Wash. Post: Same-sex weddings to begin at Washington National Cathedral

Washington National Cathedral ? the seat of the Episcopal Church, one of the world?s largest cathedrals and the host of the official prayer service for the presidential inauguration later this month ? has decided to start hosting same-sex weddings.

In some ways, the announcement that is expected Wednesday morning is unsurprising for a denomination and a diocese that long ago took up the cause of marriage equality. But the cathedral?s stature and the image of same-sex couples exchanging vows in the soaring Gothic structure visited by a half-million tourists each year is symbolically powerful.

Read the complete story (Some news sites require registration)

Source: http://www.pewforum.org/Press-Room/Pew-Forum-in-the-News/Same-sex-weddings-to-begin-at-Washington-National-Cathedral.aspx

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Synthetic 'poop' can cure C. difficile infection, study finds

Synthetic 'poop' can cure C. difficile infection, study finds

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

A synthetic "poop" developed at the University of Guelph can cure nasty gastrointestinal infections caused by Clostridium difficile, a toxin-producing bacterium.

A study on the artificial stool was published today in the inaugural issue of Microbiome, a new peer-reviewed science journal.

The stool ? a "super-probiotic" called RePOOPulate ? was created by Guelph microbiologist Emma Allen-Vercoe to replace human fecal matter used in stool transplants, a known treatment for C. difficile.

She made the super-probiotic from purified intestinal bacterial cultures grown in "Robo-gut" equipment in a Guelph laboratory that mimics the environment of the large intestine.

Besides offering an effective therapy against the deadly superbug, the artificial poop is safer, more stable and adaptable, and less "icky" than treatments for C. difficile infection such as fecal bacteriotherapy, the study said.

"It's an exciting finding," said Allen-Vercoe, a professor in Guelph's Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.

She worked on the project with lead researchers Dr. Elaine Petrof, an infectious disease specialist at Kingston General Hospital and a professor at Queen's University, and Gregory Gloor, a biochemistry professor at the University of Western Ontario. Guelph pathobiology professor Scott Weese and researcher Michelle Daigneault were also involved.

C. difficile can overpopulate the colon when antibiotics kill healthy gut bacteria. C. difficile infection causes many gastrointestinal problems, including severe diarrhea, and often leads to outbreaks in hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Few treatments exist for people with recurring C. difficile infections. Stool transplants are among the more effective therapies, but human fecal matter may contain unknown pathogens, Allen-Vercoe said. "That puts people at risk for future disease."

Stool transplants are also limited by lack of acceptance among patients and health-care facilities and lack of standardized treatment regimens.

Using synthetic poop for transplants eliminates the risk of transmitting an infectious disease through fecal bacteria because "the exact composition of the bacteria administered is known and can be controlled," Allen-Vercoe said.

The method may be modified to suit individual patient needs, is easily reproduced, and is more appealing to many patients and physicians, she said.

The researchers tested RePOOPulate on two patients with chronic C. difficile infections who had previously failed to respond to several rounds of antibiotics. After treatment with the synthetic poop, both were symptom-free within three days and tested negative for C. difficile six months later.

As well, later microbial profiles of both patients showed that some features of the synthetic stool stabilized in their colons. "In other words, the introduced microbes were able to persist," Allen-Vercoe said. "This is important because most commercially available probiotics only colonize transiently."

Allen-Vercoe hopes doctors will one day use the RePOOPulate concept to treat other GI conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity and even autism by replacing abnormal gut microbial ecosystems.

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University of Guelph: http://www.uoguelph.ca

Thanks to University of Guelph for this article.

This press release was posted to serve as a topic for discussion. Please comment below. We try our best to only post press releases that are associated with peer reviewed scientific literature. Critical discussions of the research are appreciated. If you need help finding a link to the original article, please contact us on twitter or via e-mail.

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Source: http://www.labspaces.net/126205/Synthetic__poop__can_cure_C__difficile_infection__study_finds

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Extraordinary Love: On Thrilling Anniversary Thoughts

Candlelit dinners, romantic walks in the park, or a time in the films ? these are what couples generally do when they enjoy their anniversaries. While these things can be romantic, surprise your sweetheart with some thing exciting to spice up your romantic relationship. Think else entirely and look for unique suggestions you can do in your special day. Surprise your companion with exciting and extraordinary getaways which will surely intensify your romantic relationship.

Skydiving Excitement

Traveling with your partner across the sky can now be possible. Skydiving is a superb method to jumpstart your gusto and feel the enjoyment of freefalling. This particular adventure allows you and your partner to learn new heights and experience amazing views from above the atmosphere.

