~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

I jumped off a train bound for Auschwitz

02/03/2014 Nativegrl77

The French rail company SNCF was paid by the Nazis to transport 76,000 people to their deaths. I survived by jumping off one of those trains. Sign my petition to stop SCNF from doing business in the US until it pays reparations to Holocaust survivors.

Sign Leo’s Petition

In 1942, after years of hiding from the Nazis because I am a Jew, I was put on a train bound for Auschwitz. There were 1,000 people on the train, crammed together, terrified. I did the only thing I could think to do: I found a way to jump off and escape. I later found out that of the thousand people on that train, only five survived the Holocaust.

That train was part of SNCF, the French railway company that transported 76,000 people — including 11,000 children and many American pilots shot down in France — toward Nazi death camps. SNCF was paid by the Nazis per person, and per kilometer. Sometimes I wonder whether SNCF was paid for my partial journey, or if they would have been paid more if I’d made it all the way to Auschwitz.

Unlike other companies that worked for the Nazis, SNCF has never paid a cent of reparations to Holocaust survivors.

That’s why I started a petition on Change.org to demand that SNCF finally make reparations to Holocaust survivors. Please click here to sign.

SNCF and its American subsidiary Keolis are bidding to do business in America, the country where I finally found my freedom. Even as SNCF and Keolis compete for lucrative public contracts – many funded by my tax dollars and those of other survivors sent on SNCF trains toward their deaths – SNCF still adamantly refuses to pay any reparations.

It is simply unconscionable that SNCF’s American subsidiary is now competing to build and operate the light-rail Purple Line in my home state of Maryland – valued at more than $6 billion and one of the single biggest contracts in state history – while refusing to be held accountable.

Please sign my petition to hold SNCF accountable at last.

When I first came to America in 1947, I didn’t want to think about what happened to me. 15 years later, I got a letter from my cousin confirming that my mother and sisters had been killed in the camps. My wife said to me, “Now that you know what happened to your family, you have to start talking.”

So I did. I have spent decades telling the story of what happened to me. It’s emotionally upsetting, but this is the price I have to pay for being alive.

I am almost 93 years old now. If I hadn’t jumped off that train, I would have died when I was 21. In whatever time I have left, I will keep telling my story, and keep fighting for what is right. When I speak to young people about what happened to me, I tell them, each of you can make a little difference in the future. Each of you makes a little difference, but when you take it collectively, it becomes a big difference.

Please sign my petition demanding that SNCF finally pay reparations to Holocaust survivors and that it be held accountable for the active role it played in the Nazi genocide.

Thank you for standing with me and for demanding that SNCF finally be held accountable.

Leo Bretholz Baltimore, Maryland

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 2/3 the House

02/03/2014 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands adjourned until 2:00pm on Monday, February 3, 2014.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R.2642, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013. The time until 5:30pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees .

As a reminder to all Senators, cloture was filed on the conference report to accompany H.R.2642 during Thursday’s session.

At 5:30pm, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the conference report to accompany H.R.2642, the farm bill.

During his opening remarks today, Senator Reid moved to proceed to S.1950, Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014. The Senate is now considering the conference report to accompany H.R.2642, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, with the time until 5:30pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

At 5:30pm tonight, there will be a cloture vote on the conference report to accompany H.R.2642, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013. Under the previous order, at approximately 2:35pm tomorrow, the Senate will proceed to vote on adoption of the conference report. Upon disposition of the Farm bill conference report, the pending business would be S.1845, Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act.

In addition to the conference report on the Farm bill and the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act, this week we hope to consider several nominations, including that of Senator Baucus to be Ambassador to China, the Veterans bill, and any other items on the Legislative or Executive Calendars cleared for action. The Senate is not expected to be in session on Wednesday, February 5 in order to accommodate the Democratic issues conference and the Republican retreat.5:30pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the conference report to accompany H.R.2642, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013;

Invoked: 72-22

Cloture was invoked on the conference report to accompany the Farm bill by a vote of 72-22. The Senate is now considering the conference report, post-cloture. There will be no further roll call votes tonight.

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

1) Motion to invoke cloture on the conference report to accompany H.R.2642, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013; Invoked: 72-22

Legislative Items

Passed S.376, the Drought Information Act of 2013 with a committee-reported substitute amendment and a Pryor amendment.

Discharged the Judiciary committee and adopted S.Res.340, expressing the sense of the Senate that all necessary measures should be taken to protect children in the United States from human trafficking, especially during the upcoming Super Bowl, an event around which many children are trafficked for sex.

