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(Iraq) “Mommy blows up with toddler — this has got to be a new low for militant Islam”
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/04/28/jonathan-kay-mommy-blows-up-with-toddler-this-has-got-to-be-a-new-low-for-militant-islam.aspx
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/24/world/middleeast/24iraq.html

(North Korea) South Korean Pop star criticised after praising North Korea’s nuclear ambitions
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/5235314/Pop-star-criticised-after-praising-North-Koreas-nuclear-ambitions.html

(Communist China) Report: “China has 100 million people with mental illness”
— “From the late 1960s, Maoist thought attributed any mental illness to
an incorrect appreciation of the class struggle. Many mentally-ill patients
were taken from hospitals and sent to labour camps because of their
‘counterrevolutionary’ behaviour.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/5235487/China-has-100-million-people-with-mental-illness.html

Arrested Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo to receive prestigious award
— “Liu Xiaobo is to receive a prestigious literary award, but he will
spend the day in a windowless cell, unaware of the honour”
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article6183079.ece

New era of cooperation for Russia and China
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article6188506.ece

Commentaries:

(UK) The burkha of irony - by Emma Hartley
— Hartley says: “It’s all about power.”
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/emma_hartley/blog/2009/04/28/the_burkha_of_irony

Health Security News:

(U.S.) NYC: New York City Health Commissioner: ‘Many Hundreds’ of
School Students Sick With Suspected Swine Flu
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,518262,00.html

__._,_.___

Judge’s mercy prevents honor killing, for now
Worldnetdaily.com ^ | Monday, April 27, 2009 | Drew Zahn

Posted on Monday, April 27, 2009 8:59:58 PM by Lesforlife

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2239322/posts

If reposting elsewhere, please credit source of this research as UnitedStatesAction.com


7,151 posted on 04/28/2009 9:00:59 PM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: nw_arizona_granny

Well Granny, I finally got lucky and caught the local Walmart clerk stocking the ammo shelves... Got his only 3 bricks of 22 LR and 5 packs of 22 shot shells and some more boxes of shotgun shells. By the time I and 5 others finished grabbing, the shelves were emptier than when he started.

Now just have to find supply of rifled slugs, a cheap 410 single shot and ammo for my wife, and find magazines for my Remington 522 Viper.


7,155 posted on 04/28/2009 9:26:33 PM PDT by DelaWhere ("Without power over our own food, any notion of democracy is empty." - Frances Moore Lappe)
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To: All

INFLUENZA A (H1N1), “SWINE FLU”: ANIMAL HEALTH
**********************************************
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org

[1] Defra
[2] OIE

******
[1] Defra
Date: Mon 27 Apr 2009
Source: Defra, Global Animal Health - International Disease
Monitoring. Preliminary Outbreak Assessment. Ref VITT 1200 H1N1
Influenza from humans [edited]
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/monitoring/pdf/h1n1-090427.pdf

Risk of introducing H1N1 “North American influenza” to the UK pig population


Introduction

There is concern that a new strain of human influenza A type H1N1 has
been circulating in Mexico since mid-March 2009. It has now spread
further within North America and is under investigation elsewhere. It
has been suggested that this strain of influenza virus may have
originated from pigs. However the virus has not been isolated from
pigs and there have been no reports of unusual disease in pig herds.

This report provides general information on swine influenza and trade
in pigs and pig products. Information is also provided on this
outbreak of influenza in humans. Unlike avian influenza, swine
influenza is not a notifiable or statutory disease and it is not
listed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Pig keepers
and their veterinarians are therefore responsible for dealing with
outbreaks of influenza in pigs to safeguard the welfare and
productivity of their animals. Studies have shown that the previous
swine flu H1N1 strain is common throughout pig populations worldwide,
with around 25 percent of animals showing evidence of past exposure
to infection.

Swine influenza surveillance


Swine influenza is a disease of pigs caused by a virus (influenza
virus). Influenza viruses exist as various types and the principal
type found in pigs is type A. The virus is present in all pig
producing countries, including the UK. Clinical signs of the disease
may include dullness, fever, coughing, and breathlessness with often
a rapid recovery. Swine influenza is often seen in combination with
other diseases (Defra, 2009).

When current strains of influenza infect pigs, the virus remains
within the respiratory tract and does not spread to other parts of
the body. Carcase meat should therefore not be contaminated with
virus and international standards for trade in animals and animal
products do not impose any restrictions in respect of influenza virus
infection for the protection of either animal or human health. There
is no obligation under international rules to carry out surveillance
for swine influenza so the level of information available varies
between different countries.

H1N1 and H3N2 swine flu viruses are endemic among pig populations in
many countries and something that the industry deals with routinely.
Outbreaks among pigs normally occur in colder weather months (late
fall and winter) and sometimes with the introduction of new pigs into
susceptible herds. In the US studies have shown that between 30 and
50 percent of the pig population has been exposed to H1N1 infection
at some time (CDC, 2009).

