text:
Calls for second EU referendum gather steam as 'remain' voters scramble for hope
Published Tue, Jun 28 2016 9:22 AM EDT Updated Tue, Jul 26 2016 11:20 AM EDT
Katy Barnato@KatyBarnato
More support for anti-Brexit petitions
A controversial politician in the U.K.'s ruling Conservative Party has become the first senior government figure to hint at a second EU referendum vote, in what may prove a forlorn hope for disappointed "remain" voters.
The triumph of the "leave" vote in Thursday's referendum stunned global financial markets and many of the U.K. public, some of whom are clamoring for a chance to vote again.
A petition posted on the official U.K. government website calling for a second referendum has gained 3.9 million signatures and is under consideration for a debate in parliament, although outgoing U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron has ruled out the possibility of another vote on Brexit.
However, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt raised the possibility of another vote to endorse the terms of the U.K.'s exit from the EU on Tuesday, in a television interview in which he strongly hinted he would run to succeed Cameron as prime minister.
"I don't think it needs to be another referendum, but there needs to be some democratic endorsement of the terms in which we leave," Hunt, who supported "remain," told ITV's "Good Morning Britain" program.
"We have had nine general elections since we joined the EU and this is such a big thing that I think the terms on which we leave the EU also need to have the support of the British people and I also think that is the way we will get a better deal from our European partners," he later added.
A 'vote remain' supporter walks past a 'vote leave' supporter outside Downing Street, London.
Kevin Coombs | Reuters
Polls pointed to a victory for "remain" in the run-up to Thursday's vote, but "leave" won a narrow victory with 51.9 percent of votes in the U.K., where the public has long been skeptical of membership.
Amid the financial market and political fallout — including a Conservatives leadership contest and a "vote of no confidence" in the leader of the opposition Labour Party — some "remain" voters are finding the results hard to swallow. There is speculation the U.K. might yet squeeze concessions from the EU that would make membership more palatable to the British public — despite officials in Brussels pushing for the U.K. to head quickly to the exit. This hope is based partially on the assumption the EU will be desperate to prevent other countries clamoring for the own referendums on membership.
So far, only Poland, a newer EU member that like the U.K. is critical of calls for "ever-closer union," has signaled openness to a second U.K. referendum.
"Our idea for today...foresees efforts aimed at making Britain return, including a second referendum," Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the leader of Poland's ruling party, said on Monday, according to media reports.
Kaczynski added that Brexit would be "very bad" and the EU would need to "radically change" for the U.K. to remain.
Both Boris Johnson — the Conservative Party's highest-profile "leave" campaigner and leading candidate to become next prime minister — and Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne have said they do not want the U.K. to rush to exit. Some speculate Johnson may hope to squeeze concessions from Brussels that would warrant a second referendum that would this time be won by "remain."
"We could yet see a second re-negotiation, followed by a second referendum in which Prime Minister Johnson successfully campaigns for 'remain,' having achieved his primary goal by becoming prime minister," James Strong, a fellow in foreign policy analysis, said in a blog posted on the London School of Economics and Political Science website on Friday.
Referendums — followed by second referendums — on EU treaties have precedent in other member countries and the public appear more willing to vote "yes" in subsequent rounds of voting.
Irish referendums on the constitutional basis of the EU in 2001 and the bloc's expansion in 2008 were first rejected by the electorate before being approved in second referendums. Similarly, Denmark originally voted to reject the Maastricht Treaty on greater EU integration in 1992, before accepting it in a later referendum.
Meanwhile, the U.K. public has something else to ponder — a prime ministerial bid by Hunt, who has become a hate figure for junior doctors amid a long-running battle over pay and working conditions. Nominations for the new leader close on Thursday lunchtime.
Odds from U.K. betting firms on Hunt succeeding Cameron stand at only 50/1 — but they proved wrong on the referendum.
"I am not going to deny it (that I may run for prime minister) … I am seriously considering it," he told ITV on Tuesday.
Follow CNBC International on and Facebook.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
» Posts tagged 'Accident'
Boy, 5, dies after fatal collision at Knaphill
A FIVE-year-old boy has died while riding his bike in Knaphill on Tuesday afternoon.
"Officers were called to Limecroft Road at 4.10pm after a collision between a five-year-old boy on a bicycle and a van, which stopped at the scene," said a Surrey Police spokesman.
Police vehicles block the junction of Limecroft Road with Chobham Road
Air ambulance medics helped ambulance crews give treatment at the scene before the young boy was rushed to hospital.
"The boy, who was from the local area, did not survive his injuries and was pronounced deceased in hospital," said the police spokesman. "His next of kin were present."
Floral tributes have been left at Limecroft Road, with messages of shock and condolence at the awful news filling social media.
Knaphill Lower School confirmed the boy was one of their Reception class pupils, and put out a message to all parents.
"As a school community, I am sure that you will wish to join me, and my staff in offering our deepest condolences and sympathy to the family," said Joanna Concannon, federation headteacher.
"With guidance from educational psychologists, we have now spoken to all pupils and staff in school. We will continue to support the children throughout this difficult time, however if you do have a specific concern about your child, please do not hesitate to contact us."
South East Coast Ambulance Service sent an ambulance and two paramedic cars to the incident, which was attended by 12 police cars.
Limecroft Road was cordoned off at both ends and closed to traffic for some time while police officers carried out an investigation.
Officers are appealing for anyone with any information about the incident, including dashcam footage from the road, to get in touch immediately on 101 and quote the reference number PR/P19068580 or contact online via https://www.surrey.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/.
OAP run over by mobility scooter
A WOMAN in her 80s was ran over by a mobility scooter, which knocked her to the pavement and then landed on top of her near Woking town centre.
Passers-by, including motorists, ran to the aid of Gloria Barber, freeing her and taking her to the nearby NHS walk-in centre.
Mrs Barber, 85, told the News & Mail that she was getting on to the pavement after crossing the road near the police station when she was hit in the back by the vehicle.
"I had quite a heavy shopping trolley and was manoeuvring it on to the pavement when I felt a 'whoosh' in my back and I went down. Then the buggy was on my feet and legs," she said.
Passers-by lifted the buggy off Mrs Barber's legs and a couple who had been driving nearby took her to the walk-in centre.
"Both legs have tissue damage and swelling. They X-rayed my feet and couldn't see a break and sent me home," Mrs Barber said.
"I am gradually recovering; the swelling is going down."
Mrs Barber is expected to make a full recovery and is resting at home.
For more on this story get the 14 March edition of the News & Mail


text:
The Very Reverend Christopher Campling, liberal-minded Dean of Ripon – obituary
As chairman of the Open Synod Group he promoted the ordination of women to the priesthood and the remarriage in church of divorcees
By Telegraph Obituaries 12 January 2021 • 3:45pm
Christopher Campling
The Very Reverend Christopher Campling, who has died aged 95, was Dean of Ripon from 1984 to 1995 and before that spent eight years as Archdeacon of Dudley and Director of Religious Education in the diocese of Worcester.
He was ideally suited to the leadership of one of the smaller cathedrals with strong local responsibilities, since he had also spent eight years as Vicar of Pershore Abbey and earlier, as a public school chaplain, had learned how to relate effectively to a demanding community.
He belonged to the liberal wing of his church, was keen on ecumenism and strongly supported both the ordination of women to the priesthood and the re-marriage in church of divorcees.
During the late 1980s he was chairman of the Open Synod Group, which sought to promote these and other liberal causes in the General Synod, but its influence was limited.
Christopher Russell Campling was born in Australia on July 4 1925, his English father being the principal of an Anglican theological college in Brisbane. He was sent to England to be educated at Lancing College and the family soon followed, with his father becoming Rector of Charlton in South London.
This coincided with the wartime bombing, and it was while young Christopher was on holiday from Lancing that the Rectory was hit. He always kept the sofa which had protected him from harm.
He went straight from school into the Royal Navy, trained as a coder and, after a spell in Alexandria on a ship of the Royal Greek Navy, was commissioned as a cipher officer. He then served on the battleships Nelson and Howe in the Far East as the war was ending, and on demobilisation went to St Edmund's Hall, Oxford to read Theology.
Christopher Campling and his wife Juliet
Having completed his training for Holy Orders at Cuddesdon Theological College, Campling became a curate at Basingstoke in 1951. This was in the early days of the creation of what became a new town and towards the end of his time there he was responsible for a wooden church on one of the new estates.
He then spent the years 1955-60 as chaplain, then as housemaster at King's School, Ely, combining these posts with that of a Minor Canon of Ely Cathedral. Thus began a long involvement in religious education.
In 1960 he returned to Lancing as chaplain, also to teach Divinity and some English, and it was while he was there that he wrote The Way, The Truth, and The Life, a four-volume Divinity course for use in schools.
But all ended sadly in 1967 when a conflict arose between himself and a much older, longer-serving, conservative assistant chaplain, the Reverend Henry Thorold, over proposals to change the form of Sunday morning worship in the school chapel. The Headmaster solved the problem by asking both to leave.
Campling then became Vicar of Pershore, Pinvin, Wick and Birlingham in Worcestershire. He much enjoyed the life of the Abbey, devised an extensive festival to celebrate its millennium in 1972 and initiated educational work among all ages in the four parishes. A small, little-used church in Pershore was turned into a parish centre. He became Rural Dean in 1970 and two years later an Honorary Canon of Worcester Cathedral.
In 1976 he was appointed Archdeacon of Dudley and Director of Religious Education for Worcester diocese, as well as Vicar of Dodderhill in Droitwich. This was a heavy combination of tasks, since the uniting of parishes required much time and diplomacy and the church schools became involved in a controversial re-organisation.
As the 1980s advanced Campling's health began to show signs of stress, and when he was appointed Dean of Ripon in 1984 his previous responsibilities were divided. He served on the General Synod from its inauguration in 1970 until 1995 and was chairman of the Council for the Care of Churches from 1988 to 1994.
Much of his time at Ripon was, of necessity, devoted to the cathedral building itself. Some years of neglect required the raising of £1.5 million for essential restoration work. Opportunity was taken to refurbish the library, install a treasury and a new, westward-facing altar, with appropriate choir stalls.
Campling, himself a keen musician and a modest composer, ensured that the standard of music was raised to a high level, and the appointment of a full-time Chapter Clerk brought efficiency to the administration.
Besides his religious education books, he compiled two volumes of readings to supplement the appointed Lessons at church services and wrote his memoirs, I was Glad (2005).
He married, in 1953, Juliet Hughes, with whom he had two daughters and a son.
The Very Reverend Christopher Campling, born July 4 1925, died December 9 2020
Church of England,
The Telegraph values your comments but kindly requests all posts are on topic, constructive and respectful. Please review our commenting policy.
You need to be a subscriber to join the conversation. Find out more here.
