<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>watchdogsblog.com</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.watchdogsblog.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.watchdogsblog.com</link>
	<description>Watching those with power</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 02:26:07 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2</generator>
		<item>
		<title>The Never-Ending Cold and Decongestion Remedy</title>
		<link>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/04/18/the-never-ending-cold-and-decongestion-remedy/</link>
		<comments>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/04/18/the-never-ending-cold-and-decongestion-remedy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 02:21:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[People]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.watchdogsblog.com/?p=1393</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It seems like everyone I know has complained about having an extra long, never-ending cold this year. The symptoms are nasal and chest congestion, cough, body aches, low grade fever that comes and goes, high fever, feeling better for a week and then a repeat of the above. It would be interesting to look into the cause of this. One obvious reason is the low immune system. But what&#8217;s causing that? Well, not enough rest, poor diet and mutated viruses (this could be a result of lab experiments with flu vaccines). Another reason is, perhaps, radiation from Japan. The U.S. experts downplay the effects of the damaged Japanese nuclear plant leaking radiation, still, since March 2011. But radiation, whatever the level is, is definitely not helping our immune system. So what to do? Traditional doctors within standard medical insurance plan typically prescribe Amoxicillin (antibiotic) and Albuterol HFA (inhaler). Pseudoephedrine (decongestant) is available over the counter at any drug store. These medications take care of the symptoms temporarily and 2 weeks later the problem returns. I found a pretty good Decongestion Remedy that worked for me and many others. Tomato soup with garlic, lemon juice, cayenne pepper and honey. How to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It seems like everyone I know has complained about having an extra long, never-ending cold this year. The symptoms are nasal and chest congestion, cough, body aches, low grade fever that comes and goes, high fever, feeling better for a week and then a repeat of the above. </p>
<p>It would be interesting to look into the cause of this. One obvious reason is the low immune system. But what&#8217;s causing that? Well, not enough rest, poor diet and mutated viruses (this could be a result of lab experiments with flu vaccines). Another reason is, perhaps, radiation from Japan. The U.S. experts downplay the effects of the damaged Japanese nuclear plant leaking radiation, still, since March 2011. But radiation, whatever the level is, is definitely not helping our immune system. </p>
<p>So what to do?</p>
<p>Traditional doctors within standard medical insurance plan typically prescribe Amoxicillin (antibiotic) and Albuterol HFA (inhaler). Pseudoephedrine (decongestant) is available over the counter at any drug store. These medications take care of the symptoms temporarily and 2 weeks later the problem returns. </p>
<p>I found a pretty good Decongestion Remedy that worked for me and many others.<br />
Tomato soup with garlic, lemon juice, cayenne pepper and honey.</p>
<p>How to prepare:<br />
1 litter of tomato juice<br />
6 cloves of garlic, finely chopped<br />
3 lemons, squeezed<br />
1 tea spoon of cayenne pepper<br />
2 table spoons of honey</p>
<div id="attachment_1397" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://www.watchdogsblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/P1070183.jpg"><img src="http://www.watchdogsblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/P1070183-300x225.jpg" alt="" title="Spicy Tomato Soup" width="300" height="225" class="size-medium wp-image-1397" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Spicy Tomato Soup, excellent decongestant</p></div>
<p>Mix and heat on simmer (do not boil or it kills the active agents of garlic and honey).<br />
Drink throughout the day and especially at night before going to bed.</p>
<p>Garlic works as a natural antibiotic and kills the infection. Honey is better raw, unprocessed. Use more garlic is you can. Use more pepper or chilly pepper or hot sauce.</p>
<p>Continue with tomato soup for 1 week if needed.</p>
<p>Post comments with your results, please!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/04/18/the-never-ending-cold-and-decongestion-remedy/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Descendants &#8211; good, but not Oscar good.</title>
		<link>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/04/01/the-descendants-good-but-not-oscar-good/</link>
