12/24/2009
Not Too Late to Donate
http://www.oursoil.org/sites/default/files/newsletter/SOIL%20Holiday%20Appeal%202009.pdf
12/20/2009
Dismantle Agribusiness to Save Rainforests
Environmental and Indigenous Activists Criticize Proposed Deal to Save Rainforests
On Wednesday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the Obama administration would commit $1 billion over the next three years toward a proposed global scheme to preserve tropical forests. It's called REDD, or Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation. As countries attempt to hammer out a final deal before the end of the summit, Anjali Kamat files a report featuring a range of concerns over what this UN-backed proposal could mean for the future of the world’s rainforests and forest dwellers.
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/12/18/environmental_and_indigenous_activists_criticize_proposed
On Wednesday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the Obama administration would commit $1 billion over the next three years toward a proposed global scheme to preserve tropical forests. It's called REDD, or Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation. As countries attempt to hammer out a final deal before the end of the summit, Anjali Kamat files a report featuring a range of concerns over what this UN-backed proposal could mean for the future of the world’s rainforests and forest dwellers.
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/12/18/environmental_and_indigenous_activists_criticize_proposed
Vegetarians Cut Emissions
"The Countries that Can Really Make a Difference Have Not Really Got Sensitive Enough to the Plight of the Poorest of the Poor" - IPCC Chair Pachauri
We speak with Rajendra Pachauri, the chair of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change about the climate summit, the role of developed countries, and why he promotes vegetarianism as a way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Pachauri and the IPCC won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/12/18/the_countries_that_can_really_make
We speak with Rajendra Pachauri, the chair of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change about the climate summit, the role of developed countries, and why he promotes vegetarianism as a way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Pachauri and the IPCC won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/12/18/the_countries_that_can_really_make
Death for Millions of Africans
Chief G-77 Negotiator Lumumba Stanislaus Di-Aping
US-Backed Proposals Mean Death for Millions of Africans * With the talks entering the final twenty-four hours, a leaked UN document—exposed yesterday on Democracy Now! with French news website Mediapart—has created a firestorm of controversy here at the summit. The UN memo determines that global temperatures would rise by an alarming three degrees Celsius, or 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit, under the current emissions targets being discussed. We speak to Lumumba Stanislaus Di-Aping, the chief negotiator for the G-77, the largest developing country bloc represented at the COP15.
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/12/18/chief_g77_negotiator_lumumba_stanislaus_di
US-Backed Proposals Mean Death for Millions of Africans * With the talks entering the final twenty-four hours, a leaked UN document—exposed yesterday on Democracy Now! with French news website Mediapart—has created a firestorm of controversy here at the summit. The UN memo determines that global temperatures would rise by an alarming three degrees Celsius, or 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit, under the current emissions targets being discussed. We speak to Lumumba Stanislaus Di-Aping, the chief negotiator for the G-77, the largest developing country bloc represented at the COP15.
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/12/18/chief_g77_negotiator_lumumba_stanislaus_di
John Cowan at Rooster's Wife, Dec. 20
Merry Merry Christmas from the Rooster's Wife and the John Cowan Band
We are very happy to be sharing the last Sunday of Advent with John and his fine band, Jeff Autry, John Frazier, Shad Cobb, and Bryan Larrance.
It's put the merry right square and center, on stage at Poplar Knight Spot
114 Knight Street 1 block east of US 1 in downtown Aberdeen, NC 28315
(910)944-7502 www.theroosterswife.org
General admission, $15. in advance, $18. day of show, after 11 am. Tickets available on line by credit and debit cards, at the door with cash or check. Sunday, December 20, 2009 8 pm, doors open at 7 pm. On line purchasers may choose the will call option to save ink and paper.
Consider a membership or sponsorship of music in honor of your favorite music lover. Details available at Poplar Knight Spot, or by telephone (910)944-7502 Gifts of music are always appreciated, and last longer than candy or soap. Let us wrap up a stack of cds for you to put under the tree !
