Kraft Foods Canada Must Remove Yellow Dye From Kraft Dinner

LetterstotheSilo Dear Silo, you probably know Kraft Dinner — the easy-to-make, tasty, comfort food in the blue box. It’s one of the most popular grocery items in Canada — some actually call it Canada’s national dish.

But there’s a troubling reason why Kraft Dinner is bright orange when it’s ready to eat. Kraft uses chemical colouring that serves no purpose for flavoring or nutrition. This chemical — labelled as Tartrazine or Yellow 5 — has been linked by experts to serious health issues like asthma, skin rashes, and hyperactivity in children.

And while those chemicals are not used in other countries, Kraft Dinner sold in Canada and the United States still includes it just to make the food a brighter colour.

Keeping this chemical in KD is an unnecessary potential risk. That’s why we, Vani and Lisa, started a petition on Change.org demanding that Kraft remove Yellow 5, an unnecessary ingredient, from Kraft Dinner immediately. Click here to sign our petition.

We are two women who work to educate others about the benefits of eating real food and avoiding unnecessary chemicals. Although we stopped buying Kraft Dinner when we found about the risks of artificial colouring, we know that it’s a staple for millions of families around the world — many of whom can’t afford to buy other, more expensive products.

Okay so it might take an extra 10 secs, but it's a good idea to read the ingredients in all the food you pick up. Case in point- yellow5 or Tartrazine
Okay so it might take an extra 10 secs, but it’s a good idea to read the ingredients in all the food you pick up. Case in point- yellow5 or Tartrazine

We’re asking that Kraft remove this chemical from KD because it can eliminate a potential health hazard while not changing the taste of the food at all. Kraft doesn’t use these chemicals in the United Kingdom due to wide health concerns, so we know it’s possible to do the same in the Canada. And as one of the largest food companies in the world, Kraft could set a precedent for other companies to do the same.

Petitions on Change.org have forced companies to remove ingredients before — including huge companies like Gatorade, Starbucks, and Tide — and we think we can add Kraft to that list with our petition.

Click here to sign our petition asking Kraft to remove Yellow 5 from Kraft Dinner sold in the Canada. If they can do it for other countries, they can do it here.

Eat well,

Vani Hari and Lisa Leake

Supplemental-  Material Safety Data Sheet (United States) for Tartrazine / Yellow 5  from sciencelab.com  In Canada, WHMIS categorizes Tartrazine as Class D2B which is TOXIC

Canadian Penny May Bring $250,000 US At Auction

The legendary Pittman-Krause     1936 Canadian Dot Cent, the most famous coin in Canadian  numismatics and one of just three known — and indeed one of the most famous  coins in the world — is expected to bring more than $250,000 when it  crosses the auction block as the feature lot in Heritage Auctions’ April 18-23 CICF World &     Ancient Coins Signature® Auction at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in  Rosemont, IL.

“We presented the Pittman-Krause Dot Cent nine years ago  and are now ready to help write a new chapter for this famous coin,”     said Warren Tucker, Vice President of World Coins at Heritage. “It’s being offered as part of the excellent Nikita Collection of Canadian Coins, where it went after Heritage auctioned it off from The Chet Krause Collection in 2004.”

The George V 1936 Dot Cent,     KM28, MS63 Red PCGS, Ex: John Jay Pittman Collection, as it is known by its full name, is far and away the most famous of the three known Dot cents, having been stolen from the Pittman home in 1964 and later returned (with scratches in the right obverse field) in an envelope with other coins.

 

dotpenny2

 

While the Dot Cent is the star of the auction, collectors will find international numismatic treasures from all over the world, and from across the epochs, to satisfy most every collecting taste.

“Our CICF auction has become quite an extraordinary  event, with a broad range of numismatic interests, in a relatively short  amount of time,” said Cristiano Bierrenbach, Vice President of  International Numismatics at Heritage, “due to the hard work of the team at Heritage, the foresight of our consignors and the enthusiasm of  collectors. From Goetz medal dies, to Ancients, European, Latin America and  beyond, this auction offers more than 5,800 lots that will appeal to every  taste in the hobby.”

[ read more » ]

This auction is open for bidding now at www.HA.com/coins.

