http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091207164856.htm
ScienceDaily (Dec. 8, 2009) — Individuals who experience psychological or social adversity in childhood may have lasting emotional, immune and metabolic abnormalities that help explain why they develop more age-related diseases in adulthood, according to a report in the December issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
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"The effects of adverse childhood experiences on age-related disease risks in adulthood were non-redundant, cumulative and independent of the influence of established developmental and concurrent risk factors," such as family history, low birth weight or high childhood body mass index, the authors write.
"In conclusion, it has long been known that pathophysiological processes leading to age-related diseases may already be under way in childhood," they continue. "The promotion of healthy psychosocial experiences for children is a necessary and potentially cost-effective target for the prevention of age-related disease."
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Delinquent Boys at Increased Risk of Premature Death and Disability by Middle Age
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091207095933.htm
ScienceDaily (Dec. 7, 2009) — Men who have a history of delinquency in childhood are more likely to die or become disabled by the time they are 48, and not just from the obvious consequences of
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The study found that among boys who engaged at age 10 in antisocial behaviour such as regularly skipping school or being rated troublesome or dishonest by teachers and parents, and who then went on to be convicted of a crime by the age of 18, 16.3% (1 in 6) had died or become disabled by the age of 48. That compared with 2.6% (1 in 40) of the boys from the same lower socioeconomic South London neighbourhood who were not delinquent or offenders -- an almost seven-fold difference.
"We were surprised to see such a strong link between these early influences and premature death and this indicates that things that happen in families at age 8-10 are part of a progression towards dying prematurely," said the study's leader, Professor Jonathan Shepherd, Director of the Violence and Society Research Group at Cardiff University in Wales. "It was also surprising that the increase was not limited to substance abuse or other mental health problems known to be linked with an antisocial lifestyle, but included premature death and disability from a wide variety of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease and cancer."
"At this point, we don't know exactly why delinquency increases the risk of premature death and disability in middle age, but it seems that impulsivity -- or lack of self-control -- in childhood and adolescence was a common underlying theme. It may be that the stresses and strains of an antisocial lifestyle and having to deal with all the crises that could have been avoided with more self-control takes their toll. It fits with the biological evidence of the effects of chronic stress on illness." Professor Shepherd said.
----- (skipping)
ScienceDaily (Dec. 7, 2009) — Men who have a history of delinquency in childhood are more likely to die or become disabled by the time they are 48, and not just from the obvious consequences of
----- (skipping)
The study found that among boys who engaged at age 10 in antisocial behaviour such as regularly skipping school or being rated troublesome or dishonest by teachers and parents, and who then went on to be convicted of a crime by the age of 18, 16.3% (1 in 6) had died or become disabled by the age of 48. That compared with 2.6% (1 in 40) of the boys from the same lower socioeconomic South London neighbourhood who were not delinquent or offenders -- an almost seven-fold difference.
"We were surprised to see such a strong link between these early influences and premature death and this indicates that things that happen in families at age 8-10 are part of a progression towards dying prematurely," said the study's leader, Professor Jonathan Shepherd, Director of the Violence and Society Research Group at Cardiff University in Wales. "It was also surprising that the increase was not limited to substance abuse or other mental health problems known to be linked with an antisocial lifestyle, but included premature death and disability from a wide variety of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease and cancer."
"At this point, we don't know exactly why delinquency increases the risk of premature death and disability in middle age, but it seems that impulsivity -- or lack of self-control -- in childhood and adolescence was a common underlying theme. It may be that the stresses and strains of an antisocial lifestyle and having to deal with all the crises that could have been avoided with more self-control takes their toll. It fits with the biological evidence of the effects of chronic stress on illness." Professor Shepherd said.
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‘Secret Santas’ take care to hide identities
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34420690/ns/us_news-giving/
updated 5:39 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec . 14, 2009
CHICAGO - The gold coins have arrived in much the same manner every year for the past four years: An anonymous donor dropped each one into a Salvation Army kettle somewhere in Fort Myers, Fla.
Each coin was tucked inside a small plastic case with a neatly handwritten note that said simply, "In memory of Mimi."
Every holiday season, such acts of generosity raise intriguing questions about the mysterious unknown donors. These "secret Santas" provide gifts ranging from plates of cookies to substantial piles of cash, and they are not in it for the glory or even the tax write-off. Many go to great lengths to keep their identities cloaked.
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updated 5:39 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec . 14, 2009
CHICAGO - The gold coins have arrived in much the same manner every year for the past four years: An anonymous donor dropped each one into a Salvation Army kettle somewhere in Fort Myers, Fla.
Each coin was tucked inside a small plastic case with a neatly handwritten note that said simply, "In memory of Mimi."
Every holiday season, such acts of generosity raise intriguing questions about the mysterious unknown donors. These "secret Santas" provide gifts ranging from plates of cookies to substantial piles of cash, and they are not in it for the glory or even the tax write-off. Many go to great lengths to keep their identities cloaked.
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Cleaners 'worth more to society' than bankers - study
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8410489.stm
Page last updated at 00:15 GMT, Monday, 14 December 2009
By Martin Shankleman,
Employment correspondent, BBC News
Hospital cleaners are worth more to society than bankers, a study suggests.
The research, carried out by think tank the New Economics Foundation, says hospital cleaners create £10 of value for every £1 they are paid.
It claims bankers are a drain on the country because of the damage they caused to the global economy.
They reportedly destroy £7 of value for every £1 they earn. Meanwhile, senior advertising executives are said to "create stress".
The study says they are responsible for campaigns which create dissatisfaction and misery, and encourage over-consumption.
