http://www.dailytalkforum.com/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:54:54 +0000 MyBB http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-global-food-shortage-fears-as-russia-extends-wheat-ban Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:13:11 +0000 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-global-food-shortage-fears-as-russia-extends-wheat-ban
The Russian prime minister said that it was “necessary to note that we will only be able to consider lifting the grain export ban after next year’s harvest ... and we have clarity on the balances”.

His announcement came after deadly protests in Mozambique and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation calling an emergency meeting to discuss the shortages.

The export ban is aimed at keeping the Russian domestic market well supplied with grain after Russia, which the world’s third largest wheat exporter last year when it sold 21.4 million tonnes of grain, after the country suffered a record drought which destroyed a quarter of its harvest.

Forest and brush fires flared up again on Thursday, killing two people and burning down more than 160 houses and buildings. Mr Putin is keen to avoid any signs of social unrest ahead of elections due in 2012.

The export ban from such a key global exporter sent wheat prices to 231.5 euros a tonne, just short of last month’s two-year high of 236 euros, sparking worries of a crisis in global food supplies.

A rise in the price of state-controlled food, water and electricity prices have sparked protests in Mozambique where seven people have been killed and hundreds left injured after clashes with police. The price of a loaf of bread is due to rise by 25 per cent on September 6.

The Rome-based FAO said that their emergency meeting was called due to “an enormous number” of inquiries over concerns “about a possible repeat of the 2007-08 food crisis”

Abdolreza Abbassian, of the FAO, said: “This is quite serious. Two years in a row without Russian exports creates quite a disturbance”.

The rising prices around the world have raised concerns about a return to the political instability in 2008, when Haiti, Kenya and Somalia were among those that saw rioting over the cost of living.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnew...t-ban.html]]>
The Russian prime minister said that it was “necessary to note that we will only be able to consider lifting the grain export ban after next year’s harvest ... and we have clarity on the balances”.

His announcement came after deadly protests in Mozambique and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation calling an emergency meeting to discuss the shortages.

The export ban is aimed at keeping the Russian domestic market well supplied with grain after Russia, which the world’s third largest wheat exporter last year when it sold 21.4 million tonnes of grain, after the country suffered a record drought which destroyed a quarter of its harvest.

Forest and brush fires flared up again on Thursday, killing two people and burning down more than 160 houses and buildings. Mr Putin is keen to avoid any signs of social unrest ahead of elections due in 2012.

The export ban from such a key global exporter sent wheat prices to 231.5 euros a tonne, just short of last month’s two-year high of 236 euros, sparking worries of a crisis in global food supplies.

A rise in the price of state-controlled food, water and electricity prices have sparked protests in Mozambique where seven people have been killed and hundreds left injured after clashes with police. The price of a loaf of bread is due to rise by 25 per cent on September 6.

The Rome-based FAO said that their emergency meeting was called due to “an enormous number” of inquiries over concerns “about a possible repeat of the 2007-08 food crisis”

Abdolreza Abbassian, of the FAO, said: “This is quite serious. Two years in a row without Russian exports creates quite a disturbance”.

The rising prices around the world have raised concerns about a return to the political instability in 2008, when Haiti, Kenya and Somalia were among those that saw rioting over the cost of living.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnew...t-ban.html]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-qantas-pilot-tells-passengers-we-re-a-tad-busy-up-here-as-plane-engine-explodes Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:11:52 +0000 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-qantas-pilot-tells-passengers-we-re-a-tad-busy-up-here-as-plane-engine-explodes
Passengers on a Qantas jet en route from San Francisco to Sydney began screaming after hearing a loud explosion and seeing flames coming from the engine.

The captain, who has not been named, tried to reassure those on board by saying: “Normally, we do it in a simulator, of course – but we are trained.”

The Boeing 747-400 had to turn back to San Francisco about half an hour into Monday’s flight after an engine failed, blasting a large hole in its casing.

Video footage captured by one of the 212 passengers on board picked up the pilot’s message over the tannoy as panic spread through the aircraft.

On the tape he said: “Ladies and gentlemen, as you can appreciate we’re a tad busy in the flight deck at the moment and we’ll come back to you with some more information.

“In the meantime, you must be assured that we are trained for this situation. Normally, we do it in a simulator, of course – but we are trained.”

Passengers described yesterday how it felt like the plane had hit a “speed bump”, sending shudders through the aircraft.

No one was injured and the aircraft landed without incident, with the passengers taking a later flight.

Qantas, Australia’s national airline, said investigations were under way into the incident, which it described as “excessive vibration” in one of the plane’s four Rolls-Royce engines.

Initial checks confirmed that the engine had failed, and a spokesman said there were a couple of “holes” in the casing.

telegraph.co.uk]]>
Passengers on a Qantas jet en route from San Francisco to Sydney began screaming after hearing a loud explosion and seeing flames coming from the engine.

The captain, who has not been named, tried to reassure those on board by saying: “Normally, we do it in a simulator, of course – but we are trained.”

