Bill Gates playfully frees swarm of mosquitoes
LONG BEACH, California (AFP) Microsoft founder turned disease-battling philanthropist Bill Gates loosed mosquitoes at an elite Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) Conference to make a point about the deadly sting of malaria.
"Malaria is spread by mosquitoes," Gates said while opening a jar onstage at a gathering known to attract technology kings, politicians, and Hollywood stars.
"I brought some. Here I'll let them roam around. There is no reason only poor people should be infected."
Gates waited a minute or so before assuring the audience the liberated insects were malaria-free.
TED curator Chris Anderson fired back at the legendary computer software maker, joking that the headline for the video of his talk to be posted online at Ted.com would be "Gates releases more bugs into the world."
As he has in travels on behalf of his eponymous charitable foundation, Gates detailed the strides made in dealing with malaria in affluent countries and the need to fight the disease in impoverished nations.
"There is more money put into baldness drugs than into malaria," Gates quipped, triggering laughter. "Now, baldness is a terrible thing and rich men are afflicted. That is why that priority has been set."
Gates called for aggressive distribution of insect netting and other gear proven to protect people from disease-transmitting stings.
He also shared that a malaria vaccine backed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation should start Phase Three testing in a few months.
"I am an optimist; I think any tough problem can be solved," Gates said.
"The market does not drive scientists, thinkers, or governments to do the right things. Only by paying attention and making people care can we make as much progress as we need to."
Gates' clever candor continued as he filed a question from Anderson about the pall he felt shrouding the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last month.
"I think it is good that the mood in Davos was bleak," Gates said.
"It was a great meeting where people really had to say 'Hi, how is your economy falling apart ... Gee that is different than how mine is ... What is your solution?'"
Gates said he is confident the economy will recover, with new technologies playing vital roles, but that the financial meltdown was "a great checkpoint" compelling people to think realistically about money and business.
"For me, it was a chance to make sure aid for the poorest doesn't get cut," Gates said of his time at Davos.
His foundation plans to increase annual spending this year to 3.8 billion dollars despite its investment portfolio's value sinking.
In a TED session titled "Reboot," Gates also called for vastly improving the quality of teachers at US schools because it will take "brilliant people" to solve the world's woes.
"I hope I'm not in the Reboot session because you have to reboot your computers and associate that with me," Gates joked. "That might be fair, but don't think about it."
Naphil, 50 Peacebringer
Captain Darkspirit, 50 Warshade
Operative Acier, 50 Bane Spider
Durante Ragno, 50 Fortunata
et al.
[Edit] Darn, scooped in a different section. That'll teach me to not read the boards![/edit]
A local story! Second link has the actual story...
Klingon Weapon Used in 2 7-Eleven Robberies
Colorado Springs Clerks Recognized the Batleth
Its come to this.
A man wielding a batleth robbed two 7-Eleven stories in Colorado Springs overnight. The first assault using the deadly Klingon weapon occurred at 1:50 a.m. when a man police described as white in his 20s, wearing a black mask, black jacket, and blue jeans walked in brandishing the weapon. The clerk recognized the traditional armament and forked over an undisclosed amount of cash.
Thirty minutes later, according to The Denver Channel, the same man hit a second store but this time the clerk showed bravery in the face of certain death. He too recognized the ancient weapon but refused the demand and the would-be thief showed his true colors and fled.
Police are reviewing the stores surveillance tapes and Lt. David Whitlock said he does not plan to release the video or photographs "at this time."
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[Edit] Darn, scooped in a different section. That'll teach me to not read the boards![/edit]
A local story! Second link has the actual story...
Klingon Weapon Used in 2 7-Eleven Robberies
Colorado Springs Clerks Recognized the Batleth
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A warrior with NO HONOR! 
Battlerock X - inv/str tank, Justice Server
http://battlerockx.blogspot.com - The Battlerock X Chronicles
http://guardiansofthedawn.wordpress.com - fan-based comic book series "The Guardian Powers"
http://twitter.com/BattlerockX
--
"With Me - Against Me" Mission Arc 230667
One-night stand man wakes to find lover has carved her name into his arm
I'd quote the article, but you have to click the link anyway to see the pictures.
