text:
Joseph Tyson, Luke-Acts scholar and author of an excellent book on the dating of Luke-Acts (Marcion and Luke-Acts: A Defining Struggle [Columbia: University of South Carolina Press, 2006]), has graciously written on the subject that has been continuously debated in academia (and religious institutions) for some time:
Scholars of the New Testament (NT) have long given attention to the writings of Luke and his treatment of Jews and Judaism. This is so partly because these writings—the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles—constitute about 25% of the NT itself. A more important reason for this significant attention relates to the facts that early Christianity emerged from Judaism and the book of Acts is a narrative about this "parting of the ways."
Although there is a long history of scholarship on this topic, attention has significantly increased during the last half-century. There is no question that the Holocaust of 1933-45 had a great deal to do with this increased attention. During World War II, the National Socialist party in Germany was responsible for the murder of six million Jews and about the same number of gypsies, homosexuals, and political dissidents. Although it is popular to think of scholars as living in ivory towers, the fact is that they are rarely isolated from what is going on around them. NT scholars, like most other people, were deeply shocked to learn of this European genocide. They knew that Germany had a long Christian tradition, and so they inevitably asked why Christians allowed the Nazi regime to execute its plan to exterminate European Jews. They did not think that Christians were responsible for the Holocaust, but they nevertheless became aware that major Christian teachings allowed the Nazis to defame Jews and even describe them as vermin. Drawing on these appalling characterizations, Nazis attempted to justify the extermination of Jews.
Read on here: http://www.bibleinterp.com/articles/luke357926.shtml
Filed under: Ancient Literature, Belief, Early Christianity, New Testament, Philosophy, Scholarship, Society | Leave a comment »


text:
Also make Bing my search engine.
By clicking the button above you agree to the Microsoft Service Agreement and Privacy Statement.Installation applies to Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome and Safari.
To make MSN your default homepage, follow these simple steps.
To make Bing your default search engine, follow these simple steps.
If your download doesn't start in 5 seconds, please Try again
1From this screen, click the wrench icon on the application bar, then select View on the desktop.
2Once you're in the desktop, re-click the button Make MSN your homepage.
3In the pop-up window, select the first option to change your homepage and click Yes.
Thanks! MSN is now set as your default homepage and will open the next time you restart the app.
© 2020 Microsoft

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Story highlights
- Daquan Breland is charged with murder and criminal weapons possession
- He's ordered held after his arraignment, a prosecutor says
- Breland and another man were apprehended Friday in Pennsylvania
- They were wanted in death of boy fatally shot while being pushed by his parents
A 23-year-old man was arraigned Saturday on a murder charge in the death of a toddler shot as his parents pushed him in a stroller across a Brooklyn street.
Howard Jackson, a prosecutor with the Brooklyn District Attorney's office, told reporters Saturday that Daquan Breland faces a criminal possession of a weapon charge in addition to second-degree murder.
At his initial appearance Saturday, Breland was ordered to remain behind bars; he's scheduled to next be in court September 12, according to Jackson. Breland is on parole for a felony assault in upstate New York, according to police.
A call placed by CNN on Saturday night to his court-appointed attorney, George Sheinberg, was not immediately returned.
Breland and another young man, Daquan Wright, were apprehended Friday morning by New York detectives and U.S. marshals at a Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, apartment according to New York police Commissioner Ray Kelly.
"They fled New York City almost immediately after this incident and that's where they were located," Jackson said of the central Pennsylvania city.
Wright, a 19-year-old from Brooklyn, was charged Saturday with criminal possession of a weapon.
Their arrests stem from last Sunday evening, when 16-month-old Antiq Hennis was in a stroller on Livonia Avenue in Brooklyn.
An eyewitness said Breland opened fire after Wright handed him a gun, according to Kelly, who did not cite a possible motive. Antiq was shot in the left side of his head, according to police.
The toddler was transported to Brookdale University Hospital and pronounced dead on arrival.
Both men have some kind of relationship with the young boy's father, 21-year-old Anthony Hennis, who as of Friday had declined to be interviewed, according to Kelly.
Jackson said Saturday that he personally hadn't yet spoken with Anthony Hennis, though his hope was that he'd be cooperative.
As to the case, the prosecutor said it was hard not to feel for the boy's kin.
"I haven't prosecuted a case like this before," said Jackson, who handles homicide cases for his office. "... Even if you don't know this child, you couldn't help but grieve for the family."


text:
Who was/is Dinah Washington ? - CDs, Vinyl LPs, DVD and more
Dinah Washington
What A Diff'rence A Day Makes
Dinah Washington
What A Diff'rence A Day Makes
(G"Dinah was the reason they wanted me to take over Mercury's New York office," said Clyde Otis. "They introduced me to her, and I said, 'I respect what you do so much, I'm afraid to even suggest a change in direction, but I have this idea for you to do "What A Diff'rence A Day Makes." Have you ever heard it?' She said she had, and she asked me if I wrote it [Otis' predilection for his own songs was legendary in the business]. I said I hadn't, but I told her if she recorded it, it could be very successful for her. She said, 'You do huh, motherfucker.' That was how she talked. She said, 'I'll give you one take, motherfucker.' I knew she meant one take, too. On the session, she was getting her shit together in the bathroom, and I told Belford Hendricks the arranger to get all the kinks out of the arrangement. She came back, she said. 'Ready?' One take, and we got it.
I went to a product meeting [at Mercury HQ] in Chicago, and played them 'What A Diff'rence.' They hated it. Meantime, Arnold Shaw [professional manager at the music publisher E.B. Marks] heard it and thought it was a monster. Arnold said, 'I'll take this song on the road, and I believe we can get the dee-jays to support it.' He went out three months, and when he came back it was a hit." In his book, Honkers And Shouters, Shaw adds that he actually brought the song to Otis. "When I suggested to Mercury executives that Dinah could sell pop, they patted me on the head and told me not to waste my company's promotional budget," wrote Shaw. "I was so excited when Clyde Otis cut [the song] that even though field promotion was the province of other members of staff, I went on the road. I spent nine weeks visiting disc-jockeys. Not R&B, but pop."
Dinah changed the song's tense. Originally written in Spanish circa 1934 by Maria Grever as Cuando Vuelva A Tu Lado, it was rendered into English that year by veteran Broadway tunesmith Stanley Adams as What A Diff'rence A Day MADE. It hadn't been an especially big hit in 1934, although it was interpolated into the 1955 Kirk Douglas movie, 'The Racer'. In 1959, it became Dinah's first pop hit of the rock 'n' roll era, and it was, by any criterion, an exquisite performance. In 1975, Esther Phillips took what was essentially Dinah and Belford Hendricks' arrangement of the song back into the pop Top 20. By then, Dinah was twelve years dead.
Various - Blowing The Fuse 1959
Classics That Rocked The Jukebox
Read more at: https://www.bear-family.de/various-blowing-the-fuse-1959-classics-that-rocked-the-jukebox.html
Copyright © Bear Family Records


text:
- Beach Decorative Pillow Small is a 100% hand made product. The artwork is done with the use of cameras, computers and artistic tools such as brushes, pencils, pens, etc. in order to bring you this fun and enjoyable product.
- A classic piece for your home or as a gift.
- Includes removable hypo-allergenic insert.
- Size: 8' x 15'
- 100% Natural Cotton Canvas
-Hand screen printed and sewn in the USA
Colors: Natural
Keywords: throw pillows, pillow cases, handcrafted pillow, Rustic


text:
6, 12 or 24 months with no interest*Available online and in stores
|Coming Soon
|Country of origin
|Name of collection
|World of style
|Weight (lbs)
|Dimensions(Width x Depth x Height)
|47" x 24" x 16"119 cm x 61 cm x 41 cm
|Material Detail
Visit our Shipping section to see all our options
Dimensions may have a margin of error.
Buy with PayBright
Applying for PayBright financing with MOBILIA is quick and easy!
Select PayBright
Add your item to your cart as usual, and select PayBright as your payment method. You will then be redirected to their website.
Apply Online
Answer a few questions with the easy online application. You will receive an approval decision in less than a minute.
Enjoy Your Purchase
Once you application is completed with PayBright, you'll be redirected to Mobilia website to finalize your purchase. We'll process your order right away.
12 or 24 easy monthly payments
Make your payments over 12 or 24 months, no fees or interest. For a purchase worth $ 1,000 to $ 2,999 before taxes and delivery, pay within 12 months. For a purchase worth $ 3,000 or more, pay in 12 or 24 months. You will see the amount of your monthly payment before confirming your payment plan, which will allow you to know exactly what you need to pay and when.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the payment options?
PayBright will help you set up convenient, pre-authorized payments via your bank account or your credit card.
Who can apply for a PayBright payment plan?
PayBright payment plans are available to Canadian residents above the age of majority, which is 18 or 19, depending on your province.
Can I use PayBright to pay for only part of my purchase?
PayBright financing is applied to your entire order. To use PayBright for only part of your purchase, please complete two separate transactions with different payment methods.
Can I prepay my outstanding PayBright balance?
Yes, all PayBright payment plans can be prepaid at any time without penalty.
I was not able to complete a PayBright transaction. What happened?
Unfortunately, PayBright is not able to provide an approval to every applicant. This could be due to the information on your credit file, or because PayBright was not able to verify your identity or your payment method. For further information, please contact Paybright.
How do I access my PayBright account?
Once your transaction is completed, you will receive by email all the details of your plan as well as the information to create your account. Follow the instructions and access your account HERE. If you have any questions or problems logging in, please contact PayBright.
I want to return or cancel my Mobilia order financed with Paybright. What should I do?
Purchases made using PayBright financing are subject to Mobilia's Return Policy . Any returns will be processed by Mobilia, and your PayBright loan balance will be reduced or cancelled accordingly. If you have already made monthly payments, those will be refunded to you by PayBright.
Call us at 1.877.276.2780
*All transactions are subject to approval by PayBright. Estimated monthly payment amount excludes taxes and shipping.