 

 

 

Ontario’s Greens ask MPP’s to support dedicated transit funding

 

GPOTransit

 

 

 

(Toronto) – GPO leader Mike Schreiner is criticizing the NDP for hurting the economy and environment by refusing to support dedicated revenue tools to fund public transit.    “NDP leader Andrea Horwath sounds like Rob Ford when it comes to funding public transit,” says GPO leader Mike Schreiner.

“Ontario’s economy will grind to a halt if we don’t reduce gridlock with dedicated revenue for public transit.”  

Gridlock costs the GTHA economy $6 billion per year in lost productivity. If the status quo doesn’t change, gridlock will cost the economy $15 billion per year. Congestion hurts our health, environment and takes time away from family and community.   

The GPO is calling on MPPs in the minority legislature to support dedicated funding for transit.    “We need to be realistic about funding public transit,” adds Schreiner. “People are tired of being stuck in traffic. They understand that we can’t afford transit improvements without new revenue. It’s unfortunate the NDP is standing in the way of better public transit for those who need it most.”  

 “The NDP are wasting the opportunity they have in the minority legislature to leave a great legacy for ours and our kids’ future by funding world-class transit across the province,” adds Schreiner. “We need to change direction in transportation planning, and we need to be realistic about funding. Wishful thinking won’t fund transit.”  

Ontario can’t afford to let gridlock continue. Better transit benefits everyone. It means less congestion, fewer accidents and less pollution. For the Silo, Becky Smit

Asian Silver Carp Set To Invade Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are one of the world’s most important natural resources – holding one fifth of the world’s fresh surface water, home to more than 150 species of fish, and vital to the economy of Ontario and neighbouring U.S. states. But several kilometres from Lake Michigan lurks a threat that could change the Great Lakes forever. The fish known as Asian carp could wipe out native fish species, devastate sport and commercial fisheries, and cause far-reaching changes to the Great Lakes ecosystem.

If you need proof of the danger to the Great Lakes, take a look at the Mississippi River Basin. After escaping from aquaculture ponds in the southern U.S. in the 1970s and 80s, Asian carp have spread steadily northward. In parts of the Mississippi and other rivers, invasive, voracious Asian carp have crowded out native fish and make up as much as 90 per cent of all fish by weight. Only electric barriers in a canal near Chicago are currently keeping the fish out of Lake Michigan.

The need for a coordinated plan to fight Asian carp led the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, with support from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, to host a “table-top exercise” in March. The exercise simulated an incident where Asian carp get into Ontario waters. The aim was to test if the agencies involved are ready to respond quickly and effectively.

“Preventing Asian carp from spreading into the Great Lakes is the most cost-effective control measure we’ll ever have,” says Ontario Minister of Natural Resources Linda Jeffrey. “This exercise was about making sure all the agencies involved work together, and identifying areas where we’re vulnerable.”

For the March exercise, participants rehearsed how they would respond IF an accident on a bridge over the Thames River in southwestern Ontario caused a truckload of live Asian carp to be dumped in and near the river. It was a timely choice – only a week earlier a fish importer had been fined $50,000 for trying to truck 1,800 kilograms of live Asian carp across the Windsor/ Detroit border to sell in the Greater Toronto Area. It’s illegal to possess live Asian carp in Ontario.

The term “Asian carp” includes four species – bighead, silver, grass and black carp. The bighead and silver carp currently pose the biggest threat. They weigh up to 45 kilograms and can grow to more than a metre long. As filter feeders that can eat 20 per cent of their body weight a day in plankton, they’re able to grow and multiply faster than native species. In some areas in the U.S. carp populations are doubling every year.

Silver carp are also a hazard to people on the water. When disturbed by boat motors, the fish jump as much as two metres out of the water. Boaters and water skiers on the Illinois River have already been hit and injured.

Canadian and U.S. experts agree that Asian carp would thrive in the Great Lakes, and that quick action is the only way to prevent Asian carp from spreading if they are found in the Great Lakes Basin.

During the table-top exercise, local MNR staff described how they would place nets upstream and downstream to catch and identify fish in the river, test the fish to find out if they could reproduce, and confirm if the river habitat was suitable for Asian carp. The agencies involved also had to decide if any local species at risk might be harmed by the control measures, and keep governments, partners, the public and the media informed.

