Peritoneal Cancer Index: What it Means for Mesothelioma Patients – Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center (blog)

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Cancer in the abdomen, or peritoneal cancer, is very rare. It occurs when cancer cells develop on the peritoneum, the thin cell lining of the abdominal organs. About 10 30% of peritoneal cancer cases occur following a gastric or colon cancer diagnosis. Very rarely this type of cancer will develop on its own, and even then it is often the result of metastasis after a tumor forms elsewhere in the body.

Similarly to peritoneal cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is very rare, accounting for about 500 new cases each year and only about 15 20% of mesothelioma diagnoses. Unlike most forms of peritoneal cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is not known to be caused by other forms of cancer or the result of metastasis. All types of mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos, through inhalation or ingestion.

Oncologists for peritoneal cancers have relied on the Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) for years to help determine a patients eligibility for certain kinds of treatment, as well to better understand the severity of the tumors progression. PCI has become a notable tool when facing peritoneal mesothelioma, which typically has a poor prognosis and is very often fatal.

PCI is a way to determine the extent of the cancer in the abdominal cavity. The cavity is divided into 13 distinct sections, including central, left upper, and pelvic. Each region is ranked separately with a lesion size (LS) score depending on the size of the tumors present.

Patients with an LS score of 3 in a particular region may also have layers or multiple small nodules present. PCI itself is found by adding together the scores for the 13 regions, which makes the highest PCI a 39. Oncologists can determine their score for each region through various imaging tests or laparoscopy. For peritoneal mesothelioma patients, a diagnosis will first need to be confirmed through a peritoneoscopy or laparotomy, which is a tissue biopsy. Doctors will scrutinize the samples to determine the cell type and help examine if the cancerous cells have spread.

PCI is essentially a staging system for peritoneal cancers to help determine if the cancer is localized or has spread to other organs or lymph nodes. Typically, the higher the PCI indicates a worse prognosis as this indicates more, larger tumors present in the body. The PCI will also help oncologists determine if a patient is eligible for certain treatments, particularly surgical removal of the tumors or Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC).

A good or lower PCI for peritoneal mesothelioma patients can mean a better chance of long-term survival. Most oncologists have a cut off score to determine what kind of treatments the patient may be eligible for. In general, a PCI greater than 20 is thought to be too high to see any effective results from HIPEC and the patients would face greater risk undergoing this treatment.

While patients with peritoneal mesothelioma have a longer life expectancy than the other types of mesothelioma, the median survival is still only one year. All types of mesothelioma are generally treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. For peritoneal mesothelioma, some of the best results have been seen with a multimodal approach of cytoreductive surgery (surgery to remove as much of the tumors as possible) and HIPEC.

HIPEC is a method of delivering a heated chemotherapy wash to the abdominal cavity. Its meant to ideally clean out any remaining cancer cells after surgery. HIPEC has been used to treat other abdominal cancers too, including colon and ovarian cancer.

According to a recent study, approximately two-thirds of the peritoneal mesothelioma patients treated this way survived over 3 years. While this may not seem very long, its significantly longer than the 1 year median survival rate. In general, there are very few long-term mesothelioma survivors regardless of the type, with only about 33% of patients surviving a year after diagnosis. Any treatment or tool that can better the survival rate is a big accomplishment.

Researchers recognize the advancements in the combination of surgery and HIPEC as the reason for improved survivorship among peritoneal mesothelioma patients in more recent years. Using PCI can make it easier for oncologists to determine the effectiveness of this treatment for an individuals case.

In the past decade, researchers have made a lot of great advancements in better diagnosing and treating mesothelioma. The peritoneal cancer index is just one tool that can help researchers and peritoneal mesothelioma patients better understand the stage of their disease and the available treatment options.

There is still a lot of work ahead to more effectively treat, and one day cure, this aggressive cancer. But hopefully with the help of established tools like PCI and the advancements made in research today, we will get there soon rather than later.

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Peritoneal Cancer Index: What it Means for Mesothelioma Patients - Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center (blog)

Remembering Mesothelioma Victims in the UK – Mesothelioma.com (blog)

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Even though the United Kingdom officially banned asbestos in 1999, the toxin continues to claim lives. Though no new uses or imports of the mineral are allowed, it still remains in many schools and older buildings causing many to unknowingly be exposed. Since there is a long latency period after exposure before symptoms appear, millions are still at risk to develop mesothelioma and other asbestos-caused diseases in their lifetime.

In 2014, there were 2,717 new cases of mesothelioma in the UK. This number is on par with the number of new cases each year in the United States, where asbestos is still not banned. While it is a rare disease and the number of cases may not appear alarmingly high, the incidence rate in the UK has increased by 71% since the 1990s. Mesothelioma is preventable, and theres still a lot more work to be done worldwide to save lives from asbestos.

Over the years, the UK has said goodbye to several well-known talents because of this rare disease. For many of them, its uncertain how they were exposed to the toxin, which shows the continued importance of raising awareness for this mineral and the dangerous diseases it can cause.

George Hunt was a footballer from Swindon. At the young age of 14, he dropped out of school and began working at the Great Western Railway Works, also known as Swindon Works. After serving in the Army during World War II, Hunt had the opportunity to play football professionally and joined the Swindon Town Club. He made his debut in 1947 and played over 300 games before retiring in 1958. Hunt returned to Swindon Works fulltime and coached soccer occasionally on the side.

Unfortunately, his time at Swindon Works led to his devastating diagnosis. Railroad workers were frequently exposed to asbestos, as the mineral was used widely throughout the train because of its heat resistance. Over such a long career at the railroad, Hunt faced prolonged exposure to the toxin, which greatly increased his chances of developing mesothelioma.

So many workers at Swindon Works were exposed and ultimately diagnosed with mesothelioma that they sometimes referred to this rare cancer as Swindons disease. Hunt was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma and passed away in 1987.

Dame Ann Ebsworth was a barrister and judge of the High Court. She was appointed to the High Court in 1992, becoming the first woman to ever be appointed to the queens bench division. At the time, she was only one of four women among the over 100 justices at the High Court. Ebsworths first priority was justice, and her colleagues lauded her for her fairness. She aimed high throughout her career and earned appointments in many courts of law.

Unfortunately, her successful career in the courtroom ended in early retirement shortly after she was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2000. Despite growing weaker, she continued to teach students who needed help and advocate the importance of justice.

Ebsworth was likely exposed to asbestos throughout her childhood, as she grew up in a military family. Her father served as an officer in the Royal Marines, and the family frequently traveled to different barracks. Asbestos was frequently used throughout the military, on various vessels and in buildings on base. Veterans make up a large proportion of mesothelioma diagnoses, and Ebsworth likely had secondhand asbestos exposure from her fathers various interactions with the mineral.

Science fiction writer Michael Coney had his first story published in 1969 in a science fiction magazine, with several other short stories published in British and American publications shortly after. Throughout the 1970s, Coney established himself as one of the leading British science fiction writers, which many of his critics owe to his move to the West Indies for a fresh start.

Though critics claim his period of intense creativity ended when his family moved to Canada, his novels and short stories were still loved by his audience and critics alike. Some of his most beloved work include his novels Mirror Image and Glass Children.

It remains unclear how Coney was first exposed to asbestos which later led to a pleural mesothelioma diagnosis. In his last interview, Coney described how debilitating the disease was and how he struggled with his concentration. He said handling the disease took over his ability to write. When he was diagnosed, Coney decided to release his latest short stories for free online. His last novel, I Remember Pallahaxi, was published posthumously in 2007.

Christie Hennessy was an Irish folk singer and songwriter, though he suffered from severe dyslexia which made him unable to read or write. His most famous song, Dont Forget Your Shovel, has often been described as an alternative national anthem for Ireland.

Hennessy realized his exposure to the toxin occurred as a result of his work in London as a painter and decorator. He worked with this company from the young age of 15, and likely faced prolonged exposure from the different buildings and jobsites he worked in.

He was later diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, and sadly died at a London hospice at just 62. At the time, Hennessy had been working on new music and planning a tour. His wife, Gill Ross, recognized their legal rights and decided to pursue action against his employer for their negligence which ultimately led to the singers death. With the help of qualified mesothelioma lawyers, they were able to reach a settlement to assist with the high medical costs associated with the disease.

John MacDougall was a Member of Parliament from 2005 until his death for Glenrothes. He previously served in the House of Commons for Central Fife after the 2001 election. Before he began his career in politics, MacDougall worked in shipyards. He first started caulking riveters and eventually transitioned to work at an oil rig as a boilermaker.

His asbestos exposure certainly occurred during his career before he transitioned to politics. Boilermakers were frequently exposed to airborne asbestos because of the nature of their work, especially when repairing older boilers that likely had damaged asbestos insulation.

MacDougall was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma in 2007. In later years, he revealed the severity of his disease, explaining he had his lung removed in the hopes of removing the cancer. In later interviews, his daughter Julie explained his decline was rapid, but he never gave up hope. After his passing, Julie created the John MacDougall Mesothelioma Trust in his honor in 2010. Their goals are to raise awareness for this rare disease and help support important mesothelioma research to hopefully one day find a cure.

