text:
Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Diabetes
Antonello Pileggi⇓
Cell Transplant Center, Diabetes Research Institute, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
Corresponding author: Antonello Pileggi, apileggi{at}med.miami.edu.
Diabetes 2012 Jun; 61(6): 1355-1356. https://doi.org/10.2337/db12-0355
The field of regenerative medicine is rapidly evolving, paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions through cellular therapies and tissue engineering approaches that are reshaping the biomedical field. The remarkable plasticity of different cell subsets obtained from human embryonic and adult tissues from disparate sources (including bone marrow, umbilical cord, amniotic fluid, placenta, and adipose tissue) has sparked research endeavors evaluating use of these cells for numerous conditions, including diabetes and its complications (1).
A readily accessible source for multipotent stem cells is the bone marrow, which comprises progenitors of hematopoietic, endothelial, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Unfractioned and fractioned bone marrow–derived stem cells have been used in experimental and clinical settings to improve diabetes and diabetes complications. Bone marrow–derived MSCs are stromal, nonhematopoietic cells generally obtained from iliac crest aspirates following enrichment based on their preferential adhesion on culture vessels in defined media. MSC characterization relies on expression of specific surface markers and on their ability to differentiate into fat, bone, and cartilage when exposed to appropriate culture conditions (2).
Recent clinical trials have demonstrated powerful immunomodulatory effects of the inoculum of MSCs to treat graft-versus-host disease (3,4), to improve allogeneic renal transplant outcomes using lower immunosuppressive regimens (5), and to reduce immune cell activation in patients with multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (6). Autologous MSCs were shown to improve Crohn disease lesions refractory to other therapies (7,8) and were tested for treatment of ischemic hearts (9).
In the context of diabetes research, MSCs have been used to generate insulin-producing cells (10), counteract autoimmunity (11,12), enhance islet engraftment and survival (13,14), and to treat diabetic ulcers and limb ischemia (15). Also, MSC inoculum improved metabolic control in experimental models of type 2 diabetes (T2D) (16). Nonrandomized, pilot trials in T2D suggest a positive impact of bone marrow–derived mononuclear cells on metabolic control (i.e., reduction of insulin requirements and of A1C values) in the absence of adverse events following intra-arterial injection by selective cannulation of the pancreas vasculature (17,18). Unfortunately, because these studies are small and lack in-depth mechanistic analyses, it is yet unknown how MSCs exert their beneficial effects in T2D.
The interesting study by Si et al. (19) attempts to understand the effects of autologous MSC inoculum in a rat model of T2D (induced by high-fat diet for 2 weeks followed by a suboptimal dose of the β-cell toxin streptozotocin [STZ] to induce a hyperglycemic state). Autologous MSCs were administered either 1 or 3 weeks after STZ treatment. Improved metabolic control, measured by enhanced insulin secretion, amelioration of insulin sensitivity, and increased islet numbers in the pancreas, was observed in animals receiving MSCs particularly when MSCs were given early (7 days) after STZ treatment. Consistent with previous reports, the metabolic effects of MSC inoculum were short-lived (for a period of 4 weeks), and reinoculum provided an additional, comparable, and transient effect.
Clamp studies demonstrated significantly improved blood glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in animals receiving MSC therapy. A set of novel mechanistic data emerging from this study indicates that MSC therapy is associated with improved insulin sensitivity via increased signaling (insulin receptor substrate-1 [IRS-1] and Akt phosphorylation upon feeding, as well as translocation of GLUT-4 on cell membrane upon insulin administration) in the muscle, liver, and adipose tissue of animals receiving MSC inoculum, when compared with controls. Although many questions remain unanswered, these data shed new light on the effects of autologous MSC inoculum on insulin target tissues in this rodent model of T2D.
It is important to consider the potential confounding elements that can be introduced by the disease model used in this and other similar studies. In the model used by Si et al., it is prudent to be cautious because of the relatively short duration of diabetes before initiation of the intervention. This model may not fully reflect the physiopathology of the progressive development of human T2D.
Si et al. (19) present important data that highlight the importance of a cautious interpretation of the results of their T2D model. For instance, the positive impact of MSC treatment on metabolic function was more pronounced when administered early (7 days) than late (21 days) after induction of diabetes. STZ is a naturally occurring nitrosourea with various biological actions as well as induction of acute and chronic cellular injury on several tissues, including pancreatic β-cells, liver, and kidney. In the animals receiving labeled MSC inoculum "early" after STZ (but not in those in the "late" STZ group), MSCs accumulated in pancreatic islets and liver where they may have contributed to tissue repair or remodeling, thereby mitigating the injury induced by STZ and a high-fat diet and improving metabolic function. Preservation of β-cell mass was also observed in the "early" MSC group, an observation that did not appear to result from increased replication (assessed by Ki67 immunoreactivity), but rather from tissue repair and the cytoprotective properties of MSCs.
MSCs offer new opportunities in the treatment of diabetes, but they also raise many scientific questions that need to be addressed, particularly those related to safety and efficacy. These issues have obvious implications for the clinical application of MSC and other innovative cellular therapies.
Further in-depth mechanistic studies are needed to understand how MSCs affect metabolic function in T2D and to help overcome the transient results that have been observed in several studies. It remains to be determined whether the diabetic microenvironment and/or comorbidities alter the quality or efficacy of MSCs isolated from and/or after inoculum in patients with diabetes (20). Identity, stability, potency, and safety of cellular products are of paramount importance in order to obtain reproducible results and prevent undesirable side effects.
The increasing body of evidence on the potential therapeutic properties of MSCs justifies cautious optimism concerning development of effective cellular therapies for treatment of diabetes in the future.
This work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (5U19AI050864-10, U01DK089538, 5U42RR016603-08S1, 1DP2DK083096-01, 1R01EB008009-02, 5R01DK059993-06, 1 R21 DK076098-01, 1 U01 DK70460-02, 5R01DK25802-24, 5R01DK56953-05), the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (17-2010-5, 4-2008-811, 6-39017G1, 4-2004-361, 4-2000-947), The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, the University of Miami Interdisciplinary Research Development Initiative, the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, and Converge Biotech. The funders had no role in the content, presentation, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
A.P. is a co-founder, member of the scientific advisory board, and stock option holder of Converge Biotech and NEVA Pharmaceuticals. There are no patents, products in development, or marketed products to declare. A.P. has performed research supported by PositiveID Corporation, Extended Delivery Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Advanced Technologies, and Regenerative Medicine. No other potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.
See accompanying original article, p. 1616.
© 2012 by the American Diabetes Association.
Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered. See http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ for details.
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June 2012, 61(6)
You are going to email the following Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Diabetes
Antonello Pileggi
Diabetes Jun 2012, 61 (6) 1355-1356; DOI: 10.2337/db12-0355
Lifting the Veil on the "Phosphate Flush," a Cryptic Phenomenon of Experimental Pancreatic Islet Physiology
Window of Opportunity: Targeting ANGPTL4 Improves Triglyceride Levels in Maternal Obesity During Pregnancy
New Antidiabetes Agent Targeting Both Mitochondrial Uncoupling and Pyruvate Catabolism: Two Birds With One Stone
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text:
Poiesz Family History
Mary Louise Poiesz
World War II: 4 Brothers
Emil Bernard Poiesz, Jr.
After-Action Report
Red Arrow Division History
Aloysius Thomas Poiesz
Theodore J. Poiesz
Vincent Paul Poiesz
376th Heavy Bombardment Group
Other Service Histories
Louis A. Monaco, Jr.
Faith – St. Al's
HomeServiceWorld War II: 4 BrothersEmil Bernard Poiesz, Jr.After-Action Report
Emil and Toni Napi per the back of the photo.
The following is an after action report written by Emil at some point during the Papua New Guinea campaign. The original handwritten version is available here: Emil Poiesz After Action Report
In his own words, Emil describes one of undoubtedly countless engagements with Japanese soldiers during his long service in Papua New Guinea. His direct, factual recounting of events is chilling, but it also inspires admiration, heightening the impact of his story, and that of every combat veteran.
The original transcription from the handwritten document was done by his sister, Mary Louise Poiesz.
