text:
In the Netherlands, reporting is timely for hepatitis A and B prevention but needs to be faster for measles, mumps, pertussis, and shigellosis prevention.
The extent to which reporting delays should be reduced to gain substantial improvement in outbreak control is unclear. We developed a model to quantitatively assess reporting timeliness. Using reporting speed data for 6 infectious diseases in the notification system in the Netherlands, we calculated the proportion of infections produced by index and secondary cases until the index case is reported. We assumed interventions that immediately stop transmission. Reporting delays render useful only those interventions that stop transmission from index and secondary cases. We found that current reporting delays are adequate for hepatitis A and B control. However, reporting delays should be reduced by a few days to improve measles and mumps control, by at least 10 days to improve shigellosis control, and by at least 5 weeks to substantially improve pertussis control. Our method provides quantitative insight into the required reporting delay reductions needed to achieve outbreak control and other transmission prevention goals.
infectious disease; detection; notification; reporting; response; intervention; timeliness; bioterrorism and preparedness
Initial pH level at hospital admission was the most accurate and simple predictor of death.
Vibrio vulnificus infection can progress to necrotizing fasciitis and death. To improve the likelihood of patient survival, an early prognosis of patient outcome is clinically important for emergency/trauma department doctors. To identify an accurate and simple predictor for death among V. vulnificus–infected persons, we reviewed clinical data for 34 patients at a hospital in South Korea during 2000–2011; of the patients, 16 (47%) died and 18 (53%) survived. For nonsurvivors, median time from hospital admission to death was 15 h (range 4–70). For predicting death, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score and initial pH were 0.746 and 0.972, respectively (p = 0.005). An optimal cutoff pH of <7.35 had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 83%. Compared with the APACHE II score, the initial arterial blood pH level in V. vulnificus-infected patients was a more accurate predictive marker for death.
Vibrio vulnificus; mortality; death; predictive marker; pH; APACHE score; bacteria
Outbreak-associated communications for travelers and clinicians may be a more effective approach to the international control of communicable diseases.
In response to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) pandemic of 2003 and the influenza pandemic of 2009, many countries instituted border measures as a means of stopping or slowing the spread of disease. The measures, usually consisting of a combination of border entry/exit screening, quarantine, isolation, and communications, were resource intensive, and modeling and observational studies indicate that border screening is not effective at detecting infectious persons. Moreover, border screening has high opportunity costs, financially and in terms of the use of scarce public health staff resources during a time of high need. We discuss the border-screening experiences with SARS and influenza and propose an approach to decision-making for future pandemics. We conclude that outbreak-associated communications for travelers at border entry points, together with effective communication with clinicians and more effective disease control measures in the community, may be a more effective approach to the international control of communicable diseases.
influenza; 2009 influenza pandemic; influenza A(H1N1)pdm09; humans; SARS virus; severe acute respiratory syndrome; quarantine; patient isolation; border crossing; border entry; mass screening; pandemic; disease transmission; infectious; communicable diseases; disease control strategies; viruses; health communication
Under typical conditions, such as influenza incidence rates of >5% and vaccine effectiveness >60%, vaccination reduced risk.
It is unclear whether seasonal influenza vaccination results in a net increase or decrease in the risk for Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). To assess the effect of seasonal influenza vaccination on the absolute risk of acquiring GBS, we used simulation models and published estimates of age- and sex-specific risks for GBS, influenza incidence, and vaccine effectiveness. For a hypothetical 45-year-old woman and 75-year-old man, excess GBS risk for influenza vaccination versus no vaccination was −0.36/1 million vaccinations (95% credible interval −1.22 to 0.28) and −0.42/1 million vaccinations (95% credible interval, –3.68 to 2.44), respectively. These numbers represent a small absolute reduction in GBS risk with vaccination. Under typical conditions (e.g. influenza incidence rates >5% and vaccine effectiveness >60%), vaccination reduced GBS risk. These findings should strengthen confidence in the safety of influenza vaccine and allow health professionals to better put GBS risk in context when discussing influenza vaccination with patients.
seasonal influenza; influenza vaccination; Guillain-Barré syndrome; risk modeling; decision tree modeling; viruses; vaccination; influenza; modeling
Ascaris is a genus of parasitic nematodes that can cause infections in humans and pigs. During 2010–2013, we identified 14 cases of ascariasis in persons who had contact with pigs in Maine, USA. Ascaris spp. are important zoonotic pathogens, and prevention measures are needed, including health education, farming practice improvements, and personal and food hygiene.
Ascariasis; Ascaris lumbricoides; Ascaris suum; humans; pigs; Maine; USA; parasites; nematodes; helminths
Our refinements corrected for major biases, preserved simplicity, and improved validity.
Since the early 2000s, the Bureau of Communicable Disease of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has analyzed reportable infectious disease data weekly by using the historical limits method to detect unusual clusters that could represent outbreaks. This method typically produced too many signals for each to be investigated with available resources while possibly failing to signal during true disease outbreaks. We made method refinements that improved the consistency of case inclusion criteria and accounted for data lags and trends and aberrations in historical data. During a 12-week period in 2013, we prospectively assessed these refinements using actual surveillance data. The refined method yielded 74 signals, a 45% decrease from what the original method would have produced. Fewer and less biased signals included a true citywide increase in legionellosis and a localized campylobacteriosis cluster subsequently linked to live-poultry markets. Future evaluations using simulated data could complement this descriptive assessment.
communicable disease; historical limits method; disease cluster detection; New York City; surveillance
Avipoxvirus; duck; outbreak; China; viruses; mallard
Ehrlichia sp. DNA was amplified from 4 Ehrlichia-seroreactive horses from Mérida, Nicaragua. Sequencing of 16S rDNA, sodB, and groEL genes indicated that the bacterium is most likely a novel Ehrlichia species. The tick vector and the potential for canine and human infection remain unknown.
bacteria; tickborne pathogen; Anaplasmataceae; Ehrlichia; equine; horse; PCR; DNA sequencing; Central America; Nicaragua
Although many causes were identified, most remain unknown.
Acute encephalitis is a severe neurologic syndrome. Determining etiology from among ≈100 possible agents is difficult. To identify infectious etiologies of encephalitis in Thailand, we conducted surveillance in 7 hospitals during July 2003–August 2005 and selected patients with acute onset of brain dysfunction with fever or hypothermia and with abnormalities seen on neuroimages or electroencephalograms or with cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid were tested for >30 pathogens. Among 149 case-patients, median age was 12 (range 0–83) years, 84 (56%) were male, and 15 (10%) died. Etiology was confirmed or probable for 54 (36%) and possible or unknown for 95 (64%). Among confirmed or probable etiologies, the leading pathogens were Japanese encephalitis virus, enteroviruses, and Orientia tsutsugamushi. No samples were positive for chikungunya, Nipah, or West Nile viruses; Bartonella henselae; or malaria parasites. Although a broad range of infectious agents was identified, the etiology of most cases remains unknown.
encephalitis; etiology; brain diseases; tropical medicine; Thailand; viruses; bacteria
Dengue prevention efforts rely on control of virus vectors. We investigated use of insecticide-treated screens permanently affixed to windows and doors in Mexico and found that the screens significantly reduced infestations of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in treated houses. Our findings demonstrate the value of this method for dengue virus vector control.
viruses; dengue; arbovirus; mosquitoes; Aedes aegypti; vector; control; prevention; outbreak; epidemic; net; LLIS; vector-borne infections; Mexico; screens; insecticide; Suggested citation for this article: Manrique-Saide P; Che-Mendoza A; Barrera-Perez M; Guillermo-May G; Herrera-Bojorquez J; Dzul-Manzanilla F; et al. Use of insecticide-treated house screens to reduce infestations of dengue virus vectors; Mexico. Emerg Infect Dis [Internet]. 2015 Feb [date cited]. http://dx.doi.org/10.3201/eid2102.140533
Genome sequencing can provide rapid insights on transmission and pathogenesis of emerging pathogens.
Elizabethkingia anophelis, recently discovered from mosquito gut, is an emerging bacterium associated with neonatal meningitis and nosocomial outbreaks. However, its transmission route remains unknown. We use rapid genome sequencing to investigate 3 cases of E. anophelis sepsis involving 2 neonates who had meningitis and 1 neonate’s mother who had chorioamnionitis. Comparative genomics revealed evidence for perinatal vertical transmission from a mother to her neonate; the 2 isolates from these patients, HKU37 and HKU38, shared essentially identical genome sequences. In contrast, the strain from another neonate (HKU36) was genetically divergent, showing only 78.6% genome sequence identity to HKU37 and HKU38, thus excluding a clonal outbreak. Comparison to genomes from mosquito strains revealed potential metabolic adaptations in E. anophelis under different environments. Maternal infection, not mosquitoes, is most likely the source of neonatal E. anophelis infections. Our findings highlight the power of genome sequencing in gaining rapid insights on transmission and pathogenesis of emerging pathogens.