		<comments>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/04/01/the-descendants-good-but-not-oscar-good/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:35:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>oksana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Movies]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.watchdogsblog.com/?p=1389</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Descendants is one of the better George Clooney movies, where the story is interesting enough and Clooney doesn&#8217;t take off his shirt. It is sad in general, but does touch up on real human issues people and families have to deal with in life. All actors played very believable characters. Even Clooney. Although his tears at the end of the movie seemed fake. I kept thinking &#8220;does he wear an eye liner?&#8221;.. The scenery is quite enjoyable to watch as things take place in Hawaii. This is definitely worth watching but it does surprise me that it got nominated for Oscar this year. It was good, but not Oscar good.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Descendants is one of the better George Clooney movies, where the story is interesting enough and Clooney doesn&#8217;t take off his shirt. It is sad in general, but does touch up on real human issues people and families have to deal with in life. All actors played very believable characters. Even Clooney. Although his tears at the end of the movie seemed fake. I kept thinking &#8220;does he wear an eye liner?&#8221;..</p>
<p>The scenery is quite enjoyable to watch as things take place in Hawaii. This is definitely worth watching but it does surprise me that it got nominated for Oscar this year. It was good, but not Oscar good.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/04/01/the-descendants-good-but-not-oscar-good/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Health Insurance is making Bank!!</title>
		<link>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/03/23/health-insurance-is-making-bank/</link>
		<comments>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/03/23/health-insurance-is-making-bank/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Mar 2012 05:22:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>oksana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.watchdogsblog.com/?p=1378</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There is no business like health insurance business! Not since Obama passed his famous Health Reform. Whom did it benefit?? The insurance business, of course. Did you think it was you? A few years ago you used to be able to get an HMO plan with up to $100/month, a $20-dollar copayment and the rest of the services covered. Not any more. Now the insurance companies charge more and cover less. In addition, almost all plans have a high yearly deductible of $5000-$10,000 dollars. This means you have to spend this much out of your own pocket before the coverage kicks in. Don&#8217;t be fooled by the low deductible plans! Look closely and you might see a new term &#8211; Coinsurance. This is another word for &#8220;you pay&#8221;. There is a percentage, usually from 20% to 40%, in addition to your deductible. Furthermore, most plans do not cover maternity or prescription drugs. Starting July 1, 2012 new California law will require health insurance plans to cover maternity. This, according to Kaiser&#8217;s small print disclaimer, will result in higher premiums. When you do get your insurance quote, it is only guaranteed for up to 12 months. After that your insurance is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There is no business like health insurance business! Not since Obama passed his famous Health Reform. Whom did it benefit?? The insurance business, of course. Did you think it was you? A few years ago you used to be able to get an HMO plan with up to $100/month, a $20-dollar copayment and the rest of the services covered. Not any more.</p>
<p>Now the insurance companies charge more and cover less. In addition, almost all plans have a high yearly deductible of $5000-$10,000 dollars. This means you have to spend this much out of your own pocket before the coverage kicks in. Don&#8217;t be fooled by the low deductible plans! Look closely and you might see a new term &#8211; Coinsurance. This is another word for &#8220;you pay&#8221;. There is a percentage, usually from 20% to 40%, in addition to your deductible. Furthermore, most plans do not cover maternity or prescription drugs. </p>
<p>Starting July 1, 2012 new California law will require health insurance plans to cover maternity. This, according to Kaiser&#8217;s small print disclaimer, will result in higher premiums.</p>
<p>When you do get your insurance quote, it is only guaranteed for up to 12 months. After that your insurance is free to raise it and, most likely, will do so.</p>
<p>Want to get the good old all inclusive HMO with no deductible?? Sure, prepare your $1,000/month. This will not be all inclusive though, there is a 20% coinsurance. Take a look at this HMO plan from Anthem Blue Cross in California. $1,131/month. Seriously??<br />
<a href="http://www.watchdogsblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/HMO-1000-bucks.jpg"><img src="http://www.watchdogsblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/HMO-1000-bucks.jpg" alt="" title="HMO 1000 bucks" width="800" height="600" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1379" /></a></p>
<p>Want to know exactly what is coinsurance. Here it is.<br />
<a href="http://www.watchdogsblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Coinsurance.jpg"><img src="http://www.watchdogsblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Coinsurance.jpg" alt="" title="Coinsurance" width="800" height="600" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1380" /></a></p>
