Thursday, March 29, 2007
Another really cool thing!
Say you're driving along the freeway. A song comes on the radio. You ask yourself, what is the title of that song? Well, all you have to do is use your cell phone! Simply dial 1-866-411-song. Hold the phone to the speaker for 15 seconds, close the phone. In less than a minute you will receive a text message of the song's title! It really works!
How Cool Is This?
Have you heard of 1-888-Frucall? Say you're at Best Buy and you find the perfect t.v., book, or cd - how can you check to see if you are getting the best deal? Well, simply dial 1-866-FRU-CALL. Enter the bar code on your phone. Frucall searches the internet for the best online prices. You can listen to the prices, order the item from your phone right then, get product information, or bookmark it for the future. Best of all, it's free!
From their website:
"Headquartered in Irvine, California, Frucall, Inc. is a software services company dedicated to delivering personalized information from the Internet to user's mobile device through a unified voice, text, and rich media interface. The company has pioneered the development of voice-based information delivery systems for online price comparison engines.
Frucall currently operates a free, voice-based price-comparison shopping service for consumers that lets them hear current online prices, compare, rate and purchase products using any phone, anytime, anywhere. Frucall blends the benefits of in-store shopping with the frugal and flexible nature of Internet shopping, providing consumers with a unique and exceptionally convenient shopping experience. Frucall's unique patent pending solution provides users with a highly-efficient means to access web-based XML data through DTMF handset entry and IVR (Interactive Voice Response) systems. This information is integrated with web-based applications, and shopping systems to deliver a consumer-friendly, personalized, voice and web portal interface.
With the launch of Frucall in the spring of 2006, the company has succeeded in creating an entirely new dynamic for point-of-sale purchasing and decision making. Frucall's technology infrastructure will be used by advertisers and brands looking for the advantage and exceptional efficiency of focused, contextual, one-to-one messaging. In the coming months, the company intends to expand its service offerings to include additional consumer and enterprise voice-based, web information services. "
Sounds pretty good to me.
From their website:
"Headquartered in Irvine, California, Frucall, Inc. is a software services company dedicated to delivering personalized information from the Internet to user's mobile device through a unified voice, text, and rich media interface. The company has pioneered the development of voice-based information delivery systems for online price comparison engines.
Frucall currently operates a free, voice-based price-comparison shopping service for consumers that lets them hear current online prices, compare, rate and purchase products using any phone, anytime, anywhere. Frucall blends the benefits of in-store shopping with the frugal and flexible nature of Internet shopping, providing consumers with a unique and exceptionally convenient shopping experience. Frucall's unique patent pending solution provides users with a highly-efficient means to access web-based XML data through DTMF handset entry and IVR (Interactive Voice Response) systems. This information is integrated with web-based applications, and shopping systems to deliver a consumer-friendly, personalized, voice and web portal interface.
With the launch of Frucall in the spring of 2006, the company has succeeded in creating an entirely new dynamic for point-of-sale purchasing and decision making. Frucall's technology infrastructure will be used by advertisers and brands looking for the advantage and exceptional efficiency of focused, contextual, one-to-one messaging. In the coming months, the company intends to expand its service offerings to include additional consumer and enterprise voice-based, web information services. "
Sounds pretty good to me.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Okay--trying out posting
Posting seems to be working fine--bad thing is don't have much to add right now. What a scary thing with the pet food contamination.
Update on Pet Food Recall Just Released News
Rat Poison Found in Killer Pet Food That Sparked Nationwide Recall
Friday , March 23, 2007
Rat poison has been found in pet food blamed for the deaths of at least 16 cats and dogs, a spokeswoman for the State Department of Agriculture and Markets said Friday.
Spokeswoman Jessica Chittenden would not identify the chemical or its source beyond saying it was a rodent poison.
The Food and Drug Administration has said the investigation was focusing on wheat gluten in the food. Wheat gluten itself would not cause kidney failure, but the common ingredient could have been contaminated by heavy metals or mold toxins, the FDA said.
