Monthly Archives: June 2012

BIO Commends Senate for Approval of User Fee Package

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WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)President and CEO Jim Greenwood released the following statement on passage of S. 3187, the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act (FDASIA), by the U.S. Senate:

We are pleased that Congress was able to move quickly to consider, pass, and send this legislation to the President for his signature well in advance of the expiration of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA IV) at the end of September.

We appreciate the leadership of Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chair Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Ranking Member Mike Enzi (R-WY) as well as of House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Fred Upton (R-MI) and Ranking Member Henry Waxman (D-CA) for securing approval in both Chambers.

FDASIA reflects enhancements to PDUFA that were widely and strongly supported by stakeholders. The legislation will enhance the development and review of innovative new therapies through increased transparency and scientific dialogue, advancements in regulatory science and strengthened post-market review. It will also increase the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) access to external expertise to improve the drug review process.

"FDASIA will foster timely interactive communication with sponsors during the drug development phase as a core Agency activity to facilitate the conduct of efficient and effective drug development programs and help make safe and effective medicines available to Americans in a timely manner.

Further, the enhanced Accelerated Approval pathway will help expedite the development of modern, targeted, and personalized therapies for patients suffering from serious and life-threatening diseases while preserving the FDAs robust standards for safety and effectiveness.

The inclusion of the permanent reauthorization of the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act and Pediatric Research Equity Act in FDASIA will encourage continued investment in pediatric research and help ensure that new drugs and biologics can be used safely and appropriately in pediatric patients.

BIO looks forward to working with the FDA on the implementation of FDASIA, and we will continue to work with Congress on the creation of a uniform national standard for pharmaceutical product traceability to preserve patient access to safe medicines.

About BIO

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BIO Commends Senate for Approval of User Fee Package

Grant brings student researchers to Western

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This summer, from June 18 through Aug. 24, Western will host 10 students from across the country to participate in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program.

Spiegel, who is involved in REU, said this program benefits Westerns community by making the department and university more visible to other institutions and expanding Western's already vibrant research culture. Students need to be exceptional academically, show interest in research in their personal statements and we look for students who wouldnt have this opportunity otherwise, he said.

The main purpose of the REU program is to give students the opportunity to experience authentic research not found anywhere else, according to Westerns chemistry department's website.

Many students involved in the REU are from community colleges and small liberal arts universities, which may not have the funding or facilities to provide this kind of experience, Spiegel said.

REU programs at other institutions around the country work in a broad range of scientific fields, but at Western the focus is on chemistry, according to the chemistry department's website. During the 10-week program, Western provides students with a $4,500 stipend, a $1,000 allowance for meals and a reimbursement on travel expenses.

Nathan Drake, a Western student and biochemistry major, is head of support for the REU program.

Students are able to ask him questions they dont feel as comfortable asking their assigned faculty members, such as the best place to get coffee, supplies for living situations and can utilize him as a tour guide to make the transition easier, Drake said.

Charlie Snyder, an REU participant from Skidmore College in New York, is working with John Gilbertson to find a metal complex that can turn carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, she said. Snyder said she thinks this the extensive lab experience will build her skills and improve her resume.

Visiting students work either with existing groups or individually, and always with a faculty member as a mentor. The research focuses on the field of synthetic chemistry, biochemistry and materials chemistry, Spiegel said. Being humbled by undergraduates' enthusiasm and raw intelligence are Spiegels favorite parts about working with the students, he said.

Washington benefits from this program because qualified students are better prepared for a high-tech, competitive workforce after graduation. Many program alumni get jobs in the Seattle area, Spiegel said.

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Grant brings student researchers to Western

Anatomy of a scam: One couple's losses and hard lessons

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RALEIGH, N.C. -- With their elderly parents seated across the octagonal oak table, Donna and Jim Parker were back in the kitchen they knew so well -- the hutch along one wall crammed with plates, bells and salt-and-pepper shakers picked up during family trips; at the table's corner, the spindly wooden high chair where a 7-year-old Jim had tearfully confessed to setting a neighbor's woods ablaze.

It was Christmastime, but this was no holiday gathering. Now, it was the parents who were in deep trouble, and this was an intervention.

For the past year, Charles and Miriam Parker, both 81, had been in the thrall of an international sweepstakes scam. The retired educators, with a half-dozen college degrees between them, had lost tens of thousands of dollars.

