Norfolk Southern's Profits Over Safety: Putting Lives at Risk

 The recent derailment of a Norfolk Southern freight train in East Palestine, Ohio, has highlighted the dangerous consequences of putting profits over safety. The train was carrying vinyl chloride, a toxic gas that can cause serious health problems, including cancer, if inhaled. As a result, hundreds of residents had to be evacuated, and a controlled burn of the toxic chemicals was necessary. Sadly, this incident is not an isolated case.

In recent years, Norfolk Southern has reported record profits, and the company's CEO, Alan H. Shaw, has boasted about the company's service being "at the best it's been in more than two years." Yet, during this same time, the rate of accidents on Norfolk Southern's railway has increased, and safety experts say a focus on financial returns may be partly to blame for these incidents.

While railway companies have become much more profitable, accidents still regularly occur on the 140,000 miles of track that make up their networks. The rate of accidents on Norfolk Southern's railway has worsened as executives at the company and other railroads have been telling investors on Wall Street that they can bolster their profit margins by keeping a lid on costs. At the same time, railway companies have lobbied against new rules aimed at making trains safer.

Norfolk Southern, which earned more than $3 billion last year, invested close to $2 billion in its railways and operations, up a third from 2021. But over the past five years, it paid shareholders nearly $18 billion through stock buybacks and dividends, twice as much as the amount it invested in its railways and operations. Other large railways have paid out billions to their shareholders, too, and their shares have done better than the wider stock market over the last decade.

Despite the dangers that this company and others pose to the public, the government has failed to hold them accountable. For years, the railroads have fought all kinds of basic safety regulations based on an argument that it simply costs too much to protect our lives, health, and our air and water. Instead of prioritizing safety, the government has allowed corporations to buy themselves out of their responsibilities to the American people.

These incidents demonstrate that the railway industry must take responsibility for the safety of the public and its workers. The government must also hold these companies accountable and put safety over profits. It is not acceptable to put the lives and well-being of the public at risk for the sake of corporate profits.

In conclusion, it is time for Norfolk Southern and other railway companies to prioritize safety and make meaningful investments in their railways and operations. It is also time for the government to hold these companies accountable and put the safety of the public first. The health and safety of our communities should not be a secondary concern to corporate profits.

Is Government Failing Us in Times of Catastrophe? The Ohio Train Derailment Story

 The small town of East Palestine, Ohio has been hit hard by the recent train derailment and chemical spill that occurred just meters from local businesses and homes. The incident, which happened on February 3, has left the town reeling and residents questioning whether the government is doing enough to keep them safe.

The impact of the derailment has been felt in a multitude of ways. Local businesses have lost customers and some have even shut down, while residents have been advised to drink bottled water due to contamination in the Ohio River. The lingering stench of chemicals and sulfur in the air has also left many residents worried about the long-term impact on their health.

Despite reassurances from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state officials, many residents remain skeptical and mistrustful of the government's response. Some feel that the train company responsible for the derailment, Norfolk Southern, has not done enough to address their concerns.

The emotional toll of the incident is also taking its toll on residents, who are struggling with anxiety, stress, and sleepless nights. Local coffee shop owner Ben Ratner likened the incident to Pearl Harbor or 9/11, saying that it will be a seminal moment in the town's history.

The feeling of abandonment by the local and federal government is palpable. Some residents have reported that no inspectors or officials have reached out to them in the nearly two weeks since the derailment occurred. Others have criticized Norfolk Southern for not attending a question-and-answer session with residents, and the decision has only increased local anger at the company's response.

As the town struggles to recover, it begs the question: has the government lost its ability to keep us safe in the case of catastrophe? With so many recent incidents of chemical spills and accidents across the country, it's a valid concern. The people of East Palestine deserve answers and action from the government, and it's up to officials to step up and prove that they are capable of keeping communities safe in times of crisis.