The Boeing 747-400 had to turn back to San Francisco about half an hour into Monday’s flight after an engine failed, blasting a large hole in its casing.

Video footage captured by one of the 212 passengers on board picked up the pilot’s message over the tannoy as panic spread through the aircraft.

On the tape he said: “Ladies and gentlemen, as you can appreciate we’re a tad busy in the flight deck at the moment and we’ll come back to you with some more information.

“In the meantime, you must be assured that we are trained for this situation. Normally, we do it in a simulator, of course – but we are trained.”

Passengers described yesterday how it felt like the plane had hit a “speed bump”, sending shudders through the aircraft.

No one was injured and the aircraft landed without incident, with the passengers taking a later flight.

Qantas, Australia’s national airline, said investigations were under way into the incident, which it described as “excessive vibration” in one of the plane’s four Rolls-Royce engines.

Initial checks confirmed that the engine had failed, and a spokesman said there were a couple of “holes” in the casing.

telegraph.co.uk]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-saying-hi Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:34:12 +0000 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-saying-hi http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-hello--9929 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:51:38 +0000 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-hello--9929 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-home-remodeling Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:12:51 +0000 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-home-remodeling
Today when more and more developments are attracting people, a convention of remodeling their home gets prevalent among the families. The remodeling varies as per ones own notion of a new house as it may range from increasing the square feet and changing the outlook to adding luxury and building another storey. But when it comes to the remodeling of a green home, it becomes a slightly different perspective. The remodeling of a home completely changes the existing environment as a whole. In a Green Home Remodeling can be done, provided it maintains the eco-friendly nature of its own and also maintains the energy saving conception.

The rain water storage systems and the sprinklers which automatically get adjusted, based on the weather forecast, are used on a large scale in remodeling a green home. Systems are remodeled to use solar energy, not only to replace electricity but also for cooking purposes as well. When the whole world is promoting nature conservation, a remodeling which fetches us in conserving more energy should be made. Even the FIFA Football World Cup witnessed teams wearing jerseys made of recycled materials. Thus remodeling, benefiting the nature and the environment is regularly done in one or the other part of the world for sure.]]>
Today when more and more developments are attracting people, a convention of remodeling their home gets prevalent among the families. The remodeling varies as per ones own notion of a new house as it may range from increasing the square feet and changing the outlook to adding luxury and building another storey. But when it comes to the remodeling of a green home, it becomes a slightly different perspective. The remodeling of a home completely changes the existing environment as a whole. In a Green Home Remodeling can be done, provided it maintains the eco-friendly nature of its own and also maintains the energy saving conception.

The rain water storage systems and the sprinklers which automatically get adjusted, based on the weather forecast, are used on a large scale in remodeling a green home. Systems are remodeled to use solar energy, not only to replace electricity but also for cooking purposes as well. When the whole world is promoting nature conservation, a remodeling which fetches us in conserving more energy should be made. Even the FIFA Football World Cup witnessed teams wearing jerseys made of recycled materials. Thus remodeling, benefiting the nature and the environment is regularly done in one or the other part of the world for sure.]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-nine-million-british-adults-have-never-been-online-ons-says Sun, 29 Aug 2010 19:30:20 +0000 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-nine-million-british-adults-have-never-been-online-ons-says
While a million extra “silver surfers” have logged on in the last year, concerns have been raised that those who are still not using the internet are being excluded from key discounts and services.

More than 38 million British adults are now online, with 30 million logging on every day, the figures showed.

But the elderly, the widowed and people on lower incomes are least likely ever to have connected to the internet, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Adults who do not use the internet miss out on the opportunity to save money on a range of products and services, such as cars, holidays and insurance, through price comparison websites.

The new figures for 2010 showed that 31 million people have bought goods or services on the internet in the past 12 months.

Martha Lane Fox, the founder of Lastminute.com, was reappointed by Coalition in June to continue in her role as UK Digital Champion. She has been tasked with getting every adult in Britain connected to the internet.

David Cameron, the Prime Minister, said: "In the internet age, we need to ensure that people aren't being left behind as more and more services and business move online."

But fears have been raise that the drive is not moving quickly enough. Charities and campaigners warned that Britain faces being split by a “digital divide” if more progress is not made to get the nine million adults who have never used the internet online.

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “While many older people are embracing the benefits of getting online such as keeping up with friends and family more easily and making savings online, many people in later life are still missing out.

“It is essential that government, business and the third sector work together to provide older people with bespoke training and support to help them get online. Otherwise the digital divide will continue to deepen."

As well as elderly people, people on lower incomes and those with no formal qualifications were least likely to be connected to the internet, the ONS figures showed.

Almost a third of those who earn less than £10,399 said they went online, compared with just two per cent of those with an income of over £41,600.

Only 45 per cent of adults without any formal qualifications had used the Internet, compared with 97 per cent of those with a degree.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/in...-says.html]]>
While a million extra “silver surfers” have logged on in the last year, concerns have been raised that those who are still not using the internet are being excluded from key discounts and services.

More than 38 million British adults are now online, with 30 million logging on every day, the figures showed.