Mexico does not routinely report swine influenza so there is some
uncertainty regarding the situation in that country. Canada has
reported no signs of increased disease or mortality in Canadian
swine. The Canadian veterinary authorities are urging pig owners to
report any signs of respiratory disease in pigs (Canadian Food
Inspection Agency, 2009).

The UK and some other members of the European Union undertake
surveillance to help detect the presence of animal diseases,
including novel strains of influenza viruses, which are not normally
present in the country/EU. The tests used in the UK would be capable
of detecting this new variant of H1N1 but no cases have been
identified.

Trade in pigs and pig products from North America


EU rules restrict trade from North America, not because of influenza
but in order to prevent the introduction of notifiable diseases in
animals. The following are permitted, provided that all the necessary
health conditions are met:

Country / live swine / fresh pig meat / cooked pig meat / porcine
semen and embryos
Mexico / no / no / no / no
USA / no / yes / yes / yes
Canada / yes / yes / yes / yes

Human influenza situation report


Since March 2009, Mexico reported an increase in the number of cases
of severe respiratory infection in humans. Cases were reported from
24 out of 32 states in Mexico. In April [2009] the USA reported 2
cases of human influenza in California. Currently cases have been
confirmed in New York, California, Texas, Kansas, and Ohio. In Canada
there are 4 confirmed cases in children returning from holiday in
Mexico. Suspect cases are being investigated in Spain, New Zealand,
and the UK (PAHO, 2009).

Laboratory analysis of 2 virus isolates from cases in the USA
confirmed the presence of influenza virus type A strain H1N1. The
genetic sequence indicated recombination of North American swine
influenza, North American avian influenza, human influenza virus, and
Eurasian swine influenza. This is a new recombination of virus
strains, not previously isolated.

Reports of disease consistent with an epizootic of influenza have not
been reported in swine in these countries and there are no
indications that human disease has arisen from contact with pigs
(PAHO, 2009). Further investigations into the epidemiology of the
disease are underway in Mexico and the USA, which may help confirm
the source of infection. However all reports suggest the virus is
transmitting directly from human to human and there is no evidence
that pigs are involved in disease spread at present. If any evidence
arises of infection of pigs, we will re-assess the risk.

Conclusions


We consider there is a negligible likelihood of introducing human
influenza strain H1N1 to the UK by the legal import of pigs or pig
products from North America. There is no evidence that meat or other
products would be contaminated with currently known strains of virus.
Current EU trade rules for live pigs and pig products are considered
appropriate to control this situation. Nevertheless, if future
surveillance indicates that pigs are involved in transmission of
disease or are reported to be infected, these rules can be
re-visited. Trade in live pigs is permitted from Canada and this
could possibly introduce a new strain of swine influenza virus to
European pig populations if Canadian pigs are infected. It is also
possible that an infectious human, returning to the UK, could
introduce a new strain to the pig population. In either case, pig
keepers are responsible for assuring themselves of the health status
of animals they buy. They are also responsible for implementing
biosecurity measures to safeguard their own livestock. However, there
is no obligation to report swine influenza so there is considerable
uncertainty as to the true situation in pigs. We will continue to
work with international organisations to understand whether there is
any unusual disease in pigs and whether any action to restrict trade
would be appropriate.

We will continue to review the situation.

References


1. Canadian Food Inspection Agency (2009): Swine Influenza - Advice
for Veterinarians and Swine Producers. Available from
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/disemala/swigri/swigrifse.shtml
Accessed 27 Apr 2009.
2. CDC (2009): Key Facts about Swine Influenza (Swine Flu). Available from
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm
Accessed 27 Apr 2009.
3. Defra (2009): Swine Influenza. Available from
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/vetsurveillance/az_index.htm#s
Accessed 27 Apr 2009
4. PAHO (2009): Influenza-like illness in the United States, Mexico.
Available from
http://new.paho.org/hq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1268&Itemid=327
Accessed 27 Apr 2009.


Communicated by:
Sabine Zentis
Castleview Pedigree English Longhorns
Gut Laach
52385 Nideggen
Germany
http://www.cvlonghorns.de
cvlonghorns@aol.com

******
[2] OIE
Date: Mon 27 Apr 2009
Source: OIE Press release [edited]
http://www.oie.int/eng/press/en_090427.htm

A/H1N1 influenza like human illness in Mexico and the USA: OIE statement


A virus circulating in Mexico and the USA and involving
person-to-person transmission appears to cause in some cases severe
disease in certain people infected by this virus. There is no
evidence that this virus is transmitted by food.

It is not a classical human influenza virus called seasonal
influenza, which causes every year millions of human cases of
influenza worldwide but a virus which includes in its characteristics
swine, avian, and human virus components.

