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OROVILLE >> One of the three men on trial on charges of sexual assault and rape testified in his own defense today.
Benny McCoy Williams, 20, testified the alleged victim in the case was lying about the incident during the weekend before Halloween 2012. Under questioning by supervising deputy district attorney Kelly Maloy, he said he didn't know why the woman, 19 years old at the time, would lie.
Williams is on trial in Butte County Superior Court with co-defendants Alex Delashan McNack, 22, and Marshall Nixon, 18. The men, all of Stockton, are each charged with seven felony counts, including acting in concert with another to forcibly conduct oral copulation, sodomy and forcible rape with a foreign object; two counts of sexual penetration by a foreign object; sexual battery by restraint; and forcible rape.
The woman had testified earlier that she had traveled to Chico from Oroville for pre-Halloween festivities, but got separated from her friends. She went to an apartment on the 600 block of West Fourth Avenue where a friend had agreed to let her stay but the friend later left.
During the alleged incident early on Oct. 27, 2012, McNack, who had been staying in the same room as the woman, left before returning. Two other men entered moments later.
The woman had identified the three defendants as her attackers. She said she hadn't given consent, but one of the men threatened her by mentioning her children.
On Monday, Williams said he entered the bedroom and saw McNack and the woman. He said he repeatedly identified himself and, when there was no response, offered to have sex.
Williams denied the assertion from Maloy that McNack had gone into the apartment living room and told others they could participate after he started having sex.
Maloy also questioned Williams about his tattoos and his involvement in a hip-hop music group that also included McNack. He said he wasn't rapping in the videos and any guns and marijuana in the clips were props provided by the cameraman.
The woman reported one of the videos to police after it was posted to her Facebook page. She was scared about a reference to killing a woman, which appeared to be one line from the song.
The last witness for the defense was Darien Ross, one of three roommates at the apartment. His testimony was similar to roommate Derek Taylor — they both testified about going to the area of West Fifth and Ivy streets with a group including the defendants. The group got smaller and eventually Ross and Taylor walked home where they went to a neighbor's apartment first.
Under questioning by Williams' attorney, Kevin Sears, Ross said he returned to the apartment and saw McNack. Ross and Taylor went into the living room to play a video game and to listen to music. He said Willams, Nixon and McNack's brother arrived later.
He said he didn't hear any noises from the bedroom, but he later walked to his room and saw a woman sitting in the third roommate's room looking at a poster. Ross later saw the woman leave the apartment.
During Maloy's cross-examination, Ross said he didn't recall seeing the third roommate's car when he arrived at the building, but the roommate's bedroom light was on. The car was gone when Ross returned to his apartment.
To rebut some of Ross' testimony, Maloy called Chico police detective Stan Duitsman to testify about an interview with the witness in November 2012. Duitsman said Ross did not tell him at the time about seeing the woman in the bedroom or leave the apartment.
Ross also told the detective that the third roommate's car was gone and the bedroom light was off when Ross went home between 2 and 3 a.m.
Closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday morning. The defendants remain in custody.
Reach reporter Ryan Olson at facebook.com/NorCalJustice and 896-7763.


text:
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News Release
Media Contact: TPWD News, email@example.com, 512-389-8030
June 20, 2005
10 Separate Operation Game Thief Displays Focus on Regional Violations
UNDATED — Building on the widely acclaimed reception of the 25-foot 'Operation Game Thief' Wall of Shame Exhibit, the OGT Committee recently decided to make smaller versions available to each of the 10 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement regions in the state.
OGT is the state's wildlife crime stoppers program where callers help solve crimes, get rewards and can remain anonymous.
The new ten 16-foot trailers, recently delivered, are each decaled to match the larger version, and each region has been awarded a grant from OGT to complete the interiors to represent illegal activity in the respective regions. The use of these additional trailers will provide Game Wardens across the state a professional exhibit with which to enhance public awareness regarding anti-poaching efforts.
"We are proud of the money that has been raised in the OGT fundraisers that has allowed us to put the smaller wall of shame trailers around the state for game warden use. These trailers provide a great tool to get the word out to the public about poaching, and how the public can be a part of recognizing and stopping this," said L.D. "Buddy" Turner, OGT Program Administrator at TPWD.
The following are the status reports of trailers in each area:
Austin, Temple, Bryan and the Metroplex: This trailer will be completed by the end of June. TPWD will be adding to it as items are completed by the taxidermists. In this trailer, there are seizures from many types of violations. There are several mounts of deer that were illegally taken. There are examples of fishing equipment violations such as a hoop net, gigging pole, several fish zappers, and telephones (fish shocking devices). There are examples of non-game violations that include illegal traps and wildlife or their parts that cannot be lawfully possessed. This trailer also includes several examples of violations of the threatened and endangered species act. These items include zebra skins, salt water crocodile skin, various belts, shoes, and purses made from assorted reptiles, hippo teeth, a jaguar hat, an ocelot skin, and turtle shells.
Caldwell County: Game Warden Joann Garza hit the ground running with her region's trailer participating with the new OGT Trailer recently at the Luling Safety Fair. More than 300 people attended the event and the trailer won for best exhibit.
Lower-Coastal Region: This trailer will be ready in August. Wardens already have an exhibit commitment in mid-September. Plans are to display the usual deer and fish mounts incorporating illegal items associated with the commercial fishing industry as well. The trailer will be kept in Corpus and anyone interested in requesting the trailer for an event can contact (361) 289-5566.
East Texas: The wardens there just picked theirs up two weeks ago and are collecting species to have mounted to put in the trailer. There are a group of wardens who will be starting work on the trailer as soon as the bulk of water safety enforcement season is over. Public viewing of the new trailer will start in early fall.
Central/Southeast Texas: TPWD expects to begin development in September with an expected completion date of January.
Upper Coastal Region: Work is pending at area taxidermists to provide mounts for this trailer, and it is expected to be ready for display by the fall.
Northeast Texas: This trailer will be filled with items relating to types of cases filed in this region and it will be operational by the fall.
West Texas: This one will also be ready for display this fall and will feature common regional seizures and violations.
More specific information about each trailer will be available as the trailers develop.
For more information, call Turner at (512) 389-4846.
Publication — Permission is granted to publish, in whole or in part, any news releases on this page.
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(5.4.16 i)

subset: commoncrawl


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JAZZ Carlin will go into tomorrow evening's women's 800m freestyle final off the back of setting a new Commonwealth Games record today.
The 23-year-old Wales ace, who is a former Wootton Bassett School pupil, set a new Games record of 8:22.69 as she won her heat at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre in Glasgow this morning.
"I've put everything into my swimming this year, so I really wanted to put in a strong heat to get ready for the final tomorrow," Carlin told BBC Sport.
"I need to relax ahead of the final and eat the right food. It's about being calm and relaxed for the final - I don't want to be stressed.
"After missing out on London I haven't experienced a home Games like this before and the crowd have been amazing."
Meanwhile, Melksham's Rachel Williams finished fifth in both her 200m backstroke and 200m individual medley heats this morning.
The 20-year-old, who is also representing Wales in her first Commonwealths, was tenth-fastest overall in the backstroke and 13th in the medley.
MORE COMMONWEALTH GAMES NEWS AND REACTION THROUGHOUT THE GAMES ON GAZETTEANDHERALD.CO.UK/SPORT AND WILTSHIRETIMES.CO.UK/SPORT. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @gazsport AND @WTSport


text:
85 items found in this collection
Facts about sanitary napkins!
Sh-h-h-h Listen in! (The Girls are Talking about Tampons)
Keep going in Comfort!
Out of sight--out of mind!
More Summer Comfort--at lower cost--with Meds!
"and Meds are only $.19 now!"
"Meds 'safety well' gives extra protection!"
"with Meds internal protection I feel so safe!"
Like to swim?
It's A Hit! Try It! The napkin with the triple-proved DEODORANT!
"I want to tell everybody...about Tampax!"
"My Daughter Feels So Sure Of Herself"
Above All Things This Brings You Peace-of-Mind
Two exclusive new features in the Improved Kotex
Carefree Comfort For Any Woman
Fit as a Fiddle...
Page 1 of 6 Next »


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NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partner university faculty. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Lung diseases
What are Suspicious Densities in Apices?
For the past three years I have had severe respiratory infections and each time the chest x-ray returns with suspicious densities in both apices and request a second view which invariably comes back with plureal apical thickening bilateral. I have had several recurrent infections this year and have a cough that has lasted for 7 months which is worsening since this last infection two months ago. I do have CAD, Atherosclerotic Aortic Valve with aortic insufficiency and MVPS with mild reguritation. So far the lung diagnosis has been related to aging by the heart doctor, but since the cough is worse, should I see a pulmonist to rule out anything serious going on in the lungs. I have been experiencing shortness of breath and sometimes am unable to finish a sentence without being completely out of breath. My voice is rasphy and weak as well and worsens during the day and evening. Thanks for any suggestions you might have.
Yes, it would be a good idea to see a pulmonologist to rule out anything serious going on in your lungs.
Best wishes.
Jeff E Weiland, MD
Associate Professor - Clinical
OSU Asthma Center
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University


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Proper milk sampling is an overlooked, yet important contributor to the accuracy of milk test results, especially when it comes to high-producing, early-lactation cows.
"Sometimes we forget about the sampling part and how important that is," says Dave Barbano, food scientist and director of the Northeast Dairy Foods Research Center at Cornell University.
On-farm milk flow meters and proportionate samplers have replaced glass weigh jars as the sampling devices of choice on many of today's dairy operations. However, getting a representative milk sample is a concern when using these devices.
For example, an early-lactation cow milked 2X can fill the sampling container three times in one milking.
"If you don't take it off and empty it, you just got a sample of the first third of what that cow produces," Barbano said at the 2012 Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference. "That first third is very different composition than the last (third)."
Collecting just the first third of milk is not only a poor representative of what a cow is producing in terms of milk composition, but it also can lead to "totally erroneous results" for that animal, Barbano said.