But the elderly, the widowed and people on lower incomes are least likely ever to have connected to the internet, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Adults who do not use the internet miss out on the opportunity to save money on a range of products and services, such as cars, holidays and insurance, through price comparison websites.

The new figures for 2010 showed that 31 million people have bought goods or services on the internet in the past 12 months.

Martha Lane Fox, the founder of Lastminute.com, was reappointed by Coalition in June to continue in her role as UK Digital Champion. She has been tasked with getting every adult in Britain connected to the internet.

David Cameron, the Prime Minister, said: "In the internet age, we need to ensure that people aren't being left behind as more and more services and business move online."

But fears have been raise that the drive is not moving quickly enough. Charities and campaigners warned that Britain faces being split by a “digital divide” if more progress is not made to get the nine million adults who have never used the internet online.

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “While many older people are embracing the benefits of getting online such as keeping up with friends and family more easily and making savings online, many people in later life are still missing out.

“It is essential that government, business and the third sector work together to provide older people with bespoke training and support to help them get online. Otherwise the digital divide will continue to deepen."

As well as elderly people, people on lower incomes and those with no formal qualifications were least likely to be connected to the internet, the ONS figures showed.

Almost a third of those who earn less than £10,399 said they went online, compared with just two per cent of those with an income of over £41,600.

Only 45 per cent of adults without any formal qualifications had used the Internet, compared with 97 per cent of those with a degree.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/in...-says.html]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-energy-benefits Sat, 28 Aug 2010 10:17:39 +0000 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-energy-benefits
The benefits of the renewable energy are many. The easy and plenty availability of renewable energy sources has made it a cost-effective source of energy. The renewable energy can be produced again and again on completion without the fear of it getting over. It is also environment friendly as it does not cause any pollution.

With the current recession in the economy, it makes sense to invest in the energy sector, which still remains recession proof. Along with high returns, the investment is also secure with the energy sector showing favorable growth trends. world energy research helps the investors in making sound investments in the energy sector and protecting the investors from the vulnerabilities of the market.]]>
The benefits of the renewable energy are many. The easy and plenty availability of renewable energy sources has made it a cost-effective source of energy. The renewable energy can be produced again and again on completion without the fear of it getting over. It is also environment friendly as it does not cause any pollution.

With the current recession in the economy, it makes sense to invest in the energy sector, which still remains recession proof. Along with high returns, the investment is also secure with the energy sector showing favorable growth trends. world energy research helps the investors in making sound investments in the energy sector and protecting the investors from the vulnerabilities of the market.]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-one-in-ten-salads-saltier-than-a-big-mac Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:32:09 +0000 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-one-in-ten-salads-saltier-than-a-big-mac A tenth of salads sold on the high street contain more salt than a Big Mac, a survey has found.

Many office workers buy the ready made salads and pasta bowls as a seemingly healthy lunch option, and they are particularly popular with women on diets.

But most contain the hidden danger of high salt levels, according to analysis by Consensus Action on Salt and Health (Cash), a charity.



Despite their healthy image, only six out of 270 examined have less salt than the 0.5g in a normal (34.5g) packet of Walker's Ready Salted crisps.

One in 10 have more than the 2.1g contained in a McDonald's Big Mac - giving those who consume them more than a third of their recommended 6g daily limit in one dish.

This is not the first time such salads have been attacked as unhealthy: last year a similar survey found that some contained more fat than a Big Mac.

Some of the saltiest are from upmarket high street cafes, which market themselves as selling fresh and healthy products.

The worst offender is from Eat., which calls itself the 'Real Food Company'. Its Spicy Crayfish Noodles salad contains 3.51g of salt - making it more than 17 times saltier than Pret A Manger's No Bread Tricolore, with 0.2g of salt.

The other saltiest salads from high street cafes and fast food outlets are Pret's Super (Duper) Humous Salad (3.2g), KFC's Zinger Salad with dressing (3.1g) and its Original Recipe Chicken salad with dressing (2.9g), and McDonald's Crispy Chicken and Bacon Salad with dressing (2.6g).

But many supermarket salads are also high in salt. Among them, Marks & Spencer had seven of the 10 saltiest.

Top of the list was its Taste of Asia salad (2.83g), containing almost as much salt as six packets of crisps.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends adults eat no more than 6g of salt a day - about a teaspoonful - to minimise the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease.

Campaigners have managed to reduce the amount of 'hidden' salt in everyday products like bread, but say quantities in many fast foods are still much too high.

Professor Graham MacGregor, of the Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, who is chairman of Cash, said: "It is absurd that only six salads contain less salt than a packet of crisps.

"Clearly the manufacturers still have a long way to go if we are to reduce our salt intake to 6g a day and save the maximum number of lives.

"Every gram of salt removed from our diet is estimated to prevent 6,000 deaths from heart attacks, heart disease and strokes per year, creating potential healthcare savings of £1.5 billion per year."

Katharine Jenner, the charity's campaign manager, added: "Many women choose salad as a healthy and convenient lunch, particularly when watching their waistline.