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A total of six different jobs were analysed to assess their overall value. These are the study's main findings:
The elite banker : Paid between £500,000 and £80m a year, leading bankers destroy £7 of value for every pound they generate".
Childcare workers : For every pound they are paid they generate up to £9.50 worth of benefits to society."
Hospital cleaners : For every pound paid, over £10 in social value is created."
Advertising executives : For a salary of between £50,000 and £12m top advertising executives destroy £11 of value for every pound in value they generate".
Tax accountants : For a salary of between £75,000 and £200,000, tax accountants destroy £47 in value, for every pound they generate."
Waste recycling workers : For every pound of value spent on wages, £12 of value is generated for society."
Page last updated at 00:15 GMT, Monday, 14 December 2009
By Martin Shankleman,
Employment correspondent, BBC News
Hospital cleaners are worth more to society than bankers, a study suggests.
The research, carried out by think tank the New Economics Foundation, says hospital cleaners create £10 of value for every £1 they are paid.
It claims bankers are a drain on the country because of the damage they caused to the global economy.
They reportedly destroy £7 of value for every £1 they earn. Meanwhile, senior advertising executives are said to "create stress".
The study says they are responsible for campaigns which create dissatisfaction and misery, and encourage over-consumption.
----- (skipping)
A total of six different jobs were analysed to assess their overall value. These are the study's main findings:
Following is a synopsis
The elite banker : Paid between £500,000 and £80m a year, leading bankers destroy £7 of value for every pound they generate".
Childcare workers : For every pound they are paid they generate up to £9.50 worth of benefits to society."
Hospital cleaners : For every pound paid, over £10 in social value is created."
Advertising executives : For a salary of between £50,000 and £12m top advertising executives destroy £11 of value for every pound in value they generate".
Tax accountants : For a salary of between £75,000 and £200,000, tax accountants destroy £47 in value, for every pound they generate."
Waste recycling workers : For every pound of value spent on wages, £12 of value is generated for society."
Cutting off Senate Debate
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2009_12/021533.php
December 18, 2009
WHEN MCCAIN'S BAD MEMORY AND MCCAIN'S HYPOCRISY COLLIDE.... In a memorable exchange yesterday, Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) was pontificating on the Senate floor when he his allotted time elapsed. He asked Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), who was presiding over the Senate at the time, for an additional minute. Franken, somewhat sheepishly, declined.
As it turns out, Franken had been instructed by the Senate leadership to run a tight ship yesterday, and not let senators exceed their allotted times. It wasn't personal or ideological -- Franken was following the leadership's instructions because of a very limited, pre-holiday schedule.
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And Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) took to the floor yesterday to express his outrage.
"I've been around here 20-some years. First time I've ever seen a member denied an extra minute or two to finish his remarks....
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Faiz Shakir found this great example.
McCain, in other words, lashed out at Franken for doing something routine -- which McCain himself has also done.
December 18, 2009
WHEN MCCAIN'S BAD MEMORY AND MCCAIN'S HYPOCRISY COLLIDE.... In a memorable exchange yesterday, Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) was pontificating on the Senate floor when he his allotted time elapsed. He asked Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), who was presiding over the Senate at the time, for an additional minute. Franken, somewhat sheepishly, declined.
As it turns out, Franken had been instructed by the Senate leadership to run a tight ship yesterday, and not let senators exceed their allotted times. It wasn't personal or ideological -- Franken was following the leadership's instructions because of a very limited, pre-holiday schedule.
----- (skipping)
And Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) took to the floor yesterday to express his outrage.
"I've been around here 20-some years. First time I've ever seen a member denied an extra minute or two to finish his remarks....
----- (skipping)
Faiz Shakir found this great example.
Unfortunately, McCain's memory is suffering. In fact, McCain has engaged in the very same behavior that he was criticizing Franken for yesterday.
On October 10, 2002 -- just ahead of the looming mid-term elections -- the Senate rushed a debate on a war authorization giving President Bush the power to use force against Iraq. The resolution ultimately passed the Senate after midnight on an early Friday morning by a vote of 77-23.
During the course of the frenzied floor debate, then-Sen. Mark Dayton (D-MN) spoke in favor of an amendment offered by Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) that would have restricted Bush's constitutional powers to wage war against Iraq. After a minute and a half, Dayton ran of time.
When Dayton requested 30 additional seconds, McCain refused. It wasn't personal; McCain was "strictly adhering to the rules" because of time restrictions.
McCain, in other words, lashed out at Franken for doing something routine -- which McCain himself has also done.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Couples Who Do The Dishes Together Stay Happier
http://communications.uwo.ca/com/media_newsroom/media_newsroom_stories/couples_who_do_the_dishes_together_stay_happier._20091215445466/
By Communications Staff
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
London, ON – A new study published by The University of Western Ontario reveals that couples who share the responsibility for paid and unpaid work report higher average measures of happiness and life satisfaction than those in other family models.
The ‘shared roles’ category, where each partner’s unpaid work is within 40-60 per cent of the total unpaid work, is a growing category that now represents more than 25 per cent of respondents. Couples are more likely to be in a shared roles model when women have more resources and when the couple is less religious.
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By Communications Staff
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
London, ON – A new study published by The University of Western Ontario reveals that couples who share the responsibility for paid and unpaid work report higher average measures of happiness and life satisfaction than those in other family models.
The ‘shared roles’ category, where each partner’s unpaid work is within 40-60 per cent of the total unpaid work, is a growing category that now represents more than 25 per cent of respondents. Couples are more likely to be in a shared roles model when women have more resources and when the couple is less religious.
