Archive for February, 2010
As if the chlorine in drinking water wasn’t bad enough, now we’ve learned about drugs found in drinking water too. What else are we going to have to worry about?
The news reports and public health officials assure us that these drug traces are not health hazards. Yes, it is true; you don’t see people dying from those traces, but you also don’t see people dying from chlorine in drinking water. What’s worrying is the long-term effect that these chemicals have on cells in the body.
Natural health advocates have always maintained that chemical pollutants in our environment cause obesity, cancer, and various chronic health problems. Many of these chemicals act like hormones in the body, interfering with natural hormone production and increasing the risk of certain types of cancer.
One of the drugs found in drinking water is estradiol, a form of estrogen. It gets into the water supply through birth control pills. When women take them, some of the hormones are not metabolized by the body and pass through as waste. So, these hormones enter the sewage system and end up in wastewater treatment facilities where no steps are taken to remove it.
Environmentalists have been concerned about estrogen and other contaminants for many years, because of the effect it has on fish and wildlife. They argue that fish mutations in the Chesapeake Bay and the Mississippi River delta are caused by contaminants.
Regular people are often uninformed about today’s environmental issues; newspapers rarely publish environmental stories on the front page. But drugs found in drinking water make headlines all over the country. In one interview, an Italian researcher talked about the combined effect of chlorine in drinking water and drugs found in drinking water. Chemicals like these interact, increasing the toxicity of each. His wife was pregnant at the time of the interview. He said that they had agreed that she should only drink purified water, at least until after the baby was born.
In some of the studies that he had conducted, the combination of prescription medications caused interesting changes in cell cultures. They inhibited the growth of healthy cells and increased the growth of cancer cells.
Because of the chlorine in drinking water, we already have an increased cancer risk. This has been proven in a number of different studies. People that are not exposed to chlorination have a lower incidence of bladder and colorectal cancer. Luckily, we can protect ourselves from these risks. A home purification system is the solution.
Not all systems will remove the drugs found in drinking water. A dual stage system that specializes in chemical reduction is the most effective. Any carbon filter will remove the chlorine in drinking water, but other steps are needed to ensure your safety. Buy a system that thoroughly cleans your tap water. It’s worth it.
Zach Zimmerman
http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/chlorine-in-drinking-water-isnt-the-only-contaminant-to-worry-about-740668.html
From Showboat’s 2nd version (1936) Paul Robeson – Ol’ Man River
Ol’ Man River (Jerome Kern – Oscar Hammerstein II)
Lyrics from the Original Libretto
Dare’s an ol’ man cal’d de Mississipi
Dat’s de ol’ man dat I’d lek to be
Whot does he care
iv de world gets trauble
Whot does he care iv de land lev’s free.
Ol’ man river,
Dat ol’ man river
He mus’know sumpin’
But don’t say nuthin’,
He jes’keeps rollin’
He keeps on rollin’ along.
He don’ plant taters,
He don’t plant cotton,
An’ dem dat plants’em
is soon forgotten,
But ol’man river,
He jes keeps rollin’along.
You an’me, we sweat an’ strain,
Body all achin’ an’ racket wid pain,
Tote dat barge!
Lif’ dat bale!
You gits a little drunk
An’ you lands in jail.
Ah gits weary
An’ sick of tryin’
Ah’m tired of livin’
An’ skeered of dyin’,
But ol’ man river,
He jes’keeps rolling’ along.
[Colored folks work on de Mississippi,
Colored folks work while de white folks play,
Pullin’ dose boats from de dawn to sunset,
Gittin’ no rest till de judgement day.
Don’t look up
An’ don’t look down,
You don’ dast make
De white boss frown.
Bend your knees
An’bow your head,
An’ pull date rope
Until you’ dead.)
Let me go ‘way from the Mississippi,
Let me go ‘way from de white man boss;
Show me dat stream called de river Jordan,
Dat’s de ol’ stream dat I long to cross.
