Monthly Archives: February 2014

Freedom Industries cleanup advances

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This aerial photograph shows the Freedom Industries tank farm along the Elk River in Charleston. The arrow identifies Tank 396, which leaked the coal-cleaning chemical Crude MCHM into the river on Jan. 9, contaminating the drinking water of 300,000 West Virginians for weeks.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Cleanup crews at Freedom Industries are still several weeks away from emptying all of the site's chemical storage tanks, and still don't have a clear idea of how much of which materials could have contaminated soil at the site.

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is overseeing the cleanup, which is being carried out by Freedom Industries and contractors for the chemical company.

Mike Dorsey, director of emergency response and homeland security for the DEP, said he hopes remediation of the facility might be completed by late spring. However, state and federal government officials remain unsure of the extent of contamination in a key part of the site.

The area around the chemical tanks in the northern end of the site -- including Tank 396, which leaked Crude MCHM into the Elk River on Jan. 9 -- has yet to be fully investigated, largely because the eight chemical tanks there haven't been removed.

U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin is conducting a criminal investigation of the leak. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board also is examining the incident. Neither agency has completed its work in that area, Dorsey said, but those investigators should finish in the area soon.

"The sooner we can get in there, the better," Dorsey said in an interview last week.

Until the tanks are removed, he said, it's impossible to judge the extent of soil contamination or to know how much remediation must be done to clean up the area.

"The stuff was flowing around underground and who knows where," Dorsey said. "I don't expect to find large quantities of it, but I expect to find some."

The presence of more MCHM in the soil at the site not only will require additional cleanup, but that work likely will bring with it more of the licorice-like smell Charleston residents have become familiar with since the Freedom Industries leak.

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Freedom Industries cleanup advances

Scientific racism's long history mandates caution

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PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

14-Feb-2014

Contact: A'ndrea Elyse Messer aem1@psu.edu 814-865-9481 Penn State

Racism as a social and scientific concept is reshaped and reborn periodically through the ages and according to a Penn State anthropologist, both medical and scientific researchers need to be careful that the growth of genomics does not bring about another resurgence of scientific racism.

"What we are facing is a time when genomic knowledge widens and gene engineering will be possible and widespread," said Nina Jablonski, Distinguished Professor of Anthropology. "We must constantly monitor how this information on human gene diversity is used and interpreted. Any belief system that seeks to separate people on the basis of genetic endowment or different physical or intellectual features is simply inadmissible in human society."

What worries Jablonski and the sociologists, psychologists and evolutionary biologists in her session at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, today (Feb. 14) in Chicago, are people who believe that they can use genetic traits to describe races and to develop race-specific interventions for each group. One particularly disturbing approach, although currently suggested as beneficial, is application of genetics to create special approaches to education. The idea that certain individuals and groups learn differently due to their genetic makeup, and so need specialized educational programs could be the first step in a slippery slope to recreating a new brand of "separate but equal."

Similar approaches in medicine that are based not on personal genetics but on racial generalizations can be just as incorrect and troubling, especially because human genetic admixture is so prevalent.

"Our species is defined by regular admixture of peoples and ideas over millennia," said Jablonski. "To come up with new reasons for segregating people is hideous."

Classification of humans began innocently enough with Carl Linnaeus and Johann Friedrich Blumenbach, who simply classified humans into races in the same way they classified dogs or cats -- by their physical characteristics. These were scientists classifying the world around them and realizing that the classifications were not immutable but had a great deal of diversity and overlap. However, in the last quarter of the 18th century, philosophers, especially Immanuel Kant, looked to classify people by behavior and culture as well as genetics. Kant suggested that there were four groups of people, three of which because they existed under conditions not conducive to great intellect or achievement were inferior. Only the European race was capable of self-improvement and highest level of civilization.

Kant's ideas, widely accepted during his lifetime, set up the idea of European superiority in the future. Coupled with the great rise and profitability of slavery at the time, his views were adopted and morphed to legitimize the slave trade.

