Tag Archives: indian

New Superbacteria, Immune To Most Antibiotics, Found Spreading Fast

“A new mutation that makes bacteria resistant to pretty much every antibiotic known to man has become increasingly prevalent on the Indian subcontinent and has made the leap to both the UK and the United States, according to a new report in the Lancet. Because there's nothing modern medical science can do to stop it, the NDM-1 “superbug” may spread globally. NDM-1 (or New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase) is a gene mutation that arms many common and harmful bacteria like E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae with a resistance that can even withstand carbapenems, the antibiotics used as a last resort when more common drugs have no effect. What's worse, the gene has been found on plasmids — particularly promiscuous bits of mobile DNA that can move easily between strains of bacteria. The details of the study tracking NDM-1's transcontinental jump (most plausibly via medical tourism, in case you were curious) are described in this article by Tim Walsh in the Lancet Infectious Diseases journal. “In many ways, this is it,” Walsh told the Guardian. “This is potentially the end. There are no antibiotics in the pipeline that have activity against NDM 1-producing Enterobacteriaceae. It is the first time it has got to this stage with these type of bacteria.”” But now that we've sufficiently participated in the fearmongering, let's put NDM-1 in some kind of perspective. There are many highly resistant bugs out there (MRSA comes to mind), and each time a new one arrives on the bacterial scene, doomsday is declared only to later be downgraded to a threatening but not critical medical situation. A different mutation ravaged NYC hospitals a decade ago, and while officials were deeply concerned about that infectious strain the city and the larger world did not suffer a public health disaster. What is troubling is that the gene is highly mobile and there aren't really any treatments in the works to combat NDM-1 or to slow its spread. In hospital environments that's very troubling, akin to being in the trenches with plenty of rifles but no ammunition. Alternatives to antibiotics like bacteriophages might be effective in putting the brakes on NDM-1-reinforced bacteria, but in standard medical practice antibiotics are the way we treat bacterial infections and even if an experimental treatment is found to be effective it will take a good deal of time to get it approved for widespread use.” http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-08/new-bacterial-mutation-makes-commo… added by: DeliaTheArtist

Grimault’s Asthmatic Cigarettes

ANTI-ASTHMA CIGARETTES: Because of our present day disgust for the tobacco industry, one is tempted to dismiss the idea of a medical (life saving) cigarette altogether. But that would be a mistake: Cannabis, in its smokable form, has been known to quickly stop full-scale asthma attacks. A medical fact that, while only scientifically proven in the late 20th Century, did not go unnoticed by 19th Century medical practitioners. To quote a major medical journal of its day: CIGARETTES OF CANNABIS INDICA. Medical Times and Gazette. Medical News; Oct 1870; 28, 334; “The cigarettes of Cannabis Indica, made by Gremault, of Paris, have been found most efficient in the treatment of affections of the organs of respiration and circulation, no less than in affections of the central and peripheral nervous system. The unpleasant effects which so often follow the internal and subcutaneous use of opium and of Cannabis Indica are not produced by the cigarette. There use is recommended (1) in spinal neuroses, and epilepsy; (2) in neurosis of the sensory nerves, neuralgia of the teeth, branches of the fifth pair, the sciatic nerves; (3) neuroses of the motor nerves, spasm of the throat air passages; (4) affections of the sympathetic nerves, hysteria, and other diseases not attended with plethora, and congestion of the head, heart, or lungs. They are especially useful in asthma, peruses, spasm of the stomach and intestinal canal, nervous palpitation of the heart, and exert a quieting influence over the whole nervous system.” INDIAN CIGARETTES by Grimault & Co.: This particular brand “Indian Cigarettes” [1] manufactured by the Grimault Corporation, is of special interest to us. This is due mainly to the fact that it seems to have been the ONLY established brand name of Cannabis Cigarettes offered for sale in this country. Also, remembering that medical marihuana cigarettes were quite legal back then, it is one of the most highly documented brand names available. According to the United Nations [Bulletin on Narcotics 1951],[2] Under the subtitle: “Preparations exempted from the control measures of the Narcotics Conventions: The following formula is given: Preparation # 5: Indian Cigarettes of Grimault (Dr. Ph. Chapelle) Government: Siam Notification: C.L.302.1930.III. Annex I Formula: # Belladonna leaves – 0.962 gm # Cannabis indica extract – 0.0005 gm. # Nitrate of potash – 0.033 gm Which brings up an interesting subject; Again, according to the United Nations [Bulletin on Narcotics 1962],[3] the following is stated: “Preparations made from extract or tincture of cannabis were not mentioned in the 1925 Convention, but in 1935 were brought within the control of the Convention by a decision of the Health Committee of the League of Nations under article 10 of the Convention. Such preparations are in some respects under a stricter control than the extract and tinctures themselves. Preparations made from the extract and tincture which are capable only of external use, and a medicinal cigarette called “Indian Cigarettes of Grimault” (Dr. P. H. Chapelle) are exempted from control.[ League of Nations document C.136.M.87. 1939. III ] Which brings up a good trivia question; Are these cigarettes, “Under InterNational Treaty Law,” still legal today? Hmmm! An interesting question, but one beyond the subject and interests of antique collectors. [1] With reference to Indians from India. [2] UnitedNationsBulletinOnNarcotics1951Issue4-001.htm Subsection: Preparations exempted from the control measures of the Narcotics Conventions [3] Bulletin on Narcotics – 1962 Issue 4 http://www.undcp.org/bulletin/bulletin_1962-01-01_4_page005.html http://antiquecannabisbook.com/chap7/CGrimault.htm added by: JackHerer

