Later school start means more rest, better moods – Reuters India

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Kristin Davis to petition for NY Governor under Anti-Prohibition Party

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BREAKING NEWS!!

EX-MADAM WILL RUN ON ANTI-PROHIBITION PARTY

Kristin Davis, formerly known as the Manhattan Madam who supplied high priced call- girls for Eliot Spitzer when he was Governor and Attorney General announced today that she would run for governor as the candidate of the Anti-Prohibition Party (APP). She had previously considered the Free Libertarian Party and the Reform Party labels but rejected both although neither is recognized in New York State as a party." We need to legalize marijuana, gay marriage and casino gambling by ending the Prohibition on them " said Davis.

"It's time to end the Government prohibition on Marijuana and tax it for the public benefit "said Davis "Its time to end the prohibition on gay marriage and it's time to end the prohibition of casino gambling"

"It's also time to end the government prohibition of prostitution in order to drive those who exploit women and utilize drugs out of the business and to protect the public safety as well as filling the public coffers by taxing it" said Davis,a former hedge fund Vice President.

Davis was convicted of promoting prostitution and spent four months in prison before becoming a feminist, libertarian activist and advocate for a freedom based agenda that includes legalizing pot,prostitution and casino gambling to bring new revenues to New York."These are the best alternatives to higher and higher taxes on the people of our state" said Davis.

Davis requires 15,000 valid voter signatures to get her Anti-prohibition campaign on the ballot. If Davis and the Anti-Prohibition party get 50,000 votes they would win permanent ballot status until the next gubernatorial election and could run candidates for state and federal office in 2012.

Note - the official Party logo for the Anti-Prohibition Party will be the Marijuana leaf (above.)

Dave Weigel says he sympathizes with Sarah Palin over email hacking

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Breaking News...

Libertarian Republican was one of a number of on-line media to receive an early release of a commentary from left-libertarian journalist Dave Weigel at Esquire Magazine. Weigel resigned from the Washington Post two weeks ago. Weigel, a sometimes friend of Libertarian Republican blog, and a former writer for Reason, for the first time admits that he has somewhat of an admiration for Sarah Palin.

From Esquire:

Over the first churning forty-eight hours of this whole mess, I resisted — and then accepted — a new sympathy for a politician I'd never pretended to admire much: Sarah Palin. A political celebrity who raises money and appears on TV needs the media in a way that a reporter doesn't. But damn if I didn't feel sorry for the way every utterance Palin ever makes is taffy-pulled and inspected for lies. During the trial of a boy who hacked into Palin's private e-mail account, I debunked a rumor while appearing on MSNBC — where I am now a contributor — that she had "perjured" herself on the stand. She hadn't. She'd spoken correctly, if clumsily, about some of her old e-mails. Like I said: screwed, and then a new sympathy. (Of course, journalists would have had an easier time reaching me than Palin, who is notoriously difficult to get a comment from unless you happen to be a Fox News host.)

Libertarian Republican blog update – Getting it just right

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Hello Libertarian Republican readers:

You may have noticed an unusually high number of posts today. I apologize. There's just so much news out there. And I anticipate that the volume is only gonna get more and more in the coming weeks. We're less than 4 months from the election.

You'll probably see less and less issues-oriented posts here, and most certainly more pure politics through November. That means polls, candidate news, campaign videos, campaign press releases, ect...

I'd appreciate a little feedback. Are you all pleased with the balance of articles? And are you fine with the volume? We try to post 4 to 6 articles a day. I tend to think 8 to 10 is too much. Do you agree? Please take a second to answer the question on the poll on our sidebar. Thanks

Did Chris Matthews help boost Marco Rubio’s poll numbers?

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From Jim Fryar, Real World Libertarian:

Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio have been in a neck and neck battle for the Florida Senate seat, with the Democrat way back out of contention. Crist has been slightly in the lead over Rubio, but the latest statement from Chris Mathews has changed the whole tenor of the campaign with his assertion that Crist will caucus with the Democrats.

Any Republicans who stuck to Crist must now reconsider their positions. As a matter of interest, I don't see much of this guy, so can anyone tell me if he is half cut or is this what he is always like.

(H/t Newsbusters)

MAJOR NEWS!!! Rubio pulls ahead of Crist in Florida race

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JUST BREAKING...

