text:
When I was a young kid, maybe eight or nine years old, I attended a Southern Baptist church in South Jersey that doesn't exist anymore. I remember some stuff about it, but after 15 years, the memory is getting hazy. But there's one story that I think relates to the state of our collective groupthink as Phillies fans. And I'd like to share it with you.
The pastor there was the sort of florid orator that one doesn't find much at the pulpit these days, particularly north of the Mason-Dixon. He was too nice a guy to be much of a fire-and-brimstone character, but he had the booming baritone and expansive vocabulary that I think ought to be prerequisites for entering seminary.
His "City on a Hill" sermon was not titled "The Downward Spiral of Sinful Disbelief," but that was the line he repeated, the concept he referred to throughout. The title was "How to Boil a Frog."
The idea was that sin doesn't take over one's life all at once, but gradually, much in the same way that one boils a frog. If you toss a frog in a pot of hot water, he'll jump out. But if you put him in a pot of cold water and gradually turn up the heat to boiling, he won't notice the danger until it's too late.
Why, exactly, someone would want to boil a frog was lost on my eight-year-old mind, but it was the pastor's metaphor, not mine, so I didn't say anything.
The reason I bring this up is because we, as Phillies fans, are frogs. And over the past 10 years, we've been boiled.
In July 2000, I was about to start 8th grade. The World Trade Center still stood, Bill Clinton was still the president, and Eric Lindros was still a Flyer.
I was just as big a Phillies fan then as I am now, but it was a different team. Curt Schilling would be traded by the end of the month, Terry Francona was in his fourth season as manager, and the team's best reliever was something called Chris Brock, who could muster only a 4.34 ERA and a1.35 WHIP in 93 innings. The Francona era was my formative experience as a baseball fan, once I finally got old enough to make my own observations and once the team was rid of the Macho Row crew of my very early childhood.
Terry Francona, as the manager of the Phillies, never led the team to more than 77 wins and a third-place finish, and he twice lost 94 games or more—the first allowed the team to get the No. 1 pick in the 1998 draft (Pat Burrell) and the second got him and everyone he knew fired. The turn-of-the-century Phillies were laughably bad. They'd trade away detritus like Garrett Stephenson and watch him win 16 games for the Cardinals. This was a team where the big free-agent acquisition was an over-the-hill Danny Tartabull who inflicted a career-ending injury on himself in his third game with the team. Management was too cheap to spend the money it took to contend and too stupid to do anything positive with it if they did. All this while three of the other four teams in the division, the Mets, Braves, and Marlins, combined for five pennants and two World Series titles in six seasons between 1995 and 2000.
This is the Phillies team I grew up with, this laughingstock, this Keystone Kops organization. But in 2001, Larry Bowa took over, and the team started a run of contention. The first year, I didn't think much of it (hell, the Royals would put together a similar run a couple years later), but then, they started to draft well. Like, really well. Between 1999 and 2002, they spent high draft picks on Brett Myers, Jimmy Rollins, Cole Hamels, and Ryan Howard–the backbone of the team that would win three straight division titles, two pennants and a World Series.
For the entirety of the Larry Bowa era and the beginnings of the Charlie Manuel era, that team was just about always one one big move away from reaching that hallowed ground: the playoffs. From 2000 to 2006, it seemed like the only thing that changed was that the team went from habitually missing the playoffs by 25 games to habitually missing them by three or four, and they went from failing to make the big trade for Roger Pavlik or something to not making the big trade for Andy Pettitte. It was frustration, all right, but it was a different kind of frustration.
Now we're in a place where the team's had eight winning seasons in nine years, three straight division titles and two straight pennants. We're in a place where the team could field 13 current or former All-Stars (that's more than half the Opening Day roster), a Cy Young winner, two former National League MVPs, and one of the top five or so position players in baseball. For the past four seasons, the Phillies have been considered one of the best teams in the NL, and one of the favorites to go to the World Series every year. They're on ESPN and in the national press all the time. For a fan, this should be the best of times; we have finally arrived.
But this is also a time where the average fan is upset that the Phils, already with three former All-Star starting pitchers, couldn't keep a fourth this past offseason. Or that there's a potential that the team could lose one of its three All-Star outfielders this coming winter. Cole Hamels is crap, the bullpen is crap, Ryan Howard is crap, and so on.
If I had gone back to talk to that 13-year-old version of me, the one who was watching Terry Francona manage the 2000 Phillies to 97 losses, what would he have said? Well, I'd imagine that 13-year-old me would start by ridiculing my beard and telling me how disappointed he is at how fat I'd become. Then, he'd probably make some remark about the sheer lunacy of having anything to complain about when the Phillies are this good.
Because to someone who grew up on the 1990s Phillies, seeing the Vet only a third full night in and night out, this crop of Phillies fans would seem as strange as an invasion from Mars. It seems like, year by year, we've been boiled like the frog in my former pastor's sermon. We've turned, bit by bit, into those Yankee fans we all grew up hating, so accustomed to winning, and a team committed to winning, that we take it as some sort of affront when the team slips up. We've become spoiled, not to put too fine a point on it. So with the team 4 1/2 games out at the break, coming off a thrilling four-game sweep of the first-place Reds, it would seem preposterous to a Francona-era Phillies fan that we'd all be so upset.
We've been transformed, Nation, as a fan base, by these past 10 years. Not that winning, and the heightened expectations that come with it, are bad–they quite clearly aren't, and as someone who cares far too much about a baseball team, I wouldn't trade these past 10 seasons for anything.
I just look around and from time to time I feel like this team, these fans, this culture of winning, is strange, like tomorrow I'll wake up and Chase Utley will be Marlon Anderson again. But then I look at the standings, when even after a bad couple months, the Phillies are still in the thick of the pennant race, with as good a team as any in the league and their best baseball ahead of them. And thinking back to those awful 1990s, when it wasn't a matter of if they'd lose but how, and I appreciate this team, and what they've done all the more.
I really have no idea what the past 10 years, and the impact they've had on us, as Phillies fans and our culture, have to do with winning at Wrigley on Thursday, or overhauling the Mets and Braves over the remainder of the season. What I do know is that it's worth it, from time to time, to look back at where we've come from. And wonder how in the world we ever got here.
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I agree. Not that we should be content with status quo, always strive for more… but Christ, remember "sneaking" 13 beers into Veterans stadium and no one bothered stopping you because no one CARED?!
Stop yo' B$tchin' you d#mn front runnin' #ssholes!
Support your team that has spoiled us instead of reaching out and stop grabbing balls and turning our triples into doubles.
Well said. I'm a year older than you and grew up with the same team.
And that DID cost us a run, cause Ibanez flew out to the OF after that. Lemme tell you, if I was in that section, I would have made my way over to that jerk and thrown my $8 beer in his dam face!
And stuffed your $8 cheesesteak down his shirt?!
I think for major cities like Philadelphia, New York and Boston, the inherent greed of Capitalism (I'm not attacking the model, it's just an unfortunate fact) becomes a part of our subconscious thought processes that leave us wanting more no matter how much we already have.
I admit that I've fallen victim to that trap – a self-professed boiling frog. In the late 1990s when the Francona-led Phillies enjoyed two years of first-half success, only to falter in the last two months, I kept saying, "I just want to see them finish above .500." I got used to that during the Bowa years when the Phillies finished at exactly 86-76 a remarkable three out of four seasons, and then it was, "I just want to see them make it to the playoffs." When that long drought finally ended in 2007, I was left unfulfilled as the Phightins were easily swept by the Colorado Rockies.
After the World Series win two years ago, I told myself that for the rest of my life I could never complain again about my team. Countless people lived their entire lives never witnessing a Phillies championship, and I had seen one after just 26 years on this planet. I couldn't ask for anything more.
But what happened last year? That insatiable need for another World Series win dominated all thoughts concerning the Phillies. That didn't happen and I didn't even watch Games 5 or 6 of the '09 Series. When the organization acquired Roy Halladay, but let Cliff Lee go I was outraged. I was now saying things like, "I can't believe these guys are throwing away this opportunity to take home another trophy."
I had forgotten why I started watching the Phillies in the first place. All I could focus on was watching them win it all over and over. They're my home town team and they should mean more to me than that.