Elizabethkingia anophelis; neonatal; meningitis; sepsis; vertical; transmission; maternal; bacteria; genome; mother; child; Hong Kong; sequencing
African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes highly lethal hemorrhagic disease among pigs, and ASFV’s extreme antigenic diversity hinders vaccine development. We show that p72 ASFV phylogenetic analysis does not accurately define ASFV hemadsorption inhibition assay serogroups. Thus, conventional ASFV genotyping cannot discriminate between viruses of different virulence or predict efficacy of a specific ASFV vaccine.
African swine fever virus; genotypes; phylogenetic analysis; serogroups; hemadsorption inhibition assay; viruses; vaccine development; swine; domestic pigs; cross-protective responses; antigenic diversity
High prevalence of invasive Hia disease among North American Aboriginal populations is more likely related to exposure than to inadequate immunity.
In the post-Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine era that began in the 1980's, H. influenzae type a (Hia) emerged as a prominent cause of invasive disease in North American Aboriginal populations. To test whether a lack of naturally acquired antibodies may underlie increased rates of invasive Hia disease, we compared serum bactericidal activity against Hia and Hib and IgG and IgM against capsular polysaccharide between Canadian Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal healthy and immunocompromised adults. Both healthy and immunocompromised Aboriginal adults exhibited significantly higher bactericidal antibody titers against Hia than did non-Aboriginal adults (p = 0.042 and 0.045 respectively), with no difference in functional antibody activity against Hib. IgM concentrations against Hia were higher than IgG in most study groups; the inverse was true for antibody concentrations against Hib. Our results indicate that Aboriginal adults possess substantial serum bactericidal activity against Hia that is mostly due to IgM antibodies. The presence of sustained IgM against Hia suggests recent Hia exposure.
Antibody; IgM; IgG; bacteria; bactericidal; Haemophilus influenzae type a; Hia; polysaccharide antibodies; vaccine; indigenous; Aboriginal; Aborigine; antibody functional activity; secondary immunodeficiency; North America; Canada
Serogroup W Neisseria meningitidis was the main cause of invasive meningococcal disease in Chile during 2012. The case-fatality rate for this disease was higher than in previous years. Genotyping of meningococci isolated from case-patients identified the hypervirulent lineage W:P1.5,2:ST-11, which contained allele 22 of the fHbp gene.
Neisseria meningitidis; bacteria; serogroup W; invasive meningococcal disease; ST-11; sequence type; hyperinvasive lineage; clonal complex; Chile
Co-infection with Shigella spp. and other microbes modifies diarrhea risk.
Pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract exist within a vast population of microbes. We examined associations between pathogens and composition of gut microbiota as they relate to Shigella spp./enteroinvasive Escherichia coli infection. We analyzed 3,035 stool specimens (1,735 nondiarrheal and 1,300 moderate-to-severe diarrheal) from the Global Enteric Multicenter Study for 9 enteropathogens. Diarrheal specimens had a higher number of enteropathogens (diarrheal mean 1.4, nondiarrheal mean 0.95; p<0.0001). Rotavirus showed a negative association with Shigella spp. in cases of diarrhea (odds ratio 0.31, 95% CI 0.17–0.55) and had a large combined effect on moderate-to-severe diarrhea (odds ratio 29, 95% CI 3.8–220). In 4 Lactobacillus taxa identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the association between pathogen and disease was decreased, which is consistent with the possibility that Lactobacillus spp. are protective against Shigella spp.–induced diarrhea. Bacterial diversity of gut microbiota was associated with diarrhea status, not high levels of the Shigella spp. ipaH gene.
shigellosis; Shigella; bacteria; polymicrobial infection; Escherichia coli; enteroinvasive E. coli; EIEC; Lactobacillus; rotavirus; viruses; co-occurring pathogens; enteropathogens; microbiota; ipaH gene; diarrhea; children; low-income countries
Anisakiasis in humans in South Korea has been considered to be caused exclusively by the larvae of Anisakis simplex sensu stricto and Pseudoterranova decipiens. Recently, however, DNA sequencing of larvae from 15 of 16 anisakiasis patients confirmed the cause to be Anisakis pegreffii infection. Molecular analysis should be performed for all extracted larvae.
Anisakis pegreffii; Anisakis simplex sensu stricto; anisakiasis; human; fish; Korea
Murine typhus case was initially identified in Reunion, France, in 2012 in a tourist. Our investigation confirmed 8 autochthonous cases that occurred during January 2011–January 2013 in Reunion. Murine typhus should be considered in local patients and in travelers returning from Reunion who have fevers of unknown origin.
Fleas; murine typhus; Reunion; rodents; bacteria; zoonoses; vector-borne infections; France
Orientia tsutsugamushi; bronchoalveolar lavage; acute respiratory distress syndrome; France; Laos; lung; scrub typhus
Co-circulation of H5N1 in poultry and humans during seasonal influenza epidemic periods signals the need for enhanced surveillance and biosafety measures.
Co-circulation of influenza A(H5N1) and seasonal influenza viruses among humans and animals could lead to co-infections, reassortment, and emergence of novel viruses with pandemic potential. We assessed the timing of subtype H5N1 outbreaks among poultry, human H5N1 cases, and human seasonal influenza in 8 countries that reported 97% of all human H5N1 cases and 90% of all poultry H5N1 outbreaks. In these countries, most outbreaks among poultry (7,001/11,331, 62%) and half of human cases (313/625, 50%) occurred during January–March. Human H5N1 cases occurred in 167 (45%) of 372 months during which outbreaks among poultry occurred, compared with 59 (10%) of 574 months that had no outbreaks among poultry. Human H5N1 cases also occurred in 59 (22%) of 267 months during seasonal influenza periods. To reduce risk for co-infection, surveillance and control of H5N1 should be enhanced during January–March, when H5N1 outbreaks typically occur and overlap with seasonal influenza virus circulation.
H5N1; poultry; human; seasonal influenza; global; influenza; viruses; outbreaks; surveillance; biosafety
In Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, we identified 38 hospitalized patients with Streptococcus suis infection during 2006–2012. Deafness developed in 12 patients; none died. Thirty-five reported recent exposure to pigs/pork. Annual incidence was 0.1–2.2 cases/100,000 population (0.2–3.2 in persons >20 years of age). Clinicians should consider S. suis infection in areas where pig exposure is common.
Streptococcus suis; meningitis; sepsis; Thailand; bacteria; zoonoses
Effective distribution of these drugs will reduce illness and death in underinsured populations.
We provide a data-driven method for optimizing pharmacy-based distribution of antiviral drugs during an influenza pandemic in terms of overall access for a target population and apply it to the state of Texas, USA. We found that during the 2009 influenza pandemic, the Texas Department of State Health Services achieved an estimated statewide access of 88% (proportion of population willing to travel to the nearest dispensing point). However, access reached only 34.5% of US postal code (ZIP code) areas containing <1,000 underinsured persons. Optimized distribution networks increased expected access to 91% overall and 60% in hard-to-reach regions, and 2 or 3 major pharmacy chains achieved near maximal coverage in well-populated areas. Independent pharmacies were essential for reaching ZIP code areas containing <1,000 underinsured persons. This model was developed during a collaboration between academic researchers and public health officials and is available as a decision support tool for Texas Department of State Health Services at a Web-based interface.
antiviral drugs; influenza; influenza virus; viruses; 2009 pandemic; influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus; pandemic influenza; optimization; control; pharmacies; pharmacy-based drug distribution; underinsured populations; ZIP codes; Texas
After a dengue outbreak in Key West, Florida, during 2009–2010, authorities, considered conducting the first US release of male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes genetically modified to prevent reproduction. Despite outreach and media attention, only half of the community was aware of the proposal; half of those were supportive. Novel public health strategies require community engagement.
dengue; Aedes aegypti; OX513A; mosquitoes; dengue; viruses; genetically modified; sterile; awareness; support; Key West; Florida
US military; meningococcal disease; vaccine; bacteria
Melioidosis is a severe disease that can be difficult to diagnose because of its diverse clinical manifestations and a lack of adequate diagnostic capabilities for suspected cases. There is broad interest in improving detection and diagnosis of this disease not only in melioidosis-endemic regions but also outside these regions because melioidosis may be underreported and poses a potential bioterrorism challenge for public health authorities. Therefore, a workshop of academic, government, and private sector personnel from around the world was convened to discuss the current state of melioidosis diagnostics, diagnostic needs, and future directions.
melioidosis; Burkholderia pseudomallei; diagnosis; bacteria
We report the identification of a nymphal nostril tick (Amblyomma sp.) from a national park visitor in Gabon and subsequent molecular detection and characterization of tickborne bacteria. Our findings provide evidence of a potentially new Rickettsia sp. circulating in Africa and indicate that tick bites may pose a risk to persons visiting parks in the region.
Amblyomma sp.; Rickettsia; Candidatus Rickettsia davousti; nostril tick; tick; Gabon; Africa; bacteria; Africa; novel; tickborne diseases; Candidatus Rickettsia species

