WARNING - MICROCHIPPING AMERICANS WILL BEGIN SOON!

First it was sold as protection from terrorists after the 9/11 inside job. Second, it was sold as a cool commodity for the cool nightclubber, now it is to save our life in an accident!!

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TOP 10 WAYS YOUR BRAIN IS SABOTAGING YOU (AND HOW TO BEAT IT)

An unexamined brain is a tricky thing to carry around. You've got unintentional biases, marketing weaknesses, "overclocking" issues, and all kinds of other mental bugs you may not know about. Here's a helpful list of the mind's weird ways. Photo by Digital Shotgun.

10. Knowing You Can Get Smarter Makes You ... Smarter

 
There's a way of thinking that goes that, since you didn't grow up with genius parents or Einstein's instinctive reasoning, you're only going to be so intellectually able throughout your life. But consider that when a group of college students were given a course that studied the ability to grow smarter and improve performance, they performed notably better in their further college studies than those students who were never taught such thinking. You can easily convince yourself that rigorous study can be a time sink, or let yourself believe in the brain's ability to adapt, and then actually adapt your own gray matter. And it kind of applies to the rest of this list, we'd hope. Photo by Adam NFK Smith.)

9. Your Eyes Skip Over Good, Cheap Menu Items and Fall for Menu Tricks

 
Why would a menu describe one breakfast item as "Fresh-cut Yukon potato hash browns with vanilla griddle cakes and thick-cut slab bacon," while the menu right under it is simply labeled as "biscuits with sausage"? Because the restaurant makes more money off that first item than the second, and uses the filler adjectives, and its proximity to a non-descript item, to push it. Tastes are, of course, a very personal thing, but if you want to let your hunger make the decision rather than the menu designer, read up on the psychology of menu design and you'll have a bit more ammunition the next time you head out to eat.

8. Your Brain Can't Stop Spinning, Even When You're Asleep

 
It's not modern technology and consumer culture that gives us too many distractions and worries, but our brains. The human mind has had a tendency to spin off into unproductive cycles of worrying and wondering as long as humans have been around, but you can train yourself to focus on one thing, or no things, and get some actual relaxation and much-needed perspective. We put together our best take on the why and how of meditation in a guide for the rest of us. Photo by tess.

7. Online Stores Are Just as Tricky as Retail

 
It's the suckers who head to the mall and pay the listed price for their shiny objects, right? Then again, online stores have just as many tricks up their sleeves. Blue backgrounds are used to convey the comfort and calm of an item, and your decision. Virtual catalogs are filled with high-price items they'll never sell, to make mid-range items more appealing, and vital text is placed to the right of pictures, while less appealing facts are on the left. When you're facing the power of consumer research, do just like a shopping trip: make a list, name a price, and stick to them both.

6. You Give Priority to Experiences that Prove You're Right

 
Everybody you know is getting an Android phone! What's more, it seems like Droid phones have taken over your city's billboards, and absolutely nobody wants to keep their BlackBerry anymore. Or, you know, maybe that's not the case at all. When you or somebody else puts a container around your experiences ("Everybody's heading to Android"), your brain can do funny things to your experiences, tinting everything toward a certain conclusion while drastically minimizing, say, those 10 people in line at the coffee shop, all checking their BlackBerries. Put another way, "If you're a hammer, everything looks like a nail."

5. You Grow Attached to Items the More You Touch Them

 
Ever set out to "Really, seriously clean out this room," then find yourself, 20 minutes later, slowly sorting through photos and memorabilia, unable to toss a single thing? Erin Doland, editor of the Unclutterer blog, explained in a guest post why we can't help holding onto clutter. The more you touch things over a lifetime, but also in the last few minutes, the more attached you grow to those things. It's why every retailer worth their salt wants you to test, try, but most of all handle their sample goods, and it's why you find it hard to toss things that were once precious, but now totally useless. Have a friend or professional help you out by holding things up for you, rather than let your hands get all sentimental. Photo by Elsie esq..

4. You've Got a Finite Amount of Habit-Changing Willpower

It's a sad bit of truth, but spending all day at work being nice to people that you should blow up at can mean exploding on your friends or significant others after you punch out, or reverting right back to tossing your coat instead of hanging it up. Fast Company's Dan Heath explains how your mind processes temptations and habits in an entertaining video and in an explanatory write-up, and offers some simple advice—don't give yourself too many things to change-right-now-immediately-for-life all at once.

3. Your Deeper Desires Go Shopping with You

 
Do you really need another 16 GB thumb drive to move files around, or are you just angry with all the tech problems you had at work? Are you really in need of a garage sale panini press, or are you just late on grabbing lunch? It's not such a stretch. As the Moolanomy personal finance blog points out, the role of HALT feelings—Hunger, Anger, Loneliness, Tiredness—are no small thing in the impulsive decisions we make. Step back from that thing you're about to open your wallet for, consider your HALT levels, and maybe you don't end up a bit more weighed down with the unnecessary. Photo by Christian Haugen.