Ian Cundy served as the Bishop of Peterborough from 1996 until his death. He was held in high regard for his education and varied skills. Throughout his career, Cundy strived to create better unity in the church. He is particularly known for his support of female priests, which created some tension with other church members.

He was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2007, and by 2008 announced his plans to retire early because of the severity of his disease. Although he underwent chemotherapy, the aggressive cancer rapidly spread. Ian passed away shortly after collapsing at a family event. His wife, Jo, released a book in 2014 about their life together and her journey in letting him go.

Though asbestos is banned in the UK, there is still a lot of work to be done to help change the statistics and better prevent mesothelioma.

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Remembering Mesothelioma Victims in the UK - Mesothelioma.com (blog)

Steve McQueen’s Wife Pushes for Asbestos Ban – Mesothelioma.com

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Jillian Duff covers pressing news for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. Bio

June 20, 2017

Washington, D.C. - Barbara Minty McQueen, wife of the late actor and mesothelioma victim Steve McQueen, continues to create awareness and fight for an asbestos ban in the name of her film icon husbands legacy. Steve McQueen died of mesothelioma cancer at 50 years old.

Steve McQueen grew up in Indiana, and at one point during his service in the U.S. Navy, he met Barbara Minty and ran off with her. When the tryst was discovered, he was made to scrub the inside of a submarine from top to bottom. Its believed thats when the asbestos exposure occurred with flakes flying everywhere as he cleaned.

Asbestos doesnt only affect blue-collar workers. Housewives, Congressmen, movie stars, rock stars, and everyone else can be exposed. Even Hollywood film industry professionals have fallen victim to mesothelioma. Fake snow, special effect boards, piping, and curtains containing asbestos were used on numerous sets throughout history.

Barbara McQueen is a presenter at the 2017 Harvest America Festival to be held in the University of Phoenix stadium. Almost 63,000 people will be in attendance, and the speech will be broadcast to millions of viewers around the world.

According to Barbara McQueen, Steve once said, When I believe in something, I fight like hell for it. Thats why shes also written a new book titled Steve McQueen: the Salvation of an American Icon with Marshal Terrill, coauthor of Barbara McQueens first book, and Greg Laurie, founder of the Harvest Christian Fellowship.

Barbara McQueen has also published Steve McQueen: The Last Mile. It discusses the couples three-and-a-half-year relationship before he passed.

The revised edition of the book includes a page for mesothelioma information and talks about the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization to share more on the deadly effects of asbestos. Many international conference attendees and even Michelle Obama have been presented with the book.

Asbestos is still not banned in the U.S. American businesses legally import, use, and sell both raw asbestos and products made with it today. Hundreds of thousands of pounds enter the country each year, according to the EWA Action Fund.

I think he would think thats wonderful. That he could use his death, his celebrity, for something to help people open their eyes, said Barbara McQueen. I think hed be proud to be a part of it.

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As IS withdraws, Mosul residents face harsh conditions and seek government aid – i24NEWS (press release) (registration)

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One resident of the war-torn Iraqi city tells i24NEWS that he longs for the return of dictator Saddam Hussein

Eastern Mosul has come back to life, despite the ongoing battle in the west of the city between so-called Islamic State fighters and Iraqi government forces.

It is a welcome beginning of normality for residents, but it is still far from what was once Iraq's second largest city.

Less than six months after Iraqi forces pushed IS militants out of this part of the city, huge efforts are going into rebuilding it. Municipal workers and builders are laboring day and night, trying to restore electricity and pave the streets.

In the shadow of destruction - buildings riddled with bullets, others flattened to the ground - construction workers are twisting steel and mixing concrete in an attempt to help the city rise again.

The old market is bustling with people, the shops full of goods and the sidewalks are bustling with street vendors and shoppers looking for a bargain.

One Mosul shopkeeper, Haj Ahmad Abu Hakam, told i24NEWS that he reopened his shop soon after the Islamic State left.

It is much better, under the Islamic State the situation was bad but now thank God it's better, there are more work opportunities available, and many people who left are coming back, Abu Hakam said.

But few people in the city are actually carrying bags full of goods. Abu Omar, a displaced person from west Mosul, said that the citizens are living off of handouts and that life is a struggle.

Since we fled, we only received sugar and cooking oil once and we paid for it. We are living on handouts, what people give us," Abu Omar said. "We dont pay rent, the owner lets me and my family live there for free. There is security but life is hard and is expensive.

Despite promises by officials, living conditions are only slowly improving.

Sabah Abu Faisal, who was displaced from the West side of Mosul due to the fighting, stated that he believes he was deceived by the new Iraqi authority.

Im sorry but they are all liars, they have no credibility, they act just in front of the camera, no food supplies, Ive been here for three months and I did not receive anything from them," Abu Faisal said.

Under a huge billboard of Kathem Asaher, the Arab world's most famous singer with the words love has arrived, residents of east Mosul are complaining about their representatives and there is no love for the government. Many have called for the old government to return like Mosul resident Abu Ali, who longs for the days of late Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Saddam was a dictator and they brought us democracy. We dont want democracy. Take us back to dictatorship. Take us back to the oppression of Saddam - we dont want democracy.

Abu Ali is uncertain about the future as many around him are unhappy with the lack of electricity, the shortage of water and the scarcity of jobs.

Another sensitive issue in the city is the presence of "collaborators" who reportedly helped IS militants as well as ex- IS fighters but Mosul resident Rafee Khoder Elias insisted that that situation is improving

Its good, its getting better ... 100 percent, with cooperation with the citizens its continuing to get better, God willing.

While on the other side of the Tigris River, in west Mosul, the fighting is fierce.

Iraqi government forces backed by a US-led coalition said they will soon be victorious there as well but, for the Iraqi government, the real battle is just beginning, and it's all about winning the hearts and minds of its own people.

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Kovind versus who – The Indian Express

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Written by Editorial | Published:June 22, 2017 12:04 am

The symbolism of a Dalit becoming head of state is enormously powerful. Clearly, the BJP has chosen to send out a strong political message by nominating Ram Nath Kovind as the NDAs candidate for the presidential office. Its allies, and even parties outside the NDAs fold, recognise the significance of a Dalit in Rashtrapati Bhavan and, not surprisingly, many have warmed to Kovinds candidature despite their political differences with the BJP JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar extended his partys support on Wednesday. The Opposition is yet to declare its own candidate, but reports suggest that it is searching for an equally qualified Dalit against Kovind: Such congruence of political intent across party lines that a Dalit ought to be the next president is rare in Indian politics and, in this case, welcome. Only one of the 13 presidents in the seven decades since Independence has been a Dalit K.R. Narayanan, diplomat and academician, has been the only Dalit to occupy the office of president and vice president since 1950 while no Dalit has been prime minister. Yet there is something jarring about the conversation that surrounds the presidential election. NDA leader and Union minister Ramvilas Paswan has claimed that any party that opposes Kovind will be deemed anti-Dalit. The fear of being branded anti-Dalit may well have played a large role in nudging the Opposition to search for a Dalit candidate of its own. Of course, a Dalit in Rashtrapati Bhavan will be a welcome outcome even if the presidential election has been reduced, with the complicity of both government and opposition, to a contest in political correctness. Yet, given the larger backdrop in which this election is taking place, there are sobering questions for both government and opposition to answer.

There is Dalit unrest across the country. The numerous eruptions may not fit a singular narrative, but common to the protests is anger against a perceived majoritarian oppression. Incidents like the suicide of research scholar Rohith Vemula in Hyderabad Central University campus, the violence against flayers of dead cattle in Una, and the Dalit-Thakur clashes in Saharanpur are joined together despite their distinct geographies and contexts. The political mainstream, however, has visibly failed to engage with the old and new questions these movements have raised. The government apparently believes it can brazen it out while the Opposition has unsuccessfully tried to co-opt the agitators. Not surprisingly, the Dalit street is now led by new formations and leaders, located outside the arena of electoral politics. The rich symbolism of the candidacy of a Dalit for president stands in danger of being undermined by the failures of both government and Opposition to address the substantive issues of social mobility and political representation that underly the ongoing unrest.

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Kovind versus who - The Indian Express

The Inspirational Force of Tickling Giants – Fordham Observer

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By STEPHAN KOZUB News Editor

Inspired by Jon Stewart and The Daily Show, Dr. Bassem Youssef set up a camera and table in his laundry room. A full-time heart surgeon, Youssef decided to produce short, humorous YouTube videos that satirized the Egyptian government, media and religion in the escalating tensions of the Arab Spring as a side project. His comedic commentary resonatedso much so that he soon had his own Daily Show-esque program and was being referred to as the Egyptian Jon Stewart. Al-Bernameg (The Show) ran for three seasons on the Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC MASR) before it was shut down due to mounting pressure from broadcasters and the government.

Tickling Giants, a new documentary directed by Sara Taksler, a senior producer of The Daily Show, tells the story of Youssefs meteoric rise. Beginning with his days as a heart surgeon, the film follows Youssefs journey from the beginnings of Al-Bernameg, across all three seasons of the show and his life afterwards as Youssefs position as a prominent comedian and an opinion leader rapidly grew.

With the combined talents of Youssef and Taksler, the documentary does a superb job of presenting his life and the political climate in a way that is both honest and humorous. The films title was inspired by an interview Taksler did with Andeel, a writer for Al-Bernameg and a political cartoonist, who had created a drawing of Youssef tickling the foot of a giant with a feather.

