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to color match four results in ten seconds. While tried out. It is the smallest test kit in terms of We live in a
for those training to appear on Jeopardy such total number of tests included but also the least
time constraints would be seen as a bonus, for expensive. The tests are easy to use, with easy-to- world where
average people breaking this strip into two tests read and easy-to-follow instructions, and overall technology is
may be less stressful. You can do so yourself by easy-to-read results. However, we found the pH both a
carefully dipping only the bottom two tests of the test very difficult to read.
strip first and color matching them, then dipping The PurTest Home Water Analysis, $30 blessing and
the whole strip to do the second higher set. (www.purtest.com), is very similar to the Water a burden,
This kit did not include a test for pesticides Safe and the Sensafe test kits. While it appears even down to
or lead, since it is intended for municipal rather more expensive, it comes with two tests instead
than well water. of singles for many things (nitrates, nitrites, the water we
Sensafe also makes a stand-alone arsenic chlorine, iron, copper, pH, alkalinity, and hard- drink.
test kit, with five tests per kit. While the standard ness). Of the kits we tried, this was the easiest
water test kits are pretty simple to use, the arsenic to read, with the largest instructions and color
test is slightly more complicated. It is basic high comparison chart. Yet the copper test was very
school chemistry, so not overly difficult, but you difficult to read. PurTest also provided us with
will want to read the directions thoroughly a several stand-alone tests. Since each of these was
few times before performing this test. Wearing already covered by the main test kit, we decided
gloves and other basic safety precautions are also to try them out at a friend's homestead.
recommended, so unlike the basic tests which are I want to thank all the companies that
kid- and family-friendly, this one requires a bit provided tests kits and other items for use and
more care and caution given the reagents used review in this article. Such companies provide
to test for arsenic. affordable resources and guidance to help us
The Water Safe Well Water Test Kit, $22 protect ourselves from harm in a world where
(www.discovertesting.com), was the first kit we technology is both a blessing and a burden, even
down to the water we drink.

HOGWASH: AN AMERICAN PIG TALE

"Hogwash: An American Pig Tale" is a feature documentary that follows the fight of Mark Baker, a Michigan farmer and
Air Force veteran, whose family farm got caught in the cross hairs of an unjust court order calling on him to kill all of his
naturally raised heritage breed pigs. The documentary's website is: www.americanhogwash.org
"Hogwash" addresses critical issues affecting our rights to choose the crops we grow, the animals we raise and the food
we eat. The film’s central story, Mark Baker’s fight to save his family farm, reveals a bigger endemic threatening the health
of individuals and the increasing lack of access to foods raised in a system in balance with nature.
The film's producers are seeking donations to finish the film. They
also offer investment opportunities and will offer 1 percent royalty rights
to the film for an investment of $5,000. There is 49 percent of the film
available to invest in. The royalties will be paid out to each investor if the
film is purchased by a major media conglomerate such as HBO, Discovery,
etc. or incrementally when universities or film festivals pay for screening
rights.
The year 2015 will be focused on polishing the film to HBO quality by
working with former National Geographic Emmy award winning producer,
Kathryn Pasternak, making celebrity chef contacts, and promoting the film
to be shown at universities, film festivals, and farming events around the
nation.
For further information, contact Kyle Miron, meeslymeeron@me.com,
(281) 543-2021.

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