Monthly Archives: May 2012

11th International Conference on Preimplantation Genetics Diagnosis Welcome remarks Nicolas H. Zech – Video

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30-05-2012 10:32 Nicolas H. Zech, Congress President Where to next for PGD? From polar body to blastocyst -- the evolving genome Dear Colleagues! On behalf of the Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis International Society (PGDIS) we take great pleasure in inviting you to our biannually held 11th International Conference in Bregenz, Austria. The PGD Conference will address a much wider range of topics than PGD, as the recent developments in related areas may soon move PGD from a research tool to the basic procedure in reproductive medicine and genetic practices. First of all, the recent application of microarray technology and next generation sequencing may clearly improve the accuracy of PGD for genetic and chromosomal disorders, so array-CGH, SNP arrays, genome wide analysis and next generation sequencing for single cell analysis will be one of the major topics of the Conference. In addition some related theoretical issues, such as molecular aspects of meiosis and cell fate in the preimplantation embryo will be also addressed. On the other hand, because of increasing importance of clinical aspects of PGD, a number of Workshops will be organized on advance topics in clinical PGD, as well as a few debates on controversial issues in PGD, such as the optimal stage for performing biopsy procedures and reproductive outcome of preimplantation aneuploidy testing, prior to and after the application of 24-chromosome analysis, currently performed in a few dozens of thousands of cycles. As PGD is still ...

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11th International Conference on Preimplantation Genetics Diagnosis Welcome remarks Nicolas H. Zech - Video

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital identify a genetic cause for CLOVES syndrome

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Public release date: 31-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Erin Tornatore erin.tornatore@childrens.harvard.edu 617-919-3110 Children's Hospital Boston

Boston, Mass. Using advanced technologies for rapidly sequencing and analyzing DNA from clinical and pathologic samples, a multidisciplinary research team consisting of geneticists, pathologists and surgeons at Boston Children's Hospital has identified the genetic basis for CLOVES syndrome, a rare congenital malformation and overgrowth disorder.

The discovery raises the hope that, for the first time, it will be possible to develop targeted medical treatments capable of delaying, reversing or possibly preventing CLOVES's debilitating consequences. Importantly, it also demonstrates the potential of advanced DNA sequencing technologies for identifying the underlying molecular roots of malformation disorders that are genetic but not hereditary.

The teamled by Matthew Warman, MD, director of the Orthopedic Research Laboratories at Boston Children's, and Kyle Kurek, MD, of the hospital's department of Pathology, and members of the hospital's Vascular Anomalies Centerreported the discovery today in the online edition of the American Journal of Human Genetics.

Some 90 children worldwide have been diagnosed with CLOVES (which stands for Congenital Lipomatous Overgrowth, Vascular malformations, Epidermal nevis, Spinal/skeletal anomalies/scoliosis) since 2006, when the condition was first characterized by Boston Children's Ahmad Alomari, MD, and investigators at the National Institutes of Health. Alomari co-directs the Vascular Anomalies Center with Steven Fishman, MD, and John Mulliken, MD; all three are authors on the paper.

The clinical features of CLOVESin general a combination of fatty growths in the torso, vascular and skin anomalies, overgrowth in or deformities of limbs or extremities and spinal problems such as scoliosiscan vary greatly from child to child. Presently there is no cure for CLOVES, only surgical treatments aimed at alleviating symptoms or managing the syndrome's progression.

Until now, the exact nature of the genetic defect or defects that cause CLOVES has remained a mystery.

"CLOVES is dynamic, presenting itself in new ways all the time, even within the same patient," said Fishman, who with Alomari and others in the Vascular Anomalies Center has treated numerous children with CLOVES. "With this discovery we are optimistic that it will now be possible to develop treatments that take less of a shotgun approach and which could prevent the syndrome's progression."

The researchers started from the assumption that CLOVES is genetic but not inherited, because the syndrome always appears sporadically and is never passed from affected parents to their children; nor do the parents of affected children show signs of the syndrome.

