Two weeks ago Reuters reported that a Republican congressman from Kansas introduced legislation on Wednesday that would nullify efforts in multiple states to require labeling of genetically modified foods. The bill, dubbed the “Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act” was drafted by U.S. Rep. Mike Pompeo from Kansas, and is aimed at overriding bills in roughly two dozen states that would require foods made with genetically engineered crops to be labeled as such. The bill specifically prohibits any mandatory labeling of foods developed using bioengineering. Critics have dubbed it the “DARK Act.” Dark stands for Deny Americans the Right to Know.

From Public Radio International, www.pri.org : As images of devastation and tragedy in Nepal and neighboring countries rattled by Saturday’s earthquake pour across social media and TV, the natural question for many people is, “What can I do to help?” After disasters, the best way to help is generally to donate money to effective and efficient charities that have an established presence on the ground. Charity Navigator is one of the leading resources for evaluating the work of nonprofits, and the organization has posted a list of highly-ranked charities that have mounted relief operations in the aftermath of the 7.8 magnitude temblor that originated outside the capital, Kathmandu.

The Humane Farming Association (HFA) is the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization. They have been instrumental in securing the first ever felony convictions of veal industry leaders, blocking a major pig factory, and conducting the nation’s largest farm animal rescue. Recently, the HFA announced a new achievement: “It is with good reason that The New York Times declared our National Veal Boycott the most successful animal rights boycott in the United States. We are pleased to report that, again this year, HFA’s signature campaign has driven per capita veal consumption in the U.S. to an all-time low!”

In an excerpt from Feeling Great: Creating a Life of Optimism, Enthusiasm and Contentment by Dadi Janki, Peter Vegso, and Kelly Johnson, the authors write: Optimism opens a door in difficult or hopeless situations. Optimism knows that there is always a way, no matter how many doors have been shut, and it believes that there is always a good alternative. No matter what the crisis, an optimistic outlook will tell you that the situation you are facing is a sign that you need to find a different way of thinking or a new way of doing things.

Last week Reuters reported that home improvement chain Lowe’s Cos Inc will stop selling a type of pesticide suspected of causing a decline in honeybee populations needed to pollinate key American crops, following a few U.S. retailers who have taken similar steps last year. The class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids, or neonics, are sold by agrichemical companies to boost yields of staple crops but are also used widely on annual and perennial plants used in lawns and gardens. Scientists, consumer groups, beekeepers and others say bee deaths are linked to the neonic pesticides.

The April Newsletter is out! Merlian News is now translated into over 50 languages. Just go to www.merliannews.com , upper right hand corner to Google Translate and use the drop down menu. Also, don’t forget to check us out on Facebook & Twitter and please take a look at our Website of the Month!

Q: Li Chen, can you help to resolve the emotions of anger and grief peacefully? A: Dear One, painful emotions are always difficult. This does not mean it is necessary always to resolve them peacefully. This may be a surprising response, so let us look at these two powerful emotions. Grief is an expression of loss of those who are beloved. It is an expression of honor in this sense. The passing of someone who has been important to you can be a sustained grief — there are many religions who suggest that a period of time be set aside to allow for grieving…

Officials in Greenburgh, NY are looking into designating park area into organic composting site. The Town proposal aims to reduce waste by as much as 30% and save taxpayers money. “…If the Landmark creates an organic recycling compost site on their property for their tenants it could generate significant momentum that could encourage more organic recycling throughout Westchester! If schools encourage source separation–if major land owners encourage their tenants to source separate –if major businesses and governments do the same —we will be able to REDUCE our waste and save significant taxpayer dollars. ”

Stephen Thomson and Michael Guarino have done readers a real service in Retreats In Print. Based on years of notes and anecdotes from their live workshops and retreats, Volume 1, “Spirit Guides and Invisible Influence,” is a treasure trove of knowledge about our guides, their purpose, how to learn more about them and how some may move into or out of our lives over time based on our interests and what’s happening in our lives.