From Eric Dondero:

Since Charlie Crist announced as an Independent back in May, Republican Marco Rubio has consistently polled slightly behind the Florida Governor. Now, for the first time, a major polling firm shows libertarian/Tea Party-favorite Rubio pulling ahead.

From Rasmussen:

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in Florida finds the two candidates neck-and-neck again this month, with Rubio earning 36% support and Crist, the state’s current Republican governor, capturing 34% of the vote. Prospective Democratic candidate Kendrick Meek remains a distant third, picking up 15%. Fourteen percent (14%) of the state’s voters remain undecided.

A month ago, Rubio, former speaker of the Florida House, and Crist were tied at 37% apiece. Meek, an African-American congressman from the North Miami area, again was at 15%.

For 2010, Libertarian Republicans are most enthusiastic about the Senate races of Rand Paul in Kentucky, Pat Toomey in Pennsylvania, Sharron Angle in Nevada, Mike Lee in Utah, and Marco Rubio in Florida. These candidates are officially endorsed by the Republican Liberty Caucus (rlc.org). With Rubio pulling ahead, the RLC and the overall Libertarian Republican movement could now have a full sweep of election victories for the US Senate.

Not too mention, this will be also be a complete sweep for the Tea Party.

Obama Should Kick The Government’s Ass

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Hey there, Wes Messamore here to share my most recent Jack Hunter-style Op Ed video, in which I take a look at the role government played in causing and exacerbating the Gulf Oil Spill.

Learn the facts and talking points you need to discuss this issue and explain why free markets are not to blame for the oil disaster and why more government regulation is certainly not the solution. Also learn why it's not such a good idea to keep calling for Obama to "do something." He's done enough.

Read the full text at Young Americans for Liberty.

Sunscreen in a Pill?

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Starr_050107-2831_Phlebodium_aureum

I’ve previously described the consequences of acute and chronic sun exposure, and the rationale for topical sunscreen products. But wouldn’t it be easier to just take a pill that can boost our skin’s resistance to to the harmful effects of the sun? Is it possible to get all the benefits of sunscreen without the bother of creams, or even clothing?

Protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage is the central claim with products like Heliocare, Fernblock, and Sunpill. All contain extracts of Polypodium leucotomos (cabbage palm fern), a plant native to Central America. Like many plants, there are some interesting biological compounds inside. The active ingredients seem to be in the rhizome (rootstalk), and they include calagualine, ecdysone, ecdysterone, and several phenolic compounds that may provide antioxidant effects. There is some preliminary evidence to suggest that these chemicals may reduce oxidative damage caused by UV light. In animal models that have looked at simulated UV radiation, inflammation and irritation have been reduced.[1]

During a decade of clinical trials, FernBlock® has shown remarkable effectiveness in shielding skin against dangerous ultraviolet exposure [source]

So let’s look at this evidence, and start with a focused clinical question: In typical sunscreen users, does consuming Polypodium leucotomos supplements provide UVA and UVB skin protection that is comparable to, or a substitute for, topical sunscreen products?

A search of the literature identified four semi-relevant trials. There are no published studies that directly compare oral supplements to topical sunscreens.

Villa studied the effect of Polypodium leucotomos on a marker for chronic UVA-initiated skin damage.[2] Ten volunteers were recruited, and all underwent pre-study skin biopsies and UVA exposure to identify baseline values. One week later, five participants took two doses of a Polypodium leucotomos supplement (8 hours and 2 hours before UVA exposure), and the others received no treatment. Then all received another dose of UVA radiation, at 2-3x the minimum dose determined to produce a sunburn. More biopsies were taken to evaluate UVA damage.

The authors reported that the control group experienced large increases in the marker for UVA damage, while the Polypodium leucotomos group experienced decreases, compared to control. However, these results were not statistically significant. Further, the authors noted that Polypodium leucotomos did not prevent inflammatory infiltrates associated with UVA damage.

The limitations to this study are numerous: The sample size of 10 is modest, and no information is provided to demonstrate the groups are well matched, or how they were allocated. No rationale for the dose used is provided. Two patients were dropped from the control group. The study was not blinded for participants. There is no information about the product used, other than it was a 240mg dose. Without standardization, it’s impossible to extrapolate the observed effects to any commercially available product. Finally, given it appears to be a letter to the editor, it may not have been subject to peer review. The results should properly be called hypothesis-generating — at best. They look promising, but should be followed by more study – not routine use.