domain: biology


LEENY series are used in the production of PET water bottles, hot filling bottles, carbonated beverage bottles, edible oil bottles, and pesticide bottles.LEENY series linear bottle blowing machine stretches preforms by using a servo motor-controlled stretch rod. The advantage is that it can be stretched in sections,and positioning of the preform is at first in order to ensure the verticality of the preforms during stretching, then secondary stretching.Ensure the uniformity and consistency of each preform stretching.At the same time,bottle blowing machine has a fast stretching speed and precise position.
|TYPE||ITEM||U N I T||LEENY-BL2000-6-S|
|Number of cavity||cavities||6|
|Max container volume||L||2.0|
|Max.neck outer diameter||mm||18-38|
|ELECTRICAL SYSTEM||Number of Lamp||pcs||48|
|Actual electricity consuming||KW||35|
|AIR SYSTEM||Operating pressure||kg/cm2||7|
|Low pressure air consumption||Ltr/min||3000|
|High pressure air consumption||Ltr/min||4000-5000|
Zhejiang LEENY Technology Co., Ltd. is located in Huangyan Economic Development Zone, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province.
Add： Address: Shangnian Section of No.82 Sub-line, Huangyan Economic Development Zo


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In preparation for a Chinese Object Study Workshop hosted by the National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) in late August, I selected a sutra in the Freer and Sackler Library to illustrate the evolution in printing of Chinese books. The rolled sutra is Baoqieyin Dharani sutra (宝箧印陀罗尼经) and was printed in 975 CE, likely making it the oldest printed item in our library collections. It is 6.35 feet long and 1.2 feet wide and mounted on Xuan paper (rice paper). The sutra was originally stored in a brick in the Thunder Peak Pagoda in Hangzhou, China and was found in 1924 when the pagoda collapsed during a storm.
However, the sutra when it entered the library’s collection was in dire condition and urgently needed some conservation treatment to stabilize its condition and repair torn parts. NMAA’s East Asian paper conservator, Xiangmei Gu, voluntarily took on the task and did an excellent job to retore the sutra to its glory and made it possible to show it for the workshop.
The following series of pictures demonstrate the process of conservation carried out at NMAA’s Department of Scientific Research.
Weights were deployed for preparation:
Rod was reattached:
Tears were patched:
Damp towels and Gore-Tex were used in preparation for flattening:
Weights were applied again in the flattening process:
The scroll after treatment:
The library is grateful for Xiangmei Gu’s skillful conservation of this very important historical document. Without her work, this sutra in our collection would have remained on a shelf, too fragile to open.
It has been a long journey from the ruins of Hangzhou’s Buddhist pagoda to our library collection. The sutra’s journey to recovery from its devastated condition could only have been realized with the care of an expert whose training took many years.
Great! Basically it is kind of minor restoration. What surprised me is the old paste, should be around 300-years-old though the print is done 1000 years ago.

domain: library


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BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) – Crawfish sales are in full swing on this first Friday of the Lenten season despite the recent winter weather.
Customers spent time in L.A Boilers on Perkins Road, waiting to get their hands on pounds of crawfish.
“I buy crawfish as soon as they start showing up in November. I know today is a very busy day so I came early” said Joseph Germond.
Friday, business at the locally owned company was non stop.
“Once everyone gets off at 4 o’clock it’s like the flood gates open and they all pour in” said Dylan Lane, owner of L.A. Boilers on Perkins.
Although business is booming, the recent winter weather is causing a delay in product shipment.
“These traps are frozen now in the water, they can’t really get to them very well and those crawfish are going to go in the ground because it’s that’s cold. You know it keeps dropping into the 20s at night time and it’s — this freeze is probably going to affect us for about a week and half maybe two weeks” said Lane.
He said, he’s serving it, but hesitant.
“It’s unchartered water. We never knew what was going to happen, but keep our heads high and having faith, we’ve gotten through and it’s turned out really good” said Lane.
Despite the short delay, people are embracing the season. simply trying to get their hands on some of the best mudbugs in town.
“I know that we come here every day and we work as hard as we can to make sure every batch tastes good” said Lane.
“The service and the taste. They really know what they’re doing when they boil it” said Germond.

domain: news


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Sorghum originated in Africa thousands of years ago, and then spread through the Middle East and Asia via ancient trade routes, traveling to the Arabian Peninsula, India and China along the Silk Road. Today sorghum remains a staple food in India and Africa, yet it is still relatively unknown in many parts of the world.
This gluten free grain is an excellent source of dietary fiber and a wonderful way to include the health benefits of whole grains in a gluten free diet. Unlike some gluten free grains, the hearty, chewy texture of whole grain sorghum is very similar to wheat berries, making it an ideal addition to pilafs and cold salads. Replace the noodles or white rice in soups with sorghum for a more nutritious alternative.
Surprise and delight your friends and family by serving popped sorghum instead of popcorn at your next gathering. Sorghum is easy to pop in the microwave or on the stove top and makes a fun conversation piece for movie night.
Whole grain sweet white sorghum *Manufactured in a facility that also uses tree nuts, soy and corn

domain: agronomy


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China urges foreign banks to up lending
China is calling on HSBC, Standard Chartered, Citigroup and other big banks to increase their lending in the country.
The threat of loans going sour caused HSBC and Citi to rein in credit last month.
Foreign banks should 'increase their contribution' to China's economy and lend more to small firms, the Shanghai branch of China's banking regulator said.
Advances by foreign lenders in the city dropped in January.
Bite the bullet: Foreign banks such as HSBC have reined in cash recently
However, the regulator's calls could go unheeded. Local banks are given first chance to lend on state-backed infrastructure projects, leaving foreign rivals to shoulder more risk, said analyst Yang Qingli of Beijing-based bank BoCom.
'Nobody can afford to stay on the sidelines any more, even if it comes at the cost of lending to riskier companies. That's what's left for foreign banks now,' he added.
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Cities with populations above 100,000 in those regions grew most between 2000 and 2010, and 2010 and 2013, according to the bureau's report, which was released Wednesday.
The National Pest Management Association is recruiting qualified individuals interested in serving as the association’s next CEO.
Losses of managed honey bee colonies were 23.1 percent for the 2014-2015 winter but summer losses exceeded winter numbers for the first time, making annual losses for the year 42.1 percent, according to preliminary results of the annual survey conducted by the Bee Informed Partnership, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Apiary Inspectors of America.
Allergens from cats and cockroaches may have biochemical or physical properties that trigger antibodies targeting the optic nerve, according to a new sturdy.
According to research by Terminix, the worst whining about mosquitoes came from Goodland, a small town in the northwest corner of Kansas. Terminix searched through approximately 200 billion tweets posted in 2014 to determine which United States city is most pestered by mosquitoes.


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Posts from the "Latest News" category
Food Safety News: The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified key priorities to improve food safety in the next five years in South East Asia.
The Framework for Action on Food Safety in the WHO South-East Asia Region covers 2020 to 2025 and has guidance for authorities across the food chain and those involved in food safety emergencies, preparedness and response. Several countries are included. More here.
Read Article →
The Center for Produce Safety in the US has prepared key learnings summaries of its Annual Research Symposium, with five sessions held over June and July 2020.
The full set of Key Learnings from the CPS Research Symposium is here. The following text is drawn from the CPS Key Learnings:
During Session 1 held on June 23, 2020, the Symposium explored the use of computer-based modelling to help address two burning issues for the produce industry: understanding potential Listeria growth and persistence in whole produce commodities and the development of sampling strategies to support the validity of assumptions surrounding microbial testing needs and design of acceptable protocols (Key Learnings Session I).
In Session 2, the Symposium expanded the knowledge base on Listeria monocytogenes and its persistence and growth on specific commodities and fresh-cut products and examined novel methods to control Listeria growth on food contact surfaces (Key Learnings Session II).
In Session 3, the Research Symposium explored projects that took wholistic, systems approaches to solving challenges with pest intrusion into leafy greens fields, pathogen transference on co-managed farms and the impact of traits associated with concepts of soil health on pathogen persistence. It also examined Cyclospora presence in the irrigation canal systems in the Yuma, AZ production region (Key Learnings Session III).
Session 4 featured the use of genomics and metagenomics to address challenges in identifying new or revisited indicators and index testing-targets of human viral pathogens that may ultimately be used in the produce industry, the distribution and relatedness of Listeria species in the U.S., and the use of that information to better understand source-risk related to facilities and product, identification of competitors of Listeria monocytogenes that might control that organism in composts, and build our knowledge base of bacterial pathogen persistence and rates of genetic diversification in the Yuma and Salinas vegetable production regions (Key Learnings Session IV).
Session 5 featured research describing the “die-off” rates of human pathogens in agricultural water from three locations around the world, the persistence of pathogens in shade-house production environments, pathogen persistence in wash water systems and the potential roleof damaged cells to contaminate washed products, the efficacy of irrigation water sanitation and the potential role of sediments in canal systems as reservoirs of human pathogens (Key Learnings Session V).Read Article →
FIAL and AIFST are hosting a Food Safety Governance for Directors workshop on 15 September 2020.
The workshop, run via Zoom, is designed to provide a governance overview for Directors, Executives and senior management of food manufacturing and supply businesses based in Australia to support the production and sale of safe food both domestically and overseas.
The workshop will help directors to understand the importance of food safety governance, their responsibilities and role in assuring food safety performance. It will also discuss the tools to monitor and verify food safety system performance and the essentials of good food safety governance. More here.Read Article →
The Fresh Produce Safety Centre Australia & New Zealand (FPSC) today announced that ALDI has joined the FPSC as a Gold supporter.
The Chairman of the FPSC, Mr Michael Worthington, said: “We are thrilled to have ALDI join the FPSC and we warmly welcome them on board. Having ALDI as an FPSC supporter expands our industry engagement, particularly in the all-important fresh produce retail space. We now have support from a very high percentage of the retail sector, providing us with strong platform to ensure that food safety in fresh produce is paramount from the farm right through to the consumer.”
“The support that ALDI is providing the FPSC demonstrates that the industry values the work we are doing. It also demonstrates the high importance that the fresh produce industry places on food safety,” Mr Worthington said.
ALDI’s Quality Assurance Director, Mr Scott Tyler, said: “ALDI’s emphasis is on providing safe, high quality fresh produce. We see the value that the FPSC is providing to the whole industry in promoting and enhancing food safety. We also believe that the FPSC has an important role to play in increasing business emphasis on promoting a culture of food safety across the board – from mum and dad growers right through to the major retailers like ALDI.”
“We are looking forward to working with the team at the FPSC on a range of issues relating to fresh produce safety. What the FPSC is striving for aligns with our own ethos: safe fresh produce, 365 days a year,” added Scott.
ALDI Australia opened its first stores in January 2001 at Bankstown Airport and Marrickville, with a core range of 600 products supplied by 174 business partners. Today ALDI operates more than 550 stores in six states and territories, directly employing more than 13,000 people and working with Australian business partners each day. Since opening in 2001, ALDI has contributed an estimated $23 billion to Australia’s gross domestic product. Find more about ALDI here.
ALDI will be joining the Fresh Produce Safety Centre at the Gold supporter level.Read Article →
Deakin University: Australia’s food safety systems will be strengthened by the delivery of a new national implementation program to help track and trace food products from farm to fork in domestic and export markets.
The industry-led program, co-designed by Deakin University’s Centre for Supply Chain and Logistics (CSCL), includes an Australian-first Implementing Food Traceability Guide, plus product specific guides and industry demonstrations that will enable greater visibility along the entire food supply chain. More here.Read Article →
Sixteen projects will share $4 million in funding under round 1 of the Traceability Grants Program.
Agriculture Minister David Littleproud says the projects are sharing in the funding under the first round of the Australian Government’s $7 million Traceability Grants Program.
One of the projects involves the trial of technology to trace fresh produce through export supply chains, with the melon industry used as a pilot.Read Article →
A paper has been published on “â€‹Environmental Drivers for Persistence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella in Manure-Amended Soils: A Meta-Analysis” by Dao Tran and colleagues at the ARC Training Centre for Food Safety in the Fresh Produce Industry.
The paper, which appeared in the Journal of Food Protection in July, examines 42 primary research studies on pathogen persistence from manure-amended soils, and concludes that “Based on the significant variation observed among individual field studies, it is unlikely the risks associated with the use of manure amendments containing high levels of enteric bacterial pathogens (such as in raw manure) in soils may be solely managed by a uniform exclusion period. Management of the risks associated with the use of soils amended with raw manures is best achieved through risk-based approaches incorporating differences in climate, soil management, and initial levels of bacteria during application.”
While it is recommended that only certified composted organic amendments are used in the production of fresh produce, the message is clear: risk-based approaches taking into account local environmental factors must be used by growers for determining appropriate exclusion periods after using untreated manures. More here.Read Article →
Food Safety News: The source of a national Yersinia outbreak in recent weeks in Norway that affected 23 people is believed to have been salad with spinach or baby spinach.
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (Folkehelseinstituttet) said the Yersinia enterocolitica O3 outbreak was considered to be over.
Read Article →
Fresh Plaza: The consumption of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries has increased worldwide in recent years because these fruits are considered an important source of antioxidant compounds. Unfortunately, consumption of berries is associated with a risk of foodborne parasites, such as Cyclospora cayetanensis.
In the USA and Canada, many cyclosporiasis cases have been linked to consumption of berries, while at the farm level, the presence of this human pathogen in berries is directly associated with the presence of the parasite in soil. For these reasons, it is fundamental that producers monitor the presence of this pathogen on farms and packing facilities.
Conventionally, detection of C. cayetanensis in clinical and environmental samples is based on identification of oocysts by microscopy, following modified acid fast staining or by UV-light autofluorescence under ultraviolet, this technique is time-consuming, non-specific, and lacks sensitivity. To overcome these issues, food producing industry requires a molecular method able to detect a low oocyst concentration (40 – 1500 oocyst per gram) as found in food and environmental samples. More.Read Article →


