phillbecker

CWC is a wildlife rescue facility near State College. I’ve volunteered with them a bit over the years, and helped out with the website from time to time.

They send out frequent email messages regarding wildlife, but not always CWC related. So I’m experimenting with blogging the messages automatically. I’m still trying to convince them that this would create a better record of the actions they take and promote in the name of wildlife.

Look for posts in the category “Wildlife Rehab”

The Assassin bug, or wheel bug, is a not-uncommon visitor around woody areas.

Last fall I found one laying a cluster of eggs on a branch in the front yard.

But today, I was out and just happened to check the eggs …

BABIES!!!

When people ask me why I’m a vegetarian, I usually say “for a variety of reasons. It’s a better ecological choice, but mostly I’m trying to bring more peace into my life, and killing animals is just not peaceful” or something to that effect.

This article makes me really glad that I’ve stuck to my decision … no matter how good steak smells.

Sickened pork workers have new nerve disorder
By Julie Steenhuysen

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Eighteen pork plant workers in Minnesota, at least five in Indiana and one in Nebraska have come down with a mysterious neurological condition they appear to have contracted while removing brains from slaughtered pigs, U.S. researchers and health officials said on Wednesday.

…

He said tests showed patients had damage to the nerves at the root level near the spinal cord, and at the far reaches of their motor nerves, where the nerves connect with muscle

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Lachance said it is possible that bits of pig brain stimulated an immune response in the bodies of the workers, causing their immune systems to improperly attack their own nerve tissue.

There are strong arguments to support local, small-scale, organic animal farming and processing.

There is no reason or excuse for factory farms or this kind of slaughter.

I’m a coal-burning Neanderthal. But my house is warm and my electric bill is tiny so… I’m good with it.

Back in college a professor reminded the class that burning a primary energy source for heat was always more energy efficient than electric heat. Why burn fuel to make steam to make electricity and pipe it across vast distances into your house to convert it back to heat with resistance coils while losing energy at every transfer and conversion? Isn’t it better just to burn it and get the heat out yourself?

So we do. Coal is regional in PA, and anthracite is hard, black coal that burns cleaner and hotter than Bituminous coal that is used in power plants.

The house is warmer that when we used all electric heat, and savings are about $50 / month. We’ll see after the cold season is over, but it’s looking good.

So I’m actually reducing global warming emissions by burning coal in my house and using less electricity (made from burning coal).
Yay me.

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I bought a pair of vegan birk sandals in April 05. For $90 you’d expect a pair of shoes to last more than 2 years, especially when they’re only seasonal wear.
I took them in the other day to get resoled, and the guy said fixing them would be “throwing good money after bad.” The footbed (the pride and joy of birks) was cracked, and the synthetic straps were tearing on both feet. Now they no longer (according to the birkenstock USA website) carry 100% leather-free sandals, so replacing them is as pointless as repairing them.

Just for grins and giggles, I’ll post the email exchange I’ve had with customer service. More if they bother replying again.
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