text:
Abstract and Keywords
Brazil was the last Western country to abolish slavery, which it did in 1888. As a colonial institution, slavery was present in all regions and in almost all free and freed strata of the population. Emancipation only became an issue in the political sphere when it was raised by the imperial government in the second half of the decade of the 1860s, after the defeat of the Confederacy in the US Civil War and during the war against Paraguay. In 1871, new legislation, despite the initial opposition from slave owners and their political representatives, set up a process of gradual emancipation. By the end of the century, slavery would have disappeared, or would have become residual, without major disruptions to the economy or the land property regime.
By the end of the 1870s, however, popular opposition to slavery, demanding its immediate abolition without any kind of compensation to former slave owners, grew in parliament and as a mass movement. Abolitionist organizations spread across the country during the first half of the 1880s. Stimulated by the direct actions of some of these abolitionist organizations, resistance to slavery intensified and became increasingly a struggle against slavery itself and not only for individual or collective freedom. Incapable of controlling the situation, the imperial government finally passed a law in parliament granting immediate and unconditional abolition on May 13, 1888.
Keywords: Brazil, abolition, slavery, 19th century, abolitionism
Access to the complete content on Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Latin American History requires a subscription or purchase. Public users are able to search the site and view the abstracts and keywords for each book and chapter without a subscription.
Please subscribe or login to access full text content.
If you have purchased a print title that contains an access token, please see the token for information about how to register your code.
For questions on access or troubleshooting, please check our FAQs, and if you can''t find the answer there, please contact us.


text:
Is there a link between the film and the shooting?
With the deadly shooting in Aurora, Colo., inside a packed movie theater showing "The Dark Knight Rises," questions are being raised as to whether there is any connection between the killings and the movie's plot and the character of Batman.
In "The Dark Knight Rises," a masked villain leads a murderous crew into a packed football stadium and wages an attack involving guns and explosives. It's just one of the more haunting scenes in what was one of the most anticipated movies of the summer, if not the year.
It's unclear whether the shooter's motives had any specific link to "The Dark Knight Rises." The shooting happened at 12:30, not far into the midnight screening that marked the film's opening day.
Violent attacks on the public by villains are key components of most superhero movies, including "The Avengers" and "The Amazing Spider-man," both in theaters now. By Hollywood standards, the Batman movies are more grim than bloody.
But there are general parallels to the Colorado shooting, "The Dark Knight" and the comic book character:
-- Bruce Wayne's drive to become Batman arose from witnessing the deaths of his parents, Thomas and Martha Wayne, at the hands of small-time criminal Joe Chill, who shot and killed them after they had left a movie theater.
-- The Batman video game called "Arkham City" takes place in an abandoned movie theatre (The Monarch, outside of which Bruce Wayne's parents were killed).
-- In the third issue of DC Comics' "Batman: The Dark Knight," a gritty retooling of the Batman character that was written by Frank Miller in the 1980s, the Joker kills an entire late-night TV audience with gas.
-- In the same book, a man starts shooting up a porn theater after getting fired from his job.
-- "The Dark Knight Rises" features at least two scenes where unsuspecting people are attacked in a public venue: the stock exchange and a football stadium.


text:
Content farming: conquering the web by producing cheap content based on search stats
"Most media companies are trying hard to increase those numbers, to boost the value of their online content until it matches the amount of money it costs to produce. But […] instead of trying to raise the market value of online content to match the cost of producing it — perhaps an impossible proposition — the secret is to cut costs until they match the market value."
You might have noticed how Sturgeon's Law ("Ninety percent of everything is crud") lives its own rampant life on the Internet in the form of these ad filled sites with unbelievably shitty how-tos and fake advice. But wait a year or two until clustered ponds of shit like eHow, Cracked and Livestrong might begin to mimic journalism. Quality media has only started its long, stinky journey down the rabit hole/drain pipe of the Intertube
Also: An interview with Demand Media CEO Richard Rosenblatt
[via:Olli Sulopuisto]


text:
Part 1: Overview and Background:
1) By any objective standard, Israeli democracy is as robust and pluralistic as any in the world. There are no restrictions on any form of protest or advocacy, including very fierce and unpopular criticism of the government and military. No other democracy can claim to have greater freedom of expression, despite more than six decades of war and terrorism; threats of annihilation; and in parallel, the challenges of developing a cohesive society based on numerous divergent communities scattered for generations as Diasporas, many of which do not have traditions of pluralism and democracy.
2) Like other Israelis, I am aware that we are not a perfect society. As in others nations, we have flaws, and it is our responsibility to correct them. But aggressive campaigns to greatly exaggerate these imperfections, as part of the ongoing effort to delegitimize Israel facilitated by the soft-power of groups not subject to any democratic accountability, should not be assisted by a United Nations framework focusing on freedom of expression and freedom.
3) Israel systematically protects the rights of its minority populations to freedom of expression and to protest. For example, each year, Israeli police forces and government institutions facilitate Gay Pride parades in Jerusalem Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Eilat; marches on Human Rights Day; protests by the Islamic movement; and to mark the murder of Yitzhak Rabin.
4) Mass demonstrations on socio-economic issues were held in Summer 2011, and attest to Israel's dynamic civil society and a culture of advocacy and peaceable protest. Israeli police facilitated these activities, blocking off roads and granting permits. The government responded to protestors' demands positively, in the form of a task force to address their claims.
5) During the "Arab Spring," where thousands were murdered at the hands of their own governments, protestors in Egypt, Tunisia, Syria and elsewhere were quoted as taking inspiration from the peaceful social protests that took place during the summer in Israel. This highlights the Israeli commitment to free expression.
6) In contrast, the history of reporting by UN frameworks on human rights in Israel has been characterized by biased mandates, false and unverifiable allegations, double standards, and hypocrisy – from Jenin (2002) through Goldstone (2009), as well as reports by special rapporteurs Jean Ziegler, John Dugard, and Richard Falk.[1] The results have been highly counterproductive in promoting human rights. I am here today to engage with the Special Rapporteur, and to contribute to an accurate report that will not repeat the flaws and negative impacts of previous UNHRC reports related to Israel.
7) The geopolitical context resulting from over six decades of conflict and violence, including the results of the 1967 war – particularly the Israeli control of disputed territories that had been occupied in 1948 by Jordan (the West Bank), and by Egypt (Gaza) and the ongoing political stalemate, presents a unique and highly complex situation. In this context, allegations of human rights violations are part of political or soft-power warfare that accompanies the hard-power attacks and violence. Such accusations should not be accepted at face value, and must be tested against credible evidence that is independently verifiable.
8 ) Therefore, NGO Monitor urges the Special Rapporteur to subject accusations from organizations and individuals regarding the state of freedom of expression in Israel to careful scrutiny and independent verification, and to avoid erasing the context of these allegations.
Part 2: Israeli Civil Society, Democracy and Freedom of Expression
1) Israel has a vibrant civil society: a free and highly critical press, and an NGO sector with tens of thousands of groups across the political, social, and ideological spectrum engaging in often intense debate.
2) The Israeli public, media, government and Knesset (legislature) are conducting an intense debate on the massive and unique level of foreign government funding for highly political non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
3) This debate includes questions on and criticism of the unfair advantage gained by a very narrow group of political advocacy civil society organizations that receive massive and often secret funding from foreign (mainly European) governments. Major concerns exist regarding the lack of accountability for these organizations, their "democratic deficit," non-transparent funding processes, and impact of these resources. This political manipulation and lack of transparency is unique in the case of European government funding for a narrow group of Israeli NGOs, and constitutes a blatant violation of democratic norms.[2]
4) In and of themselves, the fierce public debate and numerous failed legislative proposals affirm the strength of Israeli democracy.
5) A concerted political campaign by a narrow group of powerful NGOs uses slogans claiming "anti-democratic behavior" to intimidate critics. This campaign, including the denunciation of the very discussion of preliminary legislative proposals as entirely illegitimate, seeks to prevent this political debate. Partisan allegations from NGOs should not be taken at face value; in a democracy, groups claiming to speak in the name of human rights have no immunity from criticism and public debate.


text:
UC Davis' legendary viticulture and enology's graduate program has gained its renown for educating some of the most acclaimed winemakers in the world.
Started by an act of the California state Legislature in 1880, the Department of Viticulture and Enology has a long history of excellence in teaching, research, and extension, including more than 75 years on the UC Davis campus.
Faculty have included many of the most significant wine scientists of the past century, including Maynard Amerine, who introduced sensory evaluation to the science of winemaking, and passed these techniques along to generations of UC Davis students who would become winemakers around the globe.
The interdisciplinary graduate group's mission is to provide an understanding of the disciplines underlying viticulture and enology and an appreciation for linkages between the vineyard and winery that influence grape and wine quality.
Students earning their master's degree receive an education in the scientific research process and the ability to become leaders in a changing industry that responds to societal issues in a sustainable and responsible manner. As of 2012, the graduate group now offers a Professional Science Masters degree, along with the traditional Masters option.
Our students learn from top faculty in the most advanced and sustainable research winery in the world (and the first winery in the world to be certified LEED Platinum) and leave well prepared for jobs in industry, research or teaching.
Thanks to the university's more than 90 graduate degree programs, students in all fields at UC Davis have opportunities to grow, learn and achieve in their chosen careers.