MACHINE GUN EMPLACEMENT
At approximately 1700, Sunday, Cpl. White and I returned from mission, on which Lt. Fearman observed fire on M. G. Emplacement outside west of our perimeter. This was the same emplacement which had been causing wire crews trouble during the morning. As we neared our perimeter, coming back Infantrymen told us to be careful going in as the japs were firing on our perimeter. This was only occasional firing, for I noticed none for some minutes after my return. Immediately on my return, I secured a couple of canteens and filled them with water from the creek which formed the eastern boundary of the main perimeter. There was no firing there just then, Sgt. T-IV's Adamski, Wilson and myself then began our evening meal. Firing broke out now and then, increasing in intensity, until we at last abandoned our meal.
The Jap artillery piece (or pieces, since it seemed to be more than one) and mortars began opening up at the same time (as nearly as I can place it———about 1800). I saw T-V White, Pvt. Rich, and Pvt. Shadafore start for the East flank of the perimeter; most of the firing came from there then, but broke out on the front soon after. All infantrymen not on radios or C. P. work also were picking positions on the perimeter. Firing by this time was a roar of sound. I stayed at my radio but was given no traffic to clear. I had one real report from C. P. Sometime later, T—IV Wilson came to our radio shack and told us that Inf. Co. had given orders to be prepared to blow up our radios and that we were to secure grenades for this purpose. I got our '610 ' and placed it near our '284' so that it would be easier to destroy, and then went over towards the C, P. intending to get grenades, but could not find any, so I went back and secured all the papers, magazines, books, brevity codes and S. O. I. from our radio station. I was confused or I would have thought at that time to take 209 c. d. also.
When I returned to the C. P, area, the order was given to destroy radios and an infantry radio operator gave myself and two other men grenades to toss in at their sets, I threw the papers into the hole and we tossed our grenades, scrambling on to the beach to escape their effects. At this point I saw Sgt. Riefl. We only exchanged a few irrelevant words, but I got the impression somehow that he was looking for Capt. Canter. Men were screaming for ammo and medical attention. I believe these were the first of "A" Co. to get back into the perimeter. There was a great deal of confusion, and I could find no grenades, so I crawled back to our radio hut and fired two shots into each of the radios, ' 610 ' and '284', and then backed away again toward the C. P. Lt. Fearman, naked, was at the C. P. now yelling things like "We've got `em boys, we've got 'em." "Give me a phone." It didn't look like we had anybody to me, but he did give everyone confidence and the communication Sgt. from the Inf. did find a phone which got ammo switchboard…this was the underwater line. Lt. Fearman called for F. C. C. and got it very quickly. He explained in short sentences what he wanted in the way of fire and asked how much ammo was on hand. I explained to him that I was an artillery man and would handle the phone and he could go down to the beach and observe. This arrangement was carried out until the third round was fired. The line went dead before we got "on the way" for this round.
By this time a great number of men were on the beach retreating from all sides of the perimeter, but mostly from the left flank — the side where "A" Co, came in. The men were milling around in confusion. I could hear officers yelling "Get back on that left flank" and other commands, but the men seemed too dazed to obey until a Sgt (someone told me his name, but I didn't remember it) stood up on the crest of the beach and yelled "Are we a bunch of cowards? — Let's go get the yellow bastards" or words similar to those, and started to the perimeter. A great many of the men followed him up. It is only a surmise, but this line of men walking up from the beach seemed to have had a great deal to do with the Japs eventually falling back. They must have looked to the Japs like a fresh company landed as reinforcements.
Pvt. Pearlstein came over then (he had been with Capt. Canter until that time, I believe) and suggested that we go to the other end of the perimeter and tap phone lines there as some of them may have only been cut by the intense fire. He strapped a phone around my waist and re started out to try, Lt. Fearman with us. Lt. Fearman stayed on the beach, as his naked body made too good a target in the bright moon, and Pearlstein and I crawled up towards the center of the village. Pearlstein made the first try, jumping up to catch a line (they were overhead through the village), but when he came down he had the wrong end of the line in his hand, and though we crawled around, we could not find the other end—it was combat wire and hard to locate. Somewhere during this I lost Pearlstein, I tried one more line on the center path of the village, but the line was dead. After looking, but not finding other wires, I backed off the beach just in time to see Lt. Fearman swimming out to sea. When I came back to the C. P. Pvt. Shadafore & T—IV White were just coming back to get more ammo, and a drink if possible. The firing had decreased by this time. I went back with them and we took up positions under a hut just behind and between two m. g.'s which were on the creek line towards the left front. The time then was about 2130. There was activity on the center right of the perimeter during the night, but all remained quiet near us. Wilson, Rich were also at this position.
In the morning I went back to the C, P. to see if there were any instructions. Capt, Canter was on a phone sending fire commands He said he had no need for us, so I went back and we moved to another hut and ate some rations. An infantry officer came over and told us to take up positions in and aside of the M. G. emplacements on the creek. There were the m. g. crews, a couple of medics and all of our artillery men except Capt. Canter and Sgt. Riefl at this position then. Sgt. Riefl came over (sometime after ten I think it was) and said that we were going to be evacuated. I went over to the '610' set and removed the crystals, then asked Capt. Canter if we should try to get the rest of the equipment to the beach. He said to not take any more that would give away the fact that we were pulling out. Some infantry officers, with unnecessary roughness, I thought, ordered me back to the perimeter. I went and got in a hole with White and Rich. When the signal to leave came, the machine guns pulled out first and then the rest of us backed off to the beach.
The radios were undoubtedly destroyed too early, although at the time the order was given things did look extremely bad.
Wires were a hopeless tangle—being tied in at one tree and becoming torn out and twisted in the confusion. If the lines had been more orderly and not concentrated, it is just possible that we might have had communications a short time longer.
Ammo supplies were not in readiness at the beginning of the engagement, and enough personnel was not left to distribute it.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Question: I have interest in my script from a company that makes movies solely for internet distribution. What are the kind of details I need to know about this business model in terms of signing an agreement, payment and royalties and should there be a clause in case it was ever picked up for a theatrical release?
I will assume that you are stating that the company makes movies that are like feature-length "webisodes" and not conventional features which are being delivered via download or streaming. Since web projects have to hold the viewer's attention when he or she is at the computer, the web projects tend to be shorter in length, Sometimes a project is divided into separate webisode segments and then edited back into one project for television or DVD exhibition.
Most internet projects have very low budgets compared even to independent film features and upfront compensation generally will be nominal. One issue to consider is whether you would be paid a flat fee only or a per view royalty or a combination of both forms of compensation. You would have to find out how the producer/website owner measures views. Your agreement with the company should have provisions if and when the internet project is produced in such forms as a feature length film, television film or television series and how your compensation would change with a possible bonus or change in compensation structure to that of more conventional media projects on television or DVD or in theatres.
In addition, writers should try to attach themselves as the writers of such subsequent productions. A common provision is many writers' agreements concerns if they write a television movie but it is distributed as theatrical feature domestically or overseas, that the writer would receive additional compensation. Your involvement in such subsequent projects would be addressed in your agreement under agreed upon stated terms with some element of negotiating for certain details later in good faith by the parties.
As a guide, writers should consult, the WGAW website concerning "new media" for the "WGA Guide To New Media" which covers projects written for the internet or mobile devices (i.e., "mobisodes") (www.wgaw.com) even if the writers would not qualify as being covered under the WGA New Media Agreement since the writer may not be a WGA member or a "professional writer" as defined by the WGA. The guide covers such issues as compensation, credit and separation of rights (i.e., such as writers receiving passive payments if a project should be developed and produced as a subsequent media production even if the writer is not involved in writing such subsequent projects based).


