Genetic defect plays role in hearing loss too

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Washington, Oct 1 (IANS) Going deaf? Blame a genetic mutation, linked with Usher syndrome type 1, says the latest finding, which could help develop more effective ways of treating this syndrome.

Usher syndrome is a genetic defect that causes deafness, night-blindness and a loss of peripheral vision through the progressive degeneration of the retina.

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, partnered the study with the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Kentucky, the journal Nature Genetics reports.

"Researchers were able to pinpoint the gene which caused deafness in Usher syndrome type 1 as well as deafness that is not associated with the syndrome through the genetic analysis of 57 humans from Pakistan and Turkey," says Zubair Ahmed, assistant professor of ophthalmology from Cincinnati Children's and the study's lead investigator.

Ahmed says that a protein, called CIB2, which binds to calcium within a cell, is associated with deafness in Usher syndrome type 1 and non-syndromic hearing loss. "To date, mutations affecting CIB2 are the most common and prevalent genetic cause of non-syndromic hearing loss in Pakistan," he says, according to a Cincinnati statement.

"With this knowledge, we are one step closer to understanding the mechanism of mechano-electrical transduction and possibly finding a genetic target to prevent non-syndromic deafness as well as that associated with Usher syndrome type 1," Ahmed says.

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Genetic defect plays role in hearing loss too

Just another GE mirage

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The announcement about scientists producing GE milk will damage New Zealands brand on which our more than $10 billion a year dairy exports rely, the Green Party said today.

Today AgResearch scientists announced they have used genetic engineering (GE) technology to breed the first cow in the world that produces high protein milk that may be hypo-allergenic.

"This is just another GE mirage; another announcement from GE proponents about a potential product which we do not need and has no market," Green Party GE Steffan Browning said today.

"Its not right for these scientists to be touting their finding as a solution to milk allergies in babies as some sort of justification for the huge amount of resources that have been invested into GE research.

"We see this over and over again with GE scientists; this new product or that new product that will have apparent amazing results but it never actually meets our real needs for a safe, healthy food supply.

"The Royal Commission into GE recommended that wherever possible animals that are a common source of food should not be used for GE but that recommendation has been ignored.

"Field trials in New Zealand need to be closed down and GE research needs to be kept in the lab.

"Our export markets want safe food grown in a natural environment but the production of GE milk puts those markets at risk.

"Putting at $10 billion a year industry at risk for half a glass of milk is not something to be celebrating," said Mr Browning.

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Just another GE mirage

Ballot Watch: Labeling genetically engineered foods

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Proposition 37, pushed by organic food companies and Joseph Mercola, an osteopath and owner of an alternative health website, is the second attempt nationwide to ask voters to require labeling of genetically engineered foods.

Genetic engineering, also known as genetic modifying, happens when scientists change the DNA of a plant or animal to achieve new characteristics. Common genetically engineered crops in the United States include corn mixed with pesticide so it is resistant to bugs, and soybeans bred to tolerate weed-killers such as Round-Up. Cross breeding techniques, such as mixing a plum and an apricot to make a pluot, do not meet the definition of genetic engineering under Proposition 37.

As biotech innovations have expanded in recent years, the percentage of crops made from genetic engineering has increased dramatically. Today, about 90 percent of corn and soybeans are genetically engineered, according to the USDA. That's a concern to proponents of organic farming, but a boon to producers who can grow greater quantities at lower cost.

Advocates concerned about potential health and environmental impacts of genetic engineering have been trying for years to get states and the federal government to label such foods. They have unsuccessfully pushed for food labeling laws in 19 state legislatures and submitted a petition to the federal Food and Drug Administration earlier this year. Ten years ago Oregon voters rejected a ballot measure that would have required labeling genetically engineered food.

WHAT IT WOULD DO

Require that food containing genetically engineered ingredients be labeled "Partially produced with genetic engineering" or "May be partially produced with genetic engineering."

Exempt most meat, dairy and alcohol, as well as food that is organic or sold in restaurants.

Prohibit labeling or advertising genetically engineered food as "natural," "naturally made," "naturally grown" or "all natural." May also prohibit those terms on other processed foods.

Allow people to sue food manufacturers who violate labeling rules.

SUPPORTERS

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Ballot Watch: Labeling genetically engineered foods

Ford futurist:

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Henry Ford once said: If I asked consumers what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.

Sheryl Connelly drew a connection to Ford and how the car company that bears his name approaches doing business in the future, using the quote to reflect on the creativity and imagination to create automobiles, yet defying what the public thinks it wants.

It's incumbent to try and imagine a future that is unimaginable, Connelly said.

Connelly reflected on the worldwide trends she sees as a futurist for Ford Motor Co. at a luncheon Monday with the Livonia Public Schools Foundation at St. Mary's Cultural and Banquet Center.