I also forget that as a true fan of baseball, I thoroughly enjoy the playoffs every year, whether the Phillies are in them or not. Baseball is a wonderful game and not just because of the competition aspect. It's a game of numbers, nuances and it sets up infinite moments in which anything can happen. I hope that as I get older, that sweet appreciation will help wean me off the obsession of perfection.
I'll end this scathing reality on a positive note with an event to which I'm sure you could relate, Michael. My Dad and I recently made our first trip to Cooperstown and attended the Hall of Fame Classic game. It featured several Hall of Fame players and recently retired stars like Jeff Kent, but the player I was most excited to see was former Phillies shortstop Desi Relaford. He took me back in my mind to the magical year of 1999 when I first had access to Comcast Sports Net and was able to watch the Phillies every single day. In a way, I'm still more attached to that team than I am to the current one, and those players provided me with plenty of memories that will last a lifetime. Though they didn't win as freqently, they were still a fun group to watch.
Nice, thought provoking article. I grew up the Phillies of the late 1950's and was an extreme fan in the 1960's, 70's, 80's, 90's up until today. The Phils are the losingest team in all of professional sports for a reason. Incompetent management, cheap management, poor managers and a fanbase that has usually accepted poor performance.
Management is not cheap anymore. As a city, we deprived our public school students of decent textbooks to build a stadiums so that our teams would stop threatening to leave. We attended games all along but we were frequently left with sore throats and shattered hopes.
I suggest, as an experienced fan and old man, that we simply demand more from our Phillies, Eagles (who have been pretty good under ANdy Reed and Jeff Lourie), Sixers and Flyers. Support these teams. Act politely to other fans, but when teams stink, raise hell about it. Seems like the more hell we raise with management of these teams, the better teams we will get. Make these teams earn their hefty salaries. After all, we pay for them and sacrifice to see them.
Could whomever else is using the "Greg" name please stop…Thanks!
Some people say that the only thing that prevents people from being successful, is the fear of being successful.
I think, as a fan base, not unlike one of those other Destiny's Children, we might not always know exactly how to cope with the lime-light – its new to us. As Phillies fans, we have such a rich history of losing, that we constantly want to tripe and quadruple check whether this winning-ness is here to stay.
I have thought this recently as well: there is something to learn from Yankees fans. They adjust to knowing that, even if the team doesn't win EVERY year, they are still understood as a confident group who is going to go out and compete. And if the team is subpar, the fanbase is going to react. And – the management is going to respond. And if they don't, the fanbase will react again, and so on.
I think that, finally, perhaps this new culture of successful baseball has arrived for what is actually the oldest continuous franchise in professional sports history. Karma has paid off. Welcome to the big leagues, Phillies fans. Just make sure that you're the Beyonce (I know, I know, its just for the metaphor) and not one of those other MIA chicks.
Nice posting Michael. I'm about 20 years older, really got into sports during the Golden era of Philly teams – late 70's/early 80's. Sports Illustrated had an article in the late 70s predicting that Philadelphia would be the sports city of the 80s – it started out promising – all the sports teams made the playoffs, and actually wound up with 2 rings. The Carpenter family sold the Phils, and three of the four owners got together and collectively decided to suck (the Flyers were pretty competitive throughout the 80s, but it's not my game, too expensive to see in person, painful to watch on tv).
I agree management should be held accountable for putting together bad teams, but many Phils fans today are also a little spoiled by recent success and take it out on the players when they are not entertained every night. While the results aren't always there, we have a great stadium, an organization that spends money, and a team that comes out to play every night. 30 years from now, we'll will look back at 2006 – 20xx as the greatest era of the Phils. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Two observations:
I'm a Baptist pastor, I've heard that illustration many times, and I still don't know why anyone would want to boil a frog – particularly a live one.
Secondly, I have often thought back to the days when the Phils were so awful and wondered why I don't enjoy this more. Back then I would have imagined that it would be the best thing in the world to root for one of the truly great teams, but now that we have one I find that – while there are truly great moments of tremendous joy (Matt Stairs in LA two years ago) – there are many more times when I feel anxious and depressed about the Phils. For my part I think it's the knowledge that it can't last forever, so I worry about when it will end and I manage to convince myself that every slump is the dawn of a new, terrible day.
I think one should consider that in the ten years cited, a lot of things have happened to the fan base besides being "boiled." The major factor you've missed is that in those ten years, a lot of newer, younger people have joined; people who are probably too young to have the same recollection of the nineties teams as the older fans. A twenty-one year old would have been eight the first year Francona managed, and may have been more interested in football, computer games, He-man, or if female, Barbie. When taken to ballgames, he/she may only have reveled in hot dogs or experienced the joy of being away from his evil baby sister or brother. There have probably also been fans from other cities who have moved in. If they'd been Kansas City fans suddenly subjected to a WS winner, then naturally they'd be wary of their new team's third place record. And for those really young fans, all they've known has been success, so they might not even comprehend third place.
That said, there is, indeed, some "boiling" going on, but that's just human nature in general. A person who's lived in a mansion certainly never wants to move to a bungalo, even if it's the best one in the neighborhood. A Ferrari driver would be really p***ed if he had to trade for a Miata.
Why would someone boil a frog? They are edible. Not too many people would want one raw, though. The eating of frog's legs earned the French the "frog" epithet, much as eating limes got the British the distinction of being called "limeys."
The only reason I can think of to boil a live frog would be to preserve it's freshness, much in the way live lobsters are boiled. It seems cruel, perhaps, but really it's no worse than hooking a live fish, ripping out the hook, then letting the creature slowly die from lack of oxygen. It's no crueler than prodding a steer up a ramp with electric shocks to be bashed brainless and ground into Big Macs.
I agree that we have high expections for the Phils and when they don't meet them we either defect or complain. I agree that we want to be entertained and when the performance is less then entertaining, well, we're not satisfied. I'm also a more "seasoned fan" growing up in the 70's era and being thrilled in '80 when they won the World Series. I also endured the rest of the 80's, 90's and the beginning of 2000's just watching the game because you just loved the team no matter how many wins they had or what place they were in. That's always in the back of my head. You were truly a fan then. Now, we're so spoiled and want the team to win every night. We want a lot of hits and big scoring games. If we don't get what we want, then, we throw a tantrum. What's more thrilling though then watching a team slump and then slowly collect themselves, power through their adversities and get back in the fight? No matter what the Phils finish in this season we shall cheer them on for being a great and talented team who never gives up and never stops believing in themselvesl What more can you ask of them?
Great article! Look at how many comments that you generated from this entry and how very verbal they were. That's inspirational. Well done. High praise to Michael Baumann!
I am approaching 60. I moved to Philadelphia area 30 years ago (not counting 4 years at Penn long ago). I don't notice anything unusual about Phillies fans other than they like to boo.
It is normal to love your local team when you are young – winners or losers. As you age you covet more things and think that if you just got that house, car, pool or whatever you would be happy. As you age you either achieve those goals or don't.
For those who achieve the goals (the house, the car, the World Series chamionship) you realize that either you want more or you just stop craving and enjoy. For me, I enjoy. I don't bitch, I observe. I know the Phillies won't win every game so I don't stress about it. But, I do enjoy when they win. When I look back at the playoffs and the WS I know that what was the greatest was the moments at the ballpark when I felt I was one of 45,000 in a community effort (Brett Meyers walk as an example). Winning was wonderful but the feeling of being one with other fans was great.
You are not a boiled frog. You are simply growing up.
So "growing up" is being more demanding and spoiled?
I think it should be more like realization that people have their flaws and that bad things sometimes just happen and can't really be blamed on anybody or anything.
Bob, perhaps you've stopped "craving and enjoy," and so you aren't a "boiled frog." But others are simmering away, and not because they've grown up, but because they've grown selfish.
And grown greedy.
Great post. One of the best in a while.
Could the two other people using the Greg name please stop? Thanks!
It took me until the world series last year to finally come to grips with the fact that the phillies really did win the world series in 2008. I remember my reaction was more a gigantic flood off relief, that a philadelphia team finally failed to choke something away, than the pure elation that it should have been.
I know that in a blink of an eye that it could be the way it used to be. And so that's why I'm mad at the Phillies. Not only are they predicted as an odds on favorite, but they have proven that its not just hype for the first time in my entire life. This team is TOO GOOD to settle for "well it could be worse". We're watching what could have been a dynasty start to get taken apart piecemeal.
