Tag Archives: Minnesota

By John R. Platt
7 May 2015

(Takepart) – For the first time, plastic particles have been found in the stomachs of tuna and other fish that are a staple of the human diet.

More than 18 percent of sampled bluefin, albacore, and swordfish caught in the Mediterranean Sea and tested in 2012 and 2013 carried levels of plastic pollution in their bodies, according to a study published in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin.

All three species migrate between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, so these plastic particles could make their way onto the plates of American consumers. The plastics found in the fish contained phthalates, nonylphenol, bisphenol A, brominated flame retardants, and other chemicals that previous research has linked to endocrine disruption, low reproductive rates, and other health risks.

A 2010 study by French and Belgian marine biologists estimated that 250 billion pieces of microscopic plastic were floating in the Mediterranean. A 2014 expedition by Gabriel Gorsky of Pierre-et-Marie Curie University found that “there is not one parcel of the Mediterranean Sea that is devoid of plastic or plastic fragments.” Another study published last year estimated that all of the world’s oceans combined carry more than 5 trillion pieces of plastic pollution.

The current study of large pelagic fish (which live in the open sea, away from the shores or the bottom of the ocean) examined 56 swordfish, 36 bluefin, and 31 albacore that had been caught in the Mediterranean. Of those fish, seven swordfish, 11 bluefin, and four albacore contained plastics in their stomachs.

The plastics varied in size from large pieces more than 25 millimeters wide to microplastics smaller than 5 millimeters. The swordfish were more likely to have ingested large fragments of plastic, while the albacore ingested mostly microplastics.

Most of the pieces were white or transparent, while some “yellowish” plastics were found in the stomachs of the swordfish and bluefin.

As large, “top of the food chain” predators, the fish could have picked up plastic that had first been eaten by smaller fish; a study published last year found that Mediterranean bogue, an important prey species for swordfish, ingest large quantities of microplastics. The researchers, from the Institute for Environmental Protection and Research in Italy, wrote that other plastics could have been ingested while the tuna chased schools of prey fish into shallow waters, where floating plastics are more abundant. [more]

Toxic Plastic Found in the World’s Favorite Fish

ABSTRACT: This study focuses, for the first time, on the presence of plastic debris in the stomach contents of large pelagic fish (Xiphias gladius, Thunnus thynnus and Thunnus alalunga) caught in the Mediterranean Sea between 2012 and 2013. Results highlighted the ingestion of plastics in the 18.2% of samples. The plastics ingested were microplastics (<5 mm), mesoplastics (5–25 mm) and macroplastics (>25 mm).

These preliminary results represent an important initial phase in exploring two main ecotoxicological aspects: (a) the assessment of the presence and impact of plastic debris on these large pelagic fish, and (b) the potential effects related to the transfer of contaminants on human health.

First evidence of presence of plastic debris in stomach of large pelagic fish in the Mediterranean Sea

Technorati Tags: plastic,pollution,fish decline,ocean,ecosystem disruption,endocrine disruptor,tuna,Europe

Source: http://www.desdemonadespair.net/2015/05/toxic-plastic-found-in-worlds-favorite.html

~ FDA/USDA ~~ Alerts & Safety

USDA-FSIS Recall Cases, – Update – Aug Sept and October

10/27/2013 Nativegrl77

Maryland And Texas Firms Recall Broccoli Salad Kits With Dressing For Possible Listeria Contamination
Taylor Farms Maryland, Inc. in Jessup, Md. and Taylor Farms Texas Inc. in Dallas are recalling approximately 22,849 pounds of broccoli salad kit products due to concerns about possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination in the salad dressing.
An updated list of retail consignees has been posted for recall 059-2013 (October 22, 2013) and recall 059-2013-expansion (October 26, 2013), Kansas Firm Recalls Chicken, Ham And Beef Products Due To Potential Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination.
An updated list of retail consignees has been posted for recall 055-2013, Wisconsin Firm Recalls Ready-To-Eat Chicken And Ham Products Due To Potential Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination, September 25, 2013.
Maryland Firm Recalls Broccoli Salad Kits For Possible Listeria Contamination
Taylor Farms, a Jessup, Md. establishment, is recalling approximately 5,084 pounds of broccoli salad kit products.
Kansas Firm Recalls Chicken, Ham And Beef Products Due To Potential Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
Reser’s Fine Foods, a Topeka, Kan. establishment, is expanding its recall of chicken, ham and beef products to include all products produced between Sept. 5 and Oct. 9, 2013.
California Importer Recalls Salami Products That Were Not Presented To USDA for Reinspection
California Wholesale Store Recalls Rotisserie Chicken Products Due to Possible Salmonella Heidelberg Contamination Costco’s El Camino Real store in South San Francisco, Calif., is recalling 9,043 units (approximately 39,755 lbs.) of rotisserie chicken products that may be contaminated with a strain of Salmonella Heidelberg.Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Chicken Products Produced at Three Foster Farms Facilities
Ferrarini USA, Importer of Record in San Fernando, Calif., is recalling approximately 15,118 pounds of salami products that were not presented for import reinspection.
Massachusetts Firm Recalls USDA-Regulated Ready-To-Eat Products for Possible Listeria Contamination
Boston Salads and Provisions Company, Inc., a Boston, Mass., establishment, is recalling approximately 222,959 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken salad products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm).
Recall 060-2013, Minnesota Firm Recalls Ground Beef Product Due To Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination (Oct 22, 2013)
Recall 058-2013, California Wholesale Store Recalls Rotisserie Chicken Products Due To Possible SalmonellaContamination (Oct 17, 2013)
Recall 049-2013, Texas Firm Recalls Canned Pasta Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen (Aug 30, 2013)

