling so consumers can make an informed choice - why shouldn't GM foods have this caveat too?

Organic Food 'Hot' in 2010

Organic produce has been tipped as one of the "hottest" fine dining trends for 2010. Organics has played a pivotal role in the evolution of the international fine dining scene and Australia has been no exception, with organic culinary creations now a common feature of the country's most acclaimed and award-winning restaurant menus. "It appears that both chefs and consumers are identifying that organic produce is not only a healthier and more sustainable option but is a superior standard of product in terms of both quality and flavour."

If you happen to be in Brisbane - consider testing the organic taste at Mondo's [a wonderful family link we have]

Pressure on Unsustainable Palm Oil

Last week Unilever halted purchases of palm oil from an Indonesian company, after Greenpeace alleged that it is involved in illegal deforestation and peatland clearance in the region. And the world's two largest food companies, Nestlé and Kraft have both announced internal investigations. With consumer demand for sustainability on the rise, companies must demand accelerated palm oil certification, or consumer backlash could hit them harder than they think; palm oil could become the next ingredient to be rejected entirely.

Potatoes and Petunias Carnivorous?

Petunias and potatoes may actually be carnivorous plants, scientists now suggest.
Indeed, carnivorous behavior may be far more widespread in plants than commonly thought - if we take a closer look. Petunias and potatoes, for instance, have sticky hairs that trap insects. "...many commonly grown plants may turn out to be cryptic carnivores, at least by absorbing through their roots the breakdown products of the animals that they ensnare." Researchers can dose insects with mildly radioactive nutrients then track such molecules to see if the plants are really absorbing them, which would show they are benefiting from killing prey.

GM Seed Price Rises

North American farmers are paying sharply escalating prices for Genetically Manipulated (GM) seed. GM seed company control of "critical biotech patents and supplies of seed germ-plasm" are responsible. Conventional non-GM and organic seed do not suffer the same steep price hikes.

GM Contamination Payout

Bayer CropScience LP has been told to pay about $2 million for losses sustained by two Missouri farmers when an experimental variety of GM rice cross-bred with the farmer's crops. Organisations such as Greenpeace say the verdict confirms that the responsibility for the consequences of GE (genetic engineering) contamination rests with the company that releases GE crops. "The irony in this situation is that those who talk about choice and about user pays policy appear not to be at all concerned about the prevention of choice (for non GMO contaminated crops and foods) nor about ensuring it actually is the user that pays the full costs of the use of such GMO varieties."

GM Canola Contamination

GM canola has been detected in non-GM canola in Victoria. It is believed, although not yet proven, that the contamination has occurred due to a small scale delivery of GM grain, rather than a hybridisation of conventional and GM canola. "It is less than a full load, it may be something like some seed left in the bottom of a field bin or truck that a farmer forgot to clean out." [Note that the contamination is believed, although not yet proven...yet the grain storage operator states that their traceability system can track down loads containing GM material....but it appears he still doesn't know where the contamination came from?? Not sure I have confidence in the so-called tracking system!]

GM Corn Dangers

"For the first time in the world, we've proven that GMO are neither sufficiently healthy nor proper to be commercialized. [...] Each time, for all three GMOs, the kidneys and liver, which are the main organs that react to a chemical food poisoning, had problems."Caen and Rouen University researchers, as well as Criigen researchers, based their analyses on the data supplied by Monsanto to health authorities. but they draw different conclusions after new statistical calculations. The 3 GM corn varieties analysed are legislated as being safe for human consumption in the EU.

Background to Climategate

The recent release of thousands of hacked emails and documents from a leading climate research centre (the Climate Research Unit (CRU) at the University of East Anglia) has been making headlines and has been a hot topic in the blogosphere. These articles provide background to the controversy. The story is about a fairly small group of influential scientists who've drifted into a culture of behaviour that would be anathema to most scientists. [When you consider how influential this research has been on the whole globe...the issue is truly mind-boggling]  PD Climate Gate Part 1 15/12/2009,21:29 49.72 Kb

 PD Climategate Part 2 15/12/2009,21:30 49.32 Kb

Scare Tactics

Wow, check out this short video that was shown at the opening of Copenhagen...but for heavens sake don't show the children, there is not even a ray of sunshine in the message. I get my girls to focus on what works and creative thinking, not doom and gloom which can only lead to paralysis and nightmares. 