You suffer through the awful times and dream for the days of greatness. Demand excellence, because that's what you know can be delivered.
Great article Michael, perhaps the best I have seen written from you, very thought provoking and spot on.
The Phils have a terrific product on the field. They have been winning on talent which will be here for a few more years, not so much on luck so its real. We have seen what these guys can do and we have grown to expect them to perform that same winning way.
This lifeless offense for nearly 2 months complete now is an abomination and it has to end. There is no way to expect the kind of pitching performances we received (well, 3 out of 4 games anyway) from our starters or BP on a continuous basis.
That being said, I am very proud of my Phils, believe in them and will cheer them on as they march towards the fall classic.
That pretty much sums up my stance too … im 27 now, and still used to go to all the games at the Vet, when we'd hope and pray that Tomas Perez would drive Rico Brogna-in to win the game ..
So when we signed Jim Thome for 2003, i actually jumped all around my basement calling everyone I ever met to tell them the great news … since then, its been a fairytale ride … and you won't ever hear me complain that our Phillies are bad … or that they suck … because I know what those things ACTUALLY mean
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personally, I will never take this for granted. in my book, It is a supreme violation of the highest order to ever ever boo the likes of Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, and yes even Brad Lidge. Especially Brad Lidge. He is a golden god to me forever and ever until the end of time.
Take a step back and realize what this era of phillies baseball is. The greatest era of Phillies baseball in its 130 year history.
Great article.
I'm of the generation of fans who were just a little too young to remember the great era of the eighties. I grew up hearing about Tug and Schmitty, who weren't so long ago and my first World Series team was the rough and tumble '93 squad.
Whether this current squad wins another World Series still intact (Rollins, Utley, Howard, Victorino, Moyer, Hamels, Blanton, Kendrick, Ibanez, Lidge, Romero, Contreras, Valdez, etc.), many of them will still be folk heroes to me, because of that fabulous 2008 and equally exciting 2009 season.
I can be frustrated, I can be fidgety, I can throw my hands up in the air, but none of these guys will ever suck to me. They brought championship baseball back to Philadelphia and what a ride it's been, and still is.
Not giving up on these guys. And I'll take issue with anyone who does.
great post, michael
im the same age, and i was thinking this same thing the other day, but you said it really well
all these phillies fans complaining the way they are ought to be ashamed of themselves. just a few years ago, remember how people were saying this team would get a 10-year pass, no matter what, if they won just one world series? that sure lasted… and not that i even agree with the idea of a "free pass," but c'mon. we're right where we were record-wise the last couple years, guys will come back from injury… the sky is not falling
you all sound like red sox fans. please shut up or move to boston.
I'm 20 and have been watching the Phillies all my life. I was at the 2008 World Series and spent over $600 combined flying home from NC two years in a row to be in Philly for the Fall Classic.
I consider myself a big fan although I'm a little younger than you. While there's no doubt that front runners have taken over the team, aren't we being hypocrites by calling them out and complaining? I remember walking up to a Phils-Nats game last year and going to buy tix around 6:45 and was appalled when they were sold out. I never thought a Nats game would sell out and I remember cursing the front running asses that stole my seats. Then I said 'shouldn't I be happy that my team is selling out the seats and getting the recognition of the whole city and nation?' Sure, they're bitches. But I'd rather have the whole baseball watching nation see a packed house wearing red than be ridiculed for having a good team and not filling seats like the embarrassing rays. I don't know, maybe it's just me.
Really great article. I'm only 17, and my dad got me hooked when I was very little. While I didn't see all the low times Phillie fans have seen I consider myself a pretty big fan, though I have been spoiled in all of the success this team has brought to Philly.
Of course I want them to succeed but I think they are doing pretty ok for what they have. Utley is out. Ruiz just came back and Polonco is out as well along with some other injuries. I'm not saying this gives them an excuse not to play and win but its not the end of the world if they loose. They are still a great team and I think we just need to stand by them no matter what. (and as I have read through the comments, there are many many Phillies fans who have stuck with their team).
I recently went to a game and Jimmy was getting booed first day back, if I have that right. I don't know, we as fans can just be tough, and I don't blame the players for getting a little fired up.
I guess I can see it both ways. The fans know how great they are, and get upset because they know this team's potential, but obviously the players don't like how some, show the devotion.
Lets just enjoy the game (:
I remember a game against the Braves (second to last series of the season, I think it was Sept. 26, 2007) …
36,588 fans that night…
The Phillies were 2.0 games behind the NY METS in the NL EAST
and 1.0 games behind the Padres (tied with the Rockies) for the Wild Card
5 games to go in the season, rally towels given out at the gates .. and we didn't sell that game out.. I just remember the disbelief when they announced the attendence that night , and seeing all the empty blue seats for what, at the time, was one of the most important games of the past decade (as they all would be from that point-on) .. The weather waws 86-and-Clear .. and we weren't a sell out crowd to cheer the phillies on ….
the following night had 40,589
and then we played that Nats with crowds of 45,084 … 44,532 …and 44,865 to end the season.
That's the kinda of thing that makes me so angry when "fans" go down to the park and boo them now. If you only like them when they win, do us all a favor and stay home… You probably get great reception on your blackberry from your mom's basement too, you don't need to be in Ashburn Alley to update your facebook status ..
If you're keeping track, the score is now:
Don 1, Fake Fans 0
ah, this is a very fitting post for myself. I am just a few years younger than you but can relate on so many levels.
see my comment on the philliesnation post about Victorino almost calling the fans frontrunners


text:
You're home alone. The urge strikes. You head to the secret stash in the closet. Even though you know nobody's home, you look over both shoulders, twice.
Your heart rate quickens. You know what you're doing is wrong, but you rationalize: "One more indulgence is all, and then I'll get rid of it. I'll never buy it again."
You creep into the closet, move the pile of clothes, lift the floor board, and there it is, beckoning you forth. Nobody's going to find out. It's just you and the secret stash. A half-hour later, you're sprawled out on the bed, half conscious, realizing this won't be the last time, regardless of what you tell yourself.
You know what you did was repulsive, but you just can't stop eating these five disgusting foods we love!
Up first, care for a pastry that never gets old ... literally?
No. 5: Twinkies
Twinkies are the food the fat kid you made fun of in school ate. If the fat kid, for example, came to school with a broken arm, it was because he climbed the rack at 7-11 and fell reaching for a Twinkie. Even after you found out the fat kid had a metabolic imbalance that caused his portly disfigurement, you still told "his blood is made of Twinkie filling" jokes.
Of course you feel bad about that now because you also secretly enjoyed the yellow, spongy substance filled with white frosting-like cream, but were too embarrassed to tell anyone.
In fact, your high school lost the state championship basketball game, not because you had the flu, but because you inhaled 13 Twinkies before getting on the bus and then vomited incessantly.
And that Twinkie you left in the attic 13 years ago. It tasted just as good this morning as it would have then, especially after eating our next entry.
After you've gobbled down that Twinkie, hit the drive-thru for our next fast food delight ...
No. 4: Filet O' Fish
The five disgusting foods we love list would not be complete without a sampling from the world of fast food, the only industry that could produce a square fish-like item, covered in fatty batter, that contains very little to no nutritional value.
That's the Filet O' Fish sandwich, although it's uncertain whether the Filet O' Fish sandwich contains any actual fish. One 3-inch square does, according to Peertrainer.com, contain 400 calories and 18 grams of fat.
Since eating one Filet O' Fish automatically leads to eating three Filets O' Fish, you will have consumed 1,200 calories and 54 grams of fat (not counting the nine packets of tartar sauce the fake fish swims in), and you still won't be sure what it was you ate.
Scientists have agreed that the only way to make the Filet O' Fish sandwich better would be to cover it with nacho cheese.
Which leads us to our No. 3 selection ...
No. 3: Nacho cheese
It's orange. It's cheese flavored. You could eat a pound of it while watching football. It makes you really fat. That's about where the similarities end between nacho cheese and actual cheese.
There is no logical explanation for eating nacho cheese. It doesn't taste good. It's messy. It's unhealthy.