Thanks for supporting LIVE LOCAL music! It makes the world a better place .
We are very happy to be sharing the last Sunday of Advent with John and his fine band, Jeff Autry, John Frazier, Shad Cobb, and Bryan Larrance.
It's put the merry right square and center, on stage at Poplar Knight Spot
114 Knight Street 1 block east of US 1 in downtown Aberdeen, NC 28315
(910)944-7502 www.theroosterswife.org
General admission, $15. in advance, $18. day of show, after 11 am. Tickets available on line by credit and debit cards, at the door with cash or check. Sunday, December 20, 2009 8 pm, doors open at 7 pm. On line purchasers may choose the will call option to save ink and paper.
Consider a membership or sponsorship of music in honor of your favorite music lover. Details available at Poplar Knight Spot, or by telephone (910)944-7502 Gifts of music are always appreciated, and last longer than candy or soap. Let us wrap up a stack of cds for you to put under the tree !
Thanks for supporting LIVE LOCAL music! It makes the world a better place .
12/19/2009
Death to Your Garden
Contaminated Compost: Coming Soon to a Store Near You
9/4/2009
By Barbara Pleasant
In Santa Rosa, Calif., the folks at Grab n’ Grow have been making compost and planting mixes for 25 years, using organic materials generated in Sonoma County. In 2002, the company detected residues of a potent herbicide called clopyralid in a batch of compost. The next year, Grab n’ Grow manager Don Liepold and his wife saw the herbicide’s trail of destruction in their raised bed organic garden — lettuce that refused to grow, curled and wilted peas, and stunted, gnarled tomato leaves.
As we reported in July 2009, clopyralid and its close cousin, aminopyralid, easily persist, sometimes for YEARS!, in hay, manure and compost. When contaminated materials are used in food gardens, tomatoes, beans and other sensitive crops develop curled foliage that looks like a disease, if they grow at all.
Both herbicides are manufactured by DowAgrosciences, which seems to have no moral or ethical problem selling products which clearly are polluting the public compost stream. Meanwhile, aminopyralid pesticides have been pulled from shelves in the United Kingdom. Liepold, the Rachel Carson Council and MOTHER EARTH NEWS think the U.S. EPA should take the same action here.
“I have been testing and detecting herbicide residues and thus rejecting cow manure, horse manure, turkey mulch, rice hulls, mushroom compost and yard trimmings,” says Grab n’ Grow manager Don Liepold. “I spent $20,000 in lab fees in 2008, and am on the same track for 2009,” he says.
It is extremely difficult to keep contaminated materials out of commercial compost. “One load of contaminated grass clipplings can ruin a batch of compost,” says Eric Philip of Anatek Labs in Moscow, Idaho. Philip has seen so many positive tests for clopyralid residues in compost that he would not use untested compost in his own garden.
“When folks have plants die in their home gardens, their first assumption is that they did something wrong,” Philip says. But with pyralid-laced commercial compost becoming more common, contaminated soil amendments are often to blame.
The source of pyralid pollution can be impossible to trace. For example, a horse stable may use hay brought in from a neighboring state, without knowing that it is laced with pyralid herbicides. If the horse’s manure or stable litter ends up in a garden, disaster is ready to strike. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Liepold stopped making one of Grab n’ Grow’s most popular products, Mango Mulch, for more than a year because he could not find an uncontaminated manure supply. Now he’s getting it from two local organic dairies.
Testing for contamination is a slow, painstaking process that comes at a steep price of $350 (or more) per sample, so most commercially-made compost is not tested.
Both of these herbicides were approved by the EPA before their persistence in compost was known, and before lab tests existed that could detect residues at damaging levels. We think approval of these pesticides should be revoked before the damage gets worse.
To express your concern about this hidden danger to your garden, write to your senators and congressional representatives to make your voice heard. You can also contact Rick Keigwin, director of the EPA’s pesticide review division.