But money wasn't just leaving the Parker house. Strangely, large sums were now coming in, too.

Their four children were worried, but had been powerless to open their parents' eyes. Maybe, Donna thought, they'd listen to people with badges.

And so, joining them at the family table that late-December day in 2005 were Special Agent Joan Fleming of the FBI and David Evers, an investigator from the North Carolina attorney general's telemarketing fraud unit.

The home was littered with sweepstakes mailers and claim forms, the cupboards bare of just about everything but canned soup, bread and crackers. Charles Parker acknowledged that he'd lost a lot of money, but expressed confidence that

Evers and Fleming showed the couple a video of other elderly scam victims, then played a taped interview of a former con man describing how he operated. Charles was alarmed by what he was seeing and hearing, but his wife seemed to be barely paying attention.

With the couple's permission, Evers installed a mooch line on the kitchen phone so they could capture incoming calls. The Parkers pledged their cooperation.

After gathering up some of the mailings for evidence, the officers left, encouraged by what seemed a few hours well spent.

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Anatomy of a scam: One couple's losses and hard lessons

Anatomy of a scorecard: Pacquiao vs. Bradley

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Express-News boxing writer John Whisler breaks down the three scorecards from the Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley fight on June 9. Bradley won in a controversial split-decision. Bradley won 115-113 on two scorecards, while losing by the same margin on the third:

- Most rounds in boxing are scored 10-9, meaning the fighter winning a round receives a 10 from judges while the loser of the round gets a 9. In rounds with a knockdown, a point is deducted every time a fighter is knocked down. Note that all rounds in Pacquiao-Bradley were 10-9, as there were no knockdowns in the fight.

- According to CompuBox statistics, Pacquiao landed more punches than Bradley in every round but one, the 9th (26-25). Note that all three judges awarded that round to Bradley, even though Pacquiao was busier and landed more power shots (22-21). One round, the 10th, was even in punches landed with 14 apiece.

- The scoring in Round 5 was highly questionable. Note that C.J. Ross and Duane Ford both scored it for Bradley even though Pacquiao outlanded Bradley 22-8 in the round, including 18-4 in power punches. Pacquiao landed a clean left in the final 35 seconds and Bradley had to hold on.

- The fact that all three judges scored Round 7 for Bradley seems unfathomable. According to CompuBox, Pacquiao outlanded Bradley 27-11 in the round, 22-9 in power punches. Pacquiao clearly won an exchange at the end of the second minute and drilled Bradley clean on the chin repeatedly in the final 30 seconds.

- In Round 8, Ross and Ford favored Bradley, despite CompuBox statistics showing Pacquiao landed more punches, 15-9, including 12-7 in power shots. What were Ross and Ford watching? One plausible explanation although flawed could be activity. Bradley was busier in the round, throwing 70 punches to Pacquiao's 59. But a round should be scored on punches landed, not punches thrown.

- In Round 12, all three judges scored it for Bradley, even though Pacquiao landed 20 punches in the round to 15 for Bradley. Is this plausible? Yes. CompuBox statistics show Pacquiao landed just one more power shot (11-10) than Bradley. But Pacquiao appeared to land the more significant punches, including a right hook flush on the jaw of Bradley in mid-round and a straight left with 10 seconds left, which seemed enough to carry the round.

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Anatomy of a scorecard: Pacquiao vs. Bradley

Would you date a man who wears makeup? Emma Stone says…

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The actress weighs in on the booming men's makeup market with TODAY's Professionals, revealing whether she'd date a dude who wears tinted moisturizer.

Makeup for men is one of the hottest trends in the beauty industry. By 2016, the male cosmetics industry for tinted moisturizers, anti-aging creams, concealers, powders will be worth $3.2 billion. But cosmetics for men arent a welcome addition to everyones medicine cabinet.

I dont need much help, proclaimed TODAY's Professionals panelist Donny Deutsch on Tuesday.

Its a turn off for me, responded NBCs chief medical editor Nancy Snyderman.

But "Spiderman" actress Emma Stone was a little more accepting of the trend:

A resounding yes, 100 percent, she told Matt Lauer. You have to wear tinted moisturizer on camera. Weekend wear? I dont know, Ill think about it.

What do you think? Would you date a man who wears cosmetics?

Would you date a guy who uses cosmetics?

