U.S. Judge OKs Alfalfa Strain Made by Monsanto Co.

San Francisco Chronicle 1/7/12
A federal judge has upheld the government's decision to let the nation's alfalfa growers plant the genetically engineered, herbicide-resistant strain manufactured by Monsanto Co., Details here.

PLT. Canada hasn't proceeded with GM alfalfa - yet. But it will, whether farmers or the public want it or not.

Bird Deaths Explained! The United States Department of Agriculture is Killing Them!

January 6, 2012 By Zachary Shahan - Planetsave

The birds were killed by the USDA! Details here.




PLT: What about Canada? Are we doing it here too? Hmmm.

If You Liked Bovine Growth Hormone, You’ll Love "Beta Agonists"

Counterpunch Feb 2010 - MARTHA ROSENBERG 
While researchers and scientists investigate the cause of our diabetes, obesity, asthma and ADHD epidemics, they should ask why the FDA approved a livestock drug banned in 160 nations…details here.


Photo courtesy of Alternet.

Climate Change 'In Front Of Us'

Winnipeg Free Press - Jan 6 '12
A top climate scientists, David Barber of the University of Manitoba warns, if the (warming) trend continues, we may see the increasing pattern of warm days as more curse than blessing. Details here. 

The normally tranquil Big Boggy Crk. in western Manitoba, 

swollen by the record floodwaters of 2011. PLT photo.

Organic Farmers' Suit Against Monsanto Goes to Hearing

Manitoba Co-Operator - Jan 5'12

 A court hearing in New York City at the end of this month will determine if a "pre-emptive" lawsuit by a clutch of U.S. and Canadian organic producers against seed and ag chem firm Monsanto will go ahead. Details here.


An organic market in rural Manitoba.  (PLT photo)

Berens River is out of Gasoline. Emergency Evacuations Being Considered.

CBC Radio is reporting that the northern Manitoba community of Berens River is out of gasoline. The reason?  


Melting ice roads aren't new. This CBC photo shows a truck stuck last year.
Record warm weather is making it impossible to use the winter road to bring in supplies from the south. Emergency evacuations of people who may need medical help, are apparently being considered.  

PLT: This has to be the final irony. Failure of the winter ice roads, an emergency more than likely caused by global warming, in turn caused by the burning of fossil fuels by we humans, is now leaving communities like Berens River without - fossil fuels! And people are supposed to be the smartest species!

Canada’s Asbestos Industry on its Last Legs

Globe & Mail Jan 4-'12

The “miracle fibre” that helped drive Quebec's economy for more than a century now represents an industry near death, despite government efforts to keep it afloat. Details here.

Please also read: "Harper Disgraces Us All Once Again."

Citing Drug Resistance, U.S. Restricts More Antibiotics for Livestock

GARDINER HARRIS - New York Times - January 4'12

WASHINGTON — Federal drug regulators announced on Wednesday that farmers and ranchers must restrict their use of a critical class of antibiotics in cattle, pigs, chickens and turkeys because such practices may have contributed to the growing threat in people of bacterial infections that are resistant to treatment. Details here.
PLT photo
PLT: What about Canada?

Harper's office Won't Comment on Lockout at Plant he Used to Tout Business Tax Cuts

By: Bruce Cheadle, The Canadian Press - 01/4/2012

OTTAWA - The Conservative government is washing its hands of a nasty labour lockout at a locomotive plant in London, Ont., that was once used by Prime Minister Stephen Harper as a backdrop to tout business tax breaks. Details here.

Canadian CEOs vs. the 99%: No Contest When it Comes to Pay

Jan 3'12 - Cdn. Centre for Policy Alternatives

TORONTO—The highest paid 100 CEOs on Canada’s TSX Index had reason to cheer the New Year: By noon January 3, they had already pocketed $44,366 – what it takes the average wage earner an entire year to make. Details here.

Please also read: "The People's Corporation Loses the Common Touch"    and "Of Banksters, Occupiers and Head-Knockers."

Canada's Top Ten Weather Stories for 2011

Environment Canada 

1. Historic Flood Fights in the West. Details here.

2. Please also read: "Second Warmest Year on Record for the United Kingdom" 

 Ice suspended in roadshide shrubs, 

a testament to how deep the floodwater 

had been in the ditch before it subsideed.

Spring '11 - western Manitoba. PLT photo