I am still on the road and extremely busy, so I’m not posting as much as normal. Things will get back to normal in a day or two. I may even post more tonight, if I can stay awake. Stay tuned, nabeepchen is alive and running.

Bush does it again. Once again, he has succeeded in isolating the U.S., pitting us against the world. He has done this at so many conferences, whether it be curbing pollution, women’s rights, and his favorite, family planning. The U.S. delegates continue to embarrass themselves in the face of the rest of the world, by promoting Bush science and ideology.

At the conference taking place right now in Montreal, under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the fruit of the 1992 Rio Summit, Bush can chalk up another victory for “I Stand Alone.”

Even Australia, the last holdout, broke ranks with the US to endorse a Canadian proposal for countries to hold talks over the next two years to find ways of curbing greenhouse-gas emissions.

Curbing greenhouse gases interferes with business and puts a little bit of a curb on profits. That is Bush’s only concern. And here are some examples of the intelligence which flowed forth from the mouths of the American delegates:

Even so, the US voiced its objections to the proposal and defended its argument that smart technology and a voluntary approach, rather than emissions caps and regulations, would fend off climate change.

Paula Dobriansky, US under secretary for democracy and global affairs said: “We believe that the best approach and the best way forward is one that takes into account diversified approaches and differing opinions. One size does not fit all.”

Very true, one size does not fit all, but diversity in the Bushism eyes means keeping an eye on profit and not the health of the planet. Voluntary approaches do not work. If they did, there would be no reason for having these global conferences in the first place.

I remember some silly nursery rhyme which something like “The Cheese stands alone.” Well, maybe Bush sings that every morning in the shower. It really is frightful how he and his henchmen think that the planet is theirs to loot, pollute and destroy—as long as they keep making money. It is ironic that he cares nothing about the planet that he will be leaving to his future grandchildren, and couldn’t care less whether it will even be livable for them or not.

From News24.com

If you have sweet little kitties at home, then you must take a look at this website, and see just how much fun it is to have cats help you with Christmas. And the wonderful improvements that they can make to a Christmas tree.

I always get behind in blogging when I’m out of town, primarily because I’m usually busy during the daytime and not sitting by the computer. And then by evening, I’m usually not in the mood to type, or to think up something creative and witty. Like now. I am sooo ready for sleep.

But I just looked at the news and noted that Epsilon, our fearless December hurricane, is still hanging in there. Despite expectations that it would weaken back to a tropical storm, it is still maintaining its status as a hurricane. Is this crazy or what, a hurricane in December? How is Santa going to get through with a hurricane blowing?

At least Epsilon is out at sea, and not expected to make landfall. Thank goodness for small favors.

I was too tired to blog last night. But I arrived safe and sound, on the opposite side of the North American continent. Amazingly, only a 30 minute delay in Atlanta. The plane is here, they kept insisting, but not the crew. Interesting twist on things, but better than engine trouble.

Anyway, I haven’t looked at the news yet and probably don’t want to. Instead, I’ll finish having my breakfast, and read something inspirational. It is afterall, the second Advent. I can’t believe that Christmas is almost here and another year has come and gone.

I’m rushing around for a change of pace, getting ready to leave town tomorrow. So when in doubt, post a press release. This one is both interesting and scarey–imagine sitting down to munch on some veggies, and instead, you’re getting an infusion of antibiotics. Just what the healthy body needs, right?

ANIMAL ANTIBIOTICS DISCOVERED IN COMMON VEGETABLES

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have found residues from animal antibiotics in common produce, says a new study. Spreading raw manure on fields from animals treated with antibiotics is a common practice on conventional farms. Unfortunately scientists have now discovered that vegetables like corn, cabbage and green onions absorb those antibiotics, which are then ingested by consumers.

“Vegetarians may think the huge overuse of antibiotics in livestock and poultry will not affect them, but that’s not true,” stated Margaret Mellon, the director of the Union of Concerned Scientists. “Consumers eating vegetables grown on soil fertilized with manure may be unknowingly ingesting antibiotics.” Regular consumption of these antibiotics can then cause bacteria in the body to become resistant.

Read the whole article at NutraIngredients.com

Today is December 1, 2005, better known as AIDS Awareness Day. And while I think it is very nice to reserve a day to acknowledge AIDS, I have to wonder how it is going to help the situation. What exactly does “AIDS Awareness Day” mean, and more important, what is being done on this day to increase awareness of AIDS?

Better yet, what is being done to control the spread of AIDS, besides Bush-ites trying to promote fear, fire and brimstone into teens, and lying about the usefulness of condoms in controlling AIDS? Around the world, in nations where the rates of HIV infection are highest, the ignorance about the disease is astounding, as is the stigma attached to it.

I’m not offering any solutions, I’m just asking–what is being done on this day? Other than Google commemorating it with a red ribbon, and some politicians and health experts giving speeches. Tell me something good, even one thing that will come out of having an AIDS awareness day. I’d really like to know that it’s not just something to make people feel good, and make them feel like they’re doing something.