text:
Slave suit
Base price
Base price includes 0.25mm thickness (in a color of your choice from standard range (view available colors) and standard size (view chart). Please add 5% for metallic range.
Standard size
XS/S/M/L/XL (size chart)
Made to measure
Please use this chart to provide us with detailed measurements
0.40mm thickness – standard colors
View color chart. Other thicknesses on request
0.40mm thickness – metallic/electric range
View color chart. Other thicknesses on request
You can fully customize your suit by selecting additional accessories of your choice.
Zip entry
Front or back zip entry suit instead of zippless neck entry suit. Please specify the length of the zipper in cm.
Long zipper going through crotch is 30Euro.
Crotch to ass 2-way zip
You can choose only crotch/ass zip instead.
If you want 2 separate zippers (crotch and ass zip) please add 35Euro
Attached gauntlets are 25Euro
Cock sheath
Please use this sheath chart to provide us with detailed measurements
Anal/Vaginal sheath
Please provide your preferred sheath length and girth
Attached socks are 35Euro
You can't choose stirrups when you selected socks


text:
Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor is synonymous with diamonds for many people, as the star's love of diamonds compelled her to don some of the most breathtaking baubles in the world. The late Taylor's fine jewelry pieces were recently up for auction at select locations in New York City and London. Her jewelry, along with her art collections and clothing, sold for more than $183 million total. Here is a look at some of the stunning jewels at the auctions:
- The famed 33.19-carat Asscher-cut, D-color Krupp diamond ring that actor and former husband Richard Burton gave Taylor sold for $8.8 million. Burton gave the star the Krupp Diamond in 1968, and she wore it regularly since then, making it a trademark style of hers.
- Taylor's mesmerizing emerald and diamond jewelry fetched high prices at the auction as well. An emerald and diamond flower brooch sold for $1.3 million, an emerald and diamond Bulgari necklace went for $5.4 million, an emerald and diamond pendant brooch for $5.8 million and an emerald and diamond bracelet for $3.5 million. All were gifts from Burton to Taylor.
- A diamond tiara of Taylor's sold for $3.7 million.
Please follow and like us:


text:
All News Releases By Date
Printing Company and EPA Reach Settlement for Alleged Clean Air Violations in Agawam, Mass.
Release Date: 12/06/2012
Contact Information: David Deegan, (617) 918-1017
(Boston, Mass. – Dec. 6, 2012) – A printing company near Springfield, Mass. has paid a penalty of $118,600 to settle claims by the US Environmental Protection Agency that it violated the federal Clean Air Act.
Suddekor, Inc., which is owned by a German company, is an international manufacturer of décor printed papers in Agawam, Mass. At its Agawam facility, paper is printed with inks containing hazardous air pollutants. The printed paper is used in the manufacture of counter tops and furniture.
EPA determined that the facility had the potential to emit sufficient pollutants to be subject to the Clean Air Act National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Printing and Publishing Facilities and to require a Title V operating permit under the Clean Air Act.
Hazardous air pollutants can pose serious risks to the public, and it is critical that manufacturers comply with environmental laws and regulations to minimize pollution and potential risks to people from exposure to chemicals.
Suddekor has now submitted the notifications and reports required by federal regulations for printing and publishing facilities. The company has also outlined how it will comply in the future and has applied for the required Title V operating permit. The facility has also been able to reduce its hazardous air pollutant emissions over time through use of more environmentally friendly inks.
The EPA action grew out of a joint EPA and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection inspection of the facility in April 2011.
More information: Title V Clean Air permits in New England (https://www.epa.gov/region1/eco/permits/title5/index.html)
# # #
Learn More about the Latest EPA News & Events in New England (https://www.epa.gov/region1/newsevents/index.html)
Follow EPA New England on Twitter (http://twitter.com/epanewengland)
More info on EPA's Environmental Results in New England (https://www.epa.gov/region1/results/index.html)
Search this collection of releases | or search all news releases
View selected historical press releases from 1970 to 1998 in the EPA History website.


text:
Crowds line the street as brightly coloured attractions pass by, and everybody's feeling euphoric.
And then�there's a Stanley Cup parade in Chicago!
The Blackhawks scurried out of their dressing room in Philadelphia's Wachovia Center at 2:00AM early Thursday morning (June 10) after a night of celebrating. Family and friends, drenched in the endless ribbons of champagne, hurried to the airport as the charter was set to return them to Chicago, which, as of June 9, 2010, is now the new City of Champions.
No rest for the weary, the team went directly to Harry Caray's for a first-night celebration. Deservedly so, the party went on and on, and the Hawks kicked at the darkness 'til it bled daylight. After a short nap Thursday early-afternoon, the boys started at the United Center and spent eight hours touring Chicago with the Stanley Cup, visiting seven or eight restaurants and clubs, and led by a 40-person police escort.
After the photos were taken, Jonathan Toews was presented with a prestigious International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Triple Gold Club pin. He is one of only 23 (and the youngest) to have won the Stanley Cup, a World Championship and an Olympic gold medal.
The boys exited the United Center and readied themselves for the Stanley Cup parade. They piled into one of the ten double-decker buses waiting for them. Temperatures hovered in the range of 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius), so the celebrants dressed accordingly. The current team was bridged to the glory years of the past, as Tony Esposito, Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, Pierre Pilote and Denis Savard joined the bus-top celebration.
The parade began from Washington and Wacker at 10:30 on Friday morning, and proceeded onto Michigan Avenue, then north to Wacker. The hockey gods clearly were looking out for the Blackhawks, because the skies were overcast and ominous looking, but the rain held off and allowed the parade to carry on unimpeded.
The players scattered among the various buses, but the tenth and final double-decker was reserved for owner Rocky Wirtz, captain Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, the Conn Smythe Trophy and, of course, the Stanley Cup.
As the buses pulled onto Michigan Avenue, the Hawks were draped with ticker tape that rained down on them like an avalanche (not the hockey variety). The police officers were spectacular, allowing the fans to get close to their heroes but making certain order was maintained.
"We live in the greatest city in the world, and we have the greatest hockey team in the world," Olczyk began. As he then spoke about the job Rocky Wirtz did in rebuilding the team, the crowd chanted, "Rocky! Rocky!" Wirtz humbly responded by saying, "Two-and-a-half years ago, we stood before you, committing that the Chicago Blackhawks would be a relevant team again. We also said we would not rest until we brought the Stanley Cup home to you. Well, if this isn't relevant, I don't know what is! And with respect to the Stanley Cup, it's home! That's the place we want it to stay!"
Duncan Keith took to the microphone and asked if anyone knew of a good dentist. His smile exhibited a gap wider than a Michael Leighton five-hole where seven teeth were knocked out by a puck during the Hawks' series with San Jose.
Patrick Kane incited the crowd to cheer louder and louder, and called winning the Stanley Cup "the best experience that I've ever been through." Patrick Sharp laughingly offered to tell the crowd Kane's cellphone number. Dustin Byfuglien presented an award to Kane.
Much to the delight of both teammates and the crowd, Kris Versteeg did his version of LMFAO's 'Yes':
"Every time I dive into my pool it's hard to be humble
While I do a breaststroke through an underground tunnel
And come up on the other side in a Jacuzzi
Greeted by two girls that are wearing my jersey.
They give me lots of hugs and kisses and they ask me what my wish is.
I say, 'Go and get your friends 'cause there's gonna be a party.'
And in the end, the Stanley Cup is the dream."
Coach Joel Quenneville addressed the multitudes, and then, to conclude the afternoon, captain Jonathan Toews stepped up to the mic, cradling the Stanley Cup, and gazed out at the crowd. "I didn't know there were this many people in Chicago," he stated incredulously. "That's unbelievable! You guys are the best fans in the world!"
Two million people and a city in love with its hockey team. And the celebrations have only just begun!
Afterwards, the team and staff retired to a downtown hotel for a party.
On Friday, the Stanley Cup Journal will take you to the mound for nine innings of Cubs and White Sox baseball, then we'll take you onto the set of 'The Tonight Show' with Jay Leno. Hope you'll join us then!
Select A Topic
Site Map
Accessible Customer Service Plan
Admission Rates
Audio/Video Vault
Corporate Information
Did You Know?
Education Program
Election Procedures
Exhibits Tour
Face-Off Interplay
Fan Feedback
General Information
Group Sales
Honoured Members
Hours of Operation
Induction Showcase
Legend Spotlight
NHL Player Search
Olympic Hockey History
Outreach Program
Pro Classics
Promos & Events
Records & Rankings
Resource Centre
Silverware & Winners
Spirit of Hockey Retail Store
Stanley Cup Journal
Stanley Cup Tribute
This Day In Hockey History
Time Capsule
Venue Rentals
Visitor Information
Women's Hockey Tribute
World of Hockey Calendar


text:
Atticus' wish is a new beginning.
It's 45 minutes before kickoff, and the chants have already started. One half of the crowd shouts in unison "You can't stop us!" Before their chant can echo off the steel and concrete, the other half replies "We are the Rose City!"
This is the home of Portland Timbers F.C. On match day, the Timbers Army leads the chants, waves flags and beats drums. If you look a bit closer, you'll probably find Atticus in the crowd. The Timbers are his favorite Major League Soccer team. There's only one soccer team he likes better … his own team, The Green Machine.
Growing Up Together
Great teams grow up together. Many of the F.C. Barcelona stars spent their early years together at La Masia, the club's academy for nurturing soccer prodigies. The players do more than learn skills and strategy. They bond. They become friends. They stand up for each other, on and off the pitch.
The Green Machine and its players are no different. They're a family.
When Atticus was diagnosed with cancer, his teammates stood by him. Missing the last game of the season for treatments and surgery was a huge blow.
The Green Machine made it better. Their support helped him with the chemotherapy that came after the surgery to remove his kidney.
Thanks, Green Machine
As Atticus struggled to overcome his medical woes, Make-A-Wish paid him a visit. They gave him a chance to wish for anything – to meet anyone, go anywhere, have anything, be anyone.
Atticus knew one thing from the beginning: His wish would involve every member of The Green Machine.
A burst of inspiration brought the answer. Atticus wished to put The Green Machine to the ultimate test … a match against the Portland Timbers.
Winning the Crowd
Let's be clear on this: The Timbers Army never switches allegiances. No matter how tough times might get for the Timbers, they will never cheer for the Seattle Sounders or the Vancouver Whitecaps.
But they turned against the Timbers for The Green Machine. They wore commemorative scarves made just for the match and held up signs with the names of The Green Machine lineup.
The Timbers themselves? Outwardly, they were dismayed that the crowd of 3,000 people at Providence Park turned against them. But inside … well, they were rooting for The Green Machine, too.
Coach Caleb Porter even switched sides, organizing The Green Machine into a side designed to attack. The Timbers also came out eager to score goals – by the final whistle, it was 10-9 for the Green Machine.
Atticus scored the match winner from a corner kick.
All to Play for in the Future
Timbers midfielder Will Johnson isn't one for swapping shirts after a match. It's a high honor common in leagues around the world once the full-time whistle blows. Many soccer legends have rooms full of shirts they've received from the game's greats. But it's just not Johnson's style.
Johnson made an exception for Atticus; he even squeezed into the way-too-small shirt Atticus handed him.
"It's the first and only time in my career I'll ask for somebody's jersey," Johnson told reporters.
We can only guess that being part of a wish changed Johnson that day. But he and the crowd and the entire Timbers F.C. family were part of a bigger change. They made it possible for Atticus to call full-time on cancer. They gave him a chance to thank his teammates in a way they'll always remember.
They made it possible for Atticus to reunite with his soccer family, and helped them all believe in each other more than ever.
This story makes me feel
Go behind-the-scenes of Make-A-Wish with the Wish Nation Blog.
Hear directly from those who work or volunteer here, or those who have been transformed by a wish.
I wish to meet Landon Donovan
I wish to see a Dodgers game and meet the players
hematological disorder
I wish to be a police officer
Wilms tumor
I wish to have a train-themed birthday party
Stay in Touch!
Sign up to receive email from Make-A-Wish.