text:
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Q: Using "and" to connect nouns The answer to a question is the following:

The tools must be man-made and not natural.

My question is, does the lack of a comma give the impression (meaning) that the specific tool must be man-made and altered to be not natural?
Or
Does the lack of a comma mean the tool must be man-made but not a natural made tool?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


But what does the record-setting auction mean for nearly priced-out consumers?
If you need a perspective on Premiere Napa Valley, the Napa Valley Vintners' trade-only tasting and auction, consider the sports world: Sports fans are keenly aware of what a team's popularity brings. It usually means the team is improved, and that usually translates to higher ticket prices.
This past weekend, the Premiere Napa Valley auction nearly doubled its 2012 record, with $5.9 million in winning bids, or $283 per bottle. The top lot, 5 cases of 2012 Scarecrow Cabernet, sold for $260,000.
In the case of Premiere Napa Valley, the sky-high prices paid for the most expensive auctioned lots this past Saturday won't necessarily mean you'll pay more for, say, Scarecrow or Schrader or Shafer, the three top lots. They're already among the highest priced and scarcest wines in Napa. But the demand for their wines reflected in bids certainly won't hurt. It's gratifying for any vintner to see their efforts rewarded by hard cash and frenzied demand.
Of course, it's not the same for consumers. We're in a different boat. Most fans of Napa Valley wines already think prices are plenty high. Many vintners I've talked with in the past few months say they're holding prices anyway. Sure, some know they can charge more, but they also run the risk of seeming greedy and alienating customers who've been loyal supporters.
There is also the reality that 2012 and 2013 vintages produced prodigious crops, and some vintners have told me they have far more great wine in barrel than ever before. Moving those wines through distribution channels will in some instances require creative marketing plans, i.e. wheeling and dealing.
By the way, donating wines that they would otherwise sell to their customers doesn't exactly thrill many vintners. The wines sold at Premiere are one-of-a-kind cuvées made in small quantities and sold to members of the wine trade, mostly retailers and distributors. They in turn sell the wines to their preferred customers.
The accompanying barrel tasting held at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena is a shoulder-to-shoulder affair that gives attendees a sneak preview of what's in barrel, in this instance wines from 2012.
Premiere Napa Valley, unlike Auction Napa Valley, which raises money for Napa's health organizations, benefits the Napa Valley Vintners. Proceeds from the auction are recycled into the coffers of the trade group to further promote its image, wines and appellations as well as educate people about what makes Napa special. NVV is an incredibly powerful and effective marketing organization. Few regional wine groups are anywhere near as influential, successful or savvy.
There was a time when Bordeaux ruled the wine market, and it still has plenty of clout. By sheer volume, Bordeaux still makes more great wine than any other region its size. But Bordeaux is facing a huge crisis. Its wines are prohibitively expensive and wine drinkers have turned their attention elsewhere. Worse, Bordeaux hasn't been in vogue for some time. If you want to apply the sports analogy to Bordeaux, its franchise is in shambles and it needs to rebuild most of its team and convince fans to pay to see them play.
Napa Valley has been hugely successful at marketing its wines. But there are plenty of vintners who've been around long enough to remember when the times weren't this good, and they're wise enough to realize that what happened to Bordeaux vis-à-vis pricing and popularity could happen to them.
Media who champion Premiere Napa Valley's results seemingly lose sight that what's good for Napa Valley Vintners isn't necessarily good for consumers.
Wow, that Scarecrow lot equals over $4k per bottle! Someone was quite generous. I agree that Napa vintners need to keep the greed in check lest they suffer the fate of the top-notch Bordelaise. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the 2012/13 vintages.
I do not understand why the word greedy is even in this conversation. In a so-called free capitalistic society, the market will sort itself out. Witness the comments on Bordeaux. The world is awash in great wines with plenty of choices. How many people can sit in a sky box at Cowboy's stadium in Dallas. That experience is coveted, so probably only corporate customers and the affluent can afford it. So what! I do not hear Dallas fans calling Jerry Jones greedy, they just want a great team. But then Texas is not California.
Bordeaux on the low end ($17 or under) is making some terrific wines that are selling like crazy in our store. On the other hand, California wines in that same price point are not that great. But the 2012 Cab lots I tasted at Premiere were terrific.
James, Always enjoy and appreciate your position in your articles. I have always found you to be very fair and even handed. Your take on the Premiere Napa Valley Vintners action was spot on. Always helps to look over your shoulder to see what the future can bring. Thanks for your vision.
James can respond himself if he chooses but he did say "seeming", not being; greedy. Certainly, greed exists in Napa, Bordeaux and beyond as it does in most profitable enterprises.
Typically, this occurs in wine making when singular focus is placed upon what a wine can make rather than what significant rewards can be achieved by quality wine making.
Greed however, is not always a function of a high price. A knowingly poor quality wine retailing for $50 bottle can be exceedingly greedy compared to an average one selling for $100.
Quite often, as in real estate, equity markets, venture capital and wine making; greed is exactly what the free market corrects.
I would also add, having attended Premiere Napa Valley, that many wines sold for no more than $150-175 a bottle - "normal" in many Napa circles.
There was no lot, aside from the one from Scarecrow, that sold for more $200,000 and only a very, very few that sold for more than $100,000. The vast majority of lots (5-20 cases) were in the $10-20,000 range.
Wines like Ovid - which sell for $350-400 a bottle- went for $1,000 a bottle - or 2.5x.
Wine from Long Meadow Ranch - which usually sells in the $85 range for its highest priced wine - went for $166 a bottle at the auction.
A Chappellet lot went for $216 a bottle. An Inglenook lot went for $266 a bottle. Neither was much above what it costs to buy the estate Chappellet Cab or Inglenook Rubicon.
A number of buyers - including the one who bought the Scarecrow - said they plan to resell some of their wine at charity auctions.
I was surprised to learn that only 4% was bought by overseas buyers.


"Find rest, oh my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my forthress, I will not be shaken..."
pour our your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge."
We do and look and search for rest ... when all our restless hearts need is Him.
Help me remember that, Lord.
AMEN!! i happen to be resting in the glorious sun on this gorgeous Sunday afternoon....an afternoon much needed...hope you are resting well today, too! :) great pic by the way!!
Hope its a restful Sunday!! Great picture and verse!


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I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas & enjoying the start of a brand new year.
From now, 13th January, until Midnight 14th/15th February I've set up an automatic discount of 15% off all of my heart jewellery, pink jewellery & red jewellery.
So there's quite a lot for you to choose from whether it be a gift for a loved one or a well deserved gift for yourself.
You may find something for your Mum on Mother's Day.
All of these pieces of jewellery will revert to their original prices at 0:05am on 15th February.
If you have any questions, I'm always happy to help.
We are still enjoying some beautiful weather even though it's now September. The first week after the children return to school after their Summer holidays always seem to be so nice don't you think?
I've been busily working away behind the scenes to make my bridal & pearl images look much better than they did in my first attempts.


One thing that I often struggle with is how to know if I am on the right path. I often wonder if I am pursuing the right things with my life and spending the one life that I do have in the right ways. Someone wiser than me once said, "I know several lives that are worth living". And it is true, we all have a few different lives we could live. So as we walk into this new year, how do we know that we are headed in the right direction?
As I am writing this, I am asking myself the very same question because the process of life is constantly changing, and we have to constantly adjust course. I am reading a book called The Road to Character and it in, author David Brooks talks about two sets of virtues that each of us have.
All virtues fall into one of two buckets: the resume virtues, and the eulogy virtues. As you can guess, the resume virtues are what you would put on your resume. They are the total of your learned skills and the natural giftings that you have leveraged to gain external success. The eulogy virtues are deeper. They are the things that people would talk about at your funeral. The things that are much closer to the core of who you are. Bravery, kindness, honesty are all eulogy virtues.
And we (you and me and everybody else on the planet) live on a continuum between these two things. We are daily left to choose which set of virtues we will base our decisions and ultimately our lives on.
If you had to choose one eulogy virtue that you wanted to focus on in 2019, what area do you feel like you need to grow the most in? What would you most want to be known for?
If you were able to do or accomplish one thing in 2019 and no one else got to vote or give you their opinion on that thing, what would you do?
I think that is what most of us need to hear. I know I do. So stop putting pressure on yourself as we start a new year. Spend some time evaluating what virtues you want to focus on this year, and don't ever let people talk you out of what you want to do with your life. If we all focused a little more on our eulogy virtues the world would be a more kind place.
And I will leave you with this wonderful clue to finding your path written by Frederick Buechner: "The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." And from my experience this is also the place where you will find and live your fullest life.
So go forth and find that place in the world.
Drew loves adventures and he loves stories. That's one reason he is so passionate about the work he gets to do at Novo Life. Drew specializes in working with people who want to unlock more functional and creative potential within themselves. Issues that get in the way are commonly Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD. He also specializes in LENS Neurofeedback, a revolutionary treatment that improves brain function and reduces a myriad of symptoms in clients.
When he isn't in the office, he is taking his wife and daughter on adventures around the world. He is passionate about the written Word, surfing, entrepreneurship. If you want to learn more about Drew, or figure out what is holding you back from reaching your full potential, don't hesitate to connect with Drew, he would love to hear from you!


