In remembrance of Knut, a little polar bear from the zoo

Translation:

Knut, is the cuddly bear He has everything but no mom Yet he is cheeky and happy And a star in the zoo A little rascal all in white With four very soft paws All have the love for Knut It's so nice that you are here Knut, Knut, a little polar bear from the zoo Knut, Knut, you're doing really well Knut, you are a teddy bear Who will always be cute You can run so well Keep it up, be brave Baby bottle in the mouth Fine formula, that is healthy

Then You must go to sleep Little Knut, sleep well Knut, Knut, a little polar bear from the zoo Knut, Knut, you're doing really well Knut, You are a cute cuddly bear It is hard not to like you Caressing your belly Then you are happy too Your teeth are still so small But powerful bite, that must be You will soon be big and strong Indeed, that is obvious Knut, Knut, a little polar bear from the zoo Knut, Knut, you're doing really well Knut, Knut, a little polar bear from the zoo Knut, Knut, you're doing really well

R.I.P. Knut (12/05/2006 - 03/19/2011)

Forbidden black rice - the next superfood

Black rice, regularly used in China but uncommon in the West, could be one of the healthiest foods, say experts.

According to the scientists, the cereal is low in sugar but packed with healthy fibre and plant compounds, which can prevent heart disease and cancer. It contains more dietary fiber, and therefore the starch digestion rate is much slower (only 55 on the glycemic index); it does not cause the dramatic fluctuations in blood sugar. Additionally, the potassium, magnesium and other minerals in the rice help control blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardio-cerebral vascular diseases. Therefore, individuals with diabetes and cardiovascular disease can be nursed back to health eating black rice as part of their diet.

Centuries ago it was known as "Forbidden Rice" 御稻 (yù dào) in ancient China. The classification of this rice is an imperial tribute to the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, who spent 30 years at the hybrid breeding and harvest times of this unique rice. However, it was commonly misunderstood that black rice is forbidden for consumption to the commoners at the time.  Quite the opposite, as a part of his agricultural reform, Emperor Kangxi intends to create a breed of superior rice which he wants free distribution to his people.  

Sure enough, his free program did not last very long.

So why the misconception? A short answer has a lot to do with the political play at the time. As usual, greed for power could corrupt even the Emperor's contribution. Today the black rice is commonly available in China, since its seeds have long survived after Emperor Kangxi passed.

According to research presented at the 240th national meeting of the American Cancer Society, just a spoonful of black rice bran contains more health promoting anthocyanin antioxidants than are found in a spoonful of blueberries, but with less sugar, and more fiber and vitamin E antioxidants.  

As berries are used to boost health, why not black rice?  
If he knows now, Kangxi would be smiling at the revival of his "forbidden" rice.  

How to Access RadNet Data

RadNet near-real-time data can be viewed on EPA’s Central Data Exchange (CDX) website at
http://www.epa.gov/cdx.

Radiation emergency response experts can request access to a restricted RadNet data site, where all RadNet data is housed before being released for public access. As EPA develops a unified federal transparency system, additional data summaries and characterizations will be developed for wider communication and access.

The classification of the data requires the user to create a username and password before accessing the
site. 

Instructions for accessing the RadNet CDX website:
  1. Go to www.epa.gov/cdx
  2. On the left side select “Login”
  3. On the new left side select “registration”
  4. Select “continue”
  5. Select “I accept”
  6. Enter your information including a password
  7. When given the list of access programs, select Radiation Network (RadNet)
  8. There is one more required field that pops up and enter N/A into that
  9. After an option to select more programs, you will be taken to the RadNet page.

RadNet filter data gets posted quarterly to Envirofacts for public access:
http://www.epa.gov/enviro/facts/topicsearch.html#radiation. 

EPA is currently examining ways to enhance the accessibility and characterization of the data.