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Scientific racism's long history mandates caution

ETCIO.com – Understanding Today’s Threat Landscape in the IT Eco System – Video

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ETCIO.com - Understanding Today #39;s Threat Landscape in the IT Eco System
Parag Deodhar, Chief Risk Officer, Vice President - Process Excellence Program Mgmt with Bharti AXA General Insurance is playing the role of Editor of Econ...

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Millionaire footballer gets 10,000 FREE mansion insulation while frail 98-year-old widow left to freeze

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The Premier League star, who is said to be on 150,000 a week, applied for the work under Energy Companies Obligation system introduced by the Coalition last year

A millionaire footballer got 10,000 worth of wall insulation for his mansion for FREE under a Government scheme while a frail 98-year-old widow was left to freeze in her home nearby .

The Premier League star, who is said to be on 150,000 a week, applied for the work under the Energy Companies Obligation system introduced by the Coalition last year.

Under the so-called energy efficient scheme, the football aces three-storey pad was classed as hard-to-treat, which meant he got all the work done for free as it would save on future bills.

But the hard-up pensioner living on benefits in the same area in a three-bedroom semi was left out in the cold.

A disgusted insulation firm boss called to work for the lady and then the footie star just 24 hours later explained: ECO is an umbrella scheme based on different pots of money paid out for homes which are hard-to-treat, in low-income areas and judged fuel poor.

But the money available for the fuel poor has plummeted since December because energy companies have hit their targets on reducing carbon emissions.

Contractors could earn 12,000 on a job which only cost 1,200 because the payment is based on future carbon saving at the property.

But most of those suffering from fuel poverty are in small houses and are not going to make those kinds of savings on fuel emissions.

The man, who asked to remain anonymous, went on to attack the ludicrous inequality of system.

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Millionaire footballer gets 10,000 FREE mansion insulation while frail 98-year-old widow left to freeze

Open, eco-friendly crematorium under PPP mode

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While the GHMC is struggling to get its electric crematoriums functioning, a private-public initiative has opened a modern eco-friendly crematorium complex, markedly different in terms of upkeep and ambience.

Swarg Vatika has come up near an old open cremation ground on the road leading to Manasarovar Heights, the housing complex off RTC colony at Tirumalgiri, Secunderabad. It has gassifier/bio-gas and LPG/CNG crematoriums, both located in a neatly kept building inside the walled facility.

The complex has a 30-ft high chimney, and the machinery is equipped with a wet scrubber pollution control system to prevent soot and foul odour from going out. More importantly, the entire area has pleasant environs, with trees and plants, paved pathways, covered shelters, chairs, clean changing rooms and a parking lot.

Our idea is to have a facility serving as an abode of peace and tranquillity unlike what we usually encounter, says D.N. Gauri, chairman, Swarg Vatika Trust, and the man behind the project, which is said to have cost more than Rs. 2.5 crore. Over the last four years, he had been liaising with the authorities and then Collector Navin Mittal for delineating the land. He also roped in top industrialists, doctors and eminent citizens to contribute towards the project spread across 13,000 square metres.

There is no such PPP facility in any other city. I want it to be the best in the country. We will run the crematorium on a secular basis and is open to all castes and communities at a nominal cost. The poor will get free service, affirms Mr. Gauri, an ex-IAF officer, philanthropist and industrialist. Contact him at dayanand@gauries.com or 23778803.

The facility has servant/staff quarters, mortuary, cold store, ashes room and vehicles to transport the dead. For those opting for conventional firewood funeral, the trust has developed five platforms. The donors include K. Satish Reddy of Dr. Reddys Lab, J. Ranjith Rao of My Home Group, C. Malla Reddy of Malla Reddy Group of Institutions, Sunil Talwar of Talwar Hyundai and doctors Somaraju, Mohana Vamsy, Guruva Reddy, Kasu Prasad Reddy, Gokhale and B. Narsaiah.

