And Now For Something Completely Different: Traffic

I decided to mix things up a bit around here.  Instead of my normal news post, I will be writing a story.  I hope you enjoy.

We started this whole operation almost five years ago.  We set up a front: a small exotic pet store which specialized in corals and tropical fish.  The store was fully operational.  Customers walked in and out without a clue of the ulterior motives we had.  I ordered fish that were nearly impossible to obtain in the United States.  Then, after what seemed to be an eternity of waiting, we launched our trap.

I sent a letter to one Anson Wong.  We had first heard his name when we interviewed animal traffickers.  Initially, we thought that he was simply a big player in the game.  Eventually, however, we learned that he wasn’t just a big player.  He was the player: the man who organized almost all foreign animal trafficking in South eastern Asia.

—–

Animal trafficking may not seem like a particularly big deal, but believe me, this is no simple import/export business.  International treaties like CITIES are in place to prevent the trafficking of endangered animals, but they don’t have any teeth.  First off, many countries do not abide by the rules because they did not sign it.  Also, it allows people to trade the animals if they were bred in captivity.  The problem here is that many people simply claim that their animal was “bred in captivity,” even though it was caught in the wild.  Once captured, the market is fairly specific for each animal.  Bears have their gall bladders removed for traditional medicines.  Tigers and big cats are killed for their pelts.  Monkeys are captured as pets.  Reptiles killed for skins and sometimes sold as pets.   The way these creatures are collected is also cruel.  Most traders will kill animals just for the parts with monetary value.  If an animal must be kept alive, they will commonly kill babies’ mothers and fathers and simply take the baby out of the wild.

I worked undercover in Wong’s organization for some time.  He, like most organized crime leaders, and make no mistake, it is highly organized, Wong bordered on megalomania.  I was supposed to be his biographer.  Wong showed me his captive breeding zoos.  They were little more than cages placed in his large estate.  There was no great difficulty in seeing through the mirage.  These animals were not bred in captivity.  There is a certain look in a wild animal’s eye when it is imprisoned.  It seems to ask, “Why?”  In one of our last meetings, Wong told me that he had to leave the country for a time to take care of some business.  I asked him where he was going.

“India,” he retorted.  ”An associate tells me that I can have some tigers.”

“Tigers,” I thought to myself, “There are only about 4,000 left in the wild.  And I could guess what the tiger’s fate was going to be.  Tigers cost $6,000 annually to keep, but a bullet costs only a few cents.  The math is easy.

Before he left in his plane, he grabbed my shoulder.

“I have shown you much of my world.  Some people would like it dearly to see me behind bars for my….work.  Just remember, bad things happen to people who betray me.”

A chill went up my spine.  Wong was not one to make empty threats.  However, immediately on his departure, I went to the chief Wildlife Department official.  I told her that I had information regarding Anson Wong.  She laughed.  I asked for an explanation of her giggle.

“He is my friend,”  she simply replied.

I studied her face.  She did not blink.  Her smile displayed two rows of slightly angled white teeth.

“Nevermind,” I quickly said and turned and left.  Wong has his hand in every government agency I later learned.  His influence was far-reaching and solid as a rock.  If anything was going to be done, it would have to be in the United States.  Unfortunately, that meant for us to get charges to stick, we would need to catch him in the act.  But there was a hitch.  Wong never traveled with his animals.  It was always done through middle men.  We needed a good plan for this to work.

—–

My letter told Wong that I was a rare fish dealer and wanted to get some corals to add to my inventory.  This seemed like a low enough rung from which to start off.  We did not want to make a splash.  One toe at a time.  We also asked for a list of what he had to offer.  A month letter, we had a letter back.  It included a list of corals, including a few endangered ones.  We were on our way.  We ordered the endangered ones and asked to see what he had in way of fish and small reptiles.  He gladly complied with a similar list.  After another two years of correspondence, gaining Wong’s trust, we asked for a favor.