"Rather than feeling healthy, however, they often feel bloated and sluggish, symptoms of water retention which can be caused by the hidden salt in these salads.

"In the long-term the health problems are more serious, as salt intake is linked to osteoporosis and high blood pressure. Given the healthy image of salads it's surprising to find that they contain such high levels of unnecessary salt."

But Claire Hughes, an M&S nutritionist, said: "Unfortunately, Cash's survey makes comparing salt levels in salads very confusing for consumers as their survey looks at different pack sizes.

"We want to make it as easy as possible for our customers to eat a healthy diet and we meet all of the FSA salt targets for salads. We always provide front of pack colour-coded labelling on our salads and are committed to continuing to review the salt in our products whilst still offering a broad range of cuisines for our customers to enjoy."

A spokesman for Pret said: "While it can be tricky to reduce salt in products without compromising taste, we are committed to meeting the Food Standard Agency’s targets and are working hard to make reductions below those set out for 2012.

"At present we offer the salad with the lowest level of salt in the UK, while all of Pret’s food complies with the FSA’s current salt guidelines.”


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/health...g-Mac.html]]> A tenth of salads sold on the high street contain more salt than a Big Mac, a survey has found.

Many office workers buy the ready made salads and pasta bowls as a seemingly healthy lunch option, and they are particularly popular with women on diets.

But most contain the hidden danger of high salt levels, according to analysis by Consensus Action on Salt and Health (Cash), a charity.



Despite their healthy image, only six out of 270 examined have less salt than the 0.5g in a normal (34.5g) packet of Walker's Ready Salted crisps.

One in 10 have more than the 2.1g contained in a McDonald's Big Mac - giving those who consume them more than a third of their recommended 6g daily limit in one dish.

This is not the first time such salads have been attacked as unhealthy: last year a similar survey found that some contained more fat than a Big Mac.

Some of the saltiest are from upmarket high street cafes, which market themselves as selling fresh and healthy products.

The worst offender is from Eat., which calls itself the 'Real Food Company'. Its Spicy Crayfish Noodles salad contains 3.51g of salt - making it more than 17 times saltier than Pret A Manger's No Bread Tricolore, with 0.2g of salt.

The other saltiest salads from high street cafes and fast food outlets are Pret's Super (Duper) Humous Salad (3.2g), KFC's Zinger Salad with dressing (3.1g) and its Original Recipe Chicken salad with dressing (2.9g), and McDonald's Crispy Chicken and Bacon Salad with dressing (2.6g).

But many supermarket salads are also high in salt. Among them, Marks & Spencer had seven of the 10 saltiest.

Top of the list was its Taste of Asia salad (2.83g), containing almost as much salt as six packets of crisps.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends adults eat no more than 6g of salt a day - about a teaspoonful - to minimise the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease.

Campaigners have managed to reduce the amount of 'hidden' salt in everyday products like bread, but say quantities in many fast foods are still much too high.

Professor Graham MacGregor, of the Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, who is chairman of Cash, said: "It is absurd that only six salads contain less salt than a packet of crisps.

"Clearly the manufacturers still have a long way to go if we are to reduce our salt intake to 6g a day and save the maximum number of lives.

"Every gram of salt removed from our diet is estimated to prevent 6,000 deaths from heart attacks, heart disease and strokes per year, creating potential healthcare savings of £1.5 billion per year."

Katharine Jenner, the charity's campaign manager, added: "Many women choose salad as a healthy and convenient lunch, particularly when watching their waistline.

"Rather than feeling healthy, however, they often feel bloated and sluggish, symptoms of water retention which can be caused by the hidden salt in these salads.

"In the long-term the health problems are more serious, as salt intake is linked to osteoporosis and high blood pressure. Given the healthy image of salads it's surprising to find that they contain such high levels of unnecessary salt."

But Claire Hughes, an M&S nutritionist, said: "Unfortunately, Cash's survey makes comparing salt levels in salads very confusing for consumers as their survey looks at different pack sizes.

"We want to make it as easy as possible for our customers to eat a healthy diet and we meet all of the FSA salt targets for salads. We always provide front of pack colour-coded labelling on our salads and are committed to continuing to review the salt in our products whilst still offering a broad range of cuisines for our customers to enjoy."

A spokesman for Pret said: "While it can be tricky to reduce salt in products without compromising taste, we are committed to meeting the Food Standard Agency’s targets and are working hard to make reductions below those set out for 2012.

"At present we offer the salad with the lowest level of salt in the UK, while all of Pret’s food complies with the FSA’s current salt guidelines.”


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/health...g-Mac.html]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-finally-the-australian-launch Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:18:23 +0000 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-finally-the-australian-launch
An old saying comes to mind... something like, 'Incredible products make for incredible opportunities'.

If you've been looking for a ground floor opportunity, but have been nervous about start ups since so many of them fail, then I think we need to talk. I am looking to connect with folks in Australia who have a desire to build a solid business in the shortest possible time. If this describes you, please send me a PM so that I can explain how to get yourself positioned to take advantage of this opportunity before the rest of Australia discovers what's about to happen.