Any current information in influenza-like animal disease in Mexico or
the USA could support a link between human cases and possible animal
cases including swine. The virus has not been isolated in animals to
date. Therefore, it is not justified to name this disease swine
influenza. In the past, many human influenza epidemics with animal
origin have been named using their geographic name, such as, Spanish
influenza or Asiatic influenza, thus it would be logical to call this
disease “North-American influenza.”

Urgent scientific research must be started in order to know the
susceptibility of animals to this new virus, and if relevant to
implement biosecurity measures including possible vaccination to
protect susceptible animals. If this virus would be shown to cause
disease in animals, virus circulation could worsen the regional and
global situation for public health.

Currently, only findings related to the circulation of this virus in
pigs in zones of countries having human cases would justify trade
measures on the importation of pigs from these countries. The OIE
will continue its alert function and will publish in relation with
its members, reference laboratories, and collaborating centres all
appropriate information in real time.

OIE and FAO underline the great value of the influenza veterinary
laboratory network called OFFLU [joint OIE-FAO network of expertise
on avian influenza], in charge of the surveillance of the evolution
of influenza viruses in animals. There is a strong need to reinforce
this network whose members are urged to put immediately in the public
domain any genetic sequence of influenza virus they obtain.

This influenza event underlines in all countries the crucial
importance of maintaining worldwide veterinary services able to
implement in animals early detection of relevant emerging pathogens
with a potential public health impact. This capacity is fully linked
with veterinary services good governance and their compliance with
OIE international standards of quality.


Communicated by:
Nati Elkin
E-mail nati@poultrymed.com

[The reservations above from naming the current A (H1N1) influenza
epidemic, which started, most probably, in March 2009 in Mexico, as
“swine influenza,” seem to the undersigned as fully justified.

Influenza A viruses include the avian, swine, equine, and canine
influenza viruses, as well as the human influenza A viruses. They can
cause disease in birds, swine, horses, ferrets, dogs, cats, mink,
seals, whales, and other species.

Avian influenza viruses mainly infect birds, but some strains can
also infect and/or cause disease in mammals, including humans (such
as, H5N1), without further spread among humans. Poultry can develop
serious or mild disease, depending on the subtype and strain of virus.

Equine influenza viruses mainly affect horses, donkeys, and mules;
they have also been reported in zebra. Antibodies to the equine H3N8
viruses have been reported in humans. An H3N8 equine influenza virus
appears to have jumped into dogs.

Canine influenza viruses have been seen only in dogs. To date, there
have been no infections reported in other species, including humans.

“Swine influenza” (hog flu, pig flu) in senso stricto is an animal
disease, caused by a specific porcine virus, namely swine influenza
virus (SIV). SIV’s are very contagious, mainly affecting pigs, but
can sporadically cause disease in turkeys and humans. Such an
interspecies infection, when occurring, is not followed by further
spread in the affected populations (”dead end” hosts). Experimental
infections have been established in cattle, dogs, and humans.

The current A (H1N1) influenza virus spreads readily among humans
without any known involvement of, or contact with pigs; when and
where its initial reassortment took place is not (yet?) known. Such
information is, apparently, not relevant anymore to the dynamics of
the epidemic: the causative virus can persist among humans
independently of animal involvement.

As rightly remarked by my colleague, Mod.CP, in the case of the
pandemic flus, it has been the region of origin of the outbreak that
had the honour — H1N1 in 1918 was Spanish flu, followed by Asian flu
(H2N2) in 1957, Hong Kong flu (H3N2) in 1968, and reappearance of
H1N1 (as Russian flu) in 1977. Hence, the current epidemic, even if
becoming a pandemic, deserves the name “Mexican flu” (or, as
suggested by the OIE, “North American flu”), rather than swine flu.
The designation as “swine flu” is misleading and has already led
consumers to undue concerns and several countries to impose
restrictions on the movement of animals, their products and — at
least in one case — other agricultural products of plant origin as
well. - Mod.AS]

[ProMED is using the term “swine flu” (in quotation marks) until a
better nomenclature is established and in order to be consistent with
common usage in the media and with CDC, other ministries of health
and WHO. We recognize that the virus has not been isolated from
swine and no evidence exists linking the current human outbreak with
exposure to swine. - Mod.LM]

[see also:
Influenza A (H1N1) “swine flu” (02): worldwide 20090427.1586
Influenza A (H1N1) “swine flu”: Worldwide 20090427.1583
Influenza A (H1N1) virus, human: worldwide 20090426.1577
Influenza A (H1N1) virus, human - New Zealand, susp 20090426.1574
Influenza A (H1N1) virus, human - N America (04) 20090426.1569
Influenza A (H1N1) virus, human - N America (03) 20090426.1566
Influenza A (H1N1) virus, human - N America (02) 20090425.1557
Influenza A (H1N1) virus, human - N America 20090425.1552
Acute respiratory disease - Mexico, swine virus susp 20090424.1546
Influenza A (H1N1) virus, swine, human - USA (02): (CA, TX) 20090424.1541
Influenza A (H1N1) virus, swine, human - USA: (CA) 20090422.1516
Influenza A (H1N1) virus, swine, human - Spain 20090220.0715
2008