This humor from tickling giants comes across in multiple scenes, including one where Youssef walks out on the set of Al-Bernameg with an oversized hat, poking fun at the hat then-President of Egypt Mohamed Morsi wore at a graduation ceremony. In another instance, he is among protesters, interviewing them with sarcastic questions about the current state of the Egyptian government.

The power of Youssefs comedy, however, comes to light when it is juxtaposed with the oppression and threats he faces on a regular basis. Shortly after he interviewed those individuals, he is caught in a tear gas attack and is seen reeling and in pain as he walks back towards the protesters. Later on, he is faced with the decision of whether or not to continue airing Al-Bernameg after his life and the lives of his colleagues are threatened for being critical of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisithe former Minister of Defense who overthrew President Mohamed Morsi in 2013among others.

Tickling Giants as a result holds a certain appeal not just as a well-crafted documentary, but as an inspiration for those looking for creative ways to resist oppression.

So the big goal of Tickling Giants isnt just to watch a movie, Taksler said in an interview after a screening of the film on June 6. Its to think about how are you tickling giants in your own life, because what happened to Bassem isnt very typical. Most of us arent going to watch our country fall into revolution and then start a comedy show and become the most famous person on TV in the world. On average, Al-Bernameg had about 30 million viewers per episode. The Daily Show averaged about two million.

For Taksler, the real story of Tickling Giants is that Bassem was an ordinary person and he decided to do something using his own talents and that wound up having a huge impact. As a result, she hopes that the film will inspire viewers to try and find their own creative and non-violent ways of expressing themselves in response to abuses of power.

Among the ways she described were small things like standing up to someone taking advantage of another individual at school, or taking more creative routes through humor, writing, reading, or music.

Whatever your thing is, we hope with the movie that people will talk about how theyre tickling giants and #TicklingGiants so that you can inspire other people with ideas, Taksler said.

When watching the film, it is hard not to be inspired by Youssefs story and his seemingly unwavering commitment to hold truth to power. Even after he has decided to put production of his show on hold, he remains dedicated to his goal of holding the powerful accountable. When an audience member at the final filming of an episode claims that the show is dead, Youssef insists that Al-Bernameg is merely sleeping, and will hopefully one day reawaken once free speech is again allowed to thrive in Egypt.

The documentary also has the special quality of being especially friendly to viewers who do not have a working knowledge of Youssef or of the Arab Spring. In addition to telling the story of Al-Bernameg, the movie delves into the politics and culture of Egypt, explaining the countrys Arab Spring with clarity and nuance.

For those looking for inspiration on how to respond to oppression, or to simply learn more about the Arab Spring, satire and Youssef, Tickling Giants is a must see.

Tickling Giants is now available on iTunes, Amazon and ticklinggiants.com.

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The Inspirational Force of Tickling Giants - Fordham Observer

Local Black clergy oppose expanding gambling – The Philadelphia Tribune

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Members of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity held a press conference at Mt. Pisgah AME Church, 428 N. 41st St. in West Philadelphia Monday to announce their opposition to plans to extend gambling in Pennsylvania.

Weve come today because we want to raise our voice about an issue which we believe will have a hugely negative affect on the quality of life of already challenged neighborhoods and communities, said Black Clergy President the Rev. Jay Broadnax.

Broadnax said on June 7, the House of Representative passed what he called sweeping legislation to expand access to video and internet gaming video within the state including airports, truck stops and other places with valid liquor licenses.

The state has set a goal of a maximum of 30,000 of these machines in 2018, 35,000 in 2019 and 40,000 in 2020, he said.

Broadnax said supporters of the legislation said that the increase revenue from passage of this measure would increase state revenue and close the budget gap.

Our first concern is how this will impact neighborhoods and communities, he said.

Currently the majority of gaming take place in casinos like Sugar House and Parx which, for some constitute a harmless evening out. With this new legislation gaming traffic moves directly into our neighborhoods, in bowling alleys, supermarkets and Stop n Gos, many which are already nuisances and sources of disruption.

The Black Clergy noted not only will this create incentives for local residents to misuse already scarce personal resources but will also pose the risk of increased loitering, noise and other nuisances in already challenged areas.

Were also concerned about what this sort of legislation and this sort of revenue raising means in the quality of lives of individuals, he said. The idea of depending and relying on vices, such as gambling, as the way to balance the budget does not bode well for the long-term health of families.

If passed, the Black Clergy said the ability to go to the corner Stop N Go as opposed to a casino would possibly have a direct impact on those who lack the wherewithal to travel to casinos.

While a few would benefit financially, having extended access to these devices would only serve to foster an increase in behaviors that could quickly turn addictive and place at risk the financial stability of families in our communities, Broadnax said.

Not only did the clergy express concerns about the impact of the legislation if ratified but they also expressed concerns about the intent of the proposal.

It seems as though some of our legislators want to balance the budget on the backs of those who could least afford it, reaching into our urban neighborhoods where the highest concentration of liquor license holding establishments are, rather than finding a way of gleaming state revenue from those who are far better able to pay.

Citing underfunded schools, oppressive poverty, rate of any major city and depressed neighborhoods, Broadnax said expanding gambling to local communities would add another hardship to already struggling neighborhoods.

The Rev. Donald D. Moore of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church asked Gov. Tom Wolfe would veto the measure which he says would have the potential of devastating local communities by compounding the burdens of residents who cannot even afford the necessities of life.

Its almost as if they are saying that if they are not going to the casinos, lets bring the casinos to the people, Moore said.

House Bill 271 passed the House of representatives by a vote of 102 89, this bill authorizes new gaming options throughout the state and authorizes the proposal of Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs), similar to slot machines, in such places as bowling alleys catering clubs, truck stops, restaurants, golf courses and other establishments with valid liquor licenses.

The book of Isaiah said that they will frame mischief using law, said Philadelphia NAACP president and minister Rodney Muhammad. This is an attempt to exploit an already weakened community and attack a vulnerable demographic.

I wanted to be here on behalf of the NAACP and all concerned stakeholders to be a part of this effort to resist this more demonic kind of legislation, he added.

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Local Black clergy oppose expanding gambling - The Philadelphia Tribune

Hong Kong’s Gambling Empire Is Losing Horsepower – Bloomberg

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Before Hong Kongs return to Chinese rule, Communist leader Deng Xiaopinghad a reassuring message for those worried about the departure of the British from the capitalist enclave. Dont fret, the architect of the handover said: Horses will still run, stocks will still sizzle, dancers will still dance.

The dancing has continued, the stock market isnt far off its record high, and the horses indeed still run. Yet 20 years after the handover to China, one of the citys most-venerable institutions, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which has been called an "ATM for the government" for its huge contributions to the citys tax coffers and charity efforts, is facingtrouble.

Disinterest among manyyoung people and an upcoming bridge link to the glittering casinos of Macau threaten the future of the money-spinning gambling monopoly. Already the amount bet on racing fell 1.7 percent in the latest season for which numbers are available, ending mid-July 2016, from the previous year. While its still a lot of money that HK$106.1 billion ($13.6 billion) was almost 30 percent more than the total of the most-common type ofbettingon thoroughbreds in all of the U.S . gambling on horse racinghas grown an anemic 1 percent a year on average for two decades.

Spectatorsat theJockey Club's Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong.

Photographer: Justin Chin/Bloomberg

The pressure is on them to remain relevant, saidDavid Dodwell, chief executive officer of Strategic Access Ltd., a Hong Kong-based public policy consultancy. An awful lot of the welfare infrastructure that has been built over the decades in Hong Kong is attributable to it.

Finding new sources of cash from allowing simultaneous betting in places like London and New York, as well as increasing the appeal to younger people at home, are critical to keeping a major funding engine of the Hong Kong government racing ahead. The Jockey Club is also expanding into China, a move that could position it well should betting on horses, halted after the 1949 revolution, someday return.

The Jockey Club accounted for about 7 percent of Hong Kongtax revenuelast year equivalent to a third of the citys education budget and 35percent of itssocial welfare spending. It donated HK$3.9 billion to schools, hospitals and other charities, making it the largest donor in Asia and the sixth largest worldwide, according to theWorld Charity Index. The government is also relying on the club rather than the legislature to fund a controversial museum project.

It has become a kind of ATMfor the government, saidTanya Chan, a Legislative Council member and government critic. "The government knows very well where to go if they want a substantial sum of money."

Horses on the track at Happy Valley.

Photographer: Justin Chin/Bloomberg

The Clubs voting members and stewards read like a Whos Who List of Hong Kongs richest and most powerful, including billionaires who control virtually all of the citys significant property, retail, entertainment, utilities and infrastructure building, along with other business luminaries:Li Ka-shing,Lee Shau Kee,Henry Cheng,Stanley Ho,Allan ZemanandCanning Fok.

Major powerhouses of politics are there, too: Former Chief JusticeAndrew Li; former Finance Secretary and Chief SecretaryHenry Tang; former head of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority,Joseph Yam; and former Legislative Council PresidentRita Fan.

