Prevalence of E.coli in Ground Beef

The safety of ground beef is a major concern for anyone involved in food preparation.A U.S. Department of Agriculture study in 2000 raised the alarm level considerably.Mark Powell,an epidemiologist with the USDA,said an estimated 89% of U.S. beef ground into patties contains some E.coli 0157:H7 bacteria.The amount of bacteria may be minute,but eating less than 10 of the germs can cause severe illness.
The Centers for Disease Control estimate that the E.coli strain kills 52 Americans a year and sickens 62,000 others.Mr.Powell described the bacteria as being pretty ubiquitous in ground beef,though at very,very low levels.Each large batch of ground beef-3,000 pounds or more-may contain less than 100 of the bacteria.
The American Meat Institute,a processor trade group,pointed out that beef grinders typically employ rigorous testing and treatment procedures.These decrease the bacteria's incidence to less than 1% of carcasses.The procedures include water,steam or organic acid rinses.
The bacteria are carried in livestock intestines.When the beef is ground up,they are mixed throughout the batch.Thorough cooking will kill the deadly germs.
E.coli infections are highly contagious.Children,the elderly and others with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to such foodborne illnesses.

Oppenheimer's Market Outlook

We weren't surprised by the poor jobs number,says Brian Belski,chief investment strategist at Oppenheimer&Co.At Oppenheimer,we have the advantage of investing in actual companies and access to their CEOs.We believe that too many investors are hanging on to the belief that Q2 earnings are gonna save the market.
I don't think the problem is priced in.Given the budget and election concerns,we believe the highs of the year may have already been reached.We still like industrials and tech.We think dividend growth is very important,the U.S.-based large cap names as investors move out of bonds.
We believe tech will provide leadership for the next bull market.We don't think financials will lead,with the strong structural reforms coming to them.The soft patch thinking was reflected in the payroll numbers.Company guidance is likely to be squishy because of that,Mr.Belski projected.
Oppenheimer is a full service investment firm with a history of more than 125 years,providing expertise and insight to affluent individuals,businesses and institutions.From wealth management to capital markets,it has a proud tradition of delivering effective and innovative solutions to its clientele,the company feels.
Brian Belski assumed his current position in March of 2009.A frequent guest on business television,he was previously employed by Merrill Lynch.
Oppenheimer Holdings(OPY)

Asia This Day:Carbon Tax Dust-Up in Sydney

Sydney is in an uproar over the Labour government's carbon tax proposal.Prime Minister Julia Gillard said we will require about 500 big polluters to pay a price per ton of pollution emitted into our atmosphere.Opposition leader Tony Abbott dismisses the idea,saying it will drive up prices,threaten jobs and do nothing at all for the environment.Millions will be worse off.
Industry is likewise up in arms.The mining and coal sectors call the proposal a job-killer.Companies feel that it puts them at a disadvantage.On the other hand,the green energy industry hails it as a wonderful opportunity.
The ASX 200 index was down substantially Monday as stocks reacted to the carbon tax,as well as Chinese inflation and Wall Street's Friday decline.
Sydney saw partly cloudy conditions Monday afternoon.It was 61F,with winds W at
14 mph and humidity of 27%.

Applied Physics Lab Hiring

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory has 149 openings in the DC Metro area.The Lab,based in Laurel,Maryland,has a need for an HR Generalist;User Registration Agent/System;Sr Professional Staff;Enterprise Search/SharePoint D;Naval Leadership Project Manager and many others.
The Lab supports the DOD,NASA and other Government agencies through innovative applied research.To apply online,visit www.jhuapl.edu/
APL:Enhancing National Security through science and technology

New Jerseyans Like Nuke Plant Next Door

For many residents of the Barnegat Bay area,fear of nuclear energy doesn't enter the equation.They like to fish and swim in the warm waters the local Exelon reactor discharges.They feel it improves their quality of life in general,supporting the economy with jobs as well as providing recreation.In short,the oldest nuclear power plant in America improves the health of the community.
To be sure,there are drawbacks to the warm water.Environmentalists point out its interference with the health of Barnegat Bay,killing sea turtles and countless fish.To those who live in its shadow,however,the Exelon plant has been a good neighbor-one that they think more than makes up for any drawbacks.
Barnegat Bay is a 30-mile long arm of the Atlantic Ocean.Its brackish waters are off the coast of Ocean County,New Jersey.
Exelon(EXC)

Local Residents Want New Jersey Nuclear Power Plant To Stay Open

Local Residents Want New Jersey Nuclear Power Plant To Stay Open

Hasbro Gets Consumer Wants

At toymaker Hasbro,immersion is the central feature of today's marketplace.Immersive motion pictures and television immerse people in brands,says CEO Brian Goldner.Hasbro employs enhanced licensing for its toys and video games.It can go all around the world.
The world is rectangulars;it's all about screens.People want to experience a brand immersively,and the consumer is willing to pay for that experience.
We develop scripts,but don't invest in our films.A film based on the Battleship game is upcoming.
Our business internationally is accelerating,especially in the emerging markets.We're moving toward being a 50-50 developed/emerging markets business from a 60-40 business.We're in China and Brazil,but Russia is our fastest growing market year over year,Mr.Goldner indicated.
Founded as a school supply manufacturer in 1923,Hasbro today is a branded play company providing children and families worldwide with a broad range of immersive entertainment.Its brands include Transformers,Playskool,Monopoly,Nerf,Littlest Pet Shop and G.I. Joe.
Hasbro has also entered into a multi-platform joint venture with Discovery Communications,The Hub.It is basically a cable channel featuring Hasbro brands and old TV series,along with an interactive website from which you may purchase and gift Hasbro products.
Hasbro(HAS),Discovery Communications(DISCA)