That hasn't stopped you, however, from fantasizing about swimming naked in a river of nacho cheese while nacho cheese nymphs swim by wearing tortilla chip bikinis. It also hasn't stopped you from secretly scraping the clear plastic bottom of a discarded nacho plate at a baseball game in order to get a sample of the delicious radioactive-orange colored substance.
The greatest moment in nacho cheese history occurred several years ago when Barney Jacklestomp used it as adhesive for a gingerbread house to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve. Santa loves nacho cheese ... and cookies.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Delegate's Report, 19th Session, Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems
The United States is pleased with the outcome of the 19th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS). The Committee made good progress in progressing a key document, Proposed Draft Principles and Guidelines for National Food Control Systems. The Committee also:
- Requested the United States to develop a Discussion Paper on performance metrics for assessment of national food control systems.
- Agreed to further develop a proposal to revise the existing Codex Principles and Guidelines for the Exchange of Information in Food Safety Emergency Situations (CAC/GL 19-1995) with a Discussion Paper to be developed by the United States.
- Considered undertaking new work to establish a harmonized questionnaire for importing countries to use when undertaking an audit of an exporting country's food control system (or component parts thereof).
The 19thSession of CCFICS was attended by approximately 200 delegates from approximately 55 Member countries, one Member organization (the European Union), and five international intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. The United States was represented by: the U.S. Delegate, Mary Stanley, USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service; the U.S. Alternate Delegate, Michael Wehr, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; two governmental advisors; and one non-governmental advisor.
A detailed summary of the discussions on both of these items and on other matters considered by the Committee is presented below. The full report of the Session can be found in REP 12/FICS on the Codex website, www.codexalimentarius.org.
Principles and Guidelines for National Food Control Systems
At its 17th Session, CCFICS agreed to undertake new work to develop a set of principles and guidelines for national food control systems. Prior work included significant discussion on the document at the Committee's 18th (2010) Session and a physical working group held in Brazil in March, 2011. Those efforts resulted in a document containing a relatively well-developed set of principles, initial general agreement on sections relating to design and implementation of a national food control system, and substantial delineation of the elements for these sections. The document was submitted for country comments with countries and observer organizations submitting over 90 pages of comments on both the technical content and basic structure of the document.
This session of CCFICS spent considerable time reaching a consensus on the introductory information, objective, and principles as well as reaching agreement on the structure and elements that will be included as practical guidance to assist national governments on the development, operation, evaluation, and improvement of national food control systems. It was emphasized that the guidance is intended both for developed and developing countries and that its content would relate both to policy and technical/operational components.
The Committee considered in-depth the proposed principles and reached agreement on principles previously incorporated into the text: protection of consumers; whole food chain approach; transparency; roles and responsibilities; consistency and impartiality; use of risk-based, science-based, and evidence based decision-making; cooperation between multiple authorities; use of preventative measures; self-assessment and review; and recognition of systems. The Committee agreed to add three other principles: legal foundation, harmonization, and sufficient resources.
The Committee considered the basic framework for the design and operation of a national food control system. CCFICS agreed that the framework should consist of four main elements: policy-setting; system design; implementation; and monitoring and system review. The Committee agreed to a diagrammatic means to reflect this framework. Subsequently, the Committee spent a substantial amount of time reviewing the current document and the lengthy comments received, restructuring the document as needed and reaching general agreement as to the likely content of each section.
Recognizing that consensus had been reached on the introduction, objective, and principles, the Committee forwarded these sections for adoption at Step 5 by the Codex Alimentarius Commission at its 2012 Session. The remaining sections (policy-setting, system design, implementation, monitoring/review) were returned to Step 2 for redrafting. CCFICS will hold a physical working group tentatively scheduled for the second quarter of 2012 to carry out the redrafting.
Other Matters
Among other things, the Committee considered specific proposals originating from an electronic working group of the Codex Ad-Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Animal Feeding to take "feed" and "feeding" into account in the scope and content of two Codex texts, the Principles and Guidelines for the Exchange of Information in Food Safety Emergency Situations (CAC/GL 19-1995) and the Guidelines for the Exchange of Information Between Countries on Rejections of Imported Foods (CAC/GL 25-1997). CCFICS agreed that further thought regarding the proposals was needed before the inclusion of feed into these two documents and referred the matter to work to be led by the United States to develop a Discussion Paper considering broader revisions to these two documents (see Proposed New Work below).
The Committee considered a proposal from the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products to amend the Codex Generic Model Official Certificate to incorporate attestations directly related to fish/fishery products. The Committee referred the issue to a discussion relating to attestations (see below).
Proposed New Work
An APEC Export Certificate Roundtable, held prior to the last (18th) Session of CCFICS, suggested that it may be helpful for CCFICS to consider expanding the extent of guidance on attestations contained in the Codex Guidelines for Design, Production, Issuance and Use of Generic Official Certificates (CAC/GL 38-2001). The United States prepared a Discussion Paper for this Session of CCFICS. The paper requested CCFICS to consider four specific questions:
- Are principles relating to attestations sufficient or should CCFICS develop additional guidance?
- If additional guidance is needed, what would be the nature of this guidance?
- With respect to principles, is there a need for additional principles relating to attestations beyond that provided in Note 16 of the Annex to the Codex Guidelines for Design, Production, Issuance and use of Generic Official Certificates (CAC/GL 38-2001)?
- How should knowledge, experience, and confidence influence the need for attestations?
The Committee generally agreed that new work on attestations was not needed at this time.
The Committee, in the context of this agenda item, also considered the issue of the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products recommendation for additional guidance relating to fish/fishery product attestations (see Other Matters above). CCFICS concluded that it was premature to consider the inclusion of the CCFFP proposals into the Codex Generic Model Official Certificate.
Audit Questionnaire
Costa Rica submitted a proposal to establish a harmonized questionnaire for use by an importing country when undertaking an audit of an exporting country. The Committee generally agreed to the need for this work but requested Costa Rica to further develop the subject in a Discussion Paper for consideration by the next Session of CCFICS.
Performance Metrics
The United States submitted a Discussion Paper on Performance Measures to Evaluate National Food Control Systems. Two types of indicators were proposed: regulatory performance indicators to determine the effectiveness of the national food control system in achieving food safety, food suitability and technical outcomes; and operational performance measures to demonstrate that inspection activities were carried out according to established policy. Several delegations supported the proposal; other delegations, while not opposing the concept and need for the work, indicated that it should wait until the National Food Control System document was complete or at least further along. The committee agreed that the proposed work was premature and requested the United States to revise the Discussion Paper, providing greater detail and examples of performance metrics and taking into account responses to a questionnaire that would be prepared by the United States and circulated to countries requesting information on how metrics are used to assess and manage their national food control systems. The subject will be reconsidered at the next Session of CCFICS.
Revision of Principles and Guidelines for the Exchange of Information in Food Safety Emergency Situations (CAC/GL 19-1995)
The International Dairy Federation submitted a proposal for new work that would revise the existing Codex Principles and Guidelines for the Exchange of Information in Food Safety Emergency Situations (CAC/GL 19-1995) to provide additional guidance on: (1) roles and responsibilities of the various parties involved in food safety emergency situations (governments, industry, consumers); (2) the processes used in investigating and resolving food safety emergency situations; and (3) communications required during food safety emergency situations. Many delegations supported the work but noted that the proposal lacked clarity and needed revision. The Committee agreed that the United States would revise the paper for reconsideration at the next Session of CCFICS. Additionally the committee agreed that the revision would include: (a) consideration of whether the Codex Guidelines for the Exchange of Information Between Countries on Rejections of Imported Foods should be included in the revision, perhaps combining the two documents (handling both rejections and food safety emergency situations); and (b) consideration of the incorporation of "feed" and "feeding" into the Principles and Guidelines for the Exchange of Information in Food Safety Emergency Situations and the Guidelines for the Exchange of Information Between Countries on Rejections of Imported Foods (see Other Matters above).
Next Session of CCFICS
The 20th Session of CCFICs is tentatively scheduled for February 18-22, 2013.


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Submit News
Survey: UK Public is Unaware of Female Scientists
Tiffany Kaiser
August 27, 2010 9:48 AM
Recipient E-mail
Sender E-mail
Dorothy Hodgkin, who discovered the structure of insulin
(Source: vcharkam)
Survey indicates a majority of the British population cannot name one female scientist
According to a recent poll by
, a public opinion researcher from England, two-thirds of British population (who participated in the survey)
cannot name even one
famous female scientist.
