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  • Anna rRxia
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    Antibiotics research
    Scary. Hate to inform you Slo, but the Network news has been reporting on this subject for two years -- probably since the closure of Pfizer's lab. Every three months or so they have another story of impending catastrophe. Staying away from your local hospital is highly advised if you can possibly do it. Why doesn't Congress appropriate 40 Billion or so to the CDC to set up it's own lab and surge up a dozen or so new antibiotics?
  • slo lettuce
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    Frontline....
    does anybody watch Frontline on PBS? Some of the very best reporting on specific topics anywhere, imo. At your leisure, try to make some time to watch "Hunting the Nightmare Bacteria" pbs.org/frontline. It is a current event that affects all of us and our loved ones. This show is a two-parter with part two to be broadcast in the Spring of '14. The end of effective antibiotics is here, it's worldwide and it's deadly serious; you'll be glad to know that the very last dedicated super-research facility for antibiotic drugs in the US was in Connecticut and it was closed in 2011 by its owner, Pfizer, due to "portfolio management decisions". In other words, Pfizer's investors "demanded return on investment"; boner and (life-saving)cholesterol pills do just that, life-saving antibiotics do not, however. (Although, to their credit, Pfizer was the last research company to fold its antibiotic division. Their competitors had done so years in advance for the same reason, not enough ROI). Part 1 focuses on three specific cases and the origins of the bacteria and bacterial genes which currently have complete resistance to ALL known antibiotics EVER developed anywhere in the world. It also gets into the economics of drug development ie., what a human life is worth. Part 2 will focus on the incredible overuse of antibiotics in our food supply and, more specifically, what it is doing to the animals we eat and, ultimately, ourselves. I'm cynically assuming that when a prominent Senator's loses a loved one in a US hospital from one of these infections, which, by the way, is exactly where these are becoming more frequently contracted, investigations will ensue and we'll all get to hear about the shocking lack of funding and research on the 5:30 national news. Before that happens though, you can catch it on Frontline.
  • Randall Lard
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    thermionic valve on the threshold of filament purgatory
    absolutely! creme patissiere is a nightmare, darling. but thanks for your comments on the two articles. really insightful... oh, and my upmost sympathy for growing up with a Catholic anything; my heart goes out to you.
  • Anna rRxia
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    War On The Poor
    The stimulus will give out on November 15th for SNAP (Food Stamps) and the program will lose 39 billion dollars. I am watching Senator Pat Leahy of VT right now say that there will be NO Farm Bill this year (with subsidies for big food producers) if this cut stays in place. We have House minority whip Eric Cantor to blame for these cuts. There is already hunger in this country. Hunger everywhere, in the most surprising places as well as the islands of third world poverty some Indian Reservations have become. Children are the future of this country. There aren't enough of them and we need those there are to be highly educated. Instead, they will be stunted in their growth from the cut in food stamps. It's not just food stamps. It's also voter registration, Section 8 housing; Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Every program designed to help the poor. Meanwhile the wealthy and large corporations benefit massively from tax loopholes you could drive an aircraft carrier through! Money is wasted horrendously on weapons that are needless but funded because jobs have been apportioned to all districts in the 50 states for maximum Congressional support. America has spent more in Iraq and Afghanistan, per capita, in the last 15 years on all things (the least being direct economic aid), mostly on deadly weaponry and our troops and our support for them -- THAN WE HAVE SPENT ON OUR OWN POOR. What is wrong with this country? What basic human empathy do we lack? How can the Congress turn it's back on it's own poor constituents while lining their filthy pockets with the bribes of the rich! How much coke and heroin and pain pills and tranquilizers do they have to absorb to be this numb and inhuman? Tell me how these people claim to follow the purported Son of God named Jesus who preached help for the poor? There is not just a special place in hell for these revolving 535 - they each have VIP boxes and merit greater special attention from the devil's helpers! Time will pass oh so slowly for them as they suffer these sins. This rant is far from over but I'm calling it a week today. Enjoy the Fall Classic if you're so inclined.
  • marye
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    Ender's Game
    Not Ending. The protagonist is named Ender. I need to get around to reading that one of these days too.
  • Mike Edwards
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    Enjoy the Fall Classic
    Go BoSox...
  • Randall Lard
    Joined:
    the sludge of lazy misogyny
    'What year is this?''It's 2013, mate.' 'Really?' 'Yes.' http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/22/great-british-bake… http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/21/great-british-bake… Sadly indicative of society today. Never to be served with a slice of cake.