More: Beauty products for men? Just dont call it makeup 6 ways Emma Stone lays on the charm Emma Stone eyes fall-back career if acting doesn't pan out

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Would you date a man who wears makeup? Emma Stone says...

The Benson Hotel Earns 2012 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

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Honored as a Highly Rated Hotel as Reviewed by Travelers on the World’s Largest Travel SitePortland, Ore. (PRWEB) June 25, 2012 The historic Benson Hotel today announced that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, and ...

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The Benson Hotel Earns 2012 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

Research and Markets: Asia-Pacific Online Travel Report 2011

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/cjj5sr/asiapacific_onlin) has announced the addition of the "Asia-Pacific Online Travel Report 2011" report to their offering.

The Asia-Pacific region includes online economies at opposite ends of the development spectrum. Australia, Japan and South Korea have advanced digital infrastructures with mature e-commerce and online travel sectors. At the other end of the spectrum, countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia are less developed but fast-growing. However, it is the massive travel markets of China and India that are driving regional growth. The Asia-Pacific Online Travel report analyzes the diverse digital economies of the region with special emphasis on India. In India, the online travel market will grow an average of 46% annually from 2007 to reach $4 billion in 2011.

The report analyzes the APAC travel market by evaluating the diverse digital economies of the region with special emphasis on India.

The report answers several key questions to help OTAs in the APAC region to enhance their market share.

Key questions answered in this report are:

a. How large are the online travel markets in India?

b. What is driving growth in the Indian markets?

c. What are the unique features of India online travel markets?

d.What are the major risks and hurdles of the online travel business in the Asia-Pacific region?

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Research and Markets: Asia-Pacific Online Travel Report 2011

Southern California Independence Day Travel to Jump by 5.2 Percent

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LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Southern Californians will enjoy leisure travel on Independence Day in near-record numbers this year, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California. Following a dip in travel for last years holiday, more than 3 million Southland residents are expected to take Fourth of July trips in the coming days a 5.2 percent increase from 2011s 2.88 million travelers.

Seventy-eight percent of Southern Californias traveling residents, or 2.38 million, are expected to drive to their holiday destinations a 4 percent increase from last years 2.29 million car travelers. Another 359,000 are expected to go by air a 9.8 percent increase from 2011s air travel number of 327,000.

The projected numbers for Southern California and statewide travel are nearly the highest in the last decade. In 2003, 4.89 million Californians traveled over the July Fourth holiday; this year, the statewide number of travelers is expected to be 4.88 million (also a 5.2 percent increase from last year).

The number of Californians expected to go by car on July Fourth getaways is 3.68 million, while the number of plane travelers is projected at 577,000.

Nationally, Fourth of July travel is expected to rise by 4.9 percent, to 42.47 million from last years 40.29 million.

With the Fourth of July holiday falling in the middle of the week this year, we are finding that more travelers are taking longer trips than they would on a typical three-day holiday weekend period, which is partly why air travel is up this year, said Filomena Andre, the Auto Clubs vice president for travel products and services.

According to a survey of AAA Travel agents, the top five destinations for Southern Californians this holiday are: 1) San Diego 2) Las Vegas 3) San Francisco 4) Grand Canyon 5) Central Coast (Santa Barbara to Monterey)

The July Fourth holiday forecast was conducted by IHS Global Insight on behalf of AAA. Historical travel data is provided by DK Shifflet, the worlds most comprehensive consumer travel measurement provider.

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Southern California Independence Day Travel to Jump by 5.2 Percent

Downtown Montreal Hotel Earns Accolades from World’s Largest Travel Site

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Residence Inn Montreal Downtown hotel applauded for consistency in customer service, cleanliness and friendlinessMontreal, Quebec, Canada (PRWEB) June 26, 2012 “This hotel was simply perfect.” --- “This will be where I stay in the future.”Guests of the Residence Inn Montreal Downtown Hotel have spoken, and the world’s largest travel site has listened. The Montreal, Canada hotel has just been ...

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Downtown Montreal Hotel Earns Accolades from World’s Largest Travel Site

TripAdvisor Names 2012 Travelers' Choice Restaurants

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NEWTON, Mass., June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site*, today announced the winners of its 2012 Travelers' Choice Restaurants awards. The inaugural awards recognize favorite dining establishments in popular cities worldwide, based on millions of valuable traveler reviews and opinions on TripAdvisor.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/49272-tripadvisor-names-2012-travelers-choice-restaurants

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120626/MM29549)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080902/TRIPADVISORLOGO)

In total, 576 restaurants around the world were honored, including travelers' overall favorites, plus travelers' favorites in the U.S., Europe and popular travel destinations. Restaurants that offer dinner and table service were eligible for the awards.