This launch is not simply another online marketing phenomena. Public events are scheduled in the 3 largest cities of Australia. I would like to invite you to attend one or more of these events... as my personal guest.

We have not received all the details yet, but when a similar launch was made in Canada, entertaining and informative presentations were made by the CEO, the National Sales Director, and the Chief Science Officer of the company. All guests received a full-size gift bottle of this amazing product and an executive luncheon was thrown in for good measure. If I were you, I'd invite my friends.

Australia will be the jump off point for the rest of the world and believe it or not, if you're able to get yourself involved before the end of August, we can even get you to Director status immediately. Directors receive double the commissions and a new International bonus on ALL international sales will be paid to Directors.

I have a reputation of avoiding hype, but I'm having a hard time doing that with this opportunity because it's truly phenomenal. No other company is in a position to duplicate what's happening here... ample evidence can be provided to back that claim if you wish.

But for now, let's get you positioned to look deeper into the company to see if this is for you. No obligation. No start up fees.

Tula

PM
Skype
Phone
Email

You choose. ]]>
An old saying comes to mind... something like, 'Incredible products make for incredible opportunities'.

If you've been looking for a ground floor opportunity, but have been nervous about start ups since so many of them fail, then I think we need to talk. I am looking to connect with folks in Australia who have a desire to build a solid business in the shortest possible time. If this describes you, please send me a PM so that I can explain how to get yourself positioned to take advantage of this opportunity before the rest of Australia discovers what's about to happen.

This launch is not simply another online marketing phenomena. Public events are scheduled in the 3 largest cities of Australia. I would like to invite you to attend one or more of these events... as my personal guest.

We have not received all the details yet, but when a similar launch was made in Canada, entertaining and informative presentations were made by the CEO, the National Sales Director, and the Chief Science Officer of the company. All guests received a full-size gift bottle of this amazing product and an executive luncheon was thrown in for good measure. If I were you, I'd invite my friends.

Australia will be the jump off point for the rest of the world and believe it or not, if you're able to get yourself involved before the end of August, we can even get you to Director status immediately. Directors receive double the commissions and a new International bonus on ALL international sales will be paid to Directors.

I have a reputation of avoiding hype, but I'm having a hard time doing that with this opportunity because it's truly phenomenal. No other company is in a position to duplicate what's happening here... ample evidence can be provided to back that claim if you wish.

But for now, let's get you positioned to look deeper into the company to see if this is for you. No obligation. No start up fees.

Tula

PM
Skype
Phone
Email

You choose. ]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-no-contacts-with-lukashenko%E2%80%99s-belarus Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:56:38 +0000 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-no-contacts-with-lukashenko%E2%80%99s-belarus http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-disease-threat-to-uk-garden-birds Sun, 22 Aug 2010 07:48:12 +0000 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-disease-threat-to-uk-garden-birds
In the worst affected areas, greenfinch populations have fallen by an estimated 35% and in 2007 about 500,000 birds of all species were killed, they say.

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) has blamed a fatal infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas gallinae.

It said the number of deaths from such an emerging disease was unprecedented.

Findings about the "disease" are reported in the journal PLoS One.

The impact on birds has been estimated from a "citizen science" project in which more than 700 people have been monitoring bird numbers in their gardens since 2003.

The "Garden Bird Health Initiative" involved scientists from the BTO and other conservation organisations analysing population trends of several common garden birds.

Mike Toms, who is from the BTO and a co-author of the study, told BBC News: "It's really the first time we've seen this level of mortality from a new and emerging disease within birds in Britain."

The disease has caused a decline in the populations of both chaffinches and greenfinches, but it seems to impact particularly upon the greenfinches.

"Something makes [greenfinches] more susceptible," Mr Toms said.

"It could be because there are more of these birds gathering together. They tend to be seen in groups around bird tables, so there could be greater transmission."

He said the trichomonad parasite harbouring the disease was probably transmitted via birds' saliva.

"If a bird regurgitates something it can't swallow [or] if it takes a drink at a bird bath, that is a potential route of transmission," Mr Toms explained.

"Keeping things clean" could effectively break this cycle, so the researchers are urging bird-lovers to clean bird feeders and bird baths in their gardens at least once a week.

"People will be able to notice [signs of the disease]," Mr Toms said. "They might see birds in their gardens that are fluffed up, lethargic and they might look a bit wet around the bill."

The researchers do not yet know the original source of the infection but its emergence and spread has coincided with an increase in the population of wood pigeons.

BBC.co.uk]]>
In the worst affected areas, greenfinch populations have fallen by an estimated 35% and in 2007 about 500,000 birds of all species were killed, they say.

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) has blamed a fatal infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas gallinae.

It said the number of deaths from such an emerging disease was unprecedented.

Findings about the "disease" are reported in the journal PLoS One.

The impact on birds has been estimated from a "citizen science" project in which more than 700 people have been monitoring bird numbers in their gardens since 2003.

The "Garden Bird Health Initiative" involved scientists from the BTO and other conservation organisations analysing population trends of several common garden birds.

