Tuesday, November 29, 2011

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Internet Debris

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'Anthrax isn't scary at all compared to this':

Man-made flu virus with potential to wipe out many millions if it ever escaped is created in research lab

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER  November 28. 2011


Scientist responsible is bracing himself for a media storm. 

Just five tweaks to H5N1 makes it more contagious


Contagious version of bird flu could cause pandemic

Scientists divided over whether findings can be released
A group of scientists is pushing to publish research about how they created a man-made flu virus that could potentially wipe out civilization. The deadly virus is a genetically tweaked version of the H5N1 bird flu strain, but is far more infectious and could pass easily between millions of people at a time. The research has caused a storm of controversy and divided scientists, with some saying it should never have been carried out.

Deadly: The new strain of bird flu could wipe out millions of people at a time.
The current strain of H5N1 has only killed 500 people and is not contagious enough to cause a global pandemic. But their are fears the modified virus is so dangerous it could be used for bio-warfare, if it falls into the wrong hands.

Virologist Ron Fouchier of the Erasmus Medical Centre in the Netherlands lead a team of scientists who discovered that a mere five mutations to the avian virus was sufficient to make it spread far more easily. He conducted his tests on ferrets as the animals have become a model of choice for influenza and have similar respiratory tracts to humans.

Fouchier is so prepared for a media storm that he has hired an advisor to help him work on a communication strategy. The research done was part of an international drive to understand H5N1 more fully. Fouchier admitted the strain is 'one of the most dangerous viruses you can make' but is still adamant he wants to publish a paper describing how it was done.

The study is one of two which has caused serious debate about scientific freedom and about regulating research which might have potential public health benefits but at the same time could also be useful for bio-terrorism. The other paper, also on H5N1, was done by a joint team at the University of Wisconsin and the University of Tokyo.
It is understood to have had comparable results to the study done by Fouchier.


Dangerous: It is feared if new details of the avian flu is published, it could be used for bioterrorismDangerous: It is feared if new details of the avian flu is published, it could be used for bioterrorism
Both papers are now being reviewed by the U.S National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB). NSABB does not have the power to prevent the publication but it could ask journals not to publish. Paul Keim, chairman of NSABB, said: 'I can't think of another pathogenic organism that is as scary as this one. I don't think anthrax is scary at all compared to this.'

Traditionally scientific research has always been open so that fellow scientists can review the work of others and repeat their methods to try and learn from them. But numerous scientists have said they believe research on the avian flu should be suppressed.

However bio-defense and flu expert Michael Osterholm, who is director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of innesota, said the work carried out was important medically. He added he could not discuss the papers because he was a member of NSABB but said if they were published certain information could be withheld and made available to those who really need to know. 'We don't want to give bad guys a road map on how to make bad bugs really bad,' he said.
Text via The Daily Mail 

Image via Media 29

Well! That's cheery news. 
Maybe we should simply kiss our asses goodbye and party until we drop.
Might as well start right now.
Puttin' On The Ritz... Again

If you're of a certain age, you'll fondly (or not) recall Taco's smash-hit "Puttin' on the Ritz." Check him out performing it in Russia in 2009...

From Katharine Hepburn’s 1981 interview 
with Barbara Walters:
Hepburn: “I have not lived as a woman. I have lived as a man… I’ve just done what I damn well wanted to and I made enough money to support myself. And I ain’t afraid of being alone.”
Walters: “Is that why also you wear pants?”
Hepburn: “No, I just wore pants because they’re comfortable.”
Walters: “Do you ever wear a skirt, by the way?”
Hepburn: “I have one.”
Walters: “You have one.”
Hepburn: “I’ll wear it to your funeral.”
Via Old Hollywood
The Evolution of Snoopy
 Image via Ooorachaelooo

Image via Tastefully Offensive
Instant Sofa
Image via Jay Romero
Image via Psychotic Humor
Do You Like To Time Travel?
Image via Shirtoid 

