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by Brent Kellogg
See photos  Photos of Gail
Music that got Brent beyond the worst of grief and keeps his head clear today.

NOTE: There's a new photo of old man time available.

TUESDAY, November 17, 2009 -- Because there can never be enough crazies out there, a provision in a Senate bill would allow veterans deemed "mentally defective" to buy guns. Sen. Richard Burr, a Republican naturally, says his "Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act" protects veterans' rights.

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Never mind that eating right is the best way to avoid and reduce cholesterol, a new study has caused more worries about Zetia and Vytorin, drugs that are still taken by millions of Americans to lower cholesterol, despite questions about how well they work. This, as drug companies say they have valid business reasons for increasing their prices. By jacking up the cost of drugs they avoid any law Congress passes that "tries" to do just the opposite. So, if there is ever a health care plan, does that mean we'll be told what a great deal it is?

Meantime, what was that we've learned about creepy Google? Google and Yahoo have teamed up with Big Pharma in asking the government to draft new rules that would give drug companies more latitude to advertise online. The plan is to allow BP to hype the benefits of its toxins in full view, but warnings would be buried via links gullible consumers would be least likely to click.

We know too that Big Pharma will stop at nothing to increase its profits. BP has been caught dumping bad drugs on third world country populations, and now there's concern as to why so many in the Ukraine are sick. Nearly 300 people have died from what is suspected to be Swine Flu. Over 65,000 have been hospitalized. The virus appears to be a highly aggressive mutation of H1N1 or a combination of three different flu strains now circulating in Ukraine.

Here's the scary, but no surprise part. There are reports of aerial spraying across Kiev in the days before the flu outbreak. People are speculating this was a bioweapon attack intentionally unleashed upon the Ukrainian population.

Do we need to repeat the obvious? There are buku bucks to be made off flu vaccines.

I assume you've seen too the latest. If the first Swine Flu shot didn't do it for you, there's now a "booster" shot!

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If they get away with it in Britain, watch for the USA to be next when it comes to changing the recommended daily calorie intake from 2,000 for women and 2,500 for men by some 16%. Adults could consume an extra 400 calories a day without weight gain, so says Britain's Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition. About 60% of adults in Britain are overweight as a result of overeating and lack of exercise at a cost of $7 billion annually.

Speaking of food, farmers and ranchers are upset that the FDA might be given expanded authority to inspect farms. There's a bill in Congress already approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee that would allow the FDA to start poking its nose around and the beef association says it shouldn't be any of the FDA's bees wax until the point where live animals become food. For now, the bill gives FDA carte blanche.

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Still got your appendix? If yes, it could explain why you're still alive. Scientists have found evidence the appendix may play a role in helping the immune system by maintaining symbiotic bacteria which may help break down fiber containing foods and may also help produce vitamins.

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Oh God, kill me now. This was the top story on MSN's website yesterday.

Carter defends his handling of Iran hostage crisis

Does anyone care about Carter?

Another funny headline. Obama, in China, said he's a big fan of "non-censorship." It's funny because there's not much the government doesn't know about us and can, at will, spy on us, read our email, whatever it wants.

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I wasn't going to post this, but then got to thinking it goes to show what feeling good can do for you - and others. At the grocery store Sunday I was bitching (in a nice way) at the checkout about the price increase of English cucumbers (From $1.50 to $1.79 in just one week) and during the process said something, I don't remember what exactly, that had the people in line laughing their asses off. The clerk was near tears and without letting the others know punched in a $10 discount for me. That was nice of her, and leaving the store I felt good. How nice it is feeling good again; feeling loved and wanted.

Good thing I did post that as I was running out of material. Not because there's isn't plenty to be had, but that Linda keeps my mind on other things - if you get my drift. See that? How things change. Not so long ago I was bitching about not getting enough female attention. Now it's getting so I might have to tell her to leave me alone for a couple hours. Or at least long enough for my battery to recharge. It's being, ahem, run down a lot.

Hey, less than 30-days until the start of Brent's Big Adventure to Florida.