Congress Approves Phthalate Ban

Got this from enviroblog.org and wanted to share it with everyone:

Good news for parents and children everywhere: Congress has agreed to a ban on three dangerous phthalates in products made for children under 12. The decision came in spite of the chemical industry's desperate (and well-funded) attempt to shut the provision down. Exxon-Mobil alone spent a significant portion of its $22 million lobbying budget on the project, according to Lyndsey Layton at The Washington Post.

The provision, which would also require extensive testing of three other types of phthalates before potentially banning them, is a part of a major piece of legislation overhauling the Consumer Products Safety Commission. Although President Bush has said that he disagrees with the phthalate ban (no surprise there), I'm willing to speculate that it would probably be hard for him to veto the entire bill, since its purpose is to protect American consumers.

This is, of course, a major step in the right direction, but is it a harbinger of major change to come? Andy Igrejas of the Pew Charitable Trusts told Layton,

"The debate over this one set of chemicals is a referendum on a broken system. Congress saw just how screwed up the system is in protecting people from chemicals, especially children."

Meanwhile, Layton writes that the ban "signals an important crack in the chemical industry's ability to fend off federal regulation and suggests that the landscape may be shifting to favor consumers." Here's hoping they're right -- we're about due for a landscape shift.

President Bush Signs "Conquer Childhood Cancer Act"

CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation is pleased to announce that President George W. Bush has signed into law H.R. 1553, the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act, at a ceremony in the Oval Office.

This legislation was named in memory of Caroline Pryce Walker, daughter of Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-OH), who succumbed to neuroblastoma in 1999 at age nine, and will dramatically increase federal investment into childhood cancer research.

The bill authorizes $30 million annually over five years, providing funding for collaborative pediatric cancer clinical trials research, to create a population-based national childhood cancer database, and to further improve public awareness and communication regarding available treatment and research for children with cancer and their families.

CureSearch exclusively supports the life-saving research of the Children's Oncology Group, the world's premier cancer research collaborative. Treating 90 percent of children with cancer, the Children's Oncology Group includes more than 5,000 experts in childhood cancer research and treatment, located at more than 200 leading children's and university hospitals across North America.

Future Super Model??

Future super model...well maybe, maybe not. Looks like Ryan may get his chance afterall. We received a packet from KDA and it looks like they may want to use him as a model afterall.

Who would have thought that I could be so lucky....not only is the little man a sweetheart but he's a cutie too!! Okay, so I'm a little biased. But the truth is the truth!

MoveOn.org

If you are like me then you can't wait for a change in the White House!

I found this site online today, http://www.moveon.org/ and thought I should share it. The MoveOn family of organizations brings real Americans back into the political process. With over 3.2 million members across America – from carpenters to stay-at-home moms to business leaders – we work together to realize the progressive promise of our country. MoveOn is a service – a way for busy but concerned citizens to find their political voice in a system dominated by big money and big media.

You can get all sorts of information about both canidates. This is a great way to start to make an educated decision about which canidate you chose to suppost. Personally, I like Obama, and if you are like me and support Obama you can even get a free pin or bumper sticker at http://www.moveon.org/.

Enjoy!

My Little Secret

Okay, it's been almost a week since I last posted anything. All week I have been struggling with a secret. I have decided not to share the good news just yet. Know this...I have some awesome news that I will be screaming from the rooftops (if all goes well) in a couple of weeks! Until then please stay turned as I try to get back on track.

Thanks!

Are They Still There?

Tomorrow is the big day! My doctor is going to look at the inside of my stomach to see if my ulcers have healed. I am praying that there are no signs of any ulcers. At the same time I have to be realistic. Let's just say that I am not the most relaxed person in the world and being married and having a toddler can occasionally stress me out. Hence the need for prayers!

"Conquer Childhood Cancer Act" Passes by Unanimous Consent in the United States Senate

I just received this great news today:

CureSearch Praises Passage of Landmark "Conquer Childhood Cancer Act" by Unanimous Consent in the United States Senate. Children with Cancer and Their Families to Benefit from Legislation.

July 17, 2008 (Bethesda, MD) - CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation salutes the United States Senate for its passage of the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act, which promises to significantly increase federal investment into childhood cancer research.