See our earlier report: Milestone Herbicide Creates Killer Compost for lots more background on this issue. [Mother Earth News]
9/4/2009
By Barbara Pleasant
In Santa Rosa, Calif., the folks at Grab n’ Grow have been making compost and planting mixes for 25 years, using organic materials generated in Sonoma County. In 2002, the company detected residues of a potent herbicide called clopyralid in a batch of compost. The next year, Grab n’ Grow manager Don Liepold and his wife saw the herbicide’s trail of destruction in their raised bed organic garden — lettuce that refused to grow, curled and wilted peas, and stunted, gnarled tomato leaves.
As we reported in July 2009, clopyralid and its close cousin, aminopyralid, easily persist, sometimes for YEARS!, in hay, manure and compost. When contaminated materials are used in food gardens, tomatoes, beans and other sensitive crops develop curled foliage that looks like a disease, if they grow at all.
Both herbicides are manufactured by DowAgrosciences, which seems to have no moral or ethical problem selling products which clearly are polluting the public compost stream. Meanwhile, aminopyralid pesticides have been pulled from shelves in the United Kingdom. Liepold, the Rachel Carson Council and MOTHER EARTH NEWS think the U.S. EPA should take the same action here.
“I have been testing and detecting herbicide residues and thus rejecting cow manure, horse manure, turkey mulch, rice hulls, mushroom compost and yard trimmings,” says Grab n’ Grow manager Don Liepold. “I spent $20,000 in lab fees in 2008, and am on the same track for 2009,” he says.
It is extremely difficult to keep contaminated materials out of commercial compost. “One load of contaminated grass clipplings can ruin a batch of compost,” says Eric Philip of Anatek Labs in Moscow, Idaho. Philip has seen so many positive tests for clopyralid residues in compost that he would not use untested compost in his own garden.
“When folks have plants die in their home gardens, their first assumption is that they did something wrong,” Philip says. But with pyralid-laced commercial compost becoming more common, contaminated soil amendments are often to blame.
The source of pyralid pollution can be impossible to trace. For example, a horse stable may use hay brought in from a neighboring state, without knowing that it is laced with pyralid herbicides. If the horse’s manure or stable litter ends up in a garden, disaster is ready to strike. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Liepold stopped making one of Grab n’ Grow’s most popular products, Mango Mulch, for more than a year because he could not find an uncontaminated manure supply. Now he’s getting it from two local organic dairies.
Testing for contamination is a slow, painstaking process that comes at a steep price of $350 (or more) per sample, so most commercially-made compost is not tested.
Both of these herbicides were approved by the EPA before their persistence in compost was known, and before lab tests existed that could detect residues at damaging levels. We think approval of these pesticides should be revoked before the damage gets worse.
To express your concern about this hidden danger to your garden, write to your senators and congressional representatives to make your voice heard. You can also contact Rick Keigwin, director of the EPA’s pesticide review division.
See our earlier report: Milestone Herbicide Creates Killer Compost for lots more background on this issue. [Mother Earth News]
12/18/2009
Long but Excellent Article on Maltreatment of Soil
http://www.soilandhealth.org/01aglibrary/010127yeomansIII/010127ch14.html
12/17/2009
April Fools in Pinehurst, Dec. 19
The April Fools are playing Saturday, December 19 at the Darling House Pub in downtown Pinehurst. Come out for a pint or a meal at this cozy pub. The April Fools begin at 8:00 and play until Midnight. CD's available for your last minute Christmas shopping.
See you there!
David, Allen, Steven, and Sherman
See you there!
David, Allen, Steven, and Sherman
Friday Flick at Raven's Wing, Dec. 18
Enjoy homemade snacks while watching:
"The Future We Will Create: Inside the World of TED"
Movie starts at 7:00 pm Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to get a seat.
A suggested donation of $5 is appreciated!