More from Obituaries
Dame Margaret Booth, judge who made lasting contributions to divorce and family law – obituary
By Telegraph Obituaries 20 Jan 2021, 4:29pm
Theresa Stewart, controversial 'Loony Left' leader of Birmingham city council – obituary
By Telegraph Obituaries 20 Jan 2021, 12:13pm
Maurice Setters, Manchester United defender and right-hand man to Jack Charlton in Ireland – obituary
By Telegraph Obituaries 20 Jan 2021, 10:00am
Sir Robert Cohan, brought modern dance to British audiences – obituary
Group Captain Derek Rake, Spitfire pilot shot down over Yugoslavia and rescued by partisans – obituary
John Fitzpatrick, Manchester United stalwart of the 1960s and 1970s – obituary
See all Opinion
Telegraph View


text:
Damian Lillard's College Coach Says He Predicted Iconic Game-Winner
By Kyle Recca On 25 April 2019
Damian Lillard was the talk of the NBA on Tuesday night when he hit a 37-foot shot at the buzzer against the Oklahoma City Thunder to knock them out of the playoffs. The Trail Blazers were dominant in the series thanks to Lillard, who scored 50 points in the deciding game 5. Lillard has been receiving a ton of praise with some pundits even making the claim that he might be the best point guard in the league. One of the people who always knew Lillard is an elite player was his college coach from Weber State, Randy Rahe.
Rahe spoke to TMZ today about Lillard's game-winning shot and even went so far as to say that he predicted what was going to happen before he went for the basket.
"As he's coming down and sizing up George, my wife says, 'He needs to drive it!'" Rahe explained. "And I said, 'Nope. He ain't doing that. He's going to let one go.' When it went in, it was absolutely the most fitting ending for a performance like that that you could possibly have."
Rahe got to coach Lillard between 2008 and 2012 and explained that he always knew the point guard would be great, although he was still surprised by his 50-point performance.
Anthony Davis Says He Has "No Control" Over What Clothes He Wears
iHeartRadio Podcast Awards to Return in January
Guns N' Roses Settles Trademark Dispute With 'Guns 'N' Rosé' Craft Beer
Lil Wayne Brings GKUA Ultra Premium Cannabis Strain to Oklahoma


text:
Bloggers' Favorite Books of 2006
No Comments on Bloggers' Favorite Books of 2006
I'm delighted to announce that it's time, once again, for the annual Newley.com Bloggers' Favorite Books survey.
For the fourth year running, I asked some of my favorite bloggers to tell me about their favorite books of the year.
Respondents weren't limited to titles published in 2006, but were free to pick any book they discovered during the last 12 months that they found particularly compelling.
Blogger: Mark Frauenfelder
Blog: Boing Boing
Mark writes:
Babbitt, by Sinclair Lewis (1992, available for free on Project Gutenberg)
George Babbitt is a successful real estate agent in the city of Zenith (a mythical midwestern burg). He has plenty of friends and belongs to clubs and organizations of like-minded men. On the outside he is jolly and gregarious. But in his dreams and quiet moments, he realizes his life didn't go they way he wanted it. When he decides to change, just a little, the community responds like a kicked nest of hornets. What will he do, and how will he live with his decision?
Blogger: Dana
Blog: (the late, great) #1 Hit Song
Dana writes:
So. OK, I read a number of highly acclaimed books this year, but I want to endorse three books that might not have gotten much attention, plus one that wasn't published in 2006 but which was probably one of the best books I've read in forever.
So, the first book that I so loved in 2006 is called "Visigoth," by Gary Amdahl.
I reviewed it in May.
Although it is imperfect, it is truly breathtaking, and deserves wider recognition. In a literary world glutted (in my opinion) by Raymond Carver wannabes, this guy is the real deal.
The second "book" I read and absolutely loved is called "Happyland," by J. Robert Lennon.
I put "book" in quotes because it was actually serialized by Harper's over the summer. Apparently WW Norton dropped it at the last moment, because of fear of being sued for libel. There's nothing I love more than satire, because I am an equal-opportunity misanthropist, and Happyland, to me, is a more refined version of Ishmael Reed's "Japanese by Spring."
In the "Incomplete" category, I haven't finished Chris Adrian's "Children's Hospital," but I'm completely in awe of his facility with magical realism.
As for books that are great but weren't published in 2006, I heartily endorse Jon Krakauer's "Under the Banner of Heaven."
It's an investigation of a particularly gruesome double murder, committed by fundamentalist Mormons, but it's also an intimate examination of the LDS church and of fundamentalist branches of the LDS. It's just…overpowering. I found myself reading full paragraphs from it to whoever happened to be in the room. It was perversely fascinating, and written with remarkable restraint, given its subject matter. I really think that anyone with a passing interest in the Mormons pick it up and give it a read. Wow.
Blogger: Jason Kottke
Blog: kottke.org
Jason writes:
I read Charles Mann's 1491 while on my honeymoon in Mexico. In the book, Mann compiles a bunch of recent research that suggests that what American kids are taught in history class about the Americas before Columbus is wrong and grossly misleading. Did you know that the Peruvians may have independently formed one of the world's earliest civilizations, contemporary with Sumer and Egypt? Or that a surprising amount of the Amazon was farmed/cultivated by humans? (Untouched wilderness? What wilderness?) Or that the population of the Americas, devastated upon the arrival of the Europeans and their diseases, was a significant portion of the world's total population, with large civilizations and population to be found everywhere? And that's just to whet your appetite. Most interesting (and important) book I read all year.
Blogger: The Taipei Kid
Blog: The Taipei Kid
The Taipei Kid writes:
What to Eat, by Marion Nestle — This giant book reads like Fast Food Nation from a nutritionist's standpoint and covers far beyond the world of fast food. It also reminds me of Susan Powter's book Food, but without all the yelling. Starting with the basic layout of a typical supermarket (designed to snag you into buying more), Nestle works readers through the food pyramid and then some. You won't look at yogurt—harmless yogurt, healthy yogurt (NOT!)—the same way again. In fact, you won't look at a lot of your favorite foods the same way again. Arm yourself with this book before you hit the food stores!
Blogger: Wendy Harman
Blog: Harmany Music
Wendy writes:
Indecision by Benjamin Kunkel
Published in 2005, it's a great read! For all late 20ish and early 30ish single people like me, Indecision offers funny insights into our sometimes ridiculous outlook on life. I laughed, I cried, and I felt embarrassed at how well I could identify with protagonist Dwight Wilmerding. The pharmaceutical industry is probably in the lab right now creating a pill to cure indecision that'll allow us to bypass growing up altogether. After reading this book, I most likely won't pop it.
Can't Stop Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation by Jeff Chang (book/blog)
Wow. I've spent my life studying music + the biz, but this examination of hip-hop's creation, evolution, and impact on our society schooled me. It's a well-written page-turner that parses the beats to reveal a chronology not just of hip-hop, but our entire culture since the early 1970's. I don't know how he uncovered so many oral stories that get to the heart of why and how we have hip-hop, but I'm glad he did. Author Jeff Chang is a fellow blogger to boot.
Blogger: Lee LeFever
Blog: The World Is Not Flat
Lee writes:
"A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson. I was surprised to be so enthralled and interested in a big book of stories about the sciences. I got smarter!
Blogger: TINGB
Blog: Time I'll Never Get Back
TINGB writes:
I read a lot of biographies and baseball books this year, and — combining both elements — the best book I read was Jonathan Eig's biography of Lou Gehrig, "Luckiest Man." It reads like a novel, and I found it quite suspenseful given that I already knew how it would end. Any baseball fan, even a Yankee-hater, can find something to love about his story, and it's a very interesting read when one considers Gehrig in contrast to the modern baseball culture and the steroid scandals that plague the game today.
And as for yours truly, my favorite book of 2006 — and I say this having only read half of it, I'm that smitten with it already — is Richard Ford's recently-released novel "The Lay of the Land," which follows Frank Bascombe, the protagonist from "The Sportswriter" and "Independence Day." The level of detail is astounding; Ford's understanding of the nuances of American culture is simply amazing. His prose is lyrical, his pacing is spot-on, and his characters are vivid. Ford is incredible.
Thanks to all of this year's respondents for taking the time to contribute.
Here's last year's list, in case you're feeling nostalgic.
Happy reading in 2007.
Tags Books
← India Trip Photos → New Blogs of Note


text:
If you are looking for peace and relaxation, a family or couple's hideaway, Woodlands Manor Farm has it all.
Honeysuckle, a single-storey cottage for two (a cot or camp bed can be provided for a baby or child), offers spacious open-plan living with character, lovely comfortable sofas and a welcoming wood-burner for those chillier times. The bedroom is gorgeous with the bed adorned in crisp white linen and fluffy white towels. Honeysuckle provides the ideal bolthole for any time of the year where you will be able to appreciate pubs, cycling walks, surfing and the pool!
There is shared access to a large indoor heated swimming pool (heated to 32 degrees), a games room, softplay area, outdoor play and picnic area. As a small-scale working farm guests can meet the friendly farm animals: sheep, pigs, chickens and horses; regular talks are arranged for groups that want to learn about the daily farm routine. The estate also boasts a 15 acre ancient woodland, which is alive with wild flowers, birds and a meandering stream, stunning at anytime of the year. Surrounded by unspoiled open countryside, coastal paths and beautiful walks and cycle rides, Bluebell Cottage at Woodlands Manor Farm is the perfect place from which to go and explore the amazing Cornish landscape. The land borders the Coombe Valley (AONB) where the river enters the sea at our nearest National Trust beach Duckpool, which is 1.5 miles away. Nearby surfing at the local beaches is some of the best in the country and the owners will be happy to arrange surfing lessons on request. There is plenty of off-road parking space and open space for all to enjoy.
WIFI and first basket of wood provided free.
If you are looking for peace and relaxation in a stunning location, a family/friends party, or a couple's hideaway, Bluebell Cottage at Woodlands Manor Farm has it all.
Honeysuckle, a single-storey cottage for two (a cot or camp bed can be provided for a baby or child), offers spacious open-plan living with character, lovely comfortable sofas and a welcoming wood-burner for those chillier times. The bedroom is gorgeous with the bed adorned in crisp white linen and… magbasa pa
Woodlands Manor Farm is in the parish of Morwenstow (Cornish: Logmorwenna) in North Cornwall, England, UK. The parish is on the Atlantic coast, about six miles (10 km) north of Bude and within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Morwenstow is the most northerly parish in Cornwall. As well as the church town (a hamlet called Crosstown famous for the Bush Inn and Rectory Tea Rooms), other settlements in the parish include Shop, Woodford, Gooseham, Eastcott, Woolley and West Youlstone. Morwenstow parish is bounded to the north and east by parishes in Devon, to the south by the Cornish parish of Kilkhampton and to the west by the Atlantic Ocean. The River Tamar has its source at a spring on Woolley Moor near the border with Devon.