The Royal Society
, which is a fellowship of individuals who represent all areas of science, organized this survey. The poll showed that almost half of the participants were able to identify at least one male scientist while two-thirds could not name even one female scientist.
Furthermore, 90 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds could not name a current or historical female scientist. Lorna Casselton, Vice President of the Royal Society, said these results were "frustrating."
The number of those who were aware of
scientific figures in the poll were very low, with 18 percent who identified Dorothy Hodgkin as the creator of the structure of insulin, and only six percent who identified Jocelyn Bell Burnell as the scientist who played a role in the discovery of pulsar stars.
Other results were that 20 percent of 1,000 adults chose "Nobel prize-winning scientist" as the best role model for their daughters. These adults were given six role model choices to choose from, ranging from doctor to lawyer and pop star to athlete. Almost half chose "life-saving
" as their first choice.
"People are still unaware of the contribution made by women to science in the past, [but] overall I am encouraged by the findings of this poll," said Casselton. "They suggest public perceptions of women in science are changing. [We] want to encourage more girls (and their parents) to see science as an achievable and desirable career path. Most importantly, we want to encourage them to see science not only as a fulfilling career, but one that can change the world and contribute to our quality of life."
In other news, the United States government is
encouraging Indian women
to enter science and technology-related fields by offering research fellowships and internships that could bring these women to the U.S. With support of the Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum, the U.S. embassy New Delhi created a one-day workshop about women in science where many young women in high school and above listened to female business leaders encourage them to "stick with science."
"I mean, if you wanna break down someone's door, why don't you start with AT&T, for God sakes? They make your amazing phone unusable as a phone!" -- Jon Stewart on Apple and the iPhone
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Winner Update 12/15/11: This giveaway is now closed. While we truly wish each and every one of you who entered could win, we just had to pick 4 winners, at random of course. And the lucky 4 are… Ruby who said, "I love love love Theme Feline Friends. This would be a perfect gift for any of the families in my playgroup. It would promote bilingual play and imaginative play. Definitely a versatile cute toy!", Vicki who said, "LOVE THE NAME BANNER!!! Would be a great gift for my nephew due in DECEMBER!", Brenda who said, "I love the fun animals name banner", and Nicki who said, "Oh, I just love anything in the woodland creature line. It just embodies imagination and curiosity of the outdoors!" Congratulations ladies! Enjoy your customized baby's first Christmas ornament!
I'm SO excited to share this new giveaway from Gifts Define with you today – a ridiculously cute online shop I've personally admired for years! They create absolutely DARLING handmade products that make for the cutest personalized gifts, party favors, and nursery decor. I used some of their Woodland Wonder themed characters for a Woodland Forest Baby Shower I threw for a friend a couple ago, and she ended up ordering the matching deco mobile for her little one after the shower because she fell in love with theses little creatures too!
Just looking at all the whimsical, colorful collections is guaranteed to make you smile… You'll find everything from Nursery Decor and Custom Name Banners to Tree Story Wall Art, Party Charms, Party Toppers, Keepsake Conversation Birds, and more, and everything can be customized to a specific color palette. I'm especially loving the brand new Nursery Art Box, which features a chalkboard front personalized with your favorite character/design and name. (In addition to the Nursery Boxes, Art Boxes are also available in these styles.)
The GIVEAWAY:
This week at HWTM, Gifts Define is giving away one of their charming personalized Baby's First Christmas Bird Keepsake Ornaments to FOUR lucky readers! Whether you've got a new little one (or one on the way) yourself – or have a loved one in that boat, these sweet little birdies make for super thoughtful keepsake gifts!
P.S. I can't resist sharing a little excerpt from [Gifts Define founder] Irma just because it's so great… "…I'm lucky to be able to say that my work is my passion. Gifts Define is that extension of me and resonates all of the creative passion I have for creating whimsical little treats that make people happy. I am so blessed to know that with every stitch of every treasure I create, I ultimately bring a smile to another's face." Read the full "about us" story of Irma & Gifts Define here.
• Post a comment below, mentioning one of your favorite items from Gifts Define and/or who you'd love to give one of these personalized gifts to!
• This Giveaway ends Sunday, December 4th at midnight PST. The winner will be chosen randomly and announced here after they've been notified via email and have accepted the prize. Good luck, everyone!!
*Disclosure: Product Giveaways on HWTM are sponsored posts.


text:
« Back
America's National Interests: A Report from The Commission on America's National Interests, 2000
Graham T. Allison, Dimitri K. Simes, and James Thomson, Executive Directors.
Report, Commission on America's National Interests
July 2000
Author: Graham Allison, Director, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
PDF and Word versions of the report are available below.
The Commission on America's National Interests was established by a bipartisan group of Americans who are convinced that, in the absence of American global leadership, citizens will find their fortunes, their values, and indeed their lives threatened as surely as they have ever been. The Commission is concerned that after five decades of extraordinary exertion, the US is in danger of losing its way. The fatigue of many, and distraction of some with special interests, leave American foreign policy hostage to television images and the momentary passions of domestic politics. Lacking basic coordinates and a clear sense of priorities, American foreign policy becomes reactive and impulsive in a fast-changing and uncertain world.
The goal of the Commission on America's National Interests is to help focus thinking on one central issue: What are the United States' national interests? What are American national interests today and as far forward as we can see in the future for which we must prepare? In the short run, the Commission hopes to catalyze debate about the most important US national interests during this season of presidential and congressional campaigns. It also hopes to contribute to a more focused debate about core national interests, the essential foundation for the next era of American foreign policy.
The Commission is organized by Harvard's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, the Nixon Center, and RAND, and is supported by the Hauser Foundation.
For more information about this publication please contact the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at 617-495-1400.
For Academic Citation:
Document Length: 55 pp.


text:
Report shows consumers doing a good job of keeping up with loan payments
The Columbus Dispatch - January 09, 2014 10:51 AM
Consumers are continuing to do a good job of keeping up with their debt payments.
The American Bankers Association says consumer delinquencies fell significantly in last year's third quarter as the economy improves and that an index it keeps that track delinquencies in eight installment-loan categories fell to a record low.
The ABA said delinquencies in home-equity loans and home equity lines of credit fell sharply as home prices increased.
The ABA believes low delinquency rates are likely in the months ahead as the economy continues to improve.


text:
Josh Beckett Must Die
Yanks Have Last Laugh in Game 1 Win
Josh Beckett is the biggest baby I have ever seen. God I just hate him so much. Everything about him annoys me, but after last night, I developed a pure, passionate hatred for the guy. No one hurts my babies like that. No one. He is a heartless, horrible, not to mention UGLY excuse of a pitcher. He thinks he's all that….tossing 95 mph fastballs and the precious Yankee bodies as if they were nothing…as if their bodies were as grotesque as HIS…
…I almost threw up at this…eeew
Okay, okay that's not really fair…he doesn't look like that.
….Okay I did throw up this time…..
Yeah, so Beckett thinks he's funny….he thinks he's hot….he thinks he's a good pitcher. LOLZ. Well, despite everything he did last night, it was my Yankees who came out on top in blowout-style. The good guys won 10-3.
Pitching Analysis: Phil Hughes is a beast. Is he human? I'm really not sure…Last night, Hughes pitched 7 innings, allowing 2 measly runs to the Smelly Sox. Ha. I guess he didn't have to hit the Red Sox to get even…he just shut 'em out. I wish he didn't have that innings limit this year. I mean, how could the Yankees skip him? Or limit him? I think they should let him be free. Let him grow. Besides, it's not like his innings are stressful anyway. In 32 innings this season, Hughes has given up just 17 hits. Those are some pretty sexy numbers😉
Offensive Analysis: The offense had an explosion last night, but I wasn't happy about all of it to say the least. Nick Swisher's monster 3-run homer in the 4th sent baby-Beckett into a little hissy fit. The 6th inning was especially messy.
He's Swishalicious😉
Let me see if I can list all the heartless moves Beckett made last night.
-He hit Robbie Cano in the kneecap in the 6th, which knocked him out of the game. After the pitch that hit Robbie was thrown back to the mound, Beckett caught it and smiled. This sent me into my continuous, "Oh no!!!!!" shrieks.