Influenza A (H1N1) virus, swine, human - USA (TX) 20081125.3715
2007

Influenza A (H2N3) virus, swine - USA 20071219.4079
2006

Influenza, swine, human - USA (IA): November 2006 20070108.0077]
...................................arn/mj/lm


7,163 posted on 04/28/2009 10:00:49 PM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: All

http://www.atf.gov/press/2009press/042809atf_announces-grits_rollout.htm

ATF ANNOUNCES GUN RUNNER IMPACT TEAMS ROLLOUT

100 Additional Personnel Arrive in Houston

HOUSTON - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Acting
Director Kenneth Melson and Special Agent in Charge J. Dewey Webb, Houston
Field Division, today announced the arrival of its Gun Runner Impact Teams
(GRITs) personnel to the Houston Field Division in support of ATF’s
Southwest Border strategy, Project Gunrunner.

The GRITs will add special agents, industry operations investigators,
analytical, legal, technical and administrative support personnel, along
with investigative equipment and other resources to Project Gunrunner. This
supplemental initiative will be operational for 120 days, and is intended to
target and disrupt the groups and organizations responsible for trafficking
firearms to Mexico.

“Narcotics trafficking fuels firearms-related violent crime across the
United States, not just on the Southwest Border. But the violence on the
Border is concentrated and financed by powerful drug trafficking
organizations with a penchant for making blood money and shattering lives
using guns illegally,” said ATF Acting Director Kenneth Melson. “With GRIT
personnel, ATF has drawn a line in the sand against violent crime in Texas
and the entire country.”

The ATF Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information, using intelligence
from trace data, has created numerous investigative leads. This initiative
will focus on increasing: the number of firearms trafficking investigations
opened/closed during this period; the number of defendants referred for
prosecution; and the number of firearms and other evidence recovered. ATF
intends to reduce the availability of guns to Mexican drug trafficking
organizations.

ATF’s violent crime-fighting and firearms trafficking expertise and
regulatory authority, along with its strategic domestic and international
partnerships will help combat the increasing violence along the U.S.-Mexico
border, as well as throughout the country.

For more information on ATF and its programs, visit www.atf.gov
http://www.atf.gov/

Read: Acting
http://www.atf.gov/press/speech/2009/042809acting_dir-melson_remarks-grit_r
ollout.htm
Director Kenneth Melson’s Remarks


If we extend unlimited tolerance even to those who are intolerant, if we
are not prepared to defend a tolerant society against the onslaught of the
intolerant, then the tolerant will be destroyed, and tolerance with them. .
We should therefore claim, in the name of tolerance, the right not to
tolerate the intolerant. -Sir Karl Popper


7,164 posted on 04/28/2009 11:15:55 PM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: All

This is interesting, more so, if you caught the Jim Bohanon radio program, talking about this web site.

Making Home Affordable.com is the site that Obama gave out in his speech, not long ago.

Jim had two callers on the air and others that made reports by email to him.....They had filled out the form on the site, asking for help with their loans.

They were contacted by private attorneys who said the would help them fix the loan, cost about $3,000.

One had paid $1,000. to get his loan looked at, said to be refundable, and it was not returned when they said they could not help him.

Both were small business owners, trying to get through a hard patch, not leeches.

granny

http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/tg108.htm

Obama Administration Announces New Details on Making Home Affordable Program

To view or print the PDF content on this page, download the free Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®.

April 28, 2009
TG-108

Obama Administration Announces New Details
on Making Home Affordable Program

Parallel Second Lien Program to Help Homeowners Achieve Greater Affordability

Integration of Hope for Homeowners to Help Underwater Borrowers
Regain Equity in their Homes

You can view the Fact Sheet and Case Examples here.

WASHINGTON – The Obama Administration today announced details of new efforts to help bring relief to responsible homeowners under the Making Home Affordable Program, including an effort to achieve greater affordability for homeowners by lowering payments on their second mortgages as well as a set of measures to help underwater borrowers stay in their homes.

“With these latest program details, we’re offering even more opportunities for borrowers to make their homes more affordable under the Administration’s housing plan,” said Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. “Ensuring that responsible homeowners can afford to stay in their homes is critical to stabilizing the housing market, which is in turn critical to stabilizing our financial system overall. Every step we take forward is done with that imperative in mind.”

“Today’s announcements will make it easier for borrowers to modify or refinance their loans under FHA’s Hope for Homeowners program,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “We encourage Congress to enact the necessary legislative changes to make the Hope for Homeowners program an integral part of the Making Home Affordable Program.”