“Ontario’s recreational fishery contributes $500 million to the province’s economy each year, our commercial fishery is worth up to $215 million a year, and the Great Lakes ecosystem is priceless,” says Minister Jeffrey. “With so much at stake, we have to be prepared.” For the Silo, Lacey Williamson. 

netTALK DUO Go-Anywhere telephone device now available for Canada

Tiny, powerful digital telecommunication device. NetTalk Duo WiFi.
Tiny, powerful digital telecommunication device. NetTalk Duo WiFi.

 

 

 

 

Miami, FL – – netTALK.com, Inc. (“netTALK”; OTCBB: NTLK), a telecommunications, consumer electronics and cloud technology company, announces that the  netTALK DUO WiFi, the world’s first wireless VoIP telephone device, is available at leading national Canadian retailers.

The netTALK DUO WiFi works absolutely where you can access a WiFi connection.  Unlike other voip devices, it does not rely on a computer or a router to function taking it to new heights of convenience and portability.

 “Never before have Canadians had access to a portable wireless VoIP device such as this.” commented Anastasios ‘Takis’ Kyriakides, President and CEO. Since it works anywhere there is a WiFi connection, netTALK DUO WiFi is light years ahead of the competition, which is why throwing the switch and turning off high phone bills, forever, should be an obvious choice across Canada.”

 “netTALK has demonstrated its commitment to the Canadian market over the last few years with helping Canadians save money on their phone bills with the original netTALK Duo” continued Kyriakides.  “Now with the netTALk DUO WiFi, not only can they continue to save lot’s of money without having monthly phone bills or contracts, they can truly cut their phone cord as well.”

Aside from working anywhere with a WiFi connection, the netTALK DUO WiFi includes all the features Canadian netTALK customers have come to know and love including:

    ·        Free Canadian Phone number

    ·        Fire Your Phone Company, No Contracts or Monthly Bills!

   ·         Free Call Waiting/Caller ID/ Call Forwarding

   ·         Free Voice Mail to Email    ·        

             Free True Canadian E911

The lowest cost, flat-rate international call plans in the industry. Fax-friendly service. Live customer service and technical support.

Anastasios 'Takis' Kyriakides, President and CEO of netTALK Canada. Mr. Kyriakides is no stranger to innovative technology- he is the inventor of the world's first language translator and also invented  the first hand held optical scanner and PC VGA card. #solid!
Anastasios ‘Takis’ Kyriakides, President and CEO of netTALK Canada. Mr. Kyriakides is no stranger to innovative technology- he is the inventor of the world’s first language translator and also invented the first hand held optical scanner and PC VGA card. #solid!

Mr. Kyriakides concluded, “The DUO WiFi takes ‘cord-cutting’ to new heights, eliminating even the need to tether the device to a computer. It can go anywhere, with the same phone number and the same great service. Reaching new heights in technological innovation, the netTALK DUO WiFi offers unbeatable value, call quality, features and customer service. Now that’s something to TALK about!”

 The netTALK DUO WiFi carries a suggested retail price of only CA$74.95, which includes a full year of service. Setup of the netTALK DUO WiFi takes just a few minutes and works anywhere in the world with an internet connection.

 The netTALK DUO (the original device from netTALK) and the new netTALK DUO WiFi are winners of PCMag.com and Laptop Editors’ Choice awards, and officially designated “Business-Ready” by PCWorld. The netTALK DUO is a revolutionary VoIP telephone device and digital phone service.

 Bottom Line? The tiny netTALK DUO enables free nationwide calls to any phone in Canada and the U.S. from anywhere in the world, as well as low-cost, flat-rate international calling plans and a variety of other features, detailed at www.netTALK.com. No computer is necessary to make calls using the netTALK DUO, as it simply plugs directly into a modem (or computer).  The netTALK DUO WiFi is the next step in the evolution of the netTALK DUO, by operating from any WiFi connection.

 netTALK offers the following calling plans for the netTALK DUO and netTALK DUO WiFi (prices do not include tax):

Basic Call Plan: Free calling throughout Canada and U.S.; one full year included FREE with netTALK DUO and as low as CA$39.95 plus taxes for each additional year.