All the holiday cottages and facilities are set in the middle of the 35 acre Woodlands Manor Farm estate. The estate also boasts a 15 acre ancient woodland, which is alive with wild flowers, birds and a meandering stream. The estate is also surrounded by unspoiled open countryside and beautiful walks and cycle rides. The land borders the Coombe Valley where the river enters the sea at the National Trust beach Duckpool, which is 1.5 miles away. The next nearest beach is Sandymouth which again is owned by the National Trust and is about 3 miles away. This is a huge sandy beach as the name implies with car parking, surf hire and a cafe on site. Other recommended beaches nearby include Summerleaze one of the two beaches in Bude which has sand dunes, a seawater swimming pool, a large car park and plenty cafes and Widemouth Bay (pronounced "Widmuth") which is 3 miles south of Bude and offers 2 stunning beaches stretching approximately 1.5 miles with excellent facilities and a number of surf schools.
The nearest village to the farm is Kilkhampton which has a small range of shops including a Co-Op and Spar as well as a post office, butchers, a toy shop, and takeaways for fish and chips, pizza and Chinese food. Kilk, as it is known to the locals, also has 2 pubs: The London Inn and The New Inn. Both offer local ales and home-cooked food.
Our nearest town is Bude, a mix of contemporary and old fashioned charm. There are two beaches and plenty of unique and locally-owned shops and a wide selection of individual restaurants, cafes and pubs to suit everyone's budget and taste. Bude also has a canal with a cycle path and boat hire as well as one of only two working lock gates opening straight into the sea in the whole of Britain. There is also a links golf course with glorious sea views.
Woodlands Manor Farm is in the parish of Morwenstow (Cornish: Logmorwenna) in North Cornwall, England, UK. The parish is on the Atlantic coast, about six miles (10 km) north of Bude and within the Cornwall Area…


text:
British Literature Broad Notes Jane Austen Novel Pride and Prejudice Discuss Jane Austen's use of irony in her novel, "Pride and Prejudice".
Discuss Jane Austen's use of irony in her novel, "Pride and Prejudice".
Use of word with humorous or satirical intention, as a result of which the meaning is the exact opposite of what actually said, is called irony. According to Prof. Chevalier, "the basic feature of every irony is a contrast between a reality and an appearance."
Irony is Jane Austen's forte, it is very soul of her novels. It has been pointed out that it never imposes itself, it is never absent from more than a paragraph. Jane Austen's themes are instructive. Pride and Prejudice illustrates the dangers of excessive pride and unrestrained prejudice. Emma deals with the dangers of excessive self- confidence and Persuasion with those of over persuasion. In Sense and Sensibility, it is true that Jane Austen makes sense triumph and sensibility is depressed.
As one examines "Pride and Prejudice", one is struck with the fact of the ironic significance that pride leads to prejudice and prejudice invites pride and both have their corresponding virtues bound up within them. Each has its virtues and each has its defects. They are contradictory and the supreme irony is that intricacy, which is much deeper, carries with it grave dangers unknown to simplicity. This type of thematic irony runs through all of Jane Austen's novel.
In "Pride and Prejudice" there is much irony of situation too, which provides a twist to the story. Mr. Darcy remarks about Elizabeth that:
"tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me…"
We relish the ironical flavour of this statement much later when we reflect that the woman who was not handsome enough to dance with was really good enough to marry. He removes Bingley from Netherfield because he considers it imprudent to forge a marriage alliance with the Bennet Family, but himself ends up marrying the second Bennet sister. Collins proposes to Elizabeth when her heart is full of Wickham and Darcy proposes to her exactly at the moment when she hates him most. Elizabeth tells Mr. Collins that she is not the type to reject the first proposal and accept the second but does exactly this when Darcy proposes a second time. The departure of the militia from Meryton was expected to put an end to Lydia's flirtations, it brings about her elopement. The Lydia-Wickham episode may seem like an insurmountable barrier between Elizabeth and Darcy, but is actually instrumental in bringing them together. Lady Catherine, attempting to prevent their marriage only succeeds in hastening it.
Irony in character is even more prominent than irony of situation. It is ironical that Elizabeth who prides herself on her perception is quite blinded by her own prejudices and errs badly in judging intricate characters. Wickham appears suave and charming but is ironically unprincipled rouge. Darcy appears proud and haughty but ironically proves to be a true gentleman when he gets Wickham to marry Lydia by paying him. The Bingley Sisters hate the Bennets for their vulgarity but are themselves vulgar in their behaviour. Darcy is also critical of the ill-bred Bennet Family but ironically his Aunt Catherine is equally vulgar and ill-bed. Thus, the novel abounds in irony of characters.
The narrative of "Pride and Prejudice" too has an ironic tone which contributes much verbal irony. Jane Austen's ironic tone is established in the very first sentence of the novel.
"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife."
As Dorothy Van Ghent remark, what we read in it is opposite – a single woman must be in want – of a man with a good fortune. There is much verbal irony in the witty utterances of Mrs. Bennet. He tells Elizabeth:
"Let Wickham be your man. He is pleasant fellow and would jilt you creditable …"
In the words 'pleasant fellow' is hidden a dramatic irony at the expense of Mr. Bennet, for Wickham is destined to make a considerable dent in Mr. Bennet's complacency.
Jane Austen did not show any cynicism or bitterness in using her irony to draw satirical portraits of whims and follies. Rather her irony can be termed comic. It implies on her side an acknowledgement of what is wrong with people and society. It is interesting to note that ironically, in "Pride and Prejudice", it is the villainous character Wickham and lady Catherine – who are responsible for uniting Elizabeth and Darcy.
Austen uses irony to shake her major figures of their self-deception and to expose the hypocrisy and pretentiousness, absurdity and insanity of some of her minor figures. It is definitely possible to deduce from her works a scheme of moral values. Andrew H. Wright rightly points out that irony in her hands is 'the instrument of a moral vision and not a technique of rejection'.
British Literature|Broad Notes|Jane Austen|Novel|Pride and Prejudice|
Test your knowledge: English Literature Quiz 1
Compare and contrast Shelley's "To a Skylark" with...
Discuss Browning's optimistic philosophy towards l...
Discuss Jane Austen's use of irony in her novel, "...
Joseph Conrad's Use of Symbolism in the Novel, "He...
Okonkwo as a Tragic Hero in Chinua Achebe's Novel ...
Download Tony Morrison's Pulitzer Prize Winning No...
Discuss "The Rivals" as an artificial comedy of ma...


text:
← New Measures Announced on Veteran's Care
Partisan Political Briefings Held at Department of Veterans Affairs →
Grisly Problem, Grateful Iraqis, a Grim Outlook
Posted on April 25, 2007 by Team VCS
BAGHDAD – The soldiers called him Bob, and for the past several weeks, until Tuesday morning, he was the biggest obstacle to the success of an important mission in a small but crucial corner of the Iraq war.
"We can't get anybody to get Bob out. No one wants to do it," Army Maj. Brent Cummings, executive officer of the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, said with worry one recent morning as Bob's story began unfolding. Cummings was looking at an aerial photograph of an area in east Baghdad called Kamaliya, where there was an abandoned spaghetti factory with a hole in the courtyard, a hole in which some of his soldiers had discovered Bob.
Bob: It's shorthand for "bobbin' in the float," Cummings explained.
Float: It's shorthand for "two to three feet of raw sewage," he further explained.
Bobbin' in the float is shorthand, then, for yet another lesson in the comedy, absurdity and tragedy that is any moment in this war.
Bob was found as a result of the new strategy of trying to secure Baghdad by temporarily increasing the number of troops and moving them into neighborhood outposts. After the soldiers identified the spaghetti factory as the best place from which to secure poor, rough, dirty, insurgent-ridden Kamaliya, they began clearing the factory in order to move in.
One day, in one area, they found 16 rocket-propelled grenades, three antitank grenades, 11 hand grenades and 21 mortar shells. Another day, they found 14 more mortar shells. Another day, they found the makings of three roadside bombs. Another day, they found a square metal cover in the courtyard that they thought might be booby-trapped. Ever so carefully, they lifted it and found themselves peering down into the factory's septic tank at Bob.
The body, floating, was in a billowing, once-white shirt. The toes were gone. The fingers were gone. The head, separated and floating next to the body, had a gunshot hole in the face.
'A final resting place'
The body, it was quickly decided, would have to be removed before the 120 soldiers could move in. "It's a morale issue. Who wants to live over a dead body?" Cummings said. "And part of it is a moral issue, too. I mean he was somebody's son, and maybe husband, and for dignity's sake, well, it cheapens us to leave him there. I mean even calling him Bob is disrespectful. I don't know. It's the world we live in."
He paused.
"I'd like to put him in a final resting place," he said, "as opposed to a final floating place."
But how? That was the problem. No one wanted to touch Bob. Not the soldiers. Not the Iraqi police. No one.
Days passed. The need for the soldiers in Kamaliya increased. Bob floated on. One day the skull sank from view. Another day a local Iraqi speculated that there might be more bodies in the septic tank, that Bob might simply be the one on top.
Finally, with no easy solution in sight, Cummings decided to go see Bob for himself.
How easy is anything in Iraq, such as a short drive to a spaghetti factory? A combat plan was drawn up, just in case. A convoy of five Humvees was assembled. Body armor was strapped on. Earplugs were pushed in. Protective eyeglasses were lowered into place. Off the convoy went, slowly, never exceeding 15 mph, because slow and steady is the best way to find a roadside bomb before it explodes, unless it is a bomb with a particular kind of trigger that is best defeated by flying pedal to metal. Yard by yard, decision by decision, the convoy advanced, past trash bags that might be hiding bombs, along dirt roads under which might be buried bombs, and now past something unseen that, just after the last Humvee in the convoy passed by, exploded.
No damage. No injuries. Just some noise and smoke in the air. The convoy kept going, now past a dead water buffalo, on its back, grossly swollen, one more thing in this part of Baghdad on the verge of exploding, and now the Humvees stopped against a high wall, on the other side of which was a yellowish building topped by a torn tin roof banging around in the wind.
"The spaghetti factory," Cummings announced. Soon he and Capt. Jeff Jager, commander of the company that would be moving to the factory, were staring into the septic tank, and suddenly Cummings had an idea.
"Lye and bleach and sanitize and cover it up," he said. "We bring our chaplain here, and we'll say some words and mark it."
Easy. Done.
Jager shook his head. "I think you gotta clean it out," he said. "I mean we're gonna have some heartache moving into a building that's got a dead body in a sewage septic tank."
"Yeah," Cummings said, realizing Jager was right. "We want to do right."
"Arabic culture, you know?" Jager said. "They bury their dead in 24 hours."
"I mean someone has disgraced him as bad as you can possibly disgrace a human being," Cummings said. "And there's not a playbook that we can go to that says when you open it up: Here's how you remove a body from a septic tank."
"The one contractor I brought up here, he was willing to do everything here, but he wanted nothing to do with that," Jager said. "I asked him how much it would take for him to get that out of there, and he said, 'You couldn't pay me enough.' "
"The Army has systems for this — if it were our body," Cummings said. "If it were a U.S. soldier, sure. We would be there in a heartbeat."
"We could drop down there and get it out ourselves," Jager said. "But–"
"But what soldier am I going to ask to go in there to do that?" Cummings said.
They continued to stare.