Middelkamp-Hup studied Polypodium leucotomos in the prevention of sunburn.[3] In this small open-label study, nine volunteers were given different doses of UV radiation, and then the radiation was repeated after two days of taking Fernblock. A small skin biopsy was taken  before and after treatment, and the samples were compared. Researchers found less evidence of skin damage, and concluded that Fernblock protected the skin from inflammation and the effects of sunburn. This was an interesting preliminary study, but not one that helps us understand its effectiveness compared to sunscreen. The study was not blinded, the effects were modest, and long-term effects were not studied.

Another study by the same author examined the effect of Polypodium leucotomos in ten volunteers that were given sensitizers that accelerate UV damage.[4] There was no blinding. Volunteers received simulated sun exposure before and after 7.5mg/kg of Polypodium leucotomos. The author concluded that Polypodium leucotomos was an effective skin protector against the simulated sun exposure. As this study examined the products effectiveness in patients given UVA sensitizers, it’s difficult to draw conclusions about its usefulness in typical consumers seeking protection from regular or intermittent sun exposure.

González studied both topical and oral forms of Polypodium leucotomos in 21 people.[5] Some patients were given sensitizers to accelerate UVA damage, some were untreated. Skin was evaluated to measure the protective impact of the product. The author observed that the time to initial reddening increased significantly, and reduced other initial signs of skin damage. He concluded that both versions offered some degree of skin protection. This was a small study, with no blinding. No comparison was made to sunscreen.

That’s the extent of the published research that’s relevant to our question. There are some other trials, that are suggestive, but not conclusive, that Polypodium leucotomos supplements may provide some benefit to people who have atypical skin reactions to sunshine. Without double-blind trials, we are left with considering this lesser-quality evidence. That doesn’t mean we ignore the published data, but we should remain skeptical, and look for confirming evidence.

Unfortunately, the manufacturer’s websites have little in the way of objective clinical information. The Sunpill manufacturer links to this clinical study summary [PDF], but there’s not enough information to evaluate the results. There is also a laboratory report [PDF] of a Sunpill evaluation designed to follow the FDA’s standard for sunscreen testing. An eight week evaluation, it measures the efficacy of the supplement in conjunction with daily sunscreen use. While the results look promising, it’s difficult to draw conclusions from the data when presented in this format.

Dosing and Use

If you read the marketing, these products sound pretty impressive:

Fernblock: For the first time you can achieve essential protection from dangerous sun exposure in a pill.

Heliocare works to turn back the sun.

Sunpill protects the skin from the harmful rays of the sun, but still allows your body to receive the benefits that sunshine gives you.

Clearly there’s a gap between the marketing copy and what the evidence says. In light of the limited clinical data, let’s look closer at the dosing recommendations. Are manufacturers telling consumers to put away their topical sunscreen? Not quite:

  • Fernblock’s dose is 240-480mg in the morning, 30 minutes before sun exposure, and “for extended sun exposure take one additional capsule at noon.” The manufacturer also recommends use with SPF 30 sunscreen, and cautions, “Use topical sunscreens whenever exposed to sunlight. This product is not a sunscreen.”
  • Heliocare has a similar dose: two 240mg capsules daily before exposure to sun, with a third capsule for prolonged exposure to the sun. There is a caution: “Do not exceed the stated recommended daily consumption of three Heliocare capsules per day.” The manufacturer also notes, “Heliocare is definitely NOT a substitute for good sunscreens and protective clothing.”
  • Sunpill is packaged as a 639 mg dose of Polypodium leucotomos and several other ingredients including green tea, aloe, pomegranate, and beet root, all without persuasive evidence of effectiveness for UVA/UVB sun protection. It’s not clear how much Polypodium leucotomos is in the product. The manufacturer states, “New research from the University of Miami School of Medicine shows that the fern extract in these pills significantly reduced UVA-related DNA damage that leads to wrinkling and brown spots. For best results, pop one each day starting a week before you plan on fun in the sun.” It also adds, “It is alway (sic) advisable to use a topical sunscreen when you are going to be out in the sun for an extended period of time.”