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Kermit, Piggy, and crew return for an awesome experience on home video...
Be sure to enter The Muppets Wocka Wocka Giveaway for your chance to take home this 3-disc blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy set!
To insure your action figure collection, get in touch with Collectibles Insurance, the official insurance company of the Figures.com network. Say "Figures.com" to get 5% off your first term premiums.
To buy action figures, take a look at BigBadToyStore.com, RedfordFilms.com, PastGenerationToys.com, BriansToys.com, ToyWiz.com, SmallJoes.com, MonkeyDepot.com, and Urban-Collector.com.
If you were born anytime in the last 60 years, you've probably heard of the Muppets. While they've maybe not been as "front and center" over the last decade as they were when I was growing up, that all changed recently thanks to comedic writer/producer/actor Jason Segel, Walt Disney, and the talented puppeteers and voice actors who bring to life Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzy Bear, Gonzo, Rizzo, Beaker, Animal, Rowlf, and every other fan-favorite Muppet. Now, The Muppets has hit home video in a very special "Wocka Wocka" Value Pack chalk full of fun, excitement, and entertainment for the entire family!
The Muppets itself is spot-on for what you'd expect and thanks in no small part to Jason Segel, who both produces, writes, and stars in the film, the story plays out at a steady pace that's engaging, entertaining, and fun. The film follows Gary (Segel), who's taking his fiancee Mary (Amy Adams) to Hollywood for a supposed romantic interlude. However, Gary of course invites Walter, his muppet brother who has no greater wish than to meet the Muppets. Of course, the trio come to realize the Muppet's former theater is now in dire straights and, if the wealthy Tex Richman has anything to say about it, will be torn down soon. Thus, the group of three set off to reunite the Muppets in a last ditch attempt to save the theater and create entertainment magic.
Of course, The Muppets is just as silly, creative, and hilarious as one would expect. Thanks to the introduction of Walter - the starstruck fan-turned-accepted friend (and Muppet), viewers now have a perspective from which to realistically relate to the Muppet characters. Walter is not only original, he's meaningful. We as viewers understand Walter's plight and want him to succeed, if only so we can envision ourselves in his stead. After all, who among us hasn't wanted to get up on that stage and rock out with the Muppets?
While some fans might consider the humor here a bit old fashioned, I personally thought it's spot-on. This is The Muppets for crying out loud; it's supposed to be tongue-in-cheek, laugh out loud humorous in every sort of way imaginable. Kermit the Frog a depressed Hollywood insider? Check. Miss Piggy a fashion editor for Vogue? Check. Gonzo a plumber? Check. Animal in a celebrity anger management rehab center? Check.
Almost every gag, every bit, and every punchline infuses a room with laughter and is addictive to watch. Enjoyable and at the same time revealing in an authentic story that'll have viewers both bent over laughing and shedding a tear or two, The Muppets makes us physically engaged and emotionally invested. We feel the desire and the need for the Muppets to succeed...if only to make us feel as if our own childhood memories of these fan-favorite characters are still relevant today.
The film's video and audio are gorgeous and make you want to stand up and sing along, dance along, and simply be a part of the experience. The colorful 1080p hi-def video jumps off the screen. Colors are crisp, bright, and tight throughout and there's no issues visible. Likewise, the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track rocks, injecting the pitch-perfect fun of every line of dialogue and every chorus of every song into viewers' home theaters. The dynamic range is captured perfectly with each and every field playing its precise part. Again, The Muppets is about as engaging an experience as it gets.
As for special features, the three disc set includes the film on blu-ray hi-def, standard definition DVD, and a load of special features throughout, including a filmmakers audio commentary with executive producer/co-writer/actor Jason Segel, executive producer/co-writer Nicholas Stoller and director James Bobin. The three chat about everything from inspirations and production info to Muppet facts, fun on the set, and more. Fun, but somewhat lackadaisical, the commentary is a bit too informal for most looking to gain any type of education out of the experience. Other special features include a 16-minute short "Scratching the Surface," which is the set's "making of" and is way too short, but plenty entertaining.
Other special features include the 3-minute "Explaining Evil: The Full Tex Richman Song," expanded Richman's backstory and is much better than the shorter version in the movie; a 9-minute "The Longest Blooper Reel Ever. At Least In Muppet History... We Think" short, which includes some hilariousness with - you guessed it - Muppets! A few more special features include the 3-minute "A Little Screen Test on the Way to the Read-Through," featuring Kermit, Fozzie, Walter and friends as they prepare for a read-through of the script; 9 minutes worth of mock theatridal trailers, including "Rise of the Muppets," "The Fuzzy Pack," "Being Green," "The Piggy with the Froggy Tattoo" and more. Also included are 10-minutes worth of deleted scenes (8 scenes total) provide fans with a look at what was left on the cutting room floor. Lastly, for fans who enjoyed the film's soundtrack, a digital download code is provided so you too can rock out with the Muppets anytime, anywhere.
As I said, anyone who was born in the last 60 years probably knows who the Muppets are; sadly, that doesn't mean they really know the Muppets. Thankfully, there's always time to get to know them and there's no better place to start than with this newly released masterpiece. The Muppets is fun for all ages, exciting, and entertainment at its best. The Muppets will make you laugh and cry, sing and dance, and simply fall in love all over again with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzy Bear, Gonzo, Rizzo, Beaker, Animal, Rowlf, and every other fan-favorite Muppet.
The Muppets is available now on blu-ray hi-def and DVD wherever fine home video is sold.
Be sure to enter the The Muppets Wocka Wocka Giveaway for your chance to win this 3-disc set!
- Jess C. Horsley


text:
Guess the Animals #2Language brain teasers are those that involve the English language. You need to think about and manipulate words and letters.
Find out what the animals are! (for example, "To run away or escape" could be a "flea")
1. A strong body tissue
2. Government head of a town/city
3. To sound low, husky, or grating
4. Relating to a group of singers
5. Stealin'
6. A parent's female sibling
7. A mythical curse or bond
8. A second-person pronoun
9. Thin thread-like outgrowth from the skin
10. To exist. A form of 'am' or 'was.'
Answer1. Mussel (Muscle)
2. Mare (Mayor)
3. Horse (Hoarse)
4. Coral (Choral)
5. Robin (Robbin')
6. Ant (Aunt)
7. Geese (Geas)
8. Ewe (You)
9. Hare (Hair)
10. Bee (Be)
What Next?
See another brain teaser just like this one...
Or, just get a random brain teaser
If you become a registered user you can vote on this brain teaser, keep track of
which ones you have seen, and even make your own.
Back to Top


text:
The responses came fast and furious and Boxers are the Best Breed of Dog God Ever Created did not disappoint. One very exciting Sunday afternoon, with many many members pinned to their computers: Amanda Brangard, Sheila Smith, Nancy McHugh Dickerson, Gail and Mike Dickerson, Michael Whilhelm and Sheryl Sauceman successfully transported Hooch Sauceman from deathrow to Sheryl and The Boxer Transfer Network was born!!!
After that Sunday everyone was elated. Irene decided that the need for aide was overwhelming and reached out to Amanda to make The Boxer Transfer Network official. Irene filed the Maryland Non-profit paperwork in June 2012. The Boxer Transfer Network received 501C3 status in November of 2012. Today, Irene, Amanda, Sheila Smith, Lisa Sergeant, Barb Marucci, Kelly Jaeger, Bunny Link, Sheila Moran, Vicky Lemmens and many other volunteers make up the behind the scenes team at the BTN. Although credit is attributed to each and every person who supports in any way. We work tirelessly to rescue dogs from perilous situations, whatever they may be and we are open to everyone who shares this mindset. The Boxer Transfer Network has flourished. Volunteers have rescued over 60 dogs and placed 52+ into loving homes. We would not exist without the generosity of our members. Volunteers have offered transportation, finances, basic necessities for the animals, countless hours, and some have even opened their homes and businesses to foster a dogs in need. There is no paid salary and no day off, but the rewards are beyond measure. This is a labor of love for all of us. The passion of one has spread to the passion of many and we continue to grow. Join our Facebook group and like our Facebook page and find out more about how you can help today!
Thank You!
Your message has been sent to The Boxer Transfer Network.
You'll receive a copy, too, at to help you keep track of which pets you've inquired about, and which shelters and rescues you've emailed.
NOTE: Some shelters have physical locations you can visit; some of these shelters may only have pets for a limited time, so please do not wait for a reply—just go visit the shelter! Other organizations are rescue groups run by busy volunteers who may take a while to reply. You can find information about the shelter or rescue group caring for this pet, and their adoption procedures, on the pet's details page on Adopt-a-Pet.com.