"For a long time, it has been a place where entrepreneurs and officials can mix together and have the same status," said Eddie Chu, another LegCo member and government critic. "The Jockey Club maintains its power not by horse racing but by its network of powerful people gathering together."

Withtwo race tracks, more than 100 off-track betting outlets, soccer-wagering services and a lottery, the club can be generous because generations of Hong Kongers grew up spending their money and time at the track.

BettingatHappy Valley Racecourse.

Photographer: Justin Chin/Bloomberg

My friends and I were crazy about horse gambling 20 years ago, said Tony Yu, 40, a construction company manager who used to spend several hundred Hong Kong dollars on tickets and beers at the track, especially on payday. Those days are long past. Who do you see reading the horse-racing page in the newspaper and going to the Jockey Club to buy tickets? Old-timers!

The club also faces competition from across the Pearl River Delta, where Macaus casinos are now aggressively targeting Hong Kong, Jockey Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresgeswrote in the most recent annual report. With the expected completion later this year of a bridge linking the two cities for the first time, traveling toSands China Ltd.s Venetian andMelco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd.s City of Dreams will be even easier. The bridge will undoubtedlyexacerbate the problem" already facing the club, Engelbrecht-Bresges wrote.

The Jockey Club has found ways to keep the money flowing. One solution has been to expand the number of races per season. Back in the mid-1990s, there were 75 days in a season, with 595 races; now there are 88 in the season, with 807 races. The club also moved into soccer in 2003. Such wagering accounted for HK$86.8 billion in bets in the most recent fiscal year, up 11 percent from the previous year.

A horseswims in anequine pool atSha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong's New Territories.

Photographer: Justin Chin/Bloomberg

While mainland China doesn't yet allow betting on horses, the Jockey Club is establishing a foothold there. It plans to open a new training facility across the border in Guangdong province next year. Twice the size of the Jockey Clubs facility in Hong Kongs New Territories, the site will be able to host about 660 horses.

Worldwide, the club has broadened its reach through whats known as commingling, or allowing people overseas to bet on Hong Kongs horses. In the 2013-14 season, the Jockey Club began taking bets from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Macau. It has also expanded its reach to South Africa, Ireland, Canada and parts of the U.S., where Hong Kongs Happy Valley races are available via simulcast on Wednesdays at 8 a.m. New York time throughTVG Networks online betting site and cable channel,one of several operators in the U.S. with Jockey Club deals.

Last November, the Jockey Club announced anexpansionto the U.K. that enables customers ofLadbrokes Coral Group Plcand anotherbetting shop operator to bet on Hong Kong races. The Jockey Club announced a similaragreement last year with Canadian racetrack owner and online betting services provider Woodbine Entertainment Group.

Inside a Ladbrokes bookmakerin London.

Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

Hong Kong is attractive for global gamblers, according to Ken Kirchner, former executive director of the Pennsylvania Racing Commission and president of consulting firm FalKirk International. Bettors can wager on unusual options such as a triple trio, three consecutive trifectas, and get huge payouts because Hong Kongs gambling pool is large, he said.

Theyre run under strict regulation and authority, so you feel like youre betting into a very honest product, Kirchner said.

Hong Kong offers more data on horses than other venues, including the only consistent publishing of veterinary reports, said Ron Luniewski, president of Xpressbet, a Washington, Pa.-based company that provides online betting.

"Thats a big deal. I give them a lot of credit for that," he said. In a lot of ways, Hong Kong racing is the gold standard globally.

Commingling now accounts for about 6 percent of the Jockey Clubs betting income, according toRichard Cheung, head of marketing, and is forecast to top 10 percent by the end of the decade.

Hong Kong is a very small place, Cheung said. To seek growth we must go elsewhere.

As it expands globally, the Jockey Club will still have a challenge winning back people like Yu, the construction manager.

Now I seldom bet because there are so many other options, he said. I earn more money than before, so I can afford to invest money in the stock market.

People leaveHappy Valley Racecourse.

Photographer: Justin Chin/Bloomberg

With assistance from EbenNovy-Williams

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Casinos, states winning big from online gambling | News | herald … – Huntington Herald Dispatch

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For the past few years, New Jersey casinos have been losing money like most of their customers - consistently. But in the past six months, the popularity of casino-sponsored online betting has reversed the fortunes of Atlantic City's gambling palaces, cheering both casino owners and state revenue officials.

New Jersey is one of only three states - Nevada and Delaware are the others - where in-state bettors can log on to websites run by casinos and gamble from the comfort of their couches, rather than going into a glitzy and noisy casino.

Gambling experts say casinos that sponsor their own online wagering are making a smart play for millennials, many of whom prefer online gambling. At least eight states (California, Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia) are considering legalizing casino-run online wagering this year.

State-sanctioned, casino-sponsored online gambling is different from online gambling that originates offshore, which states cannot tax. It is also distinct from state-regulated "daily fantasy sports" sites like DraftKings and FanDuel, which generate taxes and fees for some states.

Chris Grove, a gambling industry consultant who runs the website PlayNJ.com, said online gambling is a key to the growth of casino revenue.

"We've seen nearly every other form of commerce migrate to the internet - how we shop, how we bank, how we listen to music," he said. "It doesn't make sense that gambling would be an exception to that rule, and the early results in New Jersey really drive that point home."

According to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, total casino gambling revenue was $763.5 million through April of this year, an increase of 1.7 percent compared to the same period last year. The casinos' winnings from online gambling, however, were $80.1 million, up 29.5 percent from the same period last year.

New Jersey legalized casino-sponsored online gambling in late 2013, but it took casinos some time to create the software to take advantage of the new law, as well as for gamblers to adapt. At first, some casinos only offered a game or two online. According to New Jersey officials, online gambling increased in late 2016 and early 2017, as evidenced by a spike in revenue. The state collected $3.1 million in taxes on online gambling in April, up 23 percent from $2.5 million in April 2016.

From 2007 to 2015, New Jersey casino revenue declined by an average of 7.6 percent annually. This year, thanks in part to the increasing popularity of online gambling, casino revenue is on track for a year-to-year increase for the first time since 2006.

Kerry Langan, spokeswoman for the New Jersey department, said internet gambling raises as much revenue by itself as a small free-standing casino would.

"Most of the projections I've seen from gaming analysts are that it's doing well and will continue to do well," she said.

In Nevada and Delaware the impact has been smaller. In Delaware, only three casinos sponsor online gambling, and it has generated revenue of about $200,000 a month. Total casino revenue in Delaware is about $50 million per month.

In Nevada only two casinos offer internet poker, the only online casino game the state allows. Mike Lawton, senior research analyst at the Nevada Gaming Control Board, said online poker revenue is wrapped into the control board's report on poker overall, so it's difficult to determine whether online poker has been a huge hit. But online sports betting, also offered by casinos, "has really taken off," increasing 5 percent in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same period last year.

"A lot of the reason for the sports book business taking off is people being able to do it on their phone. It's a huge convenience," he said, noting, "We do everything else on our phones."

Every state that has legal gambling collects taxes or fees from it. There can be a tax on casinos' revenue, hefty fees to procure a casino operating license, a tax on gamblers' winnings, an "entertainment tax" on casinos or players, a tax on lottery locations, a tax on poker machines at bars or some combination of the levies. In general, casinos must pay gambling taxes in addition to corporate taxes.

Despite the online gambling spike in New Jersey and elsewhere, overall gambling tax revenue in the states is flat on average, according to Lucy Dadayan, senior research scientist at the Rockefeller Institute of Government.

In 17 states she studied, tax revenue from gambling declined by 0.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to the same quarter of 2015. However, there was some growth in tax revenue in the first quarter of 2017, at 0.6 percent. A big part of the increase was the opening of a new casino in Maryland, she said.

"The overall total tax revenues for casinos should be interpreted with caution and should not be viewed as a positive sign," she said.

She noted that online casino gambling is not easy to implement and "comes with a lot of regulation."

Because New Jersey requires people who play online casino games to be in the state, it has developed tracking software to determine a bettor's location. That means a gambler who lives in Pennsylvania must travel to New Jersey to play an online casino game.

"New Jersey online (gambling) has definitely come on very strong," said David Schwartz, director of the Center for Gaming Research at UNLV. "People enjoy playing online rather than in casinos."

But Jackson Brainerd, who studies state gambling for the National Conference of State Legislatures, said while income from casino-sponsored online gambling has been robust, it has not lived up to predictions. In New Jersey, for example, it was expected to generate $1.2 billion in the first year, resulting in $180 million for the state.

In Pennsylvania, the state's continuing budget woes have given a push to casino-sponsored online gambling. The state Senate in May passed a measure that would legalize it in January 2018. Sponsors believe the outlook in the House is better this year than last, when a similar bill failed to pass.

Under the measure, Pennsylvania casinos that want to sponsor online gambling would have to pay a one-time $10 million fee to the state. Vendors supplying the gambling platform would pay the state $5 million, and revenue would be taxed at 25 percent, 15 percent of which would go to reduce property taxes, a longtime sore point among Pennsylvania taxpayers.

"We hope we can generate $100-$125 million more," said Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, the Democrat who sponsored the legislation.

He said some casinos are worried that they will lose in-house gamblers to the online version, rather than expanding their customer base. But the prospect of a new state revenue source has persuaded some legislators that it's time to implement online casino games.