  • Parkas4Kids
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    Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
    I meant to mention this yesterday, but does anyone here watch the Marvel superhero movies or the new TV series, "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."? If you do, and if you were watching this past Tuesday, you may have noticed a little current events name-dropping; our recent information leakers Mr./Ms. Manning and Mr. Snowden got something on an honorable nod. I'm sure it beats having a lingerie ad campaign sponsored in your honor...or does it?
  • Anna rRxia
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    Filthy Slag!
    "...caring almost to the point of derangement about your creme patissiere is the whole point of Bake-Off" Really, Mr. Lard? Reminds of Better Midler, Glen Close and Nicole Kidmann in "The Stepford Wives". I grew up in the Catholic version.
  • Anna rRxia
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    @Parkas; Re: Drones
    I happen to agree with you. The only question that remains is whether or not nation-states, who feel compelled to wage war, find it much less costly in blood & treasure to do it with drones. They do. Also, in the kind of low-intensity conflict now being fought in which the enemy hides around the unknowing civilian population the method of war is seen as the most humane. It may well be. However... I agree wholeheartedly with you that every innocent victim creates an entire family, clan and tribe against the offending country. There couldn't be a better recruiting tool. Thanks for the recommendation of "The Kingdom" and "Ending Game", I'll be sure to put them on my bucket list. I can't help but recalling the naming of Iran's drone a couple years ago -- "Ambassador Of Death"... What's next "Diplomat of Doom"? "Envoy of Entropy"? "Counsel of Cremation"? That was around the time that the Chinese hacked one of our drones and had it land in Iran. The US was forced to ask politely for it's Reeper drone back. Iran's answer was the launch of it's bright red "Ambassador".
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What's happening out in the world? Did it matter, does it now?
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For the majority of us, the recent let-up in prices at the pump have certainly helped ease the monthly budget. It cost me $20 to fill up yesterday. I remember talking to someone last year, and he told me that he hasn't filled his tank in years. Of course, his workhorse is a diesel and diesel hasn't been impacted as much as gasoline with the recent lowering in oil prices. For those of us that like to delve deeper into the economics, it's interesting to observe the way the Saudis are increasing output, and keeping it high, in order to put the squeeze on newer technologies like shale drilling and the Canadian tar sands which require higher prices per bbl to be cost effective. The economics here are intriguing, and so far the consumer is coming out the winner. How long will this last?
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What the Ottawa Senators/Andrew Hammond have been able to do in the last two months of the NHL season is nothing short of incredible. Five Canadian teams in this year. Let the real season begin.
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9 years 8 months
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Probably talking out of turn. And not in any loop at all so other than what the website shows not sure where the project is. But, if these really are the last shows. Hope they never stop. Shouldn't something be done for the furtherdowntheroad project to save and preserve the bus. If not only for Neal and Kesey but to preserve our history. A future with no bus to get on would stink. NFA
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17 years 5 months
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Rough day up in Toronto. Blue Jays are being a bit too hot-headed as KC comes back!
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15 years 4 months
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Sure I guess...but rightly so. Personally i blame the incompetent boob calling the plays at the plate. To give a warning in the first and than NOT back it up throughout the game was disgraceful. Then to throw out Sanchez on a 2/0 pitch for grazing the batters knee? Anyways...the good guys won. Hopefully they meet again in October.
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17 years 5 months
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I'm still befuddled that the Yankees are in first : Toronto with Price will be a real contender.
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17 years 5 months
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How was the event at the Giants game last night? I saw a video clip of Annabelle throwing a pitch and also singing with Bill Walton. Was the 8/13/75 40th celebration after the game at GAMH? List of musicians sure looked impressive. Sounds like a busy and hectic evening!
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15 years 4 months
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Gonna be a fun race to the finish between the Yanks and Jays. Both teams seem to be firing on all cylinders. Lets go Jays!!
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15 years 4 months
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Going to my first CRB show tonight in Buffalo. Its been a very long time since I've travelled a long distance to hear great music. Can't wait for this.
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12 years 4 months
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I am a born and raised New England guy love my teams Red Sox don't do it for me this year though nor last for that matter. I am routing for the Mets which is rather unusual for me seeing as we are almost against teams from New York. There is something about the Mets magic this year though. Just my 2 cents worth
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What a chill night that was. Great band, great crowd, great venue and no hassles at the border. Neal Casal took a photo of the crowd after the encore and posted it on their facebook page. Im the bald dude in front. I'll never forget it.
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17 years 6 months
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Can we have a sports section for this paper?
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17 years 7 months
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one moment...
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17 years 6 months
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Justice Scalia (RIP) anyone? It's a great time to be a political junkie. There is plenty of intrigue and subterfuge on the horizon to be sure...
