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Opinion- Komen needs to reassess

RichardLovet — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:46:45 GMT

Recently Susan G Komen For the Cure announced that it has ended its funding for the Breast Cancer Screening and education services of Planned Parenthood.

As one of the Past Presidents of the Vermont and New Hampshire Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure I am writing this note to express my disbelief that the Komen Board would take such an action. I have been active in Komen as a Grants Chair, an affiliate Vice President, and an affiliate President. I have supported Komen as a runner, as contributor. My name has appeared on the back of Komen t shirts proudly worn by men, women, and children who have joined the fight against this horrible illness.

I am an oncologist here in Vermont, I am one of the past chairs of the Vermont Cancer Plan. I am the son of a breast cancer survivor. I have a wife and three daughters, all of which have supported the Komen cause.

Why did we do it?

Komen was the preeminent Breast cancer charity. Komen funded research, education, screening, and support for the millions of women who suffer, have suffered, or will suffer from this disease. As grant chair, we in Vermont have funded grants to organizations who have helped countless women and men with breast cancer. We have never let politics play a role in our decision process. We have helped women in all walks of life, women in all social circles, women in all economic groups.

Why do we do this?

Breast cancer affects all women, all men. Breast cancer affects one out of 8 women. Breast cancer affects families, it affects husbands, children. It affects men who suffer with it. It affects communities, it affects schools when teachers have breast cancer, it affects governments when politicians have breast cancer.

In short, BREAST CANCER AFFECTS US ALL. IT AFFECTS DEMOCRATS, IT AFFECTS REPUBLICANS, IT AFFECTS LIBERALS, IT AFFECTS CONSERVATIVES, IT AFFECTS US ALL REGARDLESS OF IDEOLOGY.

Susan G Komen For the Cure must reevaluate its decision to end funding for the majority of breast cancer services done by Planned Parenthood. Regardless of political considerations, Komen must support women with breast cancer and not let ideology dictate who should live and who should die.

Komen must reevaluate and change this decision to end funding of this organization which does so much to support the health of so many breast cancer patients.

Amazing hoar frost in Minnesota

AJSandve — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:53:47 GMT

St. Paul woke up today to some of the most stunning hoar frost in memory. These photos were taken in Como Park, a local jewel.

It’s gonna be a SNOW DAY for Denver, Colorado

Swinden — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:46 GMT

Evergreen, COLORADO – It is shortly after 3 am in morning here in the mountains west of Denver, and we cannot sleep….because it is going to be a SNOW DAY! Snow started in the Front Range about 6 pm last night and currently there is a foot on the ground. We are expecting about two feet by Saturday morning when the storm completely moves out of the region.

With a major winter storm pummeling the Denver metro area and adjacent Front Range Mountains and Foothills, we are actually looking forward to this welcome bout of old man winter because it has been a dry winter with little or no snow here in Colorado. However the Colorado ski resorts will not get any of this snow as most of the snow will be east of the Continental Divide and in the Plains.

With what will surely be a record breaking snow storm for the Denver metro area as the average snowfall for all of February is only 7 plus inches – the 20 plus inches of snow through Saturday morning will close schools, cancel hundreds of flights, and cause life-threatening blizzard conditions in the plains just east of Denver to western Kansas and Nebraska.

Saturday Morning Update – Today is dig out day as just light snow flurries in the Denver metro and foothills. Parts of the Denver metro picked up a record breaking 20 inches of snow while parts of the adjacent Front Range Foothills picked up two to four feet of badly needed snow. In a typical February, Denver will only receive around seven inches of snow for the entire month.

All winter storm and blizzard warnings have been dropped. Roads and highways from Denver to Kansas are still closed as of this morning. After canceling nearly 600 flights yesterday, Denver International Airport is operating as normal while airlines try to get through the backlog of travelers.

Unfortunately, none of the major Colorado ski areas received any of this beneficial snow. This has been a dry ski season with many ski resorts still not up to 100% open.

Story, video, and photos by Matt Swinden

IF?! MITT'S POOR PROBLEM

dpkronmiller — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:39:21 GMT

My reaction to Mitt Romney's remarks today regarding the "very very poor".

More from me at:
www.themiddlenation.com

Marcellus Shale Reality Tour Part 3 EPA comes to Dimock

ScottCannon — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:39:55 GMT

This is an interview with a resident of Dimock who's water was contaminated by Cabot Oil and Gas, as well as an Trhish Taylor, EPA spokesperon overseeing water testing in the area.