text:
More Apps, More Connected Users
Increase productivity and connect with more Wi-Fi users with Cisco 802.11ac.
802.11n Can Manage Mission-Critical Wireless Needs
Modernize your network with up to six times more performance than legacy 802.11a/b/g networks, and add the capacity and reliability required for multimedia and business-critical applications. The 802.11n standard can increase your wireless network's performance, reliability, and predictability.
Why Upgrade to 802.11n
Smartphones use as much bandwidth as 200 legacy devices and are placing increasing demands on wireless networks. Prepare your network to support the influx of new mobile devices. Implementing 802.11n can allow organizations to lower TCO by delivering a reliable wireless network that supports a broad range of mobility applications without compromising total network performance.
Why You Should Upgrade with Cisco
Cisco offers the components needed to efficiently create a highly secure and seamless user experience across all scenarios. Cisco technology can empower IT to provide greater business freedom with high-performance, context-aware network solutions to fully address many types of users with different device, security, and business requirements.
Cisco 802.11n wireless networks are enhanced with the following features:
- Cisco Clean Air technology - Create a self-healing, self-optimizing wireless network that mitigates the impact of wireless interference
- Cisco VideoStream - Provide clear, accurate video images everywhere by efficiently delivering multicast video from the wired to the wireless network
- Cisco ClientLink - Allow access points to fill in coverage holes, increase access to both 802.11a/g legacy and 802.11n clients, and provide improved signal coverage even in challenging RF environments
More Applications and Users, Faster Connections
With 802.11n technology, organizations can gain unprecedented reliability and an increase in throughput than with the current 802.11a/b/g networks. 802.11n technology can provide mobile users with a reliable wireless network that supports a broad range of mobility applications without compromising total network performance. It offers:
- Anytime access to network resources and applications
- Optimum performance to support the growing number of BYOD mobile users
- Quality of service, for consistent voice and video over the wireless LAN
- Reliable connections for mission-critical applications
- Predictable coverage for challenging RF environments
Adoption of 802.11n wireless today protects long-term investments and allows organizations to lower their total cost of ownership by delivering the performance needed to support new applications and meet user expectations for mobility.
Related Links
Fundamentals of Spatial Streams
Cisco ClientLink: Optimized Device Performance with 802.11n
Key Performance Benefits of 802.11n
Optimize the Cisco Unified Wireless Network to Support Wi-Fi Enabled Phones and Tablets
Wireless LAN Design Guide for High Density Client Environments in Higher Education


