EarthTalk®
From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine

 Dear EarthTalk: I've noticed that wildflower blooms in the mountains have been coming earlier and earlier in recent years. Is this a sign of global warming? And what does this mean for the long term survival of these hardy yet rare plants?                -- Ashley J., via e-mail

 As always, it’s hard to pin specific year-to-year weather-variations and related phenomena—including altered blooming schedules for wildflowers—on global warming. But longer term analysis of seasonal flowering patterns and other natural events do indicate that global warming may be playing a role in how early wildflowers begin popping up in the high country.

 University of Maryland ecologist David Inouye has been studying wildflowers in the Rocky Mountains near Crested Butte, Colorado for four decades, and has noticed that blooms have indeed begun earlier over the last decade. Aspen sunflowers, among other charismatic high country wildflowers, used to first bloom in mid-May, but are now are doing so in mid-April, a full month earlier. Inouye thinks that smaller snow packs in the mountains are melting earlier due to global warming, in turn triggering early blooms.

 Smaller snow packs not only mean fewer flowers (since they have less water to use in photosynthesis); they can also stress wildflower populations not accustomed to exposure to late-spring frost. According to Inouye’s research, between 1992 and 1998 such frosts killed about a third of the Aspen sunflower buds in some 30 different study plots; but more recently, from 1999 through 2006, the typical mortality rate doubled, with three-quarters of all buds killed by frost in an average year thanks to earlier blooming.

 Inouye’s worrisome conclusions are backed up by experiments conducted by fellow researcher John Harte, who over a 15 year period used overhead heaters in nearby wildflower study plots to accelerate snow melt. The results were the same: Wildflowers bloomed early and not as vigorously.

 Several studies in Europe have shown that some species of wildflowers there may be able to migrate north and to higher elevations as the climate warms, but Inouye fears his beloved Aspen sunflowers and many other American wildflowers may be lost forever as they are not able to migrate as quickly as needed in order to survive widespread surface temperature increases and escape extinction.

 Harte is also gloomy about the prospects for Colorado’s mountain wildflowers. He predicts that the wildflower fields he and Inouye have been studying will give way to sagebrush desert within the next 50 years, whether or not the governments of the world can get a grip on greenhouse gas emissions.

 As a hedge against such dire predictions, the nonprofit Center for Plant Conservation is spearheading seed collection efforts on thousands of rare wildflower species across the U.S. for inclusion in the Colorado-based National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation, a repository for both common and rare “prized” American plant seeds. The “banked” seeds, useful if not solely for preserving the genetic makeup of species that may go extinct in the wild, can also be used for future restoration projects on otherwise compromised landscapes.

 CONTACTS: David W. Inouye, http://chemlife.umd.edu/facultyresearch/facultydirectory/davidwinouye; Center for Plant Conservation, www.centerforplantconservation.org; National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation, www.ars.usda.gov/main/site_main.htm?modecode=54-02-05-00.

 

Given the usual higher prices of organic versus conventionally-grown foods, it can be a challenge to get the biggest bang for our buck while eating healthy and avoiding the ingestion of synthetic chemicals along with our nutrients. One approach, say some experts, is to only buy organic when the actual edible parts of a non-organically grown food might come into direct contact with toxic fertilizers and pesticides.

 The nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports that consumers can reduce their chemical exposure by some 80 percent by either avoiding the most contaminated conventionally grown fruits and vegetables altogether, or by eating only the organic varieties. To help us sort through what and what not to buy, the group offers a handy Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides, which fits on a small piece of paper that you can keep in your pocket and have handy on grocery trips. You can print it out for free from EWG’s FoodNews.org website, or you can download it as a free App for your iPhone.

 To make it easy to use, EWG has distilled its analysis into two lists. The first, “Dirty Dozen: Buy These Organic,” lists foods that when grown conventionally contain the largest amounts of pesticide and fertilizer residues. These include peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, bell peppers, spinach, cherries, kale/collard, greens, potatoes, and (imported) grapes. Consumers should definitely spend the extra money for organic versions of these foods.

 On the other side of the coin, EWG’s “Clean 15” list includes foods that contain the least amount of chemical residues when grown conventionally. These include onions, avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, mangos, sweet peas, asparagus, kiwi, cabbage, eggplant, cantaloupe, watermelon, grapefruit, sweet potatoes and honeydew. It’s OK to eat conventionally grown varieties of these foods.

