Tennessee, made another bid to halt the death penalty in the US by ruling the method of execution inappropriate. This is a step away from recognising that the death penalty itself is inappropriate, though the time until that is recognised at a national, Federal level is uncertain. A Federal judge in Tennessee ruled that the …
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Category:Living
Banning smoking works
Recent studies on the effect of the smoking ban brought in to Ireland in March 2004 shows a strong reduction in related disease, proving the costs of smoking. This does not mean a prohibition is appropriate, but definitely supports a public place ban and better information for consumers. Dr Edmond Cronin and colleagues at Cork …
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Pocket money reinforces culture of consumption
A recent study by Hibernian Life in Ireland shows that children are given substantial amounts of pocket money – € 10 per week on average at primary and € 20 per week on average at secondary. More than half of the children spend all of their pocket money. This indicator, coupled with the continuous stream …
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Costly payback for clerical abuse
The Catholic diocese of San Diego recently agreed to pay $198.1 million to settle 144 claims of sexual abuse by clergy, the second-largest payment by any diocese and over $ 1 million per claimant. The diocese had sought to shield its assets by declaring bankruptcy, but the judge threatened to dismiss the diocese’s case if …
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US cosmetics fast turning eco-natural
A new report from Organic Monitor, UK-based organic industry analysts, shows that the natural and organic sector is the fastest growing in the North American cosmetics and toiletries industry, with sales increasing by 20% a year and strong growth projected with its share of the total US personal care products market doubling to 15% in …
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Stop working (and living) in a chemical fog
I’ve always taken issue with closed environments like office buildings, airports, hotels and conference arenas. Invariably the first noticeable thing on entering them is teh whiff of chemistry. Its either materials used, cleaning agents or just stagnant, fetid air. It slows down life and in some cases can cause more sever ailments. BusinessWeek offers a …
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The banana – a modern agricultural scandal
This report by The Ecologist is an eye opener, even for the eco-aware. It describes the banana industry today through the supply chain from plantations, with virtual slavery and toxic chemical use, through the monopolistic supply chain to the supermarket. The author points out “As the pursuit of competitive production has fuelled the race for …
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