We had a “friend who was interested in Komodo Dragons.”  She “wanted” to meet Wong to set up a deal.  No good, he replied, he does not do business deals face to face, much less in North America.  But, she insisted.  Komodo dragons do not have a huge market as they are so conspicuous, so Wong did not want to lose this one.  After haggling on a location, we settled on Mexico, a country not known for its strict animal law enforcement.

It was a warm morning.  I waited outside of the airport tunnel entrance with a group of Mexican soldiers behind me.  Wong walked around the tunnel.  He had a Hawaiian shirt on, as though expecting to have some fun in the sun.  I greeted him with a smile and handcuffs.

“Hello old friend.”  I chided.

Wong’s face fell momentarily.  He knew the game was up.  But then, surprisingly, he smiled at me.

“Well done.  You really had me going there.  But no worries.  Just let my wife know that I will be gone for a while and that she should take over the store during my absence…”

For nearly two years Anson fought extradition to the U.S., but eventually he signed plea agreements, admitting to crimes carrying a maximum penalty of 250 years in prison and a $12.5-million fine. On June 7, 2001, U.S. District Judge Martin J. Jenkins sentenced him to 71 months in U.S. federal prison (with credit for 34 months served), fined him $60,000, and banned him from selling animals to anyone in the U.S. for three years after his prison release.  His main company, Sungai Rusa Wildlife, continued to ship despite the ban. Now that he’s free, Anson has launched a new wildlife venture, a zoo that promises to be his most audacious enterprise yet.

This story is, for the most part, sadly true.  To get the full story, check out http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/01/asian-wildlife/christy-text/1

[Via http://scienceguy288.wordpress.com]

Soliciting Home Remedies!

Somewhat ironically, I have begun experiencing the symptoms of a cold on the horizon. For the record, it’s ironic because I was just having a conversation with a group of kids here about how I never get sick (clearly jinxing myself). While so many people have come down with cold after flu this year (credit to the change in location, perhaps), I have managed to stay relatively healthy — not a flu bug or a cough in sight. For the last two days, however, I have felt the ominous tingle in my throat and have been experiencing that sinus pressure that makes you want to empty your head out. You know the one?

So, I guess I effectively jinxed myself. I am getting sick, as much as I hate to admit it. I woke up this morning with a sore throat, stuffed nose and an achy body. On top of that, I slept until 1130! That’s seriously unheard of, so I’m going to accredit it to the fact that my body is trying to recuperate. I’m all about home remedies right now. I’m not really familiar with the NHS here and I don’t very much want to see a doctor that I don’t know (Dr. Kazadi, if you’re reading this, I miss you!) In lieu of doctors visits, I’m going to try some at-home healing: loads of H20, perhaps some Emergen-C packets and some tomato soup!

Here’s the problem: being that I don’t get sick very often (I’m probably jinxing myself again…), I’m not really familiar with all of the tried-and-true home remedies. Herbs? Teas? Homemade concoctions? Whiskey?

Anyone have a secret for banishing sore throat and sniffles?
Please leave me a comment & share your remedies!

Lots of love from your sickly traveler,

[Via http://travelerdiary.wordpress.com]

GET TAMIFLU FROM CERTIFIEDONLINEPHARMACY.NET

The sudden outbreak of swine flu, a virus that is endemic in pigs, around the world has scared the entire population of the world.  The spreading of this virus had been all over the news during the year. What is sad is that some of those who were infected had died. Because of this, all persons have been taking precautions and among the precautions is the taking in of certain medications for prevention and also for flu treatment. The most frequently prescribed anti-viral flu medicine is Tamiflu.

Tamiflu, whose generic name is Oseltamivir, is an antiviral drug that slows the spread of influenza or flu virus between cells in the body by stopping the virus from chemically cutting ties with its host cell. In other words, it is one that treats disorders caused by viruses.