Clint Eastwood critics show what's wrong in American politics

omekongo — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:56:45 GMT

The fact that Clint Eastwood made a pro-America ad during the presidency of a democrat is not something that is worth of all of the negative attention it has been receiving. Eastwood's record is solid as it relates to who he has supported over the years so leave him alone. We shouldn't always have to wait until a time of crisis to come together as a country. I applaud him for this ad and others should too.

Occupy DC protests The Alfalfa club

armandog8 — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:29:22 GMT

At 6pm a group from the Occupy DC camp decided to head to the Capitol Hill Hilton Hotel to protest the Alfalfa Club(*) and its members. By then the surrounding area has been heavily blocked by the police, in all directions, and the protesters had no other choice but to wait for members from the Alfalfa club to enter the premises using one of the intersections they were blocking.

At approximately 7pm, Senator Joe Lieberman(I) headed to the Hilton, by foot. As he passed the protesters a heavy cloud of glitter descended upon him and his security; he has just been 'glitter-bombed'.(Photograph #1)

As the evening turned to night the protesters decided to start a block party, with the help of a set of speakers and a laptop. 'Bulls of Parade' by Rage Against the Machine, 'F#@$ the Police' by N.W.A, '(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party!) by the Beastie Boys were some of the songs played by the impromptu DJ. As the crowd started dancing 2 women took off their tops which eventually led to over 20 individuals following the same example, men and women who, with the help of a sharpie pen, wrote on their chests slogans concerning their cause. Surprisingly neither the secret service nor the MPD, both at the scene, arrested any of the individuals for indecent exposure.

By 10pm the protesters decided to head northeast looking for a way that would lead them closer to the hotel. As they approached 16th st nw and M st. officers started moving to reinforce the barrier. At this point the protesters gather into a circle and decided they would run towards the barrier. Expecting for the police to be more kind with women, they all agree that women would go first-most of them half naked. As the women charge against the barrier, police tackle all of them and pushed them to the ground. The protesters attempted to cross the police barrier at least 2 more times without any luck. By this point the police had used horses, in an attempt to push away the protesters. In a maneuver done to separate the crowd, police pushed their horses against the protesters, who at this point weren't attempting to cross any barriers, and trampled them against cars who were parked on the side of the road. At this point, several protesters started yelling that they were going to be filling a complaint with the department regarding the treatment they had just received; a few protesters also complained of some of the horses stepping on their feet.

By 11pm the protesters were back at their original destination: the enter/exit intersection from where some of The Alfalfa club members were making their way into the Hilton. As some of the guests started to exit protesters blocked their way or simply shouted at them. Police quickly came to the rescue of the guests, who were obviously distressed and, at times, scared of the protesters. This lead to more confrontations as police pushed protesters away from the guests' ways.

According to MPD no arrests were made last night.

*Alfalfa club: An exclusive annual black-tie get-together of some of the capital’s movers and shakers.

**All material has been checked to fulfill the community guidelines, because of this some photograph have been blurred.

Federal Police Charge at Occupy DC

ebecker2000 — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:18:47 GMT

A face off between the United States Park Police, enforcing a no camping regulations at McPherson Park in Washington DC, and Occupiers fearful that the police could not be trusted as they moved toward the main Occupy Library. So the Occupiers sat down ready for arrest, but instead of arrest, the Police formed a moving scrimmage line in the front, and sides - narrowing the escape route in part blocked by people sitting down. The Police charge to push through. In the mayhem, a women screams, people panic and some are trampled Some officers may have broken ranks and charged ahead but in all fairness the one caught in this video pushing against the women was one of the main commanders. who is caught in this video lunging ahead with his baton against the woman's back, she is pushed on to the fallen camera person who was taking this video.

Susan G Komen For The Cure Foundation Funding Cut To Plan Parenthood A Travesty

EWillies1961 — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:21:55 GMT

The Susan G Komen Foundation For The Cure funding cut to Plan Parenthood is a travesty. This is politics that materially affects our low income women. These funds were used to provide women with breast exams. It is presumed that the funds were cut under political pressure because Planned Parenthood uses a minute percentage of its budget for abortions. One can only wonder if this was an issue that affected men if it would even be an issue.