The bill, first introduced in the Senate by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Norm Coleman (R-MN), passed by unanimous consent, echoing a similar 416-0 vote June 12th in the U.S. House of Representatives. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) requested, and received, this unanimous consent on the Senate floor.

The bill authorizes $30 million annually over five years, providing funding for collaborative pediatric cancer clinical trials research, to create a population-based national childhood cancer database, and to further improve public awareness and communication regarding available treatment and research for children with cancer and their families.

"Too many young people's lives were cut short by cancer, but their hopes were not," said Reed. "We have made great advances in treating cancer, but there is still much more to be done. The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act will deliver much needed hope and support to children and families battling cancer and more resources for vital pediatric cancer research programs."

Senator Coleman, an original sponsor, noted that the legislation passed unanimously in both Houses of Congress, and lauded the overwhelming bi-partisan support of the measure, which addresses a critical national health issue that is finally receiving the attention it deserves.

"Passage of the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act in the Senate is a monumental step in the fight against childhood cancer," said Coleman. "I am proud that my colleagues were able to come together and pass legislation that will provide the resources to not only support children and families with childhood cancer, but also find a cure."

CureSearch supports the life-saving research of the Children's Oncology Group, the world's premier cancer research collaborative. Treating 90 percent of children with cancer, the Children's Oncology Group includes more than 5,000 experts in childhood cancer research and treatment, located at more than 200 leading children's and university hospitals across North America.

"The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act allows for translation of the very best research discoveries into clinical evaluation and practice, in order to improve the cure rates for all children with cancer," stated Gregory Reaman, MD, Chair of the Children's Oncology Group.

"On behalf of my colleagues in the Children's Oncology Group and the children with cancer and their families who are our partners in clinical research, we thank our leaders in the Senate. Only research cures childhood cancer."

"We applaud the leadership of Senators Reed and Coleman and their colleagues in the Senate who through the passage of this bill have made finding the cure for childhood cancer an urgent national priority. Together with their colleagues in the House, Congress has given childhood cancer the attention and support that is long overdue and much needed," said Stacy Pagos Haller, Executive Director of CureSearch.

Having passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate unanimously, the bill now heads to the White House, where President Bush is expected to sign it into law.

Missing in Action

Yes, this week I have been MIA when it comes to my blog. I've had so much going on lately.

First, Scott is in the process of looking for a new job. This means that along with my normal jobs of mommy, wife, maid, cook, chauffeur, accountant, etc., I have taken on another job, that of personal assistant. I have been spending most of my nights looking online at jobs for Scott and/or helping him with his vitae and resume. We may have to move or we may stay here,we just have to see what happens. Either way, I think this is an opportunity to bring Scott and I closer and for Scott to grow in his career.

I also took the THEA test this week. My plan is to apply to get my alternative teaching certification. I want to take the classes this fall, depending on Scott's job situation. Obviously, if we move I will have to apply to a different school.

I will be happy when some of the uncertainties we have been dealing with have been resolved. I am a "planner" so all these loose ends are starting to get on my nerves. But, whenever things get to the point that I think I just can't take anymore all I have to do is look at Ryan. He usually has a big grin on his face. He has fun doing just about anything. If nothing else he has taught me that you really don't need much to be happy. As long as I have Scott and Ryan I know that everything will be just fine!

Ryan's First Job Interview

This past year my former housekeeper told me that her kids used to model for Kim Dawson and really liked it. She went on to tell me all the details and I decided to send the modeling agency pictures of Ryan. Almost six months later I received an email letting us know that Ryan "has been selected to be considered as a prospective model with Kim Dawson Agency." Ryan is scheduled for his "preliminary interview at the agency" this Tuesday! I am so excited for our little man.

Please wish him luck! We'll let you know how it turns out. Who knows...our little man may end up being a super toddler model. Either way, we think he is simply adorable from the inside out!

In Memory of Green Green (1993-2008)

Today I had to euthanize my cat, Green. It has been one of the most awful things I have ever had to do. She was a wonderful companion and will be missed greatly. She was almost 15 years old and had been a great comfort in my life through dating jerks, getting married, moving to the country, losing twins, losing my stepmother, losing my dad, moving, going through a divorce, being severely depressed, renovating a house, moving, renovating a condo, getting remarried, moving one last time, and having a baby. I found this online and thought it would help to share it:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; Her eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.

Author unknown.