Once you or a member of your family starts to experience flu symptoms such as fever, chills, aches, or tiredness, you can already take action within 48 hours. In order to treat flu, just take Tamiflu within two days of experiencing symptoms. This is because this medication works by helping to stop the flu virus from spreading inside the body. On the other hand, if your purpose is flu prevention, just take Tamiflu when you have been exposed to someone with the flu. This medication, in this case, works, by helping to keep the virus from making you sick. It should be noted, however, that Tamiflu is not intended to substitute the need of fly shot because vaccination is still the first line of defense for flu protection.

Before taking in Tamiflu, it is important for you to inform your doctor certain facts. First, your doctor should be informed if you have any allergy to any drug’s components. Second, consult your doctor first before starting Tamiflu treatment if you are carrying a baby or is planning to get pregnant soon. Birth defects have resulted when Tamiflu was tried on pregnant animals. Although this medication has not yet been tested on humans, it is still not advisable to just take the medication without talking to your doctor because Tamiflu can pass into breast milk. And third, your doctor should likewise be informed beforehand if you are suffering from any of the following disorders:

-          Heart problems

-          Kidney ailments

-          Liver diseases

-          Viral infections besides Influenza A or B

-          Lung problems

-          Other important medical problems

Tamiflu also result to several side effects like cough, phlegm production, wheezing, nausea, vomiting, stomach upsets, diarrhea, stomach cramps, eye itching, nosebleed which most commonly occurs in children, eye redness, eye swelling and sometimes an excessive tear production, headache, skin flushing, fatigue, dizziness, and insomnia. There may be other side effects that this medication may cause. If in case such side effects become too bothersome or intolerable, it is advised that the patient stop taking Tamiflu and ask his doctor of any advice regarding the issues. For instance, if you develop a some kind of allergic reaction or a severe rash, stop taking this med and contact your healthcare professional immediately because it may be very serious. Those persons suffering from flu, most especially children and adults, may be at an increased risk of self injury and confusion shortly after taking Tamiflu, thus, they must be closely monitored for signs of unusual behaviour. If in case any signs of unusual behaviour appears, then a healthcare profession should be immediately contacted.

In addition, your doctor should likewise be informed if you are taking drugs other than Tamiflu whether they are prescription or non-prescription medicines. This is because Tamiflu usually reacts with other drugs containing Probenecid among other ingredients. The combination of these two usually causes higher blood levels.

According to flu treatment studies, adults who take Tamiflu within 48 hours of the first appearance of symptoms feel better 30% faster than those who did not take this medication. As for children, they feel better up to 26% faster than those flu patients who did not take Tamiflu. Thus, it can be said that this medication is indeed effective to both adults and children.

CertifiedOnlinePharmacy.net is the best place to obtain this medication. Why? First, because it has a free online prescription service from a US licensed doctor. Second, it offers a free discreet overnight shipping through FedEx. Third, all certified online pharmacy orders are shipped through a US licensed pharmacy. Fourth, you simply need to find the medication you need from more than a hundred medications and then complete a simple medical questionnaire in order to purchase from Certified Online Pharmacy. Just remember to accurately fill out the said questionnaire by explain your exact problem to ensure approval. Fifth, all medication including Tamiflu offered is FDA approved. Last but not the least, 24/7 Toll free support and Live Chat is made available by Certified Online Pharmacy.

I guarantee that you’ll find Certified Online Pharmacy to be everything and more that you would expect from a respectable trustworthy online pharmacy service to purchase Tamiflu and all other kinds of medications.

[Via http://cheapprescriptiononline.wordpress.com]

Disadvantages Of Herbal Medicine

Disadvantages Of Herbal Medicine

Medicines made from various natural herbs have been popular from time immemorial with the native folks of many countries as an alternative form of treatment. Herbal or traditional medicines are made from various plants and plant extracts. Sometimes, fungal and bee products, minerals, shells and specific animal parts are also used in the preparation of herbal medicines. Many substances found in plants are useful in treating human ailments. Among them are aromatic substances, phenols and their oxygen-substituted derivatives like tannins. Secondary metabolites like alkaloids serve as defense mechanism against microorganisms and insects. Many herbs used by us while cooking have useful medicinal compounds.