Massive Fire at Florida Plant Nursery Sparks HAZMAT Response

 A massive fire erupted at a plant nursery in Kissimmee, Florida, earlier today. The fire began at around 1:30 a.m. and is believed to have started near the rear fence of the premises. While the exact cause and starting point of the fire are still under investigation, according to a spokesperson for the nursery, the damage has been limited to the exterior yard where the nursery keeps its flowerpots.

The fire, which has engulfed two acres worth of pellets holding plastic planters, is still not under control, and crews are using 4,500 gallons of water per minute to douse the flames. Furthermore, hazardous materials crews from Osceola and Orange counties are monitoring the air to determine if the smoke poses any danger to residents in the area.

Thankfully, the team at the nursery was quickly evacuated, and no injuries have been reported. In a statement, Nursery Supplies Inc. said, "We are thankful that the team in the plant at the time the fire started was quickly evacuated, and there have been no reported injuries. The plant has been fully evacuated while fire control activities continue, and team members are being advised not to come to work."

This fire is just the latest in a series of polluting accidents that have occurred in the United States in the past couple of days. On February 3, a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, caused a hazardous chemical spill, which prompted evacuations and contaminated the water supply. Then, on February 14, a truck carrying nitric acid crashed on I-10 near Tucson, Arizona, causing a hazmat scare and prompting authorities to evacuate people in the area.

It's unclear if all these incidents are just a coincidence or if there is a broader issue at play. However, one thing is clear: these incidents highlight the importance of proper safety protocols and regulations for hazardous materials. As more information about these incidents becomes available, we will keep you updated.

Truck Spills Nitric Acid on Arizona Highway, Prompting Evacuations

 

On February 14, a truck carrying nitric acid crashed on the I-10 highway near Tucson, Arizona, spilling the hazardous substance and prompting evacuations in the area. Nitric acid is a highly corrosive substance that is often used in the manufacturing of fertilizers, dyes, and explosives.

The driver of the truck, who has not been publicly identified, was killed in the accident. A shelter-in-place order was briefly instituted for those within one mile of the incident, but it was lifted late Tuesday. A separate evacuation order will remain in place until 6 a.m. Wednesday.

This incident comes on the heels of a train derailment in Ohio that spilled toxic chemicals into the environment, triggering evacuations and causing widespread concern about the safety of local residents. As we reported earlier, the train carrying hazardous cargo derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, spilling vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and isobutylene.

The proximity of these two incidents begs the question: are we under attack, or is this simply a coincidence? While authorities are investigating both incidents, there is no official evidence presented at this time to suggest that they are related.

The truck crash in Arizona is a reminder of the importance of safe transportation and handling of hazardous materials. Are there enough laws in place to keep the public safe from chemicals and their transport? It also underscores the need for proper notification and evacuation procedures in the event of a spill or accident.

As the investigation into these incidents continues, it is important for authorities to be transparent about their findings and take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the public.

Train Derailment in Ohio: What You Need to Know

 

On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train carrying a variety of products derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. The violent 50-car crash triggered evacuations for the small town, as large quantities of vinyl chloride and other contaminants entered the environment.

Since then, authorities have been working to contain the spill and assess the environmental impact. In a recent press conference, Governor Mike DeWine provided updates on the ongoing cleanup effort, as well as new information on the situation.

According to the Ohio Public Utilities Commission (PUCO), Ohio wasn't alerted to the train's presence before the derailment. The train wasn't considered a high-hazardous material train, and therefore, the railroad was not required to notify anyone in Ohio about what was in the railcars coming through the state.

The governor called this fact "absurd" and said he plans to bring it to the attention of the congressional delegation. Representatives from the Ohio EPA, the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and other agencies were also present at the news conference.

Water contamination is a significant concern, as a "plume" of water contamination with firefighting chemicals from East Palestine is making its way down the Ohio River. According to Tiffani Kavalec from the Ohio EPA, as of February 15, it was located near Huntington, WV. Kavalec stated that the Ohio River is a large water body that is able to dilute the pollutants pretty quickly.