State agriculture officials scheduled a news conference Friday afternoon to release laboratory findings from tests on the pet food conducted this week.
The deaths led to a recall of 60 million cans and pouches of pet food produced by Menu Foods and sold throughout North America under 95 brand names. There have been several reports of kidney failure in pets that ate the recalled brands, and the company has confirmed the deaths of 15 cats and one dog.
Menu Foods last week recalled "cuts and gravy" style dog and cat food. The recall sparked concern among pet owners across North America. It includes food sold under store brands carried by Wal-Mart, Kroger, Safeway and other large retailers, as well as private labels such as Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba.
Menu Foods is majority owned by Menu Foods Income Fund of Streetsville. The company also makes foods for zoo cats, but those products are unaffected by the recall.
The company's chief executive and president said Menu Foods delayed announcing the recall until it could confirm that the animals had eaten its product before dying. Two earlier complaints from consumers whose cats had died involved animals that lived outside or had access to a garage, which left open the possibility they had been poisoned by something other than contaminated food, he said.
A spokesman for New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said he was not aware of any criminal investigation involving the tainted food.
A complete list of the recalled products along with product codes, descriptions and production dates was posted online by Menu Foods and is available at http://tinyurl.com/2pn6mm. The company also designated two phone numbers that pet owners could call for information: (866) 463-6738 and (866) 895-2708.
Also, you can get web info at: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html
Friday , March 23, 2007
Rat poison has been found in pet food blamed for the deaths of at least 16 cats and dogs, a spokeswoman for the State Department of Agriculture and Markets said Friday.
Spokeswoman Jessica Chittenden would not identify the chemical or its source beyond saying it was a rodent poison.
The Food and Drug Administration has said the investigation was focusing on wheat gluten in the food. Wheat gluten itself would not cause kidney failure, but the common ingredient could have been contaminated by heavy metals or mold toxins, the FDA said.
State agriculture officials scheduled a news conference Friday afternoon to release laboratory findings from tests on the pet food conducted this week.
The deaths led to a recall of 60 million cans and pouches of pet food produced by Menu Foods and sold throughout North America under 95 brand names. There have been several reports of kidney failure in pets that ate the recalled brands, and the company has confirmed the deaths of 15 cats and one dog.
Menu Foods last week recalled "cuts and gravy" style dog and cat food. The recall sparked concern among pet owners across North America. It includes food sold under store brands carried by Wal-Mart, Kroger, Safeway and other large retailers, as well as private labels such as Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba.
Menu Foods is majority owned by Menu Foods Income Fund of Streetsville. The company also makes foods for zoo cats, but those products are unaffected by the recall.
The company's chief executive and president said Menu Foods delayed announcing the recall until it could confirm that the animals had eaten its product before dying. Two earlier complaints from consumers whose cats had died involved animals that lived outside or had access to a garage, which left open the possibility they had been poisoned by something other than contaminated food, he said.
A spokesman for New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said he was not aware of any criminal investigation involving the tainted food.
A complete list of the recalled products along with product codes, descriptions and production dates was posted online by Menu Foods and is available at http://tinyurl.com/2pn6mm. The company also designated two phone numbers that pet owners could call for information: (866) 463-6738 and (866) 895-2708.
Also, you can get web info at: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html
Pet Food Recall Info from Food and Agriculture Department
Q: What is being recalled?
On March 16, Menu Foods, Inc. of Streetsville, Ontario, Canada initiated a voluntary recall involving a large number of both dog and cat foods produced at its facilities in Emporia, Kansas and Pennsauken, N.J. between December 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007. The products are sold by many different distributors under a number of different brand names. At present, Menu Foods is recalling dog food products marketed by about 50 firms and cat food products marketed by about 40 firms. A full listing of all the recalled products can be found at http://www.menufoods.com/recall/. The affected products are moist (packaged in pouches) and canned diets. The products have been described as “cuts and gravy” style pet foods. Please see http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html
Q: What prompted the recall?