A tandem skydive usually involves jumping from a height of 9, 500 to 14, 500 feet. The higher the jump, the longer you can feel the sensation of free-falling. During a tandem jump, you are attached to a harness having a skydiving instructor who will guide you with the free-fall. This is exactly what you usually see in the news where the diver is associated with the front from the instructor.

There? s nothing like meeting up with your companion upon landing and celebrating the truth that you? ve both experienced life? s greatest hurry.

Aerial ballon Relationship

Even though uniquely old-fashioned, the hot air balloon experience can bring many remembrances you and your sweetheart can cherish for years ahead. It is an ideal means of spending quality time without needing to be worried about the trouble and noise from the city. With the wind flow as the navigator, you can travel across a particular distance and find out the extraordinary sights of the city. A hot air balloon ride generally lasts for at most of the two to four hours, depending on the package offered by the travel company. To make the event much more romantic, ask the business what extras they could offer. Slip in a bottle of champagne or a container of chocolate your partner may share while enjoying the see.

Sea Encounter

Mountain Journey

Trekking and camping are among the most exciting elements couples should try. These allow you and your companion to explore the amazing things of nature and obtain away from the hustle and bustle from the city. Take pleasure in the lush rainforests and fresh air while you hike and camping in the hills. Cuddle across the campfire for a romantic evening with nature. Feel the thrill of other camping activities for example fishing, mountain climbing, and squat coating.

Extra ideas

Add in a few additional surprises to really make the experience much more unforgettable. Record every moment of the experience so you can treasure the experience along with your sweetheart to get more years to come.

Sebastian is a travel writer who publishes articles about exciting getaways and romantic destinations.

Source: http://cogemoule.com/extraordinary-love-on-exciting-anniversary-thoughts/

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La Fiscal?a "antiodio" se querella contra un joven por apolog?a nazi en Facebook

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El fiscal especial de delitos de odio y discriminaci?n de Barcelona, Miguel ?ngel Aguilar, se ha querellado contra un joven de 23 a?os por hacer apolog?a nazi en Facebook. El acusado ten?a un perfil p?blico en la red social donde colgaba v?deos con matanzas de jud?os durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial. En uno de los v?deos se repet?a diversas veces la frase ?Jud?o asesino, vamos a por ti?.

Coincidiendo con el asesinato de tres ni?os y un adulto en la escuela jud?a de Toulouse, el acusado habr?a escrito: ?Siii han tiroteado a jud?os en Francia, que vuelva el holocausto!?.

Precisamente en Francia, ante una nueva ?escalada? de mensajes hom?fobos y antisemitas en Twitter, la ministra portavoz del Gobierno, Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, ha advertido a la compa??a estadounidense que debe respetar los valores de la Rep?blica: evitando que que los mensajes enviados desde nuestro territorio, en nuestra lengua, y destinados a nuestros conciudadanos, no contengan una clara violaci?n de los principios que hemos establecido?.

Twitter ya elimin? algunos tuits antisemitas y racistas que denunci? la Uni?n de Estudiantes Jud?os de Francia.

Foto | Wikipedia
En Naci?n Red | La red contra el ciberodio pide que se simplifique el proceso de retirada de contenidos que lo fomenten; La Uni?n Progresista de Fiscales pide el cierre de webs y expresiones de ciberodio

Correo enviado con ?xito

Source: http://www.nacionred.com/derechos-y-libertades/la-fiscalia-antiodio-se-querella-contra-un-joven-por-apologia-nazi-en-facebook

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PFT: Bills, Jets end bad years; changes will come

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The Associated Press now unveils its postseason awards the night before the Super Bowl, weeks after most people have stopped caring about the winner.

So we announce ours immediately after the regular season ends.

At a time when you still actually are interested in these matters and not, you know, you?ll win the Super Bowl, here are the men who, in our opinion, deserve special recognition for their accomplishments in the freshly-completed regular season.

Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Winner: Russell Wilson, Seahawks.

Runner-up: Robert Griffin, III, Redskins; Andrew Luck, Colts.

Honorable mention: Alfred Morris, Redskins; Doug Martin, Buccaneers.

The AP award likely will go to either of the top two picks in the draft, but it shouldn?t.? Wilson entered the league short on height and long on smarts and talent and determination.? Russell Wilson commanded the No. 1 spot on the depth chart in Seattle, beating out big-money free-agent Matt Flynn and incumbent starter Tarvaris Jackson, and Wilson then began to prove week-in and week-out that he is as good as his more famous counterparts who were selected much higher.