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Open, eco-friendly crematorium under PPP mode

Injustice: Gods Among Us – PS4 – Part 6 – Cyborg (Let’s Play, Walkthrough, Gameplay) – Video

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Injustice: Gods Among Us - PS4 - Part 6 - Cyborg (Let #39;s Play, Walkthrough, Gameplay)
I am doing a let #39;s play on the PlayStation 4 version of Netherrealm Studio #39;s Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition video game. This is a walkthrough of t...

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Injustice: Gods Among Us - PS4 - Part 6 - Cyborg (Let's Play, Walkthrough, Gameplay) - Video

Tito Ortiz steps down as Cris Cyborg's manager

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Tito Ortiz has decided to stop managing the career of Cris Cyborg, making his announcement on 'Inside MMA' on Friday night.

Here's the statement he provided AXS TV for his decision below:

"I can live with Dana not liking me but what I cant live with is Danausing me to hurt someone else. Ive taken abuse and maybe I deservedsome of it but Cris is a beautiful person and great athlete and doesntdeserve to be insulted like this.

I dont understand how Dana lets his hatred towards me hurt the UFC andthe fans by not making this fight.

He accuses her of still using banned substances and say that she isntworthy of fighting Ronda yet a year ago he personally called me to makethe fight happen.

I never said she would die if she made 135- we just repeated what the Drsaid that Cris shouldnt make a career at 135- we offered a 3 fight dealthey said no 7 fights or no deal.

Regardless I wont stand in the way from the fans getting a fight theywant and I wont hold Cris Back. So Im stepping down as Cris manager

Now he cant hold that against her-

Im also tired of Dana accusing Cris of using banned substances. Ichallenge you to put up or shut up- Test her or stop lying about her-Cris is a beautiful woman inside and out- dont insult her on her looks-she may be tough as nails but she still has feelings.

I know people are going to say there goes Tito making this about himagain- but its not -its about Cris Cyborg- the baddest woman on theearth soon to be multi-sport world champion."

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Tito Ortiz steps down as Cris Cyborg's manager

Justino rep implores White to test 'Cyborg,' offers to step aside for Rousey fight (updated)

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The rep for Cristiane Cyborg Justinohas an offer for UFC President Dana White: Test her, or be quiet.

Were willing to test anywhere, anytime, anyplace to prove that shes clean, George Prajin, who co-manages Justino with Bellator fighter Tito Ortiz, today told MMAjunkie. Hes being a little reckless by making these statements without verifying the facts.

Prajin defended Justino one day after White accused her of being on performance-enhancing drugs, comparing her appearance to former PRIDE champ and current UFC fighter Wanderlei Silva.

Shes done so many drugs her head is this big, White told reporters on Thursday. Does anyone really think she fights clean?

Prajin countered that Justino made one mistake, and vowed to never make that mistake again and said she now is a clean athlete.

Well do a blood test, urine test, a hair follicle test whatever it takes so [White] can say shes clean and for him to stop making these comments, Prajin said.

Prajin said in three fights since 2011, when her Strikeforce title was stripped three years ago by UFC parent Zuffa following a failed drug test for stanozolol, Justino has twice been tested and passed. (Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp confirmed the former champ was not flagged for banned substances in a pair of appearances for the promotion.)

I can guarantee you that knowing Cyborg and having worked with her for over two years now that she is not on drugs she does not use performance-enhancing drugs, Prajin said. The issue that she had was regarding a weight cut. Someone in her camp suggested she use something that turned out to be a banned substance. She paid her dues, and shes back on track.

A man can fail multiple drug tests and be allowed to fight back in the UFC. A woman fails one drug test, and shes labeled a drug user for the rest of her life? I dont see how thats fair.

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Justino rep implores White to test 'Cyborg,' offers to step aside for Rousey fight (updated)

2014 NSW Junior State Cup – Manly Sea Eagles v Northern Beaches (18’s Girls) – Video

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2014 NSW Junior State Cup - Manly Sea Eagles v Northern Beaches (18 #39;s Girls)
Live streaming of the Manly Sea Eagles versus Northern Beaches Renegades 18 #39;s Girls game on day one of the 2014 New South Wales Junior State Cup in Port Macq...