"Lye and bleach," Cummings said again, back to that, and then he and Jager went on a tour of the rest of the factory as Jager explained that the factory had been abandoned three years ago, that the owner — a Sunni — was apparently murdered, that the owner's brother told them by phone that he had tried to come to the factory four times from his home in west Baghdad and had been stopped and beaten each time, that "we know the militia has used this as a base of operations," that there are "reports that they used this for torture and murder," and that neighbors have told his soldiers about "the screams and the sounds of people being beaten."
This is where the dining facility would be, he now told Cummings. This is where the soldiers would sleep.
They stepped outside the front gate, onto the street. Surrounded by soldiers and engineers, they walked down the street to plot a route for concrete blast walls that would be brought in by truck to encircle the factory. They turned a corner to keep plotting the route, and that was when Cummings saw a mud-brick hovel practically attached to the factory wall like a barnacle, and a shirtless man outside the shack who struggled to cover himself as the soldiers came through his gate.
Through an interpreter, Cummings began to explain why they were there, that U.S. soldiers would soon be moving into the spaghetti factory, that a wall was going to be built.
I will leave, the man interrupted, shaking.
"No," Cummings said, asking the interpreter to explain again what he had said.
I will leave, the man said again, explaining that he and his family had come to this little bit of land because they had been uprooted, that they had been here two years, that they meant no harm, that they had nowhere else to go, and then, at last hearing the interpreter, he said, I don't have to leave?
"No," Cummings said.
I don't have to leave? the man said again, and then, as his shaking subsided, and his rush of words slowed, his family emerged from the shack. Child after child. An old woman. More children. And finally, a young woman, very pregnant, who stood in the doorway, trying to push her dirty hair off her dirty face with her dirty hands as she looked at the soldiers, at first breathing nervously, then easing into a slight smile as she heard the man saying thank you for saving them from the terrorists, for enclosing them in a wall, for allowing them to stay.
"You're welcome. And thank you for allowing us in," Cummings said, and soon after that, with the gratitude of a living Iraqi as fixed in his mind now as the horror of one who had been tortured and killed, his visit to see Bob ended.
There is such decency in the country, he said, back in his office. That was why, more than ever, he wanted Bob removed and given some kind of proper burial. "I would hope someone would do the same for my body. And for any human being," he said. "Otherwise, we're not human."
That was Monday.
And then came Tuesday, and a phone call in the morning from Jager, who had received a call from the factory owner's brother, who had received a call from someone who lived near the factory.
Cummings hung up.
"The spaghetti factory has been blown up," he said.
It was only a first report, he cautioned, but the report said that there were a dozen men, and they were armed, and they wore masks, and the explosion was huge.
"Gone."
Throughout the day, there were attempts to verify this, but even in Iraq some days are harder than others. The wind was up, so much so that most helicopters were grounded, as was most aerial surveillance, other than a fighter jet, circling high, whose pilot reported that some of the factory appeared to have been destroyed.
How extensive was the damage?
As of Tuesday night, no one was able to say for sure.
What about the nervous man in the flimsy house?
And his dozen children?
And the pregnant woman who was able to finally manage a smile?
And the plan to move into Kamaliya? Would the factory still become the outpost?
"I hope so," Cummings said.
And Bob?
Cummings shook his head. Bob, he said, was no longer the biggest obstacle.
© 2007 The Washington Post Company


text:
Loan watch: Tommy continues to impress
Weekend round-up on the progress of Wimbledon's youngsters
Six of AFC Wimbledon's promising players are currently out on loan, as they continue to gain game-time and much-needed experience.
Striker Tommy Wood scored a late penalty for Burgess Hill Town on Saturday, as they boosted their chances of survival in the Bostik Premier with a 2-1 victory.
It rounded off another good week for Tommy (pictured), who has now scored four match-winning goals in three appearances for the Sussex side. He also claimed their player of the month award for March.
In the same game skilful midfielder Jack Rudoni, who has also caught the eye during his loan, played the full 90 minutes for opponents Corinthian-Casuals.
Left-back James O'Halloran and midfielder Alfie Egan both played the full 90 minutes for KingstonIan, who beat Enfield Town 2-1 in the same division. The Kingstonian side also included former AFC Wimbledon players Ismail Yakubu and Delano Sam-Yorke, members of our promotion-winning squad to the Football League in 2011.
Defender Kyron Stabana made an important late header off the line for mid-table Tamworth. The Lambs went on to win 2-0 at Royston Town in the Evo Stick Southern Premier Central.
Goalkeeper Nik Tzanev still has a few games remaining in a productive loan spell with Potters Bar Town. The New Zealand international has benefitted so far from his time with the Bostik Premier side.
Nikola Tzanev
Tommy Wood
Kyron Stabana
James O'Halloran
Jack Rudoni


text:
Email: info@blanson.com
Acrylic Viewports
Chromatography Column Tubes
Hyperbaric Chamber Windows
Submersible Viewports & Domes
Acrylic Engineering Components
Submarine Domes
O2 Water Feature
James Cameron Deep Sea Challenge
President Putin & the Blanson Acrylic Hull
Blanson: Proud to certify to ASME PVHO-1 standards
Although pressure vessels have been used for many years across a diverse range of applications, it was not until their development for use in commercial diving, underwater caissons or construction that there was a necessity to satisfy requirements, rules and standards to enable them to be used safely and efficiently by humans.
Today such vessels are now referred to as Pressure Vessels for Human Occupancy (PVHO) and they and their acrylic (PMMA) windows are becoming even more widespread in marine transport, saturation diving, medical, and marine chambers as well as for pharmaceutical columns, tourist submarines, diving bells and ROV's.
The first PVHO's
Historically the use of PVHO's dates as far back as the early 1600s but it wasn't until 1830 when Lord Admiral Cochrane patented the use of compressed air in underwater chambers that the use of PVHO's reached their prominence.
Prior to this such vessels were built to a set of rules put in place by the American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME) however, following experience the governing Section VIII rules were not enough to satisfy the guaranteed safety of humans occupying such vessels due to:
the variety of steels which were allowed under the code section
the consequences of colder weather on such materials
the unrecognised use of acrylic plastic for viewports (which then were made from tempered glass)
PVHO committee
In the 1970's the American navy funded research into the testing of acrylic plastic for use in PVHO windows and view ports, noting that the failure of a viewport in a pressure vessel to perform, nearly always resulted in human casualties. This work was carried out by Jerry Stachiw, whose book "Handbook of Acrylics for Submersibles, Hyperbaric Chambers and Aquaria" is still today regarded as "The Bible of Acrylic." His report was submitted to ASME with a request for the establishment of a clear safety standard highlighting the importance of the safety of viewports of PVHO's.
As a result, the Codes and Standards board of ASME created a Committee on Pressure Vessels for Human Occupancy in 1971 as a subcommittee of ASME solely responsible for the standards to which pressure vessel viewports were designed, manufactured and implemented.
This led to the first PVHO safety standard, the AMSE PVHO-1 being issued in 1977.
This meant that any engineer undertaking the design or purchase of acrylic windows for PVHO's must, prior to the commencement of any design, be informed about the new standard and ensure that all work adhered to, met and surpassed minimal operational requirements which include:
Mounting method
ASME PVHO-1-2012
Over the years, numerous standards have developed, with the current standard being that of the one above which provides the same requirements for all aspects of design, fabrication, testing and pressure resistance and is applicable to:
submersibles
high altitude or hypobaric chambers
medical oxygenation facilities
aerospace vehicles.
Marine/Sat Systems
To date, the standard has maintained an exemplary safety record over 14.5 to 20,000 psi pressure ranges in hundreds of manned and unmanned applications which is why Blanson are proud to be fully accredited by DNV Germanischer Lloyd and adhere to the PVHO standards to ensure that all of our clients get the safest and highest quality precision cast and engineered acrylic windows and products.
Using our unique formula we have developed a grade of acrylic which is biocompatible and meets the requirements of both USP Class VI and Toxicity Compliance FDA 21 CFR 177.1010. This enables us in conjunction with the ASME PVHO-1 standard to pre certify our column tubes for use within a pressure vessel according to the requirements of ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code for both the pharmaceutical and the food and drink industries. Our acrylic vessels carrying the ASME pre-certification will generally not require on-site pressure testing thus reducing cost and time in commissioning production plant.
To find out more, please browse our website or contact our specialist team of engineers today.
Blanson Ltd 2019
Web Design | Wida Group


text:
The King of Fighters XIV Stateside Debut
By Kimberly Mae Goon April 13, 2016
The legendary fighters in the upcoming THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV will be making their stateside debut thanks to a partnership between SNK PLAYMORE and Atlus U.S.A. The vaunted fighting game series, which first made its debut 1994, is entering a new evolution with THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV thanks to series-first 3D graphics and debuting exclusively on the PlayStation 4 console. THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV will arrive to consoles later in 2016.
THE KING OF FIGHTERS legacy will be unchanged in KOF XIV; the traditional 3 vs. 3 battle system is still there, with an expansive roster of 50 characters, all of whom are available in-game at launch. But the evolutionary changes in the game start with the creation of all the game's assets with 3D graphics. There's been some meticulous refinement to the game's fighting engine to be more streamlined and approachable for newcomers. There are also notable improvements made to the "Combo" and "MAX Mode" game mechanics, and the "RUSH" feature, which adds simplified combo inputs for novices. Brand new in THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV is the innovative "Party Battle" feature which pits two teams of three human players each against each other in a cooperative team fight in online play. There's also a new online training mode that will connect beginners and experienced players for tutoring on how to play together.
THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV Feature Details:
3D Evolution: All 50 fighters, movesets and more are rendered in full 3D graphics that preserves the essence of KOF's visual style but updates it with a whole new dimension.
The Best Refinement since KOF '98: Through extensive playtesting and balancing, the controls have been streamlined, and the Combo and Max Mode mechanics have been overhauled to create the most competitive fighter in SNK's history.
The KOF Saga Continues: There's a robust single-player storyline where several years have passed since the previous KOF tournament. Now a worldwide business, the global KOF will decide who is the strongest as both individuals and companies with their own ambitions have come to compete. Players compete against CPU-controlled opponents to unlock the storyline.
The Best Roster Yet: There are 50 fighters total, with 31 returning from previous entries into the KOF series, and 19 brand new characters. All 50 characters will be available at the game's launch.
Revamped Online Experience: THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV has devoted a lot of development time to improving the game's netcode for vastly improved online gameplay. KOF XIV uses the PS4's online architecture to have a whole host of online conveniences, from spectating to saving replay/battle data, and having a single online KOF XIV profile to connect with friends.
Watch the newest teaser trailer below:
This is the 11th teaser trailer which confirms the entry of the following new characters: "Mui Mui", a kung fu expert originated from a SNKs popular pachislot series, and "Kukri", a mysterious combatant enshrouded in mystery.
THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV is a PlayStation 4 exclusive debuting later this year. Atlus U.S.A. will publish the game in the Americas, and there will be more information to come later. The official website for the game is www.atlus.com/kofxiv . The game is not yet rated by the ESRB.