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Category: Free Speech
Schools: Tufts University
In 2006, Tufts University's conservative student newspaper The Primary Source (TPS) published a satirical Christmas carol titled "O Come All Ye Black Folk," a parody of race-based college admissions. In April 2007, TPS ran a piece titled "Islam—Arabic Translation: Submission," a satirical advertisement that ridiculed Tufts' "Islamic Awareness Week." After students complained about the articles, Tufts' Committee on Student Life found TPS guilty of harassment for having "targeted" black students and Muslims for "embarrassment." The committee banned TPS from running anonymous items and recommended that the student government "consider the behavior of student groups" in future decisions about recognition and funding. FIRE and the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts protested the punishment of TPS' protected speech, which garnered national media attention. Tufts finally lifted the punishment but refused to honor its promises of free expression, failing to reverse the finding of guilt.
FIRE 2010 U.S. News Letter to Tufts President Bacow
Declaration on Freedom of Expression at Tufts University
Tufts Red Alert Ad
US News and World Report FIRE ad
Memo from the Committee on Student Life to the Executive Committee
Report by Tufts's Committee on Student Life 2006-2007
Tyranny at Tufts
Tufts Defines Speech Limits
December 1, 2009
Nearly three years after Tufts University drew headlines for a student journal's publication of a racially charged article, trustees have declared that "freedom of expression and inquiry are not absolute." The university's "Declaration on Freedom of Expression" calls free speech "fundamental to the academic enterprise," but outlines a series of broadly defined values that could limit what students can say and do. The statement notes, for example, that expression at Tufts should "respect the human dignity of others" and maintain a climate that does not interfere with students' ability to "study, grow, and attain their full potential." The declaration was […]» Read More
Partially free is better than partially pregnant
August 29, 2007
When the conservative student newspaper at Tufts University published two articles that some at the school considered racist, university president Lawrence Bacow urged the campus to remain calm and to consider the controversy a "teachable moment." This week, Bacow reversed a joint student-faculty committee penalty against the newspaper, sending the message that if this free-speech teachable moment was graded, some at Tufts would've got an "F." By the end of this past school year, emotions were running high on the Tufts campus. In December 2006, The Primary Source, a student-run "journal of conservative thought," published a mock Christmas carol, titled "O, […]» Read More
Defining free expression
August 28, 2007
Responding to a case involving controversial material that appeared in a student publication, the president of Tufts University said Monday that the private institution will give its students, faculty and staff the same right to free expression as their peers at public institutions. But some say a concurrent ruling by a top administrator in that case sends a contradictory message. In a written statement, Lawrence S. Bacow, the university's president, said that while Tufts isn't technically bound by First Amendment guarantees, "it is my intention to govern as president as if we were." "Universities are places where people should have […]» Read More
Byline requirement on Tufts journal lifted
August 28, 2007
A Tufts University dean on Monday reversed a campus board's requirement that a student-run conservative journal include authors' names with articles – a rule imposed after the magazine published an unbylined parody that many found racist. James Glaser, the private school's dean of undergraduate education, said the byline requirement was an unfair restriction on free speech, a view echoed by Tufts President Lawrence Bacow in a statement issued before the start of a new school year. Glaser ruled on an appeal by the publication, The Primary Source, of a decision last spring by the Committee on Student Life. The panel, […]» Read More
Tufts official says racial parody was harassing, hostile, and an exercise of free speech
August 27, 2007
A conservative magazine at Tufts University that was found to have harassed black students has successfully appealed a university ruling that would have required it to publish author bylines on all of its articles, the Associated Press reported. The byline requirement was imposed in May by a university judicial committee after the student-run magazine, The Primary Source, printed an anonymous parody of a Christmas carol called "O Come All Ye Black Folk" that many deemed racist but that defenders said was a legitimate satire on the university's affirmative-action policies. To read the full story, please click here: http://chronicle.com/news/index.php?id=2929» Read More
Byline requirement on conservative student journal lifted
August 27, 2007
Tufts University is taking a stand for freedom of expression. James Glaser, the private school's dean of undergraduate education, today reversed a campus board's requirement that a student-run conservative journal include authors' names with articles. The rule was imposed last year after the magazine "The Primary Source" published an unbylined parody song that many said was racist. Glaser says the byline requirement was an unfair restriction on free speech. Tufts President Lawrence Bacow agreed. Glaser left intact a ruling that found "The Primary Source" guilty of harassment and creating a hostile environment in violation of the school's nondiscrimination policy.» Read More
Is Mayor Bloomberg OK with being duped by Tufts University?
August 2, 2007
Two months ago, as president of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), I wrote an open letter to Mayor Michael Bloomberg to inform him that he had been badly deceived. I'm still waiting for an answer. Back in May, Mayor Bloomberg delivered Tufts University's commencement address. In the course of his speech, the Mayor praised Tufts for dealing with The Primary Source (TPS), a campus paper which had over the school year written articles that offended some students, without resorting to censorship or official punishment. Bloomberg said, "I think the students and the faculty and all of Tufts […]» Read More
Tufts tops list of free-speech foes
July 1, 2007
After a year marked by controversial college free-speech cases, Tufts University landed itself on a dubious list organized by a First Amendment watchdog group that monitors U.S. campuses. The university's reaction and punishment for two articles printed by The Primary Source, a student-run conservative magazine, earned Tufts top company with Johns Hopkins University on the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education's first "Red Alert" list of the "worst of the worst" offenders of speech rights. Last December, The Primary Source printed "Come All Ye Black Folk"—what the magazine maintained was a satirical Christmas carol about affirmative action at Tufts. Not […]» Read More
And the award goes to…
June 25, 2007
As the founder and sole member of the Sheldon Award Society, I am dedicated to identifying the worst college president of each academic year. So far the presidents or chancellors of Berkeley, Georgetown, DePaul, and countless other universities have copped the Sheldon. Somewhat mysteriously, none offered to resign. The award is a statuette that looks something like the Oscar, except the Oscar features a man with no face looking straight ahead, whereas the Sheldon shows a man with no spine looking the other way. The award is named for Sheldon "Water Buffalo" Hackney, the former president of the University of […]» Read More
CSL hearing turns spotlight on controversial Source pieces
May 20, 2007
Just hours after it was released on May 10, the Committee on Student Life's (CSL) decision finding The Primary Source guilty of harassment and creating a hostile environment was thrust into the national media. For many free speech experts, it seemed to land with a dull thud. "It's very surprising, and troubling," said Michael Hiestand, a Washington-based attorney and a consultant to the Student Press Law Center (SPLC), a nonprofit organization that offers legal guidance to campus media. "It really does open up the door to a great deal of administrative interference in what are typically very strong free speech […]» Read More
The PC enforcers
May 18, 2007
At Tufts University, a disciplinary board sternly rebuked a liberal student publication for printing a satire of Christian hypocrisy. The board ruled the matter a punishable case of "harassment" that created "a hostile environment" for Christian students. Something rings false about this "news" item, doesn't it? Actually, the board came down in full, righteous fury against a conservative publication at Tufts for a satire of Islamic hypocrisy. There. That has more of a ring of familiarity and truth to it, does it not? It's more in keeping with academia's lockstep, herd-thinking, rigorously PC tendencies these days, wouldn't you say? The […]» Read More
Tufts University: Hostile environment for free thought
May 17, 2007
In April, Tufts University in Boston held an "Islamic Awareness Week." As is well known the purpose of various "awareness" weeks and months is the indoctrination of "correct" thinking on the subject being singled out for this treatment. It is highly unlikely that there are any students at Tufts not already aware of Islam's existence. The point of Tufts' awareness week is to provide faculty and administrators with an excuse to promote the Politically Correct version of the "Religion of Peace." For proof one need look no further that Tufts' treatment of student dissenters to the university's Party Line. The […]» Read More
Well shut my mouth!
May 16, 2007
Are today's college students thinner-skinned than were previous generations? That may be the sad truth emerging from Tufts and Brandeis Universities, where campus ideologues and their faculty enablers are purging student publications that used parody to comment on religious and race-relations issues. The real danger, of course, is not that today's students are emotionally frail, but that they are willing to sacrifice freedom of speech and academic freedom to protect themselves from mere offense, never mind intellectual challenges. On May 10, a Tufts student-faculty judiciary board found the student-editors of conservative student magazine the Primary Source guilty of "harassment" and […]» Read More
Campus Alert: Don't joke at Tufts
May 14, 2007
A disciplinary board at Tufts University in Massachusetts has found the conservative student publication "The Primary Source" guilty of "harassment" and "creating a hostile environment" for publishing two articles that offended African-American and Muslim students. One ridiculed Tufts' "Islamic Awareness Week" by highlighting instances of Islamic brutality, such as Islamic countries' oppression of women and homosexuals and a quote from the Koran that that instructs believers to "strike off [the] heads and strike off every fingertip" of disbelievers. Tufts declared that this article "targeted" Muslim students. The other was a satirical Christmas carol printed last December called "Oh Come All […]» Read More
Tufts case called hit to speech
May 14, 2007
A campus magazine at Tufts University has been found guilty of "harassment" by a disciplinary board, a decision that could establish "a terrifying precedent," according to an academic-freedom group. The Primary Source, a conservative monthly published by Tufts students, commemorated "Islamic Awareness Week" last month on the Medford, Mass., campus with a full-page "supplement" headlined "Islam—Arabic Translation: Submission," that cited facts about Muslim history. That unsigned article, along with a satirical "Christmas carol" in the magazine's December issue mocking the university's affirmative-action program, was cited as a violation of Tufts's "nondiscrimination policy." "From now on, all material published in the […]» Read More
Campus Alert: Free speech on trial
April 30, 2007
Free speech is on trial today at Tufts University in Massachusetts. This afternoon, the editors of "The Primary Source," a conservative student publication, will go before the school's student judiciary panel to answer charges leveled against the paper by other students. The charges at the disciplinary hearing include "harassment" and "breach of community standards." The actual "crimes"? Satirical articles published in TPS in the past few months—specifically, a Christmas carol parody lampooning race-based admissions policies ("O Come All Ye Black Folk") and an Islamic Awareness Week article focusing on the religion's fundamentalist fringe ("The seven nations in the world that […]» Read More
Student: Tufts Must Improve Free Speech Record
April 11, 2012
Last week, Tufts University student newspaper The Primary Source lamented Tufts' placement on FIRE's list of the 12 Worst Colleges for Free Speech as well as its poor recent history with respect to freedom of speech. The editor's piece (PDF; see page 4) explores the issues that have caused Tufts to languish on FIRE's Red Alert list, reserved for the "worst of the worst" when it comes to liberty on campus, and to find itself on the "Worst Colleges" list for the second straight year. Of course, The Primary Source knows all too well exactly what Tufts has done to earn these […]» Read More
Still Looking for a New Year's Resolution, Red Alert Schools?
January 14, 2010
Here's an easy New Year's resolution that Brandeis University, Bucknell University, Colorado College, Johns Hopkins University, Michigan State University, and Tufts University can make: get off of FIRE's Red Alert list of America's worst violators of campus liberty! This week, FIRE sent the presidents of each of the six Red Alert schools a letter reminding them of their schools' serious and ongoing violations of student and faculty rights, and just how easy it is for each of them to remedy their mistakes and reaffirm their commitment to freedom of expression. FIRE also included with each letter a copy of the […]» Read More
FIRE 2010 U.S. News Letter to Tufts President Bacow
January 7, 2010
January 7, 2010 President Lawrence S. Bacow Office of the President Tufts University Ballou Hall, Second Floor Medford, Massachusetts 02155 Re: The Primary Source case and FIRE's Red Alert list Dear President Bacow: I am writing to draw your attention to the full-page advertisement that FIRE ran in the most recent "America's Best Colleges" issue of U.S. News & World Report. The advertisement appears on page 89, immediately adjacent to the rankings of the top 100 national universities, in the same position our advertisement appeared last year. We have enclosed a copy of the issue for your information. FIRE plans […]» Read More
Tufts 'Declaration on Freedom of Expression' Misunderstands the Concept
December 1, 2009
Last month, the Tufts University Board of Trustees approved its "Declaration on Freedom of Expression at Tufts University." Unfortunately, what Tufts touts as an attempt to harmonize the values of free expression and respecting others' feelings is a transparent rejection of controversial speech. Tufts' declaration claims that it supports "freedom of expression and inquiry as fundamental to the academic enterprise" yet outlines "obligations" to exercise that freedom "in ways that respect the human dignity of others." This facile statement was recognized by several sources as an attempt to limit free speech on campus. Today's article in Inside Higher Ed […]» Read More
'U.S. News' Readers: FIRE's Red Alert List Exposes the Worst Violators of Campus Rights
August 25, 2009
The Story Behind FIRE's U.S. News & World Report Ad… Why does FIRE's ad in U.S. News & World Report show a book padlocked shut? One of FIRE's most shocking cases was that of Keith John Sampson, a student-employee at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) who was found guilty of racial harassment for merely reading the book Notre Dame vs. the Klan: How the Fighting Irish Defeated the Ku Klux Klan during his work breaks. Thanks to FIRE's involvement and extensive media coverage, the finding against Sampson was overturned and his school record was cleared. Such stories of censorship are […]» Read More
This Month in FIRE History: Tyranny at Tufts
May 19, 2009
This May marks the two-year anniversary of a case that is etched into our memories as one of the most outrageous we've ever had. Tufts University's punishment of the conservative student newspaper The Primary Source for parody and satire was, and remains, indefensible. The Primary Source hadn't made any friends at Tufts by the time they released their article "Islam: Arabic Translation: Submission." A few months earlier, in December of 2006, the paper published their annual Christmas carol parody entitled "O Come All Ye Black Folk," which mocked the school's affirmative action policy. Realizing that the carol had offended large […]» Read More
Comment Period on Tufts Freedom of Expression Policy Comes to a Close
October 20, 2008
Last Friday, the public comment period for Tufts University's Draft Declaration on Freedom of Expression and Inquiry ended. FIRE believes this draft is highly deficient and poses a serious threat to free expression at Tufts, and on October 7th, FIRE issued a detailed statement listing our concerns. Tufts is, of course, a private university so it is not directly bound by the First Amendment. But as we ask in our statement, even though Tufts may choose to place certain values above free speech, should they? Our answer: A private college or university may, if it chooses, adopt policies that reject […]» Read More
As Tufts Faculty Discuss Free Expression, Remember Yale's Woodward Report
October 8, 2008
Today, faculty members at Tufts University are discussing the draft Declaration on Freedom of Expression and Inquiry, which is open for feedback until October 17. As faculty members consider their response, we encourage them to carefully consider FIRE's comment and objections, including a recommendation that Tufts take its cues from one of the strongest statements on free expression available, the 1974 Woodward Report from Yale University. Here is the executive summary of our comment, which we distributed yesterday to Tufts' Task Force on Freedom of Expression and other members of the Tufts community. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The draft Declaration on Freedom […]» Read More
FIRE Officially Comments on Tufts' Draft Free Speech Declaration
October 7, 2008
Since last year, FIRE has been fighting a protracted battle for liberty at Tufts University after the school found a conservative student publication, The Primary Source, guilty of "harassment" for publishing two articles: the first, a satire of affirmative action, and the second, a satirical advertisement ridiculing Tufts' "Islamic Awareness Week." While the university overturned its original punishment of the publication, the bogus "harassment" finding remains—earning Tufts a place on FIRE's Red Alert list of the "worst of the worst" campuses in the country when it comes to defending individual rights. While Tufts President Lawrence Bacow undoubtedly would have liked […]» Read More
How Can Tufts University Get Off FIRE's Red Alert List?
August 28, 2008
To continue our series on how the five Red Alert schools named in our U.S. News advertisement can get themselves off the list, today we discuss the situation at Tufts University (we have blogged about how Colorado College, Brandeis University, and Valdosta State University). As you can see, Tufts University is a repeat offender against the principles of liberty on campus, with no less than four separate FIRE cases to its name, including three between 2000 and 2001, when FIRE was still new. Unfortunately, during the intervening years between 2001 and 2006, when the first hint arose of the controversy […]» Read More
FIRE Exposes Unrepentant Abusers of Liberty in 'U.S. News' College Rankings Issue
August 25, 2008
PHILADELPHIA, August 25, 2008—The 2009 edition of U.S. News and World Report's America's Best Colleges issue, released today, includes a full-page advertisement from FIRE highlighting the five colleges and universities that have earned FIRE's Red Alert distinction for being the "worst of the worst" when it comes to liberty on campus. Students should think twice before choosing to attend Red Alert schools, which include Brandeis University, Colorado College, Johns Hopkins University, Tufts University, and Valdosta State University. "Every year, millions of students and parents turn to U.S. News and World Report to see the latest college rankings," said FIRE President […]» Read More
Tufts University: So Close, But Yet So Far
December 27, 2007
As we wrap up 2007 FIRE is proud to have scored victory after victory at universities across the country, but if there's one case that frustrated me more than any other this year it is the ongoing saga at Tufts University. As loyal Torch readers know, in April Tufts found a conservative student publication guilty of harassment and creating a hostile environment for publishing political satire. Despite explicitly promising to protect controversial and offensive expression in its policies, the Tufts Committee on Student Life decided to punish The Primary Source for printing two articles that offended African-American and Muslim students […]» Read More
As President Bacow Continues to Stonewall, John Leo Blasts Tufts
December 14, 2007
Last week, FIRE wrote Tufts University President Lawrence Bacow to ask him again why a verdict declaring conservative student publication The Primary Source (TPS) guilty of "harassment" and "creating a hostile environment" still stands―despite the fact that Bacow himself has openly admitted that such a punishment could not stand under the First Amendment. We explained to President Bacow (again) that the only way for Tufts University to shed the dishonor of being one of three schools named to FIRE's Red Alert list―reserved for schools FIRE deems "the worst of the worst" when it comes to protecting rights on campus―was by […]» Read More
FIRE to Tufts: Drop the Guilty Finding, Get Off Red Alert List
December 5, 2007
The letter FIRE sent out this morning to Tufts University President Lawrence Bacow and the Tufts Board of Trustees makes absolutely clear what the school must do to end its embarrassing tenure on FIRE's Red Alert list: Immediately drop the remaining finding of "guilty" against conservative student publication The Primary Source (TPS), which Tufts charged with creating a "hostile environment" and "harassment" for publishing two satirical articles. Torch readers will no doubt recall the shameful saga that has led FIRE to write Tufts for a third time to issue this request. But if your memory needs refreshing, here's a quick […]» Read More
David Ross Responds to Tufts
August 31, 2007
FIRE friend and Rochester Institute of Technology Professor David Ross, and those like him, are essential to FIRE's work. After receiving a FIRE press release, Dr. Ross always forwards it to the appropriate university president and carbon copies dozens of academics across the country. He sends a simply query: is this true? And if so, could you explain your actions and reasoning? If Dr. Ross finds the president's response wanting, he gives a rebuttal and asks for further explanation or for a change of course. After FIRE's latest press release regarding Tufts' half measures to alleviate the illiberal and wrongful […]» Read More
Tufts Frustrates Students' Wish for Dialogue
August 31, 2007
Despite Tufts President Lawrence Bacow's happy talk on freedom of speech at Tufts (which, as Harvey and Jan mention in Emily's entry from yesterday, is not exactly backed up by action), there still appears to be dissatisfaction among Tufts' students about how the whole situation with The Primary Source has been handled. And I'm not just talking about the students who write for TPS—who, although the punishment has now been rescinded, are still officially "harassers" according to Tufts' Committee on Student Life (CSL). (Regarding this committee, Bacow said, "In retrospect, I think that the CSL was ill-advised to hear this […]» Read More
Tufts University Case in 'The Phoenix'
August 30, 2007
FIRE cofounder Harvey A. Silverglate and Jan Wolfe published a piece in yesterday's edition of The Phoenix commenting on recent developments at Tufts University. Torch readers are undoubtedly familiar with the latest developments at Tufts: Even though University President Lawrence Bacow issued a statement affirming First Amendment protections at the private institution, the school's harassment finding against a conservative student publication for printing satire still stands. Echoing our statements in yesterday's press release, Harvey and Jan write: While Bacow and Glaser should be commended for their eloquent defense of the First Amendment, it's puzzling that they have not reversed the […]» Read More
Progress for Freedom of Speech at Tufts
August 29, 2007
FIRE's press release today announces that our efforts to revive free speech at Tufts University have finally yielded some real progress. Throughout the past year, Tufts made a mockery of free speech by finding the conservative student newspaper The Primary Source (TPS) guilty of harassment and creating a hostile environment for printing two satirical articles about race-based admissions and militant Islam. Tufts' decisions to proceed with a hearing on these charges, to find the paper guilty, and to impose sanctions that placed the paper's existence in jeopardy—all while paying lip service to the significance of free speech in the university […]» Read More
Tufts University Makes Progress on Free Speech, but Wrongful Harassment Finding Remains
August 29, 2007
BOSTON, August 29, 2007—Tufts University President Lawrence Bacow took a significant, positive step this week by pledging that Tufts students will now enjoy the fullest protections guaranteed by the First Amendment. Unfortunately, the administration failed to overturn a wrongful harassment finding against the conservative student newspaper, The Primary Source, for publishing clearly protected political satire. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) spearheaded the defense of the student paper after Tufts punished it for printing two articles that offended African-American and Muslim students on campus, and is calling upon Tufts to fully exonerate the paper. "While President Bacow's statement […]» Read More
FIRE Commentary on Mayor Bloomberg and Tufts in 'The Huffington Post'
August 3, 2007
Check out Greg's latest piece on The Huffington Post on New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's public praise for Tufts University's behavior in The Primary Source (TPS) case. When Bloomberg delivered Tufts University's commencement address back in May, he commended the university for not exercising censorship over the controversial student publication The Primary Source, stating, "I think the students and the faculty and all of Tufts University deserve an enormous amount of respect because you respected the rights of others to express themselves." If you just did a double take after reading that comment, you're not alone. Not only did […]» Read More
FIRE Writes to Tufts Again About Erroneous 'Harassment' Finding
July 31, 2007
Today, FIRE sent a second letter to Tufts University President Lawrence Bacow and the Tufts Board of Trustees regarding Tufts' punishment of the conservative paper The Primary Source (TPS). As FIRE's followers will recall, a university panel found that TPS was guilty of "harassment" and "creating a hostile environment" for printing a Christmas carol that mocked affirmative action last December and a satirical article about "Islamic Awareness Week" in April. In addition to pointing out that Tufts makes a mockery of a defined legal term by dubbing TPS' opinionated, satirical articles "harassment," FIRE's letter today also emphasized that both Tufts' […]» Read More
FIRE Letter to Tufts University President Lawrence Bacow and Tufts Board of Trustees, July 31, 2007
July 31, 2007
July 31, 2007 President Lawrence S. Bacow Ballou Hall Tufts University Medford, Massachusetts 02155 Sent by U.S. Mail and Facsimile (617-627-3300) Dear President Bacow: FIRE is disappointed to write to you once again to express our continuing concern about Tufts University's punishment of the student journal The Primary Source (TPS). We note with dismay that, despite receipt of FIRE's April 24 letter and numerous public admonitions, Tufts has yet to reverse its ruling that TPS' December 2006 and April 2007 issues constituted harassment and created a hostile environment for Tufts students. As we stated in our previous letter, neither TPS' […]» Read More
When the Truth is Too Outrageous to Parody
July 24, 2007
The following entry was authored by FIRE summer intern Braum Katz, a rising sophomore at the College of William and Mary. In my freshman year of college, I became involved with The Pillory, William and Mary's only satire and humor magazine. As expected, our first staff meeting consisted of an obligatory discussion on standards of decency in the parodies we would produce. Our editor-in-chief, a humorist wholly convinced of the power of satire, relayed a story that for the first time demonstrated how dangerously "chilled" satirical writing has become on college campuses. In turn, I will relay it here. At […]» Read More
'The Washington Times' Targets Tufts' Ban of Unsigned Editorials
July 6, 2007
The Washington Times editorial yesterday highlighted an important aspect of FIRE's recent case at Tufts University. The Primary Source, a conservative student paper at Tufts, was punished for publishing two satirical articles parodying affirmative action and "Islamic Awareness Week." As punishment, The Primary Source is not allowed to publish anonymous articles, a long standing tradition of a free press. Far from being an effort by the paper to avoid responsibility for the content of an article, anonymous editorials represent statements made by the entire editorial staff, who together accept all the responsibility such an editorial entails. The Washington Times writes: […]» Read More
Tufts Awarded 'Muzzle Award'
July 5, 2007
The Boston Phoenix has announced its 10th Annual Muzzle Awards. Inspired by FIRE co-founder and Board Chairman Harvey Silverglate, the Muzzle Awards are based on news accounts of freedom-of-expression stories in New England within the last year. One of the recipients of this dubious distinction is Tufts University, where a student-faculty disciplinary panel found the editors of The Primary Source, an independent student newspaper, guilty of harassment for publishing two articles offensive to some students on campus. Author Dan Kennedy points out that even if one grants that the articles were racist and genuinely offensive, they still fall under the […]» Read More
John Leo's 2007 Sheldon Awards: Tufts Leads the Pack
June 25, 2007
John Leo, nationally syndicated columnist and tireless critic of campus PC, has announced his Sheldon Awards for 2007 in today's New York Sun. The Sheldon is "named for Sheldon 'Water Buffalo' Hackney, the former president of the University of Pennsylvania," and is "dedicated to identifying the worst college president of each academic year." Leading the pack is: The president of Tufts University, Lawrence Bacow, [who] looked the other way when a student-faculty committee put a conservative Tufts publication on trial for publishing two parodies. One was a mock Christmas carol making fun of racial preferences in college admissions, the other […]» Read More
FIRE Launches 'Red Alert' List of Worst Offenders Against Liberty
June 18, 2007
Today FIRE is unveiling a new tool in our fight for liberty on America's college and university campuses: FIRE's Red Alert. Red Alert is our newly developed list of campuses that pose an ongoing and serious threat to the rights of current and future students and faculty. FIRE deals with some horrendous offenses against liberty on a daily basis, and even FIRE's least serious case is an enormous problem for the person or group involved, as well as for the academic environment at the college or university where the abuse is taking place. But even so, some schools seem to […]» Read More
ACLU Writes Letter to Tufts in Defense of 'The Primary Source'
June 12, 2007
Tufts University got some added encouragement to reverse its decision against the conservative student journal The Primary Source (TPS) when the ACLU of Massachusetts weighed in by writing a letter to President Lawrence Bacow and Dean of Undergraduate Education James Glaser, who will oversee TPS' appeal. Sarah Wunsch, who signed the ACLU's letter, wrote: While the ACLU of Massachusetts does not condone or agree with the views expressed in [the December 2006 and April 2007 issues of TPS], the offensiveness of the speech does not turn it into prohibited harassment within the meaning of the university's policies. We believe that […]» Read More
Student Press Law Center and Howard Ziff on Tufts
June 6, 2007
In an article on its website yesterday, the Student Press Law Center (SPLC) discussed Tufts University's actions against The Primary Source. The SPLC focused on Tufts' requirement that the paper include a byline with every editorial it prints from now on, putting an end to unsigned editorials. Barbara Grossman, who headed the committee that found TPS guilty of harassment and creating a hostile environment, explained in a statement that "The Primary Source can continue to print what it chooses, but it should not have the shelter of anonymity from which to launch hurtful attacks." Grossman ignores the fact that Tufts' […]» Read More
More Evidence That Tufts Let Bloomberg Down
June 6, 2007
As Torch readers know, last month FIRE exposed the fact that Tufts University had punished a student publication, The Primary Source, for "harassment" for running articles criticizing affirmative action policies and Islamic violence. Its punishment is that it is now forbidden to run any unsigned articles—unlike every other publication on Tufts' campus, and unlike just about every newspaper in America. This sanction makes a lot of sense when you realize that this will make it much easier for future bogus charges of "harassment" at Tufts to be lodged against individuals, instead of just a publication. After all, you can ruin […]» Read More
Well, That Was Fast
May 29, 2007
A quick update on the Tufts situation: we were just informed by a Torch reader that Tufts has restored the link to the text of Bloomberg's address, barely more than an hour after our last blog entry. I guess that means they're watching our blog pretty carefully, so I have this message for Tufts: we're not going to go away until Tufts lives up to its own promises and restores full freedom of the press to The Primary Source. Publishing a satire is not harassment, and every day that goes by that Tufts stands by this punishment is a slap […]» Read More
Tufts Shoves Bloomberg's Speech Down the Memory Hole
May 29, 2007
There is a bit of old advice known as the First Rule of Holes: "When you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is to stop digging." Alas, Tufts University has ignored this adage when it comes to the dispute over the school's decision to punish a student publication, The Primary Source, for printing a couple of satires (criticizing affirmative action policies and Islamic violence) that offended some people on campus. Tufts took a lot of well-deserved criticism for that decision, but then things got worse: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave the commencement address at […]» Read More
FIRE on Bloomberg and Tufts in 'The Huffington Post'
May 27, 2007
Popular website 'The Huffington Post' has published an open letter to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg authored by FIRE President Greg Lukianoff. Mayor Bloomberg's recent commencement address at Tufts University praised Tufts for its supposed commitment to free speech—when, in fact, Tufts has recently punished the very students Bloomberg cites for publishing a parody of affirmative action policies and a satirical advertisement critical of Islam. In the letter, FIRE informs Bloomberg that "it appears you have been badly misled by the Tufts administration concerning the university's respect for free speech in the incident you mentioned."» Read More
Open Letter to NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg
May 26, 2007
Dear Mayor Bloomberg, The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education was very pleased to see your strong endorsement of the basic principles of free speech in your commencement address at Tufts University last weekend. You may be distressed to learn, however, that it appears you have been badly misled by the Tufts administration concerning the university's respect for free speech in the incident you mentioned. You said: This past December, The Primary Source—which is a campus magazine—printed some things that much of the community ardently disagreed with and many considered quite offensive. But instead of suppressing the publication (which might […]» Read More
Feelings and Freedom of Speech
May 25, 2007
In response to the national media attention the recent The Primary Source (TPS) harassment case has attracted, the The Tufts Daily recently ran a piece analyzing the possible long-term implications the decision could have. The article features not only FIRE's Samantha Harris, but also Stanley Fish, Jon B. Gould, the Student Press Law Center (SPLC), and the Anti-Defamation League. As readers of The Torch know, the recent punishment of TPS troubles FIRE. Samantha, in her statement to The Tufts Daily, wrote: The legal definition of harassment in the educational context is conduct 'so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it […]» Read More
Tufts President Bacow Just Doesn't Get It
May 22, 2007
A FIRE supporter wrote to Tufts President Larry Bacow to express his concerns about free speech and academic freedom at Tufts after FIRE exposed the university's disgraceful decision to punish The Primary Source (TPS) student magazine for harassment for publishing two parodies that offended some people on campus. Below is President Bacow's response in full: Dear [FIRE Supporter], I believe in freedom of speech and expressed my own views in the attached article that was published in the Tufts Daily. I have no problems with students expressing political opinions however unpopular. That said, they should take responsibility for what they […]» Read More
Mayor Bloomberg on Free Speech at Tufts
May 21, 2007
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg delivered the commencement address at Tufts University this weekend. Among his many remarks, he mentioned FIRE's case at Tufts, where the independent student paper The Primary Source (TPS) was investigated for publishing two satirical articles. Mayor Bloomberg described the incident thusly: This past December, The Primary Source—which is a campus magazine—printed some things that much of the community ardently disagreed with and many considered quite offensive. But instead of suppressing the publication (which might very well have happened on other campuses) and despite the emotion of the moment, I think the students and the […]» Read More
Silverglate Defends Parody on Campus in 'The Phoenix'
May 17, 2007
Today's edition of The Phoenix features a prominent article by FIRE co-founder Harvey Silver and Jan Wolfe detailing the recent censorship of satirical student newspapers at Tufts and Brandeis. At Tufts, as we've reported, The Primary Source offended campus sensibilities by publishing two satirical articles—a Christmas carol parody targeting race-based admissions and a mock ad criticizing Tufts' "Islamic Awareness Week." Tufts dispensed with First Amendment protections of parody—what Silverglate tags an "inherently risky art form"—and found the independent student paper guilty of "harassment" and "creating a hostile environment." At Brandeis, the humor magazine Gravity printed a fake ad for "BlackJerry," […]» Read More
Tufts Case Launches Media and Blogosphere Commentaries
May 15, 2007
News of Tufts University's disregard for freedom of speech and of the press has hit the media and the blogosphereIn addition to our Campus Alert in this week's New York Post, The Washington Times' Robert McCain covered the controversy yesterday, including thoughts from FIRE's Greg Lukianoff: "The students were responding to what they thought was a one-sided and overly rosy depiction of Islam during Islamic Awareness Week," the FIRE official said. "But is it unprotected harassment? One certainly hopes not, or else 'harassment' just became a truly lethal threat to free speech—an 'exception' that completely swallows the rule." The panel's […]» Read More
Today's 'Campus Alert': Don't Joke at Tufts
May 14, 2007
Today's installment of our weekly Campus Alert column in the New York Post focuses on the recent controversy at Tufts University, where conservative student journalists have been found guilty of "harassment" and "creating a hostile environment" for publishing two satirical articles that offended African-American and Muslim students.Torch readers are undoubtedly familiar with FIRE's efforts in this case, which began with two satirical articles in The Primary Source (TPS) that are prime examples of controversial yet constitutionally protected speech. First, TPS printed a satirical Christmas carol called "Oh Come All Ye Black Folk," mocking race-based admissions policies at Tufts. Four months […]» Read More
Factual Statements=Unprotected Harassment!? A Terrifying Precedent at Tufts
May 11, 2007
Today, FIRE announced the decision by a disciplinary panel at Tufts to find the conservative student newspaper, The Primary Source, guilty of "harassment" for, among other things, publishing a satirical ad that listed less-than-flattering facts about Islam during Tufts' Islamic Awareness Week. You can see the ad here, and Eugene Volokh has also published it with excellent commentary over at his blog, but, just to make sure people see the ad for themselves, I have reprinted the full text: Islam Arabic Translation: Submission In the Spirit of Islamic Awareness Week, the SOURCE presents an itinerary to supplement the educational experience. […]» Read More
Tufts University Defies Free Press and Punishes 'The Primary Source'
May 11, 2007
Tufts University has displayed a profound disregard for press freedom and its own guarantees to protect controversial and offensive expression. As today's press release reveals, Tufts' Committee on Student Life (CSL) released its decision yesterday to punish the conservative student publication The Primary Source (TPS). TPS was charged with harassment for publishing two controversial items: "O Come All Ye Black Folk," a parody of race-based admissions, and "Islam—Arabic Translation: Submission," a satirical advertisement targeting Tufts' Islamic Awareness week. The CSL's decision was handed down after FIRE wrote to Tufts University and explained that TPS's articles constituted protected expression under Tufts' […]» Read More
Tyranny at Tufts
May 11, 2007
BOSTON, May 11, 2007—Showing profound disregard for free speech and freedom of the press, Tufts University has found a conservative student publication guilty of harassment and creating a hostile environment for publishing political satire. Despite explicitly promising to protect controversial and offensive expression in its policies, the Tufts Committee on Student Life decided yesterday to punish the student publication The Primary Source (TPS) for printing two articles that offended African-American and Muslim students on campus. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), which has spearheaded the defense of TPS, is now launching a public campaign to oppose Tufts' outrageous […]» Read More
Tufts Delays Decision on Paper's Punishment
May 8, 2007
Under a barrage of media pressure, the student judiciary at Tufts University has decided to delay their decision about whether satirical political content published by The Primary Source (TPS), a conservative student newspaper, constituted "harassment" and created a "hostile environment."FIRE was informed yesterday afternoon by the editors of TPS that the decision was not being released yesterday, as previously expected. The notification regarding the delay comes on the heels of last week's national media attention to the case in the form of a feature on FOX News and an editorial by FIRE in the New York Post. We at FIRE […]» Read More
Fox News Covers Censorship Case at Tufts
May 7, 2007
Fox News covered FIRE's case at Tufts University, where The Primary Source (TPS), the independent campus paper, faced a hearing last Monday on charges of harassment, creating a hostile environment, and breach of community standards. TPS had printed a satirical Christmas carol, "O Come All Ye Black Folk," and "Islam—Arabic Translation: Submission," a satirical advertisement for Tufts' "Islamic Awareness Week." TPS faces a number of possible repercussions including a campus-wide ban on the paper. The hearing panel is expected to hand down their decision today.» Read More
John Leo on Censorship Tactics in 'The New York Sun'
May 3, 2007
Yesterday's issue of The New York Sun includes a very telling opinion piece by John Leo that looks at the ploys used by university administrators in their efforts to stifle student speech. "It's not news that the modern university is censorship-prone, particularly when conservatives wish to speak, but the tactics of the censors keep changing," Leo writes, and Torch readers undoubtedly realize the truthfulness of such an observation. Leo goes on to recount different approaches we at FIRE are all too familiar with, as many of these examples are straight from recent FIRE cases. Leo's list of censorship devices includes […]» Read More
Ben Shapiro Skewers Tufts for Show Trial of 'The Primary Source'
May 2, 2007
As FIRE» Read More
Students Await Tufts' Ruling on Satirical Articles
May 1, 2007
As we reported yesterday, the Tufts University independent conservative student journal The Primary Source (TPS) attended a hearing last night where the university addressed charges of harassment, creating a hostile environment, and breach of community standards brought against the publication. The hearing was conducted by the Committee on Student Life (CSL)—a panel comprised of faculty and students—and dealt with two complaints lodged by students offended by TPS' Christmas carol satire last December and the more recent article "Islam—Translation: Submission," a parody of Tufts' "Islamic Awareness Week." Last night's hearing began around 6:30 p.m. and lasted until after midnight. The hearing […]» Read More
The Hypocrites at Tufts
April 30, 2007
As we reported earlier, Tufts University's Committee on Student Life (CSL) is holding a hearing today to address charges of harassment, encouragement of hostile environment, breach of community standards, and libel brought against the conservative student paper The Primary Source. The charges stem from two satirical articles printed in the paper, one last December and one just last week. In seeking to punish political satire—the type of speech that lies at the absolute core of the First Amendment—Tufts University is displaying the most despicable hypocrisy. Although Tufts is a private university, and thus is not bound by the First Amendment, […]» Read More
Tufts University Puts Newspaper on Trial for Satire
April 30, 2007
Today, Tufts University will hold a hearing on charges of harassment, creating a hostile environment, and breach of community standards brought against the independent student publication The Primary Source. The charges were brought by students who were offended by two articles that ran in the paper over the last few months. As FIRE's column in this morning's New York Post explains, the first of TPS' alleged misdeeds includes running a satirical Christmas carol last December entitled "Oh Come All Ye Black Folk." Although TPS runs a Christmas carol parody every year, December's carol sparked controversy on campus because it […]» Read More
Tufts Reacts to Christmas Carol Controversy
January 22, 2007
Before Christmas, Tufts University's conservative newspaper The Primary Source printed its annual satirical Christmas carol, called "O Come All Ye Black Folk." The carol targeted affirmative action and garnered more criticism than previous carols, with several meetings, a rally, and much media attention following on its heels. The Primary Source has issued an apology for printing the carol and removed the carol from its website, but the full text can be found here. In an article last Thursday, The Tufts Daily reported that Tufts is exploring ways to deal with the fallout from the carol. New initiatives proposed by the […]» Read More