<p>So I got one of these $5000/year deductible plans from Kaiser. After a few months I found out that this plan is a perfect scenario for charging you &#8220;whatever they feel like&#8221; for medical services. Because you are paying out of your own pocket they won&#8217;t give you exact prices for them, only estimates. So your office visit can cost anything from $90 to $200 (just seeing the doctor, not including medication or any tests). They say they have no idea how much the doctor&#8217;s office will decide to bill you for their time! Unbelieable! How is this allowed??</p>
<p>Did Obama&#8217;s Reform include the provision making health insurance a requirement for all? I believe so. Oh boy&#8230; What a great way to guarantee profits for the insurance companies!<br />
How is this legal?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/03/23/health-insurance-is-making-bank/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Project X movie &#8211; Nauseating.</title>
		<link>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/03/16/project-x-movie-nauseating/</link>
		<comments>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/03/16/project-x-movie-nauseating/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Mar 2012 23:45:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>oksana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Movies]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.watchdogsblog.com/?p=1372</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Project X movie is like Blair Witched Project on E &#8211; nauseating. There is nothing special, intriguing or twisting about the plot. Just plain simple &#8211; a bunch of high school students trying to sleep with girls during a birthday party in Southern California. Only the camera shakes the entire time, this is where nausea kicks in. It is hard to believe anyone would read the script and say “Hey, let’s make a movie out of this!” But they did. The same guy who produced “Hangover” apparently thought it was a great idea. To his defense, this low budget movie, actually made a lot of money at the box office &#8211; more than $43 million. This is with only about $12 million spent on production. I hear that only unexperienced actors were hired. Trust me, it shows. I only saw it because my friend and I flipped a coin. This was a mistake.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Project X movie is like Blair Witched Project on E &#8211; nauseating. There is nothing special, intriguing or twisting about the plot. Just plain simple &#8211; a bunch of high school students trying to sleep with girls during a birthday party in Southern California. Only the camera shakes the entire time, this is where nausea kicks in. </p>
<p>It is hard to believe anyone would read the script and say “Hey, let’s make a movie out of this!” But they did.  The same guy who produced “Hangover” apparently thought it was a great idea. To his defense, this low budget movie, actually made a lot of money at the box office &#8211; more than $43 million. This is with only about $12 million spent on production. I hear that only unexperienced actors were hired. Trust me, it shows.</p>
<p>I only saw it because my friend and I flipped a coin.<br />
This was a mistake.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/03/16/project-x-movie-nauseating/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Happy March 8th, International Women&#8217;s Day!</title>
		<link>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/03/08/happy-march-8th-international-womens-day/</link>
		<comments>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/03/08/happy-march-8th-international-womens-day/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Mar 2012 05:14:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[People]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.watchdogsblog.com/?p=1369</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Watchdogs, ICEA and Oksana Yoga celebrate International Women&#8217;s Day. This is the day to honor women: mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, neighbors, teachers &#8211; anyone who is a woman. Women have come a long way in history and there is still a long way to go. Shower them with flowers, chocolate and good deeds. Most importantly, love.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Watchdogs, ICEA and Oksana Yoga celebrate International Women&#8217;s Day. This is the day to honor women: mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, neighbors, teachers &#8211; anyone who is a woman. Women have come a long way in history and there is still a long way to go. Shower them with flowers, chocolate and good deeds. Most importantly, love.</p>
<p><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QOKib9OBxko?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/03/08/happy-march-8th-international-womens-day/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Watchdogs: Q &amp; A</title>
		<link>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/02/19/watchdogs-q-a/</link>