~ the Senate ~ Congress ~Republican led House

the Senate CONGRESS 10/10 the House

10/10/2013 Nativegrl77

matthew 25

The Senate stands adjourned under the provisions of S.Res.267 as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Senator Rod Grams of Minnesota until 10:30am on Thursday, October 10, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, it is expected that the Majority Leader will move to proceed to S.1569, a bill to ensure the complete and timely payment of the obligations of the United States Government until December 31, 2014.

The time until 1:00pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

At 1:00pm, the Senate will recess subject to the call of the Chair to allow for special caucus meeting with the President.

This morning Senator Reid moved to proceed to Calendar #211, S.1569, a bill to ensure the complete and timely payment of the obligations of the United States Government until December 31, 2014. The time until 1:00pm is equally divided between the two Leaders or their designees. As a reminder, the Senate will recess at 1:00pm subject to the call of the Chair.

By unanimous consent, the Senate passed H.J.Res.91, Making continuing appropriations for death gratuities and related survivor benefits for survivors of deceased military service members of the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2014.

The Senate stands in recess subject to the call of the Chair.

The Senate has reconvened and has resumed consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1569, Default Prevention Act of 2013. The time until 6pm is equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders, or their designees, and with senators on the majority side limited to 10 minutes each.

The time until 7pm on the motion to proceed to S.1569, Default Prevention Act of 2013, is equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

This evening Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1569, the Default Prevention Act of 2013. Unless an agreement is reached, the cloture vote would occur 1 hour after the Senate convenes on Saturday, October 12.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.J.Res.91, Making continuing appropriations for death gratuities and related survivor benefits for survivors of deceased military service members of the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.

Passed S.1276, a bill to increase oversight of the Revolving Fund of the Office of Personnel Management with a committee-reported substitute amendment and a Carper title amendment.

Adopted H.Con.Res.58, Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the need for the continued availability of religious services to members of the Armed Forces and their families during a lapse in appropriations with Levin amendments to the resolution and the preamble.

Completed the Rule 14 process of:

– H.J.Res.84, Head Start Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014;

– H.J.Res.89, Making appropriations for the salaries and related expenses of certain Federal employees during a lapse in funding authority for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes;

– H.J.Res.90, Federal Aviation Administration Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014; and

– H.J.Res.91, Making continuing appropriations for death gratuities and related survivor benefits for survivors of deceased military service members of the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

*************************************************************

Last Floor Action:
5:09:47 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

10:00:15 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:26 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Kerry L. Bentivolio to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:36 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour Debate, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

10:55:13 A.M.

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

12:00:24 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 10.
12:00:27 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Guillermo Maldonado, King Jesus International Ministry, Miami, FL
12:01:46 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:01:48 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Kildee to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:03:17 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.
12:43:17 P.M.		Congressional Award Board – Pursuant to section 803(a) of the Congressional Recognition for Excellence in Arts Eductation Act (2 U.S.C. 803 (a)), the Minority Leader appointed Mr. Mitchell Draizin, New York, NY.
12:43:33 P.M.		Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy – Pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 51312(b), and the order of the House of January 3, 2013 the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy: Mrs. McCarthy of NY.
12:43:48 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 371. H.J. Res. 79 — “Making continuing appropriations for certain components of the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.”
12:44:29 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.J. Res. 79.
1:05:15 P.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.J. Res. 91 and agreed to S. Res. 267.
1:05:59 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	DEBATE – The House continued with further debate on H.J. Res. 79.
1:25:03 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
1:25:18 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that further proceedings on H.J. Res. 79 had been postponed.
1:25:50 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
1:35:46 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 10.
1:35:53 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on further consideration of H.J. Res. 79
1:36:07 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	Considered as unfinished business. H.J. Res. 79 — “Making continuing appropriations for certain components of the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.”
1:36:19 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	Ms. Shea-Porter moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.
1:36:54 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Shea-Porter motion to recommit with instructions, pending the reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to replace the underlying bill with the Senate Amendment to H.J. Res. 59, Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014.
1:43:04 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	Mr. Carter raised a point of order against the motion to recommit with instructions. Mr. Carter stated that the proposed amendment contained in the motion to recommit with instructions was not germane. Sustained by the Chair.
1:43:04 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	Point of order sustained against the motion to recommit with instructions.
1:45:15 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	Ms. Shea-Porter appealed the ruling of the chair. The question was then put on sustaining the ruling of the chair.
1:45:46 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	Mr. Carter moved to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair
2:12:11 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	On motion to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 226 – 196 (Roll no. 539).
2:19:50 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 249 – 175 (Roll no. 540).
2:19:50 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:23:51 P.M.		MOMENT OF SILENCE – The Chair recognized the Minnesota delegation to lead a moment of silence in remembrance of former Representative and Senator Rod Grams.
2:31:43 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
2:38:18 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

