Trab

Uh, shouldn't that be "banana"? It's a very interesting new look. From our side of it, it will probably be a short learning curve. Good job dude!

The "ICE" Idea A recent article from the Toronto Star, "the ICE idea", is catching on and it is a very simple, yet important method of contact for you or a loved one in case of an emergency. As cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is program the number of a contact person or persons and store the name as "ICE". The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when they went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which numbers to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name to file "next of kin" under. Following a disaster in London The East Anglican Ambulance Service has launched a national "In case of Emergency (ICE)" campaign. The idea is that you store the word "ICE " in your mobile phone address book, and with it enter the number of the person you would want to be contacted "In Case of Emergency ". In an emergency situation, Emergency Services personnel and hospital staff would then be able to quickly contact your next of kin, by simply dialling the number programmed under "ICE". Please forward this. It won't take too many "forwards" before everybody will know about this. It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest. For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2, and ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference !

Would you believe I haven't read any of the books, NOR watched the movies? I think I saw a snippet of a HP movie once, where they were chasing some kind of ball in the air, on broomsticks, I believe. How exciting. Ho Hum.

Re: your post. "I really don't care if someone likes or dislikes what I read, but I won't let me readers down like that." I think maybe you meant you don't care if someone likes or dislikes what you WRITE. :) After all, they can't really know what you READ at all. :D I love the end of Ch.4 and can't wait to see how things develope. Bart