My Book– Follow Me– Visit Me

Occupy Oakland's: Move In Day

dinalee — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:19:52 GMT

On Friday January 28th Occupy Oakland held an event called Move In Day. The original plan was to march to a building, who's locale was never published, and occupy it. However their plans were thwarted by heavy police presence, so they regrouped at Frank Ogawa plaza aka Oscar Grant plaza. After several "mic checks" plans were once again made, so they took to the streets. Marching through Oakland the protesters were always followed by the police until Oakland PD made the decision to trap them on a street and arrest as many of them as possible. At least 150 were then arrested. I narrowly escaped arrest because the employee's of the local YMCA allowed us to enter the building and escape through the back door. Occupy Oaklanders were constantly followed by the police. Teargas, smoke bombs and flash bangs were set-off constantly. At least 200 Occupy Oaklanders managed to escape the arrest pen, and they once again regrouped at Frank Ogawa plaza. But instantly they all realized the doors to Oakland City Hall were left open. So they entered it, and it got messed up bad. There was no security at the doors of City Hall. An American flag was set on fire in front of Oakland City Hall. There had been several injuries during the actions, and at least 300 total have been arrested. Oakland City officials are going on the record stating the protests are hurting them financially. And the 99'ers say FIX THE ECONOMY, and HELP THE POOR. More actions are planned. I reported this action via updates on my Facebook profile. https://www.facebook.com/dinaboyer

Flying over Manhattan

Hitsnorth — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:38:40 GMT

Flew down the hudson river and across central park into the Bravo airspace and down the east river circling the statue of liberty. We were flying a 1963 Beechcraft Musketeer(BE-23).

271 Students Helped by University Community: After the Fire

mediaman — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:33:48 GMT

La Crosse, WI On January 29, a fire broke out in a residence hall basement at UW-La Crosse. Fire alarms went off around 4:29am warning students to immediately vacate the building. Fortunately there were no deaths or injuries. With the spring semester just underway, nearly 300 students had to gather their possessions and move to new living quarters. Friends, families, and the university community came to help with the move. These are their stories.

A constant line of friends and volunteers formed outside of Drake Hall to help students move to their new living spaces on and off campus. Large wheeled storage bins were lined up to help the displaced residents. The university track team and campus volunteers lifted and carried a wide assortment of items down the stairs and out the door. The atmosphere was generally upbeat despite the circumstances.

Douglas Meyer,from Peshtigo, WI surveyed his “college stuff” and packed with methodical precision. He said it’s tough, but things are going pretty well. “I’m confident we are going to adjust.”

Outside, Katie Johnson of Appleton was smiling as she helped her friend Alex Hoppock of Green Bay, who lived in Drake Hall. Katie and her roomates offered their apartment to Alex for the semester. As she carried out boxes of Alex’s things, she said, “It's the least I could do. I couldn't imagine going through what he's going through. I'm just glad no one got hurt, especially since a lot of my friends lived in Drake." Alex reflected, “It's times like these that you find out who your true friends are."

On the second floor the smell of smoke still hung in the air. In one room, Chancellor Joe Gow helped Lauren Emenecker from Neenah. They both acknowledged Lauren’s challenges she’d face in the upcoming weeks. As they finished packing they smiled, shook hands and were on their way. In an adjoining open area, Caitlyn Socwell of Seymour and Paxton Proft of Melrose, WI offered cardboard boxes for students to pack their belongings.

Down the hallway, Stephanie Berg and her family from Wisconsin Rapids talked about fire. When asked how the parents heard about the fire, Stephanie said, “Through Facebook.” Her parents, Doug and Suzanne said, “It was so helpful to see the photos of the fire damage. It wasn’t until we saw the photos we knew it was bad.” Roommate Jackie Gautheir was in the top bunk and when she heard the alarms she “freaked out.” Gautheir said, “All I can remember after hearing the alarms was hitting things all around me. I knew we had to get out as fast as possible.”

Curt Hargis, father of Hailey from Lakefield, MN flew from Denver to help her move out of her room. As Hargis pulled the bedding off his daughter’s bed he said, “When Hailey called I knew I had to get to her as soon as I could. I’m glad I made it.” In the next room Sean Gardon took his bed apart with the help of his aunt, Laurie Koll Sparta, WI. Sean’s parents in West Bend, WI could immediately travel to La Crosse to start helping. Family members from all around were pitching in to help.

Outside the residence hall, Diane and Herb Schanke of Neenah stood with their son Adam in front of their minivan packed with college “stuff.” Diane said, “The photos of the fire really told the story.” She paused and reflected, “….and to think what could have happened.”

Makensie Christel, a Biology student from Hartford, WI best summed up the fire by saying, “I was scared when the alarms went off. I jumped out and didn’t think it was real.” She said, “All I had was boxer shorts on. It was really cold, but I’m glad I got out when I did.”

According to Campus Fire Watch, over the past 3 weeks, there have been nine significant campus fires in the U.S. including 3 deaths and 9 injuries. In La Crosse, working fire alarms and alert students averted tragedy. The other story is how a university community came together and helped 271 students continue their lives and education- all after the fire.