In New York, Senate panels have passed a bill that would legalize and regulate online poker games, though the proposal is still awaiting a vote by the full Senate. A similar bill passed the Senate last year, but died in the House without being considered. A 10-year license fee would cost $10 million, and the state would levy a 15 percent tax on revenue.

State Sen. John Bonacic, a Republican sponsor of the bill, sweetened the pot this year with a provision that mandates that the revenue from casino-sponsored online poker be used for education.

"This bill is necessary to provide consumer protections and combat illegal websites that are currently offering online poker to New Yorkers - further it would bring in additional revenue for education," he said in an email.

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Gambling Laws in the US vs Canada – The Libertarian Republic

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The US and Canada have long been neighbors with huge contrasts in theirs laws and social factors. The stance the two countries have on gambling is an example of these major differences. Here is a look at how gambling laws in the US compare to their Canadian counterparts north of the border.

A CheckeredPast

Gambling laws in both the US and Canada might still be considered slightly restricted due to the double layer of federal and state/ provincial law but things are far more liberal for gambling in both countries than they were even just 50 years ago.

Historically, the gambling laws in both the US and Canada have been very strict. During the Californian Gold Rush and Great Depression eras, gambling was largely considered illegal and was forced underground. The Federal Wire Act of 1961 meant that gambling remained illegal across many US states until some states introduced their own laws to sidestep that ruling. An example being the legalization of casinos on riverboats in Iowa, Illinois and Louisiana.

In Canada, the act of gambling was widely outlawed until the 1970s. This became a turning point for the countrys approach to gambling. The reformation of the Criminal Code meant provinces throughout Canada were handed the power to license and regulate gambling activity within their own territories.

A Fork in The Road

A defining moment that saw the US and Canada veer off in two completely different directions when it came to their gambling laws was the introduction of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 by the George W. Bush administration.

This law intended to prohibit gambling businesses from knowingly accepting payments in connection with the participation of another person in a bet or wager that involves the use of the Internet and that is unlawful under any federal or state law. Needless to say, it was not a law that proved to be very popular with online gamblers in the US. Its repercussions were also felt worldwide as confusion reigned for some time over what was considered to be legal or illegal with US-based players participating at foreign-based casinos online.

It was a particularly damning move by the US government because it came at a time when online poker was experiencing a surge in popularity. The stunning victory by online satellite qualifier Chris Moneymaker at the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event saw millions of players attracted to online poker sites in the hope of following in the professional poker stars footsteps. A knock-on effect of this was players flocking to online casinos to try out popular games like slots and classic casino table games. Unfortunately, the UIGEA law put a halt on the aspirations of many players living in the US.

Meanwhile, Canadas online gambling businesses thrived in this new age of online gaming. Some provinces even embraced the culture of gambling online by operating their own online casinos. The attitude of the Canadian government was very much one of being happy to legalize online gambling provided operators adhered to the regulations set in place by the government itself.

The Kahnawake Gaming Commission Controversy

One area of controversy lies with the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. This Indian reserve is located within the borders of Canada but it remains a sovereign nation within its own right. It has led to a number of debates surrounding its involvement in online gambling legislation.

Operators have frequently used the commission to not only swerve the Canadian online gambling laws and regulations but those of other countries from around the world. Despite being based in Canada, it does not come under Canadian rule. It has become a headache for both the Canadian government and a number of governments abroad. For the time being, there is nothing Canada, or any other nation, can do about operators using the Kahnawake Gaming Commission to sidestep the laws put in place by countries that aim to firmly regulate operators working in their jurisdictions.

What Does The Future Hold?

Times are a-changing for online gambling. This is particularly the case for players in the US. Recent years have provided more positive news than negative for online gamblers in the US. States including Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey have introduced laws that legalize regulated online gambling. Other states, except Washington, allow players to gamble online at offshore operators.

The inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States of America has welcomed in a dawn of uncertainty for gambling in the US. Commentators were split in the run-up to the election over what Trumps approach to gambling would be. As a former owner of several Trump-brand casinos across the US there was speculation that he would be keen to relax the laws currently in place.

However, a number of high-profile Republican party financial backers have expressed opposition to legalized online gambling. Trump still has a number of business associates such as Sheldon Adelson and Steve Wynn who have expressed a desire to see land-based gambling favored over online gambling. Could his loyalty to his friends in business overrule his desire to see gambling online legalized?

The global gambling market value is expected to reach nearly $60 billion by 2018. By 2020, it is anticipated that online gambling will equate to a 45% share of the entire gambling market across the world. The projections are there to suggest online gambling is the future.

If the US has any economic sense it will see that it should follow Canadas lead and give the power back to the people when it comes to online gambling. The more opportunities to gamble in a regulated market, the more revenue that can be generated from gambling as a whole. So long as online gambling is outlawed it will drive the activity underground with revenues entering the hands of the criminals as opposed to the treasury.

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Seniors Worry Gambling Bill Would Take Money Away from Lottery Play – wnep.com

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WILKES-BARRE--- A bill passed in the Pennsylvania Housewould allow casino-style gambling in airports, veterans halls, and truck stops.

Now, seniors are worried if it were to become law, that less lottery money would fund programs for the elderly. They are not the only ones who are concerned.

There are18,000 people in the state who are employed by casinos like Mohegan Sun in Plains Township. Opponents of the bill say those jobs could be cut if it were to become law.

The bill to make electronic games of chance accessible outside of casinos is getting a lot of criticism.

Seniors in Wilkes-Barre who work at senior centers said it will take money away from lottery play.

"There are casinos already in the area that they can go to. If you have slot machines in pizza shops, and the airport, and stuff like that, they got casinos to go to for that," Robert Montgomery of Wilkes-Barre said.

Those in favor of the bill said it could help bar owners, local governments, and veterans organizations.

Those against it said it will hurt programs that help the elderly.

Ann Marie Bossard is the co-owner of the Anthracite Newsstand, which sells lottery tickets. She said her customers budget their lottery money use.

"They're either going to try to not pay bills or they're going to overdraw on their credit card because you only have so much of budget that you can do things with, with everything," Bossard said.

Supporters of the lottery said this new bill could be kicking it while it is already down because millennials don't play the lottery often. Kearie Nelson is one of them. She is a millennial who only plays the lottery from-time-to-time. She said she hardly sees anyone her age playing the lottery.

"I see older adults that will sit and play these slot machines if they have time, but I don't really see my age group sitting in an establishment and just playing with the slot machines," Nelson said.

The bill now goes on to the state Senate.

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Catholic Fordham University Hosts Workshops With Euthanasia Group Promoting Assisted Suicide – LifeNews.com

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Catholic pro-life advocate Patty Knap works hard to raise awareness about the growing push to legalize assisted suicide in the United States.

The Catholic Church strongly opposes assisted suicide and euthanasia, as well as abortion, because they destroy precious, valuable human lives. And Knap and many other Catholics are uniting with disability rights groups, medical professionals, pro-lifers and others to stop assisted suicide from becoming law across the U.S.

So Knap said she was extremely concerned to learn that Fordham University, a Catholic school in New York state, hosted several workshops with a pro-euthanasia group during the past school year. In contrast, Knap said she could not find a single workshop at the university that presented the Catholic perspective on assisted suicide.

In a column for the National Catholic Register, Knap wrote:

According to its web site, Fordham has hosted at least four workshopsfor student creditin collaboration with the pro-euthanasia group End of Life Choices New York(EOLCNY) in justthe past year

EOLCNY is backing the Medical Aid in Dying Act [doctor-prescribed suicide] currently being pushed in New York. The law allows terminally ill patients to request medication from a doctor to kill themselves. EOLCNY is a previous affiliate of Compassion & Choices (formerly the Hemlock Society). EOLCNY became independent of Compassion & Choices that same year courtesy of a $300,000 grant from the billionaire globalist George Soross Open Society Foundations.

Knap said the New York Alliance Against Assisted Suicide, an alliance of disability rights, health care, civil rights, faith-based and patient advocacy groups, offered to give a presentation at the university, but it did not receive a response.

New York state lawmakers have been debating legislation that would legalize doctor-prescribed suicide in the state. The bill euphemistically describes the deadly procedure as medical aid in dying. It would allow doctors to prescribe a lethal dose of drugs to an adult patient with intention to commit suicide.

An analysis by the New York State Catholic Conference states the bill lacks basic safeguards to protect vulnerable patients and adequate conscience protections for health care workers.

Keep up with the latest pro-life news and information on Twitter.

Knap said she and a group of fellow advocates held an event outside Fordham last week to educate people about the bill.

Most had no idea how one-sided the euthanasia issue is being presented to students, she said. We encountered many peopleon the street who say they support the legalization of assisted suicide but have no idea what is actually in the Bill and what the real-life ramifications are.

Knap said many different groups are opposed to assisted suicide for various reasons, including doctors and nurses organizations, disability rights groups like Not Dead Yet and the Catholic-based Human Life Alliance, any one of which could provide a life-affirming perspective on the issue at Fordham.

One would think that even asecularuniversity would offer at leastone opposing viewto fourpresentations all with the same agenda, she wrote.