I couldn't find any copyright notice, so I'm assuming it is okay to post this with the credit. If not, please Dude, remove it. Bart Risk factors identified for lesser-known STD in MSM The CDC has developed a new, accurate, rapid diagnostic test for lymphogranuloma venereum. by Tara Grassia IDN Staff Writer July 2006 Researchers have identified risk factors associated with lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and a new method for detecting this sexually transmitted disease (STD), which could eventually aid in quicker detection and treatment of cases. ?Overall CDC laboratories have confirmed 30 LGV cases, but we do not know how many have been diagnosed by other laboratories. All cases were diagnosed among men and for the cases for which we have information on the gender of the sex partners, all have been among MSM, the majority of whom are HIV positive,? said John M. Douglas, Jr., MD, director of STD Prevention at the CDC?s National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention. LGV is an STD caused by specific and invasive strains of Chlamydia trachomatis. LGV in developing countries is usually associated with an adenopathy syndrome with or without genital ulceration. In MSM, symptoms are usually manifested by gastrointestinal problems such as bleeding, inflammation of the colon and rectum; symptoms that are not normally associated with other STDs. The STD is most prevalent in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. Cases have been rarely diagnosed in the United States and Europe until health care officials noted recent outbreaks among MSM. While there are no data on the prevalence of LGV in the United States, researchers have reported cases from a number of geographically dispersed cities across the nation, Douglas explained at the 2006 National STD Prevention Conference. Data from New York City presented at the conference provide the most detailed profile to date of the risk factors for LGV in MSM. These findings could ultimately help public health officials prevent, diagnose and treat the disease more effectively. MSM at risk for LGV Since late 2004, cases of LGV have been identified among MSM in several U.S. cities. New York City has had more suspected cases than any other city in the nation, according to Douglas. Health officials reported the first laboratory confirmed case in New York City in early 2005. In order to attain a better understanding of those at risk, LGV prevalence in the city, and transmission patterns, researchers from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Bureau of STD Control conducted analyses on 249 specimens collected from suspected cases in 2004 and 2005. The researchers identified links between LGV, HIV and syphilis among MSM. ?Almost all specimens were from men, the majority of whom sought health care from private providers after experiencing rectal symptoms,? said Preeti Pathela, DrPH, MPH, of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. ?Lab results showed that 31 patients tested positive for LGV.? Pathela and colleagues reported that 97% of LGV cases detected occurred among MSM and 65% of those diagnosed with the disease reported unprotected receptive anal intercourse during the previous six months. Additionally, 84% of those with LGV were co-infected with HIV, and nearly half (48%) had a prior syphilis diagnosis. To assist in developing LGV prevention strategies, the researchers compared behavioral and demographic data from ten men diagnosed with LGV to 247 diagnosed with syphilis. ?We found comparable profiles with respect to age, race/ethnicity, MSM, having anonymous partners, not discussing HIV status before sex and meeting partners on the Internet,? she said. ?We found no apparent epidemiological link to cases reported in Europe, despite the similarity to the LGV strain detected in New York City and overseas.? Pathela suggested that messages for reducing the spread of LGV should be targeted toward the same group of men for whom syphilis prevention activities are already in place. These messages should include: education about LGV and other STDs, safer sex practices, and the need for increased screening for STDs. ?LGV can be a painful infection and may make it easier to get and spread HIV. Therefore, identification and treatment of cases and disease control measures, such as partner notification and post exposure prophylaxis, are of utmost importance,? she said. ?It is also important that health care providers, particularly HIV care providers, be aware of the links between HIV, syphilis and LGV among MSM.? Diagnostic test developed LGV is a public health challenge because diagnosis is hindered by symptoms that frequently mimic those of other anorectal problems. There is also a lack of quick and easily administered diagnostic test. Current testing methods require time-consuming genetic sequencing that can take several days to provide results and can only be performed in technologically advanced and equipped laboratories. Prior to 2005, reported LGV cases in New York City were based largely on clinical impressions and did not have specific laboratory confirmation. ?Very few labs have the technology to test anal rectal specimens for LGV and most suspected cases are referred to the CDC,? Douglas said. ?Because this may result in delays in diagnosis, the CDC recommends that health care providers presumptively treat suspected cases for LGV rather than wait for test results.? However, at the conference, the CDC announced that it has developed a new test to quickly and accurately diagnose the strains of chlamydia that cause LGV. The new real-time polymerase chain reaction test, developed at the CDC, works by identifying the specific DNA sequences associated with both LGV and non-LGV chlamydia strains, and produces results in just a few hours. Studies to determine the accuracy of the test indicate that CDC researchers were able to correctly identify almost all LGV specimens evaluated. This testing method is still experimental; however, once validated, the CDC plans to offer the test to public health labs on a regional basis. ?Although still in the early stages of development, this new test is a promising step in our efforts to better understand, diagnose, and prevent LGV infection,? said Douglas. ?Ultimately, quicker diagnosis of LGV could help affected communities more effectively combat this disease in conjunction with other STD prevention and treatment efforts for MSM.? For more information: Pathela P. Enhanced surveillance for Lymphogranuloma venereum in New York City. Poster 36. Pathela P. Rapid development of local laboratory capacity for LGV diagnosis: The New York experience. Poster 37. Liu H. Multiplex real-time PCR assay to differentiate between lymphogranuloma venereum and other genito-urinary chlamydial infections. Poster 33. All presented at: 2006 National STD Prevention Conference; May 8-11, 2006; Jacksonville, Fl.

My thanks for re-instating the forums. As I said in my e-mail, this site has been an awesome resource for me, and I appreciate all your efforts to keep it great!

LOL. I can completely agree on your reaction. Is there any chance in hell of seeing a picture of this creation?

http://www.gayauthors.org/

I don't know if it works to protect from lightning, but I run all my computer equipment (except the laser printer) through two UPS units. They continually cut in and out as we have small brownouts, surges, and outright failures. We've only had lightning in this area 2 or 3 times in 10 years, so I'm not overly concerned. I've had more trouble from viruses (virii?) and mechanical faults within the computers than from electrical deviations.

Thanks. Your response has been most helpful, and is greatly appreciated. :)

I've been contacted by someone who is not only an aspie, but a lesbian with hermaphrodite aspects, not fully developed. She is really depressed and cannot find anyone who is the same. She is looking to at least talk to someone who is similar. If anyone on here has the slightest idea of a contact she could make, or support group she could locate, I would be grateful for the information. She lives in Arizona and is in her 40's.