Menu Foods, Inc. initiated the voluntary recall after conducting routine tasting trials in which some animals developed kidney failure after eating the product being tested. The company had also received consumer complaints, some of which apparently involved kidney failure. The firm has undertaken extensive testing of the pet food products in question, but has not yet been able to find the source of the problem.
Q: When did Menu Foods first notify FDA of the problem and a possible recall?
On Thursday, March 15, 2007.
Q: What is wrong with the pet foods?
It is unclear what is causing the adverse effects reported by Menu Foods and pet owners. FDA is working with Menu Foods, pet owners, pet food companies, local veterinarians, and diagnostic laboratories to identify the source of the problem.
Q: Are only dog and cat foods involved in the recall?
Yes. The recall is only confined to pet food intended for dogs and cats. The affected products are moist (packaged in pouches) and canned diets. The products have been described as “cuts and gravy” style pet foods.
Q: What should I do if I have cat or dog food at home?
Please check the Menu Foods Recall Information at http://www.menufoods.com/recall/ to see if your pet food is involved in the recall.
If your pet food is not listed, the pet food is not affected by the recall and you can continue to feed it to your pets.
If the pet food is one of those being recalled, do NOT feed it to your animals. Feed your pets another pet food that is not included in the recall.
Q: Is dry dog or cat food affected by the recall?
At this time, no dry dog or cat food has been implicated in pet injury or death. The recall is confined to the list of products found at: http://www.menufoods.com/recall/.
Q: What should I do if I have cat and/or dog food included in the recall?
Do NOT feed the pet food to your animals. Return the pet food to the store where you purchased it and ask for a refund. Stores generally have a return and refund policy when a company has announced a recall of its products. If you cannot return the pet food immediately, store the food in a secure place where pets and children cannot get to it.
Q: What if my pet ate one of the dog and cat foods being recalled?
Monitor your pet. If your pet shows signs of illness (such as loss of appetite, lethargy and vomiting), you should consult with your veterinarian immediately. If your pet is diagnosed with renal failure, we suggest you hold onto the food if the brand and lot numbers match the recall.
Q: If my dog or cat ate some of the recalled food, how soon after would I see any symptoms?
It’s difficult to say for sure, but usually within a couple of days. The important thing is to monitor your pet closely for signs of lethargy, loss of appetite and vomiting. If your pet shows any of these signs, please consult your veterinarian.
Q: What if I took my dog or cat to the vet as a result of the recall and I want to be reimbursed for my vet bills?
The FDA recognizes that there may be financial costs associated with any veterinarian visit; however, reimbursement for veterinary care does not fall under FDA’s regulatory authority.
Q: What is FDA doing about the recall?
FDA is conducting an investigation and working with Menu Foods and affected pet food companies to ensure that the recall is effective, and to identify the source of the contaminant. FDA is continuing to collect and analyze product samples in an attempt to identify the source(s) of the contaminant. FDA will continue to release additional information as it becomes available.
Q: How many confirmed pet illnesses and deaths have been reported to the FDA?
It is difficult to determine confirmed illnesses and deaths associated with the recall. Since the recall was announced, FDA has received many complaints and we are following up. The FDA’s primary concern is in identifying the source of the contaminant, assuring that the recall is effective and providing information to the public.
Q: What if I need more information about the recall?
Consumers with questions may contact Menu Foods at 1-866-895-2708. Some of the other affected pet food companies whose products are included in the recall may also have consumer question lines. Check the product label of the pet food. Some firms have also notified FDA that they have issued press releases; links to these press releases are available on the FDA internet page, Pet Food Recall, at http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html.
Q: What if I want to report an adverse action about a pet food?
Consumers and veterinarians who wish to report adverse reactions or other problems can go to the FDA internet page at http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html to obtain contact information for the FDA complaint coordinator in their state. When reporting an adverse event or complaint, please try to have the following information:
Brand name and lot numbers for the pet food fed to your dog or cat when it was ill
If your pet received treatment by a veterinarian, the name, address, and telephone number of attending veterinarian
Date illness first noticed
Signs displayed
Any veterinary reports available
Q: What advice do you have for veterinarians concerned about this pet food recall?
