Water and biofuel

The battle over the future of water is a big one, and this story, Water worries cloud biofuel future (Reuters) is further evidence. From the story:

Critics argue that precious water resources are being bled dry by ethanol when water shortages are growing ever more dire. Federal mandates encouraging more ethanol production don't help.Proponents say corn ethanol for transportation fuel is far better for the environment, national security and the economy than oil and the first step toward cleaner fuel sources.

On the front lines of hunger The Oregonian

"A lot of these kids, the lunch they get now, that's their meal until they come back tomorrow. That's not one situation, that's a huge situation." The economic meltdown drips across the country, school lunch trays are carrying a heavier load. Together with their companion programs --school breakfast, after-school snacks and summer lunch plans --school lunches are providing a steadily increasing share of kids' nourishment in the country, while the percentage of kids qualifying for free lunch (up to 130 percent of the poverty level) and reduced-price lunch (up to 185 percent) is inching up.The 143,000 Oregon kids living in poverty, and the 75,000 eating from an emergency food box each month, are likely to show up in a school cafeteria.

A new way to keep youth fit LaCrosse Tribune

A study of the FIT Families project involving the Women, Infant and Children’s programs in La Crosse and Waupaca counties showed an increase in fruit and vegetable intake and reduction in TV viewing for pre-school children.

“The program works,” said Linda Lee, director of La Crosse County’s WIC program. “We spend a lot of money on things that don’t show behavioral changes, but this program does show those changes.”La Crosse County’s WIC program was one of six in the state to receive a grant from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute to start an educational and support program focusing on good nutrition.

Bankruptcies surge despite law meant to curtail them AP

The number of U.S. businesses and individuals declaring bankruptcy is rising with a vengeance amid the recession, despite a three-year-old federal law that made it much tougher for Americans to escape their debts, an Associated Press analysis found.

Browner: climate change law would boost U.S. standing in global warming talks US News

The president has been very clear that he wants to re-establish the United States as a leader on the issue of climate change," Carol Browner, the president's adviser on energy and climate change issues, told an energy conference at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology this afternoon. But Browner added that the U.S. position at climate talks will be "driven by what we are prepared to do domestically."Congressional legislation, Browner said, "is absolutely essential to our position and what we can ultimately hope to achieve in Copenhagen," where more than 180 countries will meet in December to write a new treaty to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.

Sprott and Roubini leaning toward depressionSeeking Alpha

Nouriel Roubini and Eric Sprott, CEO of Sprott Asset Management are leaning toward Economic Depression. So far, we have not had a crash similar to the 1929 crash, however in many sectors ( building, real estate, manufacturing) there exists an economic depression. The causes of depression are widespread. From cheap money to reckless lending. I hope, as you do, we do not end up in a situation similar to the 1930 depression.

Poll Closed - Promotion Board wins 71% of vote

The latest Fresh Talk poll results affirmed our readers interest in a generic fruit and vegetable promotion board, and by a wide margin.

The one week poll that ended April 13 asked:

What is your position on the proposed national generic promotion board, as envisioned by the Produce for Health Task force?

Yes, it's about time 20 (71%)

No, it's not a good fit 1 (3%)

I need to hear more - undecided 7 (25%)

Votes so far: 28 Poll closed