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The Essex Way is a waymarked long-distance footpath  long, along footpaths and roads in Essex, England.

The trail starts in Epping in the southwest, crosses Dedham Vale and Constable country to finish at the port of Harwich on the Stour estuary.

It leads through ancient woodlands, open farmland, tree-lined river valleys and leafy green lanes, unveiling historic towns and villages along the way.

The route is waymarked by Essex Way plaques and direction arrows. The original CPRE signs were dark green, but most of these have now been replaced with Essex County Council plaques depicting two poppies on a white background. These are attached to fingerposts, stiles, gates, footbridges and posts. The waymarks, together with the maps in the guidebook, make the walk easy to follow. The guidebook illustrates points of interest along the way and includes an accommodation guide for the whole route.

History
The Essex Way was conceived as a result of a competition organised by the CPRE in 1972.

Adjoining paths

The Essex Way crosses several other long-distance footpaths including St Peter's Way (a  walk from Chipping Ongar to Bradwell-on-Sea), the Three Forests Way (a  circular walk linking Epping, Hatfield and Hainhault forests), the Saffron Trail (a 71-mile/114 km walk from Southend-on-Sea to Saffron Walden) and the Essex Clayway (a  route linking the Essex Way at Coggeshall to St Peter's Way at Mundon).

Transport

The Essex Way is well served by public transport, especially by train services.

Maps

Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 "Explorer Maps": Epping Forest & Lee Valley No. 174,
Chelmsford and The Rodings No.183, Braintree and Saffron Waldon No.195,
Sudbury, Hadleigh.

References

External links

Full route description from Harwich to Epping with photos and maps
Essex Way route maps, trail narrative, accommodation guide and details of the annual Essex Way relay
Colne Valley Pages
Ramblers Association
Photos of the Essex Way on geograph.org.uk

Long-distance footpaths in England
Footpaths in Essex
County-themed walking routes in the United Kingdom


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NJ Gov. Christie Slams Atlantic City Mayor, Praises President Obama For Leadership During Superstorm Sandy [VIDEO]
Written By Kirsten West Savali
A somber and visibly angry Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ) held a press conference during which he slammed Atlantic City Mayor Lorenzo Langford and praised President Barack Obama for their handling of the ferocious superstorm devastating the East Coast.
Despite Christie's warnings to evacuate the state to avoid Hurricane Sandy, Langford advised Atlantic City residents to stay and ride out the storm. They are now trapped with no rescue in sight until possibly morning.
"Mayor Langford told them to stay at shelters in the city and now they're stuck," Christie said is obvious angry disbelief. "Despite my admonition to evacuate, he gave them comfort, for some reason, to stay. We have a large number of people, we can't quantify at this point, and at this juncture, there is no other way for us to go in and get them; they're just going to have to ride out the storm there."
Gov. Christie said he could not, "in good conscience," send workers out in dark, dangerous conditions to attempt to rescue people who were told to evacuate. On the other hand, Mayor Langford told his residents to seek shelter at a school — literally blocks away from the ocean.
"You have a mayor, a rogue mayor, telling his citizens not to leave, that it's O.K. not to leave," Mr. Christie said. "I don't know what you call that. I don't call it effective governance."
Watch Gov. Christie's news conference below:
According to the New York Times, Gov. Christie also held the residents who decided to stay accountable for their own actions. Reportedly, there were some who were angry that they evacuated ahead of Hurricane Irene and Christie voiced his contempt at that logic:
"I will never understand these people," he said. "They came home to very little property damage and they were alive. And they're angry because they spent a couple of days at Rutgers. We're going to see how they feel now, when they stayed. It's just not acceptable conduct."
"And now I'm going to have federal and state emergency personnel going in their first thing tomorrow morning with live downed electrical wires all over the place, risking their lives," Mr. Christie said. "Because Mayor Langford was worried that some of his people were angry? That's not leadership, everybody."
Though Christie was the keynote at the Republican National Convention, where he heartily endorsed GOP candidate, Mitt Romney, he was not hesitant about praising the leadership of President Obama during this Superstorm. In an unexpected call from the White House, Obama told Christie to call him directly if his needs were not being met and there was anything else that the federal government could do.
"I appreciate that call from the president," Mr. Christie said. "It was very proactive. I appreciate that kind of leadership."
Teen Driver Loses Control Of Vehicle, Kills 2 Homeless People
Obama Talks Chicago Violence: "I Live On The Southside…Murders Happening Blocks From Home"
Chris Christie	, Hurricane Sandy	, President Barack Obama
More By Kirsten West Savali
Celebrating Jackie Robinson: Beyond The Baseball Field
More Than The "Wobble:" Roland Martin And Hillary Clinton Get Down To The Real Issues
Giant Sinkhole Swallows 15 Cars In Miss. IHOP Parking Lot


