Thank you for your interest in learning more about hazardous and other industrial wastes in fertilizer. It has only been in recent years that the public has become aware of this method of disposal, and only then because of the persistence of a few Washington farmers, a small town mayor and the outstanding investigative skills of a Seattle Times� reporter Duff Wilson. The resulting investigative series 'Fear in the Fields: How Hazardous Waste Becomes Fertilizer' was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize for public service reporting. Duff Wilson's book 'Fateful Harvest, the True Story of a Small Town, a Global Industry and a Toxic Secret' was published in 2001 just days before the attacks of September 11, 2001. Needless to say, the book was overshadowed by the tragic events of 9/11. As you enter this site to learn more, keep in mind that our children bear a disproportionate burden of the consequences from toxins released into the environment. While we cannot claim this method of disposal is the cause of the rise in childhood health problems, it may be a contributing factor. The most recently released Food and Drug Administration�s Total Diet Study for the period 1991-96 would seem to support at least cause for concern, recording a 50% rise in dietary arsenic since 1986 for both toddlers (2 year olds) and adults age 60-65 and a doubling of dietary arsenic for toddlers between 1984 and 1996.[1] We are at a point in history, where the silent majority � those who care about the environment and children�s health � can no longer afford to remain silent. The consequences of environmental change are all around us, and like 'canaries in the coal mine' our children are paying the price as sentinels. Statistics on childhood illnesses since 1980 are staggering. Asthma has increased 142%; cancer continues to rise at 1% per year; birth defects are rising; and 17% of all children under age 19 have some form of developmental disability[2]. Even the EPA acknowledges the 'probable cause' is 'environmental toxins' and that most likely the damage is being done in-utero. We have a unique opportunity to unite behind this issue that literally affects every one of us, and send a clear message to our elected officials that we want nothing less than a clean environment, and healthful food. I implore you to get involved and stay involved until this method of disposal has been banned and protective standards set. Please join me in protecting our future by demanding safe food and fertilizer. The cure is prevention. Patricia Anne Martin Former Mayor, City of Quincy Here is a link that might be useful: Safe Food and Fertilizer

This is a great website for ordering exercise videos. They have a huge variety of videos including many which aren't available in stores--such as Leslie Sansome's Walk Away series. They will also send you a catalog. What I have found great is how they describe each tape for you. They categorize them into three categories: Aerobics, Muscle Toning, and Stretch , Yoga & Tai Chi; indicate whether it is for beginner, intermediate or advanced users; tell you how long the video is--even breaks it down into a timeline of segments (warm-up, aerobics, toning, cooldown, etc.); and lists the top fitness magazines' ratings of these videos. They have a section of specialty videos including ones for kids, pregnancy, seniors and special health issues (back pain, arthritis). There is also a selection of workout equipment--steps, body bars, balance balls and a great selection of workout music to order. I've never had to wait more than three days for my videos to arrive after ordering. They state they usually ship within 24 hours. I think you will be pleased with their selection and service!! Here is a link that might be useful: Great Workout Videos

As my best friend from Savannah used to say, "DIVINE!" Your kitchen is heavenly, such a scrumptious mix of materials and creative elements. You should be a kitchen designer! Your layout looks great, too, and I love how your kitchen opens up to the family room. Your kitchen is one of the most gorgeous ever I've seen, and you're really kind to share photos and sources. Oh, and your two daughters are too cute for words! Congrats on your project, and **please** keep the photos coming!!

I started serious running in the 70's and did it for years until I switched to speed walking to save my knees. I walk the dogs three miles a day and go on the treadmill two more miles at 4.3 mph. So I thought I'd try a yoga class early last year when I belonged to a different gym. I went in cold turkey thinking how hard could it be since I do all this other stuff. Well, it was very difficult, and I ended up exhausted. I did find out I wasn't in the beginners class but in an advanced one. I think I'd like to do it at home maybe. My new gym doesn't have lessons. My doctor swears by it.