Many people prefer herbal medications rather than the regular ones while treating various physical problems. From treating acne and prostate to treating insomnia and depression, the benefits of herbal medications have been immense. In many cases, medical science had backed the use of herbal medicine to treat specific conditions. However, like any other forms of treatment, herbal medicine also has quite a few disadvantages. Often, the trouble caused by some herbal medicine can boil down to the specific herb in question. In fact, many herbal remedies have proved themselves from time to time.

Any form of herbal medicine takes some time to act. One has to have immense patience while undergoing herbal treatment. Various ingredients go into the preparation of herbal medicine. One has to be sure that none of the ingredients would cause allergic reactions. Many herbal remedies have negative side effects. Most of these side effects take months to appear. Since governments do not regulate the industry of herbal medicine, there is no chance of any quality control during the manufacturing of the herbal supplements. It is absolutely necessary to find a renowned practitioner of herbal medicine.

Regular medicines are still the best bet during serious or sudden illness or injury. Herbal medicine cannot treat serious injuries like a broken leg. Nor can it heal appendicitis or heart attacks effectively as no diagnostic tests or surgery is involved in it. Often self-dosing of various herbs leads to serious risks among users. Though one can argue that such a thing can occur with regular medicines as well, it should be remembered that those packages have specific instructions regarding dosage. This is entirely absent with herbal medications. Herbs harvested in the wild are risky. Incorrect identification of the required herb can even lead to poisoning.

Herbal medications often interact with regular medicines. The herbs that are used to treat anxiety like Valerian and St. John’s Wort can interact with antidepressants. It is best to consult one’s doctor before going for any alternative treatment while on regular medicines. Sometimes, people start using herbal medications without checking what exactly is leading to the physical symptom they are suffering from. Regular medications may have been useful in such cases of wrong diagnosis.

The disadvantages of herbal medications depend on the user as well. People need to know what they are taking, what purpose would it serve and what would be the side effects of such a medication. It is essential to remember that though herbs are often effective they are not a panacea for all kinds of diseases.

[Via http://wehealthy.wordpress.com]

Tobacco Use Worldwide

Currently, approximately one third of the global population over the age of 15 – about 1.1 billion people – smoke cigarettes. Tobacco use continues to be the leading preventable cause of death worldwide, killing at least five million people each year. Trends from illness and death related to tobacco use indicate that by 2030, tobacco use will contribute to the deaths of more than 10 million people worldwide each year, 70 percent of whom live in the developing world. Though various strategies are in place, including bans on smoking in public areas, restrictions on advertisements for tobacco products, and increased taxes on cigarettes, the number of people who use tobacco has not significantly decreased. A recently released report from the World Health Organization (WHO) details cigarette and smokeless tobacco consumption and seeks to find an approach that may lessen the use of these products.

The WHO report indicates that though 22 of the world’s most populous 100 cities are now “smoke-free,” this only accounts for 5.4 percent of the world’s population. In 2008, the WHO established a set of guidelines aimed at helping nations to reduce smoking, which include:

1. Monitoring tobacco use and the policies to prevent it,
2. Protecting people from tobacco smoke,
3. Offering people help to quit using tobacco,
4. Warning people about the dangers of tobacco,
5. Enforcing bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, and
6. Raising taxes on tobacco.

However, reports indicate that less than 10 percent of the world’s population is covered by any one of these measures. Additionally, only two percent of individuals live in nations that have comprehensive and widely-accepted smoke-free laws, and 94 percent are not protected by any laws against smoking.

Laws banning smoking – including the use of cigarettes, cigars, and hookahs – in public places will come into force in 2010 in many areas of the world. According the Syrian Society for Countering Cancer, 60 percent of adult men and 23 percent of women in Syria smoke, and 98 percent of Syrians are affected by second-hand smoke exposure. Other nations face similarly high rates of tobacco use and smoking-related illness and death. The high incidence of tobacco-related deaths in the Philippines (90,000 per year), Malaysia (10,000 per year), and Vietnam (40,000 per year) has caused concern in these regions, but fully effective smoking bans are not yet in place. Reports indicate that the majority of smokers in some Southeast Asian countries are men, and that as many as 75 percent of men smoke, compared to fewer than 20 percent of women who do. In Cambodia, for example, roughly half of the older women do use tobacco, but favor smokeless chewing tobacco, which many women begin during pregnancy to help lessen prenatal nausea.