text:
Outline.com will provide Massachusetts lawmakers and citizens with a closer look at how policies may impact communities.
On July 31, the state of Massachusetts signed into law a new tax on software services that was to raise revenue for transportation projects and education programs. Less than two months later, after intense criticism from technology firms that said the law would stifle innovation and cost jobs, lawmakers repealed the tax.
Estimating the financial impact of a new public policy is an uncertain science at best, even for the most experienced government official. But is it possible Massachusetts legislators could have avoided the software tax fiasco? What if they had the online simulator called Outline.com, which can project how proposed policy changes will affect the Commonwealth?
We'll never know, for sure, but the Web-based application, which launches in January, uses various metrics to clearly visualize every aspect of a citizen's relationship with the public sector. Using census numbers, IRS information and other public and internal data streams, the application can provide a user with a snapshot on how their policy ideas will play out before they are even formally proposed.
Outline.com builds off of Politify.us, an award-winning application that simulated the impacts of the Obama and Romney economic plans during the 2012 presidential campaign. Both applications were developed by Nikita Bier, CEO of Outline.com and a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley.
Bier explained that his goal with Outline.com was to create a program that makes government more agile and responsive toward what people actually need and want.
"Usually the way citizens think about things is that they make these demands like 'I want more education spending or lower taxes' and it is not very coherent because they don't understand the trade-offs in these demands," Bier said. "So I think this is the kind of tool that I think could be a channel for all of those issues."
For example, if a sales tax hike is being considered, users of the application can zoom in on different cities and examine the impact the bump would have. A slider function allows someone to raise the tax in an area and calculate it against the spending patterns of residents in a particular zip code.
While the application is being developed for use by state officials in Massachusetts, it will also be accessible to citizens. When a person visits the site, they'd login with their Facebook or LinkedIn account and the system would authenticate approximately where a person is located.
If the user has an idea regarding the state budget, they can adjust the individual line items and calculate would happen across the region. The idea can be saved and then promoted through social media or embedded into blogs.
Although the state and Outline.com are still working out the technical details, Massachusetts will be able to view popular citizen-created budgets and scenarios as well as comments from users. The hope is that the increased activity leads to productive dialogue between the state and residents.
Bier felt because the Internet can make almost anything go viral quickly, the way government operates could potentially be revolutionized by the application.
"There is this prospect of policy making being shortened from six-month cycles to possibly weekly cycles," he said. "Policies can be created in shorter periods and implemented in shorter periods and government can behave more like a private sector entity in a sense that it is highly responsive to its environment."
Work on Outline.com began in January and went through six different interface designs before one was settled on. Bier said that he hired some of the best user interface experts in the Bay Area to put forward something that is usable by most everyone.
Individuals concerned with just a state budget can stay at a fairly simple level on the site. But if a user wants to drill deeper into each state spending area, they can do that, and see the impact in their local region.
That led to challenges, however. Bier recalled an early concern was how they would account for the financial effects when one policy decision feeds into another. For example, if you spend more on education, can you pay less for prison incarceration because educated people likely to commit less crimes?
The Outline.com development team is busy trying to find a middle ground between trying to account for those types of policy issues and having solid reasoning behind all the forecast models the application will produce. Bier's team has been working with economists from President Obama's cabinet and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to find out how policy issues get allocated across different populations.
Bier called it "the biggest area of ambiguity" but said it was the most exciting part about Outline.com's development because it'll ultimately lead to more rational decision making.
If successful, Massachusetts likely won't be the only state deploying Outline.com in the future. Bier said that 10 other states inquired about doing something similar.
This story originally appeared on Governing.com.
Looking for the latest gov tech news as it happens? Subscribe to GT newsletters.


text:
This warp is wound and ready to go on the loom. I dyed the warp after winding it. The colors are shades of brown, beige, and yellow with bits of natural. With the way that I dye my warps the colors do not generally occur across the entire warp. You may get some of the appearance of a shifted warp without any shifting, can also have some of the appearance of a painted warp. The color changes are organic and flowing. The placement of colors just happen where they will, there is no planning. This means that each warp is different and the way that the colors change will be different thru out the warp. Look at listings of my scarves for examples.
This warp is 10/3 cotton, with approximately 2750 yards per pound and 32 wraps per inch. There are warps with 50 ends, 100 ends, and 300 ends and they are 3 3/4 yards long. The cross is tied and there are choke ties near each end and a tie in the loops at each end. I try and catch all knots but since I might have missed one, I include at least two extra warp threads. I recommend saving them for repair threads as needed.
I use color-fast dyes and wash and rinse many times. As with anything dyed, there could still be some excess dye, especially with dark or bright colors. I recommend washing in cold water and using a color catcher as needed.
I dyed these warps at the same time so the colors are the same but the placement of the colors will not be the same in each warp. I do my best to describe the colors in each warp and to get the best pictures, but I can only describe the main colors. There may be some bits of other colors as the colors mix. Feel free to convo me for more info if needed.
Warps may be woven as is or you may add to a warp. You can add a solid color as a stripe, as every other thread, as every 2nd or 3rd or any other number, either to change the look or simply to make the warp wider. You can also combine multiple warps together or you could also split a warp and save part to use another time. The length given is what it measures after dyeing and drying, I round down to the nearest 1/8 of a yard.
2-3 business days
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Just contact me within: 7 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 14 days of delivery
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:


text:
I only noticed the cold after my fingers had stopped responding.
I wasn't able to press the camera shutter button any longer. In that 20 degrees F night, I was standing in the sidewalk with Science Online friends, and I had only a party dress on.
We had attended a few days of SciO14 lectures, when the conference attendees gathered for a party. One of the party guests, astrophysicist Katie Mack, bursts through the double doors and approached us with the biggest eyes I've ever seen. She had an ominous look in her face. It was urgent. Through background chatter and music, I overheard:
"Jupiter's four Galilean moons are visible tonight. We got big binoculars and we are going outside."
Everyone in an audible radius of Katie immediately followed. No questions asked. No time for coats.
A small crowd of Science Online partiers scrambled outside in the sidewalk. One of the attendees set up the giant binoculars on a tripod. The term "binoculars" does not give it justice: the instrument looked more like a small telescope on stilts. (It's peculiar how Science Online attendees arrive prepared. In their suitcases I found vials of freshly-collected caterpillars, and supersized mascot costumes. Which gives me an idea for my next photographic project. But I digress).
People took turns shivering and looking through the binocular lenses. Every time someone re-joined the crowd, a "just-seen-a-ghost" expression took over their face. An expression I knew very well.
I had felt it growing up, every time I peered through my telescope lenses. My first time feeling part of the global community when I could, like them, see the same comet. Or, years later, about to witness a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, stood in a Florida sidewalk with NASA fans watching the International Space Station flyby.
You finally understand that something is truly, literally, out of this world.
Europa, Callisto, Ganymede, and Io (my favorite) were all brightly visible surrounding Jupiter. I had never seen the moons before. The scene reached its poetic peak when Katie, trembling (cold, giddy, or both?), narrated the story of Galileo's discovery.
I was not sure I would be able to describe that moment, which is why I had pulled out my camera earlier that night. I had to flash-freeze the "human behind the scientist" scenes I've been observing throughout the Science Online conference. Before, I was secretly shown a squirming caterpillar, heard a first-hand speech on lemur costumed gloves, and got pulled out of a party to watch Jupiter.
Those warm and fuzzy Science Online moments can easily make one forget any turmoil.
This community made me feel welcome.
Later I noticed someone had draped a fleece coat over my shoulders.