Veterinarians who have case files and post mortem results relative to cases where renal failure is involved and the clients were feeding food involved in the recall are encouraged to contact FDA through the complaint coordinator in their state http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html. FDA is gathering as much information as possible to identify the nature and the extent of the problem.
Q: I understand Menu Foods, Inc. is focusing on wheat gluten as the possible source of contaminant? Is this true?
Menu Foods, Inc. suspects that wheat gluten might be the source of contamination; however, as part of the ongoing investigation, FDA is looking at all ingredients.
Q: What is wheat gluten and how is it used in pet foods?
Wheat gluten is a mixture of two proteins obtained when flour of wheat is washed to remove the starch. One use of wheat gluten is as a filler and binder in wet-style, cuts-and-gravy-type pet food. It provides a gelatinous consistency and is used to thicken pet food "gravy." It also has uses in human food products as a stabilizer or thickener. It is not generally associated with food contamination; however, it could possibly become contaminated by a toxic mold or other substance.
Q: How does FDA regulate pet food?
The FDA's regulation of pet food is similar to that for other animal feeds. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) requires that pet foods, like human foods, be pure and wholesome, safe to eat, produced under sanitary conditions, contain no harmful substances, and be truthfully labeled. In addition, canned pet foods must be processed in conformance with the low acid canned food regulations to ensure the pet food is free of viable microorganisms (see Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 113). There is no requirement that pet food products have premarket approval by FDA. However, FDA ensures that the ingredients used in pet food are safe and have an appropriate function in the pet food. Many ingredients such as meat, poultry, grains, and their byproducts are considered safe “foods” and do not require premarket approval. Other substances such as mineral and vitamin sources, colorings, flavorings, and preservatives may be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) or must have approval as food additives. (See Title 21 CFR, Parts 73, 74, 81, 573 and 582). For more information about pet foods and marketing a pet food, see FDA’s Regulation of Pet Food and Information on Marketing A Pet Food Product.
Q: What are the labeling requirements for pet foods?
The FDA regulations require proper identification of the product, net quantity statement, name and place of business of the manufacturer or distributor, and a proper listing of all the ingredients in order from most to least, based on weight. Some states also enforce their own labeling regulations. Many of these regulations are based on a model provided by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). For more information about AAFCO, please visit its website. There are two documents on CVM’s web site that provide more details about labeling requirements: Interpreting Pet Food Labels and Interpreting Pet Food Labels -- Special Use Foods.
Q: Have there been other recalls involving pet foods?
Yes. The following are recent pet food recalls: In February 2007, FDA recalled Wild Kitty raw cat food http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01562.htmlafter Salmonella was detected during routine testing performed by FDA. In December, 2005, Diamond Pet Foods initiated a voluntary recall after aflatoxin was discovered in their product http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/diamond12_05.html. For information on other pet food related recalls, please see http://www.fda.gov/cvm/petfoods.htm.
On March 16, Menu Foods, Inc. of Streetsville, Ontario, Canada initiated a voluntary recall involving a large number of both dog and cat foods produced at its facilities in Emporia, Kansas and Pennsauken, N.J. between December 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007. The products are sold by many different distributors under a number of different brand names. At present, Menu Foods is recalling dog food products marketed by about 50 firms and cat food products marketed by about 40 firms. A full listing of all the recalled products can be found at http://www.menufoods.com/recall/. The affected products are moist (packaged in pouches) and canned diets. The products have been described as “cuts and gravy” style pet foods. Please see http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html
Q: What prompted the recall?
Menu Foods, Inc. initiated the voluntary recall after conducting routine tasting trials in which some animals developed kidney failure after eating the product being tested. The company had also received consumer complaints, some of which apparently involved kidney failure. The firm has undertaken extensive testing of the pet food products in question, but has not yet been able to find the source of the problem.