-He threw inside at Nick Swisher; it looked like it would have neutered him if it hit him…it was near that area. Swisher jack-knived out of the way, and Beckett was angry at that. He probably tried hitting him for revenge after the homer. This sent me into my throw-the-shoe-at-the-TV-and-aim-for-Beckett's-worthless-balls-to-try-and-neuter-him-myself-mode.
-He threw at my Cervelli's (♥) head TWICE in that game. Once in the 4th after he stepped out of the batter's box, and once in the 6th with a full count. This sent me into a cursing rampage. I was boiling…on the verge of boiling over. I don't know how I contained myself.
-He hit my captain, Derek Jeter, square in the back right on his #2. Jeet span around in pain, the poor thing. This one made me boil over: I went into an unbridled rage. I took off my other shoe, and Phil Hughes style, I threw it 95 mph at the TV. I picked up my blog notebook and violently smashed it against the arm of the couch, losing my pen in the process. Screaming, cursing Beckett throughout the whole explosion, I then made fists – fists so hard I still have nail imprints in my hands. I wanted to punch him, but that was impossible. The TV had endured enough carnage already from my shoes, so instead I punched myself in the thighs repeatedly.
Hearing the whole ordeal, my Mom ran in and stopped me. I don't think she cared about me punching myself, because all she said was, "I NEVER SAY WORDS LIKE THAT…STOP IT!!!!! STOP IT! BEFORE DADDY HEARS YOU!" Too late. My Dad was already there, giving me that same old lecture about how my mother never said a curse before and I'm disgracing the family by not acting like the lady my mother is. Disregarding everything he said, I yelped, "HE'S HITTING EVERYONE!…CANO, JETER, HE SCARED CERVELLI AND SWISHER…..RRRRRRRRR I HATE THAT GUY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
I almost started to cry here. Images of hurt Yankees kept flashing through my mind. Seeing them in pain pained me too much. I wish I could have taken the hits for them. I really do.
Eventually, I calmed down and felt a little better. I was then happy that the Yankees kept scoring and scoring and scoring. By the end of the that 6th inning, they had a 9-1 lead. My emotions were crazy. I was sadistic to Beckett, mournful for my Yanks, and overjoyed with the offense. Weirdest PMS ever…
I was a little annoyed that the Yankees didn't retaliate last night. I mean, they were all angry. Jorge looked like he was ready to charge the mound. CC looked dangerous. A-Rod was spewing expletives all over the place about Beckett. So why didn't they get even?
Now now…I know what some of you are thinking "He didn't do it on purpose. They were accidents."
That is quite an ignorant remark. Here's how it went down: Beckett was cruising along, striking guys out, chewing his gum in that annoying way he does. Then Nick Swisher got smart, and took advantage of the hanging curveball and planted it into the centerfield stands. Beckett was mad. Then in the 6th, he got into more trouble. His team's offense wasn't doing much, and he could tell his stuff on the mound was not as good as it was in the first half of the game. He decided, since he knew he was going to stink anyway, to make things "fun" for himself. "Fun" for the ruthless barbarian means killing Yankees. He intentionally tried to take out the Yankees. That's why he was annoyed when Swisher moved out of the way. He figured, "Hey. I'm starting to lose my command. I'm going to stink and have to come out anyway, so I'll hit the Yankees. Even with bases loaded. Pshh…I don't care. Cuz I'm Josh Beckett and I'm a big baby."
I believe it. I believe he would do that. After all, he plays for the Red Sox. Unlike the Yankees, the Red Sox don't get the classier guys for their team. They get disgraceful, heartless people like Beckett.
Yankees, I'm sorry about last night. But I'm glad you won. You poor guys…all bruised up like that…mmmm….that's kinda sexy…..but it makes me feel just awful. You guys need some TLC. I'll make your boo-boos better ♥
Go out there today and have no mercy. Make me proud, boys.
I love you guys ♥
6 Comments
wow! You really got angry @ Beckett! I was angry too. I lost a lot of respect for him after last night. I mean, I never liked the guy, but he has been one of the more dominant picthers over the last few years. I'm pretty sure he was just being a sore loser.
As for you: watch your mouth! LOL. Seriously though, I know it touched your nerves, believe me, it made me mad too. But not to the point to start cursing–let A-Rod handle that!!!
I'd love to see the Yanks retaliate.
I think you might b my twin! Never met a girl who loved the yankees as much as me! haha
this is new for me, can i get some pointers?
CC did a great job in retaliating yesterday, although he claimed the pitch to Pedroia "just got away from me." That should be the end of it and they'll play a clean finale today. Go Yanks!
NO WAY!!! The RED SOX ARE MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!! jOSH bECKETT IS MY FAVORITE PLAYER EVER!!!! THE RED SOX KICK ASS!!!!


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"The work of priestly formation these days must involve a strong catechetical component since so many of our people have been deficiently formed. The resources you provide are allowing the Church to do a better job in preparing Catholics to know and defend their faith more effectively."
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Two of my most AWESOMEST moments at Shea ever: Saturday, Sept. 27
I'll be writing more after today's (Sunday's) final regular season game at Shea–and what a key, absolute must-win this is–but for now, enjoy these 2 amazin' moments from Saturday.
1) I got to go on the warning track!
2) From my spot in the picnic area: Johan's final out, the clincher of his 9-inning shut-out. On 3 days rest. Forget gangsta–if Johan fought Superman, he'd totally win.
2 Comments
Hi, Zoe. Just wanted to say I'm sorry about yesterday's game. I know you must be crushed. I feel your pain.
Bullpens. Baseball's highest ranked definition of 'necessary evil', I suppose. Two years in a row is rough. Hope you're doing okay today. Heard next year's Opening Day is actually at night? With 10,000 less seats at CitiField and an opportunity to attend for those who would have normally been working during the day…that is definitely going to be a tough ticket to get. Living in NYC, I see the same headlines you do and you know soon they'll be talking about whether or not they should keep Manuel…what do you think?
Prose and Ivy


text:
Analysis Software
Point-and-click tools for assembly, mapping and amplicon variant analysis
The GS Data Analysis Software package includes the tools to investigate complex genomic variation in samples including de novo assembly, reference guided alignment and variant calling, and low abundance variant identification and quantification. The suite of software is provided with the GS Junior and GS FLX System at no additional cost and allows researchers to begin interpreting sequence data immediately, without the need to invest in complex and expensive third party solution. Each of the software tools incorporates flow and signal information into the sequence analysis algorithms leading to higher confidence variant calling. Additionally, researchers can interrogate sequence data down to the flow-by-flow signal intensities used in base calling.
Request a free download of the software!
Point-and-click genome and transcriptome assembly
- A powerful tool for de novo assembly of genomes up to 3 Gb in size
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- Produce high-quality assemblies for microbial genomes in as little as 15 minutes, and in less than 24 hours for larger genomes
- Perform de novo assembly of EST reads from cDNA library sequencing runs to accurately reconstruct the transcriptome and identify novel genes, isoform variants and transcript fusions
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- Command line operation available for power users and scripting
- Perform hybrid assemblies using GS FLX and GS Junior shotgun and paired end reads with additional capillary-sequencing or short read sequencing reads (FASTA or FASTQ)
- Data output: Contig sequence and quality files (sequence of contigs and corresponding Phred equivalent quality scores, FASTA format), ace.file (alignment of the reads to contig sequence), optional Consed output and more
Screenshot of the GS De Novo Assembler illustrating an E. coli assembly project. Individual reads making up consensus contigs are listed in the multiple alignment view. The user interface allows viewing of flowgram data backing sequence reads.
Reference-guided alignment and variation detection for resequencing projects
- Rapidly and accurately align reads to any reference genome
- Identify differences compared to the reference
- Annotate reference features and variations
- Explore the full spectrum of genomic variation:
- Local variation detection: SNPs, insertions and deletions (blocks up to 50 bases)
- Structural variation detection: large inserts and deletions, inversions, duplications, translocations and fusions
- Data outputs: fna.file (sequence of contigs, FASTA format), qual.file (corresponding Phred equivalent quality score), ace.file (consensus alignment of the reads against a given reference sequence), and SAM/BAM (industry standard alignment format)
Screenshot of the GS Reference Mapper showing two linked SNPs separated by 36 bp in the multiple alignment view. Each row is a unique sequencing read aligned to the reference genome and the highlighted regions show a single base substitution.