The event was a benefit for the LPS Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides financial support to Livonia Public Schools for innovative programs and services.

Connelly said officials at businesses can study market sales time and time again, yet the difficulty in predicting world events presents unimaginable challenges to firms. For innovations, people need to look for wild cards, expect the unexpected, and learn to build products that are practical and follow trends. Prepare for all scenarios, she said. You have to write a story with great optimism, but if you do that, you also have to write one of great collapse, Connelly said.

Global trends are crucial, including environmental, economic and political ones, Connelly said. Population and demographic shifts are trends that need to be examined and studied, Connelly said.

Connelly showed a map reflecting population growth. The borders of countries and continents experiencing larger growth were expanded, while others with small growth shrunk.

U.S., Canada populations shrinking

The map showed a smaller United States and an even smaller Canada, while Asia and the Middle East appeared much larger. The growth appears in nations that are least able to handle it, Connelly said.

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Ford futurist:

Ford futurist: ‘Imagine a future that is unimaginable'

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Henry Ford once said: If I asked consumers what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.

Sheryl Connelly drew a connection to Ford and how the car company that bears his name approaches doing business in the future, using the quote to reflect on the creativity and imagination to create automobiles, yet defying what the public thinks it wants.

It's incumbent to try and imagine a future that is unimaginable, Connelly said.

Connelly reflected on the worldwide trends she sees as a futurist for Ford Motor Co. at a luncheon Monday with the Livonia Public Schools Foundation at St. Mary's Cultural and Banquet Center.

The event was a benefit for the LPS Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides financial support to Livonia Public Schools for innovative programs and services.

Connelly said officials at businesses can study market sales time and time again, yet the difficulty in predicting world events presents unimaginable challenges to firms. For innovations, people need to look for wild cards, expect the unexpected, and learn to build products that are practical and follow trends. Prepare for all scenarios, she said. You have to write a story with great optimism, but if you do that, you also have to write one of great collapse, Connelly said.

Global trends are crucial, including environmental, economic and political ones, Connelly said. Population and demographic shifts are trends that need to be examined and studied, Connelly said.

Connelly showed a map reflecting population growth. The borders of countries and continents experiencing larger growth were expanded, while others with small growth shrunk.

U.S., Canada populations shrinking

The map showed a smaller United States and an even smaller Canada, while Asia and the Middle East appeared much larger. The growth appears in nations that are least able to handle it, Connelly said.

Excerpt from:

Ford futurist: ‘Imagine a future that is unimaginable'

Text Messaging Still Thriving Despite Smartphones, Twitter and WhatsApp

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Summary: Many companies view SMS as legacy technology, and are bypassing it in favor of apps and new, non-carrier communication services like WhatsApp. The death of SMS is nowhere near, though.

The tech industry attracts the worst kind of futurists, Clayton Christensen-quoting types who behold shifting paradigms, looming inflection points and disruptive innovations everywhere they look.

The futurism business is so competitive these days that technologies get declared dying at the very moment they are actually peaking. In monarchy terms, that's like preparing tocrown the boy prince when the reigning king is a hale and hearty 40-something.

So it goes with text messaging, aka SMS. Nobody disputes that SMS is the king of mobile communications today. 7.8 trillion SMS messages were sent last year, according to Portio Research. Another firm, Informa, counted 5.9 trillion text messages worldwide last year, comprising 64% of mobile messaging traffic. You alsohave research showing that in developed countries,texting has just become more popularthan voice calling.

Not only is SMS on top, but it's still growing substantially. Portio predicted earlier this year that it will increase 23% this year to 9.6 trillion SMS messages.

According to Portio: "SMS is not dead. SMS is still the king and will remain so for some time to come."

Yet, many experts have already declared the death of SMS. Consumers don't care - they're too busy texting. And somecompanies are reaping the marketingbenefits(see Mobile Marketer for more North American case studies and Sybase 365 for the rest of the world).

But too many companies are being persuaded not to invest in SMS or its picture/video-enabled sibling, MMS, in favor of building native apps, or waiting to see what the mobile IM services or Twitter or even fast-rising 'free' Over-The-Top (OTT) services like WhatsApp.

I understand that there is a consumer desire for a cheaper alternative to SMS. ButI think that companies waiting for the death of SMS will wait for a lot longer than they expect. In the meantime, there will be huge costs, in the form of blown opportunities to exploit the right-time, contextual marketing capabilitiesof mobiletoday.

As much as I'm a champion of apps, they remain largely a first-world phenomenon. Globally, smartphones that can run apps were outsold by featurephones by 2:1 last year.

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Text Messaging Still Thriving Despite Smartphones, Twitter and WhatsApp

The Most Beautiful '50s And '60s American Car Paintings [Car Art]

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Although they decrease in number with each passing year, classic cars from the 1950s and '60s are part of America's cultural landscape. They're icons of an time when we had just defeated the biggest threats the world had ever known.