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Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital identify a genetic cause for CLOVES syndrome

Success Of Quitting Smoking Hinges On Genetic Variations

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May 31, 2012

Connie K. Ho for RedOrbit.com

Nature versus nurture has always been a highly debated question in the sciences. This discussion has been seen in a research project focused on smoking, where scientists determined that genetics can play a role in how patients respond to treatments. Researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine found that genes can show how smokers will respond to medication to quit the habit; they found that gene variations that make it difficult to stop smoking will also make smokers respond to nicotine-replacement therapy and treatments.

The study, published in a recent issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry, found that it could be possible to predict how patients respond to drug treatments for smoking cessation in the future based on the gene variations.

Smokers whose genetic makeup puts them at the greatest risk for heavy smoking, nicotine addiction and problems kicking the habit also appear to be the same people who respond most robustly to pharmacologic therapy for smoking cessation, explained senior investigator Dr. Laura Jean Bierut, a professor of psychiatry, in a prepared statement. Our research suggests that a persons genetic makeup can help us better predict who is most likely to respond to drug therapy so we can make sure those individuals are treated with medication in addition to counseling or other interventions.

In the experiment, the scientists looked at data from 5,000 smokers who were involved in community-based studies as well as another 1,000 smokers who participated in a project focused on clinical treatment. The researchers examined the connection between participants ability to quit smoking successfully and genetic variations that had been related to dependence on nicotine and a habit of obsessively smoking. They found an interesting set of results in regards to those who had high-risk genetic markers.

People with the high-risk genetic markers smoked an average of two years longer than those without these high-risk genes, and they were less likely to quit smoking without medication, noted first author Dr. Li-Shiun Chen, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Washington University, in the statement.

Individuals who showed high-risk genetic variants in the clinical trial were three times more likely to respond to drug therapies that were designed to help people quit smoking.

The same gene variants can predict a persons response to smoking-cessation medication, and those with the high-risk genes are more likely to respond to the medication, continued Chen in the statement.

Both Bierut and Chen believe the findings show that the genetic variations can help explain why smokers may be addicted to nicotine, as they studied the same genes that determined heavy response and an intense response to nicotine-dependence treatments.

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Success Of Quitting Smoking Hinges On Genetic Variations

$1800 Gets You Sneakers Made From Stingrays Customized Through Genetic Engineering [Clothing]

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$1,800 is a lot of money to spend on a single pair of shoes. But a company called Rayfish Footwear has come up with a unique manufacturing process that's even more over-the-top than what it's charging for its creations: It's genetically-engineering stingrays for their skins.

The company claims that no two sneakers it produces are alike, and each stingray is grown specifically for each pair. Clients can choose from 29 different styles of stingray leather, combining up to nine different patterns for a truly unique design. Once they've made their selections, the DNA from each patterns is then combined and used to create a new stingray that's grown to maturity before being harvested to make the sneakers.

The idea might seem a little cruel, but it's no different than cows that are specifically grown for beef and leather. The only real difference here is the ludicrous price tag once these sneakers go on sale later in the year. But if they end up being popular, there's no reason the company couldn't raise the stingrays on a larger scale which would in turn help make them slightly more affordable.

[Rayfish Footwear via FastCo Design]

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$1800 Gets You Sneakers Made From Stingrays Customized Through Genetic Engineering [Clothing]

Gilbarco Announces Jim Carroll as Keynote at Upcoming Digital Forecourt Marketing Summit

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GREENSBORO, NC--(Marketwire -05/31/12)- The world-leading international futurist, Jim Carroll, will deliver the keynote address at Gilbarco Veeder-Root's Digital Forecourt Marketing Summit in Chicago, IL on June 26-27th, 2012. As a trends and innovation expert, Jim Carroll helps growth-oriented organizations transform into high-velocity innovation heroes. His clients range from Northrop Grumman to Johnson & Johnson, the Swiss Innovation Forum to the National Australia Bank; the Walt Disney Organization to NASA. Some of his recent speaking engagements include the 2012 Southwest Gas Association Conference, the 2011 Consumer Goods Technology Business & Technology Leadership Conference, and the 2011 Multi-Unit Franchise Conference Las Vegas.