Caution on Green Energy Policy

Germany's experience with renewable energy promotion is often cited as a model to be replicated elsewhere. But one report argues that German renewable energy policy, and in particular the adopted feed-in tariff scheme, has failed to harness the market incentives needed to ensure a viable and cost-effective introduction of renewable energies into the country's energy portfolio. In the case of photovoltaics, Germany's subsidization regime has reached a level that by far exceeds average wages. [Any government interference leads to warps and perversions in the marketplace]

Nuclear Program Draws Fire

The French nuclear energy program, which provides about two-thirds of the nation's electricity, is much admired and held as a model of energy self-sufficiency, but the program is deeply flawed, with major cost over-runs and safety problems that have been covered up by the French government.

Climate Change is Natural

The front page of the UK's Daily Mail newspaper gives 100 reasons why global warming is natural. It certainly suggests that public support for global warming may be waning, or at least the media is now allowing dissent to come out...

Warming or Cooling?

Well it depends on how you look at the data - both predictions are valid. This quick presentation puts it all into perspective, and certainly demonstrates that there can be no real consensus on what is going to happen next - which gives ever more validation to the idea of building resilience into all our natural systems to buffer against any scenario.

Temperature Links to US Postal Prices

The rise in global temperatures since 1880 closely correlates with increases in postal charges, sparking alarm that CO2 has been usurped as the main driver of climate change. Ominously, US Post is set to raise the charges 2c to 44c on May 11, 2009! [What fun - and oh so close to the truth]

Carbon Pawprints

Man's best friend could be one of the environment's worst enemies, according to a new study which says the carbon pawprint of a pet dog is more than double that of a gas-guzzling sports utility vehicle. [This has been calculated using artificial pet foods - which are also extremely unhealthy for dogs and cats anyway - an interesting read on this aspect of pet health is Raw Meaty Bones]

Its Pollution Too

The Himalaya Mountain region is warming up three to five times faster than the global trends, but greenhouse gases alone cannot explain this warming, and several new studies are pointing to an old form of pollution: soot. Soot has already been implicated in the melting of the polar ice caps. The good news about warming agents such as black carbon is that they don't linger in the atmosphere for more than a few weeks. [Mmm, surely a more obvious culprit with reasonably global implications, despite the cited scientist's attachment to CO2!]

Thriving with Nature and Humanity

The genuine environment and conservation movement is one of the most important
social movements on Earth. Yet, its credibility is endangered by confused and fearful
politicians, alarmist activists, sensationalist media and prominent extremists with financial conflicts of interest. We should be more concerned about the core issue - climate alarm. That's because throughout human history actions driven by fear produced solutions far worse than the initial perceived problem. When we're willing to understand and re-evaluate the source of alarm and confusion and willing to wholeheartedly question and re-evaluate what we've been told then the danger and inherent weakness of control, fear and guilt are replaced by reality, hope and freedom. [Oh, this is simply an exquisite report - stop working in fear and start creating in awe and love!]

China's Next Grand Engineering Project

The Chinese government's latest grand engineering project will be the biggest water scheme in history - the "south-north water diversion project". The reservoir and a canal will carry water from the Yangtze river and its tributaries in the south of China to the arid northern plains and Beijing. The project is an outdated symbol of 20th-century China that sit uneasily with the current administration's emphasis on sustainable, balanced growth. Close to 1/2 million people will be dislocated.

Israel's Water Technology

In a country with few natural resources and where the most famous body of water is the Dead Sea, Israel is looking beyond its arid landscape and eyeing lucrative overseas markets, offering cutting-edge expertise in areas such as desalination, sewage-eating bacteria and wastewater treatment.

Composting Toilet

In response to last week's newsletter on humanure a wonderful American subscriber Lom Rombough (see Proper Pruning of Grapevines) mentions his composting toilet experience which may interest some.

And a subscriber in the Northern Territory adds his support with this website - but I have to say, the promotional video is seriously weird!

Manure to Energy Support

The US agriculture Secretary has announced an agreement with US dairy producers to accelerate adoption of innovative manure-to-energy projects on American dairy farms. Anaerobic digester technology is a proven method of converting waste products, such as manure, into electricity. "Use of manure to electricity technology is a win for everyone because it provides an untapped source of income for farmers, provides a source of renewable electricity, reduces our dependence on foreign fossil fuels and provides a wealth of additional environmental benefits."

Japan Deals with E-Waste

Seeking to turn an environmental problem into an economic opportunity, high-tech companies in resource-poor Japan are mining mountains of toxic e-waste for precious materials. Workers and humming machines disassemble flat-panel televisions, refrigerators and air conditioners, sorting their metal and plastic components into boxes for recycling. Among the most precious parts are metals such as copper that are becoming more expensive on the world market, while the plant also isolates toxic components such as heavy metals and dangerous gases. [Better than leaving the job to unprotected people in developing countries - though if that job is taken away, what do they survive on next?]