"We're thrilled to highlight some of the TripAdvisor community's most beloved eateries to help travelers plan their next trip or night out," said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. "We found that travelers' favorite restaurants range from well-known, casual chains to upscale fine dining options the common thread for these award-winners being a consistently remarkable dining experience with outstanding service and quality."

Travelers' Choice Overall Favorite Restaurants:

Travelers' Choice Favorite U.S. Restaurants:

For the complete list of 2012 Travelers' Choice Restaurants winners, go to http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Restaurants.

About TripAdvisor

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TripAdvisor Names 2012 Travelers' Choice Restaurants

World Class Travel Packages up to 70% Off San Francisco and Beyond on the Auction Block

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire -06/25/12)- In the true spirit of hospitality, The Hotel Council of San Francisco is partnering with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to raise funds for vital research and support. One of the most exciting Million Dollar Mission campaign initiatives is an unparalleled online auction featuring the city's most acclaimed hotels, restaurants and attractions.

The online auction (which may be found at http://www.biddingforgood.com/milliondollarmission) features not only an unsurpassed collection of one-of-a-kind packages from America's favorite city, but unique travel packages from across the globe. Among the nearly 100 experiential travel packages, which will be open to bidding beginning on June 25, 2012, there is a two night stay in a Suite at the prominent St. Regis San Francisco Hotel with signature St. Regis Butler service, daily breakfast, Chef's Tasting Menu with wine pairings at Michelin Star rated Ame Restaurant and two in-house spa treatments. And for those dreaming of an Irish holiday -- enjoy a weekend stay at the luxurious and historic Westin Dublin in Ireland, which includes breakfast and dinner for two, tickets to The Abbey Theatre and admission to The Guinness Storehouse. The online auction can be found at: http://www.biddingforgood.com/milliondollarmission.

New and exciting travel opportunities will be added to the auction site throughout the month-long auction. Proceeds generated from the online auction, which will be housed on the BiddingForGood.com site, will benefit the Greater San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

This city-wide crusade, which officially launches July 1, 2012, will bring together thousands of San Francisco hoteliers in a "Million Dollar Mission." The Million Dollar Mission campaign, poised to become one of the city's most impressive single-industry supported fund-raising initiatives, will help provide financial, educational and social services for individuals and their families affected by blood cancer.

Additional information on the campaign may be found online at: http://www.lls.org/Mission2012. Campaign supporters may donate online at: http://www.donateSFMission.org. Please also see the Million Dollar Mission campaign video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya9gXQnuXPA

The Hotel Council of San Francisco was established in 1987 as a non-profit organization to represent all segments of the lodging industry. Our city is home to a booming tourism sector, of which the hospitality industry is a proud and vital part. We are the voice of San Francisco's hotels. The membership roster includes San Francisco's leading hotels of all sizes, in addition to more than 40 Allied Members, who are the major suppliers to these properties. Find out more on our website, http://www.hotelcouncilsf.org or by calling (415) 391-5197.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit http://www.lls.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. http://www.lls.org

BiddingForGood is a charitable e-commerce company that connects fundraisers, cause-conscious shoppers, and socially responsible businesses. Founded in 2003, BiddingForGood provides a unique online auction platform, where nonprofits and schools, consumers and businesses converge to create dynamic and exciting fundraising events and ultimately, to raise more money for the causes we care so much about. http://www.BiddingForGood.com

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World Class Travel Packages up to 70% Off San Francisco and Beyond on the Auction Block

You've got mail for 06-26-12

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NOTE: Youve Got Mail offers emails received by Plainview Herald staffers.

Costello calls to buy a computer from Abbott

Abbott: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

Costello: Thanks Im setting up an office in my den and Im thinking about buying a computer.

Abbott: Mac?

Costello: No, the names Lou.

Abbott: Your computer?

Costello: I dont own a computer. I want to buy one.

Abbott: Mac?

Costello: I told you, my names Lou.

