There's been widely publicized happenings regarding BSE lately, highlights of which include Japan reopening its border to U.S. beef from 7/27
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_1360.cfm

and the decision to test 90% fewer U.S. cattle for mad cow disease. Previously the U.S.D.A. tested 1% of the 35 million cows slaughtered annually and now they will test fewer than 40,000 cows per year.
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_1207.cfm

There was a very patronizing article about the Japanese consumers' reluctance to import U.S. beef in the Wall Street Journal a few weeks back that chided the Japanese consumers for consuming Fugu, (puffer fish) which many more people die from than BSE tainted beef.

Regarding my project, I have geared up to do more editing. I had a paying gig in June that carried on into July but is now officially over. The program aired in Japan last night (NHK Special) and I even received an email from another client who saw my name in the credits. Very gratifying.

So, I purchased equipment I needed that was holding me up (many warm thanks to my funders!!!) and an award winning documentary filmmaker has very kindly agreed to offer guidance. If all goes well I may have a rough cut ready by the end of August.

I'll keep posting about my progress.

Nancye