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Tea and citrus could lower risk of ovarian cancer
Two cups of black tea a day could reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by 31 per cent, according to research by the University of East Anglia.
The research team studied the dietary habits of 171,940 women aged between 25 and 55 for more than 30 years. They found those women who consumed food and drink high in flavonols (which is found in red wine, apples, grapes and tea) and flavonones (found in citrus fruit and juice) were less likely to develop the disease.
Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women.
Professor Aedin Cassidy from the Department of Nutrition at UEA's Norwich Medical School, who led the research, said it was the "first large scale study looking into whether habitual intake of different flavonoids can reduce the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer." (Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common type.)
"In particular, just a couple of cups of black tea every day was associated with a 31 per cent reduction in risk," she said.
The results have been published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

domain: food


text: "In Faking Death, Penny Cousineau-Levine presents Canadian art photography since 1952 as a coherent body of work and articulates a provocative framework for its interpretation. Contrasting Canadian photography with American and European traditions, she shows that Canadian photographers are often preoccupied with a place that is 'elsewhere, ' a doubling and a duality that also occur in Canadian literature, film, and political life. Exploring the ambivalent preoccupations Canadian photographers have with death and dying, bondage, and entrapment, she argues that the forms of faked death in many of these works express a collective Canadian wish for a symbolic passage to national maturity." "Cousineau-Levine discusses the works of over 120 artists, providing a compelling introduction to one of Canada's most vibrant and internationally recognized artistic media. The book includes 16 colour reproductions and 150 duotones of photographs by artists such as Raymonde April, Genevieve Cadieux, Lynne Cohen, Donigan Cumming, Evergon, Janieta Eyre, Charles Gagnon, Thaddeus Holownia, Geoffrey James, Michel Lambeth, Ken Lum, Shelley Niro, Gabor Szilasi, Diana Thorneycroft, Jeff Wall, Ian Wallace, and Jin-me Yoon, making it an invaluable tool for curators, artists, teachers, students, and scholars."--Jacket.

domain: artistic


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domain: geography


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More than 90% of nursing home workers received their required COVID-19 vaccine doses following the implementation of a federal mandate, according to an estimate by the Office of Inspector General.
The OIG also found that 6% have been granted religious exemptions, with about 24% of religious exemptions in the nation’s Heartland.
The findings were released Monday in a new report analyzing the COVID-19 vaccination status of nursing home workers as of March 2022. The OIG used a sample size of 1,000 nursing home workers from across the U.S.
Data showed that 884 of the employees had received the required vaccine dose, with 506 of them receiving a booster dose. It also found that 78 had been granted a religious exemption from receiving the vaccine, 12 were partially vaccinated and three received medical exemptions. The remaining 23 had applied for an exemption that was currently in review or their vaccination status was not clearly documented.
The OIG based on the findings estimated that 91% of staff nationwide have been vaccinated, while 56% have received a booster dose. At the time the audit was conducted, nursing home staff had accounted for approximately 1.1 million confirmed cases and approximately 2,400 deaths
The report revealed that the percentage of nursing home staff who received the required vaccines varied among the Department of Health and Human Services’ 10 regions.
Specifically, the percentage of nursing home staff who received the required vaccine doses was lowest in the Midwest (Region 5) at 70% and the Heartland (Region 7) at 71%, while the highest percentage was found in the Northeast (Region 1) with 99%. Overall, four of the 10 regions had a percentage of 95% or higher.
The percentage of nursing home staff granted a religious exemption also varied across the 10 regions, from 1% to 24%. The percentage of workers with an exemption was below 10% in eight out of the 10 regions.
An OIG spokeswoman told McKnight’s Long-Term Care News that it does not have plans to “further assess religious exemptions granted for nursing home staff.”
The agency’s report comes after a May study found that the healthcare worker vaccine mandate boosted nursing home workers COVID-19 vaccination rates by 25%.

domain: medical


text:
The nail can be filed down and trimmed cautiously, either at home or by a podiatrist. If the infection is gentle and a lot localized then to treat toenail fungus a medical doctor may advise a medicated nail polish containing either Loceryl or Loprox. If the infection persists or carry on spreading then a physician may well prescribe an oral, systemic anti-fungal medication such as Sporanox or Lamisil. The treatment may possibly takes about 12 weeks. Both of these drugs have some incredibly damaging effects that could not be appropriate for some people.
Hay fever allergies, also recognized as respiratory allergies surprising affects of the kids in America. To ones surprise, hay fever allergies are seldom associated to hay or bring about a fever, nor does a virus induce hay fever allergies. With the staggering percentage of young children getting impacted by allergies, health-related understanding of how to treat hay fever and respiratory allergies remains restricted.
Read More – United Health Center Sanger Ca
Toenail fungus, also recognized by the term onychomycosis, is an ordinary condition that disfigures and even demolishes the toenail. The huge toe and the small toe are the nails that are most probably to be impacted by toenail fungus. This condition is triggered by any 1 of the numerous varieties of fungi that develop in moist and warm surroundings, particularly in the footwear. As they rise, they invade and feed on the protein that creates tough surface of the toenail.
One may notice stinking debris under the nail.
Toenail fungus turns to be a chronic condition, and if it is not aching, quite a few people today do not get treatment. Having said that, to treat toenail fungus, men and women with unrelieved illness like diabetes must see a doctor if they come to be aware of adjustments in their nails as it may be an indication of much more significant troubles. If the nail turn out to be really thick and it is tricky to wear shoes and 1 really feel discomfort though walking then one particular need to go to a medical doctor.
If your child has been diagnosed with respiratory allergies, there are pretty a couple of things you can do in your property to assist minimize the symptoms. Eliminating as a lot dust and pollen from inside the home can make a major distinction in the severity of allergy attacks. It is not just the dust you see in the air or on desktops that causes difficulty. There is also dust hiding in carpets, furnishings and bedding.
Read More – Woodhull Medical And Mental Health Center
Toenail fungus is unusual in youngsters, nevertheless, the chances becomes far more as one’s age increases. Around 48% of individuals in the United States have at least 1 toe impacted by the time they are 70 years of age The uncomfortable tight fitting shoes and layers of nail polish enhances the threat of growing toenail fungus. It can also spread person-to-particular person in public areas, such as locker rooms and showers. Possessing a chronic situation that have an effect on a circulation, such as diabetes or HIV also enhances your threat. The affected nail will turn out to be stained and will turn incredibly thick and overgrown. A single may notice stinking debris beneath the nail. The nail may disintegrate and in the end fall off totally, or it could turn out to be so thick that it is incredibly painful to wear footwear.
Every time these antibodies recognize the very same invading allergens histamine is released into the bloodstream causing irritating hay fever, respiratory allergies symptoms. There are two major forms of allergies: seasonal allergies (spring through fall) and perennial allergies (all-year lengthy). If a fungal infection turns into scratchy, it is sufficient to look for health-related therapy so that a physician will examine the toenail and may possibly take smaller samples. The nail can be scrutinized for fungi or some other infection beneath a microscope in the lab.
Planned Parenthood – South Austin Health Center Austin, Tx – Toenail fungus, also recognized by the term onychomycosis, is an ordinary situation that disfigures and even demolishes the toenail. The remedy may possibly requires about 12 weeks.