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2014 NSW Junior State Cup - Manly Sea Eagles v Northern Beaches (18's Girls) - Video

Thai beaches offer mix of fun, relaxation

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A trip sampling the diversity of Southeast Asian destinations can take you from the sleek modernity of Singapore to the ancient temples of Cambodia's Angkor Wat. And then there are the beaches of Thailand: relaxing, beautiful, and for the adventurous holiday-maker, a lot more exotic than Miami. Thai beaches offer gorgeous stretches of sand, water sports, nearby outdoor activities and cheap food and drink.

Off the Andaman Sea are Phuket and Koh Phi Phi, which rose to international prominence after being featured in the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach. But there are also the renowned beaches along the Gulf of Thailand - Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Each of these has its own charms and attractions, and regular boat services make it easy to travel to them. All three also have fantastic party scenes.

KOH SAMUI

This is the main transport centre for the islands, with a fancy airport. While the island boasts gorgeous beaches all over its coasts, head to Chaweng Beach for a proper holiday vibe. The beach is dotted with hotels for all budgets, open-air massage parlours, and vendors peddling everything from corns on the cob and pineapple to beachwear and decorative wooden keepsakes.

That's by day. By night, the main drag, a block away from the beach, buzzes with thumping music and busy restaurants. The laid-back daytime schedule means the venues don't become crowded until about 10pm or 11pm; in the interim, for penny-pinching students, head to Walking Street for cheap bottles of Chang beer, barbecued crocodile or fruit shakes, affordable swimwear and sarongs, and people-watching. Places like Ark Bar on the beach keep the party going until the early hours, with DJs and fire displays.

KOH PHANGAN

This island is home to the legendary Full Moon Party, but locals have realised the potential of such events and every few metres you'll find a sign advertising a Black Moon Party, a Waterfall Party or some other kind of party. Participants at these beach raves adorn themselves with neon body paint, then dance until they drop as the gentle, cerulean waters lap the shore. The Full Moon Party, especially, is notorious for drugs, but you'll see signs as soon as you disembark at the ferry port warning that marijuana and mushrooms are illegal. Be aware that travellers have ended up in Thai jails for violating drug laws.

Sunrise Beach is the cove where the Full Moon event takes place, but it is quiet and stunning during the day. There is a rickety path of wooden slats to a viewpoint restaurant, and the whole area gives off an end-of-the-world paradise impression.

There are eco-tours available that include elephant trekking (this is often only about 10 minutes atop an elephant), waterfall hiking and visits to temples or scenic beaches such as Bottle Beach and Koh Ma, a deserted island connected to Koh Phangan by a sandbar.

KOH TAO

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Thai beaches offer mix of fun, relaxation

Anti-oil protests at South Island beaches

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Anti-oil protest have been held around South Island beaches as US oil company Anadarko continues its exploration of New Zealand waters.

Greenpeace says there were more than 2000 people at 20 beaches on the Mainland on Saturday, with the biggest crowds in Dunedin, Christchurch and Kaikoura.

The numbers showed New Zealanders did not want deep sea drilling off the coast, said Greenpeace energy campaigner Steve Abel.

"We don't want to see dozens of oil rigs dotted off our coastlines - that is the awful vision of John Key and Anadarko. We want jobs for New Zealanders that don't ruin our fishing grounds or risk oil washing on our beaches."

Anadarko's chartered ship the Noble Bob Douglas is now exploring the Canterbury Basin after failing to find oil off the west coast of the North Island.

It says it will most likely find natural gas in the Canterbury Basin, rather than oil.

The Petroleum Exploration and Production Association says finding commercial quantities of oil and natural gas is not easy, but drilling can be done safely in deep water.

In November last year, six boats protested against the Noble Bob Douglas off the Waikato coast. A subsequent Greenpeace legal challenge to the exploration permit failed.

Anti-oil protesters are again planning a sea-going protest off the Otago coast.

They say deep sea drilling for oil and gas is extremely risky for the environment and question the safety record of Anadarko, which was one of the companies behind the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.

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Anti-oil protests at South Island beaches