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Govt will Protect S'poreans from Violence? Prove it.
It is No Longer Enough Just to Fight Our Own Causes
Why Turn Gay People Straight? Changing Them To Feel Better
Sexuality Discrimination in Singapore's Education: Part 2
Sexuality Discrimination In Singapore's Education
PM Lee and Acceptance of Same-Sex Relations in Singapore
My Fellow Singaporeans: I am Roy. I am Gay and This is My Story
My Right to Love by Roy Ngerng
A Gay Singaporean Man's Journey towards Self Discovery & Self Love
New Chapter for Singapore Companies: Embracing LGBTQ Diversity
July 23, 2012 Roy Ngerng 3 Comments
Google had earlier this month launched the Legalise Love campaign "to ensure that all of our employees have the same inclusive experience outside of the office as they do at work." It was reported that the campaign was launched with campaign partners, Citibank and Ernst & Young. The Campaign was also reported as being initially launched in Singapore and Poland.
However, on Citibank and Ernst & Young's websites in Singapore, I wasn't able to find any information about their viewpoints towards LGBTQ issues.
Ernst & Young, however, does discuss the issue of diversity on their website.
In describing the People and Culture on their About page, Ernst & Young had stated:
As our clients become more global and expand into new markets, they expect us to be equally diverse.
Diverse teams are also proven to stimulate innovation and new ways of problem solving. But they need an inclusive culture to help them function at their best.
Inclusiveness is all about making the diverse mix work. It's about equity and opportunity – making sure that differences are celebrated so that talented people from any background can rise to the top, and ensuring that opportunities to develop and advance are available for all from day one.
In an article, 'Strengthen your management talent', Ernst & Young had also explained:
Diversity and inclusiveness initiatives become sources of real advantage when perceived and managed as such, rather than merely as good intentions.
As quoted in our recent study The phoenix effect, academic research, led by Professor Scott Page at the University of Michigan, has established that diverse groups tend to outperform homogeneous groups, even if the members of the latter group are more capable.
"Innovation provides the seeds for economic growth, and for that innovation to happen depends as much on collective difference as on aggregate ability," says Page. "If people think alike, then no matter how smart they are, they will most likely get stuck at the same locally optimal solutions. Finding new and better solutions — innovating — requires thinking differently. That's why diversity powers innovation."
In international news, Citibank Chief Diversity Officer Collin Burton had started a petition, together with Barclays to "condem Uganda's 'Kill the Gays' bill.
Coincidentally, Barclays had, with Google, also recently supported Singapore's PinkDot campaign to celebrate the freedom to love, and on LGBTQ rights.
It was stated that the petition was started because:
Ugandan legislators have re-introduced the dangerous Anti-Homosexuality Bill, a proposed law that would criminalize homosexuality in the country with extreme penalties. Under this proposed law, LGBT people could be killed or sentenced to life in prison, solely because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. As the bill's author, David Bahati, has said, he believes the government of Uganda should "kill every last gay person."
Citibank and Barclays had also described their global efforts in supporting LGBTQ rights:
Citibank and Barclays are also well known for supporting their LGBT employees and protecting their employees and customers from anti-gay discrimination. Citibank is a huge supporter of LGBT groups in the United States, and has received a 100% rating from the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. And just last week, Barclays was named the most LGBT-friendly company in all of Scotland, and regularly is ranked as one of the best companies for LGBT people to work for in the world.
Indeed, in Stonewall Top 100 Employers 2012 Index, Barclays was ranked the 3rd most gay-friendly workplace. And in fact, Ernst & Young was ranked the top employer.
Liz Bingham, Managing Partner for People UK & Ireland, of Ernst & Young, had said:
To say we are thrilled and proud to be named Stonewall's Employer of the Year 2012 is truly an understatement. We believe that a strong commitment to diversity and inclusiveness is not only important for our people, but is also a business imperative in what is an increasingly competitive and interconnected world.'
Ernst & Young's progress towards an equal workplace environment was through an implementation of several "progressive initiatives":
(One of) which include the firm's leading role in the development of the concept of inclusive leadership, sponsorship of National Student Pride, engagement with clients about sexual orientation as a workplace issue, and strong leadership driven from the top.
In addition to being recognised as a leading employer, Ernst & Young's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender network, EYGLES, was again named as one of Stonewall's 'Star Performer Network Groups'.
Stonewall had said that, "a gay-friendly approach will help them get and keep the best staff, avoid costly recruitment costs, improve their reputation, enhance business performance and slash the risk of being sued by disgruntled ex-employees." It's director of workplace, Colleen Humphrey, had also said:
Years of hard lobbying by Stonewall has secured vital legal protections for gay staff in Britain. But in over 80 countries it's still illegal to be gay, and other countries don't legally recognize civil partners or same-sex parents.
Thus if we were to also achieve the same level of equality in Singapore, it would be necessary to take a leaf out of Stonewall's book and start advocating for a LGBTQ-friendly or, at least, a diversified workplace environment among Singapore companies.
Some of the other commendable actions by Ernst & Young include "reimburs(ing) LGBTQ employees for the additional federal and state taxes they pay on same-sex domestic partners' medical benefits in the US, making it the first Big Four accounting firm to offer this perk."
James Turley, the Global Chairman & CEO of Ernst & Young, who is also a Board member of the Boy Scouts of America, had spoken up against a ban against gay scouts and leaders:
Ernst & Young is proud to have such a strong record in LGBT inclusiveness. As CEO, I know that having an inclusive culture produces the best results, is the right thing for our people and makes us a better organization. My experience has led me to believe that an inclusive environment is important throughout our society and I am proud to be a leader on this issue. I support the meaningful work of the Boy Scouts in preparing young people for adventure, leadership, learning and service, however the membership policy is not one I would personally endorse. As I have done in leading Ernst & Young to being a most inclusive organization, I intend to continue to work from within the BSA Board to actively encourage dialogue and sustainable progress.
It is indeed an exciting time around the world for LGBTQ rights as America and some countries in Europe look into legalising same sex marriages to join the 10 countries which already legalise same sex marriages and to more than 22 which have legal same sex unions or some rights of marriage.
Singapore is, however, still one of the 78 countries in the world which continue to criminalise gay sex. Most of the other countries are in Africa or the Middle East. It is legal in at least 113 countries for 2 consenting males to have sex.
It is heartening to know that there are at least 2 companies which are supportive of legal recognition of LGBTQ rights in Singapore – Google and Barclays.
Hopefully, that since Citibank and Ernst & Young are also partners to Google's Legalise Love campaign, that they would start taking a more proactive role in Singapore to advocate for the rights of LGBTQ people in Singapore. Companies in Singapore can take on a more active role in supporting the welfare of their employees who are LGBTQ and the environment in Singapore is conducive for this to happen, precisely the reason why Google had wanted to launch the campaign in Singapore – as one of the two countries it would have acknowledged that legal LGBTQ rights can be achieved.
I hope that more companies will step forward to provide equal treatment and to take care of the welfare, safety and needs of their LGBTQ employees so that all their staff will be able to operate in an environment that they can be themselves in, and contribute to the diversity, innovation, and eventually, for the companies, higher profits, as research has shown in companies who embrace diversity.
I look forward to the day when my right to love someone I want to love, and marry him, becomes a reality in Singapore.
Respecting Our Gay Youths in the Revised Sexuality Education Programme
July 12, 2012 Roy Ngerng 15 Comments
In an episode of Channel NewsAsia's Talking Point which aired on 11 July 2012, titled, "Should we promote safe sex along with abstinence?", Madeline, a mother of two children who is also an educator, phoned in to ask about the revised sexuality education curriculum. She asked, "Homosexuality was not mentioned, so I was wondering will it be included in the new curriculum?"
Liew Wei Li, Director of Student Development Curriculum, had responded that, "We actually teach what homosexuality is as well as the provisions in the law about homosexuality. But more important(ly) than that, we actually get the teachers to teach about gender roles and identity, which I think is very important because students, when they go through puberty, they go through this identity crisis, and they need to find themselves, so it's a bigger topic rather than just homosexuality itself, and that is relevant to everyone. So, it's not just sexual orientation. And, in fact, we do teach that they should respect everyone regardless of their sexual orientation, because we want relationships, then, to form, good sound relationships, based on friendships, based on love, based on respect."
She had also further questioned that, "What if my teenagers were to go to school and ask the teacher, "Is it ok if, you know, if I (am) going into these homosexual activities?"
Mohana Eswaran, Head of Department of Pupil Development of RegentSecondary School, responded by saying that, "This is a kind of question that the students will not present in the classroom, so it's a one-on-one. So, in such a situation, we have to understand where the student's coming from. Is it seeking knowledge, or is it that the child is already into such… a relationship? And if it is the case, I will probably escalate it up to the counsellor, who is more proficient and professional in dealing with such situations. (These are trained qualified counsellors) that every school has."
Significant Milestone in Sexuality (and Homosexuality) Education in Singapore Schools
It is a significant milestone for the history of gay people in Singapore that the MOE had taken a more balanced and informed stance towards the education of homosexuality in Singapore.
It is important to look at the development of sexuality education over the years to appreciate the progression in thinking, from one that had prevented our gay youths from being able to access accurate information from a trusted authority to the evolution to today's stance, where the MOE has recognised a need to provide an informed perspective to our gay youths, so as to educate them on how they can protect themselves and ensure that their health is well-protected.
In 2002, when the MOE released The Growing Years Series for Upper Secondary pupils, to enhance the teaching of sexuality education for "middle adolescents" at the Upper Secondary level, it said that "the Upper Secondary Series promotes sexual abstinence as the best decision young adolescents can make for themselves. It focuses on the importance of and strategies for building healthy relationships with the opposite sex without engaging in pre-marital sexual activity."
In 2009, MOE had said in a media release that it "has examined AWARE's "Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Basic Instructor Guide"… (and assessed that) in some other aspects, the Guide does not conform to MOE's guidelines. In particular, some suggested responses in the instructor guide are explicit and inappropriate, and convey messages which could promote homosexuality or suggest approval of pre-marital sex."
MOE had also said in another media release that, "In MOE's sexuality education programme, homosexuality is covered in one lesson in the lower secondary package. The lesson seeks to inform students of the definition of "homosexual", and that homosexual acts are illegal under Singapore law. It does not promote homosexuality, but follows social norms of mainstream society."
Thus the MOE had, in the past, framed sexuality education from a solely abstinence approach, and one directed towards "building healthy relationships with the opposite sex without engaging in pre-marital sexual activity," whilst refraining from providing adequate information for our gay youths.