 EWG analysts developed the “Clean 15” guide using data from some 89,000 tests for pesticide residues in produce conducted between 2000 and 2008 and collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). What’s the difference, you may ask? EWG found that by eating five conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables a day from the Dirty Dozen list, a consumer on average ingests 10 different pesticides; those who stick to the Clean 15 list ingest less than two.

Other foods you and your family eat, such as meats, cereals, breads and dairy products, might also be exposing you to unwanted chemicals. According to EWG, the direct health benefits of organic meat, eggs and milk are less clear, but you should play it safe by sticking with all-natural, free-range, grass-fed meats that are not fed antibiotics or growth hormones, and by choosing only organic dairy products.

 Thanks to increasing demand, more and more food purveyors are putting extra emphasis on organics. This will ultimately result in both lower prices and larger selections. Natural foods market aisles are already teeming with organic choices—and chances are your local supermarket or big box store has introduced organic versions of many popular items. Consequently, there has never been a better time to take stock of what you are feeding yourself and your family, and to make changes for better health.

 CONTACT: EWG, www.foodnews.org; USDA/FDA, http://usda-fda.com/articles/organic.htm. SEND YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS TO: EarthTalk®, c/o E – The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; earthtalk@emagazine.com. E is a nonprofit publication. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe; Request a Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial

EarthTalk®
From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: I heard that some wind farms use fossil fuels to power their generators when the wind won’t. Doesn’t that defeat their whole renewable energy purpose? Why not let the wind power it or not? Also, I've heard that the low-frequency sounds generated by these turbines can harm people and animals. Is this true?                                                              -- Ryan Lewis, Plainwell, MI

 Indeed, one of the major drawbacks to wind power is the fact that, even in windy locations, the wind doesn’t always blow. So the ability of turbines to generate power is intermittent at best. Many turbines can generate power only about 30 percent of the time, thanks to the inconsistency of their feedstock.

 In order to overcome this Achilles’ heel of intermittent production, some wind companies have developed back-up systems that can spin turbines even when the wind isn’t blowing, thus optimizing and keeping consistent the power output. For example, Colorado-based Hybrid Turbines Inc. is selling wind farms systems that marry a natural gas-based generator to a wind turbine. “Even if natural gas is used, the electricity produced…is twice as environmentally clean as burning coal,” reports the company. Better yet, if a user can power them with plant-derived biofuels, they can remain 100 percent renewable energy-based.

 While some wind energy companies may want to invest in such technologies to wring the most production out of their big investments, utilities aren’t likely to suffer much from the intermittent output if they don’t. Even the utilities that are most bullish on wind power still generate most of their electricity from other more traditional sources at the present time. So, when wind energy output decreases, utilities simply draw more power from other sources—such as solar arrays, hydroelectric dams, nuclear reactors and coal-fired power plants—to maintain consistent electrical service. As such, reports the American Wind Energy Association, utilities act as “system operators” drawing power from where it’s available and dispatching it to where it is needed in tune with rising and falling power needs.

 But just because generating wind power all day long isn’t imperative doesn’t mean that suppliers aren’t doing all they can to maximize output. To wit, turbine manufacturers are beginning to incorporate so-called Active Flow Control (AFC) technology, which delays the occurrence of partial or complete stalls when the wind dies down, and also enables start-up and power generation at lower wind speeds than conventional turbines. The non-profit Union of Concerned Scientists lauds AFC for these capabilities, which in turn can help system operators create a more reliable electric grid less dependent on fossil fuels. 

As to whether or not noise from wind farms can harm people and wildlife, the jury is still out. New York-based pediatrician Nina Pierpont argues in her book, Wind Turbine Syndrome, that turbines may produce sounds that can affect the mood of people nearby or cause physiological problems like insomnia, vertigo, headaches and nausea. On the flip side, Renewable UK, a British wind energy trade group, says that the noise measured 1,000 feet away from a wind farm is less than that of normal road traffic. Here in the U.S., a Texas jury denied a 2006 noise pollution suit against FPL Energy after FPL showed that noise readings from its wind farm maxed out at 44 decibels, roughly the same generated by a 10 mile-per-hour wind. 

CONTACTS: Hybrid Turbines, Inc., www.hybridturbines.com; American Wind Energy Association, www.awea.org; Union of Concerned Scientists, www.ucsusa.org; Nina Pierpont’s Wind Turbine Syndrome, www.windturbinesyndrome.com.

