More on Monsanto…

I have recently come across this article on Monsanto:

Who Owns Life, Not Monsanto?

It is the story of one farmer fighting back. 

In a nutshell, Monsanto has these genetically modified seeds and own the patents on them.  Then, when crops grown with these seeds cross-pollinate and contaminate crops of other (non-genetically modified) crops, Monsanto sues those farmers for “growing the Monsanto crop without a license”.  When the farmer tries to removed the Monsanto crop from their own land, Monsanto claims the farmer cannot do that because they (Monsanto) own the crops!

This farmer fought back and actually won. The farmer (rightfully) claimed that Monsanto’s crops were “trespassing” on his land and sued Monsanto for the cost of removing the Monsanto plants from his land.

Seems that Monsanto’s insistence that they own any crops that carry their patented genetic profile has back-fired in that it establishes liability for contaminating non-genetically altered crops!

“It was a great victory, not only for ourselves, but for farmers all over the world because it has set a precedent where a corporation has accepted liability for contamination and clean up costs”, he said. Percy Schmeiser had become the first farmer in history to successfully counter-sue Monsanto for liability over damages done to his seeds and crops by Monsanto’s GM crops.

And this quote from the article shows us that Monsanto is not our savior:

Thirteen years ago when GM soya and rapeseed was introduced in Canada (and in the US) the Corporations and Government told farmers that GM would increase yields, be more nutritious, use less chemicals, and feed a hungry world. Now we will always have a sustainable agriculture, they claimed. The Canadian Department of Agriculture figures states canola yields have decreased at least ten percent and soya at least fifteen percent [4], but worst of all, farmers are using three to five times more chemicals because of the GM superweeds that have developed. The reality is that the nutritional content of all crops are down fifty percent of what they were before GMOs were introduced and now we have less yields and more chemicals used, exactly the opposite of what Monsanto promised.

In a world with so many people and so many droughts going on, food is of primary concern.  Monsanto promises greater yield “to feed a hungry world”, yet the results are exactly the opposite…

Beat the Christmas Blues

During a recent blog surf, I read several posts by people dreading the holiday season. This time of year is especially hard for those suffering from depression and similar illnesses. With all the gaiety around, it only serves to contrast with the deep blue (or black) of depression.

I know. Some years have been bad for me as well. Luckily, recent years have been better for me. But, I remember. So, I thought to post some of my ideas for beating those blues – or at least keeping them at bay. I also want to ask for any ideas you may have. Have you done something in the past that helped you get past this difficult time? Please, share it here (in comments) and you may be helping someone else.

First, if you are severely depressed and cannot function at all, please get professionsl help. The following suggestions are more for those who have reached a certain level of managing their disease and can sense when a dark period is approaching. These suggestions are ways to nip that in the bud. Don’t give in, fight.

It is important you have a list of people that are understanding of your plight that you can call on to talk to. I do mean a list, because even the most understanding person simply cannot be available at all times. So, get your self a list. Find them in your hometown and online. The internet has opened up the world. There are a lot of us out here and we understand.

One of the things I used to do when the holiday season threatened to take me down was to bake cookies. I would then wrap them up in little “gift packages” of 3 or 4 cookies each. I used a pretty paper to wrap them and tied ribbons on to secure them. Then, I passed them out. I passed them out at work and wherever I saw someone who looked like they could use a boost. Sometimes, I got a smile in return. That smile helped.

It does not have to be cookies. Just doing something for others is a way to stay busy and to get out of your own head. It is not a cure by any means, but it does help.

Remember, to take good care of yourself. You need to eat nutritious meals every day. You need regular sleep. I know you don’t feel like it sometimes. But, it can help. If you cannot bring yourself to eat, drink a smoothie – at least you will get some nutrition inside you.

I found these two links as well. They provide fundamental and important tips.

10 ways to Overcome Depression and Those Winter Blues

Foods that Help Fight Depression

Please, anyone else with ideas, leave them in comments. My ideas may not work for everyone. We are all different. So, the more ideas we can collect, the better the chance that someone will find something useful…Thank you and please have a safe if not happy holiday season.

Notice Re: Lack of Recent Posts

Just in case anyone was wondering why I haven’t been writing lately…

I have been extremely busy with my home business, and quite a few personal crises have arisen. This blog is purely personal for me. I created this blog just for me to have a place to put my thoughts, ask my questions, etc. Although I consider the topics to be important, I must make my living and take care of my responsibilities first. So, I am taking a break from this blog to do just that. I do have some ideas for more posts and will be writing again, hopefully within the next couple of weeks.

Thanks to everyone who reads this blog, and I apologize for the interruption. Hope to see you again soon.