 North America Add-On: Unlimited calling to the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico as low as CA$5.85 plus taxes per month.

International Add-On: Calling to 60+ countries, including China,India, Brazil, UK, France, and more for as low as $10 per month (plus taxes).

The netTALK DUO WiFi is now available at leading national Canadian retailers; contact marketingdirector@thesilo.ca for the location nearest to you. Visit www.netTALK.ca CP

Letters To The Silo- Idle No More

LetterstotheSilo

Dear Silo, We have as of late been inundated with all the bad news about the “ Idle No More “ protests by the aboriginals and how disgusting it is, and counterproductive it is and all the finger pointing that is going on, and who’s right and who’s wrong and how dare theses people disrupt our way of life.

These people have a legitimate road to hoe with their issues and have had for years now. They were the originators of this country, had at one time a huge empire here that stretched across the country and ran their affairs according to their laws. While I do not condone some of the acts that have been done it’s not hard to see why they have done so to make or stress their point. I mean is it not hard to envision that if you had been put on reserves and given second class status and had issues would you not also rail against what you felt was wrong for you and your people.

Ms. Spence may have squandered money in an incorrect fashion and may have played fast and loose with taxpayers dollars and if so well that’s just dead wrong. But who amongst us recalls that sordid affair over the “Gomery Commission “ into the now infamous “Sponsorship scandal “ which in itself was riveting stuff and played out daily in the papers and tv broadcasts across the nation. And who can forget that utterly bumbling scenario with the Prime Minister blathering on about “ golf balls “ and trying to bamboozle the taxpayers with his charm and chutzpa and everyone seeing right through that like he was the “Emperor with no clothes “ eh????

The point is there is a legitimate beef here and yes has to be corrected and things sorted out. There is no difference between this and the Gomery deal both were wrong and a travesty of the use of tax payers money and have to be corrected. Perhaps if there were better checks and balances put into place maybe this would not have happened. If the tax payers of this country want better representation for their tax dollars then maybe they should use the right to protest for better use of tax money as after all this is about tax dollars and its use or misuse. We live in a democracy and what is going on here is democratically correct and must be respected fully regardless of the warts and bumps of the system and all its flaws.
Wryter

 

 

Professional salons respond to Canada’s “Teen tanban” legislation via JCTA

KELOWNA, B.C. – The Joint Canadian Tanning Association (JCTA) as the representative voice for Canada’s professional salon sector, responds to the Ontario government’s introduction of a “teen ban” on UV light exposure.

“Ontario’s  professional salon sector is disappointed that this legislation was brought forward. JCTA salons have long instituted standards which restrict access for youth, unfortunately due to the actions of a few bad apples within our industry who do not share the JCTA’s commitment to client protection, the government has felt the need to respond.” said Doug McNabb, JCTA President. http://tanresponsibly.ca/find-a-salon/

image: thefrisky.com
image: thefrisky.com

 

 

 

 

Professional salons, which comprise the JCTA’s membership, already mandate professional control over UV light exposure, age-based restrictions and the continuing education of salon workers. As a result, teenagers currently make up between 2 to 5% of salon sales. http://tanresponsibly.ca/professional-standards/

People who visit JCTA salons are by and large educated adults who look to patronize an establishment that cares as much about their health as they do- that’s why they don’t mind paying a few dollars more for top notch service. Additionally that is why teens have never been a significant market for us. All too often they refuse to take the long term steps needed to build a tan safely and as a result visit non-professional salons which do not limit exposure. Today we see the result of that.

Moving forward, the JCTA is eager to work with government to ensure that regulations under the act do not impose unnecessary red tape on small businesses, who continue to struggle in a difficult economic environment.

 “The JCTA is not opposed to the age based restriction – we currently have one in our professional standards. Our only concern at this point is to ensure that regulations under the act get it right and do not add unnecessary red tape to small businesses.” said Doug McNabb, JCTA President. Ontario’s indoor tanning sector currently comprises over 1000 small salons, operating in every corner of the province. Together these providers (mostly female operators) employ thousands of workers and generate millions of tax dollars for the province.

To Ontarians following this story all I can say is be smart about your choices. http://tanresponsibly.ca/ As an adult tanner you should only visit a professional salon – one that has a current JCTA sticker in the window – and never ever use a self-serve bed. Trained and industry certified operators controlling the equipment is one of the best ways for you to minimize risk.