Despite the 11-5 record for the Colts, Luck had too many turnovers (contributing to a mediocre passer rating of 76.5), and Griffin missed a game and crunch time in another due to an inability to avoid contact.? While Luck broke Cam Newton?s rookie passing yardage record, Wilson tied Peyton Manning?s record for touchdown passes by a rookie ? and Wilson showed that he could run the ball effectively (489 yards, four touchdowns) without getting hit or, in turn, hurt.

The best news is that the three rookie quarterbacks all made it to the playoffs, and they?ll all make their postseason debuts on the same day.

Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Winner:? Luke Kuechly, Panthers.

Runner-up:? Janoris Jenkins, Rams.

Honorable mention:? Bobby Wagner, Seahawks; Lavonte David, Buccaneers; Casey Heyward, Packers; Harrison Smith, Vikings.

The ninth overall pick in the draft, Kuechly led the NFL with 164 tackles, finishing 10 short of the rookie record set in 2007 by Patrick Willis.? Kuechly also had 10 games with 10 or more tackles.? In Week Five, he slid from outside linebacker to the middle, where he participated in every snap on defense for the rest of the season.

Jenkins, a second-round steal, instantly became a dangerous cover man and return specialist.? He could soon be one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.? Some may say he already is.

Coach of the Year.

Winner:? Bruce Arians/Chuck Pagano, Colts.

Runner-up:? Leslie Frazier, Vikings.

Honorable mention:? Mike Shanahan, Redskins; Pete Carroll, Seahawks; John Fox, Broncos; Mike Smith, Falcons.

The best coach routinely is determined based on a team?s actual performance relative to its expected performance.? This year, no team exceeded expectations more than the Colts, who won 11 games a season after winning only two.? Pagano and Arians combined to generate a wild-card berth despite Pagano?s three-month absence due to leukemia treatments, as part of a run that included seven come-from-behind wins.

Frazier and the Vikings improved their win total by seven, going from 3-13 to 10-6 and a playoff berth secured on the last day of the season against the Packers.? Shanahan and the Redskins reeled off seven straight to secure the NFC East after Shanahan seemingly threw in the towel on the 2012 season.? (And all future coaches whose teams are 3-6 after nine games will do the same.)

In all, three of the six worst teams from 2011 have vaulted to the playoffs only one year later, providing real hope to every other non-playoff team, in 2013 and beyond.

Comeback Player of the Year.

Winner:? Peyton Manning, Broncos; Adrian Peterson, Vikings.

The two greatest comebacks in NFL history came in the same year.? For Manning, the return from multiple neck surgeries was unprecedented.? For Peterson, his performance following a Christmas Eve 2011 ACL tear was equally stunning and unlikely.? Both deserve the recognition, and it?s only fair for them to share it.

It?s also only fair that there be no one else mentioned as the runner-up or otherwise.? Manning and Peterson are in their own class on this one, and no one else comes close.

Executive of the Year.

Winner: John Elway, Broncos.

Runner-up: John Schneider, Seahawks.

Honorable mention: Ryan Grigson, Colts; Rick Spielman, Vikings; Les Snead, Rams.

Elway wanted Peyton Manning in large part because it gave Elway cover to dump Tim Tebow.? The gamble (in light of Manning?s recent medical history) paid off in a major way, making other teams (like perhaps the Texans) wish they?d done more to land one of the greatest players in NFL history.? Though making the move for Manning is enough on its own, hiring coach John Fox in 2011 after a two-win season in Carolina, picking linebacker Von Miller in last year?s draft, and not giving up on Knowshon Moreno are icing on a cake that Elway has been masterfully baking for the past two season ? even though Elway entered the job with fry-cook credentials.

Schneider found a quarterback who could become one of the best current signal-callers in the league in round three of the draft, five spots after the Jaguars picked a punter.? Schneider likewise rolled the dice in round one on Bruce Irvin, a controversial pick who panned out as a rookie.? Throw in linebacker Bobby Wagner in round two and the prudent decision to re-sign Marshawn Lynch, and Schneider had a lot to do with the team?s unexpected success in 2012.

Grigson quickly turned around a talent-challenged roster with a strong draft and the ability to make good decisions about who should stay and who should go, bringing back Reggie Wayne and keeping Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.? His success will make more owners opt for young, grinding scouts.

Offensive player of the year.

Winner:? Adrian Peterson, Vikings.

Runner-up:? Calvin Johnson, Lions.

Honorable mention:? Drew Brees, Saints; Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks.