text:
Microbe Mission/Diseases List
|This page is incomplete. It does not cover all the important aspects of this subject. You can help by adding relevant information where applicable.
This page is for detailed information about each disease on the Microbe Mission Diseases List.
The event Microbe Mission specifies a list of diseases that may be tested on. The 2018 list may be found here. Lists from past years are linked in the Resources section.
- 1 Viral Diseases
- 2 Bacterial Diseases
- 2.1 Anthrax
- 2.2 Botulism
- 2.3 Cholera
- 2.4 Chlamydiasis
- 2.5 Dental Caries
- 2.6 Legionnaire's Disease
- 2.7 Lyme Disease
- 2.9 Peptic Ulcer Disease
- 2.10 Pertussis
- 2.11 Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Nationals Only)
- 2.12 Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- 2.13 Strep Throat
- 2.14 Syphilis
- 2.15 Tetanus
- 2.16 Tuberculosis
- 2.17 Wolbachia (Nationals Only)
- 3 Fungal Diseases
- 4 Protozoan & Algal Diseases
- 5 Prionic Diseases
- 6 Parasitic Worms
- 7 Archaea
- 8 Diseases from Past Years
- 9 Resources
Viral Diseases
Viruses are nonliving obligate intracellular parasites that utilize either DNA or RNA as their genetic material. A virus usually has a proteinaceous capsid studded with different glycoproteins, which facilitate entry into a host cell. The capsid itself protects the genetic material of the virus.
Viruses are usually extremely species-specific, rarely infecting different species. Virus replication may be halted by antiviral medications such as aciclovir. Furthermore, vaccines, comprised of heat-killed or live attenuated viruses and/or antigens, may be injected into a host animal to provoke a humoral immune response. Antibodies produced will circulate and memory T/B cells proliferate, protecting the host from further infection.
Viruses are usually classified by the Baltimore Classification System, which separates viruses into groups by nucleic acid properties:
- Type I viruses are double-stranded DNA viruses
- Type II viruses are single-stranded DNA viruses
- Type III viruses are double-stranded RNA viruses
- Type IV viruses are positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses
- Type V viruses are negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses
- Type VI viruses are RNA retroviruses
- Type VII viruses are DNA retroviruses
There are also several types of viruses classified by structure. Naked viruses are generally icosahedral in structure, having a capsid made of repeating protein units. Adenoviruses, which cause several foodborne diseases, are naked icosahedral viruses. Helical viruses also have a repeating capsid, but they are arranged into a helical structure. Many plant viruses, such as tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), the first virus discovered, are helical. Enveloped viruses are covered with a layer of phospholipid membrane, usually derived from their previous hosts. These viruses bud off from the membrane of animal cells. Complex viruses have a complex shape, such as bacteriophages.
Caused by an RNA retrovirus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which emerged in the 1980s. HIV attacks CD4+ T-cells of the immune system, crippling its ability to defend against opportunistic infections. Several classes of retroviral medications may be given to patients, but no cure is currently available. Late-stage AIDS is marked by opportunistic infections and Kaposi's Sarcoma, a cancer caused by a human herpesvirus. AIDS is an STD, although blood transfusions and needle sharing also spreads the disease. The disease is generally diagnosed with Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). AIDS is the most severe stage of HIV.
- Increassd infections
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Weight loss
Although there is no cure, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can be used to keep HIV/AIDS under control.
In the United States, most people with HIV do not develop AIDS because of ART therapy.
Chicken Pox and Shingles
Chicken Pox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a herpesvirus. It is highly contagious and infectious.
- blister-like rash
- tiredness
- itching
- fever
- Chicken Pox Vaccine
- Over-the-counter medication
- Doctor-prescribed treatments
- For itching:
- Colloidal oatmeal baths
- Calamime lotion
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, can develop anytime after someone recovers from chicken pox. The risk for shingles increases as a person ages, which accounts for why it is mostly seen in the elderly.
- rash
- itching
- chills
- fever
- pain
- headache
- upset stomach
- shingles vaccination
- antiviral medications
- acyclovir
- valacyclovir
- famciclovir
- analgesics (pain medicine)
- For itching:
- calamime lotion
- wet compresses
- colloidal oatmeal baths
Common Cold
The common cold, or rhinovirus, is a viral infection of the throat and nose. Caused by about 200 different types of rhinovirus, it makes medicine/vaccinations unable to develop. The disease tends to not be serious.
- coughing
- sore throat
- runny nose
- sneezing
- watery eyes
There is no cure for the common cold, but there are many ways to obtain relief from the illness. These include:
- drinking lots of fluids (mainly water)
- over the counter medicine
- cough drops or throat sprays
- getting plenty of rest
- gargling warm salt water
Dengue Fever
Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. It is very rare in the United States. It causes flu-like illness and can occasionally develop into severe dengue, a potentially lethal condition.
- Dengue
- high fever (usually 104 degrees Fahrenheit/40 degrees Celsius)
- rash
- pain behind eyes
- muscle/joint pain
- vomiting
- severe headache
- swollen glands
- naseau
- Severe Dengue
- bleeding gums
- severe abdominal pain
- persistent vomiting
- blood in vomit
- fatigue
- restlessness
- rapid breathing
Although there is no specific treatment for dengue, medical care from physicians and nurses experience with the disease can help save lives.
Prevention of dengue can be obtained from a dengue vaccine. It is not required in the United States and is only recommended for countries where dengue is widespread.
Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever
Ebola is a severe and often fatal illness. It is caused by one of the filoviruses, a group notorious for causing highly lethal hemorrhagic fevers. It is transferred from wild animals to humans.
- First Symptoms
- sore throat
- fever
- muscle pain
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- Followed by
- rash
- symptoms of impaired liver/kidney function
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- internal/external bleeding
- Lab Findings
- elevated liver enzymes
- low white blood cell count
There is no proven treatment for Ebola. However, there are a few things someone may do to try and help. These include:
- treatment of specific symptoms
- supportive care rehydration
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. There are five main types of hepatitis virus, known as A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis A and E are usually caused by contaminated food and water. Hepatitis B, C, and D are usually caused by contact with infected body fluids. Hepatitis D virus is known as a satellite virus because it can only infect individuals already infected with Hepatitis B virus.
Five separate viruses, collectively known as the hepatoviruses. The viruses affect the liver, causing fever, vomiting, pains, and potential liver failure, resulting in jaundice. In addition, infection may lead to chronic liver cirrhosis and eventually hepatocarcinoma.
Commonly known as the flu. Influenza is a common contagious respiratory illness. Most common symptoms include a fever, runny nose, sore throat, and aches. There are three types of influenza virus that can infect humans, known as Type A, Type B, and Type C. Influenza is droplet-borne and can be spread to those within a 6-foot range.
Measles is also known as rubeola, not to be confused with rubella. It is caused by an RNA virus known as the measles virus. Measles is highly contagious. It infects the respiratory system, causing coughing, runny nose, red eyes, and fever, in addition to the disease's characteristic rash. There are no treatments for measles, but it can be prevented by administration of the MMR vaccine.
Commonly referred to as "Mono" or "Kissing Disease", and caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The disease is spread via saliva, hence its nickname, but can also be transmitted via blood or semen. Young adults are at the most risk. The disease is typically short term, with common symptoms including malaise, fatigue, and swollen glands.
Mumps, also known as parotitis, is a viral and contagious infection. It is caused by a paramyxovirus, which is a member of the Rubulavirus family. Mumps is a droplet-borne infection. An individual with mumps may be asymptomatic, but symptoms range from fatigue to swollen lymph nodes. It can be prevented, however, by the MMR vaccine.
Norovirus, also know as the Norwalk virus or winter bug virus, is caused by caliciviruses. About 90% of outbreaks on cruise ships are due to norovirus, which is transmitted via the fecal-oral route. The incubation period is 12-48 hours, and the symptoms, most notably vomiting, last 2-3 days. This disease can be prevented by common sanitation procedures.
Polio is a rare virus that is caused by the Poliovirus. In 1979, the disease had been eradicated in the US. Global efforts are being taken to eradicate the disease worldwide. The disease had only 36 cases in 2016. It is preventable by vaccine, but is incurable after infection. Polio is known to cause paralysis, which often leads to death.
Rabies is a rare disease spread to humans by the saliva of infected animals. Once symptoms appear, it is almost always lethal. These symptoms include spasms, fever, headache, and confusion. However, the disease is preventable by vaccination.
Also known as German Measles, rubella is a disease caused by the rubella virus, which is a togavirus. The disease causes the appearance of a distinctive rash on the skin, which starts on the face and moves downwards. The disease is typically short term because once symptoms start showing, the illness is almost always fatal. To prevent this, the MMR vaccine exists.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a subtropical illness caused by the yellow fever virus (shocker, right?). It is mosquito-borne, and is most commonly associated with Aedes aegypti. Symptoms include loss of appetite, delirium, vomiting, and malaise. However, the most common symptom is jaundice, which is how the disease got its name.
Zika is a disease caused by the zika virus, which is part of the Flaviviridae family. As many of its mosquito-borne friends, it is transmitted through Aedes mosquito bites and can also be vertically transmitted from mother to child. Many individuals are asymptomatic; however, microcephaly is a common symptom in the children of infected pregnant women. The most notable outbreak of this illness started in early 2015, where many cases were identified in Brazil and other South American countries.
Bacterial Diseases
Anthrax is a serious and rare infectious disease caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. People may become sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.
- Skin infection:
- formation of dark ulcers at point of infection
- Inhalation
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
Intestinal or injection infection are rarer, but the prognosis for all infections are generally considered poor. Anthrax toxin is one of the most lethal toxins known. To make matters worse, anthrax endospores are notoriously hard to sterilize, resulting autoclaving for smaller heat-resistant equipment, irradiation for items such as letters or packages, and gas treatment for infected buildings.
Anthrax has gained notoriety because it is a very good bioweapon with low median lethal dose and quick infection periods, as well as the ability to form endospores. These spores may persist in soil for years, making it easily spread among livestock. In 2001, a terrorist plot involving anthrax spore-seeded letters mailed to US Senators killed postal workers and led to a complete cleanup of several facilities. In addition, it is known that the Soviet Union's bioweapons program developed many highly contagious strains of anthrax and other infectious diseases.
A vaccine exists, but has dangerous side effects that limit its use in civilian populations. Antibiotics and antitoxins are generally used for treatment.
Botulism is a serious food borne illness caused by Clostridium botulinum. It is found in canned foods and the spores can be found in honey, but the pores do not pose a threat to anyone with a developed immune system.
- Muscle paralysis
- Breathing problems
- Nausea
Botulinum toxin is the most acutely lethal toxin known. By preventing the release of acetylcholine, it makes muscles relax (as opposed to tetanospasmin, which makes muscles permanently contract). All Clostridium bacteria are obligate anaerobes - oxygen kills them, but not the endospores, so improperly canned food will sometimes provide an ideal anaerobic environment. The immune system neutralizes the bacteria effectively, but the disease is primarily caused by the toxin, which can persist even if the bacteria do not. As a result, newborns, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are at risk.
Prevention of botulism involves properly preparing canned food, avoiding canned food with bulging containers (a sign that bacteria have colonized it and are actively producing gas), not feeding honey to infants under the age of one, and heating food at 85 degrees Celsius for at least five minutes. Sodium nitrite preservatives also protect against botulism.
There are seven types of botulinum toxin, two of which are utilized in cosmetics/plastic surgery as the ingredients of Botox.
Cholera is a bacterial infection spread in contaminated water. It can be very severe and dangerous if untreated. Cholera is caused by two serotypes of Vibrio cholerae, O1 and O139. Noninfectious bacteria may be made infectious by viral transduction.
- Vomiting
- Rice-water diarrhea (the name is self-explanatory: please don't make me describe it)
Once widespread in major cities, proper sanitation has generally banished it to developing nations, without proper sanitation/sewage systems in place. It is spread by the fecal-oral route. In addition, unprepared seafood may also contain an infectious dose of V. cholerae.
Vaccines generally have a short effective period (6 months). Treatment involves replenishing water and electrolytes via rehydration therapy or by intravenous injection. Although antibiotics may be used, erythromycin- and amoxicillin-resistant strains have appeared in Bangladesh, limiting the effectiveness of these drugs.
Clamydiasis is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is most infamously known as an STI, but can also be spread by a fly vector.
- Abnormal genital discharge
- Burning sensation during urination
- Conjunctivitis (for eye infections)
There are no vaccines for chlamydiasis. Generally, antibiotics such as erythromycin, doxycycline, fluoroquinalone, and amoxicillin (during pregnancy) are used to treat infections. It is advisable to also test for other common STIs such as AIDS and syphilis in conjunction. Prevention of sexually transmitted chlamydiasis is standard for all STIs - abstinence or usage of condoms.