		<comments>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/02/19/watchdogs-q-a/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:28:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Us]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.watchdogsblog.com/?p=1365</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Watchdogs: Q &#038; A Q: What is Watchdogs? A: Watchdogs and Watchdogsblog.com is an independent media project created by a non-profit organization ICEA (International Cultural and Educational Association); it is designed to promote free speech and cultivate pluralism of opinions. The mission of Watchdogs is &#8220;Watching those with power&#8221;. Q: Why there are no ads on Watchdogs? A: Watchdogs was designed to have no ads. It&#8217;s non-profit nature provides pleasing environment and appearance to users who are more focused on information integrity and freedom of speech. Q: Who are Watchdogs? A: There are original watchdogs: Oksana, Lili, Fila, Larisa and Lena. And there are Watchdogs who join in on occasion. These are many. A: What is that black and white logo? Q: The black and white logo is designed to portray the multiple meaning of the word &#8220;watchdogs&#8221; and the duality of its spirit. The outline is the face of Fila, the watchdog of the canine kingdom. He had become the inspiration for the watchdogs in its original form. Q: Who can write for Watchdogs? A: Anyone who posses the spirit of watchdogs and takes the effort. Q: Is the content on Watchdogs free? A: It is free to read [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Watchdogs: Q &#038; A</p>
<p><strong>Q: What is Watchdogs?</strong><br />
A: Watchdogs and Watchdogsblog.com is an independent media project created by a non-profit organization ICEA (International Cultural and Educational Association); it is designed to promote free speech and cultivate pluralism of opinions. The mission of Watchdogs is &#8220;Watching those with power&#8221;.</p>
<p><strong>Q: Why there are no ads on Watchdogs?</strong><br />
A: Watchdogs was designed to have no ads. It&#8217;s non-profit nature provides pleasing  environment and appearance to users who are more focused on information integrity and freedom of speech.</p>
<p><strong>Q: Who are Watchdogs?</strong><br />
A: There are original watchdogs: Oksana, Lili, Fila, Larisa and Lena. And there are Watchdogs who join in on occasion. These are many.</p>
<p><strong>A: What is that black and white logo?</strong><br />
Q: The black and white logo is designed to portray the multiple meaning of the word &#8220;watchdogs&#8221; and the duality of its spirit. The outline is the face of Fila, the watchdog of the canine kingdom. He had become the inspiration for the watchdogs in its original form.</p>
<p><strong>Q: Who can write for Watchdogs?</strong><br />
A: Anyone who posses the spirit of watchdogs and takes the effort.</p>
<p><strong>Q: Is the content on Watchdogs free?</strong><br />
A: It is free to read and use for educational, noncommercial use. It is not free to print or republish in commercial publications. Syndication of content for any commercial publication, including online, is available for a small monthly fee. Please click subscribe. After you complete the subscription you are free to republish any content on Watchdogs. </p>
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="LFE8QZ4WXE8CA">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_subscribeCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1"><br />
</form>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/02/19/watchdogs-q-a/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Occupy Your House!!</title>
		<link>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/02/02/occupy-your-house/</link>
		<comments>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/02/02/occupy-your-house/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:55:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[People]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.watchdogsblog.com/?p=1354</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This idea might be the most radical, yet ridiculously simple and effective. Instead of marching on the street, join the occupy movement by occupying your house. Let me explain. The Occupy movement claims that 1% of population controls all the wealth in the world and the working class, the remaining 99% has nothing. How do we change that? Their idea &#8211; walk and sit on the street, maybe you&#8217;ll get noticed. Here is another idea. If you want to affect the 1% of wealthy, instead of marching somewhere, stop paying them! Do not sign into their 30-year loans with high interests rates. And if you did already, perhaps, you can change your mind. Now if they ask you to give it back, don&#8217;t. Not until they refund you all the money you already paid them, and, perhaps, refund whatever money you put into maintaining it. Occupy Your House! Don&#8217;t own a house? No problem. You can still participate in the revolutionary movement. Buy less things! Be selective about what you buy. Your money supports businesses! Buy organic. Buy locally. This will bring most quiet, intelligent, peaceful revolution we need. Simple.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This idea might be the most radical, yet ridiculously simple and effective. Instead of marching on the street, join the occupy movement by occupying your house. Let me explain. The Occupy movement claims that 1% of population controls all the wealth in the world and the working class, the remaining 99% has nothing. How do we change that? Their idea &#8211; walk and sit on the street, maybe you&#8217;ll get noticed. Here is another idea. </p>