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17 years 5 months
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I can't imagine what Jason Callahan's family have been through in the last 20 years. I'm sure they "knew" but now they know precisely. That has to be a smidgen of comfort.
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9 years 6 months
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I'll bite... you wanna discuss politics let me know. The Universe said times up for Antonin...karma is comin' round for those in the political sphere...and the rest of us for sure. Sure to be a fight to the end on both sides... But please, for the love of all that's holy...NO President Trump!
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17 years 6 months
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I don't see why we cannot discuss, it's free to live. Please, discuss away...I'll be happy to chime in! :-)
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9 years 6 months
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Well alrighty then...for now...Im just gonna say, GO BERNIE!!!
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17 years 6 months
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respect, civility, and recognition that a person of good will and intellect can look at the same thing you're looking at and come to a different conclusion--essential. Discuss on!
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8 years 10 months
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Attention all Dead Heads! We’re working on Vol 2 of an art history book focusing on the culture & history of STICKERS. Please let us know if you have, or know of any fan created Dead stickers! We would like to feature them alongside official stickers from the band throughout the years. If have anything at all, please contact us at whoMadeThatSticker@gmail.com Thank you!  Lauren 
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17 years 6 months
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Or, is that an effin' toy truck in your hand!?! Quick, on your belly and do a crab walk! I said last week! wtf?
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9 years 6 months
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the best/worst part of the story is that when the victim asked the officer why he shot him, the officer replied "I dont know"...Houston we have a problem.
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12 years 10 months
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Any Deadheads in either North or South Dakota have any news about what's going on with the oil pipeline constructions going on in your neck of the woods? The only "news" coverage I've seen has been spread via Social Media, and it's being done by no one I know of that lives out that way. I live in Maryland and haven't heard a thing about it.
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15 years 11 months
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A contemplative Veterans day message: Speak with those who have survived to take down walls. Remember those who were lost during WW1, or in any battle, with admiration and thanks. Respect the freedoms that sacrifice brought us. And now some opinions about the election. I know I know, this is very touchy shit, but I feel the message is important. So, why not, on a website so deadicated to the crimson-white-indigo, express my opinions. I dont go many other places on the internet is my other excuse. Maybe ill post something similar on NPR... The media seem to be trolling for hate, like the fact Trump wins means we go back to a segregated America, back to hate. That we forget about science, and environmental facts. All of my neighbors feel the opposite of this perceived hate. The eldest, most conservative of them, notice the change in the environment. In-fact, no matter who voted for who, we mostly see eye-to-eye. And some neighbors I have not talked with in so long, which is the point, communication, which is why we are where we are, or where we could be going. Maybe this hate is mostly media influence? I can not say, but just in-case: I am a patriotic person, and I believe this incoming government change needs a chance to prove themselves, but hardly any plans they say they want to do are on my lists, except of course supporting our troops, especially if that means bringing them home, and making a strong economy. Although nothing we really need, including money, is shipped here from mars, food grows on trees, love grows in the heart. I do like the idea of infrastructure fixes, who does not like nice roads for trips, but not at the expense of quality of life for all, not at the expense of the Earth herself. Im pro-life, but even i cant find a fair way to force people...ok, ok, going to far, sorry. Very polarizing world. Debates everyone should have a voice in, people way smarter than myself. But then the weight falls on us all to seek the best path. I believe we cannot sit by and complain about what Trump does in office AFTER he does it. We have to be ready to stop actions we all know will not benefit a future and freedom. We cant live in a world that reacts more like a tv show, like we are in a zombie apocalypse, more then a world that reacts of kindness and logic. Even the idea of race-color-creed, is just fabricated to keep us distracted. There is only one race, the human race. Social-cultural-religious differences are a challenge to break through and communicate or commune with, no doubt, but not an excuse to look the other way or grow hate. Until you drag yourself out from the depths of oppression, and poverty, you never know how hard that is. Compassion. Empathy. We can never afford to be naive, but we can always start with the good. We can start with trust. I find it easy to define hate acts of any kind, neo-nazi=isis, and beyond extremes of that ilk, i think we should be able to find a way to coexist, and write those ways down for all to attempt. "Fighting for peace is like fucking for virginity."