Dental Caries
Dental Caries, more commonly known as cavities, are most commonly caused by two Streptococcus bacteria, S. mutans and S. sobrinus.
- Excessive plaque
- Formation of caries (cavities)
This is the most common bacterial disease. The bacteria involved form a biofilm naturally on teeth, which is known as dental plaque. It causes tooth decay and the demineralization of hydroxyapatite, the constituent of dental enamel. Fortunately, it is easily prevented by avoiding high sucrose/glucose food, brushing and flossing, and fluoridation of tap water.
Legionnaire's Disease
Legionnaire's Disease is an infection of the lungs caused by the bacteria Legionnella pneumophila. The bacteria is known to contaminate water, and is usually spread through mist containing the bacteria. The disease is named for the outbreak where it was first identified, the 1976 American Legion convention.
- Pneumonia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
L. pneumophila spreads extremely well in aerosols and mists. For this reason, it is most common during the summer and fall, when air conditioning systems with contaminated water can spread the droplets indoors. A mostly opportunistic disease, it affects elderly, young, and immunocompromised individuals the most.
Prevention involves avoiding contaminated water and biofilms, as well as inspecting any cooling systems for colonization/contamination. Antibiotics have proven effective against the disease, specifically doxycycline and azithromycin.
Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection spread by ticks carrying the pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi. The disease is named for the place where it originates: Lyme, Connecticut. The most common symptom is a rash originating from the tick bite that slowly spreads across the body. Other symptoms include fatigue, headache, and fever. Lyme Disease can be prevented by staying on trails when hiking, avoiding brushing against bushes and trees, and wearing long-sleeved shirts. Lyme Disease can be treated by taking antibiotics for one to four weeks.
MRSA, or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many types of antibiotics. This infection is often healthcare-associated, so proper sanitation measures should be taken in hospitals. The first symptom is usually a small red bump on the skin that grows larger and more painful. A rash and fever may also be present. MRSA can be treated by antibiotics, such as doxycycline and ciprofloxacin.
Peptic Ulcer Disease
The most common causative agent of peptic ulcer disease is Helicobacter pylori. These bacteria are able to resist the antimicrobial effects of stomach acid and colonize the stomach mucosa, resulting in the formation of ulcers. H. pylori is a risk factor for stomach cancer.
Pertussis, also known as the whooping cough, is a disease caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis most commonly affects children, and spreads easily through the coughs and sneezes of an infected person. Pertussis typically lasts around 10 weeks. It can be treated using antibiotics, such as erythromycin and azithromycin.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Nationals Only)
The pathogen is in the name of the disease, for starters. It mainly affects weak people. Furthermore, it is almost always a nosocomial infection, meaning that outbreaks originate in a hospital. There is no definitive mode of transmission, but airborne infection is a possibility. The symptoms are chills, fever, and abnormal sensations in organs. Many antibiotics can be used to treat this illness.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a bacterial infection spread through ticks carrying the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii. The most common symptoms are fever, headache, and muscle pain, followed by rashes all over the body. The disease originated in the 1930's in the Rocky Mountains, hence the name. The disease has since spread all over the United States, and from Canada to Central America. RMSF can be fatal if not treated promptly. The most common antibiotic used in treating RMSF is doxycycline.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is caused by streptococcus bacteria, namely Streptococcus pyogenes. Hence the name, strep throat's most common symptom is... you guessed it! A sore throat. The most effective treatment for strep throat is oral antibiotics.
Syphilis is a sexually-transmitted disease spread by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. Common symptoms include rashes, fever, sore throat, malaise, weight loss, hair loss, and headache. Syphilis can be fatal if not treated, and can be prevented by blood test. The most common antibiotics used in treating Syphilis are penicillin and doxycycline.
Tetanus is an infection that affects the muscles and nervous system, causing them to spasm. It is caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani. The most common symptom is "lockjaw", a painful muscle spasm in the jaw. The bacteria enters the body through a cut or contact of a cut with an infect surface. It is preventable by vaccine.
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Roughly one-third of the world's population is thought to have TB, of which about 10% develop the disease. People with HIV/AIDS and those who smoke are more likely to develop TB. Common symptoms include fever, chills, sweating, loss of appetite, and fatigue. TB generally affects the lungs, but occasionally affects other organs. TB can be treated by antibiotics, such as isoniazid and ethambutol.
Wolbachia (Nationals Only)
Bacteria of the Wolbachia genus only affect insects (lucky for us, because they are called "gonad-chomping parasites"). These bacteria are vertically transmitted from an infected mother to her offspring (yes, males are useless once again). The main symptom is infertility, but this illness can be treated with doxycycline, but don't ask how it's administered because I don't have the answer.
Fungal Diseases
Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot is an infection caused by Tinea pedis, a dermatophyte fungus. Unlucky individuals can get this illness by walking barefoot. The symptoms are minor, them being a scaly rash, irritation, itching, or burning, and can be treated with most types of antifungal creams.
Dutch Elm Disease
Early Potato Blight
Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. The disease typically affects the lungs, but occasionally can affect other organs. The most common symptoms include coughing and flu-like symptoms. The disease can be fatal if left untreated. Treatment includes antifungal medications, with the most effective being itraconazole.
Although it sounds like a parasitic worm, ringworm is caused by the fungus Trichophyton rubrum. It can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact or through objects that an infected person has touched. The name ringworm comes from the ring-shaped rash that is characteristic of this infection.
Thrush is caused by the buildup of Candida albicans in the mouth. The most distinguishing symptom is a white tongue accompanied with white inner cheeks. Other symptoms include abnormal taste, bad breath, and difficulty swallowing. Antifungals can be used to treat thrush.
White Nose Syndrome
White Nose Syndrome (WNS) is an infection of bats caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. WNS is named for the white fungus that typically appears on a bat's nose. Other symptoms include flying, loss of body fat, damage to the wing membranes, and death. By 2012 WNS had been associated with at least 5-7 million bat deaths.
Protozoan & Algal Diseases
Cryptosporidiosis or "crypto" is caused by the Cryptosporidium parasite. It can be transmitted through contaminated food and water. Dehydration caused by watery diarrhea is a typical symptom of crypto. To treat it, alleviating symptoms is recommended.
Giardiasis is a foodborne intestinal infection caused by the Giardia parasite. Aside from contaminated food and water, giardiasis can also be transmitted through touching contaminated objects. Watery diarrhea is amongst the common symptoms, others being fatigues and cramps. Some of the infected individuals may be asymptomatic. Cases usually require no treatment as the illness passes within a few weeks.
Malaria is a disease caused by multiple parasites. They are all spread by mosquitoes. It can cause flu-like symptoms in addition to vomiting, yellow skin, comas, seizures, and death. It can be treated with antimalarial drugs like quinine and artemisinins. It can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites with nets, sprays, not going outside during dusk and dawn, etc.
Naegleria is a freshwater illness caused by protozoa. This illness is extremely rare, and to get this illness, you must nasally inhale contaminated freshwater (can't get illness by drinking). The illness has two stages: the first with very basic and harmless symptoms, and the second ending in a coma. Naegleria is fatal and only five survivals have been recorded.
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) is an algal infection caused by eating contaminated shellfish. PSP is caused by dinoflagellates and is commonly associated with algal blooms. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and numbness, especially around the mouth. There is no specific treatment for PSP, except avoiding raw shellfish.
Prionic Diseases
Prions are one of the two classes of nonliving pathogens. Commonly found in animal neural tissues, proteinaceous infectious agents (prions) are misfolded proteins that induce misfolding in other normal versions of itself into the prion form. Because of the subtle differences between homologous proteins of different species, prionic diseases are usually species specific, with the exception of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), which is able to spread from cattle to humans, causing Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD). The function of normal prions are not completely understood, but it is believed they play a role in nerve bundle myelinization. Prions are especially dangerous because they are heat-stable, meaning sterilization requires extensive autoclaving and chemical degredation, which may be hard to achieve in the field. Prion diseases are fairly rare in humans, mainly passed on by genetic disorders. Prion diseases are progressively fatal, causing brain plaques that resemble Alzheimer's in postmortem autopsies. Treatment is limited, but several drugs and genetic treatments are being research.
Chronic Wasting Disease
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) exclusively affects deer, elk, reindeer, moose, and similar animals, and it might be the origin of scrapie. Possible modes of transmission are contaminated soil, water and food, as well as infected urine, saliva, or feces. The infected organisms often show progressive weight loss. This leads to excessive urination and/or salivation. They may also display behavioral changes, such as hyper-excitability. But, with prionic diseases, all infected specimens eventually die, and CWD is no exception. The incubation period is over a year, so it may be hard to trace the origin of contamination.
This is a unique prion disease that occurs in humans, spread by cannibalism. In the past, the Fore tribes in Papua New Guinea engaged in funerary cannibalism as part of their culture. The body is allowed to partially decompose, and then be consumed. The brain was most commonly consumed by women, resulting in a higher mortality rate among females. Funerary cannibalism is no longer performed among the Fore, but it is hard to determine whether the disease has truly been eradicated due to the long incubation period, up to 50 years. There are three stages of the disease, initially causing tremors but eventually causing loss of motor abilities and eventually death.
Parasitic Worms
Parasitic worms, known as helminths, are multicellular eukaryotes. They are split into several classes: nematodes (roundworms), platyhelminthes (flatworms), cestodes (tapeworms), and trematodes (flukes). Most helminth infections are spread by the fecal-oral route, where contaminated water containing worm spores is consumed. The worms hatch and grow in the lower GI tract, where they lay their eggs and spores. Many worms cause Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), due to poor sanitation in tropical developing nations.
Anthelmintics are drugs with action against helminths. They include mebendazole, albendazole, and pyrantel palmoate. They work either by killing the worms, or paralyzing the worms, so that they drop out of the intestine in the stool. Many herbal remedies also show efficacy against helminths.
Hookworm is an intestinal parasite that affects humans and other animals. The worm can be acquired through either ingestion or fecal transmission. Although usually asymptomatic, individuals with a hookworm infection may display fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite. The treatment for hookworm is antiparasitic drugs.
Archaeans are not known to cause any human diseases, but because they are mentioned in most Microbe Mission tests, an introduction will be given here.
Archaea comprise of the most ancient domain of life. They are prokaryotes with distinct eukaryotic traits. Archaeans are most known for certain extremophilic members, although most archaeans are mesophilic. They have no membrane-bound organelles, being prokaryotes, but certain aspects of their genetic material replication and translation are more eukaryotic.
A more detailed description can be found in the event page: Microbe Mission
Diseases from Past Years
Information about diseases that were on previous years' lists but have since been removed. Occasionally these are tested on by inexperienced or less dedicated event supervisors who mistakenly use past lists or reuse old questions indiscriminately.
Previously Listed Diseases
Viral Diseases
Eradicated in 1980, smallpox was an extremely infectious disease that caused a rash along the body. Although it was preventable with a vaccine, the vaccine had risky side effects which made it dangerous to use.
The West Nile Virus is a mosquito borne virus which causes no symptoms in the majority of cases. Less than 1% of cases are serious or fatal. The most common form of prevention is to prevent mosquito bites themselves.
Bacterial Diseases
Fungal Diseases
Ergotism is caused by eating the Claviceps purpurea fungus, which grows on rye and other wheats. It causes diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting followed by neurological symptoms such as seizures, mania, convulsions, and itching. It can also cause gangrene. It can be prevented by avoiding ergot infections in grains with methods like checking grains for ergot, preventing the fungus from germinating, and chemicals.
Protozoan & Algal Diseases
Prionic Diseases
This is a spongiform encephalopathy that occurs in sheep. It is so named because one of the symptoms is affected sheep scraping their fleece on rocks. Another symptom is excessive lip smacking. Because the prions don't degrade, they can easily infect other sheep. There are no cases of scrapie infecting humans, however.