5:09:47 P.M.

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair

5:09:47 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
6:59:55 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 10.
7:00:10 P.M.		Mr. Woodall moved that the House do now adjourn.
7:00:15 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
7:00:17 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on October 11, 2013.

———————————————————————————

~ politics petitions pollution &pop culture

Fed up with Cargill, taking our demands to its customers

09/10/2013 Nativegrl77

Rainforest Action Network

It has begun!

I’m here in Minnesota today to kick off The Power Is In Your Palm Tour, a traveling roadshow that will visit a dozen of the Snack Food 20—companies using conflict palm oil in their popular snack food products—at their US headquarters. I’ll be working with the dedicated activists on the Palm Oil Action Team to deliver our demands to each of these companies: Take conflict palm oil tied to rainforest destruction, orangutan extinction, and human rights violations out of your snack foods!

Fittingly, we started the tour at the world headquarters of Cargill, the #1 importer of conflict palm oil into the US. We just hand-delivered over 100,000 petitions calling on Cargill to commit to transparency and safeguards that will eliminate the conflict palm oil that is driving orangutans to the brink of extinction from its global supply chain.

Cargill petition delivery

After years of making similar demands, though, we’re tired of waiting. Cargill has had its chance to do the right thing. After today, we’re taking our demands directly to Cargill’s customers—many of whom are amongst the Snack Food 20.
The Power Is In Your Palm Tour will travel across the US to deliver the message far and wide that you and me can change how these companies do business. When we take action, the Snack Food 20 will have to remove conflict palm oil from their products. And to do that, the Snack Food 20 will have to tell Cargill that it’s time to remove conflict palm oil from its supply chain.
Here’s how you can help:
1. Sign up for the Palm Oil Action Team—you’ll get all the latest calls to action and will make a huge contribution to The Power Is In Your Palm Tour. Together, we’ll pressure the Snack Food 20 to change their ways.
2. Chip in $5 to keep the tour rolling! We can’t do any of this without your support. Just $5 will go a long way.
It’s so important that you get involved now because we have truly reached The Last Stand of the Orangutan. Best estimates place the population of orangutans in the wilds of Sumatra and Borneo at just 60,600. We really have no time to waste in convincing the Snack Food 20 and Cargill to make sure the products they sell aren’t destroying precious habitat for these great red apes.
Thanks for all you do! And stay tuned, because the next event of The Power Is In Your Palm Tour is going down this Thursday, and we’ll finally be naming the Snack Food 20 and publicly calling on them to clean up their act. You’ll have a big role to play in making that call as loud and clear as possible!

		For the great red ape,
		Jess Serrante National Agribusiness Organizer Twitter: @Jess_Serrante

~ politics petitions pollution &pop culture

a message from Al Franken & Rachel Maddow

07/30/2013 Nativegrl77

Al Franken - U.S. Senator, Minnesota

Carmen —
Got a minute? Then click here.
Al was on Rachel Maddow’s show the other night, talking about his provision in health care reform that’s already saving Americans billions of dollars.
Oh, and Will Ferrell’s in the video, too — you’ll see when you watch it.
It’s an important video because it highlights one of the many benefits of Obamacare that a lot of people don’t know about.
But it’s also important because it highlights the reason why my job rocks — it’s Al at his best.
Click here to watch the video — and then take action to help Al keep making progress (we’re almost at our $100,000 July goal with just 2 days to go!).

If we work hard to elect leaders like Al, we really can make a difference. We can bring down the cost of health care. We can hold insurance companies accountable. We can keep racking up more great accomplishments like the one Al talks about in the video.
So watch this clip, share it with your friends, and make sure to take action to help Al keep fighting for us!
Thanks,
Matt
Matt Burgess Campaign Manager TeamFranken
P.S.: We only have 2 days left until we hit our July fundraising deadline — and we could really use YOUR help to hit our $100,000 goal. Please click here to take action today!