The futurism seen in automotive design, art and architecture of that era are pretty good indications that on top of the nation's brewing social unrest, there was a sense of optimism. This is often reflected in the classic car art of the era, and of future artists looking back on the era. What's the most beautiful car-on-canvas painting reflecting this moment in America's existence.

Our nominee is this painting from Danny Heller, a 30-year-old painter from Southern California's San Fernando Valley. He wasn't even alive until the 1980s.

But growing up in Southern California, where mid-century architecture and cars are common, he began to notice that there was something special about that simple space age aesthetic. Houses are low and long, and because of the region's dry, sunny weather many of the cars from that era are still on the road, having escaped the fate of rust belt body rot.

"L.A. and the San Fernando Valley have a car culture. Those old cars were all around me when I was growing up," Heller told us. "My dad had a stingray 'Vette and an old Lincoln, the neighbors had a Chevy Bel Aire. You could drive by Bob's Big Boy in Burbank on cruise night and there would be classic cars in the parking lot."

So when he began painting mid-century architecture and design as his main subject matter, cars were a natural part of the scenery. Painting that scene is a way for him to preserve not just mid-century design, but it's version of hope for the future: Better living through good design. Big windows. Lots of light. Big, space age cars. Enough to go around.

Southern California has changed a lot since rocket tipped Oldsmobiles and suburban ranch homes were in vogue. Our vision of the future has shifted. Although the trappings of that time are still around, like any flotsam of a bygone time they're disappearing. Hipsters love '50s furniture and old, beer-bellied men are fond of finned Detroit iron, but the rest of the world has moved on. Heller thinks his waning, and in many cases dilapidated, SoCal Golden Suburban Utopia Era surroundings are beautiful, and wants to preserve some of it for posterity.

Take a look at Heller's paintings. At first glance, they almost look like photographs. But how does seeing old cars and Palm Springs homes in paint change the way you see them? Does it freeze them in time or do they age instantly? Do they become more or less alive? Has the Golden State dream portrayed in Heller's paintings disappeared completely, or have we reshaped it somehow?

Please share your images from that era and of that era and tell us what they mean to you.

Image credit: Danny Heller

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The Most Beautiful '50s And '60s American Car Paintings [Car Art]

Freedom House calls on Rada to put stop to defamation bill

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The international non-governmental organization Freedom House has condemned the defamation bill and called on the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, to remove the bill from the agenda.

"Freedom House condemns the initiative to recriminalize defamation in Ukraine and calls on the Ukrainian parliament to remove the bill from consideration," reads a press release of the organization, which has been posted on its Web site on Monday, Oct.1.

According to President of Freedom House David J. Kramer, "a clear and concerted effort to restrict free expression and free coverage of the electoral campaign in Ukraine" can be seen in the document.

The organization also stressed that the situation with freedom of speech has become difficult in Ukraine over several recent months.

"The past several months have seen a number of worrying developments for press freedom and the freedom of expression in Ukraine," reads the press release.

Freedom House recalled about the situation with the TVi Channel and the Ukrainian Week magazine.

"Ukraine's European partners should be asking Ukraine hard questions about these worrying developments and should make it clear that there's no place in Europe for intimidation and persecution of the media," Kramer said.

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Freedom House calls on Rada to put stop to defamation bill

Freedom of expression comes with social responsibility – Anifah

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KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- Freedom of expression should come with social responsibility, especially in combating extremism, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.

Referring to the recent uproar fuelled by the release of the anti-Islam video, 'Innocence of Muslims', he said, such irresponsible action could not be defended under the pretext of human rights, freedom or liverty.

"A line should be drawn when the prejudicial effect outweighs everything else. Malaysia has always maintained that freedom, including freedom of expression, comes with responsibility," he said at the 67th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) general debate in New York today.

His speech was made available here.

This year's UNGA is themed 'Bringing about Adjustment or Settlement of International Disputes or Situations by Peaceful Means'.

Condemning the irresponsible action of those who intentionally incited hatred, Anifah said Malaysia was equally saddened by the violent reaction which ensued.

He said using violence to express anger would only result in further divides, more damage and loss of innocent lives.

"It is, therefore, important that we continue to practise moderation as we face the rising tide of extremism. Moderation is the best response to overcome extremism," he said.

On another matter, Anifah said Malaysia condemned the violence and senseless killings that continued in Syria, and hoped any further action to help the nation would be in the interest of the Syrian people.

He also called upon Israel to stop illegal settlement activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

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Freedom of expression comes with social responsibility - Anifah

Freedom Film Fest returns to Penang

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The Freedom Film Fest will be back in town this weekend.