text:
Gain unlimited access to on-demand training courses with an Experts Exchange subscription.Get Access
Experts Exchange always has the answer, or at the least points me in the correct direction! It is like having another employee that is extremely experienced.
When asked, what has been your best career decision?
Deciding to stick with EE.
Being involved with EE helped me to grow personally and professionally.
We've partnered with two important charities to provide clean water and computer science education to those who need it most. READ MORE
Connect with Certified Experts to gain insight and support on specific technology challenges including:
Experts Exchange is the only place where you can interact directly with leading experts in the technology field. Become a member today and access the collective knowledge of thousands of technology experts.
*This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.


text:
Insurance companies that own or operate a savings & loan will face fresh oversight from the Federal Reserve Board, which is creating a process by which to examine those financial institutions that have significant banking assets.
At present, National Underwriter has learned that the Fed has identified at least 20 institutions whose holding companies and constituent thrifts it intends to oversee. These include American International Group, State Farm, Nationwide, Prudential, Northwestern Mutual, Massachusetts Mutual and W.R. Berkley. But this list of regulated companies is considered a "moving target" by federal regulators and is subject to change.
[See also: The Fed's Hit List]
The entire process is being overseen on behalf of the Fed by Frank Tarullo, a Fed governor who also serves as the Fed representative to the Financial Stability Oversight Council, the unit created by the Dodd-Frank Act to ensure stronger oversight of large financial institutions.
According to information provided by the Fed, as well as industry officials and their outside lawyers, the purpose of this new process is broad, designed to increase its own understanding of the insurance business and the differences between banking and insurance. But more importantly, the Fed also intends to oversee thrifts operated by financial firms at the holding company level, through authority granted it under the Dodd-Frank Act.
A third purpose, as noted by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke in a recent speech in New York, is to increase federal oversight so that the oversight of large, complex financial services conglomerates – such as AIG in the run-up to the global financial crisis – does not somehow fall through the cracks.
Moving Targets
Some of the companies on the Fed's list are already either shedding their thrift operations, or are planing to do so out of a concern of facing an additional layer of regulation through the Fed. For example, Prudential has announced plans through a securities filing to downgrade its thrift to a trust bank, thereby escaping Fed oversight. As a result, its thrift will be regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).
According to Prudential spokesman Robert DeFillippo, Prudential is accomplishing this by divesting itself of all assets insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. That will also allow Prudential to escape regulation under the Volcker rule, which limits proprietary trading by financial firms for their own account.
DeFillippo explained that its trading partners in the commercial mortgage business want Prudential to trade alongside them on these securities, which Prudential believes is appropriate. "We just don't want to be considered a bank," DeFillippo said. "We are an insurance company, and that's what we want to remain."
Mass Mutual is taking the same route as Prudential, "de-registering" as a thrift holding company, according to a securities filing that has been confirmed by company officials. The officials said they are awaiting word from the Fed that the downsizing of their thrift to a trust bank has been approved.
The official said that the actions of the company to downsize their savings bank operations stems from a July 21, 2011 memo from the Board of Governors, No. S.R. 11-12, outlining their plans to be the overseer of savings and loans owned by non-banks such as insurers which take deposits and conduct other banking activities. All insurers have been re-evaluating their business model as a result of this development, prompted by the Dodd-Frank Act. This act dissolved the Office of Thrift Supervision and shifted its responsibilities to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency as charterer of savings and loans, and the Fed as overseer of thrift holding companies.
Separately, officials of W.R. Berkley Co. has revealed in a securities filing that it plans to divest its 80 percent interest in InsurBank, a thrift based in Farmington, Conn. The remaining 20 percent is owned by the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America.
Robert A. Rusbuldt, IIABA president and CEO, acknowledged that because of Dodd-Frank, Berkley is considering divesting its interest in the thrift, and a "lot of decisions have to be made," both by us and them. He said there is no immediate timetable for a decision as to what will happen with the thrift, which will be regulated going forward both by the OCC and the Fed. "[The Dodd-Frank Act] means that thrifts will be regulated in a different way than before," and that Berkley believes that operating a thrift under DFA "is very onerous."
Rusbuldt said that "banks are regulated in a different way than insurers," and not only Berkley but other companies with thrifts are considering their options because of the different rules under Dodd-Frank."
At the same time, Rusbuldt said that "InsurBank is profitable, it is growing, and it has a lot of independent agents as customers." According to SNL, InsureBank at the end of 2001 had total assets of $170 million, total deposits of $130 million, and year-to-year growth rates of 10 percent for assets and 11.53 percent for deposits.
Meanwhile, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, a life insurance company, Minneapolis, Minn., has filed an application to turn its thrift into a credit union in order to escape regulation by the Fed.
Other insurers that are winding down bank-type operations are MetLife, which is selling its bank to GE Capital; Allstate, which is winding down its bank; Pacific Mutual Holding Company, which is selling its College Savings Bank unit; and Western & Southern Mutual Holding Company, which is winding down its Fort Washington Savings Co.
Next page: So Much for SIFI
So Much for SIFI
Officials of the Boston Federal Reserve Bank confirmed what the Fed is doing, and said the Fed "became responsible for 26 savings and loan holding companies that were primarily engaged in insurance operations" through the Dodd-Frank Act.
Dodd-Frank transferred all of the powers of the Office of Thrift Supervision to other federal agencies, and as a result, the Fed's authority is now "very broad," according to the former top counsel of a federal regulatory agency who is now in private practice.
The stronger oversight of the insurance industry by federal regulators also includes plans to designate certain institutions systemically significant (SIFI). Only a handful of insurers are likely to be so designated, however. Far more insurers will come under stronger federal oversight oversight through the regulation of their thrifts by the Fed and the OCC, as successor to the OTS.
The former federal regulatory lawyer now in private practice, said the Fed, as overseer of the thrift at the holding company level, can examine an insurer, set minimum capital and liquidity requirements and restrict or prohibition transactions between the holding company and the savings association subsidiary.
The Fed can also establish require internal controls, mandate policies and procedures that must be followed, and can take enforcement actions against officers and directors of the holding company. The Office of the Comptroller of Currency has similar broad authority, but only over federal savings association entities and their direct subsidiaries.
Several of the companies involved, from the largest ones to the smallest ones, have confirmed that the Fed has already talked to them, and has designated a Fed Bank to examine them.
Another Washington lawyer familiar with the thrift regulation issue acknowledged that a number of institutions are divesting their thrift and bank business, or downgrading them to trust banks, underscoring industry concern about having the Fed as regulator.
The lawyer, who asked not to be identified, said that most of the remaining institutions are comfortable with the Fed as regulator of its thrifts. He classified the Fed as a "diligent regulator," and that its oversight will be limited to the holding company and not the insurance operating level.
This lawyer noted that insurers are as concerned about the Volcker rule's impact on them as they are about SIFI and regulation of their thrifts, citing the comments by Prudential as reflective of the views of many insurers about the potential impact the Volcker rule could have on them. He noted that insurers lobbied "long and hard" to exempt their trading activities, which are designed to hedge against interest rate risk on long-term assets, from the Volcker rule during negotiations over the Dodd-Frank Act.
The Fed board in Washington is engaging all the Fed banks outside of the New York Fed in the enterprise, with the Chicago Fed's economics unit establishing the benchmarks through which Fed examiners will examine the books of the targeted insurers.
The Boston and Chicago Fed banks are playing a key role, assuming responsibility for overseeing many insurers in the New York metropolitan area as well as those based in New England.
"We want to develop a thoughtful and effective supervisory approach for savings and loan holding companies that are primarily engaged in insurance operations," said Judy Quenzel, a vice president and head of insurance supervision at the Boston Fed.
"Certainly there are similarities, but also important differences between the banking and insurance industries," Quenzel said. "It is incumbent upon us to understand the business strategies and risk profiles of these firms and reflect that awareness in our supervisory approach."
Meanwhile, Anna Paulson, vice president & director of Financial Research at the Chicago Fed said that the Fed's goal was to better understand the role of the insurance industry in the U.S. financial system. "The insurance industry is a large and important part of the financial sector, and we anticipate an on-going need to understand the industry's role in the financial system," she said.
Paulson confirmed that the Fed's insurance initiative personnel have begun meeting with members of the insurance industry, other financial sector representatives and insurance regulators. "The quality of our analysis is significantly enhanced through these discussions, so we are interested in extending and deepening our range of contacts," Paulson said.
However, it is clear the Fed views insurance industry events through a banking lens.
Paulson, who has a Ph.D in economics from the University of Chicago and has been with the Fed since November 2001, said on March 2 at the New York University Stern Insurance Conference in her presentation,"The Risk of Insurance Companies," that runs on insurance companies do happen. She cited the 1999 case of General American, when "7-day puts" were called in to the tune of over $6 billion; contract holders only needed seven days to call in their money, which they did when the company was downgraded by Moody's.
"The reason for including the General American example was simply to demonstrate that runs on insurance companies can happen, and have happened, in some rare cases," Paulson later noted. "It should not be taken as a commentary on the failure or success of insurance regulation."
Paulson said in an emailed answer to reporter queries that the Fed was interested ultimately in both the impact of the insurance solvency situation on the markets and on policyholders.
"We would like to better understand how the financial condition of the insurance sector impacts both financial markets and real economic activity," she said. Besides the obvious interest in how financial markets affect insurance companies (e.g., through interest rates), the Chicago Fed is clearly looking at the industry's place in society as a provider of financial protection products.
"One way that the insurance sector might impact real economic activity is through the cost and availability of insurance products. For example, the pace of new business formation might be stronger when property and casualty insurers have experienced low losses and are insurance products are cheaper and more available," Paulson said.
Next page: Bernanke vs. the Shadow Bankers
Bernanke vs. the Shadow Bankers
The basis of the Fed approach was outlined April 13th by Chairman Ben Bernake in a speech at a conference on "Rethinking Finance" sponsored by the Russell Sage Foundation and The Century Foundation. The speech dealt with the causes and effects of the 2007-2009 financial crisis.
In his address, Bernanke characterized American International Group as part of the world "shadow banking" system that played a key role in the catastrophic economic downturn.
He said AIG's problems in the fall of 2008 "exposed weaknesses in the statutory and regulatory framework" for the shadow banking sector, and "meant that in practice, they were inadequately regulated and supervised."
He put AIG in the same category as Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers, both of which had severe financial problems, and said their problems "severely damaged the financial system."
He also said that the shadow banking system played a far greater role than the subprime housing market in making the 2007-2009 global economic crisis.
Federal oversight of insurers associated with thrifts is unlikely to stir the controversy generated by the process used to establishing the standards that will be used to designate SIFIs.
The insurance industry enlisted its allies in Congress to argue its case against SIFI designation, and put federal officials through their paces on the issue.
For example, a subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee has scheduled a hearing May 16th on SIFI, where MetLife is expected to testify.
MetLife is concerned because the Fed determined in early April that it had failed a SIFI stress test administered to large financial institutions. The test was designed to determine whether large financial institutions had the capital and management in place to deal with financial market volatility.
As a result, the Fed barred MetLife from increasing its dividend and buying back stock, which MetLife management contended was unwarranted.
However, there has been bipartisan acknowledgment that the OTS was supposed to oversee the AIG Financial Products' operation that caused AIG such grief.
Bernanke touched on it in his speech.
"The insurance operations of AIG were supervised and regulated by various state and international insurance regulators, and the OTS had authority to supervise AIG as a thrift holding company," Bernanke said.
"However, oversight of AIG Financial Products, which housed the derivatives activities that imposed major losses on the firm, was extremely limited in practice," Bernanke said.
Next page: Find out which companies face fresh regulation
The Fed's Hit List
Below is a list of insurers currently targeted by the Fed for additional oversight because they operate a thrift. While some of the companies on this list are seeking to shed their thrifts to avoid addtional federal regulation, others are willing to live with additional federal oversight.
According to federal regulators, the list of companies under scrutiny by the Fed is a "moving target," and it is subject to change.
Insurer: AIG
Thrift: AIG FSB (Wilton, CN)
Insurer: Ameriprise
Thrift: Ameriprise Bank FSB (Minneapolis, MN
Insurer: Auto Club Insurance Association
Thrift: Auto Club Trust Bank FSB (Dearborn, MI)
Insurer: CICO Holding
Thrift: Colonial Savings Bank (Fort Worth, TX)
Note: The thrift and Colonial Life and Colonial Mortgage Insurance Co. are under common ownership, though the insurance companies do not directly own the thrift.
Insurer: Country Financial
Thrift: Country Trust Bank (Bloomington, IL)
Insurer: Donegal Mutual
Thrift: Union Comm Bank FSB (Marietta, PA)
Insurer: First American
Thrift: First American Trust FSB (Santa Ana, CA)
Insurer: MassMutual
Thrift: MassMutual Trust Co. FSB (Springfield, MA)
Insurer: N.J Manufacturers
Thrift: N.J.M Bank FSB (West Trenton, NJ)
Insurer: Northwestern Mutual
Thrift: NW Mutual Wealth Management Co. (Milwaukee, WI)
Insurer: Ohio Farmers
Thrift: Westfield Bank FSB (Westfield Center, OH)
Insurer: Polish National Alliance of the U.S.
Thrift: PNA Bank (Chicago, IL)
Insurer: Prudential Financial
Thrift: Prudential Bank and Trust FSB (Philadelphia, PA)
Note: Prudential is in the process of selling off deposits and converting its thrift to a trust bank.
Insurer: Shelter Mutual
Thrift: Shelter Financial Bank (Nashville, TN)
Insurer: State Farm
Thrift: State Farm Bank FSB (Bloomington, IL)
Insurer: TIAA-CREF
Thrift: TIAA-CREF Trust Co. FSB (St. Louis, MO)
Insurer: UNIFI MHC
Thrift: Acacia FSB (Falls Church, VA)
Insurer: USAA
Thrift: USAA FSB (San Antonion, TX)
Insurer: WPS Health
Thrift: WPS Comm Bank FSB (Madison, WI)
Insurer: W.R. Berkley
Thrift: InsurBanc (Farmington, CN)
Source: National Underwriter, SNL Financial


