NSC wants rules on research that could lead to biological weapons

Reporting from Washington?

The National Security Council is moving to exert greater federal control over scientific studies of highly lethal diseases and toxins in the face of mounting fears that the research could be used by terrorists and rogue states, according to people with knowledge of the process.

Under the NSC's guidance, the government plans to issue guidelines for research grants that would give agencies the authority to delay or restrict publication of findings they considered susceptible to "dual use" by terrorists or enemy states. The new guidelines are expected to be issued in the coming weeks.

But the possibility of stricter guidelines is also raising concerns about scientific openness and increased red tape that could slow the release of findings that would save lives.

"From our standpoint, it seems unreasonable for there to be approval of our research at every step of the way ? and then, once we have completed critically important experiments, to have an outside group conclude we should not publish," said Dr. Yoshihiro Kawaoka, professor of virology at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, who helped touch off the controversy with his work on the H5N1 bird flu.

"If infectious disease research in this country becomes regulated beyond what is appropriate, the U.S. will not be able to provide the breakthroughs the rest of the world relies on, and public health will suffer," he said.

Last year Ron Fouchier of Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, created a stir when he announced at a scientific meeting that he had created a strain of avian flu that was both deadly and easily transmissible. The Kawaoka and Fouchier research projects, both funded by the National Institutes of Health, raised widespread alarm that if the studies' methodology and results were published in full, they could become how-to manuals for making biological weapons.

Security experts at the NIH stepped in to delay publication and remove certain details of studies that showed how Fouchier and Kawaoka altered the deadly H5N1 avian flu virus to make it easily contagious among mammals.

Until now, nearly all people who had contracted H5N1 got it through contact with a sick bird. The new research opened the possibility that a sick person could infect other people directly, stirring concerns about lethal pandemics.

Accepted for publication in the prestigious journals Science and Nature, the papers were sent to the NIH's National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity, which urged that the studies not be issued intact. An expert panel of the World Health Organization decided Friday that the papers would not be published any time soon.

Despite the H5N1 scientists' compliance with the delay, the NIH and National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity can only make recommendations to researchers, not compel action. The new guidelines would give federal agencies the legal authority to limit disclosure of research. Among the entities whose grant making could be affected are the Pentagon, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Agriculture and the NIH.

The guidelines would apply to research involving so-called Tier 1 select agents, a list of pathogens and toxins the government has determined pose the most severe threats to public health. H5N1 influenza is on the Agriculture Department's Tier 1 list.

In January, Fouchier, Kawaoka and more than 30 other top scientists in the field issued a public letter saying they had agreed to a 60-day moratorium on research to give the international scientific community a chance to find ways to gauge the benefits and reduce the risks of such work.

The WHO also decided at a recent Geneva meeting to extend the moratorium, but declined to specify the duration.

neela.banerjee@latimes.com

Source: http://feeds.latimes.com/~r/latimes/news/science/~3/H66_4TbVF_k/la-na-nsc-flu-20120219,0,7922805.story

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Santorum questions Obama's 'world view,' not faith

Republican presidential candidate, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum speaks at the Summit County Lincoln Dinner Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, in Akron, Ohio. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Republican presidential candidate, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum speaks at the Summit County Lincoln Dinner Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, in Akron, Ohio. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Republican presidential candidate, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum speaks at the Summit County Lincoln Dinner Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, in Akron, Ohio. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

,Republican presidential candidate, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum prays during the Ohio Christian Alliance conference Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

WASHINGTON (AP) ? Rick Santorum on Sunday condemned what he called President Barack Obama's world view that "elevates the Earth above man" and requires insurers to pay for prenatal tests that will encourage more abortions.

A day after telling an Ohio audience that Obama's agenda is based on "some phony theology, not a theology based on the Bible," the GOP presidential candidate said he wasn't criticizing the president's Christianity.

"I've repeatedly said I don't question the president's faith. I've repeatedly said that I believe the president's Christian," Santorum said in a broadcast interview. "I am talking about his world view, and the way he approaches problems in this country. I think they're different than how most people do in America."

The former Pennsylvania senator said Obama's environmental policies promote ideas of "radical environmentalists," who, Santorum argues, oppose greater use of the country's natural resources because they believe "man is here to serve the Earth." He said that was the reference he was making Saturday in his Ohio campaign appearance when he denounced a "phony theology."

"I think that is a phony ideal. I don't believe that is what we're here to do," Santorum said. "We're not here to serve the Earth. The Earth is not the objective. Man is the objective."

Obama's campaign said Santorum's remarks were another attack on the president's faith by Republican rivals in a nominating contest that has grown increasingly bitter and negative.