O’ man river,
Dat ol’ man river,
He mus’know sumpin’
But don’t say nuthin’
He jes’ keeps rollin’
He keeps on rollin’ along.
(Long ol’ river forever keeps rollin’ on…)
He don’ plant tater,
He don’ plant cotton,
An’ dem dat plants ‘em
Is soon forgotten,
but ol’ man river,
He jes’ keeps rollin’ along.
(Long ol’ river keeps hearing dat song).
You an’ me, we sweat an’ strain,
Body all achin an’ racked wid pain.
Tote dat barge!
Lif’ dat bale!
Git a little drunk
An’ you land in jail.
Ah, gits weary
An’ sick of tryin’
Ah’m tired of livin’
An’ skeered of dyin’,
But ol’ man river,
He jes’keeps rollin’ along!
Duration : 0:4:19
From a performance on 10 Nov 2007 at Woodson Regional Library, Chicago, IL
Presented by Chicago Area Friends of SNCC and the SNCC History Project
Duration : 0:5:2
I took a state La Crosse Queen Riverboat Cruise in La Crosse WI USA.
Duration : 0:1:39
The entire span of an interstate bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River during evening rush hour Wednesday 08/01/2007, sending vehicles, tons of concrete and twisted metal crashing into the water, killing at least 3 people.
The Interstate 35W bridge, which stretches between Minneapolis and St. Paul, was in the midst of being repaired when it broke into several huge sections.
Duration : 0:2:58
Crappie are on the smaller end of the fishing spectrum, typically anywhere from a half pound to a pound. However, record crappie have been recorded up to 6 times that size.
If you go by the IGFA listing – World Record weights for Crappie caught on Rod & Reel are: White 5 lbs. 3 ounces and Black was 5 lbs. 1 ounces.
While records are not available for each area, here is a list of a few areas where these big ones have been caught and recorded.
Alabama – Alabama’s winner is 4 lbs. 9 ounces, was caught by Jeremy S. White on May 8th, 2000.
Arizona – Arizona’s is 3 lbs 5.28 oz, and measured 16.75 inches long. This record fish was caught by Robert Schnell on February 22nd, 1982.
Arkansas – Arkansas’s record is 4 lbs. 7 ounces caught by Shelby D. Cooper on april 12th, 1993.
Colorado – Colorado’s record for White Crappie 4 lbs. 3.75 ounces and was 17 inches long. This record Crappie was caught by Daryel Thompson in 1975.
Georgia – Georgia’s record is 5 lbs. 0 ounces caught on a private pond by Theresa Kemp in 1984.
Idaho – Idaho’s state record for white’s is 3 lbs. 1 ounces caught in Crane Creek Reservoir by Leslie Greenwood.
Illinois – Illinois’ record is 4 lbs. 7 ounces caught on a private pond by Kevin Dennis in 1973.
Kansas – Kansas’ state record is currently 4 pounds 4 ounces and 12 inches long for White Crappie, and 4 lbs. 10 ounces, and 22 inches for Black Crappie.
Michigan – Michigan’s state record is 3 lbs. 6.24 ounces and measured 19.5 inches. This record fish was caught in Stony Creek Metro Park by Terrance Poirier in 2000.
Minnesota – The state record Black Crappie was caught in the Vermillion River in 1940. The Black Crappie weight 5 pounds even and was 21 inches long. The White Crappie record , caught on July, 28th, 2002, was smaller at 3 lbs., 15 ounces, caught on Lake Constance.
Mississippi – Mississippi’s record Black Crappie was caught at Arkabutla on March 19th, 1991. it weighed 4 pounds 4 ounces.
Nebraska – Nebraska’s state record for White Crappie is 4 pounds 1 ounces caught by Elsie M. Jensen May 18th, 1980.
Nevada – Nevada’s state record for White Crappie is 2 pounds 13 ounces caught on Weber Reservoir by Paul C. Grant in 2000.