Over the past four years, smoking rates have decreased in developed nations including the United States, Japan, and Western Europe as anti-smoking laws gain momentum. However, the World Lung Foundation (WLF) indicates that “More than 80 percent of those with premature deaths [from smoking] would occur in low- and middle-income countries.” Since 1960, according to the WLF, “the global production of tobacco has increased 300 percent in low- and middle-resource countries while dropping more than 50 percent in high-resource countries.” In China and India, over half a billion men consume tobacco, and other nations are facing similar problems of mass consumption of tobacco use. Tobacco is a contributing cause to heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, cancers and asthma worldwide, regardless of how it is consumed (smoked, chewed, etc.). According to Ala Alwan, the WHO non-communicable diseases expert, more than 80 percent of the WHO’s projected cancer deaths are likely to occur in the poorest regions of Africa. To increase awareness and provide education about the dangers of smoking, the WHO is planning to establish a regional hub there in 2010.

It remains to be seen how much impact the efforts of the WHO and other organizations will have with regard to decreasing the number of individuals who use tobacco. Through newly established laws, increased taxation, and outreach and education about the dangers of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products, it may be possible to urge individuals to quit smoking or not to start at all.

Discuss This and Other Public Health Concerns in the iCons in Medicine Forums

[Via http://iconsinmedicine.wordpress.com]

Australian study: children, infants need one H1N1 vaccine dose

As the supply of H1N1 vaccine for the adult population increases, recent evidence suggests that a new vaccine formulation from an Australian manufacturer may require only one dose for effectiveness in infants and children.  CSL, Ltd, of Australia, announced that their 15 mcg antigen formulation (twice the antigen amount in use in the United States at present) resulted in effective antibody levels (immunity) in over 90% of infants and children immunized.  Many officials remain concerned about new waves of H1N1 as the winter progresses in the northern hemisphere and then begins later in 2010 in the southern hemisphere.  Next  year’s routine seasonal flu shots are already scheduled to contain variants of this  years H1N1 strain, barring any major mutations in the virus.  These modifications are already scheduled to be incorporated into seasonal flu vaccines which will be administered south of the equator beginning in March, April and May.  Here in the U.S., concerns about vaccine safety have kept many parents on the sidelines.  To be sure, there are always concerns with vaccines, but to date, the H1N1 vaccines appear to have no greater side effect profiles than the seasonal flu vaccines.  Health officials are still urging general vaccination of children.  Parents of children with special health needs and concerns have been strongly advised to have the receive the vaccine.  Parents should discuss this decision with their pediatrician if there are concerns . . . ben kazie md

Australian vaccine maker CSL Ltd (CSL.AX) said on Monday its pandemic H1N1 swine flu vaccine delivered a strong immune response after just one dose in children as young as 6 months. Global health authorities recommend children get two swine flu shots for full protection, but the CSL vaccine showed strong response with just one shot. Australian researchers find that more than 90% of those in study had effective immunity after a single dose, but the 15-microgram dose of antigen is twice that used in the United States.

Study shows one dose of H1N1 vaccine may be enough for children – http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-sci-swine-flu-vaccine22-2009dec22,0,7581593.story

Will One Dose of H1N1 Vaccine Be Enough for Kids? – http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1949187,00.html

UPDATE 1-CSL says its H1N1 vaccine effective with 1 dose – http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2125173820091221

One Dose of H1N1 Vaccine Enough for Young – http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/12/21/health/main6005618.shtml?tag=cbsnewsLeadStoriesAreaMain;cbsnewsLeadStoriesHeadlines

Immunogenicity of a Monovalent 2009 Influenza A(H1N1) Vaccine in Infants and Children:… Nolan et al. JAMA.2009; 0: 20091911-10.