This is in contrast to the decidedly different stance in the current approach that the MOE has taken.
On the MOE's website currently, it states that, "Children need to acquire the knowledge, values and habits which will allow them to develop healthy and responsible relationships as they grow up. While parents play the primary role in their children's sexuality education, schools have a complementary role to play in providing students with objective and reliable information on sexuality as part of a holistic education."
It also further adds that, "Teenage pregnancies and the rates of STIs/HIV indicate that some youths are sexually active and are having unprotected sex." Thus the MOE recognises the need for more effective preventive educational tools.
In a letter to a query by AWARE, Singapore's leading gender equality advocacy group, the MOE had stated that, "While abstinence is promoted as the best option for teens, MOE recognises that, beyond knowing how to say no, students need to be taught about the consequences of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs/HIV) and teenage pregnancies, and how to prevent them."
The MOE also wants to emphasise that on the importance of a, "holistic approach… which includes the emotional, social, intellectual and ethical aspects, in addition to the physical aspect of sexuality. The child is always the focus of Sexuality Education, which is anchored on the values of love, respect and responsibility. This approach and emphasis of Sexuality Education has remained unchanged."
In addition, in the revised sexuality education that will be introduced in schools from 2013, the programme will "now be introduced at Primary 5, or age 11, (instead of the current 13)". It will also increase the student's awareness and knowledge of the "modes of protection against infection, specifically abstinence and the correct use of condoms."
Indeed, the MOE has taken a more convincing stance towards developing a more well-rounded and holistic sexuality education for our youths. This new evolved stance is definitely one that is welcomed by gay individuals who would have hoped that the education system would have prepared them, when they were younger, for what they would later on encounter in life, as well as by informed educators who understand the importance of holistic sexuality education, as evidenced by research.
Indeed, the American Psychological Association (APA) had also stated that for young people who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, "The opportunity for students to learn is diminished when they do not feel safe or supported at school. In addition to assault and harassment, gay, lesbian and bisexual students experience high rates of emotional distress, suicide attempts and substance abuse. These factors hinder their emotional and social development, as well as their ability to succeed in school. It is our responsibility to provide accurate and factual information. We believe this publication will be a valuable tool to help educators, administrators and others concerned with caring for America's students."
It had also stated that, "Support in the family, at school, and in the broader society helps to reduce risk and encourage healthy development. Youth need caring and support, appropriately high expectations, and the encouragement to participate actively with peers. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth who do well despite stress—like all adolescents who do well despite stress—tend to be those who are socially competent, who have good problem-solving skills, who have a sense of autonomy and purpose, and who look forward to the future."
Growing Wealth of Data that Highlight Urgency of Holistic Sexuality Education to Our Youths and Gay Youths
A look at the STI statistics will show a steady climb in the number of new STI infections among our youths. "For those below 20, the rate (of increases in STI notification rates) is especially alarming, having more than doubled from 61 per 100,000 population in 2000 to 133 in 2008."
In a study conducted by the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health of the National University of Singapore (NUS), it was found that most teenagers in Singapore, "did not know how to use a condom properly." Also, "Of those who said they used a condom, 42 per cent did not apply it correctly and experienced it slipping out during sex. Another 32 per cent said they experienced condoms breaking during sex. In the report, associate professor Wong Mee Lian, who was in charge of the study, said this is the reason why a sizable number of teenagers who use condoms are nevertheless infected with STDs. She added that 24 per cent of teenagers who used condoms contacted STDs, and the figure for those who do not use condoms is 57 per cent."
In a survey conducted by Fridae.com, a LGBTQ social networking site, it was also found that among men who have sex with men (in Singapore), between 40% to 65% of gay men do not use condoms when engaging in sexual intercourse. The same presentation also shows an increase in the number of STI infections among men who have sex with men over the years.
On top of that, in a survey by Oogachaga, a a counselling and personal development organisation for LGBTQ, with LGBTQ individuals in Singapore, it was found that, "60.2% of the respondents indicated they have had experiences with sexual orientation and/or gender identity-based abuse and discrimination." Individuals who have encountered these forms of abuse and discrimination are also more likely to present with behavioural issues and suicidal ideation.
These statistics clearly show that it is thus of utmost importance for the education of homosexuality to be incorporated within sexuality education in the school curriculum, to protect the overall physical, emotional and psychological health and well-being of our gay youths.
Acknowledgement of the Protecting of Basic Human Rights of Gay Individuals by Top Government Leaders in Singapore
It is also important to also look at sexuality education, and the progression towards a more balanced approach, as part of a larger societal perspective of the development of equal rights in Singapore.
In 2003, then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong had said, in an interview with Times Magazine, that for the issue of homosexuality, "So let it evolve, and in time the population will understand that some people are born that way. We are born this way and they are born that way, but they are like you and me," he said. He was also quoted as saying that gays will now be allowed to serve in "sensitive positions" in the civil service."
In 2007, the government had debated on repealing 377A, the archaic law against gay sex. The Ministry of Affairs had then issued an explanatory note which said that, "When it comes to homosexual acts, the issue is whether Singaporeans are ready to change laws to bring them in line with heterosexual acts. Singapore remains, by and large, a conservative society. Many do not tolerate homosexuality, and consider such acts abhorrent and deviant. Many religious groups also do not condone homosexual acts. This is why the Government is neither encouraging nor endorsing a homosexual lifestyle and presenting it as part of the mainstream way of life."
Prime Minister Lee had also added in his parliamentary speech that, "There are gay bars and clubs. They exist. We know where they are. Everybody knows where they are. They do not have to go underground. We do not harass gays. The Government does not act as moral policemen. And we do not proactively enforce section 377A on them."
Law Minister K Shanmugam had also said in 2009 that, "We have the law. We say it won't be enforced. Is it totally clear? We, sometimes in these things, have to accept a bit of messiness. And the way the society is going, we don't think it's fair for us to prosecute people who say that they are homosexual."
A video was also made by local celebrities in 2007 to support the repeal of 377A:
In his book, "Hard Truths", Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew had explained that 377A wasn't repealed because, "during the debate on whether the ban against homosexuality should remain in the law books, Christian groups made their disapproval of any lifting of the ban clear."
Mr Lee had also expressed that, "Homosexuality will eventually be accepted. It's already accepted in China. It's a matter of time before it's accepted here." Mr Lee had then gone on further to share how he thinks that homosexuality is, "not a lifestyle. You can read the books you want, all the articles. There's a genetic difference, so it's not a matter of choice. They are born that way and that's that. So if two men or two women are that way, just leave them alone… Vivian Balakrishnan says it's not decisively proven. Well, I believe it is. There's enough evidence that some people are that way and just leave them be."
Indeed, the APA had stated that even though, "Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles; most people experience little or no sense of choice about their sexual orientation."
It should also be noted that there are clear health risks associated with the retention of the archaic law. In an article by Action for AIDS, it was found that "The ability of the AIDS Control Program to reduce HIV transmission in MSM is significantly weakened by anti-homosexual laws (and that) former British colonies that have repealed anti-homosexual laws are more successful than Singapore in reducing HIV transmission in MSM and general population."
The APA had also stated that, "The prejudice and discrimination that people who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual regularly experience have been shown to have negative psychological effects… On an individual level, such prejudice and discrimination may also have negative consequences, especially if lesbian, gay, and bisexual people attempt to conceal or deny their sexual orientation. Although many lesbians and gay men learn to cope with the social stigma against homosexuality, this pattern of prejudice can have serious negative effects on health and well-being. Individuals and groups may have the impact of stigma reduced or worsened by other characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, religion, or disability. Some lesbian, gay, and bisexual people may face less of a stigma. For others, race, sex, religion, disability, or other characteristics may exacerbate the negative impact of prejudice and discrimination."
It has also clearly stated that, "Research has found no inherent association between any of these sexual orientations and psychopathology."
Providing Holistic Sexuality Education – The Right Way to Go for Our Youths
The MOE needs to be applauded for its move towards providing our youths accurate information and facts to help them be able to make an informed and balanced decision. Our youths, and gay youths in this particular case, do need to be able to grow healthily in an environment that is supportive towards helping them to understand their sexuality, so that they are able to understand how they can make decisions that they can comfortably acknowledge and live with – be it whether they realise that they could be gay, or if it was a period of questioning.
It is, of course important, that the MOE follows through on their current progressive stance, and that they are able to identify a pool of teachers who are able to educate our youths from an impersonal but approachable point of view. It is also important that, in the actual teaching that is conducted to our youths, that our gay or questioning youths do feel that the MOE has indeed developed a curriculum that is able to meet their needs and which can support them in their understanding of themselves. I would be very interested to hear from our gay youths what their experiences were like, after attending this revised curriculum.
It would also be important to ensure that teachers and counsellors are provided adequate training to provide the youth the right support that he would need. As Melissa Tsang, a student, had questioned on Talking Point, "What kind of counselling are you going to give this child? Are you going (give this child) support or are you going to portray homosexuality or transgenderism in the light of deviancy?' Tsang also pointed out that as homosexual acts are criminalized in Singapore, so teachers cannot inform students of the legal situation without making the student think that homosexuality is criminal.
Liew Wei Li from the Ministry of Education (had) responded: 'We understand this is quite sensitive, so we actually give you full information about the legal provisions about the homosexual acts. So we don't criminalize homosexuality at all. (We have to address things like this for their mental and social well-being.) No counsellor will want to make a child feel bad. You want them to have the full information, (and also to have the ability to have that social and mental well-being, so that they are helped through the various decisions that they make. It is not from a point of view that it's one-sided ."
