Keeping it Current - News Roundup 10/13/11

Hey folks! Exciting things are happening here at Current. This week we announced that Jennifer Granholm will be joining Current TV in January and you told us what you thought about the big news. Now, relax and check out some stories you might have missed from the community!

Regina's Picks of the Week

Why Medical Prescriptions May Be Killing Thousands of Americans Every Year added by PIANORAMA

A new report shows that every 14 minutes, one American is killed by prescribed painkillers and psychiatric drugs. The number of improper or overprescribing the use of tranquilizers, painkillers and stimulant drugs by American physicians exceeds both the number of deaths from motor vehicle accidents and firearms.

The number of "anxious" people or prescription tranquilizers taken by "anxious" people for "anxiety" has jumped 286 percent between 2000 and 2009, and should reach 341 percent by the end of 2011.

Sperm donors father huge ‘families’ in US, Canada added by treewolf39

This article delves into the debate regarding the rules for sperm donors. Currently, there are no official limit to the number of children born from a single donor in either Canada or the United States. Like something out of a science-fiction movie, some families attempt to create the perfect baby by choosing donors best genes from a catalog.

Specialists warn over-reliance of one donor increases the risk of the transmission of genetic diseases and malformations, and some say there are dangers of inadvertent incest between half-siblings.

“We can’t exclude the possibility that children of one donor can meet and have sex, and children, and indeed the possibility that the donor himself could have sex with his daughter,” said Stevens, who has made films about his search for his real father and his half-siblings.

Facebook's Bank Transfer Day: Protesters to Close Accounts? added by Vierotchka

Facebook has been a one stop place for selling belongings, dating, and playing games. Add getting involved with demonstrations to the list. A movement started on Facebook has some protesters planning to close their bank accounts. The campaign directed at U.S. banks over fee increases. can be viewed at their Facebook page - “Bank Transfer Day.”

Together we can ensure that these banking institutions will ALWAYS remember the 5th of November!! If the 99% removes our funds from the major banking institutions to non-profit credit unions on or by this date, we will send a clear message to the 1% that conscious consumers won't support companies with unethical business practices.

• Research your local credit union options
• Open an account with the one that best suits your ne eds
• Cancel all automatic withdrawals & deposits
• Transfer your funds to the new account
• Follow your bank's procedures to close your account on or before 11/05

That's all for this week! If you saw some stories you'd like to share, please do so in the comments. Of course, if you have a story that you think should be included in our weekly updates, feel free to PM either Robyn or me and let us know.