Venue: Town Hall, Georgetown

Date: Saturday, 6 October

Time: 11.00am-11.00pm

Organiser: Komas

Also there will be a special screening for YOUNG PERSONS suitable for children aged 10 year- 15 years (3.00-5.00pm) anda CREATIVE ACTIVISM workshop (1.00pm-3.00pm).

Also, Soh Sook Hwas film, EO6: People Power vs. The state

And of course the highlight is our three FFF films this year produced by the winners of the proposal competition. 1. Rights of The Dead By Tricia Yeoh 2. The Silent Riot By Nadira Ilana 3. M-C-M: Utopia Milik Siapa By Kia Boon Meng

Winners films trailers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D3Uf-iVArE&feature=player_embedded

Check out the links to the trailer and also write ups about the films:

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Freedom Film Fest returns to Penang

Today: Freedom’s Defense Fund Releases Ad in Support of Todd Akin

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WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Freedoms Defense Fund, an independent political organization dedicated to principles of limited government, today released an ad in support of Rep. Todd Akins bid to unseat Senator Clare McCaskill. The ad, entitled Lets Do the Math, calls out Claire McCaskill for her uniform support of Barack Obamas disastrous policies. It is part of a $250,000 independent expenditure aimed at making Todd Akin the next Missouri Senator.

Claire McCaskill votes with Barack Obama 98 percent of the time, the ad notes. McCaskill is a reliable ally in the liberal assault on free-market capitalism and traditional values.

The ad is part of a continuing commitment on the part of Freedoms Defense Fund to support candidates who have been abandoned by the mainstream. The National Republican Senatorial Committee has refused to fund Akins bid, even though polls demonstrate the race to be very winnable.

On the issues, Todd Akin is the right leader for Missouri, said Michael Centanni, Chairman of Freedoms Defense Fund. We know Missouri voters reject Barack Obama and Sen. McCaskills extreme vision for America, and we want to make sure they are informed.

To view the ad, visit http://www.freedomsdefensefund.com.

About Freedoms Defense Fund

Freedoms Defense Fund is a political action committee dedicated to the protection of liberty from big government advocates of either party. Freedoms Defense Fund stands with conservative, pro-freedom candidates against the radical left and their elitist allies in the mainstream media.

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Today: Freedom’s Defense Fund Releases Ad in Support of Todd Akin

Afghan media claim small victory in fight for press freedom

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KABUL (Reuters) - Afghan journalists are claiming a small victory in their battle for press freedom after the government agreed to some softening of media restrictions, industry representatives said on Monday.

Journalists have been locked in a row with the government for months after authorities proposed a revision of the existing media law, which looked to significantly tighten Kabul's grip over the fledgling but lively Afghan press corps.

The legislation raised fresh concerns that authorities were trying to appeal to the more conservative side of society ahead of the pullout of most foreign troops by the end of 2014.

A frequent gripe though was that the changes would have forced reporters to "observe the principles of Islam", a vague catch-all stipulation which some journalists say the government uses to detain them.

The Ministry of Information and Culture agreed to five of 19 changes suggested by journalists. They include getting rid of special courts for alleged media violations and a clause that proposed restriction on foreign programming on radio and TV.

"Afghan journalists consider the new proposal of the media law a move in the right direction," said Abdul Mujeeb Khalvatgar, executive director of media advocacy group Nai.

"Taking in the considerations of the (media) community means the government believes in, trusts and recognizes our field."

President Hamid Karzai trumpets the existing 2009 law, which took years to pass, as one of his government's major achievements, though war and an atmosphere of impunity make Afghanistan one of the most dangerous places to be a journalist.

The new draft still presents the media with restrictions, including a heavy government presence on the High Media Council, a 15-member body which has enormous sway over ethics and legal procedures.

"This draft is significantly better than the last one, but the biggest question still remains, which is why there is a need for a new law in the first place," said Heather Barr, Afghanistan researcher for Human Rights Watch.

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Afghan media claim small victory in fight for press freedom

Freedom Meditech Secures $2 Million in Funding from Silicon Valley Bank

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SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Freedom Meditech, Inc., developer of non-invasive ophthalmic products for the detection of disease and management of patient health, today announced it has secured a $2 million line of credit from Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). The funds will be used to ramp up manufacturing and distribution of the company's ClearPath DS-120 Lens Fluorescence Biomicroscope, currently under regulatory review in the U.S. and European Union.

SVBs due diligence on our ClearPath DS-120 showed a strong mix of proven technology, market opportunity and just how far we have come in reducing manufacturing, regulatory and marketing risk for the product, said Craig Misrach, Chairman and CEO of Freedom Meditech. The financing provided by SVB is a springboard to launch this new and exciting product in the global healthcare marketplace.

