Friday, August 06, 2004

Climate change and global warming

Philip Stott argues that the two are confused:

1. Climate change is perpetual. 'Global warming' assumes that we are now departing from some previous norm.
2. Humans do influence climate.
3. But humans cannot control climate by fiddling with one variable amongst many variables in a super-complex and chaotic system.

It's not even the major problem facing humanity. Let's get universal access to clean water and energy, first, then fret about a few degrees of temperature change.

EnviroSpin Watch

Thursday, August 05, 2004

The joys of bottled water

If kids drink nothing but bottled water, they will miss out on the fluoride that is often added - leading to an increase in cavities, according to this article in the Australia's The Age,

Bottled water blamed for tooth decay

Zinc

Given McKeith's obsession with zinc and sex drive, her discouragement of red meat and dairy seems bizarre.

What foods provide zinc?
'Zinc is found in a wide variety of foods. Oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food, but red meat and poultry provide the majority of zinc in the American diet. Other good food sources include beans, nuts, certain seafood, whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy products. Zinc absorption is greater from a diet high in animal protein than a diet rich in plant proteins. Phytates, which are found in whole grain breads, cereals, legumes and other products, can decrease zinc absorption.'

'Vegetarians may need as much as 50% more zinc than non-vegetarians because of the lower absorption of zinc from plant foods, so it is very important for vegetarians to include good sources of zinc in their diet.'

Facts about zinc, National Institute for Health

(Thanks to people who've posted comments about this anomaly)

Wednesday, August 04, 2004

Gillian McKeith interviewed

The Herald, based in Glasgow and the biggest selling broadsheet in Scotland, has interviewed McKeith about the paucity of her qualifications. She comes out fighting. Or sounds defensive. You choose.

TV health guru admits buying doctorate by post - The Herald

Tuesday, August 03, 2004

The Sun claims McKeith exclusive...

Wonder where they got the story from? Nice to know someone is reading...

Dr? No, The Sun, 3 August 2004

There's no such thing as complementary therapy

It's either a tested and proven therapy, in which case it's just 'therapy', or it's nonsense.

Warning on complementary therapy, BBC News

You Are What You Eat...

My pal Graham points out that the phrase comes from Feuerbach, but sounds much better in German!

'Man ist was man isst'