The Second Lien Program announced today will work in tandem with first lien modifications offered under the Home Affordable Modification Program to deliver a comprehensive affordability solution for struggling borrowers. Second mortgages can create significant challenges in helping borrowers avoid foreclosure, even when a first lien is modified. Up to 50 percent of at-risk mortgages have second liens, and many properties in foreclosure have more than one lien. Under the Second Lien Program, when a Home Affordable Modification is initiated on a first lien, servicers participating in the Second Lien Program will automatically reduce payments on the associated second lien according to a pre-set protocol. Alternatively, servicers will have the option to extinguish the second lien in return for a lump sum payment under a pre-set formula determined by Treasury, allowing servicers to target principal extinguishment to the borrowers where extinguishment is most appropriate.

Separately, the Administration has also announced steps to incorporate the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) Hope for Homeowners into Making Home Affordable. Hope for Homeowners requires the holder of the mortgage to accept a payoff below the current market value of the home, allowing the borrower to refinance into a new FHA-guaranteed loan. Refinancing into a new loan below the home’s market value takes a borrower from a position of being underwater to having equity in their home. By increasing a homeowner’s equity in the home, Hope for Homeowners can produce a better outcome for borrowers who qualify.

Under the changes announced today and, when evaluating borrowers for a Home Affordable Modification, servicers will be required to determine eligibility for a Hope for Homeowners refinancing. Where Hope for Homeowners proves to be viable, the servicer must offer this option to the borrower. To ensure proper alignment of incentives, servicers and lenders will receive pay-for-success payments for Hope for Homeowners refinancings similar to those offered for Home Affordable Modifications. These additional supports are designed to work in tandem and take effect with the improved and expanded program under consideration by Congress. The Administration supports legislation to strengthen Hope for Homeowners so that it can function effectively as an integral part of the Making Home Affordable Program.

Making Home Affordable, a comprehensive plan to stabilize the U.S. housing market, was first announced by the Administration on February 18. The three part program includes aggressive measures to support low mortgage rates by strengthening confidence in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; a Home Affordable Refinance Program, which will provide new access to refinancing for up to 4 to 5 million homeowners; and a Home Affordable Modification Program, which will reduce monthly payments on existing first lien mortgages for up to 3 to 4 million at-risk homeowners. Two weeks later, the Administration published detailed guidelines for the Home Affordable Modification Program and authorized servicers to begin modifications under the plan immediately. Twelve servicers, including the five largest, have now signed contracts and begun modifications under the program. Between loans covered by these servicers and loans owned or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, more than75 percent of all loans in the country are now covered by the Making Home Affordable Program.

Continuing to bolster its outreach around the program, the Administration also announced today a new effort to engage directly with homeowners via MakingHomeAffordable.gov. Starting today, homeowners will have the ability to submit individual questions through the website to the Administration’s housing team. Members of the Treasury and HUD staffs will periodically select commonly asked questions and post responses on MakingHomeAffordable.gov. To submit a question, homeowners can visit www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov/feedback.html. Selected questions from homeowners across the country and responses from the Administration will be available at www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov/asked-and-answered.html.

For additional details on the program announced today, please see the Program Update Fact Sheet.

###

REPORTS

* Second Lien Program Fact Sheet
* Second Lien Program Case Examples


7,165 posted on 04/28/2009 11:48:07 PM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: All

Denver Police Scanner at 12 am:

Dispatcher to officer: “ ‘location’, man reports he was walking his bird, when held up at gun point by 2 black males, they did not take his turtle.”

Assigned officer: “Did anyone see two black males, dressed all in black, carrying a white Cockatiel?”

And sadly, a different call, answered by a different call to an officer, said the called officer could not answer that call, as he had been ‘maced’ in the eyes and could not see.

No idea where the mace happened, could it be related to the 5,000 teen mob?

Everyone that Denver is looking for tonight, has a gun.

LOL, I do think that is the first time I have heard of an armed robbery for a Cockatiel.


7,166 posted on 04/29/2009 1:06:27 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: All

Official Confirms First US Swine Flu Death
An official with the Centers for Disease Control says a 23-month-old Texas child
is the first American victim of the swine flu outbreak.

MORE DETAILS: http://www.10News.com/tu/5GoycFxVv.html


7,170 posted on 04/29/2009 4:58:23 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: All

http://wcbstv.com/topstories/air.force.one.2.996457.html

FAA Memo: Feds Knew NYC Flyover Would Cause Panic
Threatened Federal Sanctions Against NYPD, Secret Service, FBI & Mayor’s Office If Secret Ever Got Out
Furious Obama Apologizes: “It Will Never Happen Again

snipped

The cost of the frivolous flight was about $60,000 an hour and that was just for Air Force One. That doesn’t include the cost of the two F-16s that came along.

The mayoral aide who neglected to tell Mayor Michael Bloomberg about it was reprimanded.