Discharged the Judiciary committee and adopted S.Res.341, observing the 100^th birthday of civil rights leader Daisy Bates and honoring her legacy as an American heroine.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.1982, the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014. (Sanders)

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.1977, to repeal section 403 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, relating to an annual adjustment of retired pay for members of the Armed Forces under the age of 62, and to provide and offset (Ayotte and others) in order to place the bill on the Legislative Calendar.

No Executive Items

========================================================

Last Floor Action:1/31
3:05:00 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on February 3, 2014.

12:00:33 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:41 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Thomas E. Petri to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:01:00 P.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
12:01:10 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
2:00:22 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 3.
2:00:25 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:01:44 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:01:47 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Holding to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:02:03 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:03:37 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 5:00 P.M. today.
5:00:35 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 3.
5:01:01 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.
5:01:11 P.M.	H.R. 1791	Mrs. Brooks (IN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1791 — “To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to codify authority under existing grant guidance authorizing use of Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program funding for enhancing medical preparedness, medical surge capacity, and mass prophylaxis capabilities.”
5:01:38 P.M.	H.R. 1791	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:14:16 P.M.	H.R. 1791	At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
5:14:33 P.M.	H.R. 357	Mr. Miller (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 357 — “To amend title 38, United States Code, to require courses of education provided by public institutions of higher education that are approved for purposes of the educational assistance programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to charge veterans tuition and fees at the in-State tuition rate.”
5:15:31 P.M.	H.R. 357	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:47:45 P.M.	H.R. 357	At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
5:48:16 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess.The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

5:48:16 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.
6:30:43 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 3.
6:30:45 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:30:55 P.M.	H.R. 1791	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1791 — “To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to codify authority under existing grant guidance authorizing use of Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program funding for enhancing medical preparedness, medical surge capacity, and mass prophylaxis capabilities.”
6:57:41 P.M.	H.R. 1791	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 391 – 2 (Roll no. 32).
6:58:43 P.M.		MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in remembrance of our brave men and women who have given their lives in the service of our country in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families, and of all who serve in our armed forces and their familes.
7:00:28 P.M.	H.R. 357	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 357 — “To amend title 38, United States Code, to require courses of education provided by public institutions of higher education that are approved for purposes of the educational assistance programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to charge veterans tuition and fees at the in-State tuition rate.”
7:07:52 P.M.	H.R. 357	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 390 – 0 (Roll no. 33).
7:07:56 P.M.	H.R. 357	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
7:08:22 P.M.		Mr. Sessions filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 470.
7:08:53 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:19:46 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

=====================================

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Internet Apocalypse?

01/31/2014 Nativegrl77

The US and the EU are on the verge of giving rich corporations the right to control what we all see on the Internet. It’s the apocalypse of the Internet as we know it. But free speech advocates and web companies are fighting back. Click to join the largest call for a democratic and free Internet ever:

The richest 1% could now control what we all see on the Internet forever. It’s the apocalypse of the Internet as we know it, and will erase the democratic promise of an information highway for everyone the founders of the world wide web imagined.
Together, our community has built on that vision, using the web to fight corruption, save lives, and bring people-powered aid to countries in crisis. But the US and the EU are on the verge of giving the richest corporations the right to show content fast, while paywalling or slowing down everything else. Avaaz’s ability to show the world citizen journalist footage from Syria, or run campaigns to save our planet is under threat!
Decisions on both sides of the Atlantic are being made now. But tech innovators, free speech advocates and the best web companies are fighting back. If millions of us join them now we can create the largest call for a democratic and free Internet ever. Sign up now and tell everyone:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/internet_apocalypse_loc/?biEWLbb&v=34949
Until now, any improvements in the speed and functioning of the Internet benefited all of us — if Rupert Murdoch’s ultra-conservative Fox News got a faster way to stream videos, it also benefitted independent media showing reality on the ground in Ukraine, Syria, or Palestine. Politicians called this “net neutrality” and laws protecting it used to exist in the United States until a court just struck them down. Now, the EU Parliament is threatening to pass regulation that give ISPs the right to carve up the web and control what we see, by slowing down or charging for sites that don’t pay.
But we can stop this. First, we will show up with massive global numbers into this week’s public meeting in the United States to decide whether to reinstate Internet protections. Then we will unleash a high powered lobby team to target the EU Parliament to ensure its committees listen to the public. This will be the big first step we need to win these important battles over the next few months.
Web providers like Verizon and Vodafone are lobbying hard for an Internet for the rich. And without a massive response from citizens, they could win, and put our whole community’s work at risk. Most of our Internet is located in the US and the EU so this affects us all. We don’t have any time to lose. Click below to join now:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/internet_apocalypse_loc/?biEWLbb&v=34949
When our community was less than half of the size it is now, we rallied and helped kill the ACTA treaty and stopped massive Internet censorship laws SOPA/PIPA. Today, we are more powerful than ever. Let’s now join together and ensure that what connects us all stays open. With hope, Pascal, Emma, Dalia, Luis, Emilie, Luca, Sayeeda and the whole Avaaz team SOURCES:
On dangers of non-Network Neutrality (ABC news): http://abcnews.go.com/Business/major-ways-internet-change-net-neutrality/story?id=21541399 Save the Internet http://savetheinternet.eu/en/
EU telecoms market reforms threaten net neutrality and privacy (Wired) http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-11/19/eu-telecoms-reform-concerns
Federal court strikes down FCC net neutrality rules (The Verge) http://www.theverge.com/2014/1/14/5307650/federal-court-strikes-down-net-neutrality-rules
Summary of BEREC positions on net neutrality (BEREC) http://berec.europa.eu/files/document_register_store/2012/12/BoR_(12)_146_Summary_of_BEREC_positions_on_net_neutrality2.pdf