Sneaking in Internet Censorship

Senator Conroy thinks he can sneak his plan to censor the internet in as Australia settles in for Christmas. Over 120,000 Australians have taken a stand against his flawed scheme that will do little more than divert funds away from where they're needed most, and now he plans to bring legislation before Parliament next year. It will hand over control of what we can see online to an unaccountable government body - with no way to tell what they're blocking. The French philosopher Voltaire condemned censorship. "He did so out of profound respect for the individual rights of men to decide for themselves the relative worth of speech offerings...Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so, too.'

Vedic Mathematics

If I have whet your appetite in the past about this form of mathematics, you might enjoy these short videos on sacred geometry, magic fingers and vedic mathematics.

Myco-Force Negotiations

The last newsletter told the story of Myco-Force (a beneficial fungi inoculant) being forced off the market. Apparently since then Nutri-Tech have been informed that they can continue to sell it in Australia because it is not sold as a pesticide, but the APVMA board will be discussing this further and advising them whether they can continue to sell the product unregistered. Sounds like it is still in a tenuous position...

Canada's Organic Newsletter

This month's newsletter includes agronomy for sustainable agriculture; comparison of the meat and carcass quality of lambs raised in organic or conventional production systems; ethnoveterinary medicines used for ruminants; The Magnitude and Impacts of the Biotech and Organic Seed Price Premiums; and other interesting items.

Climate Change Research Program

Expressions of interest for research demonstration sites are invited for funding. Project sites should demonstrate practical application of research into farm management or food processing practices and technologies that improve productivity and reduce emissions at an enterprise level. Deadline closes 5th February 2010.

Ecological Agriculture Australia Association

Yes, it has finally formed! I have been watching the pulling together of like-minded ecoag advocates for a while and one group has finally emerged with a fabulous structure and goal that I am definitely going to be part of. Check it out for yourself, and consider joining in too. I believe it will become the future voice for agriculture, which rightly encompasses ecology, ethics, education, farming and food. Just imagine!

 Ecological Agriculture Australia Association 16/12/2009,18:32 160.00 Kb

 EAAA Membership 16/12/2009,18:35 115.00 Kb

Silica, Lime and Nitrogen

When nitrogen is right, everything else follows. Hugh Lovel will be presenting a 2-day workshop 6th & 7th February, Coffs Harbour, explaining how these minerals interact to create healthy fertile soils. The polarities of silica and lime are the goal posts between which everything in nature takes place. If nitrogen is taken up as amino acid nitrogen from constant microbial activity around the roots or in the plant tissues our plants will be highly vital and robust. Knowing the signs of getting a balance right is the key...  Silica, Lime and Nitrogen 16/12/2009,01:17 303.14 Kb

On the second page of this flyer is another workshop advertised - Educate/Vacate - a 9-day intensive for trainer certification, Port Douglas 10th -18th July (it is expected to be FarmReady approved). There is a scheduled one-day break for vacation time on the Wednesday.

There is also a special offer for reagent update package which includes the latest ORMUS gold, kelp, molybdenum and clay and many other fascinating new developments for quality farming.

Dawson Program Training

It is also known as vibrational (sound) kinesiology and it focuses on treating the cause, not the symptoms of problems. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it along with Shane Gregg & Peter Downie (for the 2nd module), will be conducting the first training program outside Tasmania in Nundle NSW with Module 1 15th - 17th March and Module 2 26th -28th April. These two modules will qualify you to look after your own health, & that of your family.  What is the Dawson Program? 16/12/2009,01:41 26.00 Kb   Course Details 16/12/2009,01:42 27.00 Kb

An Introduction to Biodynamics

To be presented by John Priestley and Hamish Mackay, this 2-day workshop will introduce you to all practical aspects needed to apply biodynamics. You will learn how the biodynamic preparations contribute to the soil food web creating fertility and balance in your soil. Biodynamics is a cost effective method of producing high quality plants, food and fibre with regenerative ecological outcomes. Also applicable for garden enthusiasts. Walcha 15th - 16th February. 

Health

Epigenetics and Disease

Two mice. One weighs 20 grams and has brown fur. The other is a hefty 60 grams with yellow fur and is prone to diabetes and cancer. They're identical twins, with identical DNA. Their varying traits are controlled by a mediator between nature and nurture known as epigenetics. "If you look at these animals and realize they're genetically identical but at 100 days old some of them are yellow, obese and have diabetes and you don't appreciate the importance of epigenetics in disease, there's frankly no hope for you."

Electrosmog

The "electrosmog" that first began developing with the rollout of the electrical grid a century ago and now envelops every inhabitant of Earth is responsible for many of the diseases that impair--or kill--us. Transients are largely by-products of modern energy-efficient electronics and appliances--from computers, refrigerators, and plasma TVs to compact fluorescent lightbulbs and dimmer switches--which tamp down the electricity they use. Transients are causing some scientists to rethink that part of the EMF debate pertaining to the hazards of power lines. Could they have been focusing on the wrong part of the EMF spectrum?