[This one leaves me very confused........WHY??? would anyone be so stupid???? granny]



7,173 posted on 04/29/2009 5:06:16 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: All; metmom; Calpernia

http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/personalcare04_09.html

Personal Care Products Conducts Nationwide Recall of Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Lawrence Weisberg
248-258-1555

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — April 29, 2009 — Personal Care Products of Bingham Farms, MI is voluntarily conducting a nationwide recall of all lots of Personal Care non-acetone nail polish remover, conditioner enriched with gelatin, 6 fl. oz., UPC 4815592076, because it does not meet product specifications and has the potential to cause chemical burns to the fingers of users.

The product has been sold nationwide in small discount retail stores and retailers are being instructed to remove the product from sale and to return it to Personal Care Products.

Personal Care has received two complaints of burns to the fingers resulting from the use of the product.

Any person who purchased a bottle of Personal Care non-acetone nail polish remover, conditioner enriched with gelatin is urged to return it to the store of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions may contact Personal Care Products at 1-248-258-1555, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. EDT.

#

Photo: Product Label


7,177 posted on 04/29/2009 5:43:24 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: All; PGalt; metmom; Calpernia

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/news/

Hot Topics

Food Protection Plan | Heparin Update | FDA Key Initiatives »

FDA Press Releases

Apr. 28

FDA Requires Additional Labeling for Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers to Help Consumers Use Products Safely

Apr. 28

SAMHSA and FDA Join to Educate the Public on the Safe Use of Methadone

Apr. 27

FDA Authorizes Emergency Use of Influenza Medicines, Diagnostic Test in Response to Swine Flu Outbreak in Humans

Recalls & Alerts

Personal Care Products Conducts Nationwide Recall of Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover Because of Possible Health Risk (April 29)

Austinuts Wholesale, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Pistachio Kernels (April 27)

McCormick and Company Recalls Lawry’s Fajitas Spices and Seasonings Packages Due to Unlabeled Milk Ingredients (April 24)

More Press Releases »

More Recalls & Alerts »
More News


7,179 posted on 04/29/2009 5:54:42 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: All; metmom

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/04/28/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry4975598.shtml

[snipped]

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has sent a memo to some health care providers noting procedures to be followed if the swine flu outbreak eventually makes quarantines necessary.

DHS Assistant Secretary Bridger McGaw circulated the swine flu memo, which was obtained by CBSNews.com, on Monday night. It says: “The Department of Justice has established legal federal authorities pertaining to the implementation of a quarantine and enforcement. Under approval from HHS, the Surgeon General has the authority to issue quarantines.”

McGaw appears to have been referring to the section of federal law that allows the Surgeon General to detain and quarantine Americans “reasonably believed to be infected” with a communicable disease. A Centers for Disease Control official said on Tuesday that swine flu deaths in the U.S. are likely.

Federal quarantine authority is limited to diseases listed in presidential executive orders; President Bush added “novel” forms of influenza with the potential to create pandemics in Executive Order 13375. Anyone violating a quarantine order can be punished by a $250,000 fine and a one-year prison term.
he memo from McGaw, who is DHS’ acting assistant secretary for the private sector, also said: “U.S. Customs and Coast Guard Officers assist in the enforcement of quarantine orders. Other DOJ law enforcement agencies including the U.S. Marshals, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives may also enforce quarantines. Military personnel are not authorized to engage in enforcement.”

snipped...


7,181 posted on 04/29/2009 6:07:36 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: All; metmom

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2240246/posts?q=1&;page=101

Now they are posting that the dead child was visiting from Mexico.

Will they close the border?

One of the terrorist training manuals, planned it out, that the simple way to conduct germ warfare, is to send sick people, as they are secret, and contaminate so many that they come in contact with.

Also planned the expected spraying with crop dusters and there are still a couple of them, stolen and thought to be in Mexico.

The Palestinians use nails and bolts soaked in diseased blood in the bombs they set off in Israel, have for years.

The suicide vest bombers are often people infected with something that you will catch, if you get the blood and flesh on you.........

So, whatever one really thinks, the facts are out there that at the very least, there are jihadi all over the world jumping with glee, as this disease is spread.


7,185 posted on 04/29/2009 6:25:14 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: All

This one is really worth the read!

WIFE FROM HELL

A police officer pulls over a speeding car. The officer says, ‘ I
clocked you at 80 miles per hour, sir.’

The driver says, ‘Gee, officer I had it on cruise control at 60,
perhaps your radar gun needs calibrating.’

Not looking up from her knitting the wife says: ‘Now don’t be silly
dear, you know that this car doesn’t have cruise control.’

As the officer writes out the ticket, the driver looks over at his wife
and growls, ‘Can’t you please keep your mouth shut for once?’

The wife smiles demurely and says, ‘You should be thankful your radar
detector went off when it did.’

As the officer makes out a second ticket for the illegal radar detector
unit fitted in the car he had just pulled over, the man glowers at his
wife and says through clenched teeth, ‘Dangit, woman, can’t you keep your
mouth shut?’