text:
Review: Dragon Age
Dragon Age is probably the most captivating game that I have played in recently memory. I logged well over 50 hours into the first campaign and have started up a second campaign as a different race and class, which I guess, is pretty rare for me since honestly, most RPGs hold very little replay value for me. TL;DR for the rest of this article: Dragon Age is a fantastic game if you are in any way into fantasy games buy now.
Depending on what race and class combination you choose at the beginning of the game, your character is given one of six origin stories to start with. Each origin story is more than just a background intro; It helps to weave a tale of political intrigue and integrates into the main plot line of the game, probably more-so than most other choice based RPGs. A human noble for example, would be addressed differently than an elf would. It adds an subtle flavor as well as perspective to the story line.
The game as expected is fairly heavily influenced by character choices. There a some instances blatantly obvious dialogue choices ala Fallout 3 and Oblivion (as in: the good option, the neutral option and asshole). For the most part though I thought that they were very well done. Some of the choices were genuinely difficult. There were a couple of occasions in which you were forced to side with people. What you choose throughout the campaign will also affect the outcome of the game to some extent.
After you are set along the main quest line, it's still more or less the same game no matter what you do, but origin stories and player choices make it different enough to warrant a second play through. Influence is a very overlooked factor in most games of this genre. Though we aren't where I'd like to be in terms of how much the player should determine the outcome of the game, this is definitely a step forward.
The plot follows a classic good versus evil fantasy tale format. It's obviously derived from any number of fantasy settings: Elves are tree huggers, magicians are aloof, dwarves live in mountains, and humans are for the most part assholes. But that's not necessarily that bad of a thing is it? I mean, executed properly, it is a formula that has for the most part withstood the test of time. Most importantly, the land of Ferelden is absolutely rich with lore and history. BioWare really brought it to life with the amount of detail that they have poured into its creation.
The story is solid and gripping. It was captivating enough to hook me for almost 60 hours, which is pretty big considering my bad track record of getting bored with games or sidetracked and never picking them up again. There were a couple of areas that seemed to drag on a bit too long. The Deep Roads and the Fade could have been shorter as I spent the better part of several hours in each of those dungeons. Other than that, it was pretty well paced.
Each party member has a distinct personality. I'm usually not a big fan on RPGs that force you to choose between party members, but that's a factor that has never really bothered me about BioWare RPGs. I don't know about how everyone else plays, but I tend to favor one group of characters at the extreme exclusion of anyone else. Experience is distributed to all companions whether they are in your active party or not, eliminating the need to level grind or rotate party members out of fear that the plot might force you to swap people in (I really wish Square did this).
The dialogue is nicely written and the voice acting is well done. I am particularly picky about the latter; nothing spoils a game more than cheesy overdone voicing. The way Morrigan and Alistair were portrayed was especially well done in my opinion (Alistair had a lot of great lines). I actually didn't realize that Claudia Black was Morrigan until fairly recently (Stargate: SG1, FarScape). I thought that she sounded familiar but just couldn't put my finger on it. The silent hero thing is awkward. I was kind of hoping that the main character would have been voiced ala Shepard in Mass Effect.
I was very impressed with the combat system. It's really scalable to be as complex as you want it; From World of Warcraft like me button mashing to a highly tactical, almost turn/RTS strategy feel. Party member AI is customizable in a manner that is very similar to Final Fantasy XII's gambit system: It allows you to setup a prioritized series of scripts (i.e: shoot an Arcane Bolt at the enemy with the lowest health, heal any party member < 50% HP, etc). Or, if you are lazy there are presets available for the AI scripting (healer, tank, etc). I did that most of the time and it worked fine.
BioWare, more-so than probably any other game studio did an exceptional job of tweaking the interface between the console and PC versions of the game to make sure that neither felt gimped for the sake of the other. If you have ever played a PC based MMO, Baldur's Gate or any other similar game then you will feel right at home. By the way, I highly recommend playing the PC version if you can. Though I haven't played the console versions, from what I understand they are fairly different in terms of what you can and cannot do with the interface. For example, the PC version lets you mouse scroll zoom out into a bird's eye view tactical setup where you can click drag multiple units ala Baldur's Gate or even kind of sorta like an RTS.
Dragon Age is good looking and polished, but nothing that I would consider graphically astounding. The armor sets and characters are well designed and unique looking. Areas are also well plotted out and lush with detail. The texturing though could have been better in my opinion. For example, something just seems a bit off about the skin texturing in my opinion. It's too glossy or something. I kept thinking about during certain (sex) scenes. I mean, it's like they were bathed in cocoa butter or something.
Bottom line: Dragon Age is a shining example of a fantasy RPG. I mean, what else can you really ask for?
Next ArticleOn Choice Based Gameplay and WoW Updates


text:
A Subversion of American Democracy? White House & Democratic Leadership Agree on Secret Trade Deal
StoryMay 22, 2007
John R. MacArthur
publisher of Harper's Magazine and author of The Selling of "Free Trade": NAFTA, Washington, and the Subversion of American Democracy.
Rick MacArthur, publisher of Harper's Magazine, and author of the book "The Selling of 'Free Trade': NAFTA, Washington, and the Subversion of American Democracy," discusses what's been happening behind closed doors on Capitol Hill and why many environmentalists, AIDS activists, American labor unions, and social movements in Latin America oppose the deal. [includes rush transcript]
StoryMar 13, 2015Should McDonald's & Monsanto Have the Same Rights as People? A Debate on Corporate Personhood
AMY GOODMAN: It was an unexpected announcement from Washington and one many are still trying to figure out. Earlier this month, the White House and Democratic leaders announced they had reached a historic agreement on trade. It's the first bipartisan economic agreement since Democrats took control of Congress this year. Democrats say they've won guarantees to protect labor rights and environmental standards in all future trade deals, starting with Peru, Panama, Colombia and South Korea. Labor rights would include union organizing, collective bargaining, and bans on child labor and workplace discrimination. On the environment, countries trading with the U.S. would be forced to comply with existing laws and international accords.
But critics say Democratic leaders have fallen far short of what they claim. The negotiations were conducted in near secrecy, and the details haven't been fully disclosed. Criticism has come from many circles: environmentalists, AIDS activists, American labor unions, social movements in countries, including Colombia and Peru.
Meanwhile, groups representing U.S. corporations have supported the plan. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation. Chamber President Tom Donohue said, "We are encouraged by assurances that the labor provisions cannot be read to require compliance with [International Labor Organization] Conventions."
Democrats are anything but united on the issue. Democratic caucus members are reportedly meeting today about the deal to avoid an internal split. That may be hard to overcome. As the agreement was announced, The New York Times reported at least half of Democratic congressmembers were prepared to oppose it. In such a case, Democratic leaders would be forced to count on Republican support to pass final legislation.
As scrutiny grows, Congressmember Charles Rangel, the Democratic chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, defended the deal in an interview Monday with CNN's Lou Dobbs.
REP. CHARLES RANGEL: The United States trade representatives, when they're negotiating with a foreign country, should not be negotiating as lobbyists for our multinational. When they sit at that table and U.S. is in there, it means that, yes, they're supposed to get a better-than-fair deal for our businesses. But they have to consider the impact that it's going to have on American jobs, American communities and American industry. This is now a part of the policy. This policy is going to be in every agreement. If you're talking about Peru, Panama, Korea or Colombia, this is going to be. And they have to be held accountable, not to the United States.
AMY GOODMAN: That was Democratic Congressmember Charles Rangel, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee and lead negotiator on the trade deal.
I'm joined now by Rick MacArthur, publisher of Harper's Magazine and author of the book, The Selling of "Free Trade": NAFTA, Washington, and the Subversion of American Democracy. He joins me here in the firehouse studio. Welcome to Democracy Now!
RICK MacARTHUR: Nice to be here.
AMY GOODMAN: What is your understanding of this agreement?
RICK MacARTHUR: Well, my principal understanding is that this is a fundraising gambit by the House leadership. Nancy Pelosi and Charlie Rangel — and Rangel, in particular, because he's chairman of the money committee, the House Ways and Means Committee — are putting out their sandwich board on Wall Street to say, "We're ready for business. We're open for business. We've got to show you something, that we're interested in something you're interested in. Now, pony up."
This is a fundraising tactic, which was pioneered by Bill Clinton in the NAFTA fight in 1993, when he essentially said, "The Democratic Party, or at least my administration, is going to be a corporate-friendly Democratic Party, and I'm going to prove my bona fides. I'm going to prove my credibility with the business community by pushing a trade agreement that is absolutely hostile to everything that the Democratic Party used to stand for or that the base of the Democratic Party stands for," which was NAFTA, which the Business Roundtable loved, which the Fortune 500 loved. And as a result, Clinton was able to raise massive amounts of money from corporate America and from Wall Street that had been hitherto unavailable to the Democratic Party. That was Republican money.
Now, Rangel and Pelosi are saying, "Well, we're gearing up for the 2008 election. We've got to raise a lot of money." They're closer to the Clinton wing of the party, which is the pro-so-called-free-trade wing of the party, the pro-NAFTA, pro-permanent-normal-trade-relations-with-China part of the party. And this is a way of saying to the corporate community and to Wall Street, particularly, and to Wal-Mart, the retail lobby — Wall Street, Wal-Mart — that we're open for business, we want to raise money from you.
Now, none of this has to do with the two main trade agreements that are not going to be changed. You didn't see Rangel say they're going to revisit NAFTA and change the rules of NAFTA. You didn't see him say we're going to do anything about China, because that's where the big money is. That's where the big dislocation has occurred. He's talking about four or three particularly small countries, which — first of all, putting aside whether it's appropriate for the United States to be legislating domestic social improvements in foreign countries, these are unenforceable.
The Peruvians, for example, they have nothing to sell us. They have nothing to offer us but cheap labor. So the idea that we're going to be able to — we're going to force the Peruvians to raise labor standards, when it's precisely the low labor standards, the lousy labor standards, the lack of environmental control and regulation, that attracts people to build factories in Peru in the first place, is preposterous.
In Colombia, there are 60 — I don't know — 70 union organizers murdered every year. It is impossible to control the militias, the right-wing militias, and the government forces in Colombia. The idea that we're going to legislate through a trade agreement, improve social — to stop — essentially stop the civil war in Colombia, is madness. But here you have the leadership saying, "We're going to put these big important conditions in the trade agreement," as though they could enforce them.
Second thing to remember, of course, is that, who's going to do the enforcing? Who's going to do the certifying? The executive branch. The White House will decide whether Peru or Colombia or Panama are in compliance with these new symbolic provisions. So this is very much a replay of NAFTA, in the sense that in NAFTA they also said we're going to have side agreements on labor rights, environmental protection, the National Development Bank along the border. None of it was — virtually none of it was implemented.