Q: When did Menu Foods first notify FDA of the problem and a possible recall?
On Thursday, March 15, 2007.
Q: What is wrong with the pet foods?
It is unclear what is causing the adverse effects reported by Menu Foods and pet owners. FDA is working with Menu Foods, pet owners, pet food companies, local veterinarians, and diagnostic laboratories to identify the source of the problem.
Q: Are only dog and cat foods involved in the recall?
Yes. The recall is only confined to pet food intended for dogs and cats. The affected products are moist (packaged in pouches) and canned diets. The products have been described as “cuts and gravy” style pet foods.
Q: What should I do if I have cat or dog food at home?
Please check the Menu Foods Recall Information at http://www.menufoods.com/recall/ to see if your pet food is involved in the recall.
If your pet food is not listed, the pet food is not affected by the recall and you can continue to feed it to your pets.
If the pet food is one of those being recalled, do NOT feed it to your animals. Feed your pets another pet food that is not included in the recall.
Q: Is dry dog or cat food affected by the recall?
At this time, no dry dog or cat food has been implicated in pet injury or death. The recall is confined to the list of products found at: http://www.menufoods.com/recall/.
Q: What should I do if I have cat and/or dog food included in the recall?
Do NOT feed the pet food to your animals. Return the pet food to the store where you purchased it and ask for a refund. Stores generally have a return and refund policy when a company has announced a recall of its products. If you cannot return the pet food immediately, store the food in a secure place where pets and children cannot get to it.
Q: What if my pet ate one of the dog and cat foods being recalled?
Monitor your pet. If your pet shows signs of illness (such as loss of appetite, lethargy and vomiting), you should consult with your veterinarian immediately. If your pet is diagnosed with renal failure, we suggest you hold onto the food if the brand and lot numbers match the recall.
Q: If my dog or cat ate some of the recalled food, how soon after would I see any symptoms?
It’s difficult to say for sure, but usually within a couple of days. The important thing is to monitor your pet closely for signs of lethargy, loss of appetite and vomiting. If your pet shows any of these signs, please consult your veterinarian.
Q: What if I took my dog or cat to the vet as a result of the recall and I want to be reimbursed for my vet bills?
The FDA recognizes that there may be financial costs associated with any veterinarian visit; however, reimbursement for veterinary care does not fall under FDA’s regulatory authority.
Q: What is FDA doing about the recall?
FDA is conducting an investigation and working with Menu Foods and affected pet food companies to ensure that the recall is effective, and to identify the source of the contaminant. FDA is continuing to collect and analyze product samples in an attempt to identify the source(s) of the contaminant. FDA will continue to release additional information as it becomes available.
Q: How many confirmed pet illnesses and deaths have been reported to the FDA?
It is difficult to determine confirmed illnesses and deaths associated with the recall. Since the recall was announced, FDA has received many complaints and we are following up. The FDA’s primary concern is in identifying the source of the contaminant, assuring that the recall is effective and providing information to the public.
Q: What if I need more information about the recall?
Consumers with questions may contact Menu Foods at 1-866-895-2708. Some of the other affected pet food companies whose products are included in the recall may also have consumer question lines. Check the product label of the pet food. Some firms have also notified FDA that they have issued press releases; links to these press releases are available on the FDA internet page, Pet Food Recall, at http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html.
Q: What if I want to report an adverse action about a pet food?
Consumers and veterinarians who wish to report adverse reactions or other problems can go to the FDA internet page at http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html to obtain contact information for the FDA complaint coordinator in their state. When reporting an adverse event or complaint, please try to have the following information:
Brand name and lot numbers for the pet food fed to your dog or cat when it was ill
If your pet received treatment by a veterinarian, the name, address, and telephone number of attending veterinarian
Date illness first noticed
Signs displayed
Any veterinary reports available
Q: What advice do you have for veterinarians concerned about this pet food recall?