2. You Value New Numbers Based on Other, Unimportant Numbers

 
 Why do infomercial hosts insist on telling you what "you'd expect to pay" for any item they're about to price? Because the "Anchoring Effect" works. 
A salesman tells you that the golf clubs you're looking at cost $1,200, you scoff, and suddenly he's noting that, this week, they're on sale for $599. Your brain remembers the first number, it sets the second number against it, and it looks like you'd be stupid not to pick up this deal—no matter how ridiculous the first price. Photo by bradleygee.

1. You Let Negative Feelings About Putting Off Tasks Prevent Actual Work

 
Could sending out that email really be so painful that you've put it off three days in a row? Likely not, but it certainly feels that way every time you try to dig in. It's what a Psychology Today post describes as the "overwhelming wave" of negative emotions, building and seemingly towering over you when you try and address yourself to a task. Knowing that it's really this kind of meta-misery, though, you can perhaps acknowledge it, let it go, then move on. Photo by Steven C Wilson.

Send an email to Kevin Purdy, the author of this post, at kevin@lifehacker.com. 

http://lifehacker.com/5611547/top-10-ways-your-brain-is-sabotaging-you-and-how-to-beat-it?skyline=true&s=i

CALLING FOR AN END TO WATER FLUORIDATION

PROFESSIONALS' STATEMENT CALLING FOR AN END TO WATER FLUORIDATION
AUGUST 9, 2007

We, the undersigned professionals, come from a variety of disciplines but all have an abiding interest in ensuring that government public health and environmental policies be determined honestly, with full attention paid to the latest scientific research and to ethical principles. 

EIGHT recent events make action to end water fluoridation urgent.

1. The publication in 2006 of a 500-page review of fluoride’s toxicology by a distinguished panel appointed by the National Research Council of the National Academies (NRC, 2006). The NRC report concluded that the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) safe drinking water standard for fluoride (i.e. maximum contaminant level goal or MCLG) of 4 parts per million (ppm) is unsafe and should be lowered. Despite over 60 years of fluoridation, the report listed many basic research questions that have not been addressed. Still, the panel reviewed a large body of literature in which fluoride has a statistically significant association with a wide range of adverse effects. These include an increased risk of bone fractures, decreased thyroid function, lowered IQ, arthritic-like conditions, dental fluorosis and, possibly, osteosarcoma. 

The average fluoride daily intakes (*) associated with many of these adverse effects are reached by some people consuming water at the concentration levels now used for fluoridation -- especially small children, above average water drinkers, diabetics, people with poor kidney function and other vulnerable sub-groups. For example, the average fluoride daily intake associated with impaired thyroid function in people with iodine deficiency (about 12% of the US population) is reached by small children with average consumption of fluoridated water at 1 ppm and by people of any age or weight with moderate to high fluoridated water consumption. Of special note among the animal studies is one in which rats fed water containing 1 ppm fluoride had an increased uptake of aluminum into the brain, with formation of beta-amyloid plaques, which is a classic marker of Alzheimer's disease pathology in humans. Considering the substantial variation in individual water intake, exposure to fluoride from many other sources, its accumulation in the bone and other calcifying tissues and the wide range of human sensitivity to any toxic substance, fluoridation provides NO margin of safety for many adverse effects, especially lowered thyroid function.

* Note: "Daily intake" takes into account the exposed individual’s bodyweight and is measured in mg. of fluoride per kilogram bodyweight.

2. The evidence provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2005 that 32% of American children have dental fluorosis – an abnormal discoloration and mottling of the enamel. This irreversible and sometimes disfiguring condition is caused by fluoride. Children are now being overdosed with fluoride, even in non-fluoridated areas, from water, swallowed toothpaste, foods and beverages processed with fluoridated water, and other sources. Fluoridated water is the easiest source to eliminate.

3. The American Dental Association’s policy change, in November 2006, recommending that only the following types of water be used for preparing infant formula during the first 12 months of life: "purified, distilled, deionized, demineralized, or produced through reverse osmosis." This new policy, which was implemented to prevent the ingestion of too much fluoride by babies and to lower the risk of dental fluorosis, clearly excludes the use of fluoridated tap water. The burden of following this recommendation, especially for low income families, is reason alone for fluoridation to be halted immediately. Formula made with fluoridated water contains 250 times more fluoride than the average 0.004 ppm concentration found in human breast milk in non-fluoridated areas (Table 2-6, NRC, 2006). 