AMY GOODMAN: I wanted to read a quote from you, from Cokie and Steve Roberts. Cokie Roberts, of course, NPR, ABC. They wrote in their column, "losers, and their labor bosses, should not be allowed to dictate trade policy. […] Congress should shelve its feelings and renew his authority to negotiate more trade deals. America's economic future depends on it."
RICK MacARTHUR: Right. Well, these are the elites of the media. They're aligned with Wall Street, Wal-Mart, with the leadership of the political parties. And what they're talking about here is fast-track, which is a fundamentally undemocratic and, I think, broadly speaking, unconstitutional approach to negotiating trade treaties. And this is why people have to get interested in this now, not a year from now.
If Congress authorizes what they call fast-track negotiation, that means that the White House is able then to negotiate, or the trade represent — the executive is permitted to negotiate the treaty, the trade deal with the foreign country, bring it back to Congress, and then there has to be an up or down vote on the whole package, on the whole bill, with no amendments. It's unlike any other legislation that goes through Congress. You're not permitted to amend it.
So, you can imagine, when a fast-track-negotiated treaty comes back to Congress, there's tremendous pressure on the dissident congressman, saying, "Look, look what we've done. We've put side agreements in. We put in nice things to protect labor organizers in Colombia and Peru. You've got to vote for this. And you've also got to do it because if you want to stay, remain an important member of the Democratic Party caucus, you'd better vote for it." And then, you can't — and there's no way you can amend it.
AMY GOODMAN: Hillary Clinton was on the Wal-Mart board for years.
RICK MacARTHUR: Six years. Six years, from 1986 to 1992, Hillary Clinton was on the board of Wal-Mart. I keep trying to explain to people that Wal-Mart is not a public service organization, that they're in the business of making money. They're also in the business of maintaining these relationships with dedicated factories in China, particularly, where you cannot form a labor union, independent of the All Chinese Labor Federation, which is controlled by the government. Wildcat strikes are met with violence. You get your head busted or you get thrown in jail.
And I also wish people would understand that the same situation — it's not as disciplined or as rigid in Mexico, but it's still largely the case that if you try to start a labor union, an independent labor union, that is independent of the CTM, the national labor union, which has historically been a subsidiary of the Mexican government, you get your head busted, you get thrown out, you get intimidated. You're lucky if you have the CTM in a plant, but if you actually have the guts to form your own union, you're risking your life.
Charlie Rangel is not talking about Mexico. He's not talking about China. He's talking about these little countries that are going to have very little impact, but which we will then be able to exploit more efficiently, because trade agreements — first of all, these trade agreements are contracts. They're investment agreements. Their main purpose is to protect American investment or foreign investment in these countries against expropriation, against seizure of assets, so they can not only operate safely, in terms of an investment platform, but also lock in the cheap labor.
AMY GOODMAN: How did the Democrats get away with negotiating this in secret the way they have? And how much of this have we seen at this point?
RICK MacARTHUR: Well, this is the legacy of the Clinton administration, that the Clintons persuaded enough members of the Democratic Party that labor unions were finished. And they were, I think, largely right. Labor unions were finished as an important source of votes and power, or that they could be taken for granted. They were going to vote for the Democrats anyway, because they had no choice, and the place to raise money and to expand influence with the party was in corporate America. And Clinton says to these people, through Terry McAuliffe and all his friends, Gene Sperling, the corporate Democrats who came out of the Democratic Leadership Council, "Look, you can't argue with results. I got elected president twice, and we almost had fundraising parity with the Republicans in the '90s." Now —
AMY GOODMAN: And so, what power do the pressure groups, like unions, like environmental groups, have right now? We have 30 seconds.
RICK MacARTHUR: Well, they have to say, we're not going to play along with this anymore. We're not going to act as a subsidiary of the Democratic Party. And they've got to put pressure on the newly elected members of Congress — the Sherrod Browns from Ohio, the Jim McGoverns from Massachusetts — he's not new, but Sherrod Brown in the Senate is a better example. Don't give in to these fake symbolic gestures toward labor rights. They're just window dressing. They're just fig leaves to cover up what the real agenda is, which is to, again, give corporations more choices of cheap labor countries to operate in, which kill unions in the United States, because you can't organize a union in this country anymore. You can't do it, because they'll shut your plant down, or they'll threaten to shut your plant down.
AMY GOODMAN: We're going to have to leave it there. Rick MacArthur, thank you very much, publisher of Harper's Magazine, author of the book, The Selling of "Free Trade": NAFTA, Washington, and the Subversion of American Democracy.
Should McDonald's & Monsanto Have the Same Rights as People? A Debate on Corporate Personhood
StoryMar 13, 2015


text:
Home/PS4 Game Previews/Project CARS Preview
Project CARS Preview
Before we go any further, we'd better define what Project CARS actually is. The last word there, "C.A.R.S." is actually an acronym that stands for Community Assisted Racing Simulator. That's right; this is actually an independent development project where the goal is to create an awesome simulator with real-world physics and more believable gameplay. They've even taken to enlisting the help of actual people from within the field of racing, like pro motor racing specialists Ben Collins and Nicolas Hamilton, among others. The point is – they're definitely putting some effort into this game and by all measured accounts, it looks like they're turning out a fine title.
Straight away, GT and Forza people are going to realize that this is a game that's more or less meant for those of their ilk. Let's face it, there's a certain type of racing gamer out there who just doesn't want all the showy bells and whistles, conspiracy and violence, they want an actual RACING GAME. Better still, if it can incorporate varying degrees of realism and manage to look true to form, even better. Well, in short, that's what Project CARS seeks to do in a way – make a nod toward simulation titles that only deal in more tangible scenarios.
Regardless of what you might think, Project CARS is a rather attractive-looking title. The lighting and overall track / auto designs featured throughout are certainly nothing to scoff at. According to Andy Tudor, creative director for Project CARS: "The whole point of World of Mass Development was (the opportunity of) creating a game where you're listening more to the fans than you are to the publisher". You have to admire the initiative they're exerting here, and they do have a point.
What happens when you flip the tables and experiment with the sole desires of fans vs. any input from so-called game development professionals? Surely there's a benefit to having experienced and creative programmers working on all subsequent titles for large companies, but there are still alternatives, of course. That's what makes Project CARS so special – it's basically utilizing an entirely different platform model for construction.
When you consider that Project CARS is doing all of the aforementioned while also seeking to create a profit-sharing mechanism whereby community members get to actually make money from sales, you have an even better proposition. Seriously, how can this NOT be seen as a good thing? Let's hope that it has an effect on the gaming community at large, perhaps spurring others to create their own indie game development networks. Who knows, eventually these kinds of projects may be able to actually challenge the efforts of major, big-budget game studios? As for Projecct CARS, expect a highly playable title that will definitely get the job done. Better yet, if they finally iron out the multiplayer element, it might actually end up drawing quite a following on the PS4.
View the latest Project CARS Trailer and Project CARS screenshots for a more detailed look at what the game will offer.
The Top 10 PS4 Exclusives Arriving In 2019
Detroit: Become Human Won't Just Be a Game – It Delivers an Important Scenario and Message
The Crew 2 – American Roadtrip Beyond the Roads
Need for Speed Payback Preview – Road to Vengeance
10 PS4 Exclusive Games Arriving in 2018
PS4 Game Previews
Assassin's Creed: Origins – Everything You Need to Know
10 PS4 Exclusives Due in 2018 That I Can't Wait to Play
Why We Can't Wait for the New Spider-Man
FIFA 18 Preview – What's New This Year?
Box Art Revealed for Upcoming UFC
A Look at all of the PS4 games out next month (May, 2014)
PES 16 vs. FIFA 16 – Which Will be King This Year?
Top PS4 Games Due Out Before Next Year (2015)
20 Upcoming PS4 Games I Can't Wait To Play
Thief Game Preview


text:
Author Zhang (2017)
Title Phylogenetic characteristics of HIV-1 among travelers entering China from Myanmar: A retrospective study.