--NT
They all laughed at me when I said I wanted to be a comedian.
But I showed them, and nobody's laughing at me now!
If I became a red name, I would be all "and what would you mere mortals like to entertain me with today, mu hu ha ha ha!" ~Arcanaville
Crazy [censored]!
Wow.. I lucked out because I know I pissed some women off before I met Ele.
"His Imperial Majesty's Minister of Restraints and Leather" -LHF
Two naughty acronym teams / Ascension / Convenient / Artic and the Chillz / Fap / Other teams I can't remember (sorry.. mind is goin')
I still question the wisdom of the whole one night stand thing.
Oh, there's no wisdom in it at all.
"His Imperial Majesty's Minister of Restraints and Leather" -LHF
Two naughty acronym teams / Ascension / Convenient / Artic and the Chillz / Fap / Other teams I can't remember (sorry.. mind is goin')
Holy crap there are some crazies out there! I have a checkered history pre long term relationship and will not comment on the concept of a one night stand 
It was you!
"His Imperial Majesty's Minister of Restraints and Leather" -LHF
Two naughty acronym teams / Ascension / Convenient / Artic and the Chillz / Fap / Other teams I can't remember (sorry.. mind is goin')
[ QUOTE ]
It was you!
[/ QUOTE ]
Quiet you!
Sad but needs to be put up.
Young hero died protecting sister from molester
A seven-year-old boy who died defending his older sister from a potential rapist has been honoured posthumously. Zhenya Tabakov's mother received the order of courage medal on behalf of her son.
Just over two months ago Galina lost her son and she's still struggling to get over the shock.
Zhenya was brutally murdered by a robber, as the boy was trying to save his 12-year-old sister from being [censored].
It all happened in late November, in the small military town of Noginsk-9 - a place where even small crimes are rare.
Around midday, a man rang the bell of the flat where Zhenya and his family lived.
I asked who it was. The man said he was the postman, and he needed to give us a telegram and get a signature. So I opened the door, recalls Zhenyas sister Yana.
The little girl says the man held a knife to her throat, and demanded that her brother bring him all the money he could find. Zhenya did as he was told. But when the man started undressing his sister it was more than the boy could bear.
Zhenya seized a knife from the kitchen and plunged it into the man's back. This didn't kill the attacker, but it was enough to set Zhenya's sister free. She ran for help. But it was too late for her brother - he was stabbed eight times.
Thirty-five-year old Sergey Kiyashko is in custody accused of the murder. Police say they have all the evidence they need to convict him.
The entire population of the little town seemed to show up for the farewell ceremony. The heroic death of seven-year-old Zhenya was something that the federal prosecutor's office could not pass by either. The chief inspector Aleksandr Bystrykin paid tribute to the boy's courage.
At the prosecutors office, we witness many atrocities on a daily basis. But this case has sent many of us into shock. And it's played a part in the drafting of a new law on tougher punishment for those who commit crimes against children, Bystrykin said.
Receiving the order for her son, Galina was unable to speak.
Nothing can bring Zhenya back to life again, but the little boy's heroism has become the pride of the town - and of his school in particular.
The boys photo now occupies the desk where he used to sit. Later on a special plaque will be fixed onto it. And only the best pupils will have the chance and honor of taking that place.
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I still question the wisdom of the whole one night stand thing.
[/ QUOTE ]
I always have and always will. There is such a thing as being too careful, but not when it comes to being in a position of complete vulnerability with a stranger. My longterm safety is always going to trump temporary gratification.
~Missi
http://tinyurl.com/yhy333s
Miss Informed in 2016! She can't be worse than all those other guys!
[ QUOTE ]
Sad but needs to be put up.
Young hero died protecting sister from molester
A seven-year-old boy who died defending his older sister from a potential rapist has been honoured posthumously. Zhenya Tabakov's mother received the order of courage medal on behalf of her son.