The Future We Will Create: Inside the World of TED
2007 NR 74 minutes
Hailed "the hottest gathering in the world" by Wired magazine, TED (Technology Entertainment Design) is an annual event where an eclectic group of brilliant minds exchange bold ideas for the future. Actress Daphne Zuniga is your host on this all-access tour of the conference. Guests include former Vice President Al Gore, musician Peter Gabriel, environmentalist Majora Carter, as well as comedians, authors and innovators from around the world.
"The Future We Will Create: Inside the World of TED"
Movie starts at 7:00 pm Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to get a seat.
A suggested donation of $5 is appreciated!
The Future We Will Create: Inside the World of TED
2007 NR 74 minutes
Hailed "the hottest gathering in the world" by Wired magazine, TED (Technology Entertainment Design) is an annual event where an eclectic group of brilliant minds exchange bold ideas for the future. Actress Daphne Zuniga is your host on this all-access tour of the conference. Guests include former Vice President Al Gore, musician Peter Gabriel, environmentalist Majora Carter, as well as comedians, authors and innovators from around the world.
12/16/2009
Copenhagen Via Democracynow
Indigenous Peoples of Canada March on Canadian Embassy in Copenhagen to Protest Tar Sands
Canada is the largest supplier of oil to the United States, and most of it comes from the Alberta tar sands. Described as the world's biggest single industrial source of carbon emissions, the tar sands have drawn widespread protest and civil disobedience from environmentalists. On Tuesday, as climate delegates met across town at the Bella Center, a protest led by indigenous peoples of Canada was held outside the Canadian embassy. Democracy Now!'s John Hamilton files a report.
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/12/15/indigenous_peoples_of_canada_march_on
Cap & Trade: A Critical Look at Carbon Trading
Will the expansion of carbon emissions trading help stop global warming or just create a new market for Wall Street to make billions? We air excerpts of Annie Leonard's The Story of Cap and Trade and speak with Larry Lohmann and Frank Ackerman.
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/12/15/cap_trade_a_critical_look_at
Canada is the largest supplier of oil to the United States, and most of it comes from the Alberta tar sands. Described as the world's biggest single industrial source of carbon emissions, the tar sands have drawn widespread protest and civil disobedience from environmentalists. On Tuesday, as climate delegates met across town at the Bella Center, a protest led by indigenous peoples of Canada was held outside the Canadian embassy. Democracy Now!'s John Hamilton files a report.
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/12/15/indigenous_peoples_of_canada_march_on
Cap & Trade: A Critical Look at Carbon Trading
Will the expansion of carbon emissions trading help stop global warming or just create a new market for Wall Street to make billions? We air excerpts of Annie Leonard's The Story of Cap and Trade and speak with Larry Lohmann and Frank Ackerman.
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/12/15/cap_trade_a_critical_look_at
12/14/2009
Polluters Must Pay, democracynow.org
Indian Environmentalist Vandana Shiva:
It Is Time for the US to Stop Seeing Itself as a Donor and Recognizing Itself as a Polluter, a Polluter who Must Pay" The world-renowned Indian environmental leader and thinker Vandana Shiva spoke before thousands at Saturday's protest in Copenhagen. On Sunday, I spoke with her at Klimaforum, the People's Climate Summit, and asked for her assessment of President Obama and what he represents in the climate change talks.
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/12/14/indian_environmentalist_vandana_shiva_it_is
It Is Time for the US to Stop Seeing Itself as a Donor and Recognizing Itself as a Polluter, a Polluter who Must Pay" The world-renowned Indian environmental leader and thinker Vandana Shiva spoke before thousands at Saturday's protest in Copenhagen. On Sunday, I spoke with her at Klimaforum, the People's Climate Summit, and asked for her assessment of President Obama and what he represents in the climate change talks.
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/12/14/indian_environmentalist_vandana_shiva_it_is
Raven's Wing December Schedule
Wednesday, December 16 - Sangha Meditation In the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh
9:30 am - 11:30 am. Donations accepted.