Terms of the credit facility include an initial disbursement with additional funds available upon attaining certain milestones. The transaction is in anticipation of a Series B financing close by the company.

The company plans to launch the ClearPath in international markets with an initial focus on countries that accept the CE Mark and CSA Certification Mark. The CE Mark is required to sell in the 27 countries that comprise the EU and is a gateway to other non-regulated markets. CSA certification is required to sell in Canada and is an entre to certain Latin American markets. The product is also under U.S. Food and Drug Administration 510(k) review.

The ClearPath DS-120 incorporates the use of proprietary biophotonic spectroscopy to detect autofluorescence of the crystalline lens of the eye. The ClearPath non-invasively scans blue light into the lens of the eye in less than six (6) seconds and produces a result immediately at the point of care. The test is painless, requires no special preparation such as fasting, and produces no bio-hazardous waste or disposal cost. This information, along with other data collected in a routine health examination, can provide clinicians with a more robust wellness program designed to identify the potential risk of chronic systemic disease and the need to institute appropriate patient management plans.

About Freedom Meditech Freedom Meditech, Inc. is a medical device company focused on the commercialization of novel ophthalmic technologies for the detection of disease and management of patient health. The company maintains research and development operations throughout California and Ohio with supporting corporate and engineering activities in San Diego, CA. For more information, visit http://www.freedom-meditech.com.

AboutSilicon Valley BankSilicon Valley Bankis the premier bank for technology, life science, cleantech, venture capital, private equity and premium wine businesses. SVB provides industry knowledge and connections, financing, treasury management, corporate investment and international banking services to its clients worldwide through 27 U.S. offices and seven international operations. (SIVB)www.svb.com. Silicon Valley Bankis theCaliforniabank subsidiary and the commercial banking operation ofSVB Financial Group. Banking services are provided bySilicon Valley Bank, a member of theFDICand theFederal Reserve System. SVB Financial Groupis also a member of theFederal Reserve System.

The ClearPath DS-120 is an investigational device and is limited by federal (U.S.) law to investigational use.

ClearPath DS-120 Lens Fluorescence Biomicroscope is a trademark owned by Freedom Meditech, Inc.

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Freedom Meditech Secures $2 Million in Funding from Silicon Valley Bank

Time short for Perdue

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From an editorial in the Winston-Salem Journal on Monday:

Gov. Bev Perdue enjoys nationwide media access, including spots on CNN and the Rev. Al Sharptons Politics Nation show on MSNBC. So were at a loss as to why, with her days in office quickly drawing to a close, the Democrat hasnt used that access for the sterilization victims she said shed help as she ran for office four years ago.

I think she should try to help us, said Charles Holt of Kernersville, a retired municipal worker who was sterilized when he was 18, in the late 1960s.

CNN has already followed up on the Journals coverage and that of other N.C. newspapers, as has NBCs Rock Center and The New York Times. Perdue would probably have no trouble getting Sharpton to help her put nationwide pressure on Phil Berger, the Republican leader of the state Senate, to compensate the victims before this year ends. Theres also been pressure from the right, including from the John Locke Foundation and Bergers Republican counterpart in the state House, Speaker Thom Tillis.

In June, Tillis led his chamber to a history-making vote. The vote was the first of its kind, overwhelmingly in favor of giving $50,000 to each of the states living sterilization victims. There may be as many as 1,500 of them. Berger, however, never brought the matter to a vote in the Senate.

But the fight is not over. Many N.C. newspapers, including The Charlotte Observer, The News & Observer of Raleigh, the News & Record of Greensboro and The High Point Enterprise, have joined us in the call for compensation. We have repeatedly urged Perdue to call on nonprofit foundations and hospitals to start a campaign to challenge the legislature with matching grants for compensation. Perdue could then call a special session of the legislature and demand it finally approve compensation. Perdue, Berger and Tillis could take credit for the best kind of win, one to finally help vulnerable and victimized citizens.

They have waited far too long. The Journals 2002 investigative series Against Their Will started a long road to justice. The victims were sterilized by a program with a warped aim of bettering society and reducing the welfare rolls based on the junk science of eugenics, one that focused on the poor and powerless, often bullying them into operations because they were deemed not smart enough or physically sound enough to reproduce. The victims have heard almost 10 years of false promises. They are hurting and dying. Help cant come soon enough.

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Time short for Perdue

Editorial: Perdue should use her nationwide media access to push for sterilization compensation

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By: Journal Editorial Board | Winston-Salem Journal Published: October 01, 2012 Updated: October 01, 2012 - 12:00 AM

Gov. Bev Perdue enjoys nationwide media access, including spots on CNN and the Rev. Al Sharptons Politics Nation show on MSNBC. So were at a loss as to why, with her days in office quickly drawing to a close, the Democrat hasnt used that access for the sterilization victims she said shed help as she ran for office four years ago.