4. The CDC’s concession, in 1999 and 2001, that the predominant benefit of fluoride in reducing tooth decay is TOPICAL and not SYSTEMIC. To the extent fluoride works to reduce tooth decay, it works from the outside of the tooth, not from inside the body. It makes no sense to drink it and expose the rest of the body to the long term risks of fluoride ingestion when fluoridated toothpaste is readily available.

Fluoride’s topical mechanism probably explains the fact that, since the 1980s, there have been many research reports indicating little difference in tooth decay between fluoridated and non-fluoridated communities (Leverett, 1982; Colquhoun, 1984; 1985 and 1987; Diesendorf, 1986; Gray, 1987; Brunelle and Carlos, 1990; Spencer,1996; deLiefde, 1998; Locker, 1999; Armfield and Spencer, 2004; and Pizzo 2007 - see citations). Poverty is the clearest factor associated with tooth decay, not lack of ingested fluoride. According to the World Health Organization, dental health in 12-year olds in non-fluoridated industrialized countries is as good, if not better, than those in fluoridated countries (Neurath, 2005).

5. In 2000, the publication of the UK government sponsored “York Review,” the first systematic scientific review of fluoridation, found that NONE of the studies purporting to demonstrate the effectiveness of fluoridation to reduce tooth decay were of grade A status, i.e. “high quality, bias unlikely” (McDonagh et al., 2000). 

6. The publication in May 2006 of a peer-reviewed, case-controlled study from Harvard University which found a 5-7 fold increase in osteosarcoma (a frequently fatal bone cancer) in young men associated with exposure to fluoridated water during their 6th, 7th and 8th years (Bassin et al., 2006). This study was surrounded by scandal as Elise Bassin’s PhD thesis adviser, Professor Chester Douglass, was accused by the watchdog Environmental Working Group of attempting to suppress these findings for several years (see video). While this study does not prove a relationship between fluoridation and osteosarcoma beyond any doubt, the weight of evidence and the importance of the risk call for serious consideration.

7. The admission by federal agencies, in response to questions from a Congressional subcommittee in 1999-2000, that the industrial grade waste products used to fluoridate over 90% of America's drinking water supplies (fluorosilicate compounds) have never been subjected to toxicological testing nor received FDA approval for human ingestion (Fox, 1999; Hazan, 2000; Plaisier, 2000; Thurnau, 2000).

8. The publication in 2004 of “The Fluoride Deception” by Christopher Bryson. This meticulously researched book showed that industrial interests, concerned about liabilities from fluoride pollution and health effects on workers, played a significant role in the early promotion of fluoridation. Bryson also details the harassment of scientists who expressed concerns about the safety and/or efficacy of fluoridation (see Bryson interview).

We call upon Members of Congress (and legislators in other fluoridating countries) to sponsor a new Congressional (or Parliamentary) Hearing on Fluoridation so that those in government agencies who continue to support the procedure, particularly the Oral Health Division of the CDC, be compelled to provide the scientific basis for their ongoing promotion of fluoridation. They must be cross-examined under oath if the public is ever to fully learn the truth about this outdated and harmful practice.

We call upon all medical and dental professionals, members of water departments, local officials, public health organizations, environmental groups and the media to examine for themselves the new documentation that fluoridated water is ineffective and poses serious health risks. It is no longer acceptable to simply rely on endorsements from agencies that continue to ignore the large body of scientific evidence on this matter -- especially the extensive citations in the NRC (2006) report discussed above.
The untold millions of dollars that are now spent on equipment, chemicals, monitoring, and promotion of fluoridation could be much better invested in nutrition education and targeted dental care for children from low income families. The vast majority of enlightened nations have done this (see statements). 

It is time for the US, and the few remaining fluoridating countries, to recognize that fluoridation is outdated, has serious risks that far outweigh any minor benefits, violates sound medical ethics and denies freedom of choice. Fluoridation must be ended now.

List of AUSTRALIANS that signed

Caree Alexander, BDSc, Dentist, Port Macquarie, NSW

* Erica Baczynski, Registered Midwife, Perth

* Rosie Balko, Clinical Psychologist, Castaways Beach/Sunshine Coast, Queensland

* Mark Barone DC, Albany Creek/Brisbane

* Gordon Benz, DC, Perth

* Rod Berger, B.App.sc. (TCM), Dip.App.sc. (NAT), Warana, Queensland

* Dominic Berry, PhD, physicist at Macquarie University, Sydney

* Leanne Blencowe, DC, Perth

Craig Boyden, Chartered Chemist, RACI, Laboratory Manager, Holland Park West, Queensland

Fiona Boyden, BN, RN, PRN, Townsville, Queensland
 
Mary Rose Camilleri, RN, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Community Mental Health, Blue Haven, NSW