Hosted by Gilbarco Veeder-Root and Outcast, this exclusive, invitation-only technology event will focus on the emergence of Digital Media and its implications on consumer marketing and behaviors. Industry expert led sessions will cover digital media outlook and trends, best practices from retailers, loyalty program integration and more.

"We are thrilled to announce Jim Carroll as keynote speaker for our Digital Forecourt Marketing Summit," said Mike Schulte, President of Gilbarco Veeder-Root North America. "With his unique storytelling approach Jim will challenge our retailers to think about their business and industry in an unconventional way and help them link future trends to innovation."

"I'm excited to participate in the Digital Forecourt Marketing Summit," said Jim Carroll. "It's a changing time for the convenience store industry and for retail more broadly. There is so much opportunity to innovate -- be it in operations, partnership structures, forecourt merchandising or taking advantage of the rapid evolution of mobile payment technologies. I'll challenge attendees to concentrate on the core activities that will help them focus on the opportunities of the future, rather than the challenges of the past."

Gilbarco encourages retailers interested in attending the Digital Forecourt Marketing Summit to contact their Gilbarco Sales representative for more information or email the conference organizers.

About Gilbarco Veeder-RootGilbarco Veeder-Root is the worldwide technology leader for retail and commercial fueling operations. We offer the broadest range of integrated solutions from the forecourt to the convenience store and head office. For almost 150 years, Gilbarco has earned the trust of its customers by providing long-term partnership, uncompromising support and proven reliability. In fact, we help manage the business and maximize the bottom lines for 19 of the top 20 convenience store operators in the U.S. Gilbarco Veeder-Root. Technology with a human touch.

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Gilbarco Announces Jim Carroll as Keynote at Upcoming Digital Forecourt Marketing Summit

Energy Futurist Jack Uldrich to Discuss the Future of Natural Gas

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Acclaimed futurist, energy forecaster and best-selling author Jack Uldrich has been selected to deliver a keynote presentation on the future of natural gas to the Southern California Gas Company. Uldrich will review major industry trends, including potential new sources and uses for natural gas; the role of new technologies in the distribution and transportation of natural gas; the effect of new ...

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Energy Futurist Jack Uldrich to Discuss the Future of Natural Gas

Making Freedom Popular Again – Video

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29-05-2012 21:59 Monday, May 29: Alex reports from the road as the Infowars team moves toward Chantilly, Virginia, where the globalist power-brokers will meet for Bilderberg 2012. Alex covers the latest news, including the plan by central bankers to keep Greece mired in economic depression, Romney's promise to continue stacking up unpunished war crimes and engage in economic sabotage now presided over by Obama, and the US military threatening to unleash military force against Syria. [Check out Alex's New Social Network-'Planet Infowars'

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Making Freedom Popular Again - Video

2011 Medal of Freedom Recipient John Glenn – Video

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30-05-2012 13:23 Medal of Freedom recipient John Glenn is a former United States Marine Corps pilot, astronaut, and United States Senator. In 1962, he was the third American in space and the first American to orbit the Earth. After retiring from the Marine Corps, Glenn was elected to the US Senate in Ohio in 1974. He was an architect and sponsor of the 1978 Nonproliferation Act and served as Chairman of the Senate Government Affairs committee from 1987 until 1995. In 1998, Glenn became the oldest person to visit space at the age of 77. He retired from the Senate in 1999. Glenn is a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.