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DOZENs of residents gathered in Winchester recently to discuss a controversial housing development.
The meeting, chaired by Winchester and Chandler's Ford MP Steve Brine, came as planning chiefs prepare to consider an application for 200 new homes at Pitt Manor.
Winchester MP Steve Brine recently chaired a big meeting in the city to consider the controversial Pitt Manor development as councillors prepare to consider the full planning application.
The scheme, which will include a new park-and-ride site just off Romsey Road, was given outline permission on appeal in 2012 after fierce campaigning. Winchester City Council subsequently rejectd the plans.
Mr Brine brought invited planning specialists Turley Associates, developer Orchard Homes, and St Peter's School, as well as officers from Winchester City and Hampshire County Council.
Many residents remain unhappy at changes to the Stanmore Lane and Romsey Road junction. The safety of pupils getting in and out of St Peter's School also remains a concern, as do drainage and the management of the park-and-ride. Pedestrian and cycle access to the new development was also discussed and those attending saw a number of drawings of what the new homes will look like.
Speakign after the meeting on February 13, Mr Brine said: "It is no secret many of us didn't want this area developed but now the decision has been made we have to make the best of it and ensure we mitigate the negative effects as much as possible and glean as much benefit as we can for the local community from the positives."
The full planning application will be heard by Winchester City Council's planning committee on Thursday (March 6).