Air Options have been installing Air Conditioning systems and more complex HVAC systems in a range of premises for over 15+ years. In this time we have installed a number of solutions for multi-room premises and have earned a reputation for technical excellence with our installs.
We are committed to supplying only quality products and services and at competitive prices. In conjunction, Air Options aims to provide excellent one-to-one customer relations.
We maintain a stable turnover and liquidity allowing us to honour all product and contract warranties with the projects we cover ranging from a few hundred pounds up to many hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Wayne is both Company and Installations Director, taking a personal interest in all projects.
Justin is the lead Sales Engineer with many years experience in design, installation & commissioning.
With over 15+ years experience, our systems are always matched to the specific requriements of every individual premise. We take into account peak usage, area volume to be cooled, energy efficiency and more to ensure you get the perfect system for your particular premise.
We manage the whole installation from beginning to end, survey, design, installation, we will take care of it all. This leaves you and your company free to continue operating without the stress and hassle of helping to manage an installation
Air Options are experienced in a wide range of equipment brands, with each manufacturer having their specific benefits for certain applications. We are approved installers for both Daikin and Mitsubishi Air Conditioning and HVAC equipment, having met all their requirements in technical ability and service quality.
Once all of the works are complete we offer preventative maintenance agreements and full after sales support backed by up to 36 month warranties. Most importantly, all solutions are engineered to comply with building regulations and Health and Safety guidelines.
Multi-room Offices are one of the most common types of AC installation projects. Options are available for a set standard controller for all rooms or for each room to have it's own controls over temperature and other settings.
Even with individual room control, modern systems can run efficiently thanks to technology such as Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV), which optimises system performance based on load balance.
Restaurants and other similarly sized retail premises often have multi-room air conditioning requirements coupled with sometimes unique conditions such as high humidity from cooking or other on-site activities.
We're experienced in all kinds of system installations and can create bespoke designs to deal with almost any on-site extra-normal conditions.
Air Options are fully experienced in installing Air Conditioning systems into a wide array of premise types.
We are also fully accredited with relevant trade bodies and possess several third party accreditations as well as being manufacturer approved installers for several key brands.
These systems feature multiple internal wall, ceiling or cassette units connected to one or several external condensing units. These systems allow the distribution of cooled or warmed air to multiple rooms via the relevant fan units.
These systems deliver warmed or cooled air via a discreet duct system. Inconspicuous grilled outlets are located at multiple locations through out a premise, allowing precise distribution of air evenly throughout.
VRV/VRF systems use refrigerant to cool or heat air via an external condensing unit. The condensor can use VRV/VRF technology to circulate refrigerant at varying speeds to individual evaporators and internal wall mount/cassette units. These systems allow for much greater efficiency, with energy savings of up to %50 over a unit not employing this technology.
If you feel you have unusual system requirements that we have not directly referenced, give us a call or contact us via our webform and we will be able to discuss your project and how we will likely be able to accomplish your project goals!
We're here to help and answer any questions you may have regarding the Installation, Maintenance & Servicing of any brand Air Conditioning or HVAC equipment. Call us today for an informal chat about your requirements.


Re-purposing your content is a great way to increase traffic and sales.
When you turn your blog post into a video and upload it on a platform like YouTube, you’re doubling the chances of it getting seen. When more people see your content, it means more traffic, and we all know what more traffic can possibly bring – SALES.
Also, it’s a well-known fact that video marketing is enormous and highly effective for any business. But, there are also possibilities that a lot of people can’t make good videos for a variety of reasons. Creativity and sometimes budget are two of them.
In those cases, converting your article into a video is a great way to jump into video marketing and get your feet wet. On top of that, it’s super easy and takes very minimal effort.
If that sounds interesting, then you’ll love these possible ways and resources to get the work done.
Converting Article to Video Manually
The first way is to do everything manually. You can open your screen recorder software and start recording your blog post content from start to finish, with a voiceover on top of it. Or you can copy the entire content and put it on different slides by using Microsoft PowerPoint and add some graphics, charts, tables, and other elements to spice it up.
Alternatively, what you can do is, pick the main and important points from your content and prepare a small script revolving around them. After that, you can add stock video footage or images using your favorite video editor. Finally, you’ll be adding the main points as text overlays on top of the video.
These manual methods can be effective to some point but take a great deal of effort and time.
Hiring a Freelancer
The second option is to hire a freelancer and let them do the work for you. This option is suitable for people who don’t have much time on their hands and want a quick solution. The effectiveness of this can be unpredictable because it’s challenging to identify whether the freelancer you’re going to hire will be good or not.
Also, it’s important to keep in mind that freelancers charge on a project basis. This means you’d have to keep paying for every single video. I believe that’ll make it quite of an expensive deal.
If you’d still like to go ahead, then Fiverr is a good place to start looking. Simply head over to their website and type something like “Blog post to video” or “Article to video”.
As you can see, you get a ton of options to choose from, starting at just $5.
Before purchasing any gig, be sure to look through the ratings and reviews to make sure the freelancer is good at their work. The good thing about Fiverr is, that even if you purchase a gig and you don’t like their work, then you can ask for revisions until you’re fully satisfied.
The last and final way is to use the below tools. I must say, this is my favorite and preferred way to convert blog posts into videos. In fact, it’s effective, cost-efficient, and a lot quicker. You don’t have to do much apart from uploading/pasting your blog post into their system.
These tools will identify the main points of the article and throw up a professional and brilliant-looking video for you to use anywhere you want.
I am not sure if this will be called the “lazy way,” but it’s undoubtedly the best option we have. You put in a lot less effort and possibly get a better-looking video than any other method out there.
Let’s have a look at the tools.
AI-powered video creation platform Synthesia lets you create videos from plain text. You can join thousands of global businesses that use this software to create videos in 120 languages. When you opt for this platform over the traditional complex video creation method, you can save up to 80% of your budget and time.
Synthesia is a web-based application that you can access from any web browser. Its intuitive interface does not come with a steep learning curve. Hence, even a beginner can easily use this tool for creating videos with closed captions.
Moreover, you can edit or update your Synthesia videos at any time. So, it is quite easy to incorporate any quick changes of managerial feedback into the videos. You can choose from its diverse range of 100+ AI avatars or create a custom avatar for your business.
Used by companies like Mitsubishi and The Economist, Lumen5 can help you create professional videos from your existing content. It has impressive AI technology that allows you to storyboard your ideas, add the best layout, and find the most suitable music to add to the video.
You can also add other elements like photos, video clips, audio, and various graphics. Integrating your own color, theme, and branding is just as easy as dragging and dropping. To make it stand out even more, you can access and use a ton of different fonts as well.
No matter if you want to create a video for YouTube or any social media platform, there are dimensions for every one of them.
InVideo offers a ton of options to choose from when it comes to conversion results. You can turn your articles into:
There are so many more options to choose from, so it’s worth looking at the entire list. You can create videos for any industry and in any dimension. Add music, stock video clips, and text overlays to make it your own.
Not to mention, you can choose from a wide range of templates and get past 50% of the work. Sign up and get started for absolutely free.
You can sit back and watch Rawshorts prepare your video in mere minutes. Once you put your article or any text into their system, the AI automatically scans it and finds the main points. After that, it searches for relevant media assets and places them on the video.
Just to put it out there, Rawshorts has over 300K royalty-free assets for you to use in your videos.
Very flexible and customizable, Rocketium allows you to not only convert your blog posts but also directly import video scripts from email, Slack, Trello, and other sources. Right off the bat, you get access to a humongous list of templates to choose from, which lets you further create videos for YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms.
Another fantastic feature is that Rocketium lets you import a bunch of articles altogether using RSS feeds or by simply pasting multiple URLs.
You can try it for free and start creating engaging videos in just a few minutes.
Videos need a lot of visuals, and Videvo is great for stock clips and b-roll for video content.
Converting articles into appealing videos is a great way to utilize video marketing and grow your reach. I hope the above tools will help you accomplish that with ease and hopefully save time and money in the process.
The great thing about most of these tools is that, with just one subscription, you can create as many videos as you want. Say goodbye to paying again and again for every video. 😉
Adnan is a BMS graduate and a senior writer for Geekflare who loves breaking down complex topics into easy-to-understand pieces. He has also written for sites like Sparkian and Techkle. Besides work, you can find him on the football turf or… read more
Social media platforms like Twitter help to connect and connect with other users. Jack Dorsey, Noah Glass, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams created Twitter on March 21, 2006. Since then, Twitter has become an essential platform for sharing news, updates, and ideas.