Safety

The most common side effect reported in the limited research is stomach upset. Advertisers repeatedly use the statement, “has been safely used for over 20 years in Europe,” but I can find no published evidence of this. Based on the the evidence above, these products seems to be safe when taken for a week – the longest trial that’s been published. There is no published information showing these Polypodium leucotomos products are safe if taken for a longer period. [1] Another formulation of the same ingredient appears to be safe when taken for up to five months, however. [1] In light of the small studies that have been conducted, the full safety profile may not yet be well understood. There’s no information about the supplement’s safety in children, or in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Bottom line

The consequences of unprotected exposure to UV light can be severe.  Physical barriers and sunscreen in the forms of creams and other topical products have been demonstrated to reduce acute and chronic consequences of UV exposure. The idea of a well-tolerated, safe, oral supplement that protects against UVA and UVB without the need for topical products is an attractive one – but it’s not clear we have the evidence yet.  Oral sunscreens, taking the most optimistic view of the data, may slightly reduce some of the severity of a sunburn, and may provide some UVA protection. González, one of the researchers cited above, has suggested Polypodium leucotomos offers an SPF of about 3 – insufficient for most people that need sunscreen. Most importantly, these products are still recommended for use in combination with topical sunscreen. Given most sunscreens offer an SPF of 15 or more (when properly applied), it’s not clear if the incremental benefits would be meaningful. So do the potential benefits outweigh the unanswered questions and additional cost? Until better effectiveness and longer-term safety data emerges, a risk-benefit evaluation suggests we’re better off seeking shade behind, instead of eating, Polypodium leucotomos.

References

[1] Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database [database on the Internet]. Stockton (CA): Therapeutic Research Faculty; 1995-2010 [cited 4 July 2010] Available from: http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Subscription required to view – Sorry.

[2] Villa, A., Viera, M., Amini, S., Huo, R., Perez, O., Ruiz, P., Amador, A., Elgart, G., & Berman, B. (2010). Decrease of ultraviolet A light–induced “common deletion” in healthy volunteers after oral Polypodium leucotomos extract supplement in a randomized clinical trial Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 62 (3), 511-513 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2009.05.045

[3] Middelkamp-Hup MA, Pathak MA, Parrado C, Goukassian D, Rius-Díaz F, Mihm MC, Fitzpatrick TB, & González S (2004). Oral Polypodium leucotomos extract decreases ultraviolet-induced damage of human skin. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 51 (6), 910-8 PMID: 15583582

[4] Middelkamp-Hup MA, Pathak MA, Parrado C, Garcia-Caballero T, Rius-Díaz F, Fitzpatrick TB, & González S (2004). Orally administered Polypodium leucotomos extract decreases psoralen-UVA-induced phototoxicity, pigmentation, and damage of human skin. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 50 (1), 41-9 PMID: 14699363

[5] González S, Pathak MA, Cuevas J, Villarrubia VG, & Fitzpatrick TB (1997). Topical or oral administration with an extract of Polypodium leucotomos prevents acute sunburn and psoralen-induced phototoxic reactions as well as depletion of Langerhans cells in human skin. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, 13 (1-2), 50-60 PMID: 9361129


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Leftists, Bill White criticize Texas Libertarian for Governor Kathie Glass for "extremist" views

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"She is absolutely out there" even more uncompromising than Rick Perry

From Eric Dondero:

In June, Kathleen Glass, a Houston attorney won the Libertarian nomination for Governor. She beat 5 other candidates 3 to 1.

Already she's being compared to the insurgent rightwing candidacy of Debra Medina. And the Left and mainline Texas Democrats are aligning to criticize her.

From Phillip Martin at the Burnt Orange Report (the top Democrat website for Texas), July 5:

Kathie Glass, like Debra Medina, is an honest and sincere person. However, she is absolutely out there -- her answer on how to address mental health issues (cut taxes, lower spending, secure our borders) was one of the most incredible stick-to-talking-points-when-you-don't-know-the-answer responses I've ever seen. She is even more of a state's rights, sovreignty person than Perry. Glass declared that education is "socialism."

Meanwhile, the Houston Chronicle reported on the recent debate between Glass and former Houston Mayor Bill White.

The League of Women Voters forum before about 275 people at the Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater in Kerrville gave Democrat Bill White and Libertarian Kathie Glass, both of Houston, the opportunity to make their case against Perry...

[Glass] opposes national healthcare and believes the state should block its implementation

In the evening forum, Glass stuck to the rules by not rebutting White, but he debated her statements several times. When Glass called for repealing the state public school sales tax, White said that would eliminate 42 percent of the funding for schools. Glass wanted to limited education to basics, while White said the state needs to create an educated work force for the future.

Glass also criticized Governor Perry for not making a tax cut permanent.