CNN Correspondent Touts Mangos as Tool to Fight Militants

Mango diplomacy, maybe.  Mango defense, not so much. It would be much less disconcerting to say the above headline is a joke, ripped from the headlines of The Onion .  But alas, it is frighteningly accurate. Hillary Clinton recently lauded the benefits of Pakistani mangos in a discussion of better trade cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan. As Reuters reports, “Hillary Clinton has lots to worry about in Pakistan, but she has found one thing she can wholeheartedly embrace:  Pakistani mangos … Clinton suggested mangos might be one place to start when discussing benefits of better trade cooperation, including Pakistani requests for improved market access.” But an analysis (emphasis mine) of Clinton’s economic recovery efforts via CNN’s Reza Sayah , defies explanation, and require a tremendous leap in logic from economic benefits, to military benefits (h/t Weasel Zippers via Michelle Malkin): Well, I think the U.S., the Obama administration, is convinced that this is the right approach.  In addition to the military approach, you have to have an economic approach. They say it’s an interesting project here.   If Mrs. Clinton has her way in the months and years to come, Pakistan will export more of its delicious and very juicy mangoes. Americans will eat them.   It will all be a part of the fight against militants. Sayeh later doubles down on the mango defense system, explaining that “… the ultimate goal is success against militants in this region.”  The mango program, he surmises, will help to curb anti-Americanism and bridge a “huge trust deficit”.  Sayeh swings for the fences at the end with, “So if you like mangos, look for Pakistani mangos to come to a fruit stand near you in the months and years to come.” John Roberts concluded the report by agreeing with the tasty allure of the legendary but intimidating, Pakistani mango: “That would be a good thing, too, because they’re quite good.” Indeed. But isn’t using mangos as a tool to curb anti-Americanism a form of mango propaganda?  Following the news, mango sales in Afghanistan rose sharply, as militants attempted to reverse engineer the fruity weaponry. To be fair, perhaps Sayeh thought that Clinton was deploying a similar program developed by the Indian army, in which they announced plans to use the world’s hottest chili pepper as a weapon to flush out terrorists.  But if India plans to use smoke grenades with a material 100 times hotter than a jalapeño, what would ‘delicious and very juicy mangos’ do to militants, make them drool into submission?  Truly, a fate worse than waterboarding.  Photo Credit:  B.K.Bangash/AP Please send tips/comments to Weiss.Rusty@gmail.com . 

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CNN Correspondent Touts Mangos as Tool to Fight Militants

Anna’s Doc: They’re Going After Me ‘Cause I’m Gay

Filed under: Anna Nicole Smith , Dr. Sandeep Kapoor , Celebrity Justice One of the doctors on trial for allegedly conspiring to fuel Anna Nicole Smith with drugs claims he’s being prosecuted because he’s openly gay and a member of an ethnic minority. Dr. Sandeep Kapoor , an openly-gay man of East Indian descent, claims in… Read more

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Anna’s Doc: They’re Going After Me ‘Cause I’m Gay

Critically Endangered Indian Vultures Bred for First Time in Captivity

White-rumped vulture, photo: Lip Kee Yap via flickr Some hope for three species of endangered Indian vultures: Conservationists have successfully bred all of them in captivity for the first time. Considering that at current rates of decline–brought about in no small part because of a painkiller used in cattle (more on that below)–these vultures would be globally extinct within 10 years, the importance of this seems clear. … Read the full story on TreeHugger

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Critically Endangered Indian Vultures Bred for First Time in Captivity

U.S. Limiting Corporate Nuclear Liability

Even as President Obama is insisting that BP pay for all the damage caused by its oil spill, his administration is leaning on the Indian government to render its citizens unable to claim damages from U.S. power-plant suppliers in the event of a nuclear accident. Before U.S. companies enter India's burgeoning nuclear-power market, the U.S. government is pushing for legislation limiting their liability. “The passing of the bill by Indian parliament would mean a win-win situation for both the countries, generating employment as well as giving India abundant clean energy,” U.S. Ambassador Timothy J. Roemer said. Clean is a curious word to use in this context, given that the bill is necessitated by the potentially catastrophic filthiness of nuclear power. The bill in question would indemnify foreign suppliers and make India's domestic operators responsible for the costs of nuclear disasters — though only up to a point. Domestic operators' liabilities are to be capped at about $110 million, after which the Indian government would be responsible. If damages exceed $460 million, the victims would be on their own. The Chernobyl disaster is estimated to have cost more than $250 billion. In the event of such a catastrophe, India's liability bill would put almost the entire burden on victims and taxpayers, giving suppliers and operators less incentive to ensure safety. To be sure, indemnifying suppliers and capping the liability of operators are the international norms, or else few companies would be in the nuclear business. The Price-Anderson Act, which regulates liability for nuclear accidents in the United States, also channels costs to operators and caps them at $11 billion (to be shared by the industry as a whole). That is a considerable sum, though it's arguably inadequate in light of the staggering potential costs of a nuclear calamity. Nevertheless, the law allows victims to sue for additional damages. Indians, by contrast, stand to lose this right under the proposed nuclear-liability law. Arguments over India's nuclear bill have been particularly passionate because of memories of the night in December 1984 when clouds of poison gas escaped from a Union Carbide pesticide factory in Bhopal, in central India. At least 15,000 people have died as a result, and more than 100,000 have suffered permanent impairment. At the time, the Indian government estimated damages at $3.3 billion, and today, given extensive long-term effects that no one foresaw, they would be reckoned as far greater. But Union Carbide paid a settlement of only $470 million. Circumstantial evidence suggests the Reagan administration prevailed upon Indian leaders to go easy on Union Carbide. Story continues http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/06/28-5 added by: Stoneyroad