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From 1938 to 1969, crime novelist and detective Paul Temple and his Fleet Street journalist wife, Steve, solved case after case in one of BBC radio's most popular serials. They inhabit a sophisticated, well-dressed world of chilled cocktails and fast cars, where the women are chic and the men still wear cravats. And where Sir Graham Forbes of Scotland Yard always needs Paul's help with a tricky case.
Now Paul Temple returns in a brand new 8-part recording of a lost archive Paul Temple mystery, starring Crawford Logan and Gerda Stevenson.
©2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd; (P)2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd
A brand new mystery and I think it was an awesome one. The story line is great, thrilling until the end. The characters are all played with great emotions and are just inviting to follow their story! Like all the other Paul Temple stories I couldn't resist to listen to this mystery from beginning to end without interruption.
Very enjoyable mystery drama. A sophisticated English married couple, 1930s-1940s era going through murder and mayhem with calm and cool, and this was like a Hardy Boys book for adults. Lots of action, sinister characters, and plot twists (some very predictable). If you're looking for the "Nick and Nora" wit of "The Thin Man" you won't find it here, but it's still enjoyable. Note: the body count rivals any Rambo movie. But, it's a rollicking enjoyable mystery that almost outlives most of the characters, and the acting and production quality are very good. This was the first "Paul Temple" adventure I've heard and I did download another right after finishing this one. Great to listen to while gardening or hiking.
I selected this audible book for my introduction to Paul Temple.....and I was totally delighted till near the end when the mystery became so complex that I just couldn't enjoy it. There are at least four suspects and one of those four is an imposter. There is so much action near the end of the story that I finally had to accept that I just wasn't going to absorb it all. My rating is based upon my enjoyment up to the point where the resolution became hopelessly complicated for me. I suspect that a different Paul Temple selection may have worked beautifully for me......
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text:
Mendoza Accommodation, Booking, fees and special offers. Aparts,
Apartments and Cabins. Tourism in Mendoza, Traditional Tours. Mendoza restaurants
and wineries with wine tasting. Touristic information. Business directory.
Service Guide. Wine Guide. Wine Roads. Wineries tours with lunch. Tours: City tours, High Mountain,Tupungato, Tunuyan, San Carlos, Uco Valley, Cacheuta and Potrerillos.
Car rental, travel insurances, skiing, rafting, horseback riding. Maps, Routes and Distances. Geographically division of the province

domain: travel


Tabitha Soren is having her first solo exhibition of photographs “Running” at Kopeikin Gallery in Los Angeles (April 13-May 18, 2013). Although the press release makes a point not to mention her earlier career as a MTV NJ (news journalist, did I just make that up?), the photographer is one and the same, albeit now a full-fledged adult–no doubt even more astute than the ambitious young woman who used to interview Tupac, most memorably just after he was released from prison in 1995.
In the “Running” series, Soren creates and captures staged moments of people struggling to escape (or arrive). At first glance, the images appear cliché. A man running along a train track as if being chased. A pregnant woman (her naked belly exposed) striding in or out of an evangelical looking church. A young bride outside a seedy motel. But then the images provoke questions. Is the bride running or skipping? Is the businessman fleeing the building panicked or about to jump for joy? Soren has clearly considered the difference between escaping from one’s past and arriving at the next destination in life. She knows a bit about transitions.


text:
Thank You Scientist - Cream Day Jingle mp3 album
Swarm (8 - Bit Version). by Thank You Scientist. supported by. Stephen Faust. released June 13, 2019 Original song by Thank You Scientist All instruments programmed by Joe Fadem. The Perils of Time Travel. Contact Thank You Scientist. Streaming and Download help. If you like Thank You Scientist, you may also like: Isles EP by Sithu Aye. supported by 6 fans who also own Swarm (8-Bit Version). Brilliant follow up to Sithu's debut album. Really unique fender tones on this one along with some of his best riffs to date. Senpai EP「先輩EP」 by Sithu Aye. supported by 5 fans who also own Swarm (8-Bit Version). Opening title sequence of an anime caydesith.
Thank You Scientist - Discography Thank You Scientist - 2011 - The Perils of Time Travel (EP) 01. Grin. Thank You Scientist - 2012 - Maps of Non-Existent Places.
Artist: Thank You Scientist Duration: 05:32 File type: mp3. Play Pause Download. other tracks: Thank You Scientist. play) (pause) (download) (fb) (vk) (tw). thank you scientist Feed the Horses. Thank You Scientist Cream Day Jingle.
lbum, Stranger Heads Prevail, and who are we to disagree? This is gonna be a special show. Grab your ticket now: arctangent. Thank You Scientist is thinking about Formal Night.
rock Jazz Progressive Progressive rock jazz fusion. Hoping to remove the stigma New Jersey has garnered through certain unmentionable television programs, Thank You Scientist is a seven piece experimental rock group that features no spray tans or blowouts. The band has been captivating live audiences throughout New Jersey and New York with their "face-melting" live performances.
Sanchez says of the band, Thank You Scientist is a rare band that stretches the boundaries of the listener’s expectation. Their compositions are a tornado of complexity and style that compel the audience to stay present for every note. Following the breakout success of their debut label album, Maps Of Non-Existent Places, the band set to follow one simple but resolute goal: no expectations. Constantly writing and with an intense rehearsal schedule, the band began crafting Stranger Heads Prevail together in late 2014 under the watchful ear of guitarist/primary songwriter Tom Monda.
Album Maps of Non-Existent Places. Waiting for someone to show me But I won't hold my breath Nothing left No control Only pictures of someone I used to know And I gave it all away and I can't take it back Here I am, tornado. Every perfect day yet to come I would sacrifice for one One more moment with you I don't want to waste another day Won't you come in from the rain Because you could be the most beautiful thing to me. You're worried now with this hurt in your hand So strange here, I don't know the meaning.
Thank You Scientist is a prog rock band from Montclair, NJ, signed to Evil Ink Records (owned by Claudio Sanchez from Coheed And Cambria). This is the follow up to the band's debut studio album, Maps Of Non-Existent Places, which was named 'Album Of The Week' by Revolver Magazine back in October 2014. Double LP in gatefold jacket on green vinyl, includes download card. This album was my introduction to Thank You Scientist, and I've since worked my way backwards through their albums after this amazing discovery. How to categorize them? Progressive Rock is not quite right, as it's not exactly "Rock".
|1||Cream Day Jingle||2:31|

domain: entertainment


text:
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Posted Jan 15 2013 6:23am
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domain: design


text:
In the U.S.? Get iPhone & iPad cases for Christmas w/ standard shipping through Dec 9th
Currently unavailable for purchase
acrylic 20″ × 24″ on board
love this retro architectural feel
I love architectural renderings and this one has a great composition & look…
Absolutely love this!
This is cool. Congrats on being featured on the main page of Redbubble!!
very nice. I would love to do this for my course but i dont haven enough time to
Very cool. Love the modernist clouds!
Thank you very much for your commentsI hope you enjoyed my drawings as those are the last freehand before using the computer era of CAD.
Congratulations on the redbubble Homepage ‘featured art’ feature! Ü
Cary M. thank you for your comments, your work is outstanding.


Shock over fatal arrow attack on kitten
A vet has been left traumatised and a family distraught after a home-made arrow proved fatal for a pet kitten which was shot in its own backyard in Mount Gambier.
Police are searching for the offender of the "inhumane" act, which resulted in a six-month-old kitten being euthanased after an arrow was left embedded in its rear hip.
Limestone Coast Superintendent, Trevor Twilley, says police were just as shocked as the owner and wider community.
"There's just no excuse whatsoever for somebody in our community to resort to that kind of behaviour.
"It does question the mentality of a person who would do this, certainly some thought has gone into making the arrow head," he said.
The long bow was kitted-out with five barbed probes on its tip.
Owner of the kitten, Brad Allen, who has a number of animals in his enclosed backyard, went outside after hearing some noise.
"We were inside and we just heard a bit of a commotion outside so we went out to investigate.
"We saw the other animals but one was missing, then we eventually found him hiding with an arrow sticking out of it.
"The kids are upset, it's a pretty low act with no reason for it," he said.
The incident has been reported to the RSPCA.
SA Police encourage anyone with information to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
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- Taxidermy: the dying art giving new life
- Leopard shark shocks scientists by switching from mating to asexual reproduction
- Giant Indian conglomerate Adani has a complex network of companies ultimately owned in the Cayman Islands
- The Tors Drive-In Cinema is still going strong
- Growcom's Pat Hannan says a 'few bad apples' are continuing to tarnish the reputation of fruit and vegetable growers, despite most doing the right thi
- Defence Minister Marise Payne and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce say defence plans to compulsorily acquire land in Queensland have been scrapped;
- Scientists conducting triage on the world's coral reefs
- Calls for the federal government to be proactive on backpacker tax
- Heywire winner Mikayla Mayoh


text:
DLA Piper advises ABN AMRO on future plans
DLA Piper has advised the Central Works Council of ABN AMRO on employee consultation and corporate governance in the future plans of the Ministry of Finance.
The shares in ABN AMRO are currently held by NL Financial Investments, which has publicly advised regarding a potential stock listing in the future.
Attached to the advice are letters from the board of ABN AMRO and the Central Works Council of ABN AMRO. In its letter, the Central Works Council supports the opinion of the board regarding corporate protectionary measures. In addition, it has suggested that a workers participation plan will be installed.
The DLA Piper team that advises the Central Works Council of ABN AMRO consists of Marnix Holtzer, Frans Stibbe, Aston Goad, Philip Jonker and Nicoline Evers.
News from DLA Piper
News from The Lawyer
Briefings from DLA Piper
DLA Piper’s privacy experts have compiled a list of dos and don’ts for addressing privacy compliance in M&A transactions.
On 22 July 2014, a new law amending the Law on Data Protection and Law on Information was signed off by the Russian president and thus was officially adopted.
Analysis from The Lawyer
Shearman & Sterling is making its presence felt in the City, squaring up to magic circle firms and looking to muscle in on key relationships. Private equity house Bridgepoint is one outfit that has had its head turned by the US firm.
A new breed of lawyer is smoothing the path for companies entering emerging or unstable jurisdictions


