Friday, June 6, 2014


News Clips For The Day



Mad cow disease blamed for patient's death in Texas
CBS NEWS/AP June 6, 2014

Health officials say a patient in Texas has died of a rare brain disorder believed to be caused by consumption of beef products contaminated with mad cow disease. It is only the fourth known case of its kind in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says in a statement that recent laboratory tests confirmed a diagnosis of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in the patient.
There is no known treatment for the disease and it is invariably fatal.
Symptoms start occurring years after the initial infection, and include neurological signs like unsteadiness, difficulty walking and involuntary movements. Within a matter of months, patients lose their ability to move or speak.
The CDC says the Texas patient's history included extensive travel to Europe and the Middle East and that it is likely the infection occurred overseas. In each of the three previous U.S. deaths, the initial infection is believed to have taken place in other countries.
Worldwide, the CDC says more than 229 variant CJD patients have been reported, with a majority of them in the United Kingdom and France.
The Texas Department of State Health Services says there are no state public health concerns or threats associated with the case. State and federal health officials continue to investigate and are trying to track the source of the infection.
The U.S. has had procedures in place for years to guard against the the disease in cattle, which is known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and prevent its possible spread to humans. A massive outbreak in Britain in the 1980s and 90s not only decimated that country's cattle but showed that eating BSE-contaminated meat could trigger a human version of the disease.

A U.S.D.A. surveillance program tests brain tissue taken from about 40,000 dead cows a year for BSE. That testing is designed to target the animals most at risk. Another key part of the U.S. food safety net is to make sure that animal tissues that can carry BSE - including the brain and spinal cord - are removed from cattle before they're processed for food.




“Symptoms start occurring years after the initial infection, and include neurological signs like unsteadiness, difficulty walking and involuntary movements. Within a matter of months, patients lose their ability to move or speak.” The CDC does not believe this Texas man contracted the disease in the US, as he had traveled widely in Europe in the last few years. “Worldwide, the CDC says more than 229 variant CJD patients have been reported, with a majority of them in the United Kingdom and France.” I remember farmers in England killing large numbers of cattle to wipe out the disease, but apparently there are still some cases.

Diseases like this one that don't produce any symptoms until years have passed, seem almost impossible to pin down to a direct cause, and also it only takes one sick cow which was butchered incorrectly. Such an animal wouldn't tend to be noticed at the time of dressing the meat. They have to be butchered with no brain or other nerve tissue touching the meat. The only way to tell, from the news reports of several years ago, is to eliminate any animal in the slaughterhouse that can't walk properly or get up on its feet from the food chain. Farmers used to use a cattle prod to shock them into getting up and then kill them anyway for food, but that was made illegal. Hopefully no sick cattle are getting through the selection process in the US at this time.





Cotton warehouse supervisor fired over alleged racist remarks
CBS/AP June 6, 2014

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- A contractor has fired a cotton warehouse supervisor in Memphis, Tennessee, after two black employees accused him of saying that a microwave and a water fountain were for "whites only."

Federal Compress said the Atkinson Cotton Warehouse supervisor was removed from the warehouse and is no longer employed by the company, according to a statement obtained Wednesday by CBS Memphis affiliate WREG-TV. Federal Compress provides workers for the warehouse.

Antonio Harris and Marrio Mangrum told WREG-TV in a story broadcast Monday that they filed racial discrimination complaints with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against the supervisor, who was not named by Federal Compress.

The EEOC does not make discrimination complaints public.

The men told WREG-TV that the supervisor called them "monkeys."

Harris recorded the supervisor, who said, "I need to put a sign here that says 'White People Only'" on a water fountain.

Harris then asked the supervisor what would be done if he were caught drinking from the fountain.

"That's when we hang you," the supervisor said, according to the audio recording, which was obtained by WREG-TV.

Harris said he also recorded the man saying he could not use the microwave because it was "whites only."

"I think about this every day, every day of my life," Harris told WREG-TV.

Federal Compress said it has a zero-tolerance policy that prohibits any form of racial or other discriminatory conduct or language at work.

The owner of the warehouse, E.W. Atkinson, told WREG-TV that he wasn't around enough to know about the alleged abuse.

"I just wasn't around. I'm sorry that I didn't know that sooner," Atkinson said.

Atkinson told WREG-TV that he had no idea the supervisor running his cotton warehouse made such remarks.

"I don't want people to think that we would let this behavior go on without doing something about it, seriously," Atkinson said.




“Federal Compress said the Atkinson Cotton Warehouse supervisor was removed from the warehouse and is no longer employed by the company, according to a statement obtained Wednesday by CBS Memphis affiliate WREG-TV. Federal Compress provides workers for the warehouse.” Antonio Harris and Marrio Mangrum said that the supervisor told them they couldn't use the microwave and and water fountain, and also called them “monkeys.” Harris recorded the supervisor saying, “'I need to put a sign here that says 'White People Only' on a water fountain. Harris then asked the supervisor what would be done if he were caught drinking from the fountain. "That's when we hang you," the supervisor said, according to the audio recording, which was obtained by WREG-TV.” The owner, of the warehouse, E.W. Atkinson, said that he wasn't around the warehouse often enough to know what was happening, and expressed his regrets. He promised that the behavior would be punished.