And my guy has a really big schlong.
Image Via Tales of the Sissy
…
During their waking hours, they terrorize small boys in snowed-in hotels.
During their waking hours they terrorize small boys in snowed-in hotels.
Image via Tack-O-Rama 
See?
Image via Tack-O-Rama 
How most of the world views "OZ"...
Australia - The Reality
Townsville, Australia Map
Image via Vacations To Go
This all is in aid of my friend Donna who is coming 
for a visit from
Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Dunno why she'd ever want to leave...
Image via Wtanet
Townsville combines the lure of the tropics with the attractions of a major city. From diving in the Great Barrier Reef, trying your luck at the Casino, rafting white water rapids or simply lazing on golden beaches, Townsville offers the best of all worlds.

Located in North Queensland's "dry tropics," Townsville and Magnetic Island boast an average of 300 days of sunshine each year. Combining this glorious sunshine with a relaxed lifestyle and a diversity of attractions, Townsville is the perfect choice for a North Queensland holiday experience.

The city and its precincts are continually evolving. Discover the latest redevelopment along Flinders Street East - a mix of funky nightclubs including the The Sovereign, gay owned and operated hotel/nightclub. You'll also find bars and restaurants housed in beautiful heritage buildings.

Dining is a serious business in Townsville. Take a wander down Palmer Street and find restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, prepared using the freshest local seafood and produce.

The Strand is a world-class beachfront promenade custom-built for enjoyment. Along this palm tree studded stretch are bike and rollerblade paths, safe swimming beaches, pretty picnic spots, a water park and chic restaurants and bars with to-die-for water views.
Townsville is also one of Queensland's premier event destinations, with an exciting annual line up of sporting, aquatic, historical and cultural events.
Using Townsville as a holiday base, visitors can experience the natural wonders of the diverse North Queensland region through day tours, cruises or adventure excursions - all operating out of the city.

The Townsville Region
Townsville's many attractions include the world's largest living coral reef aquarium, an Australian native wildlife sanctuary, art galleries, museums, parks, restaurants and the spectacular Strand beachfront promenade.

Townsville is also a vibrant region that encompasses beautiful coastal towns, rainforests, rugged Outback and country terrain. Appreciate the beauty of the city and nearby Magnetic Island from Castle Hill, the rugged mountain that gives Townsville a unique rustic appeal. But the charm of this lovely region expands further from the city of Townsville - head in any direction and you'll be rewarded.

The Great Barrier Reef sprawls to the east, the Outback beckons to the west, islands and rain forest entice to the north while sugar cane and mango farming communities tempt in the south.

The Townsville region's national parks are home to rare butterflies and birds, kangaroos, platypus and ancient trees. Many of these also boast beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes, exquisite areas that are reminiscent of a bygone era.

There is also a rich history in this region that has been shaped by Aboriginal tribes, miners, pastoralists and war. Remnants of these bygone times are still evident in the beautiful colonial architecture, historic pubs, museums and displays of old gold mining machinery and cottages.
The opportunities for exploration in the Townsville Region invite you. The city is the perfect stepping-off point to experience the wonders of the region - the outback, rainforests, magnificent waterfalls, tropical islands and of course, the Great Barrier Reef.                                 
Text via Q Guide
Wombats are friendly - even big ones!
Wombat!
Image via Travel Journals
Image via Mess and Noise 
Image via Agent 27 
Image via Q Guide
Image via Q Guide 
Image via Q Guide
Image via Q Guide
Image via Q Guide 
Image via Q Guide 
Meanwhile, further north...
Image via A Laugh A Day

Good 
to know!
Do not Vaseline.
“It feels kinda good too.”
On the Beach
7
Image via Boy Culture 
Damn! Butt Floss looks painful.
It's not too early to think about Christmas gifting.
Spooooky Reading...

Evil Little Stories: A Collection

 

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2 comments:

  1. The Dave You're So Suave links don't work :(

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sorry about the dead link for "Dave You're so Suave." I've hunted YouTube and lots of places elsewhere and nothing. Not happy about this at all. :(

    ReplyDelete