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[Via http://benkazie.wordpress.com]

Mesothelioma Fighting cancer with alternative medicine

Research in alternative medicine and conventional therapies to treat cancer, mesothelioma continues to be on top of trying to find a cure for this disease. Until an alternative is found, and shows promise to remove with traditional medicines and therapies, such as Alimta and other chemotherapy drugs, surgery, cancer, and radiotherapy will be used to slow the cancer.

In addition to conventional treatments may be a series of alternative medicine therapiesThe symptoms of mesothelioma can be reduced. Called complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM, this heterogeneous group of medical practices and health services and are not considered a part of general practice. However, this does not mean they are ineffective. Some providers of health care practice to combine both CAM and conventional medicine, and the two with good results. This is known as integrative medicine. As Thirty-six per cent of American adultsPopulation with some form of CAM. This increases by more than sixty percent when prayer and mega vitamin therapy included in the definition of alternative and complementary. Rates using an alternative therapy is higher in patients with serious diseases like cancer, mesothelioma.

Some treatments offered by alternative medicine, including acupuncture, pain after surgery to remove tumors, ginger, treatment of nausea and vomiting to relieve the causes that chemotherapyMassage the pain of all types of cancer treatment, and to extract of mistletoe in combination with chemotherapy to treat cancer. Immunotherapy, also called biological therapy, is becoming more common. In this therapy as biologic response modifiers are substances used to detect the immune system's ability to improve and destroy cancer cells, and to combat other diseases.

Photodynamic therapy uses a drug, the tissue sensitive to light, destroys tumor cells by exposureThey stopped in a laser at a specific frequency. Gene therapy is a new field, but that support the potentially fatal disease by altering a single gene therapy treatment. Herbal medicines, traditional practices of countries like China and Japan, and spiritual treatments are also used in CAM. Not all of these therapies have the ability to be directly related to mesothelioma and its effects are more likely to vary from patient. You can, however, a great help in managing symptoms andThe side effects of using conventional treatments.

If you are using complementary or alternative medicine in cancer treatment should ask their doctors. It is important to get answers to some questions when considering any treatment, whether alternative or conventional. Information such as the expected benefits of therapy in comparison to the risks, possible side effects, and, in the case of alternative or complementary treatments, if treatmentTreatment is with you are already interfering with the useful. If the treatment is part of a clinical study to find out who is the sponsor. Many alternative therapies are not fully covered by health insurance. Some are not covered. It 'important to know before beginning any CAM therapy, whether or not to pay the insurance. A good place to start finding information on the options is the NCCAM Web site at http://nccam.nih.gov. From there you will be able to informto decide what treatments, both conventional and alternative, it is right for you.

[Via http://mesotheliomaasbestosclaim.wordpress.com]

H1N1 Vaccine recalled.

The French pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis recalled 800,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine because it was not “strong enough.” Media pundits assure everyone that their children are “not in danger” since they require a second vaccine anyway—even though we were told two vaccinations were not required.

Parents should be assured that the vaccine has the appropriate level of Mercury, I suppose.

[Via http://donthategcdaz.wordpress.com]

Healthcare in HMI

The Health Medicine Institute (HMI) is a comprehensive center for health and healing. Medical director, Len Saputo, MD, and executive director, Kay Sandberg, MA, guide the integration of the best strategies from mainstream, complementary, and alternative medicine in all HMI healthcare. This highly collaborative approach is based on the four principles of Health Medicine—preventive, person-centered, integrative, and holistic care. Our 14 practitioners offer “high-tech” modern medicine in tandem with the “high touch” of complementary therapies.