"It's just time to get rid of this mindset in our politics that, if we disagree, we have to question character and faith," said Robert Gibbs, Obama's former press secretary. "Those days have long passed in our politics. Our problems and our challenges are far too great."

Santorum said his claim that Obama's health care overhaul encourages abortions stems from the fact that insurance companies are required to pay for prenatal testing, which he said will result in more pregnant women having more procedures. He specified amniocentesis, a procedure that can identify physical problems in the unborn.

"The bottom line is a lot of prenatal tests are done to identify deformities in utero and the customary procedure is to encourage abortion," he said.

A doctor recommend abortion when a sonogram discovered health problems for Santorum's youngest daughter, who was born three years ago with a genetic condition known as Trisomy 18, which typically proves fatal. She has lived longer than most children born with the condition.

"This is typical," Santorum said. "This is what goes on in medical rooms around the country."

He said he's critical of the mandate in Obama's health care plan that insurers must pay for the tests, not of prenatal testing in general.

"There are all sorts of prenatal testing which should be provided free. I have no problem with that if the insurance companies want to. I'm not for any of these things to be forced," Santorum said.

Santorum spoke on CBS' "Face the Nation," while Gibbs was on ABC's "This Week."

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2012-02-19-Santorum/id-2810dd5f3a254658a4cf9c353c8d48d0

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'Red-eyed' Brown leaves Houston's funeral early

By Us Weekly

Bobby Brown, right, leaves the funeral service of his ex-wife, pop singer Whitney Houston, at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J., on Saturday, Feb. 18.

Each of the 1,500 invitations to Whitney Houston's funeral in Newark, NJ admits just one, but apparently her ex-husband Bobby Brown did not receive that memo.

According to New Jersey paper The Star Ledger, the R&B singer, 43, arrived outside of the New Hope Baptist Church Saturday afternoon with an entourage of nine people in tow, demanding that they all get seats in the front row.

PHOTOS: Whitney and Bobby's family album

The paper adds that Brown himself was allowed in, but he opted to leave with the rest of the people not admitted.

"He was allowed to go in, pay his respects and then he had to leave," a witness tells Us Weekly. "He was red-eyed going up to the casket and then left. He was there for 15 minutes."

PHOTOS: Whitney Houston, 1963-2012

A source has told Us that there is still underlying tension between Houston's relatives and Brown, who married Houston in 1992. Their divorce was finalized in 2007.

"There are family members who felt Bobby drove Whitney into drugs," one source explained. "But now Bobby is clean and Whitney has unfortunately passed. So there's resentment."

VIDEO: Whitney's ups and downs

Brown is expected to perform at his scheduled concert, which takes place at the nearby New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

Related content:

Source: http://todayentertainment.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/18/10443656-red-eyed-bobby-brown-leaves-whitney-houstons-funeral-early

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Ron Ashkenas: When the Help You Get Isn't Helpful

Have you ever received unsolicited, off-target advice? Some people just instinctually offer solutions when they see someone in need. But what if their understanding of what's wrong is, quite frankly, wrong? Should you politely listen, or can you help them help you?

Consider John, an account executive who is contemplating how to expand into a new market segment -- one that is wrought with regulatory challenges. With a puzzled look on his face, he walks past Samantha, who asks, "Are you okay?" John responds, "Not really, I'm trying to figure out how to gain access for more of our products into Latin America." Samantha immediately runs to her office and returns with a 100-page analytical report detailing the region. She then spends the next ten minutes going over a how-to guide on conducting market research. Out of respect to Samantha, John patiently listens. But despite her good intentions, Samantha's input is counterproductive. John might have benefited from Samantha's time if she had focused on solving his regulatory conundrum. Instead, John walks away feeling even more frustrated and perplexed.

This is not an uncommon scenario, especially in a culture of instantaneous communication. We've been programmed to respond quickly, but perhaps not thoughtfully, to questions. While we may genuinely want to help, we don't have the time to probe, brainstorm, and engage in dialogue to explore the core issues of a problem. Instead, we politely give an off-the-cuff response that often results in the kind of well-intentioned, yet irrelevant advice that was given in the example above.

The most dysfunctional consequence of this pattern is that colleagues who genuinely need advice on an issue will stop asking for it. When the input they receive is repeatedly wrong, they unconsciously begin to dismiss the value of others' input. This creates an individualistic culture where people try to solve problems in isolation without the benefit of multiple perspectives.

If you find that you often receive unhelpful help, here are several ideas could increase your odds of getting good input.