 SEND YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS TO: EarthTalk®, c/o E – The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; earthtalk@emagazine.com. E is a nonprofit publication. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe; Request a Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

EarthTalk®
From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine

 Dear EarthTalk: My neighbor told me to pour bleach down my drains every week to keep them clear. Is this safe to do?                                                                              -- Trish Osterling, via e-mail

 Bleach is a useful cleaner and disinfectant, but pouring it down the drain will not do anything to help keep the drains clear. In addition, you could cause a dangerous chemical reaction if it comes into contact with other household products you might be using.

 Common household bleach, also known as chlorine bleach, is a liquid compound of sodium hypochlorite, which is a combination of sodium chloride (a salt) with water and chlorine. It’s often used to whiten laundry or to disinfect kitchen surfaces. Bleach is also an ingredient in other household cleaners, like those used for bath and toilet cleaning. (A different sort of bleach, known as oxygen bleach, is used for laundry stain removal and does not have the same disinfecting/cleaning properties as chlorine bleach.)

 According to the Household Products Database at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), chlorine bleach is corrosive to the eyes; injures skin and mucous membranes on contact; and is harmful if swallowed. Bleach is “a lung and eye irritant,” warns the Washington Toxics Coalition (WTC), a Seattle non-profit that advocates for green friendly household products. Even used alone, fumes from chlorine bleach can irritate the lungs, so it should not be used by people with asthma or lung or heart problems, says the group. It is also “reactive” with ammonia and acids, forming more harmful fumes.

 “One of the most common home accidents is the mixing of products containing chlorine bleach with those containing ammonia,” says WTC. The combination creates chloramine gas, which is highly irritating to the lungs. Since many cleaning products contain ammonia, the inadvertent mixing must be avoided. Mixing bleach and acids results in the release of chlorine gas, according to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, exposure to which can cause coughing and breathing problems, burning eyes and, at high levels, vomiting, pneumonia and even death. Products containing acids include vinegar, some glass and window cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, drain cleaners and rust removers. An “incompatibility chart” listing many chemicals that will react with bleach is available at the Chlorine Institute’s cl2.com website.

 Bleach alone is not necessarily hard on the environment. When use as directed, it will break down mostly into salt water in wastewater treatment or septic systems, says WTC. A dilution of bleach in water is effective as a disinfectant, and can be scrubbed onto non-porous food-contact surfaces like plastic cutting boards or refrigerator shelves and left to air dry. The Clorox Company recommends a solution of one tablespoon bleach per gallon of water for sanitizing.

 So, what are the better ways to keep drains clear? Home drains in the kitchen and bath generally get clogged by grease, food waste and hair, none of which will be effectively dispersed by bleach. WTC recommends carefully pouring a kettleful of boiling water down the drain to free up a slow drain, or using mechanical methods such as a plumber’s snake, plunger or hose-end bladder to clean a clogged drain.

 CONTACTS: DHHS Household Products Database, http://hpd.nlm.nih.gov ; Washington Toxics Coalition, www.washingtontoxics.org; New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, www.state.nj.us/health; Chlorine Institute, www.cl2.com.

 SEND YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS TO: EarthTalk®, c/o E – The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; earthtalk@emagazine.com. E is a nonprofit publication. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe; Request a Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

For This Father and Son, Comedy is a Family Business
 Making a living as professional comedians was never something that either man expected to do.  Rex Havens worked as a corporate lawyer for fifteen years before diving into the world of stand-up comedy at the unlikely age of 37, while his son Jeff first took the stage at the age of 25 while working as a freelance writer and tutor.

“I always loved comedy simply for the pure sound of laughter,” said Rex.  “I started going to open mikes at comedy clubs and the addiction took over.  Five years later, I quit my day job and have made my living in comedy ever since.”

“I saw Dad perform plenty of times growing up,” said Jeff, “but I never thought of doing it myself.  I was going to be a high school teacher forever.  I fell into comedy by accident; initially it was just a way to entertain myself on a Tuesday night, but once I decided to give it a real shot, having my father as a role model was invaluable.”

The majority of a comedian’s working life is spent off-stage: writing material, driving to shows, and maintaining a sprawling network of clubs, bookers, speakers’ bureaus, cruise ship directors, college activities planners, theater owners, churches, and more.

“There are many ways a stand-up comedian can make a living without fame or HBO specials,” said Rex.  “Everyone starts in comedy clubs, but after that you can graduate to all manner of things.  It’s an odd life, but you’re always off to new places to meet new people, and that never gets old to me.  I gave the office life fifteen years and that was enough to know it wasn’t a good fit.  Now I travel the world in search of that next great audience willing to share a room full of laughter and fun.”