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More interpersonal trust can have a significant impact on growth in developing countries
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/uog-mit121509.php
Public release date: 15-Dec-2009
Contact: Pelle Ahlerup
University of Gothenburg
More interpersonal trust can have a significant impact on growth in developing countries
It has been claimed that interpersonal trust can play more of a role in how an economy develops than capital, as the complexity of business transactions increases. In a recent thesis from the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg, researcher Pelle Ahlerup demonstrates that there is reason to believe that interpersonal trust is more important in countries with a weak legal system, and that the quality of the legal system plays more of a role in societies where there is less trust between people.
"My research shows that trust between people can replace poorly functioning social institutions and vice versa," says Ahlerup, an economics researcher at the School of Business, Economics and Law. "Projects that aim to increase interpersonal trust can have a major impact in poor countries where investors and the general public do not have access to a reliable legal system. This also means that countries with low levels of trust between people have more to gain from improving the quality of their legal system and other social institutions."
Previous research has shown that countries where people have greater trust in each other generally perform better in a number of areas and have higher growth figures. Similar results have been shown for the importance of the legal system and other social institutions – countries with more reliable institutions generally have a higher standard of living.
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Public release date: 15-Dec-2009
Contact: Pelle Ahlerup
University of Gothenburg
More interpersonal trust can have a significant impact on growth in developing countries
It has been claimed that interpersonal trust can play more of a role in how an economy develops than capital, as the complexity of business transactions increases. In a recent thesis from the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg, researcher Pelle Ahlerup demonstrates that there is reason to believe that interpersonal trust is more important in countries with a weak legal system, and that the quality of the legal system plays more of a role in societies where there is less trust between people.
"My research shows that trust between people can replace poorly functioning social institutions and vice versa," says Ahlerup, an economics researcher at the School of Business, Economics and Law. "Projects that aim to increase interpersonal trust can have a major impact in poor countries where investors and the general public do not have access to a reliable legal system. This also means that countries with low levels of trust between people have more to gain from improving the quality of their legal system and other social institutions."
Previous research has shown that countries where people have greater trust in each other generally perform better in a number of areas and have higher growth figures. Similar results have been shown for the importance of the legal system and other social institutions – countries with more reliable institutions generally have a higher standard of living.
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Carbon Dioxide-Rich Environment has Opposite Effects on Some Ocean Dwellers Shell Production
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091201182622.htm
ScienceDaily (Dec. 2, 2009) — In a striking finding that raises new questions about carbon dioxide's (CO2) impact on marine life, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) scientists report that some shell-building creatures -- such as crabs, shrimp and lobsters -- unexpectedly build more shell when exposed to ocean acidification caused by elevated levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2).
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"We were surprised that some organisms didn't behave in the way we expected under elevated CO2," said Anne L. Cohen, a research specialist at WHOI and one of the study's co-authors. "What was really interesting was that some of the creatures, the coral, the hard clam and the lobster, for example, didn't seem to care about CO2 until it was higher than about 1,000 parts per million [ppm]." Current atmospheric CO2 levels are about 380 ppm, she said. Above this level, calcification was reduced in the coral and the hard clam, but elevated in the lobster
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Conversely, some organisms -- such as the soft clam and the oyster -- showed a clear reduction in calcification in proportion to increases in CO2.
----- (skipping)
The researchers caution, however, that the findings -- and acidification's overall impact -- may be more complex than it appears. For example, Cohen says that available food and nutrients such as nitrates, phosphates and iron may help dictate how some organisms respond to carbon dioxide.
"We know that nutrients can be very important," she says. "We have found that corals for example, that have plenty of food and nutrients can be less sensitive" to CO2. "In this study, the organisms were well fed and we didn't constrain the nutrient levels.
"I wouldn't make any predictions based on these results. What these results indicate to us is that the organism response to elevated CO2 levels is complex and we now need to go back and study each organism in detail."
Ries concurs that any possible ramifications are complex. For example, the crab exhibited improved shell-building capacity, and its prey, the clams, showed reduced calcification. "This may initially suggest that crabs could benefit from this shift in predator-pray dynamics. But without shells, clams may not be able to sustain their populations, and this could ultimately impact crabs in a negative way, as well," Ries said.
----- (skipping)
ScienceDaily (Dec. 2, 2009) — In a striking finding that raises new questions about carbon dioxide's (CO2) impact on marine life, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) scientists report that some shell-building creatures -- such as crabs, shrimp and lobsters -- unexpectedly build more shell when exposed to ocean acidification caused by elevated levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2).
----- (skipping)
"We were surprised that some organisms didn't behave in the way we expected under elevated CO2," said Anne L. Cohen, a research specialist at WHOI and one of the study's co-authors. "What was really interesting was that some of the creatures, the coral, the hard clam and the lobster, for example, didn't seem to care about CO2 until it was higher than about 1,000 parts per million [ppm]." Current atmospheric CO2 levels are about 380 ppm, she said. Above this level, calcification was reduced in the coral and the hard clam, but elevated in the lobster
----- (skipping)
Conversely, some organisms -- such as the soft clam and the oyster -- showed a clear reduction in calcification in proportion to increases in CO2.
----- (skipping)
The researchers caution, however, that the findings -- and acidification's overall impact -- may be more complex than it appears. For example, Cohen says that available food and nutrients such as nitrates, phosphates and iron may help dictate how some organisms respond to carbon dioxide.
"We know that nutrients can be very important," she says. "We have found that corals for example, that have plenty of food and nutrients can be less sensitive" to CO2. "In this study, the organisms were well fed and we didn't constrain the nutrient levels.
"I wouldn't make any predictions based on these results. What these results indicate to us is that the organism response to elevated CO2 levels is complex and we now need to go back and study each organism in detail."