[/ QUOTE ]
That's.... somehow both numbingly tragic and yet very uplifting. That somebody so young could find the strength and courage to take up arms against an attacker many times his size out of love for his sister. I think it goes to show how important character and belief are in a person growing up today. I know that everybody wants to believe that they would do the same thing in such a circumstance, I know I would. But until it happens, you never know how you'll react, or if you can summon up your faith and courage to do what you think needs to be done. I'm glad this boy was able to do that, and I wish that it didn't have to cost him his life.
-Castle Approved Since March 2009!
-Off the Cape is CURRENTLY RECORDING NEW CONTENT! Once edits, templates, and the new site are up we'll be back to bi-weekly podcasts complete with rampant, wild, unfounded CoH speculation!
[ QUOTE ]
I still question the wisdom of the whole one night stand thing.
[/ QUOTE ]
At least he still has both kidneys 
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Hyperstrike
English does not borrow from other languages. English follows other languages down dark alleys, hits them over the head, and rifles through their pockets for loose grammar.
|
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Sad but needs to be put up.
Young hero died protecting sister from molester
A seven-year-old boy who died defending his older sister from a potential rapist has been honoured posthumously. Zhenya Tabakov's mother received the order of courage medal on behalf of her son.
[/ QUOTE ]
That's.... somehow both numbingly tragic and yet very uplifting. That somebody so young could find the strength and courage to take up arms against an attacker many times his size out of love for his sister. I think it goes to show how important character and belief are in a person growing up today. I know that everybody wants to believe that they would do the same thing in such a circumstance, I know I would. But until it happens, you never know how you'll react, or if you can summon up your faith and courage to do what you think needs to be done. I'm glad this boy was able to do that, and I wish that it didn't have to cost him his life.
[/ QUOTE ]
I'd respond with something of my own, but I doubt anyone could say it any better than Meg just did.
~Missi
http://tinyurl.com/yhy333s
Miss Informed in 2016! She can't be worse than all those other guys!
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[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Sad but needs to be put up.
Young hero died protecting sister from molester
A seven-year-old boy who died defending his older sister from a potential rapist has been honoured posthumously. Zhenya Tabakov's mother received the order of courage medal on behalf of her son.
[/ QUOTE ]
That's.... somehow both numbingly tragic and yet very uplifting. That somebody so young could find the strength and courage to take up arms against an attacker many times his size out of love for his sister. I think it goes to show how important character and belief are in a person growing up today. I know that everybody wants to believe that they would do the same thing in such a circumstance, I know I would. But until it happens, you never know how you'll react, or if you can summon up your faith and courage to do what you think needs to be done. I'm glad this boy was able to do that, and I wish that it didn't have to cost him his life.
[/ QUOTE ]
I'd respond with something of my own, but I doubt anyone could say it any better than Meg just did.
[/ QUOTE ]
Same here...well put Meg.
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[ QUOTE ]
Sad but needs to be put up.
Young hero died protecting sister from molester
A seven-year-old boy who died defending his older sister from a potential rapist has been honoured posthumously. Zhenya Tabakov's mother received the order of courage medal on behalf of her son.
[/ QUOTE ]
That's.... somehow both numbingly tragic and yet very uplifting. That somebody so young could find the strength and courage to take up arms against an attacker many times his size out of love for his sister. I think it goes to show how important character and belief are in a person growing up today. I know that everybody wants to believe that they would do the same thing in such a circumstance, I know I would. But until it happens, you never know how you'll react, or if you can summon up your faith and courage to do what you think needs to be done. I'm glad this boy was able to do that, and I wish that it didn't have to cost him his life.
[/ QUOTE ]
I'd respond with something of my own, but I doubt anyone could say it any better than Meg just did.
[/ QUOTE ]
Same here...well put Meg.
[/ QUOTE ]
This.
"His Imperial Majesty's Minister of Restraints and Leather" -LHF
Two naughty acronym teams / Ascension / Convenient / Artic and the Chillz / Fap / Other teams I can't remember (sorry.. mind is goin')
Something that smells like our kind of Justice, if you know what I mean! 
Fred Phelps targets High School, Students Shout them Down.
Thu Feb 05, 2009 at 09:40:54 PM PST
The kids are all right.