Indeed, the APA had also stated that, "To date, there has been no scientifically adequate research to show that therapy aimed at changing sexual orientation (sometimes called reparative or conversion therapy) is safe or effective. Furthermore, it seems likely that the promotion of change therapies reinforces stereotypes and contributes to a negative climate for lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons. This appears to be especially likely for lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals who grow up in more conservative religious settings. Helpful responses of a therapist treating an individual who is troubled about her or his same-sex attractions include helping that person actively cope with social prejudices against homosexuality, successfully resolve issues associated with and resulting from internal conflicts, and actively lead a happy and satisfying life. "
In sum, the revisions in approach and programme can only bode well for our educational system, as well as for the overall psychosocial welfare and development of our youths and Singaporeans, when the strongest authority – MOE – in our youth's lives decide to take a more responsible stance towards their education, based on an evidence-informed perspective that respects our youths' rights as individuals. This revision can also be seen as part of the overhaul of our educational system towards observing a values-based approach. Mr Heng Swee Keat, Minister for Education, had said at the MOE ExCEL Fest 2012 Awards Ceremony, that, "Nurturing the whole child' reflects our focus on holistic education, to enable our children to be ready for the future. At the heart of it, education is about developing the whole person. Beyond academic development, we want to help our children acquire sound values and develop character."
I would like to congratulate the Minister Heng Swee Keat and Minister of State for Health Dr Amy Khor, Chair of the National HIV/AIDS Policy Committee. The ministries that they head have understood the importance of respecting the rights of our youths towards ensuring that their educational meets are met – not only in the academic fields, but also in the area of psychosocial development. Perhaps their roles as parents have also shown them the importance of providing our children a holistic education, as most parents would want and understand.
I hope to continue to see more good work being done from our ministers and the ministries.
PinkDot 2012: A Celebration of Our Love
July 10, 2012 Roy NgerngNational Day Parade, PinkDot Leave a comment
(Photo credit: Singaypore.sg's Facebook page)
I attended PinkDot for the fourth time this year. I was so proud. So beaming proud. We have done it again. We, the people of Singapore, the lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgendered, queers, questioning (LGBTQ), curious, undecided, and our straight friends, families, colleagues and loved ones, have done it again.
I was so proud.
I was so proud that we could stand here together, once again, in a sea of pink, believing and knowing that we have the freedom to love, knowing that if we have the commitment and dignity to love whom we love genuinely and sincerely, and to be loved in return, that we can continue to live our lives with pride, with honesty and with our strength in belief, that we are leading fulfilling, proud and inspirational lives, as our own.
As the helicopters flew past with the Singapore flag and we started serenading to the national anthem, my heart beamed with so much pride. I am a Singaporean. I am a proud Singaporean, living in a place, where even if there was 377A, or even if our society is perceived as being conservative, I can be here, I can be who I am, I can be proud that I am someone whom I can respect, and whom can live a life like all of us here, proud, and affirmed. I sang the national anthem with pride. Never have I felt so much pride for Singapore and my fellow Singaporeans before.
As the jet planes flew past next, it felt almost like a sign that our government was blessing us with their congrats – our pride, our reason to be. It was almost as if we are together as one, regardless of race, language or religion, and sexual orientation, as host Lim Yu Beng, had said. Indeed, we were – families with strollers. A single father with his adopted child; gay friends dressed in dynamic costumes. Everyone, in every creed, dancing alive to the music and even if they were standing awkwardly on the grass patch; today, once again, we have been affirmed for who we are, and we know today, we can walk on, head held high, knowing that we are proud individuals who can show others that love is who we all are, and love is who we will take pride in, and have the freedom to be, because we know what being committed to love, being genuine in love and being sincere in love is.
Even if tomorrow, we go back to work or school, or back to our homes, and things may look the same, but we know, inside, we have grown. We are able to hold our esteem high within ourselves and continue to believe in who we are, what we can do, and really, be ourselves – happy and free.
I am very grateful to the organisers for PinkDot for dreaming up this amazing ideal – the freedom to love – and to continue to reinvent themselves. Indeed, today, it did felt like the National Day Parade (NDP), but one that we truly feel for, are grateful and proud of, and are truly happy to be part of. As a friend had remarked, PinkDot is better than NDP.
I cannot put in words the immense pride, dignity and fulfillment I have, as I stood today, shining my pink light up into the sky, as all us of came together to form the PinkDot, as we sang our hearts out, under the stars, knowing that things can be better, will be better, and that we are part of what will make things better. I was beaming so proudly, as I looked to the faces of those around me, the hope in their eyes, the belief, the happiness and the knowing – that yes, things are better, and we have come this far, and can only go further.
(Photo credit: PinkDot's Facebook page)
As PinkDot illuminated itself in the night, it felt as if all our lives have been illuminated, that our hopes are renewed and our faiths inspired.
I believe, and I know, together, we can, and we will – we will lead fulfilling, happy lives that we are proud of, with dignity and strength, and that we can have the freedom to love, be committed in loving relationships, and be blessed by the people around us, because simply, love is who we are. And today, we have come together, to show love, love, and be loved in return. And to let our love expand and be lit, like a beacon of hope to all LGBTQs, our straight friends and all alike.
Thank you PinkDot for an amazing fourth year running, and more to come. Thank you for making me feel alive and proud. I am grateful, from the bottom of my heart.
(This post was written on 1 July 2012.)
Launch of Google's Legalise Love Campaign in Singapore – A Powerful Opportunity and Hope for Change
July 9, 2012 Roy Ngerng377A, decriminalise gay sex, Google, Legalise Love, PinkDot 1 Comment
(Photo credit: Google)
Google launched the 'Legalise Love' campaign on Sunday (7 July 2012) to encourage countries which continue to criminalize homosexuality to decriminalize homosexuality and to encourage the acceptance of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning) individuals.
In their statement, Google shared that, "Though our business and employees are located in offices around the world, our policies on non-discrimination are universal throughout Google. We are proud to be recognised as a leader in LGBT inclusion efforts, but there is still a long way to go to achieve full equality. Legalise Love is our call to decriminalise homosexuality and eliminate homophobia around the world.
At Google, we encourage people to bring their whole selves to work. In all of our 60 offices around the world, we are committed to cultivating a work environment where Googlers can be themselves and thrive. We also want our employees to have the same inclusive experience outside of the office, as they do at work, and for LGBT communities to be safe and to be accepted wherever they are."
Google's Mark Palmer-Edgecumbe had shared that Google has decided to launch the campaign in Singapore because, "Singapore wants to be a global financial center and world leader and we can push them on the fact that being a global center and a world leader means you have to treat all people the same, irrespective of their sexual orientation."
The campaign website can be found at: http://www.google.com/diversity/legalise-love.html
I'm very excited that Google has decided to launch the campaign in Singapore. Firstly, I'm excited because this will provide a platform for LGBTQ individuals in Singapore to advocate for their rights. It also means that there can now be a renewed vigour within our community for the advocacy of our rights.
This is thanks, in part to PinkDot and their successful campaign and partnership with Google, as well as Google's commitment and their sense of social responsibility to equal rights, and their extensive capacity to be able to advocate effectively in their realm.
Singapore is actually very well-placed, among the current crop of countries which continue to retain the archaic law which criminalizes gay sex, to be able to move beyond towards decriminalization.
If we look at other countries where gay rights have been achieved at various levels, Singapore actually compares favourably, as ironic as it may seem. For example, if you look at Brazil, it may be a country where gay sex is legal but around 200 LGBTQ people are killed every year for hate crimes targeted at LGBTQ people. In South Africa, same sex marriage is legal but there is still corrective rape targeted at lesbian women – to "turn them straight". There are civil unions in the UK but there is also violence enacted against LGBTQ people. In America, gay youths would commit suicide because of the bullying they face in school.
In Singapore, it might still be illegal for gays to have sex. But the government has said that they would not proactively enforce the law. Of course, if they decide to change their minds – they can do so, and that's why Google's campaign is so important.
(Photo credit: suite101.com)
I do think Singapore provides a safe and, ironic as it is, a supportive environment for LGBTQ individuals to grow in. The government might keep up with the propaganda speech that Singapore is conservative – they need to so, so that conservative Singaporeans will vote for them. Our government functions a bit like the Republicans in the States in that sense. But if we look beyond their rhetoric, we know Singapore isn't all that conservative. It's propaganda. We also know the government isn't policing gay issues as much because they know they shouldn't. There are obvious economic reasons, and gradually, also the recognition of basic right issues which affects their thinking.
Our government, I think, isn't against gays having our rights, but they have to keep up with the anti-gay rhetoric, or rather, pro-family front. They need to appease the conservative factions and they need to keep up with the conservative votes. So we should, as much as possible, understand that stance. Of course whether this stance is truly theirs, or one that is imagined is open for debate.
But what this means is this – if we know that underlying it all, the government isn't unsupportive, we know that we can continue learn to live our lives as LGBTQ people and learn to function as well as we can. And this is also one reason why Google has picked Singapore to launch the campaign. They know our government is not unsupportive. No corporate company would pitch themselves against a government if it's not in their interest. Of course, Google has generally tried to push against boundaries as well. But I think Google is betting on our government looking at repealing the law (against gay sex) in the near future and have placed their eggs in our basket – it would be in their favor when the government does repeal 377A. It's a win-win situation.
Of course, even though we are in a safe environment to grow in, LGBTQ people don't sometimes realise it, because the government's public discourse seems to be against the practice of our rights. We need to perhaps learn to read between the lines.
What I do think is that, this means that given a safe environment, we can decide to learn to accept ourselves better, learn to have better self esteem, so that we can learn to be stronger gay individuals and be able to develop our overall well-being favourably. I think for now, this would be of utmost importance for gay people in Singapore – to recognise ourselves and our strengths, believe in ourselves and stand up for ourselves.
Singapore offers a safe and favorable environment for LGBTQ individuals to learn more about themselves and there's the availability of structural features which facilitate the development of our well-being, if we learn to take advantage of it, for ourselves, to grow and support one another in this growth. The ball, it can be said, is in our court now.
Google cannot run this campaign on its own. It needs the support, strength and courage of LGBTQ individuals in Singapore to rally behind it, to believe in ourselves and our dignity, to come together and realise our potential as one, and to believe that we have a right to be recognised because it is our given right. We are born this way.
So, what say you, my fellow LGBTQ friends and family members of these friends in Singapore, will we take pride in ourselves, and take up the mantle to live our lives with dignity, acceptance, respect and self-belief?
I know I have.
July 9, 2012 Roy Ngerng 1 Comment