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You've got mail for 06-26-12

FDA report faults Houston-area stem-cell company

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The Sugar Land company involved in Gov. Rick Perry's unlicensed adult stem-cell procedure is rife with basic manufacturing problems, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

In a report one expert called a blow to the entire adult stem-cell industry, the FDA found that Celltex Therapeutics Corp. cannot guarantee the sterility, uniformity and integrity of stem cells it takes from people and then stores and grows for eventual therapeutic reinjection.

"You have not performed a validation of your banking and thawing process to assure viability" of the stem cells, reads the April 27 report, meaning that the company cannot verify the cells are alive.

The FDA report, which followed an April 16-27 inspection of Celltex, was released under the Freedom of Information Act Monday to the Houston Chronicle and a University of Minnesota bioethicist who complained in February that Celltex is a potential danger to patients and not in compliance with federal law.

The report, partially redacted, was not accompanied by a warning letter.

A former FDA official who asked not to be identified, however, said the deficiencies - 79 in all, from incorrectly labeled products to failed sterility tests - are so serious that Celltex risks being shut down if it does not remedy the problems quickly.

Adult stem cells are cells in the body that multiply to replenish dying cells. Long used to treat leukemia and other cancers, they have shown promise for tissue repair in many other diseases in the last decade, although most scientists in the field consider them not ready for mainstream use.

Rules take effect July 8

Celltex has been in the public eye since it was revealed that Perry's Houston doctor treated him with his own stem cells during back surgery last July and in follow-up appointments. His stem cells were stored and grown at Celltex.

Perry subsequently called for Texas to become the nation's leader of adult stem cell medicine, which he touts as an ethical alternative to embryonic stem cells. Perry worked with his Houston doctor and a state representative to write legislation intended to commercialize the therapy in Texas.

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FDA report faults Houston-area stem-cell company

HemoGenix® FDA Master File to Measure Blood Stem Cell Potency for Cellular Therapy Products:

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

HemoGenix announced today that FDA CBER has given HemoGenix its first Master File Number for an in vitro blood stem cell potency, quality and release assay (HALO-96 PQR) (1)for cellular therapy products(2)used for stem cell transplantation purposes. HALO-96 PQR is the first commercially available stem cell potency assay for cellular therapy products. It incorporates the most sensitive readout available to measure changes in the cells energy source (ATP) as a function of the potential for stem cells to proliferate. Potency and quality of stem cell therapeutic products are required to be measured prior to use to help predict the engraftment of the cells in the patient. At the present time, tests such as cell number, viability and a stem cell marker called CD34 are routinely used. However, none of these tests specifically measure stem cells and none determine the stem cell biological activity required for a potency assay. The only cell functionality test presently used in this field, especially for umbilical cord blood transplantation, is the colony-forming unit (CFU) assay, which is subjective, non-validated and has been used since the early 1970s. HALO-96 PQR changes this paradigm. It is particularly needed in the umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation field by providing an application-specific test incorporating all of the compliance characteristics required not only by regulatory agencies(3) and standards organizations, but also the cord blood community(4).

Stem cell potency is one of the most important parameters necessary for any therapeutic product, especially stem cells. Without it, the dose cannot be defined and the transplantation physician has no indication as to whether the product will engraft in the patient. The number of cord blood units collected and stored and the number of cord blood stem cell transplantations have increased exponentially over the last 12 years. During this time, significant advancements have been made in pre- and post stem cell transplantation procedures. Yet the tests used during the preparation and processing of the cells have remained unchanged and do not even measure the biological functionality of the stem cells being transplanted. Indeed, the standards organizations responsible for applying regulatory guidance to the community have so far failed to allow any new and alternative assays to be used during cord blood processing. HALO-96 PQR is the first test that actually quantitatively characterizes and defines the stem cells in cord blood, mobilized peripheral blood or bone marrow as high quality and potent active ingredients for release prior to transplantation. Presently, approximately 20% engraftment failure is encountered in cord blood transplantation. HALO-96 PQR could help reduce the risk of engraftment failure by providing valuable and time-sensitive information on the stem cells prior to use. HALO-96 PQR complies with the guidelines not only with the cord blood community, but also with regulatory agencies thereby providing a benefit to both the stem cell transplantation center and the patient, said Ivan Rich, Founder and CEO of HemoGenix (www.hemogenix.com).

About HemoGenix, Inc.