All contaminants at the scene of the derailment are contained, and large pits are being dug, down to the clay level, to remove contaminated soil. The state's health director, Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, reported that air quality tested normal before residents were allowed back in their homes near the derailment.

ODNR reports a fish kill totaling 3,500, and the number is not climbing. The department said no endangered species were affected. Residents using well water near the scene are advised to call for a free test kit offered by the state. Test results on the town's water supply are expected back within 48 hours. In the meantime, Vanderhoff advises anyone breastfeeding or pregnant to use bottled water.

The situation is still developing, and we will continue to monitor the cleanup efforts and provide updates as they become available. For the latest information on the Ohio train derailment, stay tuned to reliable news sources and government agencies.

Vinyl Chloride Released in Ohio Train Wreck: Impact on Environment and Communities

 Train Derailment in Ohio: What Happened and What's Being Done

On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, causing a fiery wreck that involved about 50 freight cars, ten of which carried hazardous materials. The derailment led to dead fish being found in nearby waterways and communities along the Ohio River considering their own risk of chemical exposure.

Vinyl chloride, a gas used to make plastic products such as credit cards and PVC pipes, was released and burned to prevent an explosion, releasing toxic fumes in the area. The highest levels of vinyl chloride are often found in the air near factories that produce it, and exposure to it is associated with an increased risk of rare forms of liver, brain, and lung cancers. Burning it sends toxic gases into the air, including phosgene, a toxic gas that was used as a weapon during World War I, and hydrogen chloride.

Residents within a 1-mile by 2-mile area surrounding East Palestine were ordered to evacuate on February 6 due to the hazardous fumes released from the controlled burn of vinyl chloride. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine ordered the evacuation, which was carried out by law enforcement from both Ohio and Pennsylvania who went door-to-door to ensure any remaining residents left before the controlled release. Most residents reportedly left the area before the evacuation.

Residents were allowed to return home after officials from both Ohio and Pennsylvania, including the governors of both states, confirmed it was safe to do so. Officials with the Louisville Water Co. and Air Pollution Control District have stated that they are monitoring the situation and do not anticipate any danger to local residents, as the contaminants released from the derailment have not yet reached Louisville, and the levels of chemicals detected currently are below thresholds set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Norfolk Southern Railroad submitted a remedial action plan to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency on February 14, outlining its response to the train derailment and what it plans to do next. The plan reportedly includes the installation of wells to monitor groundwater and soil sampling in the Ohio village. East Palestine officials are also testing the water supply for chemicals, and contractors with Norfolk Southern installed a dam and water bypass at Sulphur Run to prevent further contamination of downstream waters.

It is unclear how long the cleanup and remediation process will take, but officials and railroad operators are taking the situation seriously and working to address the potential impact on the environment and communities in the area. As for the residents affected by the train derailment, it's important to stay informed and to follow any guidance from local officials to ensure their safety and well-being.

The Reggaeton Origins Debate - Puerto Rico vs Panama

  The debate between Puerto Rico and Panama over the origins of reggaeton is a complex and nuanced one, rooted in the historical and cultural experiences of both countries. On one hand, Puerto Rico claims that reggaeton is a product of its unique cultural fusion, born out of the blending of Jamaican reggae, and dancehall with rap and hip-hop. On the other hand, Panama claims that reggaeton has its roots in the reggae en español movement that originated in Panama in the 1980s and 1990s.

Both countries have a valid stake in the claim of the origins of reggaeton. Puerto Rico, as a major center of Caribbean culture, has long been a melting pot of different cultures and influences, including those from Jamaica, Panama, Dominican Republic and the United States. This has resulted in a unique blend of music, including reggaeton, that reflects the experiences, struggles, and aspirations of the Puerto Rican people.