There are a lot of times when you sink to your knees and think nothing will ever change, the fight is too hard and too long and the world is full of prejudice.
Then there's days like today.
Fred Phelps, known for his protests at the funerals of AIDS victims, and now extremely popular for his bizarre protests at the funerals of fallen soldiers, decided to grace Prairie Village, Kansas with the presence of his minions. The target for the picketers was Shawnee Mission East High School, a large suburban school in the Kansas City Metro area.
Westboro Church is located in Topeka, Kansas, which is why Kansas City often gets blessed with their ministries. Shawnee Mission East's crime is an active gay/straight alliance group, and the nominating of an openly gay classmate for Homecoming King in 2007. I don't know why they waited until now to tell the students that God hates them and they are burning in hell, but they did. An impressive 12 of them. Wow. And at least two children, which is sweet.
But they were met with at least 300 counter-protesters, a large number of them Shawnee Mission East students. The kids organized and with the support of the school administration were able to shout down the Westboro orcs with signs calling out love, compassion and tolerance.
It takes time, a long time, for some things to grow. Plant a sapling, and you'll never believe it could grow into a towering tree. The stream erodes the rock. The ants move grains of sand one at a time, but eventually a tunnel is built. It takes time for ideas too. Sometimes generations. We are looking at kids now who are not just able to come out in high school without being ostracized, they are being crowned homecoming king. 25 years ago when I was running that guantlet, you kept your mouth shut. Yes, of course there were kids we knew were gay, but nobody talked about it. There was no gay-straight alliance. Gay marriage was not even up for discussion.
A generation later, and those ideas have grown, they have taken root. Who knows where we will be in another twenty years?
There is a saying, "The dogs bark, but the caravan marches on." Equality and tolerance, they march on, despite the barkings of the religious right. These are the things that will flower and propogate, long after the yappings of Fred Phelps, or Bill O'Reilly, or Ann Coulter are relegated to the trash heaps of history.
I feel good today. I feel peaceful.
The kids are all right.
-Castle Approved Since March 2009!
-Off the Cape is CURRENTLY RECORDING NEW CONTENT! Once edits, templates, and the new site are up we'll be back to bi-weekly podcasts complete with rampant, wild, unfounded CoH speculation!
Meh, reading the lefty, tolerance-dripping write-up seems like it'd be worse than passing a few zealots on the road.
...
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Meh, reading the lefty, tolerance-dripping write-up seems like it'd be worse than passing a few
[/ QUOTE ]
Maybe to you it's not a big deal. I imagine the gay kids he's being so cruel to don't feel the same way, nor do the families of the soldiers whose funerals he ruined. It's not ok just because it's not happening to you.
~Missi
http://tinyurl.com/yhy333s
Miss Informed in 2016! She can't be worse than all those other guys!
[ QUOTE ]
Meh, reading the lefty, tolerance-dripping write-up seems like it'd be worse than passing a few zealots on the road.
...
[/ QUOTE ]
While I agree that I would have preferred to read the story as published by a news source that is not so politically biased, I think that it can hardly be gainsaid that the substance of the story is heartening to anybody who finds Phelps's crusade to be misguided (a class of people that I'm sure is broader, both in number and in political persuasion, than the readership of the cited source).
Naphil, 50 Peacebringer
Captain Darkspirit, 50 Warshade
Operative Acier, 50 Bane Spider
Durante Ragno, 50 Fortunata
et al.
Reading the Wikipedia article on this guy makes me want to shoot him, and I'm not even to the contents table.
Edit This makes me happier
[ QUOTE ]
Something that smells like our kind of Justice, if you know what I mean!
[/ QUOTE ]
so it smells like Bacon and pie?
in any case, Phelps is a grade A prime cut slab of whackadoo. The man is damaged in ways that normal people will only think they understand. He lives and think by a logic and reasoning that defies all logic and reasoning held by most sentient beings on the planet. The only thing I hold in higher contempt than Phelps is his midnless followers who have never had an original or free thought in their life.
I have a friend who plays EVE, and he wants me to try it, but everything he tells me about it makes me want to play it less than I had before.