Elizabeth Hurley’s Tits Hang With Her Rich Husband of the Day

The funny thing about Elizabeth Hurley is not that she was dating Hugh Grant back when he got busted for trying to fuck a tranny. It is not that she has an illegit kid with some billionaire notorious for knocking bitches up and pretending the kids aren’t his. It is that he married herself a slumdog millionaire. Sure, there’s probably nothing wrong with Indian people, I am sure they are lovely and every single Indian I have ever spoken to at an outsourced call center or an Indian restaurant has been alright….I guess it’s just weird to see an Indian dude with hot white pussy. I guess he doesn’t mind a 45 year old with baggage because she’s Liz Hurley and has great tits….and she doesn’t mind his curry smell cuz his money is a great distraction…But you can’t put a price on love…who cares if he owned the factory she was getting her swimsuits made in…but you can put a price on great natural tits…especially if you’re a stripper, pornstar or prostitute… Pics via Fame

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Elizabeth Hurley’s Tits Hang With Her Rich Husband of the Day

Beautiful Herb-Infused Organic Clothing for Fall 2010 (Photos)

A.D.O. herb-infused organic cotton dress with coconut buttons. Credit: A.D.O. The key to curing arthritis, insomnia, or bronchitis could be in your clothes. A.D.O. Clothing follows ayurvastra, a branch of traditional Indian ayurvedic medicine that translates literally to “life or health-clothing.” The New Jersey-based label marries herb-infused organic cotton and rich, naturally-dyed hues with modern designs for fall 2010. Click through for photos and more on ayurvedic treatm… Read the full story on TreeHugger

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Beautiful Herb-Infused Organic Clothing for Fall 2010 (Photos)

Greece vs. Nigeria 2010 World Cup Live Blog

Filed under: FIFA World Cup , Greece , Nigeria FanHouse has a Greece vs. Nigeria live blog for a World Cup 2010 Group B match in Bloemfontein, South Africa on Thursday. Greece and Nigeria both lost their 2010 World Cup openers. Greece lost to South Korea 2-0, while Nigeria lost 1-0 to Argentina. More Live Blogs Thursday: Argentina vs. South Korea | Mexico vs. France More FanHouse UK: Injuries to Watch | Where Are They Now? | Full Coverage

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Greece vs. Nigeria 2010 World Cup Live Blog

Legal ruling delays 14-year-old’s attempt to sail solo round the world

Dutch court extends supervision order for Laura Dekker, who is a ward of the state, amid concerns for her safety A Dutch court has extended a supervision order on a 14-year-old girl, further delaying her quest to become the latest and youngest teenager to sail solo around the world. Laura Dekker was made a ward of the state last year amid concerns that her plan to set sail aboard her small yacht would endanger her physical and social welfare. She was 13 at the time. The decision comes after 16-year-old Abby Sunderland had to be rescued in the Indian Ocean after a similar attempt last week, prompting widespread criticism of her parents for allowing her to undertake such a dangerous journey alone. Sunderland’s voyage ended when waves snapped her mast, prompting a 20-hour international rescue operation. In Holland, Dekker has taken on an intense period of training to try to convince the authorities she is capable of completing the journey, her lawyer Peter de Lange told the court. She has passed a first aid diploma, become accustomed to lack of sleep and arranged to do schoolwork online. But the court in the southern Dutch city of Middelburg ruled that she should remain under state supervision for at least another month. Social workers had asked for a two-month extension of the order. Under the conditions of the ruling, Dekker has been allowed to live at home but her parents have had to consult child protection authorities about all major decisions. Dekker lives with her father, who is encouraging her record-breaking plans, while her mother has objected. The couple are separated. Last December, out of apparent frustration at the court order, Dekker fled alone to the Dutch Caribbean island of St Maarten. When she returned two days later, she was interviewed by the police. The unofficial record for the youngest round-the-world sailor belongs to 16-year-old Australian Jessica Watson , who completed her voyage last month. Netherlands Sailing Matthew Weaver guardian.co.uk

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Legal ruling delays 14-year-old’s attempt to sail solo round the world