Panama, on the other hand, has a rich history of its own in terms of music, particularly in the reggae en español movement, which was born out of the Panamanian experience of living in a country where Spanish and English are spoken side by side. This movement was a fusion of Jamaican reggae and Panamanian rhythms, and it was characterized by the use of Spanish lyrics and a more upbeat tempo.

It is important to note that reggae en español and reggaeton are two separate genres, and that reggaeton is younger…having its roots in the rhythms, beats and melodies of reggae en español, Jamaican dancehall, and boom bap hip hop. 

While reggae en español was popular in Panama, it was not as popular in Puerto Rico. However, the fusion of reggae en español with Spanish-language rap and hip-hop in Puerto Rico created a new genre that was more upbeat, more danceable and more appealing to the youth.

The significance of understanding the history of the genre is crucial to fully appreciating its impact on Caribbean culture, and to recognize the contributions of the people who pioneered it. It is also important to realize that without the influence of Puerto Rico, modern reggaeton would not be what it is today. It is a genre that has been shaped by the cultural and historical experiences of the Caribbean people, and it reflects their struggles, aspirations, and identities.

***

Reggaeton originated in Puerto Rico. It’s a fusion of Jamaican reggae and dancehall  with rap and hip-hop at its very core. On the other hand, Panamanian reggae en español is a genre that has roots in the Caribbean country of Panama and Jamaica with Jamaican producers directly contributing and participating in the Panamanian genre. 

The origins of reggaeton can be traced back to the 1980s with Vico C gracing boom bap hip hop instrumentals with a Caribbean flow and flare as his verbal delivery. Many younger artists in the early 90’s, inspired by Vico C’s style of rapping, began experimenting with Jamaican instrumentals or “riddims” that they would use instead of the boom bap instrumentals, sometimes going as far as to copy the flows of the Jamaican artists while translating the original lyrics into Spanish. This was known as “underground music”. 

The first “underground” tracks were recorded by DJ Playero for the “Playero DJ” series in the early 90’s. A musical group called “The Noise” would also soon emerge, along a few other DJ’s that also made their own mixtapes (such as DJ Stephano, Nico Canada, and DJ Chiclin amongst others) to compete with the “Playero DJ” series. This competition of “underground music” would cause an explosion of hip hopped reggae instrumentals to permeate Puerto Rican culture in a way that had not been seen since the salsa movements of the past. 

Panamanian reggae en español, on the other hand, has its roots in the 1980s, where Panamanian reggae artists began to incorporate Jamaican sounds and riddims into their music as the result of the heavy Jamaican migration and influence to the country. This new style of Reggae was born out of a need to create something that reflected the unique cultural identity of Panama. 

In the late 1800s, the world’s most powerful people would embark on a grand endeavor to connect the eastern and western hemispheres through a massive waterway spanning from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Panama, with its location in Central America, was the chosen site for this ambitious project. The majority of the "man power" for this undertaking came from the Caribbean islands closest to Panama, namely Jamaica.

One of the most profound cultural influences to come out of this period was the fusion of Panamanian and Jamaican music. West Indians who stayed in Panama after the Canal's completion were determined to preserve their cultural heritage. It was in this context that reggae music from Jamaica began to take hold in Panama in the 1970s.

As reggae began to sink deeper into the hearts of the Panamanian people, Panamanian DJs began incorporating Jamaican riddims into their parties, often singing their own Spanish lyrics over the instrumentals. According to internet sources, one of the first (if not the first) spanish language reggae tracks was recorded in 1984 by producer Hernando Brin. Other Pioneering artists in the genre were El General, Renato and Nando Boom. 

El General propelled Spanish reggae into the mainstream, paving the way for the emergence of Reggaeton.

While reggaeton and Panamanian reggae en español may share similar roots in reggae and salsa, they are distinct genres that reflect the unique cultural identities of Puerto Rico and Panama respectively. Understanding the history and origins of these genres but also their key differences is crucial in order to fully appreciate each style as its very own genre. This is to say that Reggaeton and Reggae en Español are not the same genre and they do not represent the same people. 