Mike Toms, who is from the BTO and a co-author of the study, told BBC News: "It's really the first time we've seen this level of mortality from a new and emerging disease within birds in Britain."

The disease has caused a decline in the populations of both chaffinches and greenfinches, but it seems to impact particularly upon the greenfinches.

"Something makes [greenfinches] more susceptible," Mr Toms said.

"It could be because there are more of these birds gathering together. They tend to be seen in groups around bird tables, so there could be greater transmission."

He said the trichomonad parasite harbouring the disease was probably transmitted via birds' saliva.

"If a bird regurgitates something it can't swallow [or] if it takes a drink at a bird bath, that is a potential route of transmission," Mr Toms explained.

"Keeping things clean" could effectively break this cycle, so the researchers are urging bird-lovers to clean bird feeders and bird baths in their gardens at least once a week.

"People will be able to notice [signs of the disease]," Mr Toms said. "They might see birds in their gardens that are fluffed up, lethargic and they might look a bit wet around the bill."

The researchers do not yet know the original source of the infection but its emergence and spread has coincided with an increase in the population of wood pigeons.

BBC.co.uk]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-hello--9908 Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:42:54 +0000 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-hello--9908 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-rate-the-tippers-opinions-please Thu, 19 Aug 2010 03:28:12 +0000 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-rate-the-tippers-opinions-please
Your opinion please as to whom you feel are big tippers , moderate tippers, and cheap charlie no tippers. Not by individual names but by nationality.

Tips or gratuties for service rendered id what I am talking about.

T1]]>
Your opinion please as to whom you feel are big tippers , moderate tippers, and cheap charlie no tippers. Not by individual names but by nationality.

Tips or gratuties for service rendered id what I am talking about.

T1]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-phillip-island-penguins-tv-programme-great Wed, 18 Aug 2010 22:55:37 +0000 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-phillip-island-penguins-tv-programme-great
The programme is narrated by Rolf Harris. The filming both on land and in the sea was brilliant.

Anyway, watching the life cycles of those smallest of the world's penguins is facinating. I envy those who can go visit the place and watch the penguins as they return every day from their fishing expeditions in the sea.

The weather was extremely hot, and Melbourne had bush fires, so I assume it was filmed during 2009. And sadly a number of penguins lost their lives due to the heat.

By the end of the filming all holiday and permanent homes had been removed, so the island has been returned to the wildlife once more.]]>
The programme is narrated by Rolf Harris. The filming both on land and in the sea was brilliant.

Anyway, watching the life cycles of those smallest of the world's penguins is facinating. I envy those who can go visit the place and watch the penguins as they return every day from their fishing expeditions in the sea.

The weather was extremely hot, and Melbourne had bush fires, so I assume it was filmed during 2009. And sadly a number of penguins lost their lives due to the heat.

By the end of the filming all holiday and permanent homes had been removed, so the island has been returned to the wildlife once more.]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-australian-greens-brown-promises-to-push-carbon-tax Wed, 18 Aug 2010 08:08:44 +0000 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-australian-greens-brown-promises-to-push-carbon-tax Australia’s Greens party would raise the government’s proposed levy on coal and iron ore profits and push for a carbon tax if voters give the group more power in this weekend’s election, party leader Senator Bob Brown said.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard is “under the thumb of the coal industry,” Brown said at the National Press Club in Canberra today. “We will move very strongly to get an extra A$2 billion ($1.8 billion) from the mining tax” when laws are introduced next year, he added.

Opinion surveys suggest the Greens could add to their five seats in the 76-member Senate, giving them a chance to block or amend laws, as voters look for action on reducing emissions. Support for Gillard’s Labor party fell after it shelved carbon- trading plans in April and it is virtually tied with the opposition in polls ahead of the Aug. 21 vote.

Climate change “has to be tackled,” Brown said, proposing an A$23 per ton price on carbon in a nation where 80 percent of power generated comes from coal-fired plants. “It will be a carbon price on polluters, not voters” with the revenue used to “cushion” consumers against rising electricity prices, he added.

Support for the Greens has almost doubled since the 2007 election, with 14 percent of voters listing it as their first choice, according to the Newspoll published in the Australian newspaper on Aug. 16. The telephone survey of 1,694 voters from Aug. 13-15 had a 2.4 percentage-point margin of error.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-18...-levy.html]]> Australia’s Greens party would raise the government’s proposed levy on coal and iron ore profits and push for a carbon tax if voters give the group more power in this weekend’s election, party leader Senator Bob Brown said.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard is “under the thumb of the coal industry,” Brown said at the National Press Club in Canberra today. “We will move very strongly to get an extra A$2 billion ($1.8 billion) from the mining tax” when laws are introduced next year, he added.

Opinion surveys suggest the Greens could add to their five seats in the 76-member Senate, giving them a chance to block or amend laws, as voters look for action on reducing emissions. Support for Gillard’s Labor party fell after it shelved carbon- trading plans in April and it is virtually tied with the opposition in polls ahead of the Aug. 21 vote.