The officer frowns and says, ‘And I notice that you’re not wearing your
seat belt, sir. That’s an automatic $75 fine.’

The driver says, ‘Yeah, well, you see officer, I had it on, but took it
off when you pulled me over so that I could get my license out of my
back pocket.’

The wife says, ‘Now, dear, you know very well that you didn’t haveyour
seat belt on. You never wear your seat belt when you’re driving.’

And as the police officer is writing out the third ticket the driver
turns to his wife and barks, ‘WHY DON’T YOU PLEASE SHUT UP??’

The officer looks over at the woman and asks, ‘Does your husband always
talk to you this way, Ma’am?’

I love this part............ :

.
.
.

‘Only when he’s been drinking.’


7,187 posted on 04/29/2009 7:03:16 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: All

Breaking News


BREAKING NEWS: First Confirmed Swine Flu Case In Nevada
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms the first case of swine
flu in Nevada.

MORE DETAILS: http://www.fox5vegas.com/tu/5GoPZXwoT.html


7,193 posted on 04/29/2009 9:06:31 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: All

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/rss/pandemicflu/news.xml

PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases

Welcome to the PandemicFlu.gov RSS news feed provided by the Department of Health and Human Services.

CDC Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems and 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs)
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 8:30 AM
This document will be available soon.

CDC Guidance for Clinicians: Children and Pregnant Women who may be Infected with Swine Flu
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 8:30 AM

Today CDC issued new interim guidance for clinicians on how to care for children and pregnant women who may be infected with a new influenza virus of swine origin that is spreading in the U.S. and internationally. Children and pregnant women are two groups of people who are at high risk of serious complications from seasonal influenza.

CDC Updated Guidance: Case Definitions to be Used For Investigations of Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Cases
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 8:30 AM
This document provides interim guidance for state and local health departments conducting investigations of human cases of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus (S-OIV). The following case definitions are for the purpose of investigations of suspected, probable, and confirmed cases of S-OIV infection.

CDC: Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of Medical Products and Devices for Swine Flu
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 8:30 AM
Swine Flu: Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of Medical Products and Devices

CDC Guidance for Clinicians: Identifying and Caring for Patients with Swine-origin Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 8:30 AM
This document provides interim guidance for clinicians who might provide care for patients with swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) or suspected swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. It will be periodically updated as information becomes available.

WHO Update for Travelers
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 8:30 AM
Several countries have confirmed cases of swine influenza. General information on the swine influenza have been posted on the WHO website.

CDC Briefing on Public Health Investigation of Human Cases of Swine Influenza
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 8:30 AM
Before I start, I wanted to call the media’s attention to three new e-mail addresses that we have brought online today to help us manage, as you can imagine, a relatively high volume of media requests. And so we have tried to structure this. And again, we’ve never done this before, so it’s going to be a learning experience for us as well.

CDC Guidance for Clinicians: Prevention and Treatment of Swine-Origin Influenza Virus Infection in Young Children
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 8:30 AM
This document provides interim guidance for clinicians who are caring for young children with confirmed or suspected swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.

CDC Guidance to Assist Airline Flight Deck and Cabin Crew in Identifying Passengers Who May Have Swine Influenza
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 3:30 PM
A new swine influenza A (H1N1) virus has infected humans in the United States and Mexico.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that this swine
influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at
this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people. Some infected individuals
are known to have traveled on international and domestic flights while infectious.

CDC Provides Swine Flu Public Service Announcements
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 3:30 PM
CDC PSAs provide timely messages about what you can do to protect yourself and your family.

WHO Issues Instructions for Shipments of Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Specimens and Virus Isolates to WHO Collaborating Centres for Influenza
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 3:30 PM
Instructions for shipments of swine influenza A(H1N1) specimens and virus isolates to WHO Collaborating Centres for influenza

WHO Updates International Swine Flu Situation
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 3:30 PM
The situation continues to evolve rapidly. As of 19:15 GMT, 28 April 2009, seven countries have officially reported cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection. The United States Government has reported 64 laboratory confirmed human cases, with no deaths. Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection including seven deaths.

Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Proclamation to Confront Swine Flu Outbreak in California
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 1:20 PM
As part of the state’s aggressive approach to addressing the swine flu, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today proclaimed a State of Emergency that will support and facilitate our state health departments’ response to this outbreak. While there is no need for alarm, it is the Governor’s top priority to limit the swine flu’s spread as quickly and effectively as possible and this action represents one more step being taken to strengthen California’s response capabilities.

CDC Guidance for Clinicians: Pregnant Women and Swine Influenza
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 12:50 PM
Pregnant women with swine influenza would be expected to present with typical acute respiratory illness (e.g., cough, sore throat, rhinorrhea) and fever or feverishness. Many pregnant women will go on to have a typical course of uncomplicated influenza. However, for some pregnant women, illness might progress rapidly, and might be complicated by secondary bacterial infections including pneumonia.

