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Sobering Future of Wildfire Dangers in U.S. West, Researchers Predict

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ScienceDaily (Feb. 14, 2012) — The American West has seen a recent increase in large wildfires due to droughts, the build-up of combustible fuel, or biomass, in forests, a spread of fire-prone species and increased tree mortality  from insects and heat. Details here. Mark Thiessen - Nat'l Geographic High winds and hot temperatures fanned a 1996  wildfire in the foothills around Boise,  Idaho, into an inferno that burned for seven days.

Ottawa Dithers Over Health Concerns About "Roundup"

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" - by Larry Powell Despite copious evidence that the globally-popular weed-killer may be harmful to crops, wildlife, livestock and humans, the Government of Canada seems in no hurry to act. Last June, Health Canada (the federal Department which regulates pesticides) told me, it was aware of such evidence, but, that, "It did not raise immediate risk concerns that would have triggered regulatory action."   A "crop-duster" sprays a field in western MB.  A  PinP  photo. Then, in November, the Federal Court ordered the Minister of Health, Leona Aglukkaq, to reconsider a decision she had made in August, 2009. That's when she refused a citizen's request for a "special" review of the product. The Minister settled instead for a longer-range, routine re-evaluation. That didn't begin until some two years later and won't be finished for about another two.  The court ruling came down almost three months ago.  The Minister is still &q

Is 'Prescription for Disaster' Our 'Most Optimistic' Climate Future?

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February 11, 2012 by Common Dreams New data indicates warming of 2C now planet's "most optimistic" scenario Details here.

More Deceit From Big Oil (Video)

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The Cancer in Occupy

By Chris Hedges  Truthdig Feb 6 - '12 The Black Bloc anarchists, who have been active on the streets in Oakland and other cities, are the cancer of the Occupy movement. Details here.

The True Cost of Mad Cow Disease in the West Midlands (England)

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Justine Halifax, Birmingham Mail - Feb 6 2012 Birmingham could be facing a disease timebomb following the outbreak of the human form of mad cow disease or vCJD, health experts say. Details here. PLT photo