Free Byrd

marc0718 — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:01:01 GMT

Texarkana TX high school student Austin Byrd's suspension causes an uproar among schoolmates. He was suspended after jumping in school's pond, fined and sentenced to community service. After all day protests, the sentence was reduced. They are selling "Free Byrd" t-shirts to help cover cost of the fine.

Marty Morrow: I Am America

ChrisMorrow — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:56:55 GMT

Marty Morrow (my husband) is here today because his Great Great Grandmother survived the Trail of Tears.

In 1838 and 1839, as part of Andrew Jackson's Indian removal policy, the Cherokee nation was forced to give up its lands east of the Mississippi River and to migrate to an area in present-day Oklahoma. The Cherokee people called this journey the "Trail of Tears," because of its devastating effects. The migrants faced hunger, disease, and exhaustion on the forced march. Over 4,000 out of 15,000 of the Cherokees died.

- Trail of Tears description via pbs-

Why Sara Hates Laredo

rrb72 — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:48:51 GMT

LAREDO TX - It seem aka Sara Walls who originally from Colorado, hates Laredo, TX. Sara posted a self-made video on YouTube expressing why she hates Laredo and just about everything else she can think of. Sara does not like it’s people, it’s food and even had a few choice words about the local police department on how they do not inforce the law.

After about 24 hrs., Sara’s video drew up numerous complaints on what she had to say about Laredo, TX, who in hard times, has provided her husband with a good job.

Laredo is a booming border town with a health business in International Trade. Sara has insulted the people, the city, the food and even the local police department.

I believe Sara Walls owes a public apology to all the fine citizens that make up Laredo, TX

You can see the reposted video on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KleGGGZmUpk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Isa - Fossa

ChrisMorrow — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:05:10 GMT

Animal profiles is a documentation of interesting animals. Enjoy my weekly profiles.

Name: Isa
Age: 4 years
Species: Fossa

Found only on the island of Madagascar, they are the largest native mammalian carnivore you will find there. Unique in many ways, they are not related to any animal off the island of Madagascar. Looking at them you might think, cat, dog, otter or even mongoose, but they are in a family all their own. Isa is special in many ways, but most noteworthy: He was the first leash trained fossa that we have on record anywhere. Being able to see him out of his enclosure with his keepers during a presentation is truly an special event.

Special thanks to the San Diego Zoo for lending me Animal Ambassador Rick Schwartz and opening the zookeeper doors.

Other Animal Profiles
Cape Buffalo
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-736395

Northern White Rhino
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-733391

Prehensile Tailed Porcupine
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-726400

Echidna
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-729814

About the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
The 100-acre San Diego Zoo located in Balboa Park is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species and their habitats. The organization focuses on conservation and research work around the globe, educates millions of individuals a year about wildlife and maintains accredited horticultural, animal, library and photo collections.

The Zoo also manages the 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo Safari Park (historically referred to as the Wild Animal Park), which includes a 900-acre native species reserve, and the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research.

As deadline passes, Occupy DC defy Park Police

armandog8 — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:45:20 GMT

As the deadline for all sleeping gear to be taken out of the camp passed, Occupy DC protesters erected a big tent over Gen. McPherson's statue at McPherson square. Chief police visited the installation for a quick check on the tent but no arrests have been made, yet.

To be continued...

*New material will be uploaded soon.

Park Police closing in on Occupy DC

schmiddi — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:24:15 GMT

this morning Park Police started to clean out McPherson Square in Washington DC, just a couple of blocks away from the White House and the home of Occupy DC for several months now. It was mostly peaceful, just a handful of arrests were made. The main goal for Park Police was to make protesters adhere to the policy that now camping equipment was present with the exception of tents.

Kevin Smith: Live From Behind Featuring “Jay and Silent Bob Get Old”

ChrisMorrow — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:35:15 GMT

KEVIN SMITH performed LIVE FROM BEHIND in a first time live audience interactive event in over 300 movie theaters nationwide and in Canada. This special live event featured 'Jay and Silent Bob Get Old' show and Q&A. This was very similar to his smodcasts. Check out my video interviews with fans after the show in San Diego.

Giants Parade of Champions

RVCFOTO — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:28:49 GMT

Lower Manhattan this morning was celebrating the NY Giants ticker-tape parade for winning last Sunday's Super Bowl XLVI. The sidewalks were filled with spectators wearing jerseys of their favorite Giants players as well as painting their faces.

Several floats carried the players and the crowd went wild as they made their way up Broadway also named the The Canyon of Heroes. The parade ended with a ceremony at City Hall where the Mayor presented the players with the key to the city.