Society increasingly is encouraging vulnerable people to end their lives prematurely rather than receive treatment and support. Canada recently legalized assisted suicide, leading to nearly 1,000 government-condoned suicide deaths in the first year. In the United States, five states and Washington, D.C. now allow people to commit doctor-prescribed suicide. Data indicates that depression is the most common link to these suicide deaths, not physical pain.

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Dutch Euthanasia Pioneer Disturbed by Kill Rates – Church Militant

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THE HAGUE, Netherlands (ChurchMilitant.com) - The pioneer for legalized euthanasia in the Netherlands is denouncing a lack of ethics as legal safeguards for vulnerable patients erode.

Dutch euthanasia pioneer and psychiatrist Boudewijn Chabot wrote an opinion pieceFriday that described the "worrisome rate" at which dementia and psychiatric patients are killed. He claims the legal safeguards protecting the vulnerable are being quietly eroded. He also claims panels reviewing the requests are concealing incidents of wrongful death.

Chabot is most worried about the increase in euthanasia of dementia patients. While he considers the numbers to be relatively small with 141 killed in 2016 diagnostic tests are identifying age-related chronic psychiatric diseases earlier. Thus, this more often leads to a large increase in the number of patients with "incurable" conditions. And the cost for years of medical care can lead to financial devastation adversely affecting the patient's quality of life. He predicts "this could cause a skyrocketingincrease in the number of euthanasia cases."

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Chabot notes these patients are not euthanizedin hospitals but mostly in the country's End of Life Clinics. Like abortion mills, the doctors there do not provide care for the patient but only purport to alleviate suffering by killing him. Doctors and patients soon learn the keywords and phrases to use to get the desired result.

"Within the End of Life Clinic, a group culture has emerged in which euthanasia is regarded as virtuous labor," says Chabot.

Chabot was prosecuted for the 1991assisted suicide of a50-year-oldhealthy woman suffering from "existential distress." Though he wasfound guilty of the crime, he wasn't punished. The case became a landmark, however, leading to the Euthanasia Act of 2002, which legalized assisted suicide in the Netherlands.

Since its legalization, the Netherlands has steadily loosened its restrictions on assisted suicide. In 2016, it looked into expanding the age range for children to be euthanized, broadening it from age 12 all the way down to age one.

Chabot explains that "lawful" euthanasia must fulfill three criteria, the first being that the patient must make a voluntary and deliberate request; second, he must be experiencing unbearable suffering with noprospect of improvement; and third, there must be no reasonable alternativetreatment.

Chabot notes that dementia patients are put to death mostly by doctors and the End of Life Clinics, not in hospitals. He says since the standards for physical illnesses are being used for psychiatric illnesses, the clinic's psychiatrists won't need to enter into a treatment relationship with patients before prescribing death. A psychiatrist himself, he says it is difficult to determine if a death wish is "serious and enduring," even with a developed patient-doctor relationship.

Chabotsees the shift in thinking in the comment made byGovertHartogh, an ethicist from the evaluation committee: "The patient suffers unbearably when he says he suffers unbearably, and an alternative is not a reasonable alternative if the patient rejects it."

With this comment, Chabotnotes that the patient's own judgment of suffering is given the most weight, similar to what the abortion industry has done with the woman's evaluation of "distress"in order to get an abortion.

What worries Chabot is the recent development that prior written consent for euthanasia is now taken to have the same weight as verbal consent. The patients' own determinations of "unbearable suffering" as well as his written consent now being sufficient, "the door has been opened wide for euthanasia of patients with severe dementia."

One other troubling aspect is that in cases where dementia patients are being killed without their express consent and against their wishes, the review committees are not identifying the execution as wrongful.Chabot notes that dementiapatients are being secretly drugged prior to the arrival of doctors, either by the family or by the doctors themselves, to avoid resistance by the patients. This technique is used to execute patients with severe neurological disabilities to get around consent laws.

In one case, the doctor put sleep medication in a patient's coffee, but the woman woke up just before the injection and began to fight off the doctor. The family was called in to hold the woman down so they could administer the lethal dose. The doctor claimed the procedure was done with "care."

Current rates of doctor prescribed euthanasia at clinics are about one per doctor per month. Chabot wonders what happens to the doctors when prescribing death becomes "routine." He believes they may have good intentions, but they might be "fuel[ing] the death wish in vulnerable people who are still trying to live with their disabilities."

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Mandatory Minimums Are Back in Sessions! – Being Libertarian

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Mandatory Minimums Are Back in Sessions!
Being Libertarian
Where are the protests for those men and women who have been locked in cages for decades for victimless drug crimes? Where are the conservatives that argue that the government can't regulate morality? Where are the liberals that always argue that ...

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Ayn Rand | American author | Britannica.com

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Alternative Title: Alissa Zinovievna Rosenbaum

Ayn Rand, original name Alissa Zinovievna Rosenbaum (born February 2, 1905, St. Petersburg, Russiadied March 6, 1982, New York, New York, U.S.), Russian-born American writer whose commercially successful novels promoting individualism and laissez-faire capitalism were influential among conservatives and libertarians and popular among generations of young people in the United States from the mid-20th century.

Her father, Zinovy Rosenbaum, was a prosperous pharmacist. After being tutored at home, Alissa Rosenbaum, the eldest of three children, was enrolled in a progressive school, where she excelled academically but was socially isolated. Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, her fathers shop was confiscated by communist authorities, an event she deeply resented. As a student at Leningrad State University, she studied history and became acquainted with the works of Plato and Aristotle. After graduating in 1924, she enrolled in the State Institute for Cinematography, hoping to become a screenwriter.

The arrival of a letter from cousins in Chicago gave her an opportunity to leave the country on the pretext of gaining expertise that she could apply in the Soviet film industry. Upon her arrival in the United States in 1926, she changed her name to Ayn Rand. (The first name, which rhymes with pine, was inspired by the name of a Finnish writer, whom she never identified, and the surname she described as an abbreviation of Rosenbaum.) After six months in Chicago she moved to Hollywood, where a fortuitous encounter with the producer Cecil B. DeMille led to work as a movie extra and eventually to a job as a screenwriter. In 1929 she married the actor Frank OConnor. Soon hired as a filing clerk in the wardrobe department of RKO Radio Pictures, Inc., she rose to head of the department within a year, meanwhile writing stories, plays, and film scenarios in her spare time. She became an American citizen in 1931.

Rands first successful play, Night of January 16th (1933; originally titled Penthouse Legend), was a paean to individualism in the form of a courtroom drama. In 1934 she and OConnor moved to New York City so that she could oversee the plays production on Broadway. That year she also wrote Ideal, about a self-centred film star on the run from the law, first as a novel and then as a play. However, she shelved both versions. The play was not produced until 1989, and the novel was not published until 2015. Her first published novel, We the Living (1936), was a romantic tragedy in which Soviet totalitarianism epitomized the inherent evils of collectivism, which she understood as the subordination of individual interests to those of the state. A subsequent novella, Anthem (1938), portrayed a future collectivist dystopia in which the concept of the self and even the word I have been lost.

Rand spent more than seven years working on her first major work, The Fountainhead (1943), the story of a handsome architectural genius whose individualism and integrity are evinced in his principled dedication to his own happiness. The hero, Howard Roark, blows up a public housing project he had designed after it is altered against his wishes by government bureaucrats. On trial for his crime, he delivers a lengthy speech in his own defense in which he argues for individualism over collectivism and egoism over altruism (the doctrine which demands that man live for others and place others above self). The jury votes unanimously to acquit him. Despite generally bad reviews, the book attracted readers through word of mouth and eventually became a best seller. Rand sold it to Warner Brothers studio and wrote the screenplay for the film, which was released in 1949.

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Having returned to Los Angeles with OConnor to work on the script for The Fountainhead, Rand signed a contract to work six months a year as a screenwriter for the independent producer Hal Wallis. In 1945 she began sketches for her next novel, Atlas Shrugged (1957; film part 1, 2011, part 2, 2012, part 3, 2014), which is generally considered her masterpiece. The book depicts a future United States on the verge of economic collapse after years of collectivist misrule, under which productive and creative citizens (primarily industrialists, scientists, and artists) have been exploited to benefit an undeserving population of moochers and incompetents. The hero, John Galt, a handsome and supremely self-interested physicist and inventor, leads a band of elite producers and creators in a strike designed to deprive the economy of their leadership and thereby force the government to respect their economic freedom. From their redoubt in Colorado, Galts Gulch, they watch as the national economy and the collectivist social system are destroyed. As the elite emerge from the Gulch in the novels final scene, Galt raises his hand over the desolate earth andtrace[s] in space the sign of the dollar.

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Atlas Shrugged was notable for making explicit the philosophical assumptions that underlay The Fountainhead, which Rand described as only an overture to the later work. In an appendix to Atlas Shrugged, Rand described her systematic philosophy, which she called objectivism, as in essencethe concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his only absolute.

Although the book was attacked by critics from across the political spectrum for its perceived immorality and misanthropy and its overt hostility to religion (Rand was an atheist), it was an instant best seller. It was especially well received by business leaders, many of whom were impressed by its moral justification of capitalism and delighted to think of their occupations as noble and virtuous. Like The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged also appealed widely to young people through its extreme romanticism, its accessible and comprehensive philosophy, its rejection of traditional authority and convention, and its implicit invitation to the reader to join the ranks of the elite by modeling himself on the storys hero.

