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THE First China International Animation Festival and Exposition was held in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province from the 1st to the 5th of June this year. One of Disney’s most popular cartoons, Mulan, was adapted from an old Chinese folk story, and hauled in more than US$ 300 million at the box office. Spurred on by such success, Disney followed it up with the sequel, Mulan II, released in 2004. Mulan was fortunate, in that of the thousands of Chinese folk tales, it was selected by one of the world’s largest moviemakers.

Japanese and South Korean animators currently dominate the Chinese market.

However, GoGo Top, the first weekly Chinese animation magazine, carried out a survey in 2004, showing that of Chinese youngsters’ top 20 favorite cartoon characters, only one, the Monkey King, is Chinese. This survey rattled some Chinese cartoonists, as the animation industry is set to reap some US$ 60 billion in China this year and will enter a golden period in the next three to five years.

China, with its 370 million children, is considered one of the world’s largest animation markets. The Quatech Market Research Company surveyed youngsters aged between 14 to 30 in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, and found that they spend over RMB 1.3 billion (about US $160 million) on cartoons every year, but that more than 80 percent of the revenue flows straight out of the country. During the 1980s and 1990s, China formed the largest production base for European, American and Japanese animation companies, due to the country’s low labor costs and high quality artists. Many famed cartoons and animated films were produced in China. Later, however, production costs dropped in other countries, and the global animators packed their bags and left. At the time, China hadn’t formed a significant animation industry of its own.

To stimulate the industry in China, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) issued a new policy in April 2004 that aimed to separate animation production from screening business, and encouraged multiple ownership businesses to get involved in animation development and operation. The year 2004 was set as the country’s Animation Year, and the industry generated revenue amounting RMB tens of millions.

Cartoons and Cosplay are popular among Chinese youngsters.

However, animation production and TV alone can’t maximize the industry’s profits. In other countries, most of the industry’s revenue comes from the sale of related merchandise or multimedia products. “We need to put more effort into developing all sides of the industry,” says Jin Guoping, director of Shanghai Animation Film Studio. In 1999, the Studio spent RMB 21 million (about US$ 2.54) on producing Lotus Lantern. The animated film earned a box office income of more than RMB 20 million, but failed to capitalize on any related products. The same film studio shot a cartoon series Crazy for the Song in 2001, and although two-thirds of its profits came from selling related merchandise, it lags far behind compared with foreign animation companies. The American cartoon Transformers was broadcast free on Chinese TV, but subsequent profits from toy sales amounted RMB 5 billion.

Story-Telling Skills Needs Improvement

Studies show that among Chinese youngsters, 60 percent prefer Japanese cartoons, 29 percent prefer Americans, and just 11 percent favor those made by Chinese mainland, Taiwan or Hong Kong animators. Mr. Jin says Chinese cartoons simply do not appeal to Chinese youngsters, as although many of them are made for children under the age of 14, the majority of them are intended to educate rather than entertain.

Chinese kids seem to relate better to Japanese cartoons, because they provide a vivid reflection of the instincts and problems that children have. They also promote friendship, love and ambition. Chinese cartoon characters, on the other hand, are rigid and lack the sense of fun and innocence that children hold so dear. “Chinese cartoonists are as good as Japanese ones, if not better,” commented famous Japanese cartoonist Chiba Tetsuya. “But a good cartoon requires not only good drawings, but also an interesting plot. Chinese cartoonists need to spend more time on creating adventure story lines and on upgrading their story telling skills.”

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Red Meat, Pork Boost Deadly Cancer

by salvador rosillo on Sat 08 Oct 2005 07:19 PM EDT

5. Study: Red Meat, Pork Boost Deadly Cancer

A diet high in red or processed meats can raise your risk of deadly pancreatic cancer by almost 70 percent, according to a major new study from the National Cancer Institute.

And the reason, say NCI scientists, is not the high level of saturated fat that is found in these meats but the charcoal grilling and broiling used to cook them - plus the nitrate-based meat preservatives in many of them.

The study shows that people who ate the most processed meats, such as sausage and luncheon meat, had a 68 percent higher risk of pancreatic cancer compared with those who ate the least.

And those who ate the most pork and red meat had a 50 percent higher risk of pancreatic cancer compared with those who ate the least.

The results appear in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Previous studies have suggested that dietary factors like meat, dairy products, and egg consumption may increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer; but so far the results of other studies have been mixed.

The NCI researchers followed the eating habits of over 180,000 people over the course of seven years and related them to the 482 cases of pancreatic cancer that developed.

Here are the key findings:

An average of 41 cases of pancreatic cancer were diagnosed per 100,000 people each year among those who ate the most processed meat, compared with 20 cases among those who ate the least.
People who ate the highest levels of pork or red meat had a 50 percent higher risk of pancreatic cancer than those who ate the least.
There was no significant link between the amount of poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, total fat, saturated fat, or cholesterol in diet and risk of pancreatic cancer.
Because fat appears to be unrelated to pancreatic cancer risk, researchers believe substances resulting from meat preparation techniques and preservatives may be responsible for the increased risk.

Other risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, family history, diabetes, being male, and increased age.