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Kepler Scores Lone Run In Twins' 6-1 Loss To Indians
Filed Under:Minnesota Twins
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Manager Paul Molitor and general manager Terry Ryan look at Kyle Gibson's 6-foot-6 frame and arm action and see a pitcher who should be one of the Minnesota Twins' better starters.
Gibson's inconsistent approach at attacking the strike zone, however, has led to too many deep counts and early exits.
The plan going into Sunday's game was for Gibson and catcher Kurt Suzuki to see how aggressive Cleveland's hitters would be. When the Indians remained patient, Gibson and the Twins came up short in a 6-1 loss.
Poor defense and a weak offense didn't help, either.
Gibson (2-6) allowed a season-high 10 hits and four earned runs in six innings. He struck out four.
"I thought Gibby was pretty good today for the most part. He attacked a little bit better early," Molitor said.
Six of the hits came with two outs, including back-to-back-to-back singles in the fifth inning that gave Cleveland a 2-0 lead.
The hits came after Cleveland catcher Yan Gomes was carted off the field with a right shoulder injury after landing awkwardly on first base as he tried to avoid the swipe tag of first baseman Kennys Vargas, who was pulled off the bag on the throw from third baseman Eduardo Nunez. Gomes landed on his shoulder as he tumbled to the ground.
One inning later, a bobbled ball by shortstop Eduardo Escobar led to just one out instead of an inning-ending double play. Abraham Almonte followed with a ground-rule double over center fielder Danny Santana to put runners on second and third. Both scored on a single by Chris Gimenez.
"Fluky inning there in the fifth with Gomes getting hurt, and then they gave me ample time to stay loose so that wasn't a problem," Gibson said. "They just came out and hit a couple off-speed pitches right in a row, and all two-out hits. And then I don't know about the next inning either. It's just kind of a fluky situation, I guess."
"He's got to separate himself," Ryan said before the game. "He should be so good."
Josh Tomlin (10-2), who gave up eight runs — including a season-high five earned — in 4 2-3 innings against Detroit in his previous outing July 6, looked more like the pitcher that had six straight quality starts before that outing. He allowed six hits and struck out four against the Twins.
Minnesota had two runners on in the first, but just three over the next four innings as Tomlin breezed through the Minnesota lineup. He retired 11 straight before Max Kepler homered in the sixth.
"It was a good pitch," Kepler said. "He was pounding cutters the whole game though, so I was kind of expecting that and kept my hands in a little bit better than the at-bats before and got the bat head on the ball."
The Twins scored just eight runs in the weekend's 29 innings, five in Saturday's 5-4 win in 11 innings. Minnesota scored 39 runs in the six games before the All-Star Break, including 24 over three games in Texas last weekend.
Mike Napoli homered into the second deck in left field for a 1-0 lead in the second. Tyler Naquin homered in the eighth and Jason Kipnis in the ninth.
HONORING A FAMILIAR VOICE
Minnesota inducted former broadcaster John Gordon into the team's Hall of Fame. Gordon spent 25 years as the Twins play-by-play voice, including the 1987 and 1991 World Series-winning teams. He retired after the 2011 season.
Twins: Ryan said 3B Trevor Plouffe, on the disabled list since July 2 with a fractured left rib, is making progress, but "there's still some things when he's sleeping and moving."
Twins: Coming off consecutive quality starts, Ricky Nolasco (4-7, 5.22) is scheduled to be on the mound as the Twins open a three-game series Monday in Detroit. Matt Boyd (0-2, 5.77) is scheduled to start for the Tigers.
(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)