text:
Thanks to Dutch car mag, Autovisie, we've got tentative proof the top-secret Giugiaro Mustang — a concept car reported to be a joint project of Ford design boss J Mays and ItalDesign's Fabrizio Giugiaro — exists in sheetmetal form. Set for a debut at the Los Angeles auto show later this month, the Italianized 'Stang will, according to Wards's Auto have the most powerful Mustang engine developed to date. It's not the first time an Italian had his way with a Mustang; at the 1965 New York Auto Show, Nuccio Bertone's showed off his company's 100th design — a prototype Ford Mustang commissioned by Automobile Quarterly and designed by then Bertone sidekick, Giorgetto Giugiaro.
[via Autovisie.nl]
Ferrari to Show Giugiaro-Designed Concept in Tokyo [internal]


text:
If he doesn't, he will be the last of the Lastnames.I had a student (and this name is not sad) named Thomas Reynolds Lastname the Eighth (VIII)....Hope he keeps the name going.
I had a student from Indonesia whose name was Djan Meow Liong. At the first of each semester, I called the roll by last name and ask the students to tell me what they wanted to be called (thus avoiding some embarrassing revelations).
When I said "Liong," he said, "I go by my first name."
"And how do you pronounce it?" I asked.
He said, "John."
Not knowing how the name was spelled, the rest of the class laughed.


text:
Central Japan International Airport is located on a man-made island 35km (22 miles) south of Nagoya.
Tokoname City
Ise Bay, Aichi Prefecture
Dialling code: +81
Telephone: (05) 6938 1195.
Lufthansa at the airport
Lufthansa Lounges
You can relax, take forty winks or get down to some work before your next flight in the Lufthansa and Star Alliance partner lounges at all major international airports.
To the loungefinder
How to get there
Driving Directions
It takes approximately 40 minutes to drive from central Nagoya to Central Japan International Airport. First, head south on the Nagoya Expressway, then merge onto the Chita Peninsula Road, before finally following the Centrair Line westwards to the airport.
The fastest means of transport between the airport and central Nagoya, the Nagoya Railroad (www.meitetsu.co.jp/eng) transports passengers from Meitetsu Nagoya Station to Central Japan International Airport in as little as 28 minutes. Tickets must be purchased before travel at a vending machine for a fee of ¥870. The Airport Station is connected to the terminal building by a walkway.
Buses to many destinations in the region, which are operated by a number of different companies, leave from outside the terminal building. The transfer time into Nagoya is about one hour, and the fare is around ¥1,400. Detailed information on other destinations is available from the airport information desks and on its website.
Shared-ride minibuses, known as Noriai taxis, operate to a number of destinations in Nagoya and Ishikawa prefectures.
Taxi ranks are located directly outside the Access Plaza, on the second level. A taxi information desk is positioned next to the central information counter on the second level for bookings and information. The fare to central Nagoya is around ¥15,000.
Car Parking
Long and short-term rates are available at the multistorey P1 and P2 car parks that are linked to the terminal by a walkway. Reservations can be made via the airport website or by contacting the parking office (tel: (05) 6938 7830).