OMG, Dept. of Homeland Security joins the 'blogosphere'

Dept. of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has entered the blogosphere.

It has launched The Blog @ Homeland Security on the department’s Web site, and announced that its purpose is to “increase transparency and facilitate the dialogue between DHS and the American public.”

DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano said, “The Blog reflects our ongoing commitment to communicate directly with the American people about the department’s efforts across the country and around the world.”

The Blog will include frequent updates on the department’s activities, including breaking news, public events and new initiatives.

The inaugural post, at http://www.dhs.gov/theblog, includes a video message from Secretary Napolitano and an invitation for visitors to comment on and provide suggestions for The Blog.

Posted June 21, 2009

Don’t eat that cookie dough…

Nestlé USA’s Baking Division has initiated a voluntary recall of Nestlé® Toll House® refrigerated cookie dough products.

In a prepared statement, Nestlé spokesmen said the company is taking this action, “out of an abundance of caution,” after being notified that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), together with the Centers for Disease Control, are conducting an investigation into reported E. coli 0157:H7 illnesses that may be related to eating raw cookie dough.

“A number of consumers reporting illness reported consuming raw Nestlé Toll House refrigerated cookie dough,” the release states. “While the E. coli strain implicated in this investigation has not been detected in our product, the health and safety of our consumers is paramount, so we are initiating this voluntary recall.”

No other Nestlé Toll House products are involved in the recall (such as packaged Nestlé cookies, chocolate morsals, baking bars or cocoa, or Dreyer’s and Edy’s ice cream products that include Nestlé cookie dough ingredients).

Eating raw cookie dough of any kind is generally not a good practice, and Nestlé  products do include a warning on their packages.

“We want to strongly advise consumers that raw cookie dough should not be eaten. This message also appears prominently on our packaging,” the release states.

Anyone who has purchased Nestlé Toll House cookie dough is encouraged to return the product to their local store for a refund.

Questions should be referred to Nestlé Consumer Services, at 1-800-559-5025 or visit the Web site at www.verybestbaking.com.

The products involved in the voluntary recall include all varieties of Nestlé Toll House refrigerated Cookie Bar Dough, Cookie Dough Tub; Cookie Dough Tube; Limited Edition Cookie Dough items; Seasonal Cookie Dough and Ultimates Cookie Bar Dough.

For the list of specific varieties being recalled, click on this link http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm167954.htm

Posted June 21, 2009

Rally at the State Capitol planned for June 23

Hundreds of people from across Connecticut plan to gather on the south lawn of the State Capitol on Tuesday, June 23 at 11:30 a.m. to urge legislators and Gov. Rell to preserve vital services that help seniors, low-income women and children, people with disabilities and others stay healthy and live independently.

WHAT: State Budget Rally to Support People in Need

WHEN: Tuesday, June 23 at 11:30 a.m.

WHERE:  South lawn of the State Capitol, Hartford (Capitol Avenue side).  Rain location: Old Judiciary Room, State Capitol

The Rally is being organized by AARP in partnership with more than 20 non-profit and social service agencies throughout Connecticut, including:

• Advocacy for Patients With Chronic Illness, Inc.;
• Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter;
• Arthritis Foundation, Northern & Southern New England Chapters;
• Center for Children’s Advocacy;
• Center for Medicare Advocacy;
• Connecticut AIDS LIFE Campaign;
• Connecticut AIDS Resource Coalition;
• Connecticut Association of Area Agencies on Aging;
• Connecticut Association for Community Transportation;
• Connecticut Association for Human Services;
• Connecticut Commission on Aging;
• Connecticut Community Care, Inc.;
• Connecticut Disability Advocacy Collaborative;
• Connecticut Family to Family Health Information Network;
• Connecticut Legal Rights Project;
• Connecticut Legal Services;
• Connecticut Lifespan Respite Coalition;
• Connecticut Oral Health Initiative;
• Connecticut Voices for Children;
• FAVOR;
• Greater Hartford Legal Aid;
• Keep the Promise Coalition;
• Legal Assistance Resource Center of Connecticut;
• Mental Health Association of Connecticut;
• National Alliance on Mental Illness – Connecticut;
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter;
• New Haven Legal Assistance Association;
• Office of the Healthcare Advocate;
• Planned Parenthood of Connecticut

For more information, please contact Jennifer Millea of AARP Connecticut at 860-548-3164.

Posted June 21, 2009