Pancreatic cancer remains one the most deadly of all types of cancer because it is usually diagnosed in its late stages.

Almost 32,000 Americans were diagnosed with it last year - and most will die from it.

Less that 5 percent will survive more than five years after getting the diagnosis.

Editor's Note:

Cancer Is Preventable - natural supplements can beat this deadly disease. Learn More.

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cerralvo isla

by salvador rosillo on Sat 08 Oct 2005 04:00 PM EDT

Description

This uninhabited, privately owned island is located off the east coast of Baja in the Sea of Cortez. It is approximately 60 miles east of the city of La Paz.

Cerralvo Island is 16 miles long, with an area of approximately 35,000 acres (14,000 hectares). Like most of the Baja peninsula it consists of arid desert vegetation and habitat. The landscape features a mountainous ridgeline and peaks with altitudes of up to 2100 ft. The ridgeline runs north-south, with streams draining east to west to coves and beaches along the Sea of Cortez and the Cerralvo Channel. The ridgeline runs closer to the east shore, with high bluffs and steep cliffs overlooking the Sea of Cortez. The west coast consists of intermittent headlands, with westerly draining streams flowing into beaches and sandy points.

Cerralvo Island Big Game Fishing
Cerralvo Island is surrounded by abundant sea life. The sea drops off to 300 fathoms within a mile on the channel side and down to 800 fathoms off the east side, provide the necessary ocean currents and the sea habitat for big-game fishing.

Cerralvo Island Big Game Fishing

The Sea of Cortez is renown for its big game fishing. The waters around Cerralvo Island are rich with Golden Grouper, Broadbill Swordfish, Marlin, Sailfish, and other big game fish. To the north of the island is a vast area of coral reef suited for diving. The clear waters provide extraordinary visibility of up to 30 meters.

Virtually all of the big game fish that migrate into the Sea of Cortez swim past Cerralvo Island. The ocean teems with life. Most of the traffic, sea-life and otherwise, travels through the Cerralvo Channel on its journey up and down the Sea of Cortez.

Cerralvo Island is surely an angler's dream. Nature lovers delight in the beautiful and breathtaking views surrounding the region.

Cerralvo Island Development Potential

With one of the best, most consistent climates in the world, development of an exclusive eco resort would appeal to eco tourists from around the world.

The natural landform of Cerralvo Island should allow for development of an exclusive eco resort offering watersports, sailing, fishing, diving, and beaches. Cerralvo Island is so extensive that it could accommodate several cabanas. A slope analysis was performed to identify the natural areas with relatively steep slopes and those with gentler slopes that will allow eco development. The southerly portion of the island offers the most potential, and is in area approximately the size of La Paz.

Development of Cerralvo Island will require installation of a power generating plant, a desalination plant for drinking water, and a sewage treatment facility for reclamation and re-use of treated effluent for irrigation of greenbelts. Solar energy should also be a consideration in the development of Cerralvo Island. In addition, there is the possibility of using deep water temperature difference to supplement the generation of electricity. The island is blessed with continuous spring-time climate, balmy nights and gentle breezes.

Additional Pictures

Disclaimer: All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Sidne Byars Herrero shall not be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless.

All pages and images copyright © 1996-2005 Sidne Byars Herrero

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WTC burning shit

by salvador rosillo on Sat 08 Oct 2005 10:25 AM EDT

Sal, I think that you were exposed to PCB from the burning of all shits in WTC-- see the linlk:

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts17.html

plus the hudson river has it from GE's Discharge -- see the link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/07/nyregion/07pcb.html

abdalla

ToxFAQs™

for

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

(Bifenilos Policlorados (BPCs))

This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions about polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). For more information, you may call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-888-422-8737. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects. This information is important because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present.

HIGHLIGHTS: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a mixture of individual chemicals which are no longer produced in the United States, but are still found in the environment. Health effects that have been associated with exposure to PCBs include acne-like skin conditions in adults and neurobehavioral and immunological changes in children. PCBs are known to cause cancer in animals. PCBs have been found in at least 500 of the 1,598 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What are polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)?

Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as congeners). There are no known natural sources of PCBs. PCBs are either oily liquids or solids that are colorless to light yellow. Some PCBs can exist as a vapor in air. PCBs have no known smell or taste. Many commercial PCB mixtures are known in the U.S. by the trade name Aroclor.

PCBs have been used as coolants and lubricants in transformers, capacitors, and other electrical equipment because they don't burn easily and are good insulators. The manufacture of PCBs was stopped in the U.S. in 1977 because of evidence they build up in the environment and can cause harmful health effects. Products made before 1977 that may contain PCBs include old fluorescent lighting fixtures and electrical devices containing PCB capacitors, and old microscope and hydraulic oils.

What happens to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) when they enter the environment?