Crappie still remain as one of the most popular species of fish to fish for in the U.S. and the records are updated every year.
It is important to check for not only the crappie records in your state, but also in your local area. You never know when you’ll catch a big one that breaks something.
Daniel Eggertsen
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/state-record-crappie-catches-137865.html
It’s that time of year again. The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting a bit chilly, and the leaves are starting to change color. Starting in October and usually lasting for about six weeks, leaves will be changing to red, orange, yellow, brown, and other hues too numerous to mention.
Whether you’re a seasoned “leaf peeper” or planning your first fall foliage tour, the questions are the same. Where do you find the most vibrant colors? Which scenic highways and byways provide the best opportunities for your viewing pleasure? Where are the best places to see the show?
The best places to see brilliant autumn colors and awe-inspiring mountain vistas are right here, in the western mountains of North Carolina. The hills and mountains in and around Asheville are world-renown for their “fall color show”. This area is consistently ranked high on “Best Places to Visit” lists because of it’s natural beauty and southern charm. Many believe that autumn is the best time to be here.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a perennial favorite. Breath-taking panoramas and leaf-carpeted forests are abundant in this timeless oasis. But, if you’re the one driving, keep your eyes on the road. The stunningly beautiful sights along this drive can be a big distraction. And, at those elevations, you do not want to run off the road. Stop at the designated “scenic overlooks” to take your turn gazing, or switch drivers occasionally if you can. During leaf season the Blue Ridge Parkway can become a little crowded. If you want to get off the beaten path you might consider the drive through Hickory Nut Gorge, or The Pacolet River Scenic Byway.
In early October the leaves start to change in the higher elevations along the parkway, beginning around Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Along the parkway you’ll find campgrounds, picnic areas, trails, waterfalls, and recreation areas. The parkway also passes right through Asheville, so there is a wide range of exciting tourist destinations and shopping nearby.
Popular destinations north of Asheville include Grandfather Mountain and Linville Falls along US 221 near Boone, Craggy Gardens on the Parkway, and Roan Mountain, on the Tennessee border. To the west you can raft down Nantahala River, see the highest dam this side of the Rockies at Fontana Lake, or hike up Cold Mountain, made famous by the book and movie of the same name. Also west of Asheville are the towns of Cherokee and Maggie Valley, offering a diverse range of native crafts and eclectic shops. To the southeast, near Hendersonville, you’ll find Lake Lure, (where Dirty Dancing was filmed), and Chimney Rock Park,which Boasts one of the highest waterfalls in the state, at 404 feet.. And southwest of Asheville, near Brevard, are several popular diversions such as Dupont State Forest, Looking Glass Falls, and the Forest Discovery Center at the Cradle of Forestry Historic Site.
Closer to Asheville, colorful views abound at Mount Pisgah or Graveyard Fields along the parkway. Magnificent views and aesthetically pleasing architecture combine at Biltmore House and Grove Park Inn. To see a wide variety of native foliage up close, stop in at the North Carolina Arboretum, just off the parkway at mile marker 393 or The Botanical Gardens of Asheville, near UNCA.
Driving through is a good way to see lots of color, but you may get more out of it if you immerse yourself fully in the experience. As mentioned earlier, you could take a hike or go rafting under the multi-colored canopies. You might enjoy a scenic train ride on The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Dillsboro, or if you want a completely different perspective, you might find consider flying above it all in a hot-air balloon. Remember you may have to book most of these excursions in advance.
If you plan an overnight visit, remember that local lodging becomes quite crowded as well. Consider making reservations in advance or planning your trips for Sunday through Thursday, if possible. You might even want to stay at places a bit farther away from the more frequented routes.
Items you may want to bring along include a warm jacket, a camera, extra food, drinks, a cooler, a map, a cellphone, and maybe binoculars. And remember to top off your gas tank occasionally.
