Effect of plastic

Chemicals May Contaminate Food and Drinks in Reused Plastic Bottles
Studies have indicated that food and drinks stored in such containers—including those ubiquitous clear Nalgene water bottles hanging from just about every hiker’s backpack—can contain trace amount of Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical that interferes with the body’s natural hormonal messaging system.

Reused Plastic Bottles Can Leach Toxic Chemicals
The same studies found that repeated re-use of such bottles—which get dinged up through normal wear and tear and while being washed—increases the chance that chemicals will leak out of the tiny cracks and crevices that develop over time. According to the Environment California Research & Policy Center, which reviewed 130 studies on the topic, BPA has been linked to breast and uterine cancer, an increased risk of miscarriage, and decreased testosterone levels.

BPA can also wreak havoc on children’s developing systems. (Parents beware: Most baby bottles and sippy cups are made with plastics containing BPA.) Most experts agree that the amount of BPA that could leach into food and drinks through normal handling is probably very small, but there are concerns about the cumulative effect of small doses.

Even Plastic Water and Soda Bottles Should Not Be Reused
Health advocates also recommend not reusing bottles made from plastic #1 (polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PET or PETE), including most disposable water, soda and juice bottles. According to The Green Guide, such bottles may be safe for one-time use, but re-use should be avoided because studies indicate they may leach DEHP—another probable human carcinogen—when they are in less-than-perfect condition.

H1N1??

The 2009 flu pandemic is an A(H1N1) pandemic and a global outbreak of a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1, identified in April 2009, commonly referred to as "swine flu", which is transmitted between humans. It is thought to be a mutation—more specifically, a reassortment—of four known strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1: one endemic in humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemic in pigs (swine). Experts now assume that the virus "most likely" emerged from pigs in Asia, and the virus was carried to North America by infected people. There is further evidence that the new strain has been circulating among pigs, possibly among multiple continents, for many years prior to its transmission to humans. Virtually all transmission is from human to human; cooked pork products are safe for humans and the virus cannot be transmitted from foods.

The outbreak began in Mexico, and there is evidence that Mexico was already in the midst of an epidemic for months before the outbreak was recognized. Soon after, their government closed down most of Mexico City's public and private offices and facilities to help contain the spread. In early June, as the virus spread globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak to be a pandemic, while also noting that the virus has so far been of "moderate severity." WHO anticipates a bleaker picture, however, as the virus spreads to less developed countries with poorer health care systems. By July, the virus was continuing to spread worldwide, especially in Southern Hemisphere countries, where the winter flu season has started. On July 16, however, WHO announced that it would stop tracking swine flu cases and deaths around the world partly because data estimates, according to many experts, were becoming "meaningless" and laboratories were overwhelmed simply testing for the flu.^[58]

The virus typically spreads from coughs and sneezes or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth. Symptoms are similar to those of seasonal flu, and may include fever, sneezes, sore throat, coughs, headache, and muscle or joint pains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that most hospitalizations have been of people that also had underlying conditions such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or a weakened immune system. In an attempt to slow the spread of the illness, a number of countries, especially in Asia, have enforced strict quarantines on travelers showing any symptoms, along with travelers seated nearby any infected persons. Some have even requested pre-screening passengers before they travel.

WHO does not expect to have a full vaccine before the end of 2009, and if any is available before that time the supply will be limited. However there have been reports in the UK that there will be a vaccine by August. ^[59] The CDC states that two or three vaccine injections will be required for maximum immunity from both the swine flu and seasonal flu. There is also concern that the virus could mutate later in the year and become more virulent and less susceptible to any new vaccine. This concern is partly due to the memory of the 1918 flu pandemic, which is thought to have killed between 40 million and 100 million people, and was preceded by a wave of milder cases in the spring.^[60]

Biofuel

Biofuel is simply taking plants that are alive today and using them to convert sunshine and CO2 into energy we can use. Using the sun's energy, they recycle the carbon that is already in the atmosphere - adding no new CO2 that will increase global climate change. There is certainly a place for biofuels in meeting our future energy needs. I am not, however in favor of using food products to produce biofuels. Today's agriculture takes nearly a gallon of fossil fuel to grow a gallon of biofuel. On top of that, it uses perfectly good food that could be used for humans or farm animals. However, there are some biofuels that make use of waste and do not compete with our food supply. Greasecars, already mentioned by one respondent, are great. Used fryer oil should never be dumped-it is a great resource; but how many cars can we actually run on it. The amount of fried food Americans consume is limited (and hopefully decreasing). Using another technology, called cellulosic ethanol production, straw, weeds, wood, and other fibrous plant matter are turned into fuel-grade alcohol with the help of bacterial enzymes. I think there's a lot of promise there. However, there are no big ag chemical companies lobbying for more research like they are for corn-based fuel. Could that be because, when the farmers are able to grow weeds for profit, the Monsantos of the world loose out? I also have hope that biodiesel and other fuels may someday be made from algae. Our local sewage treatment plant is experimenting with using algae for water purification. They allow wild algae to colonize ponds filled with treated effluent, document everything, and experiment with finding uses for the algae. Some researchers are trying to grow specially-hybridized -high-oil-producing algae under artificial light. There is something wrong with that picture. We need to be harnessing the free energy of the sun. (Even if the artificial light is produced via PV cells, they 1) aren't very efficient, and 2) take a lot of energy to build.)

SWEET MEMORIES OF H7P44

On the first day we met, everyone is so quiet.. I bit wondering, am I in the schema class?? Something 'pop' in my minds.. Owh my God,I will get through a very boring routine in the class..However,day by day,one by one shows their true colors.Then,we get closer to each other.They are very helpful expecially in studies.A lot sweet memories we shared together.The song 'We all in this together' from High School Musical give huge meaning to us.On the dinner night with the theme ''Glamerous and Mascurate'',we did a dance performance..I'm sure each one of us will remember this great moment forever!!One more thing, in my class,we have one disabled person,named Izzah..What make me proud is either boys or girls shared the responsible towards Izzah...I love u guys!..Expecially eg,pika,udin,zati,fariza and ikin...don't forget me k...

My Special Roomates

I have a great roomates when I was in JMC.I love them so much.We shared plenty of sweet memories together. Although only a short period in JMC, but I learnt many things from them.We are like a family.They are very supportive, hardworking, helpful and even ready to lend me their shoulders when I need.Although we are at our own path right know,but I'm sure our relationship will never ends..INFINITY..To my ex-roomates, ummi, dilla and syuhada, I pray you will success in your life.Be a great daughter, a true frenz, an excellent student and a future loyal wife..Insyaallah!!