This simplified diagram shows the spectrum of light. Tanning beds use UV ultra-violet light. At extreme frequencies, UV light can destroy cellular tissue-  the JCTA represents professional tanning salons in Canada and works to ensuring safety for all users. The recent move by the Canadian government to ban "teen tanning" is has upset the JCTA.
This simplified diagram shows the spectrum of light. Tanning beds use UV ultra-violet light. At extreme frequencies, UV light can destroy cellular tissue- the JCTA represents professional tanning salons in Canada and works to ensuring safety for all users. The recent move by the Canadian government to ban “teen tanning” is has upset the JCTA.

 

 

 

 

The Joint Canadian Tanning Association (JCTA) is a national non-profit organization created to increase understanding of the professional tanning industry’s scientifically supported position that regular moderate ultra-violet exposure from sunshine or sunbed in a non-burning fashion is part of a responsible lifestyle that recognizes both the inherent benefits and the manageable risks associated with ultraviolet light exposure.  For the Silo, Steven Gilroy Executive Director JCTA

Supplemental- It is difficult to contextualize the full story of tanning beds especially in terms of any possible associated health risks. Studies can show no health risk, little health risk, moderate health risk and severe health risk. These studies are greatly variable and depending on the subjects age, gender, health and tanning frequency and although the technology is the same for tanning salons, conditions and equipment can vary. The JCTA works towards ensuring safety standards are met by members. Check with your tanning salon to ensure that they are JCTA members in good standing.

http://hps.org/documents/Tanning_Salons_Fact_Sheet.pdf

Artist Is Member Of Christian Student Group Effecting Change

Sara Kuiper hoping to raise 4900$ by May photo courtesy of the author
Sara Kuiper hoping to raise 4900$ by May photo courtesy of the author

Sara Kuiper, a Zoology major at Guelph University has fueled her fire with the help of an organization trying to reach the world.  Kuiper is a member of Power to Change, a Christian group for students.

Their mission is to reach the world by helping students discover Jesus.

“My first year of university I became part of Power to Change, I wanted to be part of a group that would help me grow in my faith and would genuinely help me,” said Kuiper.

“When you’re trying to figure out who you are spiritually you need to have a good support system, and while other students were going out partying and drinking there’d be alternative activities. It’s not about shoving religion down your throat, it just gives us a forum to talk about our beliefs, the challenges in our lives and what we want to accomplish.”

Kuiper travelled to Panama on a mission trip her second year of university, where she participated in hosting an English Club, and ran a sports outreach which culminated in a soccer tournament.

Compelled to continue her work, she applied to volunteer during a mission to Lima Peru, and was invited to be an intern during the one month trip.

“We would be at the universities and work with the students and make friends and offer help and share the gospel if they want to hear it,” said Kuiper.  

“I need to raise $4900 by May, I’m not too worried. I’m planning on hosting a fundraiser at my church and maybe auctioning off one of my paintings.”

Encouraged by Power to Change, Sara delved further into her love of art.

“There’s a big part of me as a painter and artist and thinking about what fuels the art, and the purpose of the art and it was actually at a retreat that really pushed me to follow through with my love of creation,” said Kuiper.

“If people want to explore their own spirituality, many universities have Power to Change Clubs, just check Facebook, or look up their school’s club listings.”  For the Silo by Lacie Williamson.

 

 

Falcon9 and Dragon blast-off LIVE stream

Life imitates art....space is beginning to be serviced by private companies just as Ian Fleming suggested it would in Moonraker. Who can forget Drax and his fleet of private spaceshuttles? CP
Life imitates art….space is beginning to be serviced by private companies just as Ian Fleming suggested it would in Moonraker. Who can forget Drax and his fleet of private spaceshuttles? CP

 

 

 

 

Click  to open Rocket Launch LIVE window

 