I think she should try to help us, Charles Holt of Kernersville, a retired municipal worker who was sterilized when he was 18, in the late 1960s, told our editorial board Thursday.

Holt and other victims often ask us if the governor will make one last push for them.

CNNs Anderson Cooper has already followed up on the Journals coverage and that of other North Carolina newspapers on this topic, as has NBCs Rock Center and The New York Times. Perdue would probably have no trouble getting Sharpton to help her put nationwide pressure on Phil Berger, the Republican leader of the state Senate, to compensate the victims before this year ends. Sharpton would bring pressure from the left, but theres also been pressure from the right for compensation, including from the John Locke Foundation and Bergers Republican counterpart in the state House, Speaker Thom Tillis.

In June, Tillis, following up on groundwork laid by Democratic Rep. Larry Womble of Winston-Salem, led his chamber to a history-making vote. The vote was the first of its kind in the nation, one overwhelmingly in favor of giving $50,000 to each of the states living sterilization victims. There may be as many as 1,500 of them. Berger, however, never brought the matter to a vote in the Senate.

But the fight is not over. Many North Carolina newspapers, including The Charlotte Observer, The News & Observer of Raleigh, the News & Record of Greensboro and The High Point Enterprise, have joined us in the call for compensation. On this page, we have repeatedly urged Perdue to call on nonprofit foundations and hospitals to start a campaign to challenge the legislature with matching grants for compensation. Perdue could then call a special session of the legislature and demand it finally approve compensation. Perdue, Berger and Tillis could take credit for the best kind of win, one to finally help some of our most vulnerable and victimized citizens.

They have have waited far too long. The Journals 2002 investigative series Against Their Will, initiated by Kevin Begos, started a long road to justice. The victims were sterilized by a program with a warped aim of bettering society and reducing the welfare rolls based on the junk science of eugenics, one that focused on the poor and powerless, often bullying them into operations because they were deemed not smart enough or physically sound enough to reproduce. The victims have heard almost 10 years of false promises. They are hurting and dying. Help cant come soon enough.

Gov. Perdue, come through.

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Editorial: Perdue should use her nationwide media access to push for sterilization compensation

A genetic counsellor share’s the job’s highs and lows

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Genetic counsellors guide people and families through the complicated nature of a genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis, cancer and mental illness. The Star spoke with Riyana Babul-Hirji, a genetic counsellor at Sick Kids Hospital, about the job.

Q: Whatdoes a genetic counsellor do?

A: Once a diagnosis is made, genetic counsellors help the family understand the genetic basis of that condition. Often one of the underlying feelings with parents is guilt, feeling like its something that they did that caused this in their child. So some of what we do is explain that its not something theyve done, its something that was inherited and we cant control it.

Another part of what we do is to keep families updated in terms of research. And if they are thinking about another pregnancy, what their options are and risks are. We also address any psychosocial effects as well as being advocates for them for resources and other things they may need. And we look at the implications for family members and how they go about communicating this with those family members.

Q: What kind of training do you need?

A: All genetic counsellors have a masters of science in medical genetics and genetic counselling. We work collaboratively with clinical geneticists as well as a multidisciplinary team.

Q: Whats the most common myth about genetic counselling?

A: I teach a first year course in genetic counselling (at U of T) and I ask the students on the first day of class, when they told people they were thinking of becoming a genetic counsellor, what was the reaction?

The response is often that they dont quite understand what a genetic counsellor does, and the first thing they think of is eugenics. That were here helping parents to have that designer baby. Its not that all. Its helping families adjust to the genetic condition that they may be at risk for and help them make choices that are right for them.

Q: How do you break bad news to people?

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A genetic counsellor share’s the job’s highs and lows

Journal's John Railey wins award for editorial writing

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John Railey, the editorial page editor for the Winston-Salem Journal, won second place in the Carmage Walls Commentary Prize competition of the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association for his columns on North Carolina's eugenics program.

"John Railey is nothing if not persistent," the judges wrote. "He has been writing about forced sterilization in North Carolina for a decade. His investigations brought to light the terrible wrongs committed in the past, and his ongoing writing keeps the matter in the public eye while lawmakers talk big but do little to compensate victims of the state's abuse."

Railey was among a team of journalists whose 2002 series "Against Their Will" led to an official state apology to victims and a legislative effort to compensate them. He began writing editorials in 2004 and became the Journal's editorial page editor in 2010.

Top honor among newspapers above 50,000 circulation went to Linda Campbell, editorial writer and columnist of the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram, for writing about collusion between elected officials and winners of contracts for delinquent tax collection. For under 50,000 circulation, top honor went Executive Editor Scott Morris and staff writer Robert Palmer of the TimesDaily in Florence, Ala., for editorials and columns on a new immigration law in Alabama.