(This is a reccuring event each Wednesday morning.)
Friday, December 18 - Documentary Night
Enjoy homemade snacks while watching:
"The Future We Will Create: Inside the World of TED"
Movie starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to get a seat.
A suggested donation of $5 is greatly appreciated!
Saturday, December 19 - Raven's Wing Open House
Come see what the Healing Center is all about!
Sample Raven's Wing products, see works by Red Spring Artist Emily Whittle. Find last minute gifts and stocking stuffers!
Also, join in or observe making biodynamic preparations next door with Farm Up the Street, approximate hours 10 am - 2:30 pm.
12:00 - 5:00 pm
Friday, December 25 - Raven's Wing Christmas
Join our family for a potluck Christmas dinner and celebration!
Yummy local foods, camaraderie, and door prizes!
4:30 pm until ?
9:30 am - 11:30 am. Donations accepted.
(This is a reccuring event each Wednesday morning.)
Friday, December 18 - Documentary Night
Enjoy homemade snacks while watching:
"The Future We Will Create: Inside the World of TED"
Movie starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to get a seat.
A suggested donation of $5 is greatly appreciated!
Saturday, December 19 - Raven's Wing Open House
Come see what the Healing Center is all about!
Sample Raven's Wing products, see works by Red Spring Artist Emily Whittle. Find last minute gifts and stocking stuffers!
Also, join in or observe making biodynamic preparations next door with Farm Up the Street, approximate hours 10 am - 2:30 pm.
12:00 - 5:00 pm
Friday, December 25 - Raven's Wing Christmas
Join our family for a potluck Christmas dinner and celebration!
Yummy local foods, camaraderie, and door prizes!
4:30 pm until ?
12/13/2009
It's a Gas
China head opens Kazakh pipeline
China's President Hu unveils the Kazakh section of a 7,000km (4,300 miles) natural gas pipeline joining Central Asia to China.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/asia-pacific/8410369.stm
China's President Hu unveils the Kazakh section of a 7,000km (4,300 miles) natural gas pipeline joining Central Asia to China.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/asia-pacific/8410369.stm
12/11/2009
Rooster's Wife, Dec. 13, Aberdeen
Six words you need to know, music lovers:
Alice Gerrard, Laurelyn Dossett, Diana Jones.
They perform in Aberdeen this Sunday, Dec, 13, at 7:30.
Alice Gerrard, Laurelyn Dossett, Diana Jones.
They perform in Aberdeen this Sunday, Dec, 13, at 7:30.
Friday Flick at Raven's Wing
Friday, December 11th- Documentary Night
Enjoy homemade snacks while watching:
"The Beautiful Truth"
(2008) NR
This documentary follows the journey of Garrett Kroschel, an animal-loving teenager raised in Alaska. After reading a book by Dr. Max Gerson, Garrett is inspired to investigate its premise that diet can cure cancer and other diseases. Garrett travels across the country, visiting with physicians, scientists and cancer survivors to discuss Gerson Therapy -- and Gerson's claim that the medical industry has suppressed natural cancer cures for years.
Movie starts at 7:00 pm
Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to get a seat.
A suggested donation of $5 is greatly appreciated!
Enjoy homemade snacks while watching:
"The Beautiful Truth"
(2008) NR
This documentary follows the journey of Garrett Kroschel, an animal-loving teenager raised in Alaska. After reading a book by Dr. Max Gerson, Garrett is inspired to investigate its premise that diet can cure cancer and other diseases. Garrett travels across the country, visiting with physicians, scientists and cancer survivors to discuss Gerson Therapy -- and Gerson's claim that the medical industry has suppressed natural cancer cures for years.
Movie starts at 7:00 pm
Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to get a seat.
A suggested donation of $5 is greatly appreciated!
12/10/2009
Tonight, Dec. 10, Moore County Commissioners Meet on PUD
[From Save Our Sandhills (SOS) Attendance Dec. 10 important!]