Climate change “has to be tackled,” Brown said, proposing an A$23 per ton price on carbon in a nation where 80 percent of power generated comes from coal-fired plants. “It will be a carbon price on polluters, not voters” with the revenue used to “cushion” consumers against rising electricity prices, he added.

Support for the Greens has almost doubled since the 2007 election, with 14 percent of voters listing it as their first choice, according to the Newspoll published in the Australian newspaper on Aug. 16. The telephone survey of 1,694 voters from Aug. 13-15 had a 2.4 percentage-point margin of error.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-18...-levy.html]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-list-of-world-s-best-countries Wed, 18 Aug 2010 07:36:53 +0000 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-list-of-world-s-best-countries
1. Finland
2. Switzerland
3. Sweden
4. Australia
5. Luxemberg
6. Norway
7. Canada
8. Netherlands
9. Japan
10. Denmark
11. USA
12. Germany
13. New Zealand
14. United Kingdom
15. South Korea

http://www.newsweek.com/2010/08/15/inter...tries.html]]>
1. Finland
2. Switzerland
3. Sweden
4. Australia
5. Luxemberg
6. Norway
7. Canada
8. Netherlands
9. Japan
10. Denmark
11. USA
12. Germany
13. New Zealand
14. United Kingdom
15. South Korea

http://www.newsweek.com/2010/08/15/inter...tries.html]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-flight-options-collapse-hits-70-000-holidaymakers Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:34:08 +0000 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-flight-options-collapse-hits-70-000-holidaymakers Third failure of UK travel company in a month affects more than 70,000 customers

Holiday plans are being rearranged for more than 70,000 people after the Flight Options travel group ceased trading, the third UK company to do so in just over a month.

About 13,000 customers are already thought to be abroad, most having travelled with Kiss Flights, the largest company in the group. The others have bookings with the company into next month and beyond.

The Civil Aviation Authority said holidaymakers in Greece, Egypt, Turkey and the Canary Islands would get home as normal. Those with Flight Options bookings up to 6pm tomorrow would still be able to leave and after that, the CAA believed, other operators would step in.

The authority said it would ensure that all those protected under the Air Travel Operators Licensing (Atol) scheme would get full refunds.

Flight Options launched in 1995 as a small tour operator on various routes across the Mediterranean, and bought a string of travel firms.

A statement on its website read: "As of 1700hrs on 17 August the Flight Options group of companies have ceased trading. The Civil Aviation Authority have been informed and we are awaiting further advice on the situation."

About 130,000 people are thought to have been affected by the failure last month of Goldtrail Travel, and another 10,000 were hit by the collapse last week of Sun4U. Last year the Scottish holiday provider and airline Globespan failed. Kiss Flights catered for many of the same routes as Goldtrail.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/...es-trading]]> Third failure of UK travel company in a month affects more than 70,000 customers

Holiday plans are being rearranged for more than 70,000 people after the Flight Options travel group ceased trading, the third UK company to do so in just over a month.

About 13,000 customers are already thought to be abroad, most having travelled with Kiss Flights, the largest company in the group. The others have bookings with the company into next month and beyond.

The Civil Aviation Authority said holidaymakers in Greece, Egypt, Turkey and the Canary Islands would get home as normal. Those with Flight Options bookings up to 6pm tomorrow would still be able to leave and after that, the CAA believed, other operators would step in.

The authority said it would ensure that all those protected under the Air Travel Operators Licensing (Atol) scheme would get full refunds.

Flight Options launched in 1995 as a small tour operator on various routes across the Mediterranean, and bought a string of travel firms.

A statement on its website read: "As of 1700hrs on 17 August the Flight Options group of companies have ceased trading. The Civil Aviation Authority have been informed and we are awaiting further advice on the situation."

About 130,000 people are thought to have been affected by the failure last month of Goldtrail Travel, and another 10,000 were hit by the collapse last week of Sun4U. Last year the Scottish holiday provider and airline Globespan failed. Kiss Flights catered for many of the same routes as Goldtrail.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/...es-trading]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-manchester-the-better-of-the-uniteds Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:03:42 +0000 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-manchester-the-better-of-the-uniteds
They beat Newcastle United 3-0 last night, and Ryan Giggs stands out as being the only player to score in every Premiership season since it started up in 1992. ]]>
They beat Newcastle United 3-0 last night, and Ryan Giggs stands out as being the only player to score in every Premiership season since it started up in 1992. ]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-four-sisters-deliver-four-babies-within-four-days Sat, 14 Aug 2010 08:15:01 +0000 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-four-sisters-deliver-four-babies-within-four-days
Three of the sisters live in the Chicago area. A fourth lives in California.

On Friday, Leslie Tazos, 24, of Stone Park gave birth to a girl. Her sister, Saby Pazos, 29, of Bellwood, also gave birth Friday-- to a boy. On Saturday, another sister, Lilian Sepulveda, 27, of Franklin Park, gave birth to a girl.

A fourth sister, Heidi Lopez, who lives in California, gave birth to a boy on Monday.