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2011 Medal of Freedom Recipient John Glenn - Video

Quebec's Bill 78 threatens freedom of expression

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TORONTO, May 30, 2012 /CNW/ - PEN Canada today voiced further concerns that Bill 78, passed two weeks ago by the Quebec National Assembly, constitutes a serious threat to freedom of expression. Its vague and dangerously overbroad provisions can easily be interpreted in ways that constrain and discourage legitimate collective action and civil protest.

"The whole Bill looks thrown together," said Charlie Foran, president of PEN Canada. "Its penalties are draconian and disproportionate, designed more to stifle free expression than protect public order. The reported mass arrests in Quebec suggest that the authorities have been given too much latitude to interpret and enforce this new law. Legislatively, it's the equivalent of using a sledgehammer to crack a nut."

PEN believes the Bill's prior notification requirements for demonstrations (section 16) are unreasonable and ill-suited to the realities of modern protest. Imposing penalties on organizers who fail to notify authorities "not less than eight hours before the beginning of the demonstration" would, if enforced, rule out all but the most premeditated forms of civic action. The uncertain phrasing of section 30, which may, on its face, make it illegal to attend demonstrations that violate the provisions of section 16, also exposes individuals who attend these gatherings to fines of up to $5000 per day, or more in certain circumstances. In general, the fines provided for breach of the Bill's provisions are grossly excessive. Taken together, these measures are easily abused by authorities and likely to result in a serious chill on freedom of expression.

Philip Slayton, Chair of PEN Canada's National Affairs Committee, described the bill as "poorly drafted and too easily open to interpretations that permitunreasonable limitations on freedom of expression. As it stands, the situations in which the Bill's penalties could be brought to bear on individual protesters are so vague and open-ended that they can be used to deter demonstrations that should be perfectly acceptable in a free and democratic society."

PEN Canada fights censorship and defends the right to freedom of expression.

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Quebec's Bill 78 threatens freedom of expression

Bob Dylan awarded Medal of Freedom. What does that say about US? (+video)

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Why did Bob Dylan look so strained during the Medal of Freedom ceremony at the White House Tuesday? Perhaps because his musical insurgency was being memorialized.

President Obama awarded Bob Dylan the coveted Presidential Medal of Freedom on Tuesday. Twelve other deserving Americans got the medals, too as we wrote yesterday, US presidents can give them to anyone they want. But were focusing on Dylan today because he seems to have attracted the most attention of the awardees and because theres something about his prize we believe has been overlooked.

No, its not the sunglasses he wore to the ceremony. Lots of folks have commented on those. Nor is it his overall demeanor. Well agree he seemed uncomfortable, like a boy forced to wear a suit and stand up in front of strangers, if that boy were over 70 years old and had written more immortal songs than anyone alive in the US today.

Its this: Bob Dylan is the first rock and roll star to win the Medal of Freedom. Ever. As far as we can tell.

We admit were creating some arbitrary definitions here so that we can make this statement. First, is Mr. Dylan a rocker, per se? He started as a folkie, went electric, and now has settled into a kind of bard-like phrase, where he reinterprets old blues tunes and Confederate poems and things like that. What he really is, is a musical magpie.

There is not a bigger giant in the history of American music, said Mr. Obama, when hanging the medal around Dylans neck.

Anyway, Rolling Stone magazine called Dylan a rock and roll pioneer in their story on the award. Thats good enough for us. Even if its a publication whose name came from a Dylan song.

Second, were labeling B.B. King a blues guitarist. Bill Clinton awarded Mr. King a Medal of Freedom in 2006.

Yes, King is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But his nickname is King of the Blues, so thats what were going with. Mr. Clinton also gave Aretha Franklin the award, in 2005, but we feel safe in saying shes not rocker either.

After them, the popular musicians who have won the Presidential Medal of Freedom are mostly from eras past. They are singers such as Frank Sinatra (1985) and bandleaders such as Count Basie (1985). Presidents have also bestowed the award on many classical musicians, such as Pablo Casals (1963) and Van Cliburn (2003).

