Talk about "One Panda's Trash is Another Man's Gold!!!"

Read a story this morning on CNN Newswire about a resourceful Giant Panda Breeding Base that has decided to take their biggest problem (Panda droppings) and create odor-free souvenirs out of it, ranging from bookmarks to Olympic-themed statues! Are you kidding me? What will they think of next?!
The problem was they were spending approximately $800 per month to have the droppings removed, but have now turned it into an idea they believe will make them money. Of course the leftovers will be culled through and eventually sterilized before "manufacturing" begins, but I still can't get over it's still a piece of crap! Hahahahhaha!
I guess they're proving the old saying correct, "You can take a piece of crap and cover it in gold, but it's still just a piece of crap!" :D
Now that that's done, let's sell it on Ebay!


Read more from Brandon James in Planet-Pets.com's free monthly pet newsletter, The Scoop or check out the website at www.planet-pets.com.

This food safety/recall issue is now officially a three-ring circus...

I almost have to thank Menu Foods, Inc. for colossal mistake they made in using the melamine-tainted gluten back in early 2007. Now that may sound bad, but ever since that happened, a much needed light has been shone down on an area of security that I don't believe many Americans considered - our food. More importantly, our imported foods.

Over the past week, I've read a continuing string of stories that continues to blow my mind. Yet, it's so obvious. Unfortunately, we've come to a point in our nation's history where we want things cheaper, faster, and above all else... NOW! Capitalizing on our market mentality is our precious friend, the communist country of China. A country that for all it's power over controlling and dictating it's citizens, just can't seem to quite figure out how to exercise that same authority over it's manufacturers that are shipping to the US. In all reality, while they state their concerns, I'm taking a real guess that they probably couldn't care less.

First I read about how our fondness for cheap, quick product solutions has gotten us into trouble on products from everything like toothpaste to pain medicines. Bogus products stating they have the "active" ingredient in them, that have no such ingredient at all. One example was chondroitin, and how millions of dollars worth of faulty products are bought every year that are a complete scam.

Second, I read another article about how just this past month, a Chinese manufacturer of dumplings was recently reprimanded for "repackaging" TWO YEAR OLD FILLING into new dumplings. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!! I guess I shouldn't be surprised about this. I mean if China can't even get Communism right, why should I believe they'd get a free market capitalist society down either?

And now.. for my third and final trick....

I'm just going to quote the news article I read this in because it says it all....

"China's regulatory standards chief pledged Wednesday to update and boost enforcement of food safety rules as the country faces intense international pressure for exporting unsafe products, from tainted pet food to popular children's toys manufactured with lead paint."

I'm sorry but can anyone really take that seriously?

Sure it's homemade, but it is what your pet needs?

Having been deluged of reading on the pet food recall and all of its repercussions, the biggest splash I've noticed, especially online, is the explosion in promotion for homemade pet recipes. While immediately I enjoyed the beautiful opportunity the open market can bring to the consumer so quickly, I very soon thought of the many people who will be promoting products such as e-Books, with homemade recipes for your pet. And most importantly, the many products that are out there that really won't have your pet's best interest in mind.
Now based on recent estimates, there are over 60 million pet dogs and 75 million pet cats living in America today. That's a lot of mouths to feed!!! Quoting the Associated Press, "Dog and cat food sales in the United States reached over $14.3 billion in 2005, according to the Pet Food Institute that represents manufacturers of commercial pet food. Surveys by the Organic Trade Association indicated sales of organic pet food increased from $14 million in 2003 to $30 million for 2005." Based on the backlash effect that has been felt all over the country, I believe the organic, alternative lifestyle for America's pets will continue to grow and hit new highs, while the traditional pet food industry will never regain the trust it once enjoyed. Needless to say, there's a lot of money on the line.
What I'd like to remind anyone who's interested in cooking or preparing food for their pets is make sure that the food you are cooking for your pet is actually what they require, nutritionally speaking. Each breed does require a specific diet. Just because it's homemade and organic does not guarantee that your pet will be "healthier." If you choose to go the homemade route, please do your homework. Find out not only what your pet's diet needs to be, but also look seriously into the credibility of the person who has authored the recipe, the book, or the website.
If you are interested in doing this for your pet, it obviously shows the value you place on their life. So do them a favor and take the extra step to ensure that what you are about to do for them really will help them to live longer, happier, and healthier lives.

http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007Mar29/0,4670,PetFoodOrganic,00.html

Related Sites:
Organic Trade Association - http://www.ota.com/
Pet Food Institute - http://www.petfoodinstitute.org/

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Web site has additional resources and information for consumers, including a comprehensive list of recalled pet food, at www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html

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