This is like something from fifty years ago. Of course, employers don't ask on their interview with supervisors “Are you a racist?” It is assumed that they aren't. I hope these two black people will go to a lawyer and sue the supervisor for damages. I notice he wasn't named in this article, which makes me wonder if WREG-TV is covering up for him. One of the problems with this kind of harassment is that it isn't illegal. It's a shame that it hasn't passed from existance in our culture yet, though.





Female gym teacher charged with raping male student, 16
By CRIMESIDER STAFF CBS/AP June 4, 2014

NEW YORK - A New York high school gym teacher has been charged with raping a student after an alleged year-long relationship was uncovered, reports CBS New York.

According to the station, 39-year-old Joy Morsi left her arraignment in Queens Criminal Court on Tuesday after being formally charged with rape, criminal sexual conduct, and endangering the welfare of a child for her alleged acts with a 16-year-old male student. Prosecutors said the affair began in June of last year.

The age of consent in New York State is 17.

"This case is particularly disturbing because the defendant is a teacher and schools should be safe havens for children," Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said in a statement. "Instead, this defendant is accused of sexually preying upon one of her students during rendezvous all over the school."

The Long Island, N.Y., resident has taught physical education at Grover Cleveland High School in Queens since 1999. The city Department of Education has suspended her without pay, according to defense attorney Virginia Lopreto.

CBS New York reports Morsi was charged in a 41-count indictment that prosecutors said involved "multiple incidents" with the student over a seven week period last year in the basement and other locations at the school.

She also allegedly sent emails to the student asking if he was a virgin, and allegedly sent raunchy photos, according to the station.

Prosecutors said Morsi got angry with the student when she found out he was taking a date to the prom.

Released on $25,000 bond, Morsi was flanked by her bondsman and her attorney at the hearing Tuesday. The station reports Morsi's husband was also at court, though neither he nor his wife made a statement to the press.

The alleged relationship with the student, said to be on the wrestling team, was reported to authorities by another student.

Some students told CBS New York they liked the teacher.

"She was a cool teacher, she was, you know, I never saw that coming," said Jamal Velovic. "I just saw her as a regular gym teacher."

"I'm in shock," said Mia Torres, "because I never expected that from any teacher."

In addition to the charges, the judge ordered Morsi to stay away from the teen in person, email, text, or any other form of conduct.




This is one of those things that is both sick and immoral. A very few adult women are attracted to very young men. If the guy is an adult, people call the woman “a cougar.” I knew a woman who did marry a very young man, and she is an intelligent and seemingly sane woman. The only thing I noticed between the two of them that really bothered me was that she behaved in a domineering manner toward him one time, speaking to him in a way that struck me as rude. I would not like to think that goes on all the time or is a basic part of the sexual relationship, but it probably is. Such things are emotionally damaging to both parties, in my view, but with two consenting adults they both have a right to pursue the relationship if they want to. In this case since the man is only sixteen, it is criminal, and I don't have any sympathy with this woman. She needs to see a psychiatrist for her own sake, and will certainly go to prison for her sexual abuse.





Seattle Hero Jon Meis Called Quiet 'Courageous' Man



The man who stopped the Seattle campus shooting from becoming a massacre was described by friends today as quiet and religious, but also a "selfless, courageous man."

Jon Meis attacked the gunman with pepper spray while he tried to reload during Thursday's rampage at Seattle Pacific University. With the help of other students, Meis then wrestled the suspect Aaron Ybarra to the ground until police arrived.

The suspect has already shot three people, killing one, police said.

Seattle Campus Hero Identified as Jon Meis

One Killed, Three Injured in Seattle School Shooting

Meis, 22, is a senior studying engineering and a teaching assistant at the small Christian school. He was working at the security monitor desk at the time of Thursday's attack.

He's also a tech whiz, according to his social media presence. Meis is an intern at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, according to his LinkedIn page, and part of an engineering group on Facebook.

Pals are offering praise for the man they say saved lives.

"I'm so proud to know Jon Meis," Joe Schenck wrote on Twitter. "He's always been an incredible friend. Now he's a hero. A selfless, courageous man whom I admire greatly."

Meis' roommate also thanked him for his quick-thinking.

"I'm proud of the selfless actions that my roommate, Jon Meis, showed today taking down the shooter," Matt Garcia wrote on Twitter. "He is a hero."

Meis and his family could not be reached for comment. A recording on his family's home answering machine asks for privacy.

"If you want to know what you can do to help, we ask that you pray for the family that has lost their student and pray for the student community at Seattle Pacific University," the recording says.

Meis was taken to Harborview Medical Center after the altercation but is expected to be okay, hospital spokeswoman Susan Gregg said today.

"Obviously he's undergoing mental anguish," Gregg said. "There were no visible injuries. It was, I think, coming to grips with what happened, the trauma of seeing what happened to his fellow students."

Meis typically carries pepper spray, his friend and former roommate Ryan Salgado told the Seattle Times.