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Bob Dylan awarded Medal of Freedom. What does that say about US? (+video)

RBS calls for freedom and vows to restore dividend

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EDINBURGH (Reuters) - Part-nationalized Royal Bank of Scotland said it needed freedom to execute a five-year recovery plan without excessive interference and vowed to restore dividend payments to help pave the way for a sale of the government's stake. A row flared up earlier this year with some politicians attacking the bonus proposed for Chief Executive Stephen Hester, prompting criticism from ...

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RBS calls for freedom and vows to restore dividend

Eugenics victims to receive reparation

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The Judicial Committee of the General Assembly met Tuesday afternoon to discuss compensation for victims of North Carolinas Eugenics Board.

In 1933 the state legislature officially authorized the practice of sterilization via the Eugenics Board of North Carolina. The board actively sanctioned the forced sterilization of an estimated 7,600 people until 1977, when the program was shut down. According to Department of Administration records, many of these victims were African American and female.

In January, a task force of five members approved the recommendation to compensate affected families with a payment of $50,000. Gov. Bev Perdue allotted $10.3 million in her budget proposal to allow these payments. Tuesdays discussion of the Eugenics Compensation Program bill brought about mixed reactions to the payments, as well as more details on who qualifies to receive them.

Representative Larry Womble of Forsyth County, made a strong appeal when discussing the bill.

It is a bill that separates North Carolina from the rest of the world, Womble said. This is an auspicious time in North Carolina history.

In order to qualify for monetary compensation as stipulated by the bill, sterilizations must have been court-ordered. In addition, families of victims who were alive as of March 1, 2010 can receive compensation on the deceaseds behalf.

Charmaine Fuller Cooper, executive director of the North Carolina Justice for Sterilization Victims Foundation and graduate of N.C. States masters program in public administration, isnt convinced that monetary compensation is enough for every victim.

Some may need mental health services. Everyone has been affected differently, for some the money would be helpful, but then it becomes a question of how much, Fuller Cooper said.

According to Elaine Riddick, an outspoken victim of the Boards actions, the $50,000 doesnt cut it.

This is a huge smack in my familys face, Riddick said.

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Eugenics victims to receive reparation

2013 Infiniti JX35

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Parents have a pretty tough job. Parents who are also drivers have it even tougher. They have to keep an eye on the kids in the backseat who are just waiting for an opportunity to kill each other, while keeping two eyes on the road so that the whole family doesn't die in a fiery crash. That's three eyes that they need, but most only have two. Forget texting, a shouting toddler is the ultimate driver distraction.

Infiniti's 2013 JX35 steps up to the plate with an array of driver aid technologies that help to keep a digital eye on the road and the cars around to help parents in those vital seconds when they need to glance away to tend to their kid. The system can even intervene on the driver's behalf, acting like a sort of force field, keeping the vehicle away from what could end up being minor fender benders.

The JX can't drive itself (yet), so you'll still need to pay attention to the world on the other side of the windshield, but thankfully the seven-passenger vehicle is also available with an array of entertainment options (including a pair of rear monitors) to keep those kids distracted so that the poor parent behind the wheel can concentrate more on the road.

The gas pedal that pushes back I've never seen a seven-passenger SUV or crossover that boasts great driving chops. That's probably because the kind of people who need space for five kids probably don't care about cornering or stoplight drag races, which is understandable.

The 2013 Infiniti JX35 doesn't break this mold. Under the hood is Nissan/Infiniti's workhorse 3.5-liter V-6 engine. It's not a particularly high-tech engine, lacking any turbocharging or direct-injection technology, but it is reliable -- finding its way under the hood of everything from the Nissan Altima to the Infiniti EX35 to the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. This time around, the V-6 sends 265 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that isn't doing it any favors in terms of responsiveness. Our JX was a front-wheel-drive model, but an all-wheel-drive system is available at an additional cost.