Glass was critical of Perry and the new state franchise tax. She said the last Legislature exempted businesses making less than $1 million a year, but she said that exemption goes away next year. She said Perry should have made sure the cut was permanent.

“If you’re a small business and you lose money, next year you’re going to get walloped by the franchise tax,” Glass said.

Note - Kathie Glass is married to longtime Libertarian/Republican benefactor and attorney Tom Glass.

Illinois Union official blasts Libertarian for Gov. Lex Green for suggesting Tax Cuts

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From Eric Dondero:

Lex Green is the Libertarian Party candidate for Governor of Illinois. He was just featured in the Illinois Times out of Springfield. The Times quoted a Union official for State Bureaucrats. His response to Green's belt-tightening, fiscally conservative candidacy was predictable.

One of Green's proposals is to switch the state workers to a "private sector 401k plan."

From the Illinois Times, July 8:

Anders Lindall, spokesman for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 30, the union that represents most state employees, says switching would actually cost the state more in administrative costs and would worsen underfunding of the state’s pension system by removing new contributions from the system.

“Any candidate should acknowledge the fact that they’re advocating for a more costly system,” Lindall says. “Defined contributions would drive up costs to taxpayers.”

Green also says he would not pursue a tax increase to fix the state’s finances.

“There are two things I’m adamantly opposed to: taking out loans to pay for our spending and increasing taxes, especially at this time when the taxpayer is burdened by the double effects of a recession and continued inflation,” Green says.

But Lindall counters that a recession is the worst time to cut services.

“Over the past two years, the state has cut spending by more than 10 percent, with devastating effect,” he says.

Lindall helped organize a rally in Springfield in May of Teachers and other State Bureaucrats for Tax Increases. (From: Chicagoist).

Note - Green's wife Karen is a local Republican Precinctwoman. She's also a supporter of Sarah Palin.

http://www.electlex.com

Lake of Seven Colors in Bacalar, Mexico

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Located in the remote southeastern corner of the Yucatan Peninsula, Bacalar Lake is an extraordinarily beautiful body of water more commonly known as “Laguna de Siete Colores” – the Lagoon of Seven Colors. Overshadowed by the tourist meccas of Cancun and Cozumel just three hours to the north, few tourists make the trek to this second largest freshwater lake in Mexico. Yet those who do find an irresistible combination: the sleepy, slow-paced town of Bacalar stretches along the shores of a nearly thirty-mile long, crystal clear lake that shimmers in an ever-changing palette of blue hues.

How many shades of blue can you see?

Bacalar Lake is fed by several cenotes (sinkholes) and a few small jungle rivers which carry mineral-rich calcium carbonate sediment eroded from the underlying limestone. These fine-grained chalk-like sediments absorb all the colors of the spectrum with the exception of blue; rays of sunlight hit the bottom of the lake and reflect back a liquid blue rainbow. Marshes and wetlands that meander along the shore attract a rich variety birds and vast stretches of healthy mangrove provide shelter and breeding grounds for aquatic species.

The Balneario - community beach - in the center of town

The best place to dip your toes into the lagoon is the Balneario – the town beach – located on the north end of town and accessed via the pothole pocked coastal road. Bathers are welcome to use one of the thatch-roofed palapas or spread a blanket on the broad grassy picnic area that borders the shore. There is no sand beach here but kids don’t seem to mind, instead jumping off the pier or the bulkheaded sidewalk that runs along the shore. Visitors wishing to more thoroughly explore the lake will also want to start at the Balneario, as it is the most affordable place in town to rent a kayak or a paddleboat, either by the hour or by the day. Facilities also include changing rooms, rest rooms, a restaurant and bar, a pier where boats can tie up, and ample parking.

Photo Credit: Barbara Weibel
Article by Barbara Weibel of Cultural Travel with Hole In The Donut

Dr. Robert N. Butler dies at 83; Pulitzer Prize-winning pioneer in the study … – Los Angeles Times

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Dr. Robert N. Butler dies at 83; Pulitzer Prize-winning pioneer in the study ...
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Instead of tuition, medical schools should get cut of doc’s salary – Physicians News Digest

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Instead of tuition, medical schools should get cut of doc's salary
Physicians News Digest
As physicians, you are well aware of the problems associated with medical school debt. Here are some numbers to ponder: Eighty-seven percent of medical ...
SPOTLIGHT: Physician shortage sparks innovation in addressing med school debt ...FavStocks (blog)

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