In 1950 Rand agreed to meet a young admirer, Nathan Blumenthal, on the basis of his several articulate fan letters. The two established an immediate rapport, and Blumenthal and his girlfriend, Barbara Weidman, became Rands friends as well as her intellectual followers. In 1951 the couple moved to New York, and Rand and OConnor soon followed. There the Brandens, as Nathan and Barbara called themselves after their marriage in 1953, introduced Rand to their friends and relatives, some of whom later attended regular meetings at Rands apartment for discussion and to read newly written chapters of Atlas Shrugged. The group, which called itself the Class of 43 (a reference to the publication date of The Fountainhead) or (ironically) the Collective, included Alan Greenspan, an economics consultant who would later head the presidents Council of Economic Advisers (197477) and serve as chairman of the Federal Reserve (19872006). Among members of the Collective Nathan Branden was unquestionably Rands favourite. She openly acknowledged him as her intellectual heir and formally designated him as such in the afterword of Atlas Shrugged, which she co-dedicated to him and to OConnor.

In the late 1950s, with Rands permission, Branden established a business designed to teach the basic principles of objectivism to sympathetic readers of Rands novels. The Nathaniel Branden Institute (NBI), as it was later called, offered courses in objectivism in New York and distributed tape-recorded lectures by Branden to objectivist centers in various other cities. Despite its outward appearance as an educational institution, NBI did not permit its students to think critically about objectivism or to develop objectivist ideas in novel ways. Through the success of NBI, Branden would eventually become the public guardian of objectivist orthodoxy against innovation or unauthorized borrowing by objectivist sympathizers, especially among the growing student right. In 1962 Branden and Rand launched the monthly Objectivist Newsletter (renamed The Objectivist in 1966). Meanwhile, Rands fame grew apace with the brisk sales of her novels. She was invited to speak at numerous colleges and universities and was interviewed on television talk shows and on the news program 60 Minutes. Growing into her role as a public intellectual, she published her first work of nonfiction, For the New Intellectual, largely a collection of philosophical passages from her fiction, in 1961. The Virtue of Selfishness (1964) and Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal (1966) were drawn mostly from lectures and newsletter articles.

In 1968 Rand learned that Branden, with whom she had been having an intermittent affair (with their spouses knowledge) since 1954, was involved in a romantic relationship with a younger woman. Accusing him of betraying objectivist principles, she stripped him of his partnership in The Objectivist and demanded that he surrender control of NBI, which was soon dissolved. The closing of the institute freed various self-described objectivists to publicly develop their own interpretations of Rands philosophyall of which, however, she rejected as perversions or plagiarism of her ideas. She was especially incensed at the use of objectivist vocabulary by young libertarians, whom she accused of disregarding morality and flirting with anarchism. Meanwhile, Brandens status as Rands favourite disciple was assumed by Leonard Peikoff, an original member of the Collective whom she would eventually designate as her intellectual and legal heir.

In 1971 Rand ceased publication of The Objectivist and replaced it with the fortnightly Ayn Rand Letter, which appeared with increasing irregularity until 1976. In 1974 she underwent surgery for lung cancer. Although she recovered, she never again had the energy to pursue large-scale writing projects. In 1979 she published Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology, a collection of philosophical articles originally written in 1967. She was working on an adaptation of Atlas Shrugged for a television miniserieseventually unrealizedwhen she died.

Rand was continually frustrated by her failure to gain acceptance among academic philosophers, most of whom dismissed (or were simply unaware of) her work. This neglect, which she attributed to collectivist bias and incompetence, was partly due to the fictional form in which the best-known statements of her philosophy appeared, which necessarily rendered them imprecise by professional standards. Other factors were her idiosyncratic interpretation of the history of Western philosophy, her tendency to rely, even in her nonfiction works, on broad ad hominem attacks, and her general unwillingness to tolerate disagreement with her views among those with whom she associated.

In 1986 Barbara Branden published a memoir, The Passion of Ayn Rand, that disclosed Rands affair with Nathan and revealed unflattering details of her relations with members of the Collective and others. Despite the resulting damage to her reputation, her novels continued to enjoy large sales, and she retained a loyal following among conservatives and libertarians, including some high-ranking members of the Ronald Reagan administration (the most notable being Greenspan). In the 1990s and 2000s her works undoubtedly contributed to the increased popularity of libertarianism in the United States, and from 2009 she was an iconic figure in the antigovernment Tea Party movement. It is for these specifically political influences, rather than for her contributions to literature or philosophy, that she is likely to be remembered by future generations.

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Ayn Rand | American author | Britannica.com

Working toward graduation: 50 SPS students participate in credit recovery program – Stillwater News Press

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While most students are busy enjoying their summer break, about 50 Stillwater Public Schools students chose to actively pursue credit recovery in English, math or social studies at Lincoln Academy.

Students, who range from incoming sophomores to soon-to-be graduates, had four weeks to retake a course or two they failed for one reason or another.

The self-paced program, which started May 30 and ends Thursday, allowed students to work through the coursework once credit at a time.

Katie Carlisle, 19, is thankful SPS provides this service for students.

It gives people an opportunity to redeem themselves, she said.

Carlisle failed Algebra II her senior year at Stillwater High, but was able to walk at graduation last month.

Students who are short two or fewer credits are allowed to walk at graduation, Trent Swanson, principal at Lincoln Academy said Tuesday. Two students that walked at graduation participated in credit recovery.

Carlisle will be taking her last Algebra II tests Wednesday.

If I pass the tests, Ill get my diploma, Carlisle said. If I dont pass, I dont know what Ill do.

She plans to continue her studies at Meridian Technology Center this fall where she is studying information technology.

One day she hopes to be a computer forensic investigator.

Also participating in the credit recovery program wash Nick Warne, 15, who was busy working on his last freshman English assignment on Tuesday.

He struggled with the course the first time around.

When the work got harder, I just slacked off, Warne said.

He is enjoying the format at Lincoln Academy.

I like to work at my own pace, Warne said.

Hes not sure if he will attend Stillwater High or Lincoln Academy next year for his sophomore year but he knows he wants to graduate.

Warne hopes to attend culinary school in Colorado and become a chef.

A huge dream of mine is to own my own restaurant, Warne said.

Warne and other students got help along the way from Aaron Frisby, a Lincoln Academy teacher.

I believe in self-paced learning, Frisby said. It is the way we do it here at Lincoln.

He said students read the novel Anthem, by Ayn Rand as a class and have recently been working on their writing.

Students attend class Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-noon and are offered a meal from the district each day. The are also given a weekend food bag courtesy of First United Methodist Church.

Swanson said the program is a great way to help students and that he has heard positive feedback from parents.

Im also appreciative of teachers for giving up time in the summer to help kids recover credits, Swanson said.

Twitter: @dbittonNP

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Working toward graduation: 50 SPS students participate in credit recovery program - Stillwater News Press

If You Saw Uber’s CEO Testify Before the DC Council, His Downfall May Come as No Surprise – HuffPost

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Travis Kalanick is out. The 40-year-old Uber CEO resigned Tuesday as the ride-hailing giant faces crises on multiple fronts and investors called for a change in leadership.

Kalanick, who co-founded Uber, will likely continue to be involved with the company due to his control over substantial voting shares. But Kalanick, and his rules-be-damned approach, will no longer be leading Uber, now valued at close to $70 billion.

For many Kalanicks sudden departure may come as a shock. But for those who watched him testify before the DC Council five years ago, the only wonder may be that he lasted this long.

It was September 2012, before Uber became so gargantuan. Back then, fighting off pesky regulators and councilmembers in a market like DC warranted a visit from the head honcho himself.

And when Kalanick showed up to testify before the Councils transportation committee, he was raring for a fight.

When then-Ward 1 Councilman Jim Graham asked how Uber determined the number of drivers to contract with, Kalanick replied, How does the ice cream store know how much ice cream to get? He just figures it out and he buys some freakin ice cream.

Freakin ice cream aside, Graham, who passed away earlier this month, wanted to know how many vehicles Uber had on the road, a legitimate public safety concern. But Ubers then-35-year-old CEO refused to specify. Were in the hundreds, he said. Its not low hundreds and its not high hundreds.

Today there are almost certainly many more Uber vehicles clogging DCs streets, but how many more isnt clear. (DCs taxi commission, now renamed the Department of For-Hire Vehicles, is legislatively prohibited from collecting this information from private transportation companies like Uber.)

Back at the hearing, Kalanick continued interrupting at will, only now he was talking over Councilmember Mary Cheh, the committee chair.

Any attempt by the city to regulate Ubers variable pricing model, which can jump quickly, would be like communist Russia where there were long lines for toilet paper due to government controls, said Kalanick, who seemed to be channeling Ayn Rand. (Kalanick used to have as his Twitter avatar a picture of Rands The Fountainhead, which he previously described as one of my favorite books.)

It may be telling that Kalanick couldnt find it in himself to show respect for a woman heading up the very committee overseeing ride-sharing in DC. In subsequent years, a lack of respect for women has manifested itself throughout Kalanicks company.