While they treat most healthcare conditions, they offer six specialized programs:

• pain management
• the treatment of complex chronic conditions
• women’s health services
• thermal imaging for breast cancer risk assessment
• integrative sports medicine
• wellness programs

At the HMI, they are accustomed to helping people with health problems that have been considered unsolvable, sometimes for decades. In part, our success results from our use of state-of-the-art technologies such as infrared light therapy. For example, more than 95% of their patients with long-standing back or neck pain experience major improvement. They also see exceptional results in the treatment of conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, neuropathies, and sports injuries.

They are the only physician-supervised facility in California that provides both infrared light therapy and infrared imaging for the treatment of pain disorders. In many cases, severe pain vanishes in just a few treatments, without the need for medication or surgery.

Because our practitioners work collaboratively, treatment often succeeds beyond the limits of what is possible through any single discipline. Many of their patients have experienced impressive results in the treatment or management of disorders such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, digestive conditions, fatigue, headaches, anxiety, and depression. Their approach pairs Western medicine with therapies such as Chinese medicine or bodywork, depending on the needs of the individual.

Another critically important ingredient in their success is the compassion of our practitioners and staff. They make every effort to provide the finest quality care possible and to create a warm sense of community. Many of their patients have commented positively about the HMI’s healing atmosphere and the personalized care they receive.

They consider the greatest reward is to see their patients get better and resume healthy lives.

[Via http://dmedicine.wordpress.com]

Monday Morning JetLawg

In the news . . .

First U.S. inmate executed through new intravenous method.

Too much sex in television ads recently?

Critics slam Saturday Night Live for being insensitive toward domestic violence after Tiger Woods skit.

Actress looks for lifesaver after $1.7 million tax lien.

Fearful of long prison sentence, 22-year-old pleads guilty to accidental child pornography download.

Google brings trademark infringement lawsuit against work-at-home spammers.

Woman seeks $5 million from Burger King for text message advertisements.

Amidst Homeland Security probe regarding White House party crash, reality tv husband Tareq Salahi resigns from government job.

Porn king Larry Flynt wins lawsuit against nephews over use of family name in title of porn company.

Mascot for New England Patriots arrested in sex sting.

Sports Illustrated has conversation with NBA Commissioner David Stern about legalizing gambling in professional basketball.

Countersuit filed against the band No Doubt in Band Hero avatar dispute.

[Via http://jetl.wordpress.com]

George Bush Discusses Medical Liability Reform | Political Video | George W. Bush Video Archive

Based on a tip from Tom Baker’s book The Medical Malpractice Myth,” I found some video of then President Bush (43) arguing the following:

Many of the costs that we’re talking about don’t start in an examining room or an operating room. They start in a courtroom. (Applause.) What’s happening all across this country is that lawyers are filing baseless suits against hospitals and doctors. That’s just a plain fact. (Applause.) And they’re doing it for a simple reason. They know the medical liability system is tilted in their favor. (Applause.) Jury awards in medical liability cases have skyrocketed in recent years. That means every claim filed by a personal injury lawyer brings the chance of a huge payoff or a profitable settlement out of court. That’s what that means. Doctors and hospitals realize this. They know it’s expensive to fight a lawsuit, even if it doesn’t have any merit. And because the system is so unpredictable, there is a constant risk of being hit by a massive jury award. So doctors end up paying tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to settle claims out of court, even when they know they have done nothing wrong.

He was, as we shall see, exactly, oppositely wrong.

For live footage, click the following: George Bush Discusses Medical Liability Reform | Political Video | George W. Bush Video Archive.

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• “Too many OB/GYNs aren’t able to practice their love with women all across this country.”-George Bush (unaskedadvice.wordpress.com)

[Via http://howtobuythemicourts.wordpress.com]

New Keri Hilson...

Really like this

Piles Ft. Keri Hilson – Medicine

‘I’ll be your prescription
Come and take a dose of me
Once you get a dose of me
You’ll think that I’m ya medicine’

xo

[Via http://xotashaa.wordpress.com]

Untimely cut on NHS IT system in pre-Budget report

Image by G’n'L photos via Flickr

The latest move in Whitehall to claw back some of the huge amounts of money spent to save the banking system and tackle the recession, is to reduce funding and scope of the NHS IT system.