Target your requests. Instead of asking whoever is available, intentionally target certain individuals. Create a list of people who have access to resources, information, and relevant experience about your problem. Expand your list to include friends and colleagues who tend to challenge the norm and see the world differently. Make a point of including people who are likely to have useful views but you might hesitate to approach because you think they are too busy or wouldn't be interested.

Frame your question. Before asking for input, figure out what you really need: What kind of advice are you looking for? What information would be useful? Are there gaps in your thinking? Then consider how to frame your question so that you solicit the right advice.

Redirect the conversation. If the person offering advice jumps to conclusions, be prepared to redirect them. Most people will not be offended if you politely refocus them. For instance, had John interrupted Samantha's lecture on market research by saying, "The issue isn't our understanding of the market, it's how to deal with the area's regulatory restrictions. That's where I could use some help," Samantha could have spent the next ten minutes firing off some useful ideas.

Often people try to help but miss the mark. If you really want quality input, don't shrug your shoulders and walk away frustrated. Take the lead in getting the help you need. By carefully targeting the sources of help, framing questions more sharply, and keeping the conversation on topic, you're more likely to benefit from reaching out to others -- and they will feel better about being able to help you.

What techniques have you used to secure helpful advice?

This post was coauthored with Holly Newman, a consultant with Schaffer Consulting, where she focuses on large-scale transformational change and performance improvement initiatives. She holds a Masters degree in Organizational Psychology from Teachers College Columbia University.

Cross-posted from Harvard Business Online.

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Follow Ron Ashkenas on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SchafferResults

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ron-ashkenas/when-the-help-you-get-isn_b_1282414.html

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Sports in Brief - Whidbey News Times

Here's a rundown on some of the sports-related community events taking place in the North and Central Whidbey areas.

?

Central Whidbey Soccer

Central Whidbey Soccer Club is currently holding registration for spring recreational soccer.

Spring season runs April through June and is open to age groups U5 to U18 (ages 3 to 17).

Find additional information and online signup at www.coupevillesoccer.org.

?

North Whidbey Soccer

Registration for North Whidbey Soccer Club's spring recreational season is under way.

The season runs April 14 through June 2 and is open to age groups U6 to U15.

All U6-U8 games will be played at Fort Nugent Park on Saturdays. U10-U15 teams play in the Whidbey Island Soccer League (WISL) with games on Saturdays up and down the island.

The registration fee is $75 by March 10; late registration begins March 11 ($80 by March 24).

Find additional information and register for all NWSC programs at www.nwhidbeysoccer.org.

?

Central Whidbey Little League

Central Whidbey Little League will conduct registration for the 2012 season Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Coupeville High School gym from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Those who register Saturday will save $10 on their registration fees per family.

Tryouts will be conducted Sundays, Feb. 26 and March 4, at the Coupeville Middle School gym.? Baseball will begin at 3 p.m. and softball at 4 p.m. All players ages 9 and above are required to tryout and are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled time.

Players will need an original birth certificate and proof of residency to register.

For additional information, email info@centralwhidbeylittleleague.org or visit the website at http://www.centralwhidbeylittleleague.org.

?

North Whidbey Little League

North Whidbey Little League will be taking registrations Saturday, Feb. 18, at North Whidbey Middle School from 10 a.m. until to 2 p.m.

All forms, supporting paperwork and payments can be completed there.? Forms can also be picked up at Big 5, McDonald's, Dairy Queen, Wendy's and Burger King and on the league website (eteamz.active.com/NWLLOH/).

Evaluation for baseball juniors and seniors (ages 13 to 16) will be Saturday, Feb. 18, at 1 p.m. at Fort Nugent Park.? Players can sign up that day.

Call 679-1522 for more information.

?

Glow Night at Pool

The John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool is hosting a Glow Night Saturday, Feb. 25, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

The cost is $3, and the pool will provide snacks, drinks and glowing things.

For more information, call 675-7665.

?

Smelt Run

The Skagit Symphony will host its annual Smelt Run on the La Conner flats Saturday, Feb. 25.

The race, which begins at La Conner Middle School at 305 N. 6th Street, features 5K and 10K runs on a USATF certified course, a two-mile walk and a kids dash.

Pre-register online at www.active.com until Feb. 20: $25 for the run, $15 for the walk and no cost for the kids dash (for 18 months to 6 years). Registration the day of the event starts at 8:30 a.m; fees increase $5 after Feb. 20.

For further information, visit www.skagitsymphony.com. This fundraiser benefits the Symphony?s youth programs and is organized in conjunction with La Conner Rotary Club?s Smelt Derby.

?