Ries concurs that any possible ramifications are complex. For example, the crab exhibited improved shell-building capacity, and its prey, the clams, showed reduced calcification. "This may initially suggest that crabs could benefit from this shift in predator-pray dynamics. But without shells, clams may not be able to sustain their populations, and this could ultimately impact crabs in a negative way, as well," Ries said.
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Heavy Metal Paradox Could Point Toward New Therapy for Lou Gehrig's Disease
Even though it's not immediately useful from a medical standpoint, I posted this because it is interesting because of the paradoxical results.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091130160709.htm
ScienceDaily (Dec. 1, 2009) — New discoveries have been made about how an elevated level of lead, which is a neurotoxic heavy metal, can slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease -- findings that could point the way to a new type of therapy.
The results surprised researchers, since lead is also a known risk factor for ALS. This paradox is still not fully understood, and at this point would not form the basis for a therapy, as lead is toxic for the nervous system. But scientists say the phenomenon may lead to promising alternative approaches to the gene therapies that are now a focus of study.
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Michelangelos make smart lovers
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/nu-mms121609.php
Public release date: 16-Dec-2009
Contact: Pat Vaughan Tremmel
Northwestern University
Michelangelos make smart lovers
New study shows that partners sculpt each other to achieve their ideal selves
EVANSTON, Ill. --- Is that really Bob? You've seen him hundreds of mornings for the last 10 years at local coffee shops. Since he started dating Sara, he looks you in the eye -- and smiles. Sara takes every opportunity to let coffee shop cronies know that Bob is her guy and to gush about how funny he is. And he is. Who knew?
Think of Sara like Michelangelo chipping away at a block of marble to release the ideal figure slumbering within.
A new international review of seven papers on "the Michelangelo phenomenon" shows that when close partners affirm and support each other's ideal selves, they and the relationship benefit greatly.
"To the degree that the sculpting process has gone well, that you have helped mold me toward my ideal self, the relationship functions better and both partners are happier. And over the long term, I more or less come to reflect what my partner sees and elicits from me," said Eli Finkel, associate professor of psychology in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University.
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The Michelangelo effect is not simply about supporting your partner, nor is it about promoting what you think your partner's ideal self should be. "Even if partners treat us in perfectly loving, supportive ways, if the treatment is not consistent with the person we dream of becoming, we have to pay attention to those red flags," Finkel warned. "Is that the person you want to be married to 10 years down the road?"
The Michelangelo studies show that close partners sculpt one another's traits and skills and promote, versus inhibit, one another's goal achievement. "It's not just that you treat me positively," Finkel said. "You treat me in particular ways that dovetail with my ideal self."
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Conversely, a relationship can run into trouble when an individual emphasizes attributes that are peripheral to the core elements of what a partner ideally wishes to become. Take Mary, a leading researcher and a beauty. If she prizes her scholarly accomplishments above her physical virtues, she will feel disaffirmed when her partner affectionately refers to her as his "Colorado cutie." What that term of endearment represents could ultimately doom the relationship.
Some people such as Sara, who is so warm and empathic, are better sculptors than others and are particularly adept at bringing out others' ideal selves. Some individuals may be on the verge of achieving great personal growth and be open to any number of people who could help them. And others, the studies show, may have a much more difficult time bringing out someone's ideal self or be much more resistant to the Michelangelo effect.
----- (skipping)
"When deciding on a life partner, we consider many factors," Finkel observed. "But we frequently neglect to think about whether the person I hope to be in 10 years is consistent with the person you want me to be in 10 years. When our partners can chisel and polish us in a way that helps us to achieve our ideal self, that's a wonderful thing."
Public release date: 16-Dec-2009
Contact: Pat Vaughan Tremmel
Northwestern University
Michelangelos make smart lovers
New study shows that partners sculpt each other to achieve their ideal selves
EVANSTON, Ill. --- Is that really Bob? You've seen him hundreds of mornings for the last 10 years at local coffee shops. Since he started dating Sara, he looks you in the eye -- and smiles. Sara takes every opportunity to let coffee shop cronies know that Bob is her guy and to gush about how funny he is. And he is. Who knew?
Think of Sara like Michelangelo chipping away at a block of marble to release the ideal figure slumbering within.
A new international review of seven papers on "the Michelangelo phenomenon" shows that when close partners affirm and support each other's ideal selves, they and the relationship benefit greatly.
"To the degree that the sculpting process has gone well, that you have helped mold me toward my ideal self, the relationship functions better and both partners are happier. And over the long term, I more or less come to reflect what my partner sees and elicits from me," said Eli Finkel, associate professor of psychology in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University.
----- (skipping)
The Michelangelo effect is not simply about supporting your partner, nor is it about promoting what you think your partner's ideal self should be. "Even if partners treat us in perfectly loving, supportive ways, if the treatment is not consistent with the person we dream of becoming, we have to pay attention to those red flags," Finkel warned. "Is that the person you want to be married to 10 years down the road?"
The Michelangelo studies show that close partners sculpt one another's traits and skills and promote, versus inhibit, one another's goal achievement. "It's not just that you treat me positively," Finkel said. "You treat me in particular ways that dovetail with my ideal self."
----- (skipping)
Conversely, a relationship can run into trouble when an individual emphasizes attributes that are peripheral to the core elements of what a partner ideally wishes to become. Take Mary, a leading researcher and a beauty. If she prizes her scholarly accomplishments above her physical virtues, she will feel disaffirmed when her partner affectionately refers to her as his "Colorado cutie." What that term of endearment represents could ultimately doom the relationship.