“One of the most common questions you get asked after a performance is, ‘What is your other job?’” says Jeff.  “Most people don’t think it’s possible to make a living working as a comedian unless you’ve been on television, and even that is no guarantee, but we have both been very fortunate to have a lot of discipline.  You have to approach comedy like any other job and the fact that we do, I think, is the reason that Dad has been able to make a career out of it for the past twenty years and I’ve been able to do so for the past five.”

The family connection doesn’t stop there.  Adam Havens, Jeff’s younger brother, helps both men with web design, graphics, print media, imaging, and audio/video production.

“I’m still holding out hope for my youngest brother, Matt,” says Jeff.  “He’s got a good job right now, but you never know.  I think comedy might just be in the blood.”

DormCo.com Provides Uniquely Affordable Product Solutions For Dorm Living
Over 1,400 niche products available at the online Dorm Supplies Superstore  www.DormCo.com

(New York) � It�s a new online retailer designed exclusively to offer quality, affordable, discounted dormitory room supplies for students. DormCo.com is a one-stop-shop to get all the essentials and accessories a student needs and wants for a dorm room or student living space. A student�s dorm room is truly their �home away from home� and making it feel as comfortable as possible can help make the dorm experience much more positive and productive.

What makes DormCo.com different?Whereas big box retailers only focus on dorm product sales a few weeks a year, DormCo.com has created a specialty niche that caters to dorm room essentials all year round - more than 1,400 items to choose from.  At DormCo.com, every product is hand selected to be useful and necessary for dorm rooms and student living.  Products range from twin XL bedding and bathroom accessories to rugs and wall decorations; space savers and organizers to security products and much more.For students and their parents, finding and buying everything needed to
outfit a dorm is not only difficult but also expensive. �I wanted to create a website that made it easy to find everything you need to outfit a dorm
room -- and make it extremely affordable as well,� says DormCo CEO and Founder Jeff Gawronski. �I came up with the idea when my original invention,
The Bed Post Shelf, was first rejected by the big box retailers,� says Gawronski.

�Big box stores aren't interested in carrying more than a few basics for back to college�.  He says mass retailers are focused on making a fast sale
on dorm products then getting out as fast as possible to focus on the upcoming holiday season. �My mission with DormCo.com was to take all the
niche items like my Bed Post Shelf and numerous other necessary products and put them into one complete, high selection store specifically geared to dorm
life essentials.�

Everything on the DormCo.com site is offered at near wholesale pricing and shipping is guaranteed at a flat rate of $2.95 for the entire order. DormCo
also offer weekly deals where specific dorm accessories and necessities are featured at lower than normal pricing. For more information go to: www.DormCo.com

Take a wildflower trail ride In Cave Creek
CAVE CREEK — The wildflower season is upon us, and what better way to experience its glory than on horseback? “You can really enjoy the wildflowers this way,” said Deb Bitton, co-owner of Cave Creek Trail Rides, based at the Cave Creek Regional Park, just north of Carefree Highway in Cave Creek. “A trail ride gives you a chance to get out, enjoy the desert, and let the horses watch where they step.” Wildflowers typically begin blooming in early- to mid-March.

“Based on the rains we got this winter, we should see an above-average wildflower display this year – possibly even spectacular!” said Amy Ford, the park’s supervisor.

Along the trail, guides inform riders about the Sonoran Desert landscape. “You’ll get up close and personal with the saguaro cactus,” said Bitton. “We talk about how they grow, when they get their first arms, their life spans, what makes them unique and what makes some have the deformities they have.”

The rides - Cave Creek Trail Rides offers one- and one and a half-hour “Wildflower Rides.” The longer ride offers two options: one with an elevation of 2,500 feet and the other, peaking at 2,000 feet. The higher trail offers Valley-wide views while the lower one gives a closer-up perspective. Both are expected to delight riders with bursts of color. “People from other places may think the desert is just a dry, colorless place. Here, they can realize that the desert is really alive,” said Bitton. “This is their chance to see it in vibrant color―golds, yellows and fuschias.”

You don’t have to be a skilled horseman to enjoy the event. Rides are open to all ages, six and up. Jeff and Deb Bitton’s 40-year experience translates to safe trail rides on well-trained horses.

“It was my six-year-old’s first time on a trail ride, and I have never seen him enjoy something so very much,” said Charlotte Moore of San Dimas, Calif. “He was so at peace and excited during the ride! Our guide Joe was also wonderful―very knowledgeable about the surroundings, the environment and history of the area, which made the beautiful and scenic ride so interesting.”