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

FDA/USDA ~ Recalls, Market Withdrawals&Safety Alerts ~~ Jan 2014

01/31/2014 Nativegrl77

YoungYou International Issues Voluntary Recall of Mega Slim Herbal Appetite Management Pills Due to Presence of DMAA

01/31/2014 08:51 AM EST

YoungYou International (“YoungYou”) is voluntarily recalling Mega Slim Herbal Appetite Management, one pill a day, sold from September 15, 2013 through January 23, 2014 at the consumer level. Mega Slim Herbal Appetite Management was found to contain DMAA.

YoungYou International Issues Voluntary Recall of Mega Slim Herbal Appetite Management Pills Due to Presence of DMAA

01/31/2014 08:51 AM EST

Arkansas Firm Recalls Frozen Chicken Products Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
George’s Inc., a Springdale, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 1.25 million pounds of frozen par-fried chicken tender products because of misbranding and an undeclared allergen. The products are formulated with wheat, a known allergen, which was not properly declared on the labels.

Pringles Issues Allergy Alert and Voluntary Recall of One Hour’s Worth of Production of Original Crisps Due to Undeclared Milk

01/28/2014 02:13 PM EST

Pringles is recalling a small quantity of 5.68‐ounce cans of its Original crisps. The crisps are being recalled because they may have been inadvertently exposed to seasoning containing milk, which is not listed as an ingredient on the label.

PMI Nutrition, LLC Recalls Red Flannel® Cat Food Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

01/26/2014 04:58 PM EST

PMI Nutrition, LLC (PMI), Arden Hills, Minn., has initiated a voluntary recall of its 20 lb. bags of Red Flannel® Cat Formula cat food for possible Salmonella contamination. There have been no reports of illness related to this product to date.

Winn-Dixie Recalls Instant Chocolate Drink Mix Sold in Florida

01/24/2014 06:41 PM EST

Winn-Dixie today announced an immediate recall of the 30 oz. canister of Winn-Dixie Instant Chocolate Drink Mix, with expiration date code of JUL 14 15B, from shelves in all stores throughout Florida. The recall does not affect stores in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana or Mississippi.

FDA’s MedWatch Safety Alerts: December 2013

01/24/2014 8:30 AM EST

FDA warns consumers about ADHD medications with a risk of long-lasting erections, dietary supplements that contain undeclared ingredients, a nipple aspirate test claiming to be a substitute for a breast biopsy or mammography and more.

UPDATED: Allergy Allert – Undeclared Milk in Five Kinnikinnick Foods Products

01/23/2014 10:14 PM EST

Kinnikinnick Foods of 10940 120 Street, Edmonton, AB is expanding previous recalls of January 10 & 15th. Kinnikinnick has determined that an ingredient used in the production of these products contained MILK allergens that were not listed by the manufacturer of that ingredient and may be present in these finished products.