Great day for NY- Congratulations Giants!

You can see more photos from the parade here: http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-743631

Screen Actors Guild Awards Red Carpet part 2

KCRep — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:54:22 GMT

I was given the opportunity to sit in the Red Carpet Bleachers at this years SAG awards held Sunday Jan. 29th, 2012. It was amazing and so much fun. Please enjoy these pictures of some of the cast of Modern Family, the cast won for best comedy ensamble. This show never loses!

Whitney Houston Bobby Brown cries

moshiu — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 08:03:26 GMT

Live at new edition concert bobby brown cries as he attempt to sing an states you can't. Change the past

Lunar New Year in Chinatown, NYC

NYCfoto — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:19:22 GMT

There were dragons and dragon handlers past Sunday in Chinatown NYC. This was a lively celebration of the Year of Dragon. More people than ever gathered together in tiny streets all smiling, playing and spraying confetti. Some lucky ones passed red envelopes into the mouths of many dragons seen dancing during the annual parade. Some just stayed for fun. We went there and took lots of photos, for full album go to - http://nycfoto.com/l.Z6Eb

Tribute to Don Cornelius & Soul Train, UAB Gospel Choir

Recall35213 — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:45:55 GMT

The UAB Gospel Choir pays tribute to the late great Don Cornelius & Soul Train, who featured cross-over artists that performed soul and gospel choir. Recorded live at the UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Kevin Turner, Director - UAB Gospel Choir

Mitt Romney Rally in Atlanta

adriana71 — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:18:15 GMT

Mitt Romney met with a friendly crowd here in Atlanta. Most people were genuinely interested in seeing him. And thought he could be the best the candidate to beat President Obama in a general election.

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Philippines: Colored Chicks

linusesc — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:48:10 GMT

Colorful chicks are for sale at the busy sidewalk in Manila, Philippines which is a hit and popular among kids named after a computer game "angry birds".
Animal rights activists are against of selling newborn chicks and coloring them which is in violation of the Animal Welfare Act. The coloring of the chicks involves food coloring which is safe according to vendors.

Amazing weight loss

McBeth3540 — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:09:20 GMT

My sheltie, Daisy, weighed 64 lbs. from over-eating, fed to her by her original owner. She had been taken to the vet to be put to sleep, as she could no longer walk. The vet refused, and surrendered her to Austin Sheltie Rescue in May, 2010. Through a grain- free diet, green beans and exercise, she has lost 30 lbs. I adopted her in July, 2011, and continue with the rigid diet (1/4 c. grain-free kibble, 1/4 c. frozen green beans twice a day, and poached, boneless, skinless chicken bits as treats. She also is fed omega capsules and joint strengthening pills). It is hard to believe she is the same dog. She is walked regularly, and is not fed any people food.

She also has qualified as a service dog recently. I suffer from depression (I am bipolar) and Daisy is key in getting me up, outside, exercising, and meeting people. She is a sweet tempered dog who loves everyone, especially children. I feel I was very lucky to adopt this dog, into a home where she is needed as much as she's wanted.

TAZA Morocco Under Heavy Attack

bleedinhart — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:33:49 GMT

Taza, Morocco

Unarmed protesters and non protesters alike have been indiscriminately beaten senseless and their doors kicked open, arrested, rapped and whipped before the watching eyes of their children/parents/spouses.

Moroccan riot police, regular police AND ARMY have been dispatched to the city from all neighboring cities and military bases.

Army is using rocks, rubber bullets, smoke bombs and tear gas against protesters.

This video however short, shows how the Moroccan war machine beats Moroccan citizens senseless. It is graphic.

Brooklyn ny after giants win superbow

unclaimed — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:26:45 GMT

Mayhem In the streets

Best. Sandwich. Ever.

melgal56 — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:07:45 GMT

It might sound funny, but the very best meal I had in New Orleans was a sandwich. A cuban sandwich. With house-made chips. It was the last meal I had before heading to the airport; a cancelled flight that day would have made me very happy.

I found it at Cochon Butcher, at 930 Tchoupitoulas Street. the place is tiny - eight tables, maybe, or ten - and looks like you'd probably want to get there plenty early to beat the lunch rush. In addition to the excellent sandwiches (I assume they are all as good as that cuban!), you can purchase various sauces and marmalades. And a CD, too, which turned out to be made by the guy behind the counter making sandwiches.

I get it. People go to New Orleans for gumbo, or red beans, or beignets. But when you get tired of that and just want something simple and delicious, head to Cochon Butcher.

You won't be sorry.

Cochon Butcher
930 Tchoupitoulas Street
NOLA
cochonbutcher.com