<p>If you want to affect the 1% of wealthy, instead of marching somewhere, stop paying them! Do not sign into their 30-year loans with high interests rates. And if you did already, perhaps, you can change your mind. Now if they ask you to give it back, don&#8217;t. Not until they refund you all the money you already paid them, and, perhaps, refund whatever money you put into maintaining it. Occupy Your House!</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t own a house? No problem. You can still participate in the revolutionary movement. Buy less things! Be selective about what you buy. Your money supports businesses! Buy organic. Buy locally. </p>
<p>This will bring most quiet, intelligent, peaceful revolution we need.<br />
Simple.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/02/02/occupy-your-house/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>5</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Touch People, Not Phones!</title>
		<link>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/01/16/touch-people-not-phones/</link>
		<comments>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/01/16/touch-people-not-phones/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:22:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[People]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.watchdogsblog.com/?p=1351</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With all the new gadgets flooding the market of electronic technology (iPhone, Ipads, Droids and such), Watchdogs and Oksana Yoga present a new campaign: Touch People, not Phones! The goal of this campaign is to encourage human face-to-face communication, embrace, emotional support and personal interaction. So many people find themselves in front of computer screens at work 40 hours a week and touching their phones after working hours, that “real life” interaction is slowly becoming obsolete. Let us reverse this phenomenon by reclaiming what makes us human. Suggested things to do: • Switch to simple phone with 10-key buttons and no internet • Hug people • Pet animals • Meet people in “real life” instead of online • Keep in touch by visiting friends, gathering for social occasions • Replace phone conversations with face-to-face interactions (decrease your cell phone radiation exposure) • Leave your cell phone at home when going for walks, hiking, etc. • Practice Digital Detox Days by avoiding using any electronic devices. Don’t worry, the internet world will still be there when you tune back in. Brought to you by ICEA, International Cultural and Educational Association, a non profit organization. To join the group, you will need [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>With all the new gadgets flooding the market of electronic technology (iPhone, Ipads, Droids and such), Watchdogs and Oksana Yoga present a new campaign: Touch People, not Phones!</p>
<p>The goal of this campaign is to encourage human face-to-face communication, embrace, emotional support and personal interaction. So many people find themselves in front of computer screens at work 40 hours a week and touching their phones after working hours, that “real life” interaction is slowly becoming obsolete. Let us reverse this phenomenon by reclaiming what makes us human.</p>
<p><strong>Suggested things to do:</strong><br />
•	Switch to simple phone with 10-key buttons and no internet<br />
•	Hug people<br />
•	Pet animals<br />
•	Meet people in “real life” instead of online<br />
•	Keep in touch by visiting friends, gathering for social occasions<br />
•	Replace phone conversations with face-to-face interactions (decrease your cell phone radiation<br />
        exposure)<br />
•	Leave your cell phone at home when going for walks, hiking, etc.<br />
•	Practice Digital Detox Days by avoiding using any electronic devices. Don’t worry, the internet world will still be there when you tune back in.</p>
<p>Brought to you by ICEA, International Cultural and Educational Association, a non profit organization.</p>
<p>To join the group, you will need a Facebook account.<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/109803395735311/" title="Touch People, Not Phones!" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/groups/109803395735311/</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/01/16/touch-people-not-phones/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>In Novartis we trust! &#8211; or should we??</title>
		<link>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/01/13/in-novartis-we-trust-or-should-we-2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/01/13/in-novartis-we-trust-or-should-we-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:49:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Main Page]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.watchdogsblog.com/?p=1346</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[From vaccines to painkillers, the multi-national corporation Novartis had enjoyed making a fortune on our ills. In 2010 this Switzerland based drug company reported $50.6 billion profit, up 30% from last year. Most popular products? Flu vaccines and Excedrin. This week, the company issued a voluntary recall of many of their products as pills were mislabeled, chipped off and mixed up with other drugs. How could this happen?? Not much explanation is given other than general statements about possible mix up at their Nebraska facility during production and shipment. The Nebraska facility is currently suspended from operations. On January 8, 2012, Novartis issued the following statement: &#8220;Basel, January 8, 2012 &#8211; Novartis Consumer Health Inc. (NCH) informed customers, that it is voluntarily recalling all lots of select bottle packaging configurations from retailers of Excedrin® and NoDoz® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Bufferin® and Gas-X Prevention® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States. NCH is taking this action as a precautionary measure, because the products may contain stray tablets, capsules, or caplets from other Novartis products, or contain broken or chipped tablets.