FDA’s MedWatch Safety Alerts: December 2013

01/24/2014 8:30 AM EST

Updated information is now available. An updated list of retail consignees has been posted for recall 003-2014, North Dakota Firm Recalls Beef Franks Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen (Jan 15, 2014).

Lochiel Enterprises Limited Recalls St Mary’s River Smokehouses Oven Smoked Salmon Stix, Chili Mango Flavor Because of Possible Health Risk

01/22/2014 12:52 PM EST

Lochiel Enterprises Limited of Sherbrooke, NS is voluntarily recalling 56 lbs of ST MARY’S RIVER SMOKEHOUSES OVEN SMOKED ATLANTIC SALMON STIX, CHILI MANGO FLAVOR, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and still births among pregnant women.

Flat Creek Farm & Dairy Recalls Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk Update to Correcy Lot Number Information

01/22/2014 01:50 PM EST

On December 23, 2013, Flat Creek Farm & Dairy of Swainsboro, GA announced a recall of its Heavenly Blue Cheese and Aztec Cheddar cheese. The purpose of this updated press release is to provide the correct lot number for the Aztec Cheddar cheese.

Updated information is now available. An updated list of retail consignees has been posted for recall 002-2014, California Firm Recalls Various Meat Products Produced Without The Benefit Of Full Inspection (Jan 13/16, 2014).

Kentucky Firm Recalls Cheeseburger Mac Products Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
Truitt Brothers Inc., an East Bernstadt, Ky. establishment is recalling approximately 1.77 million pounds of shelf-stable pasta and ground beef products because of misbranding and an undeclared allergen.

California Firm Recalls Various Meat Products Produced Without the Benefit of Full Inspection
Rancho Feeding Corporation, a Petaluma, Calif., establishment, is expanding its recall to include an additional 420 pounds of product that was produced without the benefit of full federal inspection, making it unfit for human food.

Colorado Firm Recalls Beef and Pork Products Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen
European Meat Products Inc., a Lakewood, Colo., establishment, is recalling approximately 130,000 pounds of fresh and ready-to-eat beef and pork products because of misbranding and an undeclared allergen

Illinois Firm Recalls Sliced Spiral Hams for Possible Listeria Contamination
Gusto Packing, a Montgomery, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 67,113 pounds of sliced, spiral ham products due to concerns about possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

The Mentholatum Company Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Rohto® Eye Drops Made in Vietnam

01/16/2014 06:22 PM EST The Mentholatum Company announced today it is conducting a voluntary recall to the retail level of Rohto® Arctic, Rohto® Ice, Rohto® Hydra, Rohto® Relief and Rohto® Cool eye drops Made in Vietnam. This recall includes ONLY lots of product that were manufactured in Vietnam and DOES NOT include eye drops made in Japan.

California Firm Recalls Various Meat Products Produced Without the Benefit of Full Inspection
Rancho Feeding Corporation, a Petaluma, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 41,683 pounds of various meat products because they were produced without the benefit of full federal inspection.

North Dakota Firm Recalls Beef Franks Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen
Cloverdale Foods Co., a Mandan, N.D., establishment, is recalling approximately 2,664 pounds of beef franks due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products were formulated with milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

Acetaminophen Prescription Combination Drug Products with more than 325 mg: FDA Statement – Recommendation to Discontinue Prescribing and Dispensing

AUDIENCE: Consumer, Dentistry, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pharmacy, Pain Management, Surgery

Midwest Wholesale Issues Voluntary Recall of Boost Ultra, XZone Gold, Sexy Monkey, Triple MiracleZen Platinum, Magic for Men, “New” Extenze, and New XZen Platinum Marketed as a Dietary Supplements Due to the Presence of Undeclared Drug Ingredients

01/10/2014 08:31 PM EST

Nipro Diagnostics, Inc. Initiates Voluntary Recall of Certain TRUEbalance and TRUEtrack Blood Glucose Meters

01/07/2014 06:52 PM EST

Nipro Diagnostics, Inc. today announced it is initiating a voluntary recall and replacement of a limited number of TRUEbalance and TRUEtrack Blood Glucose Meters distributed both in the United States and outside the United States. The company has determined that certain isolated TRUEbalance and TRUEtrack Blood Glucose Meters distributed in the United States have an incorrect factory-set unit of measure that displays the glucose result in mmoi/L rather than mg/dl.