Citation J Med Virol
Subtype CRF01_AE, CRF08_BC, B, C, CRF07_BC, B + C + CRF01_AE
03023 03023 None None V35T, E36A, T39D, S48T, V60I, D121H, K122E, I135R, V245Q, A272P, V276I, K277R
03025 03025 None None E6D, K11T, V35T, T39K, K43E, K122E, D123S, I135L, R172K, K173I, Q174K, D177E, I178M, Q207A, R211S, K238R, V245E, E248D, A272P
03026 03026 None None V179D V35K, T39D, S48T, V60I, K101R, D121Y, K122E, V245Q, A272P, K277R
03040 03040 None None V35T, E36A, T39D, S48T, E53D, V60I, K64R, T69S, I135V, S162C, Q207E, R211K, V245Q, A272P, K277R
03043 03043 None None E6D, K11T, V35T, T39K, K43E, K122E, D123S, K173I, Q174K, D177E, I178M, T200I, Q207A, R211S, V245E
03046 03046 None None E6D, K11T, V35T, T39K, K43E, K122E, D123S, K173I, Q174K, D177E, Q207A, R211S, K238R, V245K
03105 03105 None None V35T, T39D, S48T, V60I, K122E, V245Q, A272P, K277R
04005 04005 None None K11A, V35T, E36A, T39D, S48T, E53D, V60I, I135V, S162C, Q207E, V245Q, A272P, K277R
04015 04015 None None G15E, V35T, E36A, T39E, S48T, V60I, D121Y, K122E, K173A, D177E, Q207E, R211K, V245H, A272P, K277R
04048 04048 None None E6D, K11T, K20R, V35T, T39K, K43E, K122E, D123S, K166R, Q174R, D177E, I178M, Q207A, R211S, K238R, V245E, A272P
04055 04055 None None E6D, K11T, V35T, T39K, K43E, K122E, D123S, I142V, K166R, K173I, Q174K, D177E, I178M, T200I, Q207A, R211S, K238R, V245E, A272S
04089 04089 None None E6D, K11A, V35T, T39K, K43E, V60I, S68G, K122E, D123S, I135T, K173I, Q174K, D177E, G196R, T200I, Q207A, R211S, K238R, V245E, V276I
05131 05131 None None V35T, E36A, T39D, S48T, E53D, V60I, I135V, S162C, Q207E, R211K, V245Q, A272P, K277R
05132 05132 None None V35T, E36A, T39N, S48T, V60I, D121Y, K122E, E169D, V245Q, E248D, A272P, K277R
05133 05133 None None V8I, V35T, K43E, V60I, K122E, I135V, E138A, Q207E, R211K, V245Q, A272P, K277R
05134 05134 None None E6D, V35T, T39K, K43E, K122E, D123S, I135T, K173I, Q174K, D177E, T200A, Q207A, R211S, E224G, K238R, V245E
05212 05212 None None V35T, E36A, T39D, S48T, V60I, D121H, K122E, I135T, T200I, V245Q, A272P, K277R
05240 05240 None None V8I, V35T, T39K, K43E, K122E, D123S, K173I, Q174K, D177E, I178M, V179I, T200I, Q207A, R211S, V245E, V276I
05257 05257 None None E6D, K11T, V35T, T39K, K43E, K122E, D123S, K173I, Q174K, D177E, I178M, T200I, Q207A, R211S, K238R, V245E
05274 05274 None None E6D, V35T, T39K, K43E, V60I, S68G, K122E, D123S, I135T, K173I, Q174K, D177E, I178M, Q207A, R211S, L228H, K238R, V245E, V276I
05275 05275 None None E6D, K11T, V35T, T39K, K43E, K122E, D123N, K173I, Q174K, D177E, G196E, Q207A, R211K, K238R, V245E
05320 05320 None None E6D, V8I, V35T, T39K, K43E, K122E, D123S, S162C, K173I, Q174K, D177E, I178V, T200I, Q207A, R211S, K238R, V245E, A272P, V276I
06010 06010 None None E6D, K11T, V35T, T39K, K43E, K122E, D123S, I135T, K173I, Q174K, D177E, T200I, Q207A, R211S, F214L, K238R, V245K
06011 06011 None None E6D, V35T, T39K, K43E, K122E, D123S, I135T, K173I, Q174K, D177E, I178M, T200A, E203D, Q207A, R211S, K238R, V245E
06038 06038 None None V35T, E36A, T39D, S48T, E53D, V60I, S162C, D177E, I178L, Q207E, R211K, K238E, V245Q, A272P, K277R
06039 06039 None None E6D, V35T, T39K, K43E, K122E, D123S, I135T, R172K, K173I, Q174K, D177E, I178M, T200I, Q207A, R211S, K238R, V245E
06059 06059 None None E6D, V8I, K11T, V35T, T39K, K43E, V60I, K122E, D123N, K173A, Q174K, D177E, T200A, Q207A, R211S, K238R, V245E
06060 06060 None None V35T, E36A, T39E, S48T, E53D, V60I, I135V, S162C, Q207E, R211K, V245Q, A272P, K277R
06145 06145 None None V35T, T39K, K43E, I135T, K173V, Q174K, D177E, V179T, T200I, Q207A, R211S, V245Q, A272P, K277R
06146 06146 None None V35T, T39K, K43E, K122E, D123S, F171Y, K173I, Q174K, D177E, I178M, V245E
06152 06152 None None E6D, V8I, V35T, T39K, K43E, K122E, D123S, I135T, K173V, Q174K, D177E, Q207A, R211S, K238R, V245E
06323 06323 None None V35T, T39K, K43E, V60I, K122E, D123S, K173I, Q174K, D177E, I178M, T200I, Q207A, R211S, K238R, V245E
07020 07020 None None E6D, K11T, V35T, T39K, K43E, K122E, D123S, K173I, Q174K, D177E, I178M, T200A, E204K, Q207A, R211S, V245E, P247L, I257V W229C, P236S, K249L
07033 07033 None None K11E, V35T, E36A, T39D, S48T, E53D, V60I, S162C, Q207E, R211K, V245Q, A272P V10E
07034 07034 None None E6D, K11T, K20R, V35T, T39K, K43E, V60I, S68G, K122E, D123N, I135T, K166R, K173M, Q174K, D177E, T200R, Q207A, L210S, R211S, V245E P4A
07084 07084 None None V35T, E36A, T39D, S48T, E53D, V60I, D123E, I135L, S162C, Q207E, K238R, V245Q, A272P
07085 07085 None None E6D, K11A, V35T, T39K, K43A, V60I, K122E, D123S, K173R, Q174K, D177E, I178M, Q207A, R211S, K223R, K238R, V245N, A272P
07117 07117 None None V35T, T39D, V60I, D121Y, K122E, S162C, K173I, Q174K, I178L, T200A, Q207E, R211K, V245Q, A272P
07137 07137 None None V35T, T39D, S48T, E53D, V60I, I135V, S162C, Q207E, R211K, V245Q, A272P, K277R
07201 07201 None None V35T, T39D, S48T, E53D, V60I, I135V, S162C, I202V, Q207E, R211K, V245Q, A272P, K277R
07208 07208 None None E6D, K11T, V35T, T39K, K43E, K122E, D123S, I135T, I142V, K173I, Q174K, D177E, T200E, Q207N, R211S, K238R, V245A, V276I
08083 08083 None None E6D, K11T, V35T, D121H, K122E, D123S, I135T, S162C, K173I, Q174K, D177E, T200A, Q207S, R211S, K238R, V245E
08117 08117 None None E6D, V35T, T39K, K43E, K122E, D123S, S162A, K173I, Q174K, D177E, I178M, R211S, V245E, A272P G15R
08132 08132 None None V35T, E36A, T39D, S48T, E53D, V60I, S162C, Q207E, R211K, V245Q, A272P, K277R
08133 08133 None None E6D, K20R, V35T, T39K, K122E, D123T, K173I, Q174K, D177E, T200I, Q207A, K238R, I244V, V245E, A272P, K277R
08149 08149 None None E6D, K11T, V35T, T39K, K43E, E53D, K122E, D123N, K173I, Q174K, D177E, G196E, T200I, Q207A, R211K, K238R, V245E, A272G
08178 08178 None None E6D, K11T, V35T, T39K, V60I, T107S, K122E, D123N, I135V, S162C, V179I, T200A, R211K, V245M, Q278E
08222 08222 None None E6D, V35T, T39K, K43E, V60I, K122E, D123S, I135T, E138A, K173A, Q174K, D177E, V179I, Q197P, Q207E, R211S, V245E, A272P G15Q
08238 08238 None None G15E, V35T, E36A, T39D, K43R, S48T, E53D, V60I, I135V, E138A, S162C, Q207E, V245Q, A272P, K277R
08265 08265 None None E6D, V8I, V35T, T39N, S48T, E53D, V60I, T69S, D121Y, K122E, D123E, S162C, E169D, E204D, Q207D, R211K, D218N, K223R, K238R, V245E, A272P, K277R Q222R
09011 09011 None None E6D, K11A, V35T, T39K, K43E, D123N, K173I, Q174K, D177E, Q207A, R211S, V245Q
09089 09089 None None E6D, V35T, T39K, K43E, V90I, K122E, D123S, I135T, K173I, Q174K, D177E, I178M, V179I, T200A, Q207A, R211S, K238R, V245E, A272P, V276I
09096 09096 None None V35T, E36A, T39D, S48T, E53D, V60I, T69N, I135V, S162C, T200A, Q207E, R211K, V245Q, A272P
09106 09106 None None V35T, E36A, T39D, S48T, E53D, V60I, Q207E, R211K, V245E, A272P
09116 09116 None None V35T, E36A, T39D, S48T, V60I, K122E, S162H, K166R, K173T, D177E, T200A, Q207G, R211K, V245Q, A272P
09129 09129 None None E6D, K11T, V35T, T39K, K43E, E53D, K122E, D123N, K173I, Q174K, D177E, G196E, T200I, Q207A, R211K, K238R, V245E, A272G, V276I
10017 10017 None None E6D, V8I, K11A, V35T, T39K, K43E, V60I, K102Q, K122E, D123S, K173L, Q174K, D177E, V179I, T200I, Q207A, L210M, R211S, K238R, V245E
10018 10018 None None E6D, V35T, T39K, K43E, K122E, D123S, K173I, Q174K, D177E, I178M, V179I, Q207A, R211S, K238R, V245E, A272P
10019 10019 None None E6D, K11T, V35T, E36D, T39K, V60I, K122E, D123S, K166R, K173I, Q174K, D177E, I178M, V179I, T200I, Q207A, R211S, K238R, V245E
10021 10021 None None V35T, E36A, T39E, S48T, E53D, V60I, S162C, Q207E, R211K, V245E, A272P, K277R
10022 10022 None None V35T, E36A, T39D, S48T, E53D, V60I, T69S, D123E, S162C, T200A, I202V, Q207E, R211K, V245Q, A272P, K277R
10026 10026 None None I135V, S162C, T200A, H208Y, K275R, Q278E
10062 10062 None None E6D, K11T, V35T, T39K, K43E, K122E, D123N, S162C, K173I, Q174K, D177E, I178M, T200A, E203D, Q207A, R211S, K238R, V245E
10072 10072 None None E6D, K11T, K20R, V35T, T39K, K43E, V60I, S68G, K122E, D123S, I135T, K166R, K173M, Q174K, D177E, G196R, Q207A, R211S, V245E, V276I
10098 10098 None None V35T, E36A, T39D, S48T, E53D, V60I, T69S, I135V, S162C, T200A, I202V, Q207E, R211K, V245Q, A272P, K275R, K277R
11015 11015 None None V35T, E36V, T39D, S48T, V60I, D121Y, K122E, S162C, E169D, K275R, Q278E
11063 11063 None None E6D, K11T, V35T, T39K, K43E, S68G, K122E, D123S, S162A, K173T, Q174K, D177E, I178M, T200M, Q207A, R211S, K238R, V245Q G18A
11096 11096 None None V35T, E36A, T39E, S48T, E53D, V60I, K173L, Q174K, D177E, V179T, T200A, Q207E, R211K, V245M, A272P, V276I, K277R
11097 11097 None None K11T, K20R, V35T, T39K, K43E, S162A, K173R, Q174E, D177E, V179I, Q207A, R211S, K238R, V245E, V276I
11098 11098 None None K11T, V35T, T39K, K43E, K173V, Q174K, D177E, Q207A, R211S, V245E
11099 11099 None None V35T, E36A, T39D, S48T, V60I, K101R, K122E, I135V, T165I, K173A, D177E, T200A, Q207E, V245Q, A272P, K277R
11100 11100 None None E6D, A98S, D123E, I135V, S162C, E169D, D177E, T200A, I202V, V245E, K277R, Q278E
11103 11103 None None E6D, V35T, E36A, T39D, S48T, V60I, K102R, D121Y, K122E, K173I, Q174K, D177E, I178L, T200I, Q207A, R211S, V245E, A272P, K277R
12028 12028 None None V8I, V35T, T39K, K43E, K64R, K122E, D123S, K173V, Q174K, D177E, T200I, Q207A, R211S, V245E, K277R
12032 12032 None None V35T, T39E, S48T, E53D, V60I, D123E, I135V, S162C, I178L, I202V, Q207E, V245Q, A272P, K277R
12071 12071 None None E28K, K32E, V35T, E36A, T39D, S48T, V60I, D121Y, K122E, V245Q, E248I, K249Q, A272P, V276I, K277R
12126 12126 None None E6K, K20R, V35I, D121Y, K122E, I135V, S162C, Q207E, R211K, V245Q, E248D, A272P, K277R


text:
Prohibition of drugs was a mistake but decriminalization will not stop deaths
How many more people have to die because of a half-baked idea from a century ago?
It all started at the turn of the twentieth century when concoctions of opium were commonly found in medicine chests to treat toothaches, diarrhoea, and coughs. Before antibiotics, doctors used opium to treat diseases such as dysentery, cholera, and tuberculosis.