HemoGenix is a privately held Contract Research Service and Assay Development Laboratory based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Specializing in predictive in vitro stem cell toxicity testing, HemoGenix provides its services to small, medium and many of the largest biopharmaceutical companies. HemoGenix has developed several assays for stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine applications. These and other patented and proprietary assays are manufactured and produced in Colorado Springs and sold worldwide. HemoGenix has been responsible for changing the paradigm and bringing in vitro stem cell hemotoxicity testing into the 21st century. With HALO-96 PQR the company is now also changing the paradigm to become a leader in stem cell therapy assays. To this end, HemoGenix is a member of the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine and working with other companies to decrease risk and improve safety for the patient.

Literature Cited

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Kittredge Cherry: Rainbow Christ Prayer Honors LGBT Spirituality

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When I see rainbow flags flying this month, I celebrate the spiritual values of the LGBT community and remember the many faces of the queer Christ.

I wrote the following Rainbow Christ Payer with gay theologian Patrick Cheng for LGBT Pride Month. The prayer matches the colors of the rainbow flag with the seven models of the queer Christ, from Patrick's new book From Sin to Amazing Grace: Discovering the Queer Christ.

In our prayer each color also corresponds with a universal spiritual principle that is expressed in LGBT history and culture. In addition, the Rainbow Christ Prayer incorporates the chakras, the seven colored energy centers of the human body in Buddhist and Hindu philosophy.

Let us pray:

Red is for life, the root of spirit. Living and Self-Loving Christ, you are our Root. Free us from shame, and grant us the grace of healthy pride so we can follow our own inner light. With the red stripe in the rainbow, we give thanks that God created us just the way we are.

Orange is for sexuality, the fire of spirit. Erotic Christ, you are our Fire, the Word made flesh. Free us from exploitation, and grant us the grace of mutual relationships. With the orange stripe in the rainbow, kindle a fire of passion in us.

Yellow is for self-esteem, the core of spirit. Out Christ, you are our Core. Free us from closets of secrecy, and give us the guts and grace to come out. With the yellow stripe in the rainbow, build our confidence.

Green is for love, the heart of spirit. Transgressive Outlaw Christ, you are our Heart, breaking rules out of love. In a world obsessed with purity, you touch the sick and eat with outcasts. Free us from conformity, and grant us the grace of deviance. With the green stripe in the rainbow, fill our hearts with untamed compassion for all beings.

Blue is for self-expression, the voice of spirit. Liberator Christ, you are our Voice, speaking out against all forms of oppression. Free us from apathy, and grant us the grace of activism. With the blue stripe in the rainbow, motivate us to call for justice.

Violet is for vision, the wisdom of spirit. Interconnected Christ, you are our Wisdom, creating and sustaining the universe. Free us from isolation, and grant us the grace of interdependence. With the violet stripe in the rainbow, connect us with others and with the whole creation.

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Kittredge Cherry: Rainbow Christ Prayer Honors LGBT Spirituality

New course explores spirituality and living faith

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A new course has been launched by the Archbishop of Wales to help people explore spirituality and faith in today's world.

The Living Faith course will run in the Diocese of Llandaff, which covers southern Wales.

It has been designed for use by Christians and non-Christians alike, and addresses questions of faith, prayer, the Bible and church.

There is the option of doing assignments during each model and everyone who completes the course will receive a certificate.

Archbishop Barry Morgan said, My vision for the whole Church in Wales is to try and provide a means whereby we can deepen our sense of what it is to be followers of Jesus.

"The Living Faith course is designed to do precisely that. It is aimed at everyone who is interested in being a better disciple (and we all fall into that category) and to do so alongside others in groups.

The Rev Canon Richard Lowndes, the lay training and coaching officer for Llandaff Diocese, said the course was practical, rather than academic.

This programme of learning is designed for anyone who is interested in exploring faith it will also enable you to grow your faith, deepen your discipleship, or perhaps to prepare for a particular role in the life of your church," he said.

"It is based on experience and reflection. It is not academic like a college course. It will help you to gain a greater understanding of Gods relationship with you, his Church and the world, and help you to grow and mature in your discipleship.

"Some people will engage deeply with the course, others will just be exploring these issues at a different level it really is for all comers.