* Malcolm Campbell, B.Pharm, Melbourne

Noel Campbell, BDSc, LDS, FACNEM, FASID, Visiting Professor, Hope Research Institute, Melbourne

* Sarah Carrucan, LLB, BA, Grad Dip LP, Warrnambool

* Richard A. Carter, ND, DAc, Port Macquarie, NSW

* Kate Cerrone, ND, Naturopathic doctor, Melbourne

* Julien Cilento, RN, Mount Nebo, Queensland

* Karen Coates, MBBS, Diploma in Obstetrics, Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, member Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Gold Coast, Queensland

Maureen Corbett, BSc, DipEd, ND, Hepburn, Victoria

* Samantha Culley, DC, Sunshine Coast

Eric Davis, BDSc, DipClinNutr, DipAC, FACNEM, ND, principal of a dental practice, a founding member and past president of the Australian Society of Oral Medicine and Toxicology

* Aida Rita De Ceglie, PhD Sc, Perth

Marc P. De Vecchi, B.Pharm, BHSc-Naturopathy, Pharmacist & Naturopath, Daylesford, Victoria

Mark Diesendorf, PhD, Director, Sustainability Centre, Sydney

* Mark Donohoe, MBBS, FASEM, Member of 12-person international committee on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Sydney, NSW

* Alison Eastment, ND, Medlow Bath

Doug N. Everingham, MB, BS, Australian Health Minister 1972-75, Brisbane, Queensland

Chris Ewan, Independent Water Consultant, BallaratEnvironment and Conservation Policy Committee, Perth

* John Piesse, MBBS Dip Obst, FACNEM (Nutritional & Environmental Medicine), Melbourne

* Anne Pieters, ND, Mackay, Queensland

* Crystel Poggioli, B Occ Thy, Atherton

* Alexandra Popovich, Bachelor of Oral Health and Oral Health Therapy, Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist, Brisbane

* Mark Postles, DC, Sunshine Coast

* Nicola Provan, LLB, Colac, Victoria

* Nyree Pryce, ND, Port Macquarie, NSW

* Chris Purdie, MSc.Ed, Science Educator, Brisbane

* Janette Roberts, B.Pharm, Diploma Clinical Nutrition, Sydney, NSW

Philip Robertson, BHSc, ND, a Naturopath from Australia, formerly lecturer in Health Sciences at Victoria University, currently a consultant in functional pathology testing, Carmoora Clinic, Geelong

* Melanie Robinson, ND BHSc, Port Macquarie, NWS

Ruth Rollinson, RN (retired), Mirani, Queensland

Jean Ryan, BSc, Nutrition and Dietetics, RN, Brisbane, Queensland

John A. Ryan, MBBS, MSc, Nutrition, FRACGP, DCH, FAMAC (Acupuncture), FACNEM (Nutritional & Environment. Med), FICAN (Nutrition,USA), MICGP (Ireland), Brisbane, Queensland

Natalie L. Ryan, MBBS, DA, FRACGP, General Medical Practitioner, Warrnambool
G. William Sanday, DO, Glen Davis, NSW

* Roy Schrieke, PhD (Chemistry), FRACI, former Head of Chemistry and Head of the School of Science, University of Ballarat, Victoria

* Margaret Seydel, RN, Clunes, New South Wales

* Jennifer Sharp, B Pharm, Member of Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Brisbane, Queensland

* J. Erik Skar, DC, Gold Coast

Carol Skeggs, RN (retired), Mackay, Queensland

* Alison Smith, BSN, Mount Gambier, South Australia

* Tracey Sobolski, RN, BSN, Adelaide

* Magdalena Steffens-Bartrim, MSc (Hydrology), Brisbane

Philip Stowell, MBBS (London), Fellow and Board Member, College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, General Practice, Brisbane, Queensland

* Elisabeth Stuart-Fox, MPH, Brisbane

Janet Tallon, RN (retired), Bundaberg, Queensland

* Andrew Taylor, BDS, Founding member ASOMAT (Australasian Society of Oral Medicine and Toxicology), Newrybar, NSW

* Minh Tuan Tran, Bachelor Of Medical Radiation (Radiation Therapy), Adelaide, South Australia

Eli Ussher, BAS Conservation Technology, sewage treatment plant operator, NSW
* Emmanuel Varipatis, MD, Manly, Sydney

* Julie Vincent, RN, Adelaide

* Heather Way, PhD (Biochemistry), Brisbane

* Richard Wells, Director of Envirodata, President of Eureka Group, Lismore, NSW

* Yvonne Westall, RN, Brisbane

Leisa Wheeler, ND, Hippocrates Health Centre, Mudgeeraba, Queensland

* Barbara White, ND, Mackay, Queensland

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http://www.fluorideaustralia.org/articleView.asp?Article=6