CDC Daily Update - Human Swine Influenza Investigation
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 11:30 AM
The human swine flu outbreak continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, CDC reports additional cases of confirmed swine influenza and a number of hospitalizations of swine flu patients. Internationally, the situation is more serious too, with additional countries reporting confirmed cases of swine flu.

CDC Releases Guidance on Specimen Collection and Processing for Patients with Suspected Swine Flu
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 9:00 AM
Objective: To provide interim guidance on appropriate specimen collection, storage, and processing for patients with suspected swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.

CDC Releases Antiviral Recommendations for Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Flu
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 9:00 AM
Objective: To provide interim guidance on the use of antiviral agents for treatment and chemoprophylaxis of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. This includes patients with confirmed, probable or suspected swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection and their close contacts.

CDC Releases Guidance for Infection Control for Care of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Flu in a Healthcare Setting
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 9:00 AM
To date, human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been confirmed in residents of California, Texas, and Mexico. Illness signs and symptoms have consisted of influenza-like illness - fever and respiratory tract illness (cough, sore throat, runny nose), headache, muscle aches - and some cases have had vomiting and diarrhea. These cases had illness onset during late March to mid-April 2009. However, cases of severe respiratory disease, including fataloutcomes, have been reported in Mexico. The potential for exacerbation of underlying chronic medical conditions or invasive bacterial infection with swine influenza virus infection should be considered.

FDA Authorizes Emergency Use of Influenza Medicines, Diagnostic Test in Response to Swine Flu Outbreak in Humans
Monday, April 27, 2009 3:00 PM
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in response to requests from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) to make available to public health and medical personnel important diagnostic and therapeutic tools to identify and respond to the swine flu virus under certain circumstances. The agency issued these EUAs for the use of certain Relenza and Tamiflu antiviral products, and for the rRT-PCR Swine Flu Panel diagnostic test.


7,194 posted on 04/29/2009 9:16:02 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: All

http://www.cbs8.com/Global/story.asp?S=10271563

Breaking News Alert: California Marine May Have Swine Flu
The Marine Corps has announced one of its members in California may have the swine flu.

He’s been confined to the 29 Palms Marine Base. Thirty nine others are being confined until tests come back. It’s believed that 37 troops had been in contact with the sick Marine.

They have been restricted from going to the mess hall for now, until the tests results come back.


7,195 posted on 04/29/2009 9:23:30 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: All; metmom; Calpernia

http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/naturehealth04_09.html

Nature & Health Co. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Libimax, a Product Marketed as a Dietary Supplement

Contact:
Boksik (Aka Robert) Kim
(714) 257-1800

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Brea, CA – April 27, 2007 — Nature & Health Co., located in Brea, California, announced today that it is conducting a voluntary nationwide recall of the company’s supplement product sold under the name Libimax. The Company has been informed by representatives of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that lab analysis by FDA of Libimax samples found the product contains tadalafil, an active ingredient of an FDA-approved drug for erectile dysfunction (ED), making Libimax an unapproved drug. FDA advised that this poses a threat to consumers because tadalafil may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. According to the FDA, consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates. FDA advises that ED is a common problem in men with these conditions, and they may seek products to enhance sexual performance. FDA advises that tadalafil, may cause side effects, such as headaches and flushing.

The recalled Libimax is sold as a 1 capsule individual pack or 10-capsule and 20-capsule plastic bottles in retail stores in California, Georgia, Illinois, Texas, and Ohio. The product label neither states it contains tadalafil nor warns consumers with high blood pressure not to ingest the product.

Consumers who have Libimax in their possession should stop using it immediately and contact their physician if they experienced any problem that may be related to taking this product. The public is encouraged to submit a report of any serious adverse events that occur with the use of Libimax to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm ], by phone [1-800-FDA-1088], or by returning the postage-paid FDA form 3500 [which may be downloaded from www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm] by mail [to MedWatch, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787] or fax [1-800-FDA-0178].

Nature & Health Co. is committed to providing accurate information about its products because of concern for the health and safety of consumers. Nature & Health Co. is working with the FDA in the recall process. It sincerely regrets any inconvenience to customers.

No illnesses have been reported to the Company to date in connection with this product.

Consumers should return any unused Libimax, for a refund of the full purchase price or price for the unused portion, to the retail location where it was purchased or to contact Nature & Health directly at (714) 257-1800 Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm or by email at sales@naturenhealth.com to receive further instructions for returning the product or with any questions.


7,200 posted on 04/29/2009 1:11:33 PM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: All

WHO Raises Flu Pandemic Threat Level To 5
The World Health Organization raises its pandemic alert to phase 5, which is
just one step below level 6, a full-fledged pandemic.

MORE DETAILS: http://www.10News.com/tu/5Gp8muctE.html


7,202 posted on 04/29/2009 1:32:17 PM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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