Some people such as Sara, who is so warm and empathic, are better sculptors than others and are particularly adept at bringing out others' ideal selves. Some individuals may be on the verge of achieving great personal growth and be open to any number of people who could help them. And others, the studies show, may have a much more difficult time bringing out someone's ideal self or be much more resistant to the Michelangelo effect.
----- (skipping)
"When deciding on a life partner, we consider many factors," Finkel observed. "But we frequently neglect to think about whether the person I hope to be in 10 years is consistent with the person you want me to be in 10 years. When our partners can chisel and polish us in a way that helps us to achieve our ideal self, that's a wonderful thing."
Pennsylvania Cops Accused Of Hate Crime Cover-Up - Updated
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121576402&ft=1&f=1003&sc=YahooNews
by Robert Smith
December 17, 2009
The federal government has charged three top police officers in Shenandoah, Pa., with covering up evidence in the fatal beating last year of a Mexican immigrant.
Two white football players are in jail now for the attack, although the most serious charges against them were thrown out by a jury.
Federal prosecutors say that's because police officers in the insular town knew the boys and altered evidence in the case. One police officer investigating the case was dating the mom of one of the accused. Another cop had a son on the same football team as the accused.
Prosecutors say the Shenandoah police intimidated witnesses, coached the kids to lie and helped dispose of evidence.
----- (skipping)
But some in the town say they could see all of this coming. Thomas O'Neill, who was mayor when the killing occurred, says he tried to take the police off the case, but the father of the chief was a local politician.
"The chief's father was on council, and he was a former policeman himself. No matter what I tried to do, they tried to stop me," O'Neill says.
O'Neill resigned as mayor and moved away from Shenandoah late last year. He claims he was being harassed.
"My tires were slashed, back window was shot out with pellets. On New Year's Eve, my front window, there was an explosive attached to the window and that was blown out," he says.
O'Neill has no proof that it was related to his battle with the police, but the incidents stopped when the prosecutors started investigating the case.
----- (skipping)
But one Hispanic resident, Carlos Vega, says after living in Shenandoah for 19 years, he still was treated as an outsider.
"Dirty looks, not making any friends, having a lot of trouble in school, my boys," he says.
Five years ago, one of Vega's teenage sons was arrested. About an hour later, he was found hanging in a cell. Vega is suing the police department, including two of the officers arrested this week, claiming that they beat the teenager and made it look like a suicide. No one believed his claims, Vega says, until this week.
"People stopped me in the middle of the block that I don't even know and say, 'Thank you, thank you. Somebody took action on these cops,' " Vega says.
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http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/12/17/pennsylvania.hate.crime/index.html
December 18, 2009 1:10 a.m. EST
Shenandoah, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- The Pennsylvania prosecutor who failed to secure felony convictions against two teens in the beating death of a Mexican immigrant says he thought his case was "compromised" from the start.
----- (skipping)
Early on, Goodman says his office reached out to the U.S. Attorney's Office with his concerns. Their investigation led to a federal indictment alleging that the teens, Brandon Piekarsky and Derrick Donchak, participated in a scheme to obstruct the investigation with the help of [Shenandoah Police Lt. William ] Moyer, Shenandoah Police Chief Matthew Nestor and Police Officer Jason Hayes, who was dating Piekarsky's mother.
----- (skipping)
by Robert Smith
December 17, 2009
The federal government has charged three top police officers in Shenandoah, Pa., with covering up evidence in the fatal beating last year of a Mexican immigrant.
Two white football players are in jail now for the attack, although the most serious charges against them were thrown out by a jury.
Federal prosecutors say that's because police officers in the insular town knew the boys and altered evidence in the case. One police officer investigating the case was dating the mom of one of the accused. Another cop had a son on the same football team as the accused.
Prosecutors say the Shenandoah police intimidated witnesses, coached the kids to lie and helped dispose of evidence.
----- (skipping)
But some in the town say they could see all of this coming. Thomas O'Neill, who was mayor when the killing occurred, says he tried to take the police off the case, but the father of the chief was a local politician.
"The chief's father was on council, and he was a former policeman himself. No matter what I tried to do, they tried to stop me," O'Neill says.
O'Neill resigned as mayor and moved away from Shenandoah late last year. He claims he was being harassed.
"My tires were slashed, back window was shot out with pellets. On New Year's Eve, my front window, there was an explosive attached to the window and that was blown out," he says.
O'Neill has no proof that it was related to his battle with the police, but the incidents stopped when the prosecutors started investigating the case.
----- (skipping)
But one Hispanic resident, Carlos Vega, says after living in Shenandoah for 19 years, he still was treated as an outsider.
"Dirty looks, not making any friends, having a lot of trouble in school, my boys," he says.
Five years ago, one of Vega's teenage sons was arrested. About an hour later, he was found hanging in a cell. Vega is suing the police department, including two of the officers arrested this week, claiming that they beat the teenager and made it look like a suicide. No one believed his claims, Vega says, until this week.
"People stopped me in the middle of the block that I don't even know and say, 'Thank you, thank you. Somebody took action on these cops,' " Vega says.
----- (skipping)
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/12/17/pennsylvania.hate.crime/index.html
December 18, 2009 1:10 a.m. EST
Shenandoah, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- The Pennsylvania prosecutor who failed to secure felony convictions against two teens in the beating death of a Mexican immigrant says he thought his case was "compromised" from the start.
----- (skipping)
Early on, Goodman says his office reached out to the U.S. Attorney's Office with his concerns. Their investigation led to a federal indictment alleging that the teens, Brandon Piekarsky and Derrick Donchak, participated in a scheme to obstruct the investigation with the help of [Shenandoah Police Lt. William ] Moyer, Shenandoah Police Chief Matthew Nestor and Police Officer Jason Hayes, who was dating Piekarsky's mother.