Screenshot of the GS Refence Mapper showing the flowgram for a single read compared with the idealized reference flowgram. The bottom panel is the subtraction of the two flowgrams highlighting the two linked SNPs occurring in a single read.
High-sensitivity variation detection from amplicon-based samples
- Aligns PCR amplicon reads against a reference sequence
- Accurately detects and quantifies known variants in complex pools
- Defines and discovers novel variants
- Performs haplotyping identify multiple linked variants over the full amplicon length
- Detects low-frequency (<1%) variants in complex mixtures, such as somatic mutations and viral quasispecies
- Collapse high-depth sequences into consensus sequences to explore the unique members of a mixture
- Flexible project set-up: separate samples / results based on MID tags (barcodes), associate amplicons, references and samples for simple and complex experimental designs
- Data outputs: ace.file (alignment of the reads against a reference sequence), png.file (graphical file format, tab delimited text file), and SAM/BAM (industry standard alignment format)
Screenshot of the GS Amplicon Variant Analyzer illustrating a single base change compared to the reference for an amplicon sample. Top pane shows variant frequency in the sample and the bottom pane shows multiple alignment.
Screenshot of the GS Amplicon Variant Analyzer illustrating a multi-nucleotide deletion in an amplicon sample. The flowgram of a single read is compared against the idealized flowgram of the reference.


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Welcome to the middle class, population everyone.
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Judge lowers Lacillade bail, orders new hearing
BARRE A Williamstown man convicted last year of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in 2010 had his bail reduced Wednesday as he awaits a possible retrial based on claims of new information about the victim.
Last December, Billy J. Lacillade, 45, was convicted by a jury in Washington County criminal court in Barre on one count of felonious sexual assault, no consent. He is facing a sentence of at least three years in prison with a maximum of life. He was initially ordered held on $35,000 bail while awaiting sentencing.
Lacillade was convicted of sodomizing the girl in August 2010 while she was sleeping overnight at his wifes residence in Berlin. His lawyer is now saying the girl may have lied about similar claims in the past.
Attorney Maggie Vincent filed a motion in February for a new trial, saying information had come to light that could cause a jury to acquit him. In the motion, Vincent said that two days after the conviction the prosecutor, Megan Campbell, confirmed to Vincent that the victim had made a similar claim in 2007 that she had been sexually assaulted by another friends father when she stayed over at the friends home in 2005.
Vincent said that after making that complaint, the girl gave several conflicting statements that it was false or that it was true but she had been encouraged by her family to say it was false.
According to the motion for a new trial, there is also an ongoing investigation about a report in 2012 of a third man sexually assaulting the girl, though no charges have been brought.
The prosecution of this case was dependent on the credibility of the complaining witness as to lack of consent, Vincent said in the motion. A history of false allegations of sexual assault is a mortal blow to the credibility of a complaining witness in a sexual assault case. Inclusion of the evidence at trial, particularly with the similarity of the facts between the 2007 allegation and the facts in (this case) ... (is) likely to result in a different outcome.
The motion goes on to say that Campbell violated the states rules of criminal procedure by not providing the information about the 2007 complaint as part of the discovery process in the Lacillade case. Vincent said the 2007 case was investigated by the Vermont State Police and was referred to Campbell for review. Within two years of that review, Campbell initiated the prosecution of Lacillade.
In her response opposing the motion for a new trial in March, Campbell said it is unclear the new evidence would even be admissible and that even if it was, it is unlikely it would have affected the outcome of the trial.
It is true that this attorney reviewed (the case) in 2008 and determined there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges, Campbell said in the response. A large number of sexual assault cases are reviewed by this office on a regular basis. Many of the cases submitted for review never result in criminal charges for a variety of reasons, even if the alleged victims testimony appears to be true.
Campbell said that after Vincent filed the motion for a new trial, the states attorneys office contacted the girl to ask about the 2005 incident. Campbell said the girl confirmed she had been sexually molested by a man and the report was true. Campbell said the girl also told the states attorneys office that her family had been homeless before the incident in 2005 and the man took them in.
(The girl) disclosed that (the man) had sexually molested her, but (the girls) mother encouraged her to recant her disclosure out of fear that the family would again lose their housing, Campbell said in the response. (The girl) did what her mother asked and recanted. She was 13 years old at the time.
As for the third male accused of sexually assaulting the girl, Campbell said she did receive paperwork from state police about the alleged incident but returned the case to police, saying she would review it again if additional evidence turned up.
Campbell said even if the court allowed the inclusion of the 2005 incident in Lacillades original trial, it would have created a trial within a trial about whether the second man had touched the girl and whether she was succumbing to family pressure by recanting.
She also said inclusion may actually hurt Vincents case.
A jury could well have concluded that (the girl) was previously victimized by (the second man) which led her to be more vulnerable to the sexual assault by (Lacillade), Campbell said.
Campbell also contended the issue at Lacillades trial was not whether he had sex with the girl, as the defense acknowledged and a DNA test confirmed, but whether he forced her.
Hence, even assuming that the newly discovered evidence would have impeached (the girls) credibility, the new information would not have changed the outcome given that the primary issue was legal rather than factual, Campbell said in her response to Vincents motion.
Judge Thomas Zonay said the court was obligated to hear about the newly discovered information, and he scheduled a Jan. 23 hearing on the motion for retrial.
In court Wednesday, Vincent argued that Lacillade should be released without bail because he has been imprisoned for more than a year after the verdict, has strong ties to the community and has no desire or ability to flee. Vincent asked that Lacillade be released to live at either his mothers or his sisters home.
Campbell countered by noting he has been convicted of a serious felony with a maximum possible sentence of life in prison. Campbell also cited his criminal history, including convictions for domestic assault, three violations of conditions of release, and driving with a suspended license. She said Lacillades history of violence and substance abuse is pertinent because it shows an inability of people, such as his sister and mother, to supervise him.
The court based its decision on the evidence at the trial, Zonay said of the initial bail amount. The court based its decision on the factors it needed to consider under the law. The court also recognizes that it was unaware of anything that would generate a new trial possibly.
The judge then lowered Lacillades bail from $35,000 to $20,000. He remains in custody.
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You Are Here: Home » Research » Stem Cell »
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NIH Opens Website for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Lines for Approval and Announces Members of Working Group
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|David F Owens, Ph.D.
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Stem Cells are unique in that they have the potential to develop into many different cell types in the body, including brain cells, but they also retain the ability to produce more stem cells, a process termed self renewal. There are multiple types of stem cell, such as embryonic stem (ES) cells, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, and adult or somatic stem cells. While various stem cells can share similar properties there are differences as well. For example, ES cells are able to differentiate into any type of cell, whereas adult stem cells are more restricted in their potential. The promise of all stem cells for use in future therapies is exciting, but significant technical hurdles remain that will only be overcome through years of intensive research.
The NINDS supports a diverse array of research on almost all stem cells, from studies of the basic biology of stem cells in the developing and adult mammalian brain to studies focusing on nervous system disorders such as ALS or spinal cord injury. For example, investigators are looking at how ES cells can be used to derive dopamine-producing neurons that might alleviate symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease or how somatic stem cells can generate myelin producing oligodendrocytes for remyelination following acute and chronic brain injury. Although there is much promise for using stem cells to treat neurological diseases in humans, there is much work to be done before stem cell-based therapies are ready for the clinic.
The NIH Stem Cell Information Web page provides additional information about stem cell research at NIH. Also, see MedlinePlus for more health information regarding stem cells.
To learn more about investigational therapies, including stem cells, one can search the National Institutes of Health (NIH) online clinical trials database, which has information about federally and privately funded clinical research studies on a wide range of diseases and conditions. You can access this database at ClinicalTrials.gov to learn about the location of research studies in need of participants, as well as their purpose and criteria for patient participation. The NIH also maintains a clinical research website that has additional information and can be found here: NIH Clinical Research Trials and You
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The NINDS also supports a repository that offers human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines for research on neurological disorders. A list of available cell lines can be found here: Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
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DNR reduces permit for bear researcher
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has cut back on the number of bears a researcher may study and reduced the time he can do it.