Peterson is the easy and obvious choice, given that he rushed for 2,097 yards, the second most in NFL history.

Johnson set the single-season record for receiving yardage with 1,964, and Brees threw for more than 5,000 yards for the third time in his career.? Lynch?s performance gets lost in Peterson, but the guy the Bills gave away has become one of the best running backs in the league.

Defensive Player of the Year.

Winner:? J.J. Watt, Texans.

Runner-up:? Von Miller, Broncos.

Honorable mention: Aldon Smith, 49ers; Charles Tillman, Bears.

Watt was a wire-to-wire disruptive force for the Texans.? Beyond his league-leading sack total (20.5), Watt has shattered the mold for 3-4 defensive ends.? Miller is becoming one of the best 4-3 outside linebackers in the NFL, and Smith has emerged as the top 3-4 pass-rushing outside linebacker.

Amazingly, all three players are in only their second seasons in the NFL.

MVP.

Winner:? Adrian Peterson, Vikings.

Runner-up: Peyton Manning, Broncos.

Honorable mention: J.J. Watt, Texans; Aaron Rodgers, Packers; Tom Brady, Patriots; Matt Ryan, Falcons.

Many have wrestled with this one for weeks, determined to give it to Manning but keeping an open mind for Peterson.? It would have been easy to say Peterson gets it only if he sets the single-season rushing record.? It?s harder to accept that he missed it (by 27 feet) but still deserves it.

In the end, Peterson?s value to his team simply outweighs Manning?s ? even though Peyton once again has had a season to remember, shrewdly picking a talented team with an easy schedule and pushing the franchise to the top seed in the AFC.? Last year, however, the Broncos made it to the final eight without Manning.? This year, the Vikings would have been nothing without Peterson, a man who overcame a serious knee injury to become better than he ever was.

Moreover, at a time when we are more sensitive than ever before to the damage inflicted on the bodies of NFL players, Peterson earned every yard, foot, and inch that he gained.? Even the long runs came after he ran through a potential tackler.? Or two.? Or five.

So that?s the full list.? Feel free to agree or disagree in the comments.

Source: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/30/bills-paste-jets-to-close-out-season/related/

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Chris Federline: I Never Said I Banged Britney!

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Rick Elice Writes About Thomas Schumacher and Matthew White's Surprise Thanksgiving Wedding

Peter and the Starcatcher's Rick Elice just posted a heartfelt Huffington Post blog about his experience in the Berkshires this November 24th, when he witnessed the wedding of his friends, longtime partners producer Thomas Schumacher and director and actor Matthew White. An excerpt follows.

"Christmas in the Berkshires is like waking up in a Currier & Ives sampler accompanied by that Leroy Anderson song. Since the completion of Thomas Schumacher and Matthew White's place in the country, a gorgeous pile atop a hill in Hillsdale they've christened Otium, a small group of us have turned up each Christmas Eve and Day, washing away our city stress with mulled wine and one another. The environment is pretty grand, but we're not. Just a circle of friends who like to laugh and argue, with families too far away to visit in the short break that Broadway's holiday performance schedule allows...So we were desolate when Tom and Matt informed us that there would be no Christmas at Otium in 2012, as they were off to Venice to save yet another part of the sinking city. I know saving Venice is important, but more important than Christmas in the Berkshires? Seriously? Consternation became disappointment, which became resignation. And then the email arrived from Tom.

"'Dear ones -- Since Christmas has been cancelled, let's do Thanksgiving instead. Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, to be precise. You must come. Must, as in you're coming. 'No' is not an option. Fun and games and the whole gang. November 24th. Be there.'"

Read the full story here.

Broadway producer Thomas Schumacher is currently president of Disney Theatrical Group. His Broadway, West End, touring and international producing credits include Beauty and the Beast, King David, The Lion King, Der Glockner von Notre Dame, Aida, On the Record, High School Musical, Tarzan, Mary Poppins and The Little Mermaid. Matthew White has appeared on the West End in Merrily We Roll Along, Passion and Ragtime. His UK directing credits include Little Shop of Horrors, The Last Five Years, Sweet Charity and Top Hat.

Tony Award winner Rick Elice's theatre writing credits include Broadway's Peter and the Starcatcher, The Addams Family and Jersey Boys. He also worked as a choreographer on The Laundry Hour off-Broadway.

Source: http://broadwayworld.com/article/Rick-Elice-Writes-About-Thomas-Schumacher-and-Matthew-Whites-Surprise-Thanksgiving-Wedding-20121229

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