SJSO Gunshot Victim
Sep 28th
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 9-1-1 call shortly after 1:00 a.m. this Thursday morning, to the 4400 block of Golf Ridge Drive (Cypress Links.)
When deputies arrived they found a male subject with an apparent gun shot wound. St. Johns County Fire Rescue treated the subject at the scene and the victim was flown by air ambulance to an area hospital. The initial information garnered by investigators was the wounds were self inflicted, however, the incident is actively being investigated and a ruling has not been made at this time.
Source: St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office
Stanford conventional v. organic study a pile of crap.
Sep 27th
Terra Infirma by Ron Baird
The question, really, is how could such a stellar research institution as Stanford U. publish such a pile of crap? Analyzing 237 existing studies and determining that organic fruits and vegetables are no more nutritious than conventional (read: industrial agriculture). Actually the study seems more a hack job to pay a favor to Big Ag donors, although the researchers made a point early that internal funds were used to fund the work. Does that raise your suspicions a bit?
The question, really, is how could such a stellar research institution as Stanford U. publish such a pile of crap? Analyzing 237 existing studies and determining that organic fruits and vegetables are no more nutritious than conventional (read: industrial agriculture). Actually the study seems more a hack job to pay a favor to Big Ag donors, although the researchers made a point early that internal funds were used to fund the work. Does that raise your suspicions a bit?
In the first place, they were almost certainly wrong. A number of recent studies have indicated organic produce has 10-30% more nutrients than conventional.
If they were trying to contribute to the body of knowledge, why not look into the environmental costs of industrial agriculture, such as pesticides in the water and air, the medical costs of workers exposed to such toxins.
Why ignore a whole other level of heath benefits of phytochemicals which are much more prevalent in organic produce because industrial agriculture intensive application of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and heavy watering have depleted the soil of nutrients need to produce phytochemicals.
How important are they?
Phytonutrients are nutrients derived from plant material that have been shown to be necessary for sustaining human life. Phytochemicals are non-nutritive plant chemicals that contain protective, disease-preventing, compounds. Their role in plants is to protect plants from disease, injuries, insects, drought, excessive heat, ultraviolet rays, and poisons or pollutants in the air or soil. They form part of the plants immune system.
Although phytochemicals are not yet classified as nutrients, substances necessary for sustaining life, they have been identified as containing properties for aiding in disease prevention. Phytochemicals are associated with the prevention and/or treatment of at least four of the leading causes of death in Western countries – cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. They are involved in many processes including ones that help prevent cell damage, prevent cancer cell replication, and decrease cholesterol levels.
So—pretty damn important. But apparently not to the Stanford researchers.
But Big Ag got it’s headline, and that’s what’s important.
Flagler College releases economic impact study
Sep 27th
Flagler College has more than 3,000 alumni working in the Greater Jacksonville community and contributed $218 million to the area during the 2010-2011 fiscal year, according to a recent study.
The economic impact study was produced for the college by EconImpact LLC of Louisville, Ky., 
one of the leading providers of economic impact studies for private colleges. The purpose of the report was to detail the ways in which Flagler College contributes both directly and indirectly to the local economy.
According to the report, during the 2010-2011 fiscal year, Flagler College contributed $218 million to the Greater Jacksonville area, including St. Johns, Duval, Flagler, Baker, Clay and Nassau counties. The college, along with its employees, students and visitors, were responsible for $179 million; alumni contributed $24 million in increased earnings and $12 million in social benefits due to positive lifestyle choices.
The City of St. Augustine treasury received a $343,214 net benefit due to the presence of Flagler College. St. Johns County received a $2.7 million net benefit.
Some other highlights of the report:
• The college provided full and part-time employment opportunities for 412 people.
• There are 3,045 working Flagler alumni in the Metro Jacksonville area.
• The Flagler College community contributed $188,482 in community service activities in 2011: $101,764 by Flagler students and $86,718 by Flagler employees. Flagler College students participated in 7,428 hours of community service in Metro Jacksonville.
• Visitors who came to St. Augustine because of Flagler College brought more than $18 million in new money to Greater Jacksonville in 2011
• The direct spending by the college, its employees, students and visitors was $78 million. This money was spent and re-spent several times in the community. The amount of the turnover was $100.7 million in 2011.
“The college produces alumni who earn more than individuals who did not complete a degree in higher education,” said Kevin Stokes, who wrote the final study. “The college provides employment opportunities, not only through jobs on campus, but also through jobs generated by business the college and its members conduct locally.”
For the full report, visit http://www.flagler.edu/news/current_news/FLAGLER-ECONOMIC-IMPACT-REPORT-2012.pdf
Source: Flagler College