Trail rides can be scheduled throughout the day, any day of the week. Sunset rides return to the stables at dusk, taking best advantage of the radiant scenes.

“I found the ride to be one of the most beautiful and enjoyable I've ever taken,” said Kim Cofman-Bolourtchi of St. Louis, Mo. “Our guides were attentive and fun, and it was a great experience from beginning to end.”

While waiting for the trail ride to begin, guests can pet some of the 25 ride-ready horses and see how well-cared for they are. “We take great pride in our horses, our corral area and our employees,” said Bitton, “and we treat them like we would our own home and family.”

Cave Creek Trail Rides - Jeff and Deb Bitton began offering trail rides in Stanley, Idaho in 1969. They opened Cave Creek Trail Rides in 1999, creating a true Western experience just on the northern fringes of the Greater Phoenix area. Families, friends and neighbors, as well as corporate, school, church and civic groups can all have fun while learning about horses and spending quality time together. Cowboy and cowgirl boots, hats and chaps are available for those who want to dress the part. And toy guns along with lassos add to the photo opportunities.

“We’re in the memory-making business,” said Bitton. “It’s so great to see people having fun, getting on a horse, and enjoying the whole cowboy and cowgirl experience.”

More information - Cave Creek Trail Rides, located at 37019 N. 32nd St. Cave Creek, 85331, is open every day from Columbus Day weekend through the first weekend of May. Round-trip transportation can be scheduled through Pepper’s Private Car Service, 602-501-3328 or www.pepperscarservice.com . More information about Cave Creek Trail Rides is available at 623-742-6700 or www.cavecreektrailrides.com.

ARE YOU A WATER WASTER?  Water-saving Tips to Help You Save and ‘Go Green’

Do you leave the water running while brushing your teeth?  Washing your face?  Although these routines might at first seem insignificant, water conservation is of growing concern.  In fact, the U.S. General Accounting Office reports that at least 36 states are projecting water shortages between now and 2013.

“While consumers are interested in eco-friendlier lifestyles, many are unaware of the biggest ‘water wasters’ or how easily and affordably they can save water at home,” said Michael Schuster, president and founder of MJSI, Inc., an innovator and manufacturer of water conservation products.   

 A recent consumer poll* found that only 13 percent of adults believe toilet flushing uses the most water, when in fact, the American Waterworks Association says that toilets are by far the largest source of water consumption in the home.**

 Schuster, a fourth generation plumber, recommends following these practical tips to help save water and money:

 ·         Get Your Eco Fix(tures):  In addition to shortening showers, save water by installing low-flow showerheads that restrict the flow to less than 2.5 gallons per minute.  For example, GROHE WaterCare^® showerheads and faucets save up to 30 percent of water, as compared to other standard showerheads.

 ·         Fill It Up:  Instead of running dishwashers or washing machines with just a few items, wait until you have full loads to maximize water use.  Likewise, fill a pitcher of water to keep chilled in the refrigerator. You won’t waste tap water waiting for it to reach the desired cool, refreshing temperature.

 ·         Green Your Throne:  Reduce water use by up to 30 percent by installing the HydroRight^™ Dual Flush Converter from MJSI, which allows less water to drain from the tank when flushing liquids and paper.  Also try the HydroClean^® Fill Valve which helps solve the two biggest reasons for water loss in toilets – incorrect calibration and undetected flapper leaks. The patented Mini-Valve^™ enables easy adjustment of the water directed to the toilet bowl, and the TurbuJet^™ signals leaky toilets with a gentle, audible “swoosh.”

·         Landscape with a Greener Thumb:  Reduce consumption outside of the home, too, by selecting native plants requiring less water and time for maintenance.  Avoid evaporation by watering in the cool, morning hours and by surrounding vegetation with mulch, which helps hold moisture.

“As a plumber, I learned that water conservation begins at home,” said Schuster.  “By following these practical tips, consumers can easily start preserving one of our greatest resources and significantly reduce their water and sewer bills.”

For more information, visit www.gomjsi.com.

MJSI, Inc., headquartered in Shorewood, Ill., is the manufacturer of a portfolio of products that are devoted to water conservation and sound environmental plumbing. Recognized as toilet efficiency experts, MJSI’s innovation has expanded the plumbing market from repairs to green toilet improvement. The company’s products are available at home centers, hardware stores, plumbing distributors and on the Internet.