Many of these concoctions, such as Laudanum, were highly addictive.
laudanum ad in Sears. image: 12 tomatoes
There were two paths that governments could have taken. One would have been to control the potency and purity of opium and sell it through licensed outlets. The other was to make opium illegal.
The choice to make opium illegal was political and racist.
Prime Minister Laurier was looking for his fourth majority in a row in 1908. He heard of the "race riots" in Vancouver and sent his minister of labour, William Lyon Mackenzie King, to investigate.
King found resentment and anger towards Chinese workers. They had been brought to British Columbia to build the Trans Canada railway. With the railway complete and Chinese workers unemployed, white Canadians claimed that they were taking jobs away.
Also, Chinese Canadians were demonized for leading good, white Canadian women astray in "opium dens." The Chinese were the perfect scapegoats: too many, too shady. Laurier played the race card, was returned to power, and passed the Opium Act in 1908.
The prohibition of substances, such as alcohol, has been a failure ever since.
Drug addiction is a serious problem but it is not criminal. The Opium Act placed the possession of opium in the same category of criminal acts as murder and rape.
Criminal acts are the most serious offenses against society. But drug abuse is an offence against an individual, not society. While drug pushers have bad intentions, drug users don't intend to do anything criminal.
The state is to blame for not controlling the purity and potency of drugs made available. If not in a fit of moral outrage and attempt to control behaviour that mainly affects personal choice, governments would have made the rational choice to leave drugs legal.
The government's impulse to control behaviour by making drug use criminal is misguided. Throwing people in jail for trying to ease their emotional or physical pain is a mistake.
So here we are a century later with these anachronistic drug laws. What are we to do?
Vancouver is asking the federal government to approve a plan to decriminalize simple possession of illicit drugs in the city. Mayor Kennedy Stewart said:
"Personal possession and use of drugs is not a criminal justice issue; it is a health issue," said Stewart. "It is time to end the stigma around substance use, help connect more of our neighbours to health care, and save lives."
But decriminalization does not make drugs legal. It does not guarantee the purity and potency of drugs, nor does it make them available from licensed vendors. Decriminalization simply makes the offence of drug possession less serious. The drugs are still as deadly.
It was a mistake to make drugs illegal in the first place. It's a mistake we are living with today. This year, Kamloops has had the highest number of deaths from drug overdoses on record: double the 25 deaths recorded in 2019. And the year's grim tally is not yet complete.
addictive, "race riots", Chinese workers, concoctions, deaths, Decriminalization, drugs, Kamloops, Laudanum, not criminal, opium, opium dens, prohibition, Vancouver
His health, her health
Medications affect women differently than men but you wouldn't know it from prescribed drugs.
Take the sleep drug Ambien, for example. After the drug had been placed on the market, it was found to have a dramatically different effect on women. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that five times as many women were experiencing driving impairment eight hours after taking the drug. As a result, doctors now prescribe "sex-specific" Ambien which is a lower dose. In Canada the drug is sold under the name Sublinox. But sex-specific prescriptions are the exception rather than the rule.
Doctors prescribe the same drugs for men and women even though they have only been tested on men. Researchers have known about this weakness of drug trials for a long time. Dr. Marcia Stefanick, professor of medicine at Stanford University explains:
"Indeed, drug metabolism, tolerance, side effects and benefits differ significantly between the average man and woman for many widely prescribed medications, with women having a 50 to 70 per cent higher chance of adverse reaction (Scientific American, September, 2017)."
Despite knowing of the difference, few women are included in trials. In a review of 258 trials of cardiovascular treatments, only 27 per cent of the participants were women, and of those only one-third were reported by sex.
Despite years of "Red Dress" campaigns, most people and many physicians still think heart disease is a man's disease. They are surprised to learn that heart disease is the number-one killer of women, far exceeding deaths from breast cancer. Physicians are less familiar with the symptoms of heart disease in women. In men, the main symptom is chest pain, whereas in women symptoms can include back pain, nausea, headache and dizziness. Women's symptoms are seen as "atypical" because men don't report them.
Chauvinistic blindness excludes half the population.
Heart disease also involves the build-up of plaque in the arteries. Men, and older women, tend to suffer from a blockage in one location. Younger women are more likely to have diffuse plaque along the entire artery with the same effect. Because a local block is not found in a younger woman, she could be diagnosed as "free from of heart disease" even though at risk of a fatal heart attack.
The other sex is sometimes overlooked in trials. Men are often neglected in studies for ailments thought to be unique to women. Osteoporosis, characterized by reduced bone strength, is considered a woman's disease because white women are twice as likely to suffer a bone fracture as white men. As a result, fracture prevention trials include few men. But one-third of hip fractures are in men –and they have worse medical outcomes than women
Men are more susceptible to viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections than women; the exception being sexually transmitted infections such as HIV and herpes which is more prevalent in women. However, women's resistance to infection comes at a price. Women constitute 70 per cent of cases where a robust immune system attacks her own body in autoimmune diseases.
Professor Stefanick lauds the Canadian Institutes of Health Research for promoting the inclusion of sex and gender in drug trials and wishes the U.S. Government would do the same. She adds:
"We need further mandates, through policy and funding restrictions, to ensure that female biology makes it into textbooks and testing protocols."
Ambien, bacterial, benefits, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Dr. Marcia Stefanick, drug metabolism, drugs, fungal, heart disease, infections, Medications, men, Osteoporosis, parasitic, side effects, tolerance, viral, women
Doctors beware: this opioid is not listed
Doctors rely on Canada's Controlled Drugs and Substances Act as a guide in prescribing drugs. Tramadol is not listed there but that could change soon.
image: Tramadol dropshipper
Tramadol is a sneaky drug, as Dr. David Juurlink discovered when a patient with a shoulder injury was prescribed tramadol. On the positive side, tramadol relieved the shoulder pain. Then problems starting showing up says Dr. Juurlink:
"The first sign of trouble arose three months later. His shoulder pain gone, the patient assumed he no longer needed tramadol. He was wrong. Shortly after stopping it, he developed debilitating insomnia, shakes and back pain – something he'd never experienced before. Irritable, exhausted and functioning poorly at work, he soon found the solution: All he needed to do was keep taking tramadol, and these problems went away (Globe and Mail, November 27, 2017)."
There are two outcomes of being hooked on drugs. One is a physically dependence, such as exhibited by the above patient. The other is addiction in which a patient's health deteriorates and their behaviour is transformed –what we usually think of as addiction. This patient needed the drug for no other reason than to avoid the debilitating effects of not taking the drug.
The reasons why tramadol is not listed are complex. First, the way that it affects patients depends on their genetics. Tramadol acts as if it were two drugs. It relieves pain using the same mechanism as aspirin does but for some with a particular enzyme, it converts to an opioid. Only 6 per cent of Caucasians have the enzyme, whereas 30 per cent of those of East African or Middle Eastern decent will experience opioid conversion.
Tailor-made drugs, specific to a patient's genetics, hold future promise. That would allow doctors would know in advance whether a patient has the enzyme or not. For now doctors roll the dice in prescribing tramadol.
Second, when Health Canada last reviewed tramadol in 2007, during the era of the Harper government, a libertarian regime affected policy. Manufacturers of tramadol lobbied Health Canada directly and indirectly to keep the drug off the list. Manufacturers peddled the "dual mechanism of action" of tramadol without disclosing just what that meant. Indirect lobbying came in form of financial support to at least one patient advocacy group who wanted to keep the drug freely available.
The Holy Grail of pain-killers would be one as effective as opioids without the side effect of addiction. Researchers have been looking or more than a century. The German drug company, Bayer, marketed a cough suppressant derived from morphine under the trademark Heroin in 1895. It was marketed as being non-addictive.
More recently, OxyContin was marketed as a pain-relief drug "without unacceptable side effects." Doctors believed that they were prescribing a safe drug but OxyContin proved otherwise. Patients who took it for pain relief got hooked and when prescriptions ran out, they went to the streets in search of substitutes.
Under the Trudeau government, Health Canada is considering placement of tramadol under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act –where it belongs. Whether it is listed or not will be a test of a government's resolve to put the health of Canadians above commercial interests.
addicted, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Dr. David Juurlink, drugs, Health Canada, hooked, opioid, physically dependence, Tramadol
Legalize all drugs
Don't use drugs. If these two statements seem contradictory, it's understandable. Legalization is approval. And since drug abuse is a problem, why approve drug use?
The flaw in this argument is that drug abuse in not a legal problem, it's a medical and social problem. It wastes lives and is a burden on our health care system; it destroys families; it consumes the time and resources of law enforcement agencies.
Prohibition is a well-intentioned initiative but it doesn't work. As we discovered in the case of alcohol prohibition, booze was simply driven into the hands of criminals and organized crime who waged war against rivals.
Warring cartels and gangs in Mexico alone killed 120,000 in the years 2006 to 2013. That's forty per cent more deaths than all the deaths due to illegal drug use in the U.S. according to data from the Center for Disease Control.
Guns in Canada are a serious problem. In the same period (2006 – 2013) there were approximately 1500 gun homicides in Canada. Not exactly the carnage that Mexico is experiencing but that's not the point: just because guns result in death and injury, no sensible person would suggest making them illegal.
What does make sense is the regulation of guns. Gun owners must obtain a Possession and Acquisition Licence and renew it every five years. Education makes sense. As a general rule, applicants must have passed the Canadian Firearms Safety Course.
Tobacco in Canada is a serious problem. In the same period, 259,000 Canadians died due to tobacco-related diseases according to the Canadian Cancer Agency. Education has reduced the number of Canadians who smoke from fifty to less than fifteen per cent.
Politicians have agreed for decades that education is key to harm reduction. As one of the founding members of the Calgary chapter of the Alberta Legalization of Cannabis Committee in 1976, I received letters from all leaders.
In his letter, then leader of the opposition Progressive Conservative party Joe Clark wrote: "In my view, a drug education programme would be far more beneficial and economical in attacking the problem than using law enforcement agencies and the courts."
NDP leader Ed Broadbent thought that marijuana should be removed from the Criminal Code and placed under the Food and Drug Act and added: "I would agree with your statement that it does not appear to have any worse impact than alcohol."
Prime Minster Trudeau wrote that his Bill S-19, one that would remove marijuana from the Food and Drug Act, died on the order paper but his government was pursuing the bill. "[My government] is working to make certain the legislation we introduce strikes a proper balance between concerns over the personal and social effects of penal laws aimed at discouraging its use."
Time has stood still for the last four decades. Regressive Canadian governments have preferred to pander to misconceptions such as the "war on drugs," or "prohibition works."
Meanwhile the U.S., a place we think of a bastion of conservative thought, has leapt ahead of Canada. Now some states, such as Washington, have legalized the sale of marijuana. I just returned from Seattle and didn't notice any reefer madness in the streets.
activism, crime, culture, Drugs, Health, leadership
Alberta Legalization of Cannabis Committee, alcohol, Calgary, drug deaths, drug wars, drugs, gun deaths, Joe Clark, legalize marijuana, Pierre Trudeau. Ed Broadbent, prohibition, tobacco education, Washington