Drax :-: "First there was the dream, now there is reality. Here in the untainted cradle of the heavens will be created a new super race, a race of perfect physical specimens. You have been selected as its progenitors, like gods your offspring will return to Earth and shape it in their image. You have all served in public capacities in my terrestrial empire. Your seed like yourselves will pay deference to the ultimate dynasty which I alone have created. From their first day on Earth they will be able top look up and know that there is law and order in the heavens."  Hugo Drax Villain Moonraker
Drax :-: “First there was the dream, now there is reality. Here in the untainted cradle of the heavens will be created a new super race, a race of perfect physical specimens. You have been selected as its progenitors, like gods your offspring will return to Earth and shape it in their image. You have all served in public capacities in my terrestrial empire. Your seed like yourselves will pay deference to the ultimate dynasty which I alone have created. From their first day on Earth they will be able top look up and know that there is law and order in the heavens.” Hugo Drax Villain Moonraker

Dolby Laboratories Media Emulator In Minnetonka Master Suite

DolbyMediaScreenshots
MINNETONKA, Minn. — Minnetonka Audio Software Inc. (MASI), a leader in production software for motion picture, broadcast surround sound, and consumer electronics applications, recently announced that it is now providing worldwide distribution and resales of the Dolby(R) Media Emulator toolkit from California-based Dolby Laboratories Incorporated. This fortifies Minnetonka Audio’s already comprehensive offering of production problem solvers. Minnetonka Audio has added Dolby Media Emulator to its SurCode for Dolby E Master Suite 3 product bundle without raising the bundle price.

 “Our strategic decision to distribute Dolby Media Emulator strengthens our current product mix and expands our reach into more post suites,” said Jayson Tomlin, vice president of business operations at Minnetonka Audio. “For our customers, Dolby Media Emulator is a bargain in itself. By bundling it with the SurCode suite without raising the price, we’ve created a one-stop shop for media producers that is truly an outstanding value.”

Dolby Media Emulator is a software tool for authoring and post that provides real-time emulation for Dolby broadcast formats. Acting as a plug-in for popular digital audio workstations, Dolby Media Emulator enables an audio engineer to simulate accurately how content will sound when played back through licensed consumer electronics.

Dolby Media Emulator lets an operator preview the results of differing metadata values when decoding Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and HE-AAC audio formats.

One application worth highlighting: Take a look at this diagram. See all of those speakers? Consider that Dolby Surround formats are varied but most include multiple speakers and therefore multiple positions of "sound". The vast majority of consumers are listening to complex surround signals through only one or two speakers. That means, a proper mix MUST take this into account. Minnetonka's Dolby Media Emulator makes sure you get this right. CP
One application worth highlighting: Take a look at this diagram. See all of those speakers? Consider that Dolby Surround formats are varied but most include multiple speakers and therefore multiple positions of “sound”. The vast majority of consumers are listening to complex surround signals through only one or two speakers. That means, a proper mix MUST take this into account. Minnetonka’s Dolby Media Emulator makes sure you get this right. CP

 

“With the majority of surround programs being played back in stereo and mono environments, correct metadata and downmix settings are a critical requirement for deliverables,” said Markus Hintz, director of global sales and business development at Minnetonka Audio. “In addition to previewing their metadata settings, audio engineers can use Dolby Media Emulator for standardized loudness measurement, proper  monitoring of LtRt sources, and downmixes from all other sources.”

Rather than resort to using home audio gear in a professional workflow, engineers can use Dolby Media Emulator to validate mix and metadata decisions against a certified standard in their familiar monitoring environment.

To aid in specifying proper metadata values, Dolby Media Emulator can measure and properly determine the dialogue normalization (dialnorm) value with a standardized loudness meter. The included loudness meter supports international ITU-R BS.1770, ITU-R BS.1770-2, and EBU R-128 loudness standards and incorporates the optional Dolby Dialogue Intelligence(TM) algorithm. Its ability to configure and control the monitoring environment and evaluate metadata parameters makes Dolby Media Emulator an essential product for postproduction, DVD, and DTV facilities that master, author, or broadcast program material with Dolby surround sound formats. Dolby Media Emulator runs as an Avid(R) Pro Tools(R) RTAS(R) plug-in, and as a VST(R) plug-in for popular programs such as Nuendo(R).

Dolby Media Emulator is available for immediate delivery from Minnetonka Audio resellers and distributors, and also directly from Minnetonka Audio’s eShop. In-depth information on Dolby Media Emulator and how it enriches existing tools and workflows is available at www.minnetonkaaudio.com.