The North Carolina mountains are definitely the place you want to be when the leaves are changing. But be warned, once here, you may never want to leave.
James Rice
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/the-best-places-to-see-spectacular-fall-leaf-colors-63171.html
This is more of a pre-scout for Whitetails in Missouri. We saw deer tracks, droppings, and a doe itself. Looks like a great place to hunt. Heck, even the locals say it’s great! This is filmed in Ted Shanks Conervation area. In a very rural part of Missouri, where grocery stores are an hour drive away and even McDonalds is out of the question, is this interesting wilderness park.
Ted Shanks Conservation Area is located in northern Pike County at the confluence of the Salt and Mississippi Rivers. The area was once a hunting and battleground for Sac and Fox Indians from the north and the Osages from the south. European colonization of the area began when the Spanish issued Francois Saucier a land grant in 1799. Saucier was the son of the designer of Fort de Chartres and was once the owner of the building that became the Cahokia Courthouse. The land in turn became property of Sauciers son-in-law’s brother, Auguste Chouteau, one of the founders of St. Louis, and then to Neree Valle of one of the prominent families of Ste. Genevieve. Zebulon Pike charted the mouth of the Salt River in 1805 while conducting a reconnaissance of the upper Mississippi River. The area was acquired in the early 1970s using Pittman-Robertson funds, the federal excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition.
Ted Shanks Conservation Area consists of 6,705 acres and contains a variety of habitats including bottomland hardwood timber, marshes, emergent wetlands, agricultural row crops, oxbow lakes and sloughs, old fields, and upland woods. Ted Shanks Conservation Area borders nearly 9 miles of the Mississippi River, 5 miles of the Salt River, and has over 2 miles of river bluffs. Two natural areas, Oval Lake and Bur-Reed Slough, are located on the property. The area consists of 3,827 acres of Missouri Department of Conservation lands and 2,878 acres of lands managed under a cooperative agreement between the MDC, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The area allows a variety of outdoor activities. Two boat ramps allow access to the 70-acre Horseshoe Lake and the lower wetlands for anglers and canoeists and there are more than 500 acres of fishable water including the Salt and Mississippi Rivers. Over 35 miles of levees and a 1/3-mile Disabled-Accessible Trail provide excellent hiking opportunities. The area has over a dozen primitive campsites. Picnic tables are available in the summer months at the adjacent Dupont Reservation conservation Area. Hunting for deer, dove, quail, rabbit, squirrel, wild turkey, and waterfowl is allowed and blinds for waterfowl are located on the site.
The headquarters building contains exhibits, displays, and slide programs on outdoor related topics and includes an observation room that overlooks a marsh. A self-guided auto tour that takes a circuitous route of over 11 miles around the area introduces visitors to the wetlands, management techniques, and wildlife of the Ted Shanks Conservation Area. A brochure of the auto tour can be picked up at the headquarters building. Group tours are available on request.
Stay tuned for future Hunts! God Bless!
Duration : 0:4:36
LYRICS:
this town has got a drinking problem
and it gets worse here every year
he stalks his victims by the river
he stalks the students full of beer
he’s a Mississippi Madman
and it’s a Mississippi mystery
is there a Mississippi Madman?
the maddest murderer in history!
he lurks in shadows down on Third Street
he knows the river like his hand
he chooses victims very carefully
the ones that cannot stand
somehow he gets them to the river
somehow he pushes them in
somehow they do not struggle
somehow they can’t swim
ooh he’s a Mississippi Madman
and it’s a Mississippi mystery
is there a Mississippi Madman?
the maddest murderer in history!
he’s known as Chief Kondraki
and he is just like an Iraqi
he has no direction
and he sees no connection
to the Mississippi Madman
ooh it’s a Mississippi mystery
is there a Mississippi madman?
the maddest murderer in history!
I play Guitar, madolin, drum, and I believe there are five vocal tracks layed down.
Duration : 0:3:37
An Afternoon Cruise On The