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New course explores spirituality and living faith

Drummer Hamid Drake to appear at Ashé Cultural Arts Center

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25th June 2012 0 Comments

By Geraldine Wyckoff Contributing Writer

The healing force of music has long been recognized and utilized in cultures throughout the world. Drummer Hamid Drake, along with a host of others, taps into the musics regenerative and unifying powers at a number of varied events this weekend as he acts as artist-in-resident at the Ash Cultural Arts Center. The shows include Friday nights concert, when the multi-faceted percussionist is teamed with two of his long-time, like-minded, creative music associates and mentors, saxophonist Kidd Jordan and bassist William Parker. The ambitious program, which will be recorded and videotaped for an upcoming release called Our Music is the Healing Force of the Universe, also includes performances by such notables as vocalists Germaine Bazzle and Michaela Harrison, celloist Monica McIntire, gospel singer Lois Dejean, the Kora Konnection plus a number of poets. It will be hosted by Kalamu ya Salaam.

HAMID DRAKE

Kidd is really one of our national treasures, not a just a New Orleans treasure, Drake declares of the saxophonist who he met through one of his first mentors, the late Chicago saxist Fred Anderson. He is one of the last of a generation of musicians who have spanned a large scope of the music everything from R&B Aretha, Ray Charles, Fats Domino to the genre of jazz that was happening before bebop, then the whole bebop era and then the modern jazz era and then moving into the more open playing of the music.

The first time Drake, 55, encountered veteran bassist William Parker back in 1987, they both knew they were meant to play together and have enjoyed a working and personal relationship since that time. Its really nice to meet someone especially who plays the other half of your instrument the drums and bass have a big connection and that has the same views, ideals and similar spiritual philosophy as ones own, Drake says of Parker, who along with his wife produces New Yorks highly-acclaimed, forward-thinking Vision Festival. Hes like Kidd, hes one of those great treasures and hes a student of world music.

We need to have Vision festivals in many different cities, Drake offers. And Vision also has to be extended to our youth that are living on the fringes to let them know that we are available to help.

The Ashe Centers Saturday night program, Celebration of the Drum, will have percussionists representing the styles of Cuba (Bill Summers), Brazil (Curtis Pierre), India, Japan, Ireland and more plus the rhythms of New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians. Each artist will perform a solo piece and during the second half of the show Drake will lead a drum jam.

The healing and call for peace and unity continues on Sunday afternoon with a Drum Circle from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Congo Square. Percussionist Luther Gray and the Congo Square Preservation Society and Hamid Drake invite all interested musicians not limited to drummers to join them.

I feel that we have to find the specialness of our unity and diversity, Drake concludes. I think New Orleans is a very good example of that. Were coming up on a very special thing {the presidential election} its important for folks to not only be musically involved but politically and socially involved. We have to vote. And we have to work together as best as we can as a community because theres a whole generation of people below us that are depending on us.

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Drummer Hamid Drake to appear at Ashé Cultural Arts Center

Author Tells of Miraculous Spiritual Journey in New Book

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Author Les Feast was at his darkest hour when he encountered his guardian angel.Dudley Park, Australia (PRWEB) June 26, 2012 DUDLEY PARK, Australia – Les Feast’s road to enlightenment, and the subsequent release of his new book “Messages from Heaven: Is Anyone Listening?” (published by Balboa Press), wasn’t a peril-less journey.“In 2001, after I lost my job and my partner left to be with another ...

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Author Tells of Miraculous Spiritual Journey in New Book

Ravishankar Guruji's Art Of Living tablets

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BANGALORE, INDIA: Art of Living ( AOL), the spiritual abode of Sri Sri Ravishankar Guruji now has its own official Art of Living tablet running on the Android platform. This Android Tablet has all the details regarding the various programmes of Sri Sri Ravishankar Guruji. The AOL bhajans, satsang, videos of Guruji's discourses and even the latest talk in AOL is available over the Tablet.

This Tablet has been developed by Chennai based EAFT Technologies India Pvt Ltd in association with the Art of Living foundation. The motive behind the launching of these tablets is to provide people Spiritual Enlightenment and to take Guruji's work to the masses.

The Tablet comes in two variants, the first of which is called Enlighten Tablet. Its features and specifications are as follows:

The content present in the Enlighten Tablet ( Guruji's works) can neither be copied nor downloaded.

The second Tablet is termed as the Enlighten Plus. Its features and specifications are as follows:

The price of the Enlighten Plus is not disclosed as of now.

So, use the Enlighten and Enlighten Plus, connect with the spiritual master Ravishankar Guruji and experience transcendental bliss.

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Ravishankar Guruji's Art Of Living tablets