----- (skipping)
Judge calls for review in case of freed man
http://salon.com/wires/ap/us/2009/12/18/D9CM1CN80_us_wrong_man_convicted
Friday, Dec 18, 2009 19:00 EST
By SARAH KARUSH
Investigators at the U.S. Justice Department are being asked to look into the case of a man freed from prison this week after 28 years because DNA tests showed he was innocent.
The conviction of Donald Eugene Gates in a 1981 rape and murder was based largely on testimony by an FBI forensic analyst whose work later came under fire. Documents show prosecutors knew years ago that the discredited analyst was involved but failed to inform Gates' attorneys.
----- (skipping)
Friday, Dec 18, 2009 19:00 EST
By SARAH KARUSH
Investigators at the U.S. Justice Department are being asked to look into the case of a man freed from prison this week after 28 years because DNA tests showed he was innocent.
The conviction of Donald Eugene Gates in a 1981 rape and murder was based largely on testimony by an FBI forensic analyst whose work later came under fire. Documents show prosecutors knew years ago that the discredited analyst was involved but failed to inform Gates' attorneys.
----- (skipping)
Nearly 60 Million Went Without Health Coverage In Recent Year
I know about this from first-had experience, because I have been w/o health insurance since 1990, because I can't afford it.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2009/12/nearly_60_million_went_without.html
By Scott Hensley
December 17, 2009 1:12 pm
How many people in this country are without insurance? About 60 million during all or part of a recent year, according to an estimate just out from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
From interviews by the Census Bureau, the CDC figures 45.4 million people, or 15.1% of the U.S. population of all ages didn't have any health insurance when the question was posed during the first half of 2009. But widen the question ask if people didn't have coverage for any part of the past year and you get to 58.4 million people, or 19.4 percent of the population.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2009/12/nearly_60_million_went_without.html
By Scott Hensley
December 17, 2009 1:12 pm
How many people in this country are without insurance? About 60 million during all or part of a recent year, according to an estimate just out from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
From interviews by the Census Bureau, the CDC figures 45.4 million people, or 15.1% of the U.S. population of all ages didn't have any health insurance when the question was posed during the first half of 2009. But widen the question ask if people didn't have coverage for any part of the past year and you get to 58.4 million people, or 19.4 percent of the population.
Proximity to convenience stores fosters child obesity
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/uom-ptc121709.php
Public release date: 17-Dec-2009
Contact: Sylvain-Jacques Desjardins
University of Montreal
Proximity to convenience stores fosters child obesity
Universite de Montreal part of broad study on child obesity
Montreal, December 17, 2009 – Childhood obesity is directly related to how close kids live to convenience stores, according to the preliminary findings of a major Canadian study presented at the Entretiens Jacques-Cartier in Lyon, France. The ongoing study is named QUALITY for Quebec Adipose and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth.
----- (skipping)
Public release date: 17-Dec-2009
Contact: Sylvain-Jacques Desjardins
University of Montreal
Proximity to convenience stores fosters child obesity
Universite de Montreal part of broad study on child obesity
Montreal, December 17, 2009 – Childhood obesity is directly related to how close kids live to convenience stores, according to the preliminary findings of a major Canadian study presented at the Entretiens Jacques-Cartier in Lyon, France. The ongoing study is named QUALITY for Quebec Adipose and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth.
----- (skipping)
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Cannabis and adolescence
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/muhc-caa121709.php
Public release date: 17-Dec-2009
Contact: Rebecca Burns
McGill University Health Centre
Cannabis and adolescence
Montreal, December 17, 2009 – Canadian teenagers are among the largest consumers of cannabis worldwide. The damaging effects of this illicit drug on young brains are worse than originally thought, according to new research by Dr. Gabriella Gobbi, a psychiatric researcher from the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. The new study, published in Neurobiology of Disease, suggests that daily consumption of cannabis in teens can cause depression and anxiety, and have an irreversible long-term effect on the brain.
"We wanted to know what happens in the brains of teenagers when they use cannabis and whether they are more susceptible to its neurological effects than adults," explained Dr. Gobbi, who is also a professor at McGill University. Her study points to an apparent action of cannabis on two important compounds in the brain – serotonin and norepinephrine – which are involved in the regulation of neurological functions such as mood control and anxiety.
"Teenagers who are exposed to cannabis have decreased serotonin transmission, which leads to mood disorders, as well as increased norepinephrine transmission, which leads to greater long-term susceptibility to stress," Dr. Gobbi stated.
----- (skipping)
Public release date: 17-Dec-2009
Contact: Rebecca Burns
McGill University Health Centre
Cannabis and adolescence
Montreal, December 17, 2009 – Canadian teenagers are among the largest consumers of cannabis worldwide. The damaging effects of this illicit drug on young brains are worse than originally thought, according to new research by Dr. Gabriella Gobbi, a psychiatric researcher from the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. The new study, published in Neurobiology of Disease, suggests that daily consumption of cannabis in teens can cause depression and anxiety, and have an irreversible long-term effect on the brain.
"We wanted to know what happens in the brains of teenagers when they use cannabis and whether they are more susceptible to its neurological effects than adults," explained Dr. Gobbi, who is also a professor at McGill University. Her study points to an apparent action of cannabis on two important compounds in the brain – serotonin and norepinephrine – which are involved in the regulation of neurological functions such as mood control and anxiety.
"Teenagers who are exposed to cannabis have decreased serotonin transmission, which leads to mood disorders, as well as increased norepinephrine transmission, which leads to greater long-term susceptibility to stress," Dr. Gobbi stated.