Among the many examples: A female reporter whod written critically of Uber was tracked by the company through its God View tool. The medical records of a woman raped by an Uber driver in India were obtained by the company and shared among top executives including Kalanick; the victim, a resident of Texas, has sued Uber, Kalanick and two other executives who have also left the company (one was fired, the other quit after an investigation recommended his removal). These same executives took part in a company outing to a South Korean escort bar, prompting a female worker to speak out despite feeling pressured not to. Kalanick himself described how Uber had turned him into a chick magnet, saying, we call that Boob-er. Within the company itself there have been damning reports of sexual harassment, which recently led to over 20 firings.

To help counter this bro culture, Uber board member Arianna Huffington suggested having a greater female presence on the board. But thatd make it much more likely to be more talking, said fellow board member David Bonderman (who resigned later that day).

Bondermans comment came at the very meeting at which Uber released 13 pages of recommendations compiled by former Attorney General Eric Holder and his law firm, Covington & Burlington, which spent nearly four months investigating sexual harassment and other issues at Uber. (Uber has not released the full report.)

Ubers board said it was accepting all of Holders recommendations, which included reducing Kalanicks control over the company but did not call for his termination.

The sexism prevalent throughout Uber has received lots of media attention of late, and for good reason. Less discussed is the right-wing, anti-government ideology that fueled Kalanick and Uber, and which was on full display before the DC Council five years ago.

No single company or interest should have the power to use its wealth the way Uber does, said Robert Weissman, president of Public Citizen.

In city after city, Uber runs roughshod over local elected governments and law enforcement, according to a blistering report by Public Citizen.

Ubers willingness to break rules has been crucial to its explosive growth, which has greatly benefited its investors.

But even absent fantastic returns, some Uber investors may support the companys rules-be-damned approach.

Take, for example, Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos, whos a major investor in Uber.* (Youd be forgiven for not knowing this since the Post regularly fails to disclose this clear conflict of interest.) Bezos, of course, has made his fortune as founder and CEO of Amazon, which has itself been accused of bullying competitors, cheating the government and mistreating workers. (Kalanick admires Amazon so much he mimicked the companys 14 core values by creating the same number for Uber, which include always be hustlin and toe stepping).

Another major Uber investor is Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund. In addition to being as authoritarian a country as they come, Saudi Arabia prohibits women from driving. (This sexist ban benefits Uber which makes money off rides Saudi women depend on, many pointed out in an online campaign.)

Kalanick has done a good job of playing down these right-wing ties. Today, youre unlikely to see him giving a speech at, say, the Koch brothers-backed Heritage Foundation, as he did in December of 2011, the week he launched Uber here in DC.

Image is everything, and Kalanick understood that coming across as a right-winger could damage Ubers business model, which depends heavily on riders (and drivers) in left-leaning cities across the country and world.

This may explain why Kalanick hired ex-Obama officials and why he stepped down from Trumps economic advisory council in February.

The latter came as #DeleteUber took off. The online campaign was in response to Ubers announcement that it would hold off on surge pricing and keep prices low as New York cab drivers were striking at JFK airport in protest of Trumps travel ban. (Uber denies it was trying to undermine the strikers.)

While Uber has had success in pushing around struggling taxi drivers and local law enforcement, the company hasnt had as much luck with two bigger foes: Didi and Waymo.

Kalanick had big plans for Ubers expansion in China but it was not to be. After suffering staggering losses, Uber sold its China division to its Chinese competitor, Didi, receiving a stake in the company in return.

Uber also faces a potentially damaging situation back home in a lawsuit brought by Waymo, Googles driverless car division. Uber recently fired the former Waymo employee, Anthony Levandowski, whos accused of bringing Waymos trade secrets with him when he came to work for Uber. Despite the termination, Waymos suit against Uber continues and has the potential to be damaging.

For Uber, being at the forefront of driverless technology is crucial; if it isnt, then Uber is no longer a thing, said Kalanick. Thats because theres tremendous competitive advantage in getting rid of the other dude in the car, as Kalanick put it, referring to the struggling drivers whove turned him into a billionaire.

It will now fall to Ubers next CEO to deal with this lawsuit and the other crises Kalanick is leaving behind.

* NOTE: Jeff Bezos is presumably still an investor in Uber, although neither he, Amazon nor Uber responded to emails asking for confirmation of this. Washington Post executive editor Marty Baron did respond, but said, I have no insights into his [Bezos] personal investments. Previously it was the Posts policy to frequently disclose Bezos Uber investment when covering the ride-hailing company, but now the Post seldom does. Nevertheless, Baron said theres been no change in policy.

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If You Saw Uber's CEO Testify Before the DC Council, His Downfall May Come as No Surprise - HuffPost

Golden Rule Charter School

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Welcome to Golden Rule Schools website!

We are a charter school that has seen phenomenal growth in the past years. We started our school in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas in 2001. Since then we have expanded to four campuses. We have a campuses in DeSoto, Cockrell Hill and in Pleasant Grove with the main campus located on 2602 W. Illinois Ave. in Dallas.

Golden Rule has enjoyed great acceptance from the community as evidenced with a waiting list that is generated every school year.

Parents have embraced the educational goals and the safe environment that our campuses provide. Golden Rule provides a small school atmosphere that is conducive to learning and fostering relationships with our parents and students alike.

We will never forget why this school was started in the first place: To make a difference in the lives of our students.

We will never forget the foundation it was started on: Faith, integrity and trust in a higher power.

Golden Rule is proud of its staff, faculty, students and parents. We will continue to seek new and innovative methods to better ourselves and our student population. As community support continues to grow and embrace the Golden Rule Way we will continue to look into expanding into other sectors of this great metroplex in which we live and even throughout this great State of ours.

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Golden Rule Charter School

More Liberal Tears – Slate Magazine

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Georgias 6th Congressional District Republican candidate Karen Handel gives a victory speech to supporters gathered at the Hyatt Regency on Tuesday in Atlanta.

Jessica McGowan/Getty Images

Im not going to lie: Im not surprised by Tuesday nights result in Georgias 6th Congressional District election, but I am gutted by it. Republican Karen Handel, author of a book about Planned Parenthood titled Planned Bullyhood, ran a repulsive campaign. Advertisements by her allies tied Democrat Jon Ossoff to black bloc anarchists, Muslim terrorists, Kathy Griffin, and the shooter of Rep. Steve Scalise. As Dave Weigel wrote in the Washington Post, The ad strategy, and the campaign visit from Republicans such as House Speaker Paul Ryan, have had almost nothing to say about what Republicans were working on in Washington. The message was that Republicans would feel terrible if they had to watch Democrats celebrate. It worked; running on a platform of MOAR LIBERAL TEARS, Handel won with 51.9 percent of the vote. Kellyanne Conway tweeted Laughing my #Ossoff.

Some liberals are putting an optimistic spin on things: Its a good sign for Dems, they argue, that Ossoff got as close as he did to victory in a district that hasnt voted blue since Jimmy Carter was president. This isnt wrong, but it doesnt make the loss less painful. An Ossoff victory might have scared Republicans into siding with the majority of Americans who disapprove of the disgusting man occupying the White House. It might have spooked some of them out of passing a bill to gut health insurance for tens of millions of Americans. It would have made it clear that as nightmarish as the Trump presidency has been, as much as every day since Trumps inauguration has been poisoned by his presence, help is on the way in the midterms.

Help may still be on the way. As Nate Silver reminds us, the improved Democratic margins in this years special elections are consistent with the sorts of results Democrats would expect if they were on track to compete for the House next year. But an emboldened Republican Party is going to do a lot of damage between now and then. One of the tireless women who campaigned for Ossoff was Carianne Muse, a working mother of three whose two youngest children were born with severe hearing loss. Both kids have had surgeries that cost over $100,000 apiece that have been covered by insurance, she told me. When I changed jobs I didnt have any pre-existing condition issues at all, [thanks to] Obamacare. But if I got fired tomorrow and we had a new law, Id be terrified.

Im reading a lot of complaints about the Ossoff campaign this morning. Some people, including some of Ossoffs own volunteers, say he should have hit Trump harder. Others say his loss proves that an anti-Trump message is not enough. Maybe another candidate or another strategy could have won, but I remain impressed by Ossoff, a 30-year-old first-time candidate who took everything the Republican Party could throw at him without losing his composure, and whose decent and hopeful campaign inspired thousands of volunteers to work their hearts out.

If theres any reason for optimism, its those volunteers, who assured me again and again that, whatever happened on Election Day, theyre not going anywhere. A refrain I heard several times was, Were just practicing for the midterms. If liberal funders were smart, theyd put money into some of the grass-roots groups that have sprung up in the 6th District to make sure they dont wither in wake of Ossoffs defeat. Earlier, I wrote about Jessica Zeigler, a working mother of three who started a program to train recent high school graduates to mobilize their social networks for voter outreach. Someone should be paying her to do this full-time in every congressional district in Georgia. Zeigler is devastated, but she texted me, Friends are already organizing data-based feedback forms and strategy meetings. So we are resilient. Lets hope the country is, too.

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More Liberal Tears - Slate Magazine

A new Hungarian liberal party challenges the autocratic Viktor Orban – The Economist

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A new Hungarian liberal party challenges the autocratic Viktor Orban - The Economist