&#8221; Confused and bedazzled customers [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>From vaccines to painkillers, the multi-national corporation Novartis had enjoyed making a fortune on our ills. In 2010 this Switzerland based drug company reported $50.6 billion profit, up 30% from last year. Most popular products? Flu vaccines and Excedrin. This week, the company issued a voluntary recall of many of their products as pills were mislabeled, chipped off and mixed up with other drugs.</p>
<p><strong>How could this happen??</strong><br />
Not much explanation is given other than general statements about possible mix up at their Nebraska facility during production and shipment. The Nebraska facility is currently suspended from operations. On January 8, 2012, Novartis issued the <a href="http://www.novartis.com/newsroom/media-releases/en/2012/1575836.shtml" title="following statement" target="_blank">following statement</a>:</p>
<p>&#8220;Basel, January 8, 2012 &#8211; Novartis Consumer Health Inc. (NCH) informed customers, that it is voluntarily recalling all lots of select bottle packaging configurations from retailers of Excedrin® and NoDoz® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Bufferin® and Gas-X Prevention® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States. NCH is taking this action as a precautionary measure, because the products may contain stray tablets, capsules, or caplets from other Novartis products, or contain broken or chipped tablets.&#8221;</p>
<p>Confused and bedazzled customers are asked to call the following number with their questions:<br />
Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403 (available Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time).</p>
<p>Later in the same <a href="http://www.novartis.com/newsroom/media-releases/en/2012/1575836.shtml" title="press release" target="_blank">press release</a> about the recall the company assures the customers about their commitment to quality. </p>
<p><strong>So should we trust them??</strong></p>
<p><strong>Absolutely not.</strong> In fact, if you read the disclaimer, it specifically asks you NOT to:<br />
&#8220;The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by terminology such as &#8220;committed&#8221;, plans&#8221;, &#8220;will&#8221; or similar expressions, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential new indications or labeling for Excedrin, Bufferin, Gas-X Prevention and NoDoz or regarding potential future revenues from Excedrin, Bufferin, Gas-X Prevention and NoDoz. <strong>You should not place undue reliance on these statements.</strong> &#8221;</p>
<p>How clever.</p>
<p>And in case you decide to get one of those flu shots in Walgreens. Check the label. I think the manufacturer will sound familiar. And if you still want to get it, I won&#8217;t stop you.</p>
<p>More on <a href="http://www.watchdogsblog.com/?s=novartis" title="Novartis on Watchdogs." target="_blank">Novartis on Watchdogs</a>.</p>
<p>More about <a href="http://www.watchdogsblog.com/?s=flu+shot" title="Flu shots on Watchdogs" target="_blank">Flu shots on Watchdogs.</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/01/13/in-novartis-we-trust-or-should-we-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Frost kissed priceless</title>
		<link>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/01/12/frost-kissed-priceless/</link>
		<comments>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/01/12/frost-kissed-priceless/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:47:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.watchdogsblog.com/?p=1318</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This sign was posted 2 days ago at Lucky&#8217;s supermarket in Pacifica, California. I have seen it in other stores as well. &#8220;Frost kissed&#8221;, not &#8220;frost bitten&#8221; &#8211; the ingenuity of supermarket marketing doesn&#8217;t cease to amaze me. This is a perfect example. Read on the sign: Only 60 cents each.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This sign was posted 2 days ago at Lucky&#8217;s supermarket in Pacifica, California. I have seen it in other stores as well. &#8220;Frost kissed&#8221;, not &#8220;frost bitten&#8221; &#8211; the ingenuity of supermarket marketing doesn&#8217;t cease to amaze me. This is a perfect example. Read on the sign:</p>
<div id="attachment_1319" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://www.watchdogsblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/327212_10150545665464238_676549237_8670863_1386900347_o.jpg"><img src="http://www.watchdogsblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/327212_10150545665464238_676549237_8670863_1386900347_o-300x225.jpg" alt="" title="Artichokes - frost kissed priceless" width="300" height="225" class="size-medium wp-image-1319" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Frost Kissed, not So Pretty..</p></div>
<p>Only 60 cents each.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.watchdogsblog.com/2012/01/12/frost-kissed-priceless/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