SAVE A UNIQUE PINE FOREST
Subject: Ventures “Pine Forest” subdivision between Highway 211 and Highway 73 in West.
Where will water come from with a 15- to 20-year timetable for total buildout?
Will water from other counties still keep flowing?
What happens during droughts?
How will herbicides and pesticides be kept from seeping into Nick’s Creek?
How will traffic be handled on local roads?
What are the real facts concerning the wastewater treatment plant – its safety, odor, maintenance?
In Cumberland County, documented problems have occurred. The Moore County Public Works has only recently developed standards and has no practical experience.
With so much area allotted for houses, businesses, roads, and golf courses, how will animals have corridors and native plants flourish?
This project is huge. It is 1,799 acres, of which 1,623 are being requested to be rezoned. This includes Nicks Creek, ultimately part of Carthage’s and Whispering Pines’ water supplies, which runs through the middle of the entire property from west to east, with small tributaries feeding it throughout the property. In all, a great deal of wetlands abound, all of which are crucial to the welfare of birds and other wildlife, as well as to rare and unusual native plants.
Planned are two separate communities – a resort hotel and residential community with a neighborhood retail center, as well as a gated residential community. These communities will include:
• Up to 890 residential and/or hotel rooms
• 2 championship golf courses and a short course
• Golf clubhouses for each course
• A resort spa, conference center, and fitness center
• A retail and office center.
Please attend the Planning Board meeting on December 10 at 6 P.M., Moore County Historic Courthouse – 2nd Floor
To learn more about Save Our Sandhills, please see www.saveoursandhills.org, call 910-235-3862 or 910-281-5271, or request a brochure at P.O. Box 893, Pinehurst, NC 28370.
SAVE A UNIQUE PINE FOREST
Subject: Ventures “Pine Forest” subdivision between Highway 211 and Highway 73 in West.
Where will water come from with a 15- to 20-year timetable for total buildout?
Will water from other counties still keep flowing?
What happens during droughts?
How will herbicides and pesticides be kept from seeping into Nick’s Creek?
How will traffic be handled on local roads?
What are the real facts concerning the wastewater treatment plant – its safety, odor, maintenance?
In Cumberland County, documented problems have occurred. The Moore County Public Works has only recently developed standards and has no practical experience.
With so much area allotted for houses, businesses, roads, and golf courses, how will animals have corridors and native plants flourish?
This project is huge. It is 1,799 acres, of which 1,623 are being requested to be rezoned. This includes Nicks Creek, ultimately part of Carthage’s and Whispering Pines’ water supplies, which runs through the middle of the entire property from west to east, with small tributaries feeding it throughout the property. In all, a great deal of wetlands abound, all of which are crucial to the welfare of birds and other wildlife, as well as to rare and unusual native plants.
Planned are two separate communities – a resort hotel and residential community with a neighborhood retail center, as well as a gated residential community. These communities will include:
• Up to 890 residential and/or hotel rooms
• 2 championship golf courses and a short course
• Golf clubhouses for each course
• A resort spa, conference center, and fitness center
• A retail and office center.
Please attend the Planning Board meeting on December 10 at 6 P.M., Moore County Historic Courthouse – 2nd Floor
To learn more about Save Our Sandhills, please see www.saveoursandhills.org, call 910-235-3862 or 910-281-5271, or request a brochure at P.O. Box 893, Pinehurst, NC 28370.
12/09/2009
UN Summit, Rich vs. Poor
Draft text divides climate summit
Documents leaked at the UN climate summit reveal divisions between rich and developing nations over the shape of a possible new deal.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/science/nature/8402502.stm
Documents leaked at the UN climate summit reveal divisions between rich and developing nations over the shape of a possible new deal.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/science/nature/8402502.stm
12/08/2009
CropMobbing, Mebane, NC
http://cropmob.org/2008/12/08/mob-number-two-garden-building-at-stone-house-mebane-nc#comment-43
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