text:
11/10/2009 Morning Workshop Agenda
|BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS|
Morning Work Session Agenda
November 10, 2009
County Commissioners Meeting Room
Klickitat County Courthouse
205 S. Columbus Avenue, Goldendale, Washington
10:00 AM DEPARTMENT UPDATE/COMMENT:
Public Works Director/County Engineer Gordon Kelsey: Public Works/Road Department Update.
11:00 AM ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORT:
Auditor Brenda Sorensen: Department Update.
12:00 PM NOON LUNCHEON
11/10/2009 Regular Meeting Agenda
|BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS|
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
BEGINNING AT 1:00 PM
November 10, 2009
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING ROOM
KLICKITAT COUNTY COURTHOUSE
205 S. COLUMBUS AVENUE, GOLDENDALE, WASHINGTON
I. Call To Order/Roll Call
II. Approval Of Business Agenda
III. Approval Of Commissioner Meeting Minutes:
Approval of Commissioner Meeting minutes as may be presented.
IV. Citizen Comments:
Comments Will Be Limited To Seven (7) Minutes Per Individual.
V. (1:30): Public Hearings/Public Meetings/Bid Openings:
VI. (1:30): Elected Official Report/Update:
Prosecuting Attorney Tim O’Neill: Pending issues update some of which may qualify for Executive Session in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1)( i).
VII. (1:45): Consent Agenda:
1) Interagency Agreement IAA10175 between Klickitat County (Juvenile Court) and the State of Washington Administrative Office of the Courts for the purpose of amending the maximum reimbursement for costs from $31,195.00 to $30,101.00 for a maximum of $15,050.00 in state fiscal year 2010 and $15,050.00 in state fiscal year 2011.
2) County Data Security & Use of State Resources Agreement between the State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Division of Child Support and Klickitat County (Prosecuting Attorney) for the purpose of updating requirements and standards for data security and use of state resources.
3) Scheduling a public meeting to be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 1:30 PM to consider final approval of a lot line adjustment between Lots 229, 232 & 233, Fruit Home Colony: Applicant: Darold Ward.
4) Local Agency Federal Aid Project Prospectus between Klickitat County (Public Works Department) and the Washington State Department of Transportation for the purpose of providing $200,000.00 in Federal funds for Klickitat County Low-Cost Run-Off Road Safety improvements Project, CRP 297.
5) Local Agency Agreement between Klickitat County (Public Works Department) and the Washington State Department of Transportation for the purpose of obligating construction funding in the amount of $200,000.00 for the Klickitat County Low-Cost Run-Off-Road Safety Improvements Project, CRP 297.
6) Resolution to improve various County Roads by upgrading warning signs and installing additional flexible guideposts through the Klickitat County Low-Cost Run-Off-Road Safety Improvement Project 297, Road Program No. 2009-26 and appropriating Federal funds in the amount of $200,000.
7) Resolution in the matter of reauthorization granting authority to the Public Works Director and the Public Works Finance Manager to request, in writing, that the County Treasurer make investments on behalf of various funds within the Public Works Department and that the authorizing resolution granting this authority shall be renewed annually prior to December 31st of each year.
8) Amendment SHSP 08 (F) to Interagency Contract (E09-168) between Klickitat County and Franklin County Emergency Management to de-obligate $10,000.00 from the current contract. Klickitat County Emergency Management will contract directly with the Washington State Military Department Emergency Management for $53,017.00 in equipment. The amendment reduces the training pass through to $0.00. The total contract amount for the SHSP 08 grant is now $48,000.00 with all other terms and conditions of the original contract remaining in full force and effect.
9) Resolution in the matter of appointing Keith Arndt of Dallesport, Washington as a member of the Klickitat County Board of Adjustment, filling Position No. 5, representing Commissioner District No. 2.
VIII. (1:50): Miscellaneous Reports/Comments:
IX. (1:50): New Business:
X. (1:50): Payment Approvals/Progress Payments/Change Orders:
Accounts Payable/Payroll Benefit Warrants
Road Project Payment Estimates/Change Orders
XI. (2:00): Unfinished Business:
Planning Director Curt Dreyer: Consideration of an ordinance in support of Board motion and decision on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 adopting the Planning Commission’s recommendation for amendments to Klickitat County Comprehensive Plan (Snowden/Burdoin Sub-Area Plan) and Zoning Map.
XII. (2:15): Board Pending:
Issues as determined by the Board of Commissioners
XIII. Motion to adjourn the regular meeting to 1:00 PM on Thursday, November 12, 2009 for scheduled workshops.
11/10/2009 Regular Meeting Extension/Workshop Agenda
|BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS|
November 12, 2009
1:00/2:00 Executive Session – Annual Performance Evaluation.
2:00/3:00 Glen Chipman, Administrative Services Director: 2010 Budget review and 2009-4 Supplemental.
3:00/3:45 Executive Session – Annual Performance Evaluation.

domain: law


text:
A lifelong resident of West Baton Rouge and longtime West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office reserve deputy was killed in a crash with an 18-wheeler on LA 415 around 6:15 Tuesday morning.
The crash claimed the life of 89-year-old Joseph Emerson Lacoste.
Lt. Ken Albarez said the crash occurred as the driver of a flatbed 18-wheeler pulled out of Cash's Truck Stop and Casino across all four lanes of traffic to go southbound and Lacoste, who was driving northbound, struck the side of the trailer. The investigation revealed Lacoste did not attempt to stop and likely never saw the truck due to low, early morning lighting.
The truck driver, Robert Lilley of Texas, was issued a citation for failure to yield when entering a highway from a private drive. Albarez said there was no sign of impairment and speed was not a factor in the crash.
Lacoste was a native of West Baton Rouge Parish with several successful local businesses and served as a reserve deputy with the West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Auxillary for more than 45 years.


text:
Furniture & Home Décor ArtistMinden, Ontario, Canada
Liette - @ liette.vanniekerk
Running a home-based business centered around crafting various handmade pieces, including painting, card making, and quilting, offers a unique and fulfilling entrepreneurial experience. Whether I am hand-painting stunning landscapes, designing heartfelt cards for special occasions, or expertly quilting cozy blankets, each piece is a testament to my craftsmanship and personal touch.
With the convenience of an online platform, I can reach customers worldwide, showcasing my creations. The joy of creating something beautiful with my own hands, coupled with the satisfaction of running a successful business, makes this home-based venture an enriching and rewarding endeavor.
Always Time to Craft
Hand-painting stunning landscapes | Designing heartfelt cards for special occasions | Expertly quilting cozy blankets | Each piece is a testament to a craftsmanship and a personal touch.


Who are the best players in the MLB? We polled nine MLB Network Radio hosts to find out. Take a look at the results:
Miguel Cabrera beat out Bryce Harper, Paul Goldschmidt and Mike Trout as “Best Hitter.” The Detroit Tigers first baseman and two-time American League MVP has a career .321 batting average and 408 home runs. He became the league’s first Triple Crown winner in 45 seasons in 2012, just the 17th player ever to complete that achievement.
— MLB (@MLB) December 28, 2015
Clayton Kershaw was voted “Best Pitcher: by a landslide over Zack Greinke and Jake Arrieta. The three-time Cy Young Award winner has a career record of 114-56, including an 88-33 record over the past five seasons of pure dominance. Kershaw, who also has a National League MVP award under his belt, became the first pitcher in MLB history to lead the league in ERA for four consecutive years from 2011 to 2014.
— MLB Memes (@MLBMeme) November 26, 2015
Andrelton Simmons dazzles at shortstop and was voted “Best Fielder,” beating out stiff competition in Manny Machado, Salvador Perez and Adeiny Hechavarria. Simmons is a two-time Gold Glove winner in his young four-year career. Simmons was traded by the Atlanta Braves over the offseason to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
— MLB (@MLB) November 24, 2015
San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy beat out Chicago Cubs’ Joe Maddon and Baltimore Orioles’ Buck Showalter as the league’s best manager. Bochy’s led the Giants to three out of the last six World Series titles. He was named NL Manager of the Year in 1996 when he was with the San Diego Padres.
Theo Epstein was voted “Best Executive” for his success with the Cubs this past season. Dave Dombrowski, Brian Sabean and John Mozeliak were also in the running. As President of Baseball Operations, Epstein put together a Cubs roster that won 97 games and earned the franchise’s first playoff berth since 2008. After smooth offseason moves like signing outfielder Jason Heyward and starting pitcher John Lackey, on paper the Cubs look like the best team in the National League.
Mike Trout was voted the league’s most exciting player, beating out Harper and Nolan Arenado by a wide margin. In four seasons in the majors, the Angels star has four All-Star appearances, four Silver Slugger awards and finished in the top two of AL MVP voting each year, winning the award in 2014. Trout’s combination of offensive acumen and defensive prowess makes him the most exciting young player in the MLB.
— MLB (@MLB) January 2, 2016
Keep it locked to MLB Network Radio for full coverage of the MLB offseason and Spring Training. MLB Network Radio is part of a comprehensive suite of sports channels on SiriusXM, including NFL Radio, Bleacher Report Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio and Mad Dog Sports Radio. For a full SiriusXM lineup, visit siriusxm.com/channellineup.
Interested in trying out SiriusXM? Visit siriusxm.com/freetrial.
Tags:Adeiny HechavarriaAndrelton SimmonsAtlanta BravesBryce HarperChicago CubsClayton KershawDetroit TigersLos Angeles Angels of AnaheimLos Angeles DodgersMLB Network Radio
Music, Sports, News and more
All in one place on the SiriusXM app