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Editor's Note: Any reference to TheStreet Ratings and its underlying recommendation does not reflect the opinion of TheStreet, Inc. or any of its contributors including Jim Cramer or Stephanie Link. One out of the three major indices are trading lower today with the Dow Jones Industrial Average ( ^DJI) trading down 3 points (0.0%) at 16,578 as of Thursday, May 1, 2014, 12:55 PM ET. The NYSE advances/declines ratio sits at 1,778 issues advancing vs. 1,187 declining with 180 unchanged. The Telecommunications industry currently sits up 0.4% versus the S&P 500, which is up 0.1%. A company within the industry that fell today was AT&T ( T), up 0.6%. TheStreet would like to highlight 3 stocks pushing the industry lower today: 3. China Unicom (Hong Kong ( CHU) is one of the companies pushing the Telecommunications industry lower today. As of noon trading, China Unicom (Hong Kong is down $0.20 (-1.3%) to $15.13 on heavy volume. Thus far, 524,432 shares of China Unicom (Hong Kong exchanged hands as compared to its average daily volume of 597,000 shares. The stock has ranged in price between $14.98-$15.29 after having opened the day at $15.29 as compared to the previous trading day's close of $15.33. China Unicom (Hong Kong) Limited, an investment holding company, provides cellular and fixed-line voice, broadband and other Internet-related, information communications technology, and business and data communications services in China. China Unicom (Hong Kong has a market cap of $34.2 billion and is part of the technology sector. The company has a P/E ratio of 25.0, above the S&P 500 P/E ratio of 17.7. Shares are down 4.5% year-to-date as of the close of trading on Wednesday. Currently there are 2 analysts that rate China Unicom (Hong Kong a buy, no analysts rate it a sell, and 1 rates it a hold. TheStreet Ratings rates China Unicom (Hong Kong as a hold. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its robust revenue growth, impressive record of earnings per share growth and good cash flow from operations. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself and poor profit margins. Get the full China Unicom (Hong Kong Ratings Report now. STOCKS TO BUY: TheStreet Quant Ratings has identified a handful of stocks that can potentially TRIPLE in the next 12 months. Learn more.
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Lateral Tibial Plateau Fracture, its breaking news on Sportscenter, don't see it online yet. Big injuries are hard to come back from, why I can't expect much from Granger.
Injury Update: Kobe Bryant has a fracture of the lateral tibial plateau in his left knee. He is expected to miss 6 weeks.— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 19, 2013