----- (skipping)
Genetic gift from mom, genetic burden from dad
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091216/sc_nm/us_genes_parents
By Maggie Fox, Health and Science Editor Maggie Fox, Health And Science Editor – Wed Dec 16, 5:16 pm ET
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Will a gene bring healthful blessings or the curse of disease? It may depend on whether it is inherited from mom or dad, researchers reported on Wednesday.
A team at Iceland's Decode Genetics Inc found mutations in five disease-related genes that only take effect if inherited from a certain parent.
One, a new gene associated with diabetes, protects from the disease if inherited from the mother but raises the risk if inherited from the father. Three other diabetes genes also varied in their effects, but less so, depending on which parent it came from, the researchers reported in the journal Nature.
----- (skipping)
The researchers were struck the most by the newly discovered type-2 diabetes gene, a so-called single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP -- a single-letter change in the genetic code.
"The impact of the type-2 diabetes variant is not only large, but unusual: if an individual inherits it from their father, the variant increases risk of diabetes by more than 30 percent compared to those who inherit the non diabetes-linked version,' the researchers wrote.
"If inherited maternally, the variant lowers risk by more than 10 percent," they added.
----- (skipping)
The company filed for bankruptcy protection in November after its drug development programs stalled and sales for its DNA tests for diseases failed to bring in much cash.
Stefansson nonetheless believes the company has a product to sell, based on its unique genetic science.
"This we can do because of the large amount of data we have assembled on the Icelandic population," he said.
"We can use these tools to discover and integrate rarer variants into our tests and scans, identify drug targets for licensing, and put our know-how at the disposal of our service customers."
----- (skipping)
===========================================================
By Maggie Fox, Health and Science Editor Maggie Fox, Health And Science Editor – Wed Dec 16, 5:16 pm ET
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Will a gene bring healthful blessings or the curse of disease? It may depend on whether it is inherited from mom or dad, researchers reported on Wednesday.
A team at Iceland's Decode Genetics Inc found mutations in five disease-related genes that only take effect if inherited from a certain parent.
One, a new gene associated with diabetes, protects from the disease if inherited from the mother but raises the risk if inherited from the father. Three other diabetes genes also varied in their effects, but less so, depending on which parent it came from, the researchers reported in the journal Nature.
----- (skipping)
The researchers were struck the most by the newly discovered type-2 diabetes gene, a so-called single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP -- a single-letter change in the genetic code.
"The impact of the type-2 diabetes variant is not only large, but unusual: if an individual inherits it from their father, the variant increases risk of diabetes by more than 30 percent compared to those who inherit the non diabetes-linked version,' the researchers wrote.
"If inherited maternally, the variant lowers risk by more than 10 percent," they added.
----- (skipping)
The company filed for bankruptcy protection in November after its drug development programs stalled and sales for its DNA tests for diseases failed to bring in much cash.
Stefansson nonetheless believes the company has a product to sell, based on its unique genetic science.
"This we can do because of the large amount of data we have assembled on the Icelandic population," he said.
"We can use these tools to discover and integrate rarer variants into our tests and scans, identify drug targets for licensing, and put our know-how at the disposal of our service customers."
----- (skipping)
===========================================================
It's too bad about this company's financial problems. This sounds like it might be a situation where it government funding would be desirable. I hope a frequent pattern in the past doesn't happen here, where the profits are made by someone who comes along and steals the ideas, w/o having the cost of developing it.
Global warming a tough sell for the human psyche
It's hard for me to really understand this, because I am future-oriented. And having a mathematical orientation, I understand how small things can add up to something big.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091217/ap_on_re_us/us_climate_psychology;_ylt=AoTNKOApPKYhHNRflyIxGWSs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTFlcTYycTZvBHBvcwMxMTYEc2VjA2FjY29yZGlvbl9zY2llbmNlBHNsawNnbG9iYWx3YXJtaW4-
By MALCOLM RITTER, AP Science Writer Malcolm Ritter, Ap Science Writer – 1 hr 41 mins ago
NEW YORK – The Copenhagen talks on climate change were convened with a sense of urgency that many ordinary folks don't share. Why is that? One big reason: It's hard for people to get excited about a threat that seems far away in space and time, psychologists say.
"It's not in people's faces," said psychologist Robert Gifford of the University of Victoria in British Columbia. "It is in the media, but not in their everyday experience. That's quite a different thing."
The consequences of global warming are seen as occurring in far-off places, he said: "It's happening up in the Arctic or it's happening in Bangladesh, and it's not happening in my backyard." And the slow changes are not as attention-grabbing as a "fast disaster" like an earthquake, he said.
----- (skipping)
Gifford said people tend to attach less importance to future problems than more immediate concerns. That may be a holdover from early days of human evolution, when "things far away didn't matter, things in the future didn't matter. It was whether the tiger or the enemy was just around the corner," he said.
In fact, scientists say global warming's influence is already visible and it could get worse within decades if no action is taken. The average number of heat-wave deaths in Chicago could more than double by 2050, and killer heat waves in Europe could also increase by that time, experts say. Arctic summers may be almost free of sea ice by 2030 or sooner, they say.
Even among people who accept global warming as a serious issue, there are additional psychological barriers to getting them to take significant action against it. Gifford, who studies pro-environmental behavior, calls them the 13 dragons.
----- (skipping)
Why can't this guy get a loan?
The rational from the Bush administration and financial institutions for the gigantic TARP give-a-ways to financial institutions was that they were needed to enable the financial companies to load money to business, to help the economy, and provide jobs.
http://www.economicpopulist.org/content/why-cant-guy-get-loan
Submitted by Robert Oak on Mon, 12/07/2009 - 15:39.