The other second-place winner was Steve Stewart, publisher of The Tidewater News of Franklin, Va. The winners were announced at an awards ceremony Monday in Naples, Fla. The prize is named for the late Benjamin Carmage Walls, whose newspaper career spanned 70 years.

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Journal's John Railey wins award for editorial writing

nCircle Benchmark Community Surpasses 1000 Users

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Benchmarking service gives users unprecedented, unified view of security performance across entire IT security eco-system

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--nCircle, the leader in information risk and security performance management, today announced the adoption of nCircle Benchmark by well over 1,000 users. nCircle Benchmark is the first free, community-driven security performance benchmarking service, and is the only industry service providing a standardized measurement of security performance. Participants use nCircle Benchmark to clearly communicate how well their information assets are secured and to compare their performance with industry peers.

The rapid growth of our community across a diverse group of industries and a growing number of security disciplines demonstrates the confidence the Benchmark community has in the empirical evidence available only through nCircle Benchmark

The rapid growth of our community across a diverse group of industries and a growing number of security disciplines demonstrates the confidence the Benchmark community has in the empirical evidence available only through nCircle Benchmark, noted Jim Acquaviva, vice president of product strategy for nCircle. We are the only security service providing visibility into best practices and, in the process, we are revolutionizing how security performance is measured and communicated at every level of the organization.

Because of the difficulties involved in gathering the data, security benchmarking has been limited in scope and available only sporadically to very specific audiences. This limited benchmark data often lacked the critical contextual information necessary to make it relevant to users. nCircle Benchmark changed this dynamic using a patented technology that is secure, anonymous and consistent.

nCircle Benchmark metrics are refined into relevant, actionable performance indicators and visualized into scorecards designed for a variety of audiences, from CISOs to security analysts. These scorecards enable organizations to measure and track their security posture over time and provide a comparison against continuously updated, industry specific Benchmarks and Bellwether Metrics.

For more information, or to get started with free scorecard packs, please visit benchmark.ncircle.com.

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Wanderport's Eco-Friendly Microwave Water Heating Technology Poised To Become "The New Industry Efficiency Standard In …

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NEW YORK, Sept.27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Wanderport Corp. (OTC Markets-PINKSHEETS: "WDRP") On the heels of the company's recent confirmation of a functioning on-demand multi-cavity microwave water heating unit (MCMHU) and before releasing the name of the independent laboratory contracted to supply the unit's efficiency results, Mr. Robert Simoneau, Wanderport's Technical Advisor and Product Licensor, today summarized his thoughts on how to accurately benchmark and contrast Wanderport's proprietary eco-friendly microwave heat-engine technology performance efficiency results versus efficiency claims categorized and classified by others within the water heating industry.

Mr. Simoneau began by saying, "All water heaters consume some form(s) of energy in order to fulfill their stated purpose, which is to heat water. Traditional water heaters utilize energy solely in the form of "direct" consumption. An example of this would be natural gas, propane, electricity, etc., consumed to create heat. In the case of gas powered heaters, a controlled fire is used in proximity to a heat exchanger capable of handling high temperature. In the case of electric water heaters, a resistive element is used in proximity or immersed in the medium. These units have efficiency ratings (EF) that vary from about .67 to .95, where 1 is the theoretical maximum representing 'unity.' In other words, if your unit has an EF of 1 and is a unit utilizing a single 'direct' energy source, then the unit is operating at theoretical maximum efficiency.Other tangible losses, usually relating to usage patterns are more difficult to quantify and we would only require considering them when discussing heaters that require storage capacity. If this is the case, then we must ask why certain water heaters have claims of an efficiency rating (EF) greater than 1 or 'unity.'"

To answer this question, Mr. Simoneau continued by saying, "In addition to these aforementioned technologies, a number of water heaters, which I will refer to as 'bi-energy,' have also been introduced into the marketplace. These models utilize a primary source of energy, such as electricity, and a secondary, such as solar or ambient air heat extraction (heat pump). These models are rated at efficiency rating (EF) levels that surpass 'unity' ranging from approximately EF 1.2 to EF 2.2 inferring that they are inherently more efficient than 'direct consumption' models. In actual fact, the 'extra' EF of .2 to 1.2 is energy that is being consumed from an alternate source and the larger EF number does not relate to any increased efficiency in consumption of the primary power source. In the case of a heat pump, this can be quite important since water heaters are often installed indoors. Understandably, if the heat being extracted from ambient air is being generated by an HVAC system, then the actual 'cost' or burden of this energy is attributed to the HVAC system and not added to the water heaters' consumption, something not readily apparent and not qualified in the stated EF figure. Consumers should determine whether their total cost of energy consumption is important or if they prefer enjoying a reduction in the cost of water heating whilst experiencing an increase in the cost of heating their home and possibly a net increase in the overall cost of energy consumption."