Tonia’s Biscotti II LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat, Milk, and Soy in Tonia’s Biscotti Sampler Bags, Lemon Biscotti Dipped in White Chocolate Bags, and Individually Wrapped Biscotti of All Flavors

01/07/2014 04:48 PM EST

Tonia’s Biscotti II LLC of Homer, AK is recalling Sampler Bags, Lemon Biscotti dipped in White Chocolate Bags, and individually wrapped biscotti of all flavors because they may contain undeclared wheat, milk, and soy. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat, milk, and/or soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

Baxter Initiates Nationwide Voluntary recall Of Select Lots of Premix Parenteral Nutrition

01/03/2014 06:10 PM EST

Baxter International Inc. announced today it has initiated a voluntary recall in the United States of two lots of CLINIMIX and one lot of CLINIMIX E Injection parenteral nutrition products to the user level due to complaints of particulate matter found in the products. For detailed information pertaining to this Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts message, please click the link at the beginning of this bulletin

Can a Dietary Supplement Treat a Concussion? No

1/2/2014 10:00 AM EST

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers to avoid products marketed as dietary supplements that claim to prevent, treat or cure concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These claims are not backed by scientific evidence and FDA is concerned that false assurances of a faster recovery will convince someone who has suffered a concussion to resume activities too early to be safe.

In December 2013, FDA issued a warning letter to Star Scientific, Inc., for marketing its product Anatabloc with claims to treat TBIs.

Read this Consumer Update to learn more about the alarms being raised about these products marketed as dietary supplements.

The Cultured Kitchen Voluntarily Recalls Cashew Cheese Due To Possible Risk Of Contamination From Salmonella

12/31/2013 06:45 PM EST

The Cultured Kitchen of West Sacramento, CA is voluntarily recalling all flavors of their non-dairy cashew cheese product due to a risk of contamination from Salmonella. The non-dairy cashew cheese was distributed in Northern California and Nevada at various natural foods stores and farmers markets in the Sacramento Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, and Reno.

Campbell Recalls 300 Cases of Prego Traditional Italian Sauce Due to a Risk of Spoilage

12/31/2013 08:32 PM EST

Campbell Soup Company is voluntarily recalling approximately 300 cases of 24-ounce jars of Prego Traditional Italian sauce because of a risk of spoilage. The affected product was manufactured on December 15, 2013 and can be identified by the Best By date of June 16, 2015 and a four-digit, military time code ranging from CT BJ ZV 0330 through CT BJ ZV 0449.

Voluntary Field Corrective Action Initiated for Vital Signs Deviceâ€™s CO2 Multi Absorber Due to a Health Risk

01/01/2014 02:07 PM EST

Vital Signs Devices, a GE Healthcare Company, has initiated a voluntary field corrective action of the disposable Multi Absorber Original after becoming aware of a potential safety issue due to air leakage associated with the CO2 Multi Absorber. The Multi Absorber Original may have a thin wall condition which may lead to small holes in the water (drain tube). This may result in a loss of anesthetic gases, ventilation and oxygenation.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

What’s in a Name

01/31/2014 Nativegrl77

By CAP Action War Room

If It’s The Most Offensive Name In Professional Sports, Quite A Bit

A team that is not playing in this weekend’s Super Bowl has increasingly found itself in the news for something unrelated to football. Over the last year, the Washington Redskins ownership has come under intensifying pressure from high-profile individuals, including its own players and the President of the United States, who say that it should change the team’s name.

Today, our colleague Travis Waldron at ThinkProgress Sports has published an exhaustive history of the controversy, and uncovered a new twist in emails he exclusively obtained: Dan Snyder, the unpopular owner of the Redskins who vowed that he will “never change the name,” is getting advice from several high-profile Republican advisers on how to defend against the growing public outrage with a team name that is a racial slur. These advisers include Frank Luntz, the GOP pollster; Ari Fleischer, who served as White House press secretary under George W. Bush; and George Allen, the former governor of Virginia.

In addition to revealing the names of this all-star team of Republican communicators, the emails indicate the group’s dismissive attitude toward any concern over the issue. Bruce Allen, George Allen’s brother and the team’s general manager, called Waldron’s questions “ignorant” and “insulting,” and Fleischer responded, “not [sic] need to answer any more questions or waste any more time with this outfit.”

It remains to be seen how this latest chapter in the growing controversy will affect the Redskins team. But to get up to speed, check out this timeline going back to last February and then head over to Waldron’s longread:

BONUS: The National Congress of American Indians is using the venue of the Super Bowl to air a moving Public Service Announcement to raise awareness and gain support for the campaign to change the name of the Washington Redskins.