text:
Wanted: Objective (and gay) third party October 2, 2007Posted by Teen Atheist in anecdotes, friends, issues, rants.
Tags: affirmative action, atheism, debate, Fred, homosexuality, LGBT, religion
One of the reasons I’m glad I started this blog is that I learn so much from the people who comment here with advice and explanations for various things. So in this blog post, I’m going to actively ask for your opinions, this time regarding the topics of homosexuality, homophobia and affirmative action.
I often discover my greatest passions through embarrassing means. I’m an alt- and grunge-lover, but I only discovered these genres through watching Rock Star: INXS. I discovered Imogen Heap through Garden State. I’m a huge supporter of the LGBT cause, and while I have never hated or disliked gays, my PFLAG-esque passion stemmed from watching Queer as Folk (or as I like to call it, “gay porn”). Now, I don’t think the catalysts affect my sincerity, even though they’re a little tough to admit to.
In any case, I’m still a staunch defender of gay rights, despite the fact that I’m just a straight girl who likes watching pretty boys make out with each other on a soapy Showtime series. And I don’t espouse gay rights as my cause celebre because Brian/Justin was an abnormally hot, so-wrong-it’s-right couple, but because next to atheists, I think the LGBT community faces the most discrimination.
So it irked me considerably (read: I totally PO’d) when Fred* made a gay joke on his blog and then followed it up with this statement (paraphrased):
“I’m not a homophobe. The term ‘homophobe’ is pejorative. I’m not afraid of homosexuals, I just don’t like them. The politically correct word is ‘heteropreferential.'”
Granted, my rebuttal was a wee bit more hostile than it should have been, but I found that statement to be incredibly asinine, and I thus responded accordingly. To me, being a homophobe and calling yourself “heteropreferential” is like being a racist and calling yourself “[insert race here]-preferential.” And I don’t think intolerance should be sanitized. You’re free to disagree with me, readers; I’m probably biased in thinking that homophobes do not deserve a “politically correct” term. (Though if you called me “pro-abortion” rather than “pro-choice,” I wouldn’t stop you.)
Anyway, Fred doesn’t see himself as a homophobe. He “likes Freddie Mercury, even though he was gay.” I asked him if he didn’t like that Mercury was gay, and Fred said yes. I thought that sentiment was homophobic in itself. If I said I liked Jimi Hendrix “even though he was black,” as opposed to just liking Jimi Hendrix, period, would that not make me a racist?
I confronted Fred on his statements, and we got into a lengthy debate about it. Debates with Fred are tiresome because they always wind up circular. We just keep repeating the same things over and over again. It boiled down to this conclusion: Fred thinks he’s not a homophobe because he goes by the literal translation (“homophobia” = “fear of homosexuals”) while I think he is because I go by the dictionary definition (“homophobia” = “irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals”).
But Fred also disagrees that he’s a homophobe by dictionary definition because he feels that his dislike for gays isn’t unfounded. So, why does he dislike gay people?
Fred, verbatim: “Homosexuality is a choice.”
If I were as devoid of morals as people say atheists are, I would have punched him in the face right then.
Teen Atheist: “Please. If homosexuality were conditional, we’d probably have less Republican fags. Ahem, Larry Craig, ahem.”
Fred: “Touche. But those people were probably molested some time before, or something like that.”
TA: “Wouldn’t gay people — gay Christians and Republicans, anyway — rather be straight, to fit in? If it were a choice, why are there closeted gays?”
Fred: “Because they have shame, by society. And I don’t shame.”
TA: “Most closeted gays would rather be straight, I’m sure. If homosexuality were conditional, closeted gays would be a rare breed.”
Fred: “If homosexuality were genetic, how would that set of genes be more rampant now more than ever? After 40,000 years of eliminating those unable to reproduce?”
And you know, I didn’t have a good answer for that, but I argued that there are more openly gay people now because it was much harder to be out and proud in 1950. I’m not sure I can argue that homosexuality is hereditary, but I do believe it’s probably congenital, since a lot of gay people had known they were gay at an early age.
TA: “Assuming homosexuality is a choice, why do you dislike gays?”
Fred: “I believe that homosexual people have problems that they can’t deal with properly. One wouldn’t be homosexual naturally, but is turned into one by culture and issues, usually by trauma of some sort. Hence, I don’t like gay people because they are weak to succumb to making irrational choices.”
I would have argued that homosexuality’s contribution to humankind is population control, but Fred would have just chided me for being a heartless utilitarian (he did after I told him I was pro-death penalty, for the same reasons). I’m not saying that I’m not one, but the argument would be beside the point.
TA: “I’m atheist by choice. Am I weak of faith? Do you see me (as an atheist) the way you see gays? Because that reasoning is what my dad uses in explaining his dislike of my atheism.”
Fred: “No, your choice is not irrational. Rational = continues survival of human species. Homosexuality does nothing for humankind.”
TA: “So people who masturbate have a problem, too?”
Fred: “Yeah, they have lack of control, so I don’t like it if people do that.”
Which I think is stupid, but I didn’t bring that up with him. Fred’s the kind of guy who sees sex as a “loving, intimate act between husband and wife,” while I think more along the lines of “biological instinct.” Besides, self-denial is such a Catholic idea. (Fred considers himself an irreligious deist, by the way. And get this — he wants to stay Catholic to “promote tolerance.” Ha!)
Here’s a summary of the points made in our debate-that-went-nowhere:
Fred – Homosexuality is a choice. It’s impossible for the “gay gene” to be passed down because gay men can’t have sex with women. Homosexuality is the fault of the gay people themselves because they couldn’t overcome past traumatic experiences, and thus, gay people are weak.
TA – Homosexuality may or may not be congenital, but you can’t “un-gay” a person. Gay men are capable of having sex with women (there was an article in Out magazine about a closeted gay man who has a healthy sex life with his wife, though I can’t find the link right now). Gay people don’t deserve to be discriminated against, because there is nothing wrong with a dude boning a dude. Who’d they hurt in the process of fucking each other? Humankind? Bitch, please.
Now, the third topic: affirmative action.
Fred: “Are you gay?”
Fred: “Well, stop acting hero. I know gay people who don’t give a fuck.”
TA: “What, like white people shouldn’t help promote tolerance of other ethnicities? I’m anti-discrimination.”
Fred: “No, you’re doing an opposite form of discrimination. Most call it affirmative action.”
I didn’t know what affirmative action meant at the time, so I looked it up.
Affirmative action – The practice of giving better opportunities (jobs, education etc) to people who, it is thought, are treated unfairly (minorities, women etc).
From what I understand, affirmative action is like hiring a guy because he’s black and you feel bad for him. Which is totally not what I’m about, since I treat straight people and gay people equally. However, if you make an anti-gay slur and defend yourself with something as stupid as “I’m not homophobic, I’m heteropreferential,” then I think I have a right to call you out on your bullshit, regardless of whether or not I’m gay. “Stop acting hero” is such an idiotic argument — wouldn’t the black kids in Hairspray have had a tougher time fighting for their cause without characters like Tracy Turnblad and Corny Collins? And if nobody stood up to the racist/sexist/homophobic/fundamentalist/etc. idiots, then when would the discrimination end?
So that’s the story of the circular Fred/TA debate. Readers, I present to you the following questions:
- Is Fred a homophobe?
- Are you agreeable to the invention of a “politically correct” term for homophobia (e.g. “heteropreferential”)?
- Is homosexuality congenital or conditional?
- Would you call what I just did “affirmative action”?
- [Optional] If you’re wondering what’s up with the title of this post, I’m looking for a gay reader to help me debunk Fred’s theory that all gay people are gay because they’ve experienced something traumatic. So if you’re a gay person with a relatively happy and normal upbringing, please let me know you exist!
[ETA: Readers, you don’t have to be homosexual to answer these questions! :D]
I used to think Fred was a smart guy. I’ve come to realize that this is not the case — he’s not smart, he’s just articulate and verbose. (No offense, Fred, since you’re probably reading this, but I
think you’re an idiot really, really disagree with you. On a lot of things. You lost a good chunk of the respect I had for you at “Homosexuality is a choice.”)
But you and I, Freddy Boy, we’ve reached a compromise!
(Shamelessly stolen from Arcis Logos.)

domain: sociology


text:
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text:
“One year ago today, the state of Georgia executed Troy Anthony Davis for a crime many believe he did not commit. He was put to death on Sept. 21, 2011, despite major doubts about evidence used to convict him of killing police officer Mark MacPhail, including the recantation of seven of the nine non-police witnesses. As the world watched to see whether Davis’s final appeal for a stay of execution would be granted by the U.S. Supreme Court, Democracy Now! was the only news outlet to continuously broadcast live from the prison grounds in Jackson, Georgia. During our six-hour special report, we spoke with Davis’ supporters and family members who held an all-day vigil, then heard from those who witnessed his death by lethal injection at 11:08 p.m. [includes rush transcript]”
DemocracyNow.org – We speak with three people who joined us for our special live broadcast on the night Troy Davis was executed in Jackson, Georgia, including his sister, Kimberly Davis. “This is a tough time both for me and my family, but as my brother said, he always wanted us to continue the fight and to keep the faith, and that’s what we’ve been doing,” Kimberly Davis says. As Texas executed its eighth prisoner of the year on Thursday, Californians are set to vote this November on abolishing capital punishment. We discuss the legacy of Troy Davis and how his case has fueled the anti-death penalty movement with NAACP President Benjamin Jealous and Laura Moye of Amnesty International USA. “We know that Troy Davis was not the first person who had not killed anybody to be put to death in this country, and he won’t be the last,” Jealous says. Moye also gives us an update on the case of Missouri death-row prisoner Reggie Clemons, whom many are comparing to Troy Davis.
To watch the entire weekday independent news hour, read the transcript, download the podcast, search our vast archive, or to find more information about Democracy Now! and Amy Goodman, visit http://www.democracynow.org.


text:
The Girl Behind the Lens: Unabridged edition
When every word’s a lie, a picture is worth a thousand
A dark psychological thriller about the secrets that destroy us, perfect for fans of THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS and THE GIRLFRIEND.
Oliver Molloy never meant to hurt his wife. It was an accident, not his fault. A respected lawyer, he needs to make sure no one finds out the truth. But there’s someone watching him, waiting for him to slip up.
Photography student Joanna Lacey has always been close to her mother. But when Rachel Arnold turns up on her doorstep, Joanna’s world falls apart. The father she never knew has been found in the canal – a married man, now dead.
Joanna and Oliver’s paths cross when they meet at the funeral. Convinced everyone she loves is lying to her, Joanna turns to him for help. But Oliver is a far more dangerous liar than Joanna knows…
”'An absorbing psychological thriller … Oliver Malloy is one of the most skin-crawlingly creepy characters to appear in Irish Crime Fiction this year” - Declan Burke, Irish Times
”'For a debut novel, The Girl Behind the Lens is quite spectacular” - The London Economic


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