***

In the late 1990’s DJ Blass began to experiment with a new computer program for music making called fruity loops. DJ Blass began using spliced reggae drum sounds to make a new sounding reggaeton music that would become the base sound to modern, electronic reggaeton music as we know it today. The Reggaeton Sex series by DJ Blass paved the way for a new generation of mixtapes including DJ Nelson’s Flow, Boricuas NY, La Mision, amongst many more albums. 

This new style of reggaeton gained popularity in Puerto Rico, the East Coast of the USA, and Latin America. 

Panama had a rich history of its own with reggae music but this new sound of Puerto Rican reggaeton, with its heavy beats and catchy hooks, proved to be irresistible to Panamanian audiences.

The success of Puerto Rican reggaeton in Panama inspired a new generation of Panamanian acts to embrace the genre and make it their own. Rather than sticking to the more traditional sounds of reggae en español, these newer acts began to incorporate elements of Puerto Rican reggaeton into their music. This led to the emergence of a new style of music known as the "romantic style," led by artist such as El Rookie and Makano, which was a fusion of the two genres. The romantic style, which was characterized by its melodic hooks and romantic lyrics, quickly became popular among Panamanian audiences.

This new style of music not only helped to popularize reggaeton in Panama, but it also helped to establish the country as a major player in the Latin music scene once again. Today, Panamanian reggaeton acts like Sech continue to dominate the charts and are considered among the most popular acts in Latin music.

***

Back to the late 1980’s and 90’s, Panamanian artists such as El General, Renato, and Gringoman were creating music that blended reggae and dancehall with Latin rhythms. These artists helped to popularize the genre in Panama and throughout Latin America. It wasn't until young Puerto Rican musicians heard the Panamanians doing it in Spanish that they realized they could do it too.

Puerto Rican musicians also brought their knowledge of how to sample from their hip hop background, which they used to "hip hop" the reggae sounds, creating the origins of what we would one day come to call reggaeton.

***

It is clear that each country has played a significant role in the development and popularization of reggaeton. Jamaica, with its roots in dancehall, provided the rhythm and style that would heavily influence the genre. Puerto Rico, with its large population and music industry, helped to popularize and spread the genre throughout Latin America. Panama, with its own unique style of "reggae en español," helped to shape and influence the origins of the genre.

It is important to note that reggaeton is a genre that has evolved and grown over time, and that the contributions of each country have been vital in the development and popularization of the genre regardless of if you’re team Puerto Rico or Team Panama in this debate. Reggaeton is a genre that has been shaped and influenced by the contributions of multiple countries and cultures.

***

The relevance of this debate, Panama vs Puerto Rico,  is important in today's music industry as it affects the way people perceive and value the genre. Reggaeton has become a source of cultural pride for both Puerto Ricans and Panamanians, and it has made a significant contribution to the world's heritage. It is a genre that has brought people from different backgrounds together, and it has helped to break down cultural barriers. The music industry should recognize the cultural significance of reggaeton and the contributions of both Puerto Rico and Panama to the genre's development.

The Sun Within: A Guide to Overcoming Winter Depression for Puerto Ricans

Puerto Ricans and Caribbean people in general living on the northern east coast often suffer from winter blues. The winter in cities like New York City, Boston, and Philly is long and cold, making it difficult for people to spend time outdoors. This, combined with the fact that many people live in apartment buildings that do not easily provide access to the outdoors, exacerbates the problem.

The lack of sunlight is one of the main causes of winter blues. Reduced sun exposure during the winter months can result in insufficient vitamin D levels, which are needed to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels [3]. Insufficient vitamin D can reduce serotonin levels, leading to negative moods and feelings of depression.

The lack of sunlight may also stimulate an overproduction of melatonin, which can make some people feel sluggish and sleepy during the winter [4]. People with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) often experience stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts about the winter. Researchers aren't sure if these negative thoughts are a cause or effect of seasonal depression.

