LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Algae instead of corn for bio-fuel

Algae multiplies so quickly and produces so much oxygen per square foot that ponds with a total surface area five times the size of Colorado would be enough to start to reverse our growing CO2 problem. Algae triples in volume every day. Corn, with 1 crop per year, nets approximately 81 gallons biodiesel per acre (soy nets 40). Algae yields as high as 15,000 gallons per acre. Enough biodiesel to replace all petroleum transportation fuels could be grown in approximately 9.5 million acres - far less than the 450 million acres used for crop farming in the US, and the over 500 million acres animal grazing land. Hydrogen is dangerous/ explosive, extremely expensive and nets zero energy, i.e. it uses more energy than it creates. Algae converts CO2 to O2; is 30-50% oil; and converts easily to Bio-Fuel. Conservation reduces present and future production of CO2. Algae reduces EXISTING CO2. The government needs to quit looking at corn and begin massive and wholesale funding and grants for algae. A new state agri-business of algae farms? Or grants for ocean farming? Algae, pond scum also a planet saver? Yes, if we take action!

Tami Freedman

Ooltewah, TN

Colorectal exams save lives

I recently had a screening colonoscopy. I had this test just because of the public health campaigns (especially Dr. Laura) to encourage everyone to get a colonoscopy at age 50. I had no symptoms and no family history of any colon problems. The colonoscopy showed a large tumor that was recently removed by surgery. Lab tests of that tumor showed it was or just had turned into cancer. My doctor told me that if I had not had the colonoscopy and this tumor had not been found now, I would have been in bad shape by the time the tumor gave me symptoms. So, I am very grateful and know that this screening test spared me a lot of suffering.

You know, we in Florida are big on report cards for our kids...but look at our grade on the colorectal report card, attached.

Please help me and other Floridians. Please write your Florida representatives (Senate and House) and ask them to sponsor or support legislation to require health insurance companies doing business in Florida to pay for colorectal screenings. We are really behind in this area. No pun intended!

You may obtain the email addresses of our Florida lawmakers at www.flsenate.gov and www.myfloridahouse.gov .

Thanks. This is my new mission!

Donna K. Woodard

Gulf Breeze