07 Sep 2007
Scientists See Suspect in Mass Deaths of Bees

Hopeful news, indeed. I'm still not convinced that this is the primary cause, but at least it's a marker, and thus helpful in divining more data.

One bee disease, called Israeli acute paralysis virus, seems strongly associated with the beekeeping operations that experienced big losses.

(link) [New York Times]

06:29 /Agriculture | 0 comments | permanent link

Toy Makers Seek Standards for U.S. Safety

Apparently, these large companies are unable to test toys adequately by themselves, so they're asking the Federal government to do it for them. The net effect of this "critical consumer safety" regulation will be that it will put the small, domestic toymakers, who've not shipped contaminated and dangerous products, out of business by imposing the testing costs on them as well, and raising their already higher prices to levels with which Mattel and other toy giants are comfortable.

After a series of recalls that have undermined public confidence, the nation’s largest toy makers are asking the government to impose mandatory testing standards.

(link) [New York Times]

06:27 /Politics | 0 comments | permanent link