Boating Safety Class

The Deception Pass Sail and Power Squadron is conducting a general boating safety course that will meet every Tuesday and Thursday Feb. 28 to April 12 at 6 p.m. at the Freeland Fire Station.

The course, which qualifies participants for the Washington state boaters education card, covers a variety of boating skills including seamanship, navigation, rules of the road, safety equipment and legal requirements.

The cost is $35; a second family member may participate and share the book for an additional $15.

Contact Doug Bishop at 678-2296, Dan Wright at 679-7435 or bdwr3036@comcast.net to signup.

?

Babe Ruth Baseball

The Oak Harbor Babe Ruth baseball team for 13- and 14-year-olds will conduct tryouts at the Oak Harbor High School field Saturday and Sunday, March 3 and 4, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Registration is onsite and free for tryouts.

The Skagit Valley Babe Ruth League is a competitive baseball league dedicated to player development and preparation for high school baseball.

Contact coach Bill Young at 679-4843 for more information.

?

Kettles Bike Ride

Mussels in the Kettles, a non-competitive mountain bike ride through the Kettles trail system, is slated for Saturday, March 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This event, which occurs in conjunction with the Penn Cove MusselFest and is sponsored by the Whidbey Island Bicycle Club, will feature cross-country, single track and trail routes for the beginner to expert.

The ride includes event socks, a free poker run, homemade cookies, a free beer, ice cream for kids and more. The cost is $20 plus $5 for each family member.

For more information, visit www.whidbeybicycleclub.org or email administrator@whidbeybicycleclub.org.

?

Softball Clinic

Girls 7 to 13 from throughout Whidbey Island and beyond are invited to attend a fastpitch softball clinic at the Coupeville High School gymnasium Saturday, March 10, from 8 to 11:30 a.m.

The cost is $30 per child.

The clinic will cover pitching, catching, throwing, running, fielding and hitting.

Participants should bring a glove, gym shoes and a bat if they have their own. Wearing long sweatpants is recommended; they are best for sliding practice.

Preregistration forms must be returned to Coupeville High School by March 1 for participants to receive a T-shirt.

Contact coach Jackie Calkins at 360-678-4409 or jcalkins@coupeville.k12.wa.us for more information.

?

Shamrock Run

The CWCP Shamrock 5K run/walk takes place Saturday, March 17, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Coupeville track.

The event is open to everyone, no matter what pace. The course is on track, trail and sidewalk and will be hand timed. Baby strollers are welcome.

Included is a free children's dash (3 to 10 years) of about 400 meters, and all participants will receive a prize. (No T-shirts for kid cash participants.)

The cost is $25 for preregistration, $30 the day of the race. Post-race refreshments and snacks will be provided.

Childcare for children 3 and up will be available at the Coupeville Elementary playground.

For more information, contact Christi Messner at shamrock5k@coupevillepresschool.org or 360-929-4632.

?

Pickleball

Persons in the Oak Harbor area who are interested in playing pickleball can call 360-240-9483 or contact the North Whidbey Parks and Recreation District at 675-7663 or director@oakharborpool.com.

?

Orienteering

Central Whidbey has been selected as the site of the national 2012 Interscholastic and Intercollegiate Orienteering Championships April 21 and 22.

The competition, hosted by the Cascade Orienteering Club, will take place at Fort Ebey and Fort Casey state parks.

The national championships will draw approximately 400 competitors from around the country and will be using Camp Casey Conference Center as our Athletes' Village for the weekend.

?

Whidbey Island Running Cub

Whidbey Island Running Club of the North Whidbey Park and Recreation District is recruiting runners ages 5 to 18.

Contact Catie Rodeheffer at 360-279-2196 or catie@rodeheffer.net for more information.

?

North Whidbey Aquatic Club

The North Whidbey Aquatic Club is a competitive swimming program of the North Whidbey Park and Recreation District. It includes swimmers of all abilities and ages from 6 through college.

Tryouts occur Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at the city pool from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. New swimmers should be able to swim a length of the pool in freestyle and backstroke.

The first two weeks are free.

For more information, please call the pool (675-7665) to speak with head coach Neil Romney or view the team?s website at www.teamunify.com/pnswznwac.

Source: http://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/sports/139442668.html

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My Mommy's Eyes | Baby care | Women's health | Beauty

[unable to retrieve full-text content]You are here : Baby care | Women's health | Beauty ? Home and Family ? My Mommy's Eyes ... Peer mentors assist children in the childcare center, in school and even at home, helping them to transition throughout the day.

Source: http://www.womenfavor.com/home-and-family/my-mommys-eyes-3.html

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