Living in the city and not having access to the outdoors can contribute to feelings of sadness and lack of motivation, making it difficult to complete daily tasks or get out of bed in the morning [2].

However, there are things people can do to mitigate the effects of a lack of sunlight and time outdoors, such as spending as much time outdoors as possible, especially between 11 am and 3 pm [10]. Light therapy is also known to help avoid seasonal affective disorder [5].

It's important for those affected by winter blues to take the lead in finding solutions for their well-being. There are many remedies available, from exposure to bright light to spending time outdoors and exercising regularly. Seeking support from friends, family, and a mental health professional can also be helpful. No one should have to suffer through this condition alone, and with the proper steps, it can be effectively managed. Wishing all those who may be struggling with seasonal depression the best, and blessing them with the courage to take care of themselves and find peace and joy in every day.

sources cited:

[1] "The specific cause of seasonal affective disorder remains unknown. Some factors that may come into play include: Your biological clock (circadian rhythm). The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may cause winter-onset SAD. This decrease in sunlight may disrupt your bodys internal clock and lead to feelings of depression. Serotonin levels."

URL: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651

[2] "The winter blues describe the sadness and fatigue that many people experience during the coldest, darkest months of the year. If you have the winter blues, you might find getting out of bed difficult on some mornings. You might have trouble sleeping and feel generally unmotivated to complete daily tasks or get outside."

URL: https://www.verywellmind.com/winter-blues-vs-seasonal-affective-disorder-5101512

[3] "Reduced sun exposure is one of the main causes of winter blues. During the winter months, individuals with limited access to sunlight fail to produce enough vitamin D in their bodies [].Vitamin D is needed to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels [].Insufficient vitamin D reduces your serotonin levels, resulting in negative mood ..."

URL: https://ruscioinstitute.com/winter-blues/

[4] "The lack of sunlight may stimulate an overproduction of melatonin in some people. You may feel sluggish and sleepy during the winter. Negative thoughts: People with SAD often have stress, anxiety and negative thoughts about the winter. Researchers arent sure if these negative thoughts are a cause or effect of seasonal depression."

URL: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9293-seasonal-depression

[5] "Light therapy can help you avoid seasonal affective disorder. Winter does not officially begin until Dec. 21, but as the days grow shorter and sunlight exposure becomes scarcer, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) becomes more common. SAD is a type of depression that occurs during the late fall and early winter and often ends by spring or early ..."

URL: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/shining-a-light-on-winter-depression

[6] "Winter Blues Sadness during the fall and winter months Some trouble sleeping Lack of motivation SAD Severe sadness during the fall and winter months Frequent sleep and eating issues Depression that limits normal functioning and motivation People feel sad sometimes, and there is nothing wrong with that."

URL: https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-beat-the-winter-blues-5087998

[7] "Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, was first described in 1984 by Norman Rosenthal, MD, medical director of Capital Clinical Research Associates and the author of Winter Blues. Seasonal ..."

URL: https://www.webmd.com/depression/features/sunshine-for-sad-sufferers

[8] "The main causation theory of winter depression is that a lack of sunlight affects the workings of the hypothalamus which, in turn, affects the formation of neurotransmitters — chemicals that brain cells use to communicate with each other. People experiencing winter blues typically have low levels of serotonin and high levels of melatonin."

URL: https://bebrainfit.com/winter-blues/

[9] "This is known as summer-pattern or summer-type seasonal affective disorder, summer depression, or in its milder form,  summer blues . Winter depression is thought to be caused by a..."

URL: https://psychcentral.com/depression/seasonal-affective-disorder

[10] "There are of course things we can all do to mitigate a lack of sunlight, from diet and exercise to spending as much time outdoors as possible, especially between 11am and 3pm. One of the upsides ..."

URL: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/13/sad-seasonal-affective-disorder-depression-winter-britain-poor-mental-health