- Some Hippie “All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.” – Thomas Jefferson Remember who the government work for, the people, and a million more of us voted against new walls. This is a minority-minded government with what seems like all the power. An unfortunate reminder that we cannot sit by and watch choices be made for us. We must be ready to peacefully enforce our true ideals as a country. True equality. To protect each and everyone of us who believes in peaceful existence. I believe we needed the election to go this way to shake us out of our comfort zone, from behind screens, from behind doors. Im not truly freaking out, I dont put all my hopes-wishes-fears on the shoulders of one person/president. My neighbors, my local government, thats where to really start. But the grand stage will need many players to pull off this show, to make sure the ending is good enough for us and our children's children. That means putting all of our best-feet forward and being proactive. Petitions, peaceful protests, fighting internal and external fear. We have enough to worry about with corporations, oligarchies around the world, Monsanto, natural resources. Now the things we have all been opposed to have all the friends, in all the highest positions? If ever we needed the spirit of the 60s, we need that spirit now. Get out and show your face somewhere, maybe somewhere that takes you out of your own comfort zone, but shows you are with peace. This new "Not My President," movement isnt exactly my cup-of-tea. I support whoever is our president, hard as it is, even Trump-the-pizza-commercial-reality tv star, but with watchful eyes, my voice at the ready, my boots tied tight. I am going to a gathering to show my face. I may have to watch someone burn a flag, not a fan, but i can express my distaste for the act and still be there in support of freedom, be there to show my face, to say, hey, we are all in this together. I can be there for Black Lives Matter, because if those lives matter all lives do. I can be there for the LGBT, even if i can not completely understand those lives. I can stand for women's rights. I can stand with any group who demand equal rights if their views include themselves and all others. I can walk to say no to pipelines for oil when we have the brains to invent new, better, ways. Walk against money ruling all. Walk for universal healthcare. And many many other reasons that promote individuality without destroying any one unique group. I dont have many answers, just know how I feel inside, I know how wonderful life can be, I am privileged to be an American, and don't see why everyone who wants too, cant have that feeling. I now, gladly, hop down from the soap-box. Cheers, heres to love winning. "If a reckoning comes maybe we'll know what to do then." -Words by John Barlow, sung by Brent Mydland
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Amen brother.... give peace a chance....
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So, my wife, a friend, and I, took to the streets in Philadelphia. Third night of protests. Some of the chants we skipped. Some we joined in on. The youth running things were fairly competent. They did a good job of getting rid of trouble makers. A lot of people spoke, some of them harder to listen to then others, but some really excellent young speakers mixed in. Completely peaceful interaction between the many many police officers and the crowd of about 300-400 people. A few police officers dressed all in black with red-arm bands did there best to intimidate, they didnt. Bicycles are a much better choice to follow the march then horses and hoses. Bicycles say, hey, we are here for the protestors and non-protestors. Traffic was briefly stopped, news crews blinded us with camera lights. People looked from the sidewalks, people stared motionless from windows. All in all this was a positive experience. I felt better just getting out there, showing the masses that we are watching, that we expect the best from the incoming administration, that we will be back if need be to petition those expectations. My protest offended a few friends and family members, I dont see it that way, but i try to be understanding. History tells me that we have to be ready, and getting out there is indeed the very thing democracy demands. America has been different for me after 9/11. People seem quieter, reserved. At shows, out on the streets. I think finding our voice is a good thing. That voice is almost a caricature of the sixties at-this-point. The shy sibling of the sixties trying to grow-up, and we will. We will get our protest-legs under us, peacefully, eventually, defiantly. Removing the media influence, being with a true mix of people on the train, through the protests, and back is a much better litmus for how America really is, who America really is, and that alone was helpful. We will get by, we will survive. Chin-up America.
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Hey, I am glad to hear that you are out there, and joined by at least a few hundred supporters. Numbers in Indiana were rather low, but that's not unexpected. You mentioned not having the voice of the 60's. I have been giving the 60's a lot of thought since this. Maybe I am being overly dramatic, but to me, this feels like the establishment's final push to undo the progresses that the 60's brought us. If I was to categorize the things the 60's brought forth, I would say: civil rights, women's rights, anti-war, and environmentalism. Since the 60's movement faded out, the right has been pushing towards reversing all of those things. With the new administration, further armed with congress and the Supreme Court, I fear a 4 years assault on all of that. I feel let down by the Democratic Party who chose to not listen to so many (on both sides) crying for a change in the normal political structure. I think HRC would have done a good job as President, but this was not the election for career politicians. We (progressives, lefties, hippies) need to rebuild the movement. Things are very much stacked against us. As much now as back in the day. We should have the numbers, but we need to organize, fight them as best we can these 2-4 years, and be prepared to do true political battle. Well, OK, I was going to just write a "good for you!" message but apparently I had more to get off my chest. Sorry for the soap box. Peace, -Dave
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Hello fellow hippies! I have a question... Where online are the best sites/blogs/reddits/etc. to read or subscribe to? I obviously am on here each day, but where else? I am looking for communities of like minded folks to hopefully join in with. Peace, -Dave