You can spend the money to buy and install one of those triangular shaped radio towers. As long as it is higher than the house, it is a virtual certainty that it will take the strike. Just make sure there are plenty of grounding wires at the bottom of the tower.

Thanks for pointing it out. It truly is gripping, and I've sent a note to the author too. :)

TalonRider, you keep notes on stories you read? And I thought I was bad, putting circles around spelling errors.

Thank you for that Jamie. Even your answer is a sweet little story unto itself. :)

"Speaking of the title...have we even seen any of the scrolls yet? " Funny you should ask that. I had always considered the book we are reading as being the first Scroll. I'm looking forward to the answer to your question. :)

Hey, what am I? Chopped liver? I'm an avid reader too! :)

I think the part that bugs me the most is that I didn't even see the Cat scan and Lab work coming. I guess that's what makes it (or at least me) a good joke.

Well, if you want to read a depressing view of the holiday season, this is an excellent story. Frankly, I am shocked by the story content, and cannot imagine that kind of desolate hopelessness. My family came to Canada in the mid 1950's, and couldn't speak the language, couldn't get work, and were made fun of. The only thing we had was each other, and we supported ourselves emotionally, until we could dig our way out, after learning to communicate with others. I think what I truly cannot understand is how people can live in a situation like that depicted, and somehow not be able to get out of it. At least these people can speak the language. They can read the words written. They have a better start. How is their situation so different, in what way are they so handicapped, that they cannot get ahead? Maybe it is as simple as not truly supporting each other; maybe it is something much deeper of which I am simply unaware. I feel for them. I am horrified at their situation. I do not understand. I want to turn away. I don't want to know about people feeling like this. And yet, I cannot simply do that. I am asking for some explanation. Gabriel, you have offered a view, a glimpse, a peek. Can you offer any explanation for this to continue?

Nicely done Graeme. I kept thinking he was going to clue in, but there he is at the end, plausibly still missing it all. :p

I read the WOT books for a while too, and noticed a marked slide into oblivion. It is not worth the time and money investment. One thing I've liked the odd time I've seen it, is the passing on of the story from one character to another almost like a relay race. The story follows one character, to a certain point, then switches to another, and follows chronologically the new 'action' experienced by the 'new' lead character, and onwards in this fashion. It is not a series of 'cliff hangers' which is likely what that reader was complaining about.

That's Canadian laid-back humour for you. Canadian men aren't romantic is the implication, and only masturbate.

The American Government funded a study to see why the head of a man's penis was larger than the shaft. After 1 year and $180,000, they concluded that the reason that the head was larger than the shaft was to give the man more pleasure during sex. After the US published the study, the French decided to do their own study. After $250,000 and 3 years of research, they concluded that the reason the head was larger than the shaft was to give the woman more pleasure during sex. Canadians, unsatisfied with these findings, conducted their own study. After 2 weeks and a cost of around $75.46, and 2 cases of beer, they concluded that it was to keep a man's hand from flying off and hitting himself in the forehead!

Hey, if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and shits like a duck, it's probably an irony in down clothing. Good on you and maybe you can add some gold crowns to your teeth to really cinch it. ROFLMFAO

I found myself a dude, dudes. We found each other online, have chatted endless hours, phoned for ages, and I've gone to visit. I've been introduced to the father, hiked with him (not the dad, you silly goons), talked, cuddled, and more We're going to meet again soon, but logistically it isn't easy, with him being hours away and needing a trip on a ferry to get there, or him here. So far the compatibility in personalies and feelings is totally awesome. The feelings are wonderful, as are the dreams. I'm blogging the whole story, but I'm not sure I'll reveal the address, yet. Maybe I'll try writing a story of it all later. I'm a happy Trab. :p