A family friend described Meis as quiet and coming from a close, religious family, according to the newspaper.




“Jon Meis attacked the gunman with pepper spray while he tried to reload during Thursday's rampage at Seattle Pacific University. With the help of other students, Meis then wrestled the suspect Aaron Ybarra to the ground until police arrived.” I have never thought of pepper spray as being a particularly good weapon, but it apparently worked in this case. Meis clearly risked his life, even with the spray, because the shooter could have turned toward him and shot at close range, which would very likely have killed him.

This shows clearly that people don't have to be large, ferocious or even angry to effectively stop an attacker. When Meis assaulted Ybarra the other students jumped into it to help him, and between them a very dangerous person was captured. I do like to see stories like this one. My favorite is from years ago when an elderly British lady cold-conked an attacker with her umbrella. It only takes the will to act rather than retreat.





Spy Agency Uncovers Sense of Humor in Debut Tweet – ABC



For a spy agency that likes to blend into the background, the CIA's debut on Twitter has revealed a covert sense of humor.

In a medium heralded for its snark, the Twittersphere gave high praise Friday for the intelligence agency's first tweet, under the handle @CIA.

"We can neither confirm nor deny that this is our first tweet," posted @CIA. Within an hour it had gained more than 67,000 followers.

At first, that raised a question: Was this really the Central Intelligence Agency? Since any number of fake CIA twitter accounts have sprung up over the years, some caution was in order.

The agency quickly confirmed in a news release that it had, in fact, established a presence on both Twitter and Facebook.

The CIA got its @CIA handle after filing a complaint with Twitter to wrest control from someone who was using it to impersonate the agency, said CIA spokesman Todd Ebitz.

The agency's tagline: "We are the nation's first line of defense. We accomplish what others cannot accomplish and go where others cannot go."

On both accounts, the CIA promised "photos, reflections on intelligence history, and fun facts from the CIA World Factbook."

It also said it would release "updates on CIA career postings and get the latest glimpse into CIA's Museum," which is at the agency's headquarters in Langley, Va., and not regularly open to the public.

By Friday afternoon, @CIA was following only 25 Twitter accounts, prompting jokes about how the spy agency actually follows far more people around the world.

"The CIA has followed people for years," tweeted Husain Haqqani, the former Pakistani ambassador to the U.S. "Now tweeple (sic) have a chance to follow @CIA."

Some weren't sure it was a good day for social media.

"People say Facebook got lame once your grandmother joined. don't know what to think about @CIA joining Twitter," tweeted electronic privacy activist Parker Higgins (@xor).

A torrent of political commentary followed, such as a mock CIA tweet from journalist Hayes Brown (?@HayesBrown): "Remember that time Teddy Roosevelt's grandson helped us launch a coup in Iran?"

Better get used to it, @CIA.




The CIA is getting a face, or at least a Facebook account and Twitter. According to CIA spokesman Todd Ebitz, someone was using a false twitter account to impersonate the real CIA, so they got their own account. They promise to post “'photos, reflections on intelligence history, and fun facts from the CIA World Factbook.'” as well as a view at the CIA Museum at Langley. I'm sure they will still be your enemy if you are a terrorist, but this makes me feel better toward them. It's distinctly human. I'll go to the Facebook account to see what is there.




WWII Vet, AWOL From Nursing Home, Found At Normandy Ceremonies – NPR
by CAMILA DOMONOSKE
June 06, 2014

An 89-year-old World War II veteran, reported missing by his U.K. nursing home, has been found at the D-Day commemorations in France.

Bernard Jordan, who served in the Royal Navy during WWII, is a resident at The Pines nursing home in Hove, Sussex, reports theBBC. He had previously attended the 50th and 60th memorial services in Normandy.

Nursing home staff attempted to sign Jordan up for a formal trip to the 70th anniversary, but they say the request was too last-minute and it wasn't possible. It appears that Jordan decided to travel on his own.

He was last seen at The Pines on Thursday morning, and was reported missing to police when he didn't reappear that evening.

According to Sussex police, he had worn his war medals and a raincoat when he went out from the home.

He joined a group of vets who were traveling to France by bus, reports The Associated Press. One of his fellow veterans called to say that Jordan was at a hotel in France. Police officers spoke to Jordan and confirmed he was fine.

The chief executive of the company that runs the home says that Jordan was not banned from attending the commemorations. "He can come and go from the home as he pleases, which he does on most days," the executive told the BBC. "At no stage was he banned from going to the commemorations."

Jordan, the former mayor of Hove, lives with his wife at The Pines. Police told the BBC that Jordan's friends will make sure he returns safely to Hove after the celebrations in Normandy are over.




Bernard Jordan, who served in the British Royal Navy, was told that he couldn't go to the ceremony due to the fact that The Pines couldn't arrange it in time. He left on his own, according to police, dressed in his war medals and a raincoat, and found a group of other veterans who were headed by bus to France. One of the other vets called police to report that he was with them in a hotel in France, and the police spoke to him to confirm that he was okay. Apparently they are attending the celebrations together. Clearly not everyone in a nursing home is incapable of taking care of himself. I hope he has a great time and fond memories.