This guy's story typifies what is wrong with U.S. economic policy on a host of fronts.
Noel Davis wants to make wind turbines in Indiana. He wants to open up a manufacturing plant.
Sounds good right? Manufacturing, green energy, domestic production....
So, why can't this guy get a loan? From Manufacture This:
Noel explains that, in addition to waiting for a loan guarantee from the Department of Energy, he must then get funding from investors. The irony is that, at a time when credit is tight, many investors are putting scarce resources into Chinese projects, not American.
-----(skipping)
DNA clears Fla. man after 35 years behind bars
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34467096/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/
updated 2 hours, 11 minutes ago
BARTOW, Fla. - James Bain used a cell phone for the first time Thursday, calling his elderly mother to tell her he had been freed after 35 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit.
Mobile devices didn't exist in 1974, the year he was sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping a 9-year-old boy and raping him in a nearby field.
Neither did the sophisticated DNA testing that officials more recently used to determine he could not have been the rapist.
----- (skipping)
Bain spent more time in prison than any of the 246 inmates previously exonerated by DNA evidence nationwide, according to the project. The longest-serving before him was James Lee Woodard of Dallas, who was released last year after spending more than 27 years in prison for a murder he did not commit.
----- (skipping)
Thursday's hearing was delayed 40 minutes because prosecutors were on the phone with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. DNA tests were expedited at the department's lab and ultimately proved Bain innocent. Prosecutors filed a motion to vacate the conviction and the sentence.
"He's just not connected to this particular incident," State Attorney Jerry Hill told the judge.
----- (skipping)
Attorneys from the Innocence Project of Florida got involved in Bain's case earlier this year after he had filed several previous petitions asking for DNA testing, all of which were thrown out.
A judge finally ordered the tests and the results from a respected private lab in Cincinnati came in last week, setting the wheels in motion for Thursday's hearing. The Innocence Project had called for Bain's release by Christmas.
----- (skipping)
==============================================
===============================================
updated 2 hours, 11 minutes ago
BARTOW, Fla. - James Bain used a cell phone for the first time Thursday, calling his elderly mother to tell her he had been freed after 35 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit.
Mobile devices didn't exist in 1974, the year he was sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping a 9-year-old boy and raping him in a nearby field.
Neither did the sophisticated DNA testing that officials more recently used to determine he could not have been the rapist.
----- (skipping)
Bain spent more time in prison than any of the 246 inmates previously exonerated by DNA evidence nationwide, according to the project. The longest-serving before him was James Lee Woodard of Dallas, who was released last year after spending more than 27 years in prison for a murder he did not commit.
----- (skipping)
Thursday's hearing was delayed 40 minutes because prosecutors were on the phone with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. DNA tests were expedited at the department's lab and ultimately proved Bain innocent. Prosecutors filed a motion to vacate the conviction and the sentence.
"He's just not connected to this particular incident," State Attorney Jerry Hill told the judge.
----- (skipping)
Attorneys from the Innocence Project of Florida got involved in Bain's case earlier this year after he had filed several previous petitions asking for DNA testing, all of which were thrown out.
A judge finally ordered the tests and the results from a respected private lab in Cincinnati came in last week, setting the wheels in motion for Thursday's hearing. The Innocence Project had called for Bain's release by Christmas.
----- (skipping)
==============================================
It is good to know about decent judges and prosecutors like these. There have been other cases where prosecutors and judges tried to block the release of prisoners who had been proved innocent.
===============================================
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Young Adults Who Exercise Get Higher IQ Scores
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202101751.htm
ScienceDaily (Dec. 3, 2009) — Young adults who are fit have a higher IQ and are more likely to go on to university, reveals a major new study carried out at the Sahlgrenska Academy and Sahlgrenska University Hospital.
----- (skipping)
The study shows a clear link between good physical fitness and better results for the IQ test. The strongest links are for logical thinking and verbal comprehension. But it is only fitness that plays a role in the results for the IQ test, and not strength. "Being fit means that you also have good heart and lung capacity and that your brain gets plenty of oxygen," says Michael Nilsson, professor at the Sahlgrenska Academy and chief physician at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital. "This may be one of the reasons why we can see a clear link with fitness, but not with muscular strength. We are also seeing that there are growth factors that are important."
By analysing data for twins the researchers have been able to determine that it is primarily environmental factors and not genes that explain the link between fitness and a higher IQ.
"We have also shown that those youngsters who improve their physical fitness between the ages of 15 and 18 increase their cognitive performance," says Maria Åberg, researcher at the Sahlgrenska Academy and physician at Åby health centre.
----- (skipping)
ScienceDaily (Dec. 3, 2009) — Young adults who are fit have a higher IQ and are more likely to go on to university, reveals a major new study carried out at the Sahlgrenska Academy and Sahlgrenska University Hospital.
----- (skipping)
The study shows a clear link between good physical fitness and better results for the IQ test. The strongest links are for logical thinking and verbal comprehension. But it is only fitness that plays a role in the results for the IQ test, and not strength. "Being fit means that you also have good heart and lung capacity and that your brain gets plenty of oxygen," says Michael Nilsson, professor at the Sahlgrenska Academy and chief physician at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital. "This may be one of the reasons why we can see a clear link with fitness, but not with muscular strength. We are also seeing that there are growth factors that are important."
By analysing data for twins the researchers have been able to determine that it is primarily environmental factors and not genes that explain the link between fitness and a higher IQ.
"We have also shown that those youngsters who improve their physical fitness between the ages of 15 and 18 increase their cognitive performance," says Maria Åberg, researcher at the Sahlgrenska Academy and physician at Åby health centre.
----- (skipping)
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