That's four babies-- two boys and two girls-- within four days for four sisters.

Family members say the women didn't plan the timing. Obstetrician Dr. Jean Alexandre, who delivered the three Chicago area babies at Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park, calls the births "very unusual but wonderful at the same time."

Four must be this family's lucky number! Four sisters gave birth to four babies within four days.

Three of the sisters live in the Chicago area. A fourth lives in California.

On Friday, Leslie Tazos, 24, of Stone Park gave birth to a girl. Her sister, Saby Pazos, 29, of Bellwood, also gave birth Friday-- to a boy. On Saturday, another sister, Lilian Sepulveda, 27, of Franklin Park, gave birth to a girl.

A fourth sister, Heidi Lopez, who lives in California, gave birth to a boy on Monday.

That's four babies-- two boys and two girls-- within four days for four sisters.

Family members say the women didn't plan the timing. Obstetrician Dr. Jean Alexandre, who delivered the three Chicago area babies at Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park, calls the births "very unusual but wonderful at the same time."

The source: http://www.momlogic.com]]>
Three of the sisters live in the Chicago area. A fourth lives in California.

On Friday, Leslie Tazos, 24, of Stone Park gave birth to a girl. Her sister, Saby Pazos, 29, of Bellwood, also gave birth Friday-- to a boy. On Saturday, another sister, Lilian Sepulveda, 27, of Franklin Park, gave birth to a girl.

A fourth sister, Heidi Lopez, who lives in California, gave birth to a boy on Monday.

That's four babies-- two boys and two girls-- within four days for four sisters.

Family members say the women didn't plan the timing. Obstetrician Dr. Jean Alexandre, who delivered the three Chicago area babies at Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park, calls the births "very unusual but wonderful at the same time."

Four must be this family's lucky number! Four sisters gave birth to four babies within four days.

Three of the sisters live in the Chicago area. A fourth lives in California.

On Friday, Leslie Tazos, 24, of Stone Park gave birth to a girl. Her sister, Saby Pazos, 29, of Bellwood, also gave birth Friday-- to a boy. On Saturday, another sister, Lilian Sepulveda, 27, of Franklin Park, gave birth to a girl.

A fourth sister, Heidi Lopez, who lives in California, gave birth to a boy on Monday.

That's four babies-- two boys and two girls-- within four days for four sisters.

Family members say the women didn't plan the timing. Obstetrician Dr. Jean Alexandre, who delivered the three Chicago area babies at Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park, calls the births "very unusual but wonderful at the same time."

The source: http://www.momlogic.com]]> http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-i-ll-have-a-big-mac-and-fries-with-a-side-of-statins Sat, 14 Aug 2010 06:42:51 +0000 http://www.dailytalkforum.com/thread-i-ll-have-a-big-mac-and-fries-with-a-side-of-statins and a statin?

This is the brilliant idea put forth by a group of British doctors and public health experts in next Sunday's edition of the American Journal of Cardiology.

The logic of their proposal is hard to refute. Although scientists have not worked out a precise formula to calculate how many minutes each Big Mac will shave off your life, there is little doubt that fast food -- with all its fat, cholesterol, salt and sugar -- is bad for one's cardiovascular health. By the same token, a low-dose statin (of the type that's available without a prescription in the U.K.) has only a cardiovascular upside. In fact, studies show that statins are beneficial even when they're not taken every day.

Whatever possible risk the statins might pose, "it cannot ... be reasonably argued on safety grounds that individuals should be free to choose to eat lipid-rich foods but not be free to supplement it with a statin," they wrote.

The Brits even gave some thought to the ability of fast food chains to handle the logistics of statin distribution.

"These companies already have an infrastrucure for providing a variety of condiments, including salt, tomato ketchup, and other sauces, none of which have any health benefits but are made available free of charge," they pointed out. "A generic statin could be added to the panoply of items in the self-service tray, at little marginal cost."

http://www.latimes.com/health/boostersho...5518.story]]> and a statin?

This is the brilliant idea put forth by a group of British doctors and public health experts in next Sunday's edition of the American Journal of Cardiology.

The logic of their proposal is hard to refute. Although scientists have not worked out a precise formula to calculate how many minutes each Big Mac will shave off your life, there is little doubt that fast food -- with all its fat, cholesterol, salt and sugar -- is bad for one's cardiovascular health. By the same token, a low-dose statin (of the type that's available without a prescription in the U.K.) has only a cardiovascular upside. In fact, studies show that statins are beneficial even when they're not taken every day.

Whatever possible risk the statins might pose, "it cannot ... be reasonably argued on safety grounds that individuals should be free to choose to eat lipid-rich foods but not be free to supplement it with a statin," they wrote.

The Brits even gave some thought to the ability of fast food chains to handle the logistics of statin distribution.

"These companies already have an infrastrucure for providing a variety of condiments, including salt, tomato ketchup, and other sauces, none of which have any health benefits but are made available free of charge," they pointed out. "A generic statin could be added to the panoply of items in the self-service tray, at little marginal cost."

http://www.latimes.com/health/boostersho...5518.story]]>