Mr. Simoneau went on to say, "Something that is also common to both solar and heat pump water heaters is the requirement of a storage tank and the often lengthy recovery times, hence proper sizing is paramount. However, allowing for proper sizing is acknowledging that a compromise needs to be made between storage capacity and desired use. In other words, if you design a system to never run out of hot water, then you are, by definition, heating water that remains unused. This loss of energy is also not always considered when examining the efficiency rating (EF) levels or EF claims by their manufacturer. Why is this important? It is imperative that we all recognize that no form of energy is 'free' and that the method of comparing water heaters in order to obtain 'apples to apples' data is desirable but not easily ascertained."

Mr. Simoneau suggested that one of the most important factors to consider when comparing water heaters is the overall efficiency. For example, the ability to convert the energy medium consumed into actual heated water. The minimum efficiency rating as required in order to obtain Energy Star Qualification varies depending upon fuel type, technology and configuration. In the case of gas water heaters, a minimum EF of .67 for storage and a minimum of .82 for tank-less is required (source: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/publications/infosource/pub/home/14553). For the sake of comparison, an electric storage tank will range from efficiency rating (EF) of .9 to an EF of .95 (source: http://www.aceee.org/consumer/water-heating). Clearly these examples as cited have not achieved the theoretical maximum of "unity" and demonstrate the existence of inherent energy losses and inefficiencies.

To sum-up Mr. Simoneau stated, "When initial tests were performed using Wanderport's single cavity microwave water heater (a first generation functioning test unit), we calculated an efficiency comparing favourably to the high-end of the most efficient electric storage models. The SCMHU was designed for characterization and this data led us to develop the multi-cavity microwave water heating unit (Wanderport's second generation functioning unit). Conversely, the results from the MCMHU are expected to be at the very highest level of efficiency of any direct consumption or tank-less technology available, while permitting increased flow rates and delta T's (temperature change) suitable to be employed outside the laboratory environment in a variety of applications. For this, slow yet steady progress from theory and ideas to tangible and practical has been made and we have every reason to be excited about this accomplishment. I join Wanderport's management and shareholders in anticipation of Wanderport announcing the name of the external laboratory recognized as a leader in HVAC on or before October 18th, 2012. This facility is performing a multitude of efficiency tests on the MCMHU where the results will be made public. The coming weeks will produce what I expect will arouse industry recognition and the eventual acceptance of our microwave heating technology as the new efficiency standard in on-demand electric water heating for the 21st Century."

About Wanderport Corporation: Wanderport Corporation is a publicly traded company which acquired the global exclusive licensing, distribution and proprietary rights to a unique microwave energy tank-less water heater solution. The company has been dedicated to converting the technology into a marketable eco-friendly, efficient product. Wanderport's objective is to build a sound and profitable company by marketing and distributing the world's first revolutionary alternative to existing less-efficient water heating systems. The proprietary heat engine technology was the proud recipient of the 2005 TIPTA award (TCA; Toronto Construction Association, Innovative Product and Technology Award), awarded by the National Research Council of Canada recognizing excellence in product innovation and technology development.

Important Information About Forward-Looking Statements: Statements made herein, other than historical data, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, potential volatility in the company's stock price, increased competition, customer acceptance of new products and services to be offered by the company, and uncertainty of future revenue and profitability and fluctuations in its quarterly operating efforts. Forward-looking statements are projections of events, revenues, income, future economics, research, development, reformulation, product performance or management's plans and objectives for future operations. In some cases you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of terminology such as "may", "should", "anticipates", "believes", "expects", "intends", "forecasts", "plans", "future", "strategy", or words of similar meaning. While these forward-looking statements and any assumptions upon which they are based are made in good faith and reflect current judgment regarding the direction of the business operations of Wanderport Corporation, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions or other future performance suggested in this press release. These statements are predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including the risk that Wanderport Corporation cannot execute its business plan for lack of capital or other resources, distribution, licensing/acquisition opportunities or internal partnering issues or restructuring/resignation which may modify existing licensing agreement, arrangements and/or contractual obligations, as well as the risks described in the periodic disclosure documents filed on OTCMarkets.com by Wanderport Corporation, copies of which are also available on the company's website. Any of these risks could cause Wanderport Corporation or its industry's actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, Wanderport Corporation does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results.

CONTACT: For further information, please consult Wanderport's corporate website at: http://www.wanderportcorporation.net Investor Relations: info@wanderportcorporation.netTelephone: +1 (352) 533-4801 Like us on: Facebook.com/wanderportcorporationFollow us on Twitter.com/wanderportcorp

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Wanderport's Eco-Friendly Microwave Water Heating Technology Poised To Become "The New Industry Efficiency Standard In ...