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ABC Jazz Home > Features > Perth International Jazz Festival ticket giveaway
Perth International Jazz Festival ticket giveaway
Featuring a mix of national and international artists, the Perth International Jazz Festival is an event organisers are looking to stamp on to the annual Perth arts calendar.
ABC Jazz is very pleased to be supporting this Festival, held between May 24 and 26 at a variety of venues around the city.
We have five double passes to give away. Three to the headline show featuring US Saxophonist Joe Lovano and Aussie vocalists Katie Noonan and Vince Jones at the Perth Concert Hall and two for the Johannes Leubbers Dectet / Kneebody / Hank Marvin afternoon at The Gardens at Bishops See.
For your opportunity to win one of these passes, in a short paragraph, tell us who your favourite Perth jazz musician is and why.
The prize is for tickets only. You must be able to make it to the venues.
This competition has closed and winners will be notified directly.
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Artist Biography
Katie Anne Noonan (born 2 May 1977) is an Australian singer-songwriter. In addition to a successful solo career encompassing opera, jazz, pop, rock and dance, she sings in the groups george and Elixir; performs with her mother Maggie Noonan; and, as of 2010, plays with her band The Captains. Early life: Noonan grew up with a strong background in classical music, with her mother Maggie being a...
This entry is from Wikipedia , the user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors and is licensed under CC-BY-SA . Visit Katie Noonan on Wikipedia to correct or update this entry. Any changes made to the Wikipedia article will not be immediately available here. The ABC is not responsible for the content of external sites.


text: Boys' wolf striped socks three-pack Item F9905 Size: All sizes are US sizes. Size Charts Quantity: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Prices do not include taxes. Add to Bag Wishlist Add to Bag Add To Wishlist share: size & fit Product Details Cute, comfy socks (aka what his closet always needs more of) in a trio of awesome patterns. P.S. They make the BEST stocking stuffer. Cotton/nylon/elastane.Machine wash. Import. Item F9905.


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WASHINGTON, D.C. — If Congressional lawmakers wonder if there are potential ill effects of mandatory E-Verify legislation on fresh produce growers, they have a "poster child" in Georgia.
At the United Fresh Washington Public Policy Conference on Oct. 4, Charles Hall, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Association, showed preliminary highlights of a University of Georgia study tallying the economic damage from the state's immigration law.
According to the survey, mandatory E-Verify laws won't reduce U.S. unemployment.
"In agriculture, that won't happen," Hall said.
Hall said Georgia's state immigration enforcement law had an immediate impact on growers, despite the fact that agricultural employers were given a two-year phase-in for use of mandatory E-Verify.
On May 17, four days after the governor signed the legislation, he said growers informed him that some harvesters were not coming to Georgia because they were afraid of the new law.
A poll of growers by the association in late May estimated up to 50% shortages of harvest help.
Hall said the governor, pushed by media reports of labor shortages in Georgia fields, commissioned a study about the labor situation in Georgia. He also unsuccessfully encouraged unemployed Georgians to apply and began an ill-fated pilot study that used prisoners to work in the fields, Hall said.
The thrust of the law, which took effect July 1, was to provide jobs to the unemployed in the state, but Hall said the law has had the opposite effect.
An economic impact study by the University of Georgia looked at responses from growers who accounted for 46% of the state's total fruit and vegetable acreage of 67,513 acres. Labor shortages were noted on farms representing 80% of the acreage of those growers responding to the survey, Hall said.
The university study estimated labor-related losses of $75 million dollars to growers who responded.
The University of Georgia survey said growers responding to the survey reported a need for 12,390 workers this year but were only able to find 7,600, resulting in a labor shortage of 5,244 workers. Based on the 46% growers who responded to the survey, the University of Georgia study revealed indirect loss to the state's communities was $106.5 million.
Losses to growers combined with losses to communities equaled $181 million, which would translate to about 1,512 jobs, Hall said. If the losses are adjusted to reflect the entire grower population, the total adverse economic impact from the law is near $400 million, the survey found.
The effect of the law - and the labor shortage - on future crop prospects also was revealed by the survey. About seven out of 10 growers responded to a question asking how the 2011 labor shortage would affect planting in 2012.
For vegetable growers who responded, 53% said they would be decreasing their acreage in 2012, with most expecting declines of 25% to 50%. The survey found 45% of the growers said they would maintain their current acreage next year and 2% said they would increase their acreage.
Conducted by the University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development, the full report was expected to be released by Oct. 8. Along with the LaGrange, Ga.-based Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Association, other groups that assisted with funding the study included the Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Peach Council, Georgia Watermelon Association, Georgia Blueberry Growers Association and the Vidalia Onion Business Council.