PCBs entered the air, water, and soil during their manufacture, use, and disposal; from accidental spills and leaks during their transport; and from leaks or fires in products containing PCBs.
PCBs can still be released to the environment from hazardous waste sites; illegal or improper disposal of industrial wastes and consumer products; leaks from old electrical transformers containing PCBs; and burning of some wastes in incinerators.
PCBs do not readily break down in the environment and thus may remain there for very long periods of time. PCBs can travel long distances in the air and be deposited in areas far away from where they were released. In water, a small amount of PCBs may remain dissolved, but most stick to organic particles and bottom sediments. PCBs also bind strongly to soil.
PCBs are taken up by small organisms and fish in water. They are also taken up by other animals that eat these aquatic animals as food. PCBs accumulate in fish and marine mammals, reaching levels that may be many thousands of times higher than in water.

How might I be exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)?

Using old fluorescent lighting fixtures and electrical devices and appliances, such as television sets and refrigerators, that were made 30 or more years ago. These items may leak small amounts of PCBs into the air when they get hot during operation, and could be a source of skin exposure.
Eating contaminated food. The main dietary sources of PCBs are fish (especially sportfish caught in contaminated lakes or rivers), meat, and dairy products.
Breathing air near hazardous waste sites and drinking contaminated well water.
In the workplace during repair and maintenance of PCB transformers; accidents, fires or spills involving transformers, fluorescent lights, and other old electrical devices; and disposal of PCB materials.

How can polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) affect my health?

The most commonly observed health effects in people exposed to large amounts of PCBs are skin conditions such as acne and rashes. Studies in exposed workers have shown changes in blood and urine that may indicate liver damage. PCB exposures in the general population are not likely to result in skin and liver effects. Most of the studies of health effects of PCBs in the general population examined children of mothers who were exposed to PCBs.

Animals that ate food containing large amounts of PCBs for short periods of time had mild liver damage and some died. Animals that ate smaller amounts of PCBs in food over several weeks or months developed various kinds of health effects, including anemia; acne-like skin conditions; and liver, stomach, and thyroid gland injuries. Other effects of PCBs in animals include changes in the immune system, behavioral alterations, and impaired reproduction. PCBs are not known to cause birth defects.

How likely are polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to cause cancer?

Few studies of workers indicate that PCBs were associated with certain kinds of cancer in humans, such as cancer of the liver and biliary tract. Rats that ate food containing high levels of PCBs for two years developed liver cancer. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has concluded that PCBs may reasonably be anticipated to be carcinogens. The EPA and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have determined that PCBs are probably carcinogenic to humans.

How do polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) affect children?

Women who were exposed to relatively high levels of PCBs in the workplace or ate large amounts of fish contaminated with PCBs had babies that weighed slightly less than babies from women who did not have these exposures. Babies born to women who ate PCB-contaminated fish also showed abnormal responses in tests of infant behavior. Some of these behaviors, such as problems with motor skills and a decrease in short-term memory, lasted for several years. Other studies suggest that the immune system was affected in children born to and nursed by mothers exposed to increased levels of PCBs. There are no reports of structural birth defects caused by exposure to PCBs or of health effects of PCBs in older children. The most likely way infants will be exposed to PCBs is from breast milk. Transplacental transfers of PCBs were also reported In most cases, the benefits of breast-feeding outweigh any risks from exposure to PCBs in mother's milk.

How can families reduce the risk of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)?

You and your children may be exposed to PCBs by eating fish or wildlife caught from contaminated locations. Certain states, Native American tribes, and U.S. territories have issued advisories to warn people about PCB-contaminated fish and fish-eating wildlife. You can reduce your family's exposure to PCBs by obeying these advisories.
Children should be told not play with old appliances, electrical equipment, or transformers, since they may contain PCBs.
Children should be discouraged from playing in the dirt near hazardous waste sites and in areas where there was a transformer fire. Children should also be discouraged from eating dirt and putting dirty hands, toys or other objects in their mouths, and should wash hands frequently.
If you are exposed to PCBs in the workplace it is possible to carry them home on your clothes, body, or tools. If this is the case, you should shower and change clothing before leaving work, and your work clothes should be kept separate from other clothes and laundered separately.

Is there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)?

Tests exist to measure levels of PCBs in your blood, body fat, and breast milk, but these are not routinely conducted. Most people normally have low levels of PCBs in their body because nearly everyone has been environmentally exposed to PCBs. The tests can show if your PCB levels are elevated, which would indicate past exposure to above-normal levels of PCBs, but cannot determine when or how long you were exposed or whether you will develop health effects.

Has the federal government made recommendations to protect human health?

The EPA has set a limit of 0.0005 milligrams of PCBs per liter of drinking water (0.0005 mg/L). Discharges, spills or accidental releases of 1 pound or more of PCBs into the environment must be reported to the EPA. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that infant foods, eggs, milk and other dairy products, fish and shellfish, poultry and red meat contain no more than 0.2-3 parts of PCBs per million parts (0.2-3 ppm) of food. Many states have established fish and wildlife consumption advisories for PCBs.

References

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). 2000. Toxicological Profile for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.

Where can I get more information?

ATSDR can tell you where to find occupational and environmental health clinics. Their specialists can recognize, evaluate, and treat illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances. You can also contact your community or state health or environmental quality department if you have any more questions or concerns.

For more information, contact:

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Toxicology
1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop F-32
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: 1-888-42-ATSDR (1-888-422-8737)
FAX: (770)-488-4178
Email: ATSDRIC@cdc.gov

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