Now, this has definitely not been a perfect project, with delays, imperfect implementation and large costs. However, results are beginning to bear fruit. Most hospitals have digital radiology (X-rays, CT, MRI, etc…). Nearly all GP practices are computerised. Hospitals that are hooked onto the main computer system can now request scans + tests all online, resulting in huge time savings. The initial interface is constantly being modfied to increase functionality, and finally staff are becoming familiar with its workings (which itself improves efficiency).

In view of the above, it seems incredibly short-sighted to pull the plug on this long-term and promising project. Then again, long-term sentiments don’t win short-term elections…

[Via http://gpollara.wordpress.com]

Take the poll: Are women people?

Senator Ben Nelson has said he doesn’t want people to lose coverage under health care reform.

But he’s also said he wants to offer an abortion coverage ban amendment to the Senate health reform bill that is similar to the dangerous Stupak amendment. It would take away women’s ability to purchase coverage for abortion care with their own funds in the health insurance exchanges and the public plan.

Join me in taking the poll – Are women people?

Then sign the petition.

(Thanks, Jender-Mom!)

[Via http://feministphilosophers.wordpress.com]

Exams - Just a Week & Half More

Just a week and half more that’s all there’s left.

Just Opthalmology & E.N.T.

Just ten more days & I’m scott free whooee!!

Just ten more days & I can take a break,

Though a short fortnight it may only be.

Just a week and half more that’s all there’s left.

Opthal  & ENT will ready be?

Epide-, physio-, Patho-, signs & sympts,

Neglect thee not my differentials too,

Tests, Treat, Prognose, my bread and butter be.

Just a week and half more that’s all there’s left

Oh God what have I done with all my time!

More material to burn in time there is,

much less hope to actually read it all,

Oh God I really can’t afford to fail!

(Just something it thought up in the shower’s this morning before I went for this morning’s papers…)

[Via http://qwertysmithy.wordpress.com]

Age of Personalized Medicine: New Blog

I was glad to share the new blog of the Human Genome Organisation with you a few weeks ago. Now here is the new blog of the Age of Personalized Medicine which is a quality website dedicated to the possible implications of personalized medicine.

Welcome to The Age of Personalized Medicine Blog! Each week, our expert contributors will address the most pressing science and policy issues of the day that are shaping the future of personalized medicine.

Tomorrow, Amy Miller of the Personalized Medicine Coalition (PMC) will share her thoughts on the intersection of personalized medicine and comparative effectiveness research, and highlight the topics being discussed at the Comparative Effectiveness Research and Personalized Medicine: Policy, Science, and Business conference in Washington, D.C. We invite you to join the discussion!

Though both blogs are good initiatives, there is a clear difference between them. The difference is Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei who is the official editor of HUGO Matters and one of the best genetic bloggers in the whole blogosphere. No matter how fantastic experts write entries for a blog if the blog itself doesn’t have an editor who is an expert in managing blogs. You can be proficient in writing articles for scientific journals or news sites, but it doesn’t mean you are a good blogger as well.

[Via http://scienceroll.com]

Vitamin D and Heart Disease

From the Times of India

Right from the health of your immune system to prevention of heart disease
and even vulnerability to influenza, vitamin D is now seen as one of the most critical nutrients for overall health.

But it is also one of those most likely to be deficient – especially during winter when production of the “sunshine vitamin” almost grinds to a halt for people.

Analogs of the vitamin are even being considered for use as new therapies against tuberculosis, AIDS, and other concerns.

And federal experts are considering an increase in the recommended daily intake of the vitamin as more evidence of its value emerges, especially for the elderly.

“About 70 percent of the population of the United States has insufficient levels of vitamin D. This is a critical issue as we learn more about the many roles it may play in fighting infection, balancing your immune response, helping to address autoimmune problems, and even preventing heart disease,” said Adrian Gombart, a principal investigator with the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.

Read the rest of the article

[Via http://freedominfo.wordpress.com]