BLAST IN MOSCOW REMINDS NATIONS THAT JIHAD REMAINS A GLOBAL THREAT PRO-TROOP GROUP SAYS ATTACK SHOULD WARN OTHER COUNTRIES TO STAND WITH U.S. ANTI-TERROR EFFORTS
Move America Forward, the nation’s largest grassroots-pro-troop organization, reacted to the news of multiple terrorist bombings in Moscow subways early Monday. The group expressed disgust at the act, offered condolences to the victim’s families, as well as a stern warning for nations bowing out of the war on terror.

“We are saddened by this terrible news of further terrorist attacks by Islamic extremist separatist groups in Russia. We offer our prayers and thoughts for the victims and their families as they suffered a painful loss. Today’s terrorist attacks are no different from the actions of insurgents bombing police stations in Iraq, the bombing of buses in London, trains in Madrid, or the World Trade Center on 9/11, “ said Danny Gonzalez, Director of Communications for Move America Forward. “Terrorist acts like these, perpetrated by radical Islamic terror groups, serve as a harsh reminder not only to the government of Russia but also to all nations that we are fighting a global war on terror. Instead of pulling troops out of Afghanistan, as we have seen some European nations talk about, countries ought to think hard about offering more cooperation with the United States.  It is not only critical for U.S. security but worldwide security and stability that our coalition succeeds in Afghanistan. ” concluded Gonzalez.

Over 38 innocent Russian citizens lost their lives today when two Chechen rebels, thought to be females, executed suicide bombings in two subway stations early Sunday in Moscow.

Doctor Offers New Jersey Woman $50,000 to End Her Quest to Reach 1,000 Pounds
Dr. Sanford Siegal attempts to stop the suicide of 600 pound Donna Simpson
Dr. Sanford Siegal, a practicing physician in South Florida best known as the creator of the popular Dr. Siegal's COOKIE DIET® weight-loss system and foods, confirmed  that he has offered Donna Simpson of Old Bridge, New Jersey, $50,000 if she'll end her much-publicized quest to reach a weight of 1,000 pounds.

This is not a joke. She is serious about becoming the world's fattest woman.  People are following her on Twitter and other social media sites. She has made national news

Dr. Siegal warned her of the health consequences including premature death, one or both of her legs will be amputated, blindness that often accompanies diabetes, and pain that often happens after amputation called 'phantom pain'.Dr. Siegal explained that he and many others, including the current First Lady, are concerned that the publicity her endeavor has generated will undermine their efforts to encourage Americans to lead a healthier life. She is sending a very bad message to  children and impressionable teenagers.

Dr. Siegal's offer to Simpson provides for specific payments to be made as she achieves certain milestones. If she accepts, the first $10,000 will be paid upon her (1) ending her weight-gain diet and agreeing not to resume it in the future, (2) beginning a weight-loss diet of her choosing under a doctor's supervision, and (3) agreeing to speak to the media about her unequivocal decision to end her self-destructive behavior and pursue a healthful weight.

A practicing physician, author, and weight-loss pioneer, Dr. Sanford Siegal  has treated more than 500,000 overweight patients. He is best known as the Cookie Doctor® behind the internationally popular Dr. Siegal's COOKIE DIET® (www.CookieDiet.com) weight-loss approach and foods.

    Dr. Siegal is perpetually in the news. Recent coverage includes:     

11 Arizona Funders Contribute More than $1 Million for Second Year of Basic Needs Funding
PHOENIX (March 23, 2010) - For the second year in a row, Arizona foundations and funding organizations have pooled their resources to help meet critical emergency housing and food needs in Maricopa County.

• A New Leaf, Inc., $85,000

• Association of Arizona Food Banks, $150,000

• Catholic Charities Community Services (Project HELP-Housing and Emergency Assistance Links for People), $25,000

• Central Arizona Shelter Services, $125,000

• Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc., $20,000

• Chrysalis, $35,000

• Community Information and Referral, $50,000

• Lodestar Day Resource Center, $55,000

• New Life Center, $35,000

• Phoenix Rescue Mission, $50,000

• Sojourner Center, $50,000

• The Salvation Army, $95,000

• The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, $90,000

• Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development, $40,000

• UMOM New Day Centers, Inc., $95,000

"These dollars will be distributed to food banks and homeless and domestic violence shelters that are the first responders in helping people deal with the difficult economy," said Edmund Portnoy, Ph.D., Arizona grants programs director for the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.