In an Altima Coupe, 265 horsepower can be fun, but in the 4,280-pound JX, it's merely adequate. Furthermore, it's pretty much impossible to hustle in the JX. Apply half-throttle and you'll get decidedly "meh" forward thrust. Floor the pedal, and you'll pretty much get the same. She's only going to go as fast as she's going to go.

A manual shift mode lets the driver grab a lower gear for a bit more responsiveness when it's time to pass and a Sport Drive mode adds an almost imperceptible bit of edge, but usually the CVT's hesitancy about venturing into the upper reaches of the tachometer keeps the power under lock and key. I wasn't able to drive the AWD version, but I can only imagine that it's even slower. Unless you live in an area that gets snow or deluges of rain, I'd skip that option until a stouter engine is available. (JX50S, anyone?)

The drive mode selector gives drivers control over the vehicle's throttle response and activates the Eco Pedal system.

So, you're not going fast in the Standard or Sport modes. How about twisting the Drive Selector to the Eco mode to see if you can get some fuel efficiency out of the deal? Here's where things get interesting. The standard JX model's Eco mode behaves largely as expected: the throttle response is retarded to discourage heavy-footed antics. However, on models equipped with the Driver Assistance Package gain the ability to activate what Infiniti calls the Eco Pedal. This active pedal provides force feedback to encourage more efficient driving. For example, when pulling away from a traffic light, you may meet resistance in pushing the pedal beyond a certain point or you may feel the pedal push back slightly if you try to floor it.

Of course, the driver is always under complete control and its easy to simple press past the resistance in situations where you actually need the full grunt of the engine. The Eco Mode and Eco Pedal combo is a great set of tools for training yourself to maximize the fuel economy of the big JX -- much better and much less distracting than watching an Eco light in the dashboard. You may be surprised to learn how little pedal input you need to, for example, maintain a highway cruising speed. This small bit of feedback and the tiny behavioral changes it encourages can lead to small but significant gains in your real-world fuel economy.

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2013 Infiniti JX35

Aquatic Eco-Systems, Inc. will Hold their Fall 2012 Aquaponics Technology and Design Workshop October 2 – 6, 2012

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Apopka, FL (PRWEB) May 31, 2012

Aquatic Eco-Systems, Inc. (AES) announced today that their next Aquaponics Technology and Design Workshop will be held October 2 6, 2012 near Orlando, FL. As with the previous workshop, held in March of 2012, the AES staff will be joined by Father of Aquaponics, Dr. James Rakocy, famed Australian aquaponics expert, Dr. Wilson Lennard and special guest Dr. Fred Petitt of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

The October 2012 workshop will feature daily lectures, hands-on instruction, tours of the AES Aquaponics System and Green Sky Growers which is owned and operated by AES and a behind the scenes tour of The Land at Epcot. The AES Aquaponic System, constructed behind Aquatic Eco-Systems 130,000 sq. ft. facility in Apopka, FL, is a variation of Dr. Rakocys world-renowned UVI Aquaponic System.

In a statement about the AES workshop, Dr. Rakocy said, "Teaching at the aquaponics course sponsored by Aquatic Eco-Systems (AES) was a real treat for me because AES employees have an incredible depth of experience and knowledge that they share with their students as they guide them through all phases of constructing and operating an aquaponic system to establish a successful hobby or business."

Dr. Lennard added, I do workshops with Aquatic Eco-Systems because I believe they have the right attitude toward teaching aquaponics. This industry needs to begin to adopt scientific and engineering based principles to be able to advance. Aquatic Eco-Systems have been in the business for a long time now and bring this attitude to everything they do, including aquaponics. Because I base my approach to aquaponics on these principles, Aquatic Eco-Systems are the only company I trust to work with and fully represent what I believe in."

It is with great excitement that AES will hold another aquaponics workshop aimed at preparing attendees to actually practice what they learn during the 4.5-day course. Attendees will gain practical knowledge and an understanding for how aquaponics will actually work in their lives and the lives of others from some of the most recognized and respected names in the industry. Included in the workshop materials is a comprehensive manual which features a full list of parts and materials needed to construct the AES Aquaponics System. Also provided to each workshop attendee is a CAD drawing of the AES system, which is scalable to fit the area in which they plan to construct their system.