Benefits of Alkalising Known in 1918

This was printed in a 1924 booklet. "In 1918 and 1919 while fighting the ‘Flu' with the U. S. Public Health Service it was brought to my attention that rarely any one who had been thoroughly alkalinized with bicarbonate of soda contracted the disease [the flu], and those who did contract it, if alkalinised early, would invariably have mild attacks." 

High Iron and MS

Almost 100% of MS patients have a narrowing, twisting or outright blockage of the veins that are supposed to flush blood from the brain. Veins in healthy people did not have these malformations. Nor did were these blockages in those with other neurological conditions. A team began a study in which they treated 65 MS patients to see if endovascular surgery would restore flow in these vessels and lessen MS symptoms. Preliminary results are promising.

Codex Restrictions vs Free Speech

Legal action to challenge the strict claims assessment process enshrined in the EU health claims Regulation could be pursued on the grounds of free speech. Censorship was beyond what was reasonably necessary to achieve the objectives of the legislation, and it keeps from consumers emerging science necessary to exercise informed choice. The consequence of EFSA's ‘extreme paternalism' was not only a threat to free speech; it was also a threat to the welfare of the European community.

Chloramines in Australian Water

I thought the use of chloramines was only an issue in America, but a subscriber kindly pointed out that it is in fact widely used in Australia to treat drinking water too. Chloramines also occur in pools by combination with nitrogen from bathers and other organic contamination. Oh dear!! No wonder our bodies are losing their resilience. Compost tea brewers know how deadly it is to soil microbes too.

Putting the 'C' in Cure

What is it about a little left-handed molecule of six carbons, six oxygens, and eight hydrogens that ticks off so many in the medical community? The importance of vitamin C's power against infectious and chronic disease is extraordinary. Omitting it is tantamount to deleting Shakespeare from an English Lit course. It is high time for medical professionals to welcome vitamin C megadoses and their power to cure the sick. Cure is by far the best word there is in medicine. It would seem that you cannot spell "cure" without "C."

Obesity is Not Genetic

The contribution of genetics to the development of obesity is smaller than previously thought. "It is more likely due to a changing social and physical environment that encourages consumption and discourages expenditure of energy, behaviors that are poorly compatible with the genome that we have inherited."

Before and After Vaccines

Why do babies often get their first 'illnesses' and often antibiotics around three or four months old? What event triggers this frustrating scenario? What happens to babies at two to four months that could initiate this relentless course of symptoms - illness, antibiotic, illness? Why does this pattern of illness with recurrent ear infections occur now, a pattern that seldom occurred prior to thirty years ago? Could vaccines be weakening the immune system of our populations and causing asthma and allergies at unprecedented levels? The research is indicating strongly 'yes' - but the industry suggests that publicising this information "would confuse many parents and could even needlessly alarm them".

Quote

"The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjust the sails."
- William Arthur Ward

Cartoon

Miscellaneous

Look at how far governments have evolved/devolved! This article was written by David Crockett (August 17, 1786 - March 6, 1836) and demonstrates the integrity of politicians of that time. It talks about the public purse, and the money you and I contribute to this society, to run the country, and how often the politicians are giving that money away, when it is not theirs to give. Every time a politician opens their mouth, you can bring to their attention, IT IS NOT YOURS TO GIVE...

The Nameless War is the story that people have said would never be written in our time - the true history of events leading up to the Second World War, told by one who enjoyed the friendship and confidence of Mr. Neville Chamberlain during the critical months
between Munich and September, 1939. The author was a member of the British parliament, experienced war first hand and was jailed for telling this story.  The Nameless War 08/12/2009,20:47 282.75 Kb

But if you think this is too fanciful, I was stunned to read about Carol Quigley who Bill Clinton publicly proclaimed as his mentor, stating that she saw the future clearer than anyone else....Her book is about how not a single major event of the 20th Century hadn't been staged and arranged. The First World War, the Second World War, etc... I have just been informed that Carol's book is available in Australia for $80 and it is remarkable how closely she predicted the formation of the World government being worked on now at Copenhagen.

Events

* Silica, Lime and Nitrogen - Coffs Harbour NSW 6th - 7th February 2010.

* An Introduction to Biodynamics - Walcha NSW 15th - 16th February 2010.

* Dawson Program Training Module 1 - Nundle NSW 15th - 18th March 2010.

* Dawson Program Training Module 2 - Nundle NSW 26th - 28th April 2010.

* Educate/Vacate - Port Douglas Qld 10th - 18th July 2010.

Postscript