The DNR lowered the number of bears Lynn Rogers can collar and track from 15 to 12. And the permit is valid only through June, rather than December.
The DNR says Rogers hasn't produced enough scientific work.
Rogers leads the nonprofit Wildlife Research Institute near Ely. He may be best-known for placing cameras in bear dens for Internet feeds that have attracted fans around the world.
Rogers says the reduction in the number of bears he can study is "devastating." He tells the Duluth News Tribune his institute currently has 13 bears collared.
Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Teasing, while unpleasant, is the sort of activity that stops when the perpetrator realizes that the target is hurt. Bullying is something else altogether—done deliberately to hurt another's feelings—and is very damaging.
The distinction between the two is one of the things that the Eldred Central School District (ECS) has been working to raise awareness of through ongoing efforts to reduce bullying and encourage positive behaviors instead. At the least, bullying behavior causes pain and suffering, hurts self esteem and more. In extreme circumstances, it can lead to death when the target chooses suicide as a desperate response to escaping the torment.
According to ECS principal Scott Krebs, efforts to encourage more positive behaviors at the high school have been underway for several years. One recent measure to continue educating students on the issue was a presentation on bullying from Sullivan County District Attorney Jim Farrell (see sidebar on TRR's website for more). Another measure involved bringing bullying expert and author Barbara Coloroso to ECS recently for a presentation to students, staff and parents.
Changing behaviors isn't an immediate process. "It's an ongoing learning experience for the kids," said Krebs. "Their behaviors change in relation to the environment they're in. If you're in a family that yells a lot, you just think that's normal. If you're exposed to a lot of profanity, you'll be more inclined to use profanity. It takes time to change behavior."
An important aspect of the ECS strategy is to target behavioral change from its youngest students on up. To do so, the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program was established several years ago. The program stresses three key points—being safe, responsible and respectful—and encourages students to think about the impacts of their behavior.
PBIS chairperson Mary Gordon heads up a team of staff members responsible for implementing the program and others within the overall PBIS umbrella, including Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS), which teaches kids a variety of skills and coping techniques that encourage them to solve problems responsibly and with compassion for the feelings of others.
"PBIS teaches the children the rules for the school in a positive way," said Gordon. "The committee has set up matrixes of rules that apply to specific areas of the school, such as hallways, where they walk in single file using appropriate voice levels. It's done with positive phrasing, to encourage good behavior."
Voice modulation is one way that the children can make empowering choices and see noticeable results. Rules are in place that teach voice modulation in a simple number-based format—one is silence, two is a whisper, three is a soft voice, four and five are regular and outdoor voices.
Students are asked to be silent in hallways, for example, so as not to disturb the learning process for other students. "We are teaching it all the time, especially in places like the cafeteria and the gym, which can get really noisy," said Gordon. "The kids really get it, and they take it home. Parents have told us that they use it at home and that reinforces it."
Such behavior is acknowledged with certificates known as Good News Referrals (GNR), which highlight the positive behaviors that the student has exhibited. The certificates are phrased in a way that reinforces what they are being taught and the school has set a goal to make sure that every child receives at least one good news referral by the end of the year.
"We want them to understand that they followed the rules and can feel good about themselves and their place in the school and community," said school social worker Sharon Schroeder. "It's also good for their classmates when they follow the rules."
Staff members are now involved in integrating bullying initiatives with the PBIS program, with Coloroso's guidance. "We're trying to take the bullying concept and put it into PBIS language for our children to understand," said Gordon. "We have the language down throughout the school, and that was a process that took several years because it involved not just the teachers, but also bus drivers, cafeteria people, the entire staff using the PBIS language consistently. Now we want to use that in ways that can describe and assist with the bullying."
Another aspect receiving attention is the role of bystanders. "We're doing a lot of work in getting kids to recognize their role as bystanders and how important it is to report incidents of bullying to an adult," said Schroeder. "We're teaching the difference between tattling and reporting, as well as how not to be targets of bullying and what to do if they are."
Since Coloroso's visit, a group of staff members at the elementary school went to each classroom to continue related discussions. Corporal Cheryl Crumley from the Sullivan County sheriff's department, ECS superintendent Robert Dufour and school principal Kathryn Ryan visited classes and joined the discussions with the children.
Coloroso will return in November for more work with students and staff. Visit www.kidsareworthit.com [1] for information on her work.
District Attorney launches anti-bullying campaign in Sullivan County schools
• 160,000 children in America skip school every day because they fear being attacked or intimidated by other students.
• The U.S. Department of Justice reports that 37% of all students don't feel safe in their school.
• The National Institute of Health reports that 33% of all students in the 6th to 10th grades nationwide experienced some kind of bullying at school.
Given these startling facts, Sullivan County District Attorney Jim Farrell has started an anti-bullying campaign that focuses on reaching children in local schools and speaking about the real effects of bullying. "It is a serious problem that we must address now," said Farrell. "We all must be engaged—our schools, our teachers, our administrators, our parents and our law enforcement—to end bullying. I believe strongly that bullying prevention in our schools is crime prevention," Farrell said.
In a letter sent to all superintendents and school principals in Sullivan County, Farrell wrote that bullying is routinely occurring in schools and has real effects on the health, well being and education of children. "I am offering my help and support to you and your teaching staff, students and parents to further combat bullying in our schools. I recognize that my responsibility to the community not only involves prosecuting offenders who violate the law but also trying to prevent crime by raising awareness through education of those who we can impact the most – your students."
Farrell has begun conducting interactive sessions with students, school staff and parents and making educational presentations. "We are committed to making our schools safe and a place where education can flourish; combating this problem now, and not waiting until tragedy strikes, is the best way to do that. According to the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, 60% of bullies will have a criminal record before the age of 24. That means that my office will be involved in the prosecution of these kids and I want to do everything in my power to prevent that from happening.
"Our children deserve to be safe and feel secure in their schools and I believe that through education, awareness and action we can accomplish that goal. We need to teach our children that there are consequences to their actions and we need to engage the largest group in our schools, the bystanders, the witnesses to bullying, to stand up and to say 'No More!,'" Farrell said.
The presentation explains the facts of bullying, focuses on the impact bullying has on the bullied, gives direction for those who are being bullied and shows the vital role that bystanders can have in ending bullying. Farrell's presentation also addresses the issue of cyberbullying.


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KOWALEWSKI, Ruth
KOWALEWSKI, Ruth V. "Bitter", 87, Holloway, died Wednesday, December 26, 2012, at her home.
She was born in Bellaire on November 29, 1925, a daughter of the late John and Ernestine Mount Mason.
A member of St.Paul's Catholic Church, Flushing, she was a graduate of Holloway High School and retired as Postmaster of the Holloway Post Office after 33 years of service. She was a member of Flushing Senior Citizens, St. Paul's Catholic Women's Club, NARFE the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, 439'ers, Belmont County Red Hats, Holloway Old Timers and the Cravat Coal Co. Bowling Team.
A loving Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother, Ruth was an active member of her community. Her community service included establishing a lending library in the Holloway Post Office and forming the Sticky Stampers stamp club for children of the Holloway area. She also initiated the annual St. Judes Bike-a-thon to raise awareness/funds for St. Jude's Children's Hospital and lead the annual drive for the American Heart Association for many years. In addition, she was an avid supporter of the Holloway Old Timers Association. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, was her husband Kiser in 1995, her brother John Mason; three sisters, Dorothy Mason, Elizabeth Dickerson, and June Vawter. Surviving are two daughters, Kristine Merritt of Cincinnati and Debra Blake of Holloway; her sister Margaret Diosi of Zanesville and special sister in law Florence Delbridge of Maynard; eight grandchildren: John Thomas Merritt III, Melissa Merritt, Rebecca Merritt, Matthew Merritt, Darcy Porter, Casmir Blake, Daniel Blake and Kevin Blake; thirteen great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received at Warren Funeral Home, Flushing, Friday from noon to 4 and 5 to 9. Pastor Robert Merritt and Rev. Fred Kihm will conduct a service Friday at 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral Liturgy with mass will be held at St.Paul's Catholic Church, Flushing, on Saturday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Fred Kihm the celebrant. Burial will follow in Rock Hill Cemetery, Flushing.
Online condolences may be made at warrenfuneralhome.net