Other workshop extras include face time and Q&A with the presenters and AES staff as well as a CD of the PowerPoint presentations.

A sentiment shared by many, one Spring 2012 workshop attendee offered this testimonial, "This workshop was great! It was very professional and well organized. Presenters were very informative, the meals were great and the AES staff was awesome in every way. This far exceeded my expectations."

Registration is now open for the Fall 2012 workshop. Attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the early registration rate.

About our expert presenters: About Dr. James Rakocy: Known as the "Father of Aquaponics," James Rakocy obtained his PhD in aquaculture from Auburn University in 1980. Dr. Rakocy was formerly the Director of the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) Agricultural Experiment Station and a Research Professor of Aquaculture. He has since retired, but his research at UVI concentrated on the development of production systems for tilapia that conserve and reuse water and recycle nutrients. During his time at UVI, Dr. Rakocy and his colleagues developed aquaponic and biofloc systems, which intensify production and utilize dissolved nutrients for hydroponic vegetable production and solid organic waste for the production of field crops. Dr. Rakocy now lives in Thailand and travels the world teaching the principles of Aquaponics.

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Aquatic Eco-Systems, Inc. will Hold their Fall 2012 Aquaponics Technology and Design Workshop October 2 - 6, 2012

Illuminated | My Sinchew

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A new eco-friendly lighting system on the Tower Bridge of London illuminates the structure with colours ahead of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics. Photo courtesy: AFP

A new eco-friendly lighting system on the Tower Bridge of London illuminates the structure with colours ahead of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics. Photo courtesy: AFP

A new eco-friendly lighting system on the Tower Bridge of London illuminates the structure with colours ahead of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics. Photo courtesy: AFP

A new eco-friendly lighting system on the Tower Bridge of London illuminates the structure with colours ahead of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics. Photo courtesy: AFP

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Illuminated | My Sinchew

Four Malibu beaches make Beach Bummer list

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According to Heal the Bay, four of Californias most polluted beaches in 2011-12 are in Malibu. Two other local received perfect grades.

By Carly Erickson / Assistant Editor

Environmental group Heal the Bay released its 22nd Annual Beach Report Card last Thursday, and it was not kind to Malibu. Four Malibu beaches made the Beach Bummer list, a tally of the most polluted beaches in California. While the majority of Los Angeles county beaches saw improvement from last years report, some Malibu beach grades dropped.

In the 2010-2011 report, all Malibu beaches escaped the Beach Bummer List. This year, Puerco Beach at Marie Canyon, Surfrider Beach, Solstice Canyon Beach and Escondido Beach were all given F grades and placed on the Beach Bummer list. Topanga State Beach just south of Malibu also made the list this year and last year.

If you look at last years grades, those same beaches were still problematic, Heal the Bay water quality director Kirsten James told The Malibu Times.

James explained that in terms of the list of every beach in the state, some rise and drop out of the top 10 from year to year.

Theyre chronically impacted beaches, so this year they rose to the top in the state, James said. Were hopeful different measures moving forward can help quality at these beaches.

Not all Malibu beaches received failing grades. Two even made the reports Honor Roll. Encinal Canyon at El Matador State Beach and Las Flores State Beach received A+ grades.

Also on the positive side were Nicholas Beach, Walnut Creek, Puerco State Beach, Malibu Point, Big Rock, Pena Creek and Castlerock Beach, which all received As for their summer dry weather reading. Additionally, Leo Carrillo, Broad Beach, Paradise Cove and Carbon Beach received Bs.

Coming in the middle of the pack with C summer grades were Zuma Beach and the Latigo Canyon Creek Mouth. Little Dume received a D for its dry summer reading.

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Four Malibu beaches make Beach Bummer list