Veterinarians who have case files and post mortem results relative to cases where renal failure is involved and the clients were feeding food involved in the recall are encouraged to contact FDA through the complaint coordinator in their state http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html. FDA is gathering as much information as possible to identify the nature and the extent of the problem.
Q: I understand Menu Foods, Inc. is focusing on wheat gluten as the possible source of contaminant? Is this true?
Menu Foods, Inc. suspects that wheat gluten might be the source of contamination; however, as part of the ongoing investigation, FDA is looking at all ingredients.
Q: What is wheat gluten and how is it used in pet foods?
Wheat gluten is a mixture of two proteins obtained when flour of wheat is washed to remove the starch. One use of wheat gluten is as a filler and binder in wet-style, cuts-and-gravy-type pet food. It provides a gelatinous consistency and is used to thicken pet food "gravy." It also has uses in human food products as a stabilizer or thickener. It is not generally associated with food contamination; however, it could possibly become contaminated by a toxic mold or other substance.
Q: How does FDA regulate pet food?
The FDA's regulation of pet food is similar to that for other animal feeds. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) requires that pet foods, like human foods, be pure and wholesome, safe to eat, produced under sanitary conditions, contain no harmful substances, and be truthfully labeled. In addition, canned pet foods must be processed in conformance with the low acid canned food regulations to ensure the pet food is free of viable microorganisms (see Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 113). There is no requirement that pet food products have premarket approval by FDA. However, FDA ensures that the ingredients used in pet food are safe and have an appropriate function in the pet food. Many ingredients such as meat, poultry, grains, and their byproducts are considered safe “foods” and do not require premarket approval. Other substances such as mineral and vitamin sources, colorings, flavorings, and preservatives may be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) or must have approval as food additives. (See Title 21 CFR, Parts 73, 74, 81, 573 and 582). For more information about pet foods and marketing a pet food, see FDA’s Regulation of Pet Food and Information on Marketing A Pet Food Product.
Q: What are the labeling requirements for pet foods?
The FDA regulations require proper identification of the product, net quantity statement, name and place of business of the manufacturer or distributor, and a proper listing of all the ingredients in order from most to least, based on weight. Some states also enforce their own labeling regulations. Many of these regulations are based on a model provided by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). For more information about AAFCO, please visit its website. There are two documents on CVM’s web site that provide more details about labeling requirements: Interpreting Pet Food Labels and Interpreting Pet Food Labels -- Special Use Foods.
Q: Have there been other recalls involving pet foods?
Yes. The following are recent pet food recalls: In February 2007, FDA recalled Wild Kitty raw cat food http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01562.htmlafter Salmonella was detected during routine testing performed by FDA. In December, 2005, Diamond Pet Foods initiated a voluntary recall after aflatoxin was discovered in their product http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/diamond12_05.html. For information on other pet food related recalls, please see http://www.fda.gov/cvm/petfoods.htm.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
???
Why is it when you have a packet Crystal Light to add to your bottle of water that it is very hard to get out of the packet and into the bottle even with the top of the packet completely opened and yet if you get a microscopic tear in a packet you don't want opened the powder comes pouring out?
Why is it when you change lines in the grocery store that, even if there was only one person ahead of you, you don't get out any faster than the five people ahead of you in the line you were originally in?
I'm sure you, my loyal readers, have other "Why" questions, too. Feel free to add your own.
Why is it when you change lines in the grocery store that, even if there was only one person ahead of you, you don't get out any faster than the five people ahead of you in the line you were originally in?
I'm sure you, my loyal readers, have other "Why" questions, too. Feel free to add your own.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Reflections
As I sat in my backyard early this morning, I looked up and saw the moon. It was blurred by clouds. Then I looked down, and I saw the reflection of the moon in a puddle of water on my patio. The moon's reflection was clear, the clouds did not obscure the reflection. It made me think how we may see a person who seems nice, kind, intelligent but then their actions show they are not. What kind of person are you when people see past the clouds?
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