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Main Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource Guide
Allergic rhinitis refers to a group of symptoms—such as a runny or itchy nose, watery eyes, and sneezing—that result from inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes. A common, but inaccurate, name for this condition is hay fever. It is estimated that 40-50 million people in the US develop allergic rhinitis during their lifetime. Allergic rhinitis precedes the onset of asthma in over half of cases. Seeing a doctor as early as possible is advised.
Allergic Rhinitis With Severe Swelling of the Nasal Tissues
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Mucous membranes in the nose may become inflamed when certain airborne allergens—such as dust, pollen, mold, or animal dander—are inhaled. For those who are sensitive, these allergens stimulate an excessive immune reaction.
The body makes an immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody specific to that allergen and binds to mast cells that make chemicals, like histamine. This is called "sensitization." The next time your body is exposed to the allergen, the antibody recognizes it, and the histamine is released from the mast cell. The histamine causes dilation of nasal blood vessels and inflammation of the mucous membranes, which result in common allergy symptoms.
Types of Allergic Rhinitis
There are 2 types of allergic rhinitis:
Complications of Allergic Rhinitis
In general, allergic rhinitis is a relatively mild condition that may cause discomfort, but is seldom serious. Some complications associated with allergic rhinitis include:
What are the risk factors for allergic rhinitis?
What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis?
How is allergic rhinitis diagnosed?
What are the treatments for allergic rhinitis?
Are there screening tests for allergic rhinitis?
How can I reduce my risk of allergic rhinitis?
What questions should I ask my doctor?
Where can I get more information about allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis. American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology website. Available at:http://acaai.org/allergies/types/hay-fever-rhinitis. Accessed September 15, 2016.
Allergic rhinitis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116217/Allergic-rhinitis. Updated July 22, 2016. Accessed September 15, 2016.
Last reviewed September 2016 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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Genetic Factors That Influence Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Hispanics
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|Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive Lung Diseases, Obstructive
|Study Type:
|Study Design:
|Observational Model: Family-Based
Time Perspective: Cross-Sectional
|Official Title:
|Genetic Epidemiology of COPD in Costa Rica
- Genetic factors that influence the development of COPD in Hispanics. [ Time Frame: Measured through the use of genetic samples ]
Biospecimen Retention: Samples With DNA
|Study Start Date:
|February 2005
|Study Completion Date:
|January 2010
|Primary Completion Date:
|January 2010 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
This study will concentrate on a genetically isolated Hispanic population with a high prevalence of COPD living in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. Nine hundred individuals from descendants of the Costa Rican Central Valley founder population will be enrolled. To identify regions of the genome that are likely to contain genetic determinants of COPD-related phenotypes in this population, the study will collect phenotypic and genotypic data on 30 large families with a history of moderate to severe COPD that have multiple individuals affected with smoking-related airflow obstruction. A genome scan will be conducted on these individuals using short-tandem repeat (STR) markers. Linkage analysis will be performed on 6 COPD-related phenotypes, which will include the following: 1) chronic bronchitis; 2) airflow obstruction; 3) forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1); 4) FEV1/FVC[forced vital capacity];5) bronchodilator responsiveness; and 6) total serum immunoglobulin E. Within genomic regions demonstrating linkage to COPD-related phenotypes in the genome scan, narrowly spaced STR markers will be genotyped and tested for linkage between these markers and COPD-related phenotypes. Within selected genomic regions, the association will be tested between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes and COPD-related phenotypes. By enrolling a large number of participants of a genetically isolated population and utilizing a family-based study design, this study should be able to address an important yet unstudied issue: the genetic influences on the expression of the COPD phenotype in Hispanics.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|21 Years to 65 Years (Adult)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
|Sampling Method:
|Non-Probability Sample
Inclusion Criteria:
- Reduced FEV1 after administration of bronchodilator (less than or equal to 60% of predicted value)
- At least six great-grandparents born in the Central Valley of Costa Rica
- At least one sibling with a history of smoking (10 or more packs per year)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Chronic respiratory disorder other than COPD (as determined by a questionnaire and high-resolution CT chest scan)
- Severe alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00106470
|Costa Rica
|Hospital Nacional de Niños
|San José, Costa Rica
|Study Chair:
|Juan C. Celedon, MD, DrPH
|University of Pittsburgh
|Responsible Party:
|University of Pittsburgh
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT00106470 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
R01HL073373 ( U.S. NIH Grant/Contract )
|Study First Received:
|March 24, 2005
|Last Updated:
|December 12, 2012
Keywords provided by University of Pittsburgh:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Lung Diseases
Lung Diseases, Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
Chronic Disease
Respiratory Tract Diseases
Disease Attributes
Pathologic Processes
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 21, 2017


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As I read Donna Angel-Champagne's letter pleading for the death penalty for mass murderer James Holmes I was compelled to plead for capital punishment in Michigan.
The death penalty unquestionably deters those to whom it is applied. Convicted killers, with nothing to lose, have killed prison guards, a prison clerk and fellow prisoners and have raped female guards. About all a warden can do to these killers who kill again is take away their dessert for a week. Further, hundreds of criminals� have given statements about sparing their victims' lives because they feared execution. How did the mafia keep its "family" in line and in the family? With the threat of the death penalty. Criminals know that it deters criminals.
He who intends to kill should be dealt with as harshly as a successful killer. In California, Lawrence Singleton was convicted of kidnapping, rape and attempted murder after he had cut off both arms of Mary Vincent (with an axe), leaving her bleeding in a ditch to die. Fortunately, she lived, but Singleton� shared her good luck. He was not put to death for this most heinous of crimes.
After serving eight years in prison, he was paroled for good behavior. He eventually relocated to Florida where he killed a 31-year-old woman. He was convicted of first degree murder and the jury recommended the death penalty, but he died of cancer in prison. If he had been dealt the death penalty in California it would have "deterred" the death of the woman in Florida and Mary Vincent would have been spared the many years she lived in fear while her would-be murderer lived.
Yes, innocent people have been found on death row, like Carlos DeLuna and Johnny Garrett, both wrongfully convicted and executed for murder before new evidence surfaced proving them innocent. But our advanced technology -- DNA, laser lifting of finger prints, video cameras with infallible memories, etc. -- will help prevent wrongful executions.
Retribution is a fitting and just punishment for heinous crimes. An individual can be misguided in doling out retribution, but it is morally right when administered by a decent, just society.
If vengeance is what we seek, then we would take their life in the same manner that they take their victims' lives.
But no. With lethal injection, their lives are taken as humanely as possible. Our society treats these vicious killers kindly.
One editorial against capital punishment suggested we not join China, Iran and Saudi Arabia by putting heinous killers to death. I suggest Michigan and 11 other states join not only them, but 38 states, the federal government and our military in legislating the death penalty.
Opponents of capital punishment have cried, "Many who claim to be pro-life (against abortion) are the same ones who now want to kill. How hypocritical." They err greatly in equating the lives of innocent, unborn babies with the lives of heinous murderers. Those who oppose capital punishment for religious reasons and quote the Sixth Commandment, "Thou shalt not kill," do not realize that "Thou" is singular. No individual has the God-given right to decide who shall die, but the aforementioned decent, just society with a sound judicial system has this right.
They should realize society is simply passing the killers on to God for His eternal judgment.
If a killer doles out death, he gets life. That's justice?
Bob Bickmeyer is a resident of Troy.


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I posted a few times at E-Sangha and then came across this forum by accident. I am a lay follower of the Buddha, living in Illinois in the U.S. At this time I am studying and practicing Theravada on my own. I am grateful for a forum like this.
One of the things that drew me to Theravada is that a surprising number of the core teachings are truths that anyone can observe right now: All compounded/ conditioned things are impermanent. They are subject to change. Whatever arises ceases. All compounded/ conditioned things are unsatisfactory (dukkha) in that temporary, finite things do not bring ultimate fulfillment, do not consistently conform to our wishes, and cause us pain if we cling to them when they cease. All things are not an independently-existing, immutable Self. Craving and attachment cause pain. Ill will is a form of suffering. Suffering and happiness arise in dependence upon causes and conditions. And so on…
I love the emphasis on verification in Theravada: that the Dhamma invites us to come and see (ehipassiko) for ourselves, that we can, in principle at least, come to know and see the truth of the full range of the original teachings directly by experience, that the Buddha challenged the monks to investigate him to see if he had really eradicated the defilements within his mind (MN 47), etc.
I look forward to conversing with you all.
Best regards.
P.S.: For those who don't know: My username, sukhamanveti, is a quotation from verse 2 of the Pali Dhammapada: "happiness follows." ("If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness follows like a shadow never departing.")


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Music Video: Willow "Sweater" by Filip SterckxSeptember 13, 2012
Using 3D mapping is a technology that you see more and more in contemporary videos, but in our minds, you need a good actor to pull off the action. Leave it to the lead singer of the band Willlow, and their track "Sweater," who shot this entire video in a studio, on one mini-stage, with 3 beamers projecting on a floor and two walls. The results? Simply put: worth a watch.
Willow - Sweater from Filip Sterckx on Vimeo.