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We recently wrote about the pharmaceutical industry in India, noting that it had been thriving prior to foreign pharma lobbyists pressuring India through international trade agreements to change its patent laws to cover pharmaceuticals. As usually happens when we write about examples like this, some patent supporters in the comments insisted that no Indian research could possibly result in serious drug breakthroughs without patents (apparently those who write this are unfamiliar with Jonas Salk’s opinions on patents in reference to the polio vaccine he created: “Could you patent the sun?”)

So it’s nice to see that even now that India does allow patents on pharma (and, as we noted in the original story, Indian patent laws have been abused by foreign pharma firms in order to jack up prices on commonly used medicines), some Indian scientists have mapped out the tuberculosis genome, which should help creating new drugs that can help respond to that disease.

But rather than rushing to the patent office, the scientists are freeing up the research through an open source effort:

“What we have not done so far has been achieved. I thank all those students who have helped it become a reality. We are doing this through open source drug discovery (OSDD) and anyone across the world is free to join the effort,” [Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) chief Samir] Bramhachari told IANS….

“OSDD is a completely new formula across the world. Here we are making all our progress available to public. Anyone can take advantage and develop a drug based on our research. The aim here is not patents but drug discovery for a neglected disease,” said Rajesh Gokhle, a senior scientist associated with the project.

And I thought that no such breakthroughs were possible without patents?

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A few years ago a young journalist looking for a job knocked on the door of the Chicago Sun-Times Washington Bureau, then in the National Press Building. I had nothing for the cold-calling Dan Gilbert, but once he said he attended the University of Chicago (class of 2005) the Chicago connection kicked in. I agreed to review his resume and make some suggestions, impressed by his determination to be a reporter who burned shoe leather and his fluency in Spanish. Turned out I mentored him through the years and I am just bursting with pride to say that the Pulitzer Prize for public service on Monday was given to the Bristol, Va. Herald Courier “for the work of Daniel Gilbert.”

Here’s the citation:

For a distinguished example of meritorious public service by a newspaper or news site through the use of its journalistic resources which, as well as reporting, may include editorials, cartoons, photographs, graphics, video and other online material, presented in print or online or both, a gold medal.

Awarded to the Bristol (VA) Herald Courier for the work of Daniel Gilbert in illuminating the murky mismanagement of natural-gas royalties owed to thousands of land owners in southwest Virginia, spurring remedial action by state lawmakers.

The America of Profits Over People Equals Death

Cuomo Crushes Little Known Republicans
A new Quinnipiac poll in New York finds Attorney General Andrew Cuomo (D) has a 74% job approval rating and commanding leads of 2-1 or more against the little-known Republican contenders in the gubernatorial race.

Cuomo beats Rick Lazio (R), 55% to 26%, tops Carl Paladino (R), 60% to 24%, and beats Steve Levy (R), 57% to 24%. In each matchup, Cuomo gets at least 80% of the Democratic vote, plus 20% or more of the Republican vote and 50% or more of the independent vote.

Stern to Resign from SEIU
Ben Smith breaks the news that Service Employees International Union President Andy Stern, a prominent labor leader and a key player in the Democratic party, will resign from the organization he helped build after 14 years at the helm.

The news came as a shock to many, though those close to Stern “had expected him to resign during the first term of the president he helped elect, and after the achievement he’d spent years focusing on, widening access to health care.”

Roadmap to a New Economics: Beyond Capitalism and Socialism
We can all be leaders in building a social and economic system that really meets human needs.

We can all be leaders in building a social and economic system that really meets human needs.

How Financial Reporters Create Illusion to Cover Up Wall Street’s Scams
The corporate media’s job is to sell confidence on Wall Street’s numbers, rather than tempered or even depressed expectations, no matter how realistic they may be.

The corporate media's job is to sell confidence on Wall Street's numbers, rather than tempered or even depressed expectations, no matter how realistic they may be.

Who’s on the Shortlist to Replace Justice Stevens?
Three candidates are rumored to sit atop Obama’s shortlist to replace Stevens — will any of them garner a Republican filibuster?

Three candidates are rumored to sit atop Obama's shortlist to replace Stevens — will any of them garner a Republican filibuster?

Groups Call for Arrest of West Virginia Mine CEO
A coalition of NGOs say Don Blankenship is "as criminally culpable as any mass murderer" for the mine disaster because he had systematically worked to avoid safety regulations.

A coalition of NGOs say Don Blankenship is "as criminally culpable as any mass murderer" for the mine disaster because he had systematically worked to avoid safety regulations.

Susan Boyle sure has come a long way from her roots as a spinster cat lady in the Scottish countryside: The dowdy powerhouse is eyeing a duet with pop diva Lady Gaga.

The eccentric Gaga became a fan after watching a clip of Boyle’s Britain’s Got Talent audition online and counts herself as one of the star’s biggest supporters. Last year, the “Love Game” star revealed that she was a huge fan of the talent show sensation-turned-multiplatinum-sellling artist.

“I love Susan Boyle. She is my woman of the year. It would be great to work with somebody of that talent,” Gaga said at the time.

Now Gaga’s dreams of a single with Susan may see the inside of a recording studio: Susan is set to begin recording her second album later this year and she’s hoping to get Gaga on board for a track.

“Lady Gaga is a wonderful artist and completely original. I like her costumes and I’d love to do a duet with her.”

Biden Courts the Non-Aligned on Nukes
Vice President Joe Biden has been quietly carrying the water on Tuesday’s Nuclear Summit since Barack Obama got the keys to the White House. The challenge of convincing major global stakeholders and other key non-aligned nations to work towards tighter…



Barack Obama – Joe Biden – White House – United States – Nuclear weapon

Nuclear Security Summit: Realistic Expectations
Tomorrow’s Nuclear Security Summit in Washington is a “big deal,” to paraphrase Vice President Biden. With 47 countries represented, it is the largest gathering of nations on U.S. soil since the founding conference of the United Nations met in San…


United States – Nuclear weapon – Warfare and Conflict – Weapons – Joe Biden

VIDEO: Republicans Facing An Identity Crisis ? ?Party Of Yes? Or ?Party Of Hell No??
GOP leaders converged on New Orleans this weekend for the Southern Republican Leadership Conference. During the conference, a rift among the speakers opened up after former House Speaker Newt Gingrich urged the GOP to move away from their obstructionist label as the “Party of No.” The American Solutions chairman called for Republicans to embrace […]

GOP leaders converged on New Orleans this weekend for the Southern Republican Leadership Conference. During the conference, a rift among the speakers opened up after former House Speaker Newt Gingrich urged the GOP to move away from their obstructionist label as the “Party of No.” The American Solutions chairman called for Republicans to embrace a new monicker — “the Party of Yes”:

What the left wants to do is say we’re the party of no […] So here’s what I want to ask you to encourage every candidate that you know, every incumbent you know, every staff person you know, every consultant you know. I think we should decide we’re going to be the Party of Yes.

Gingrich can expect an uphill battle as he attempts to re-frame the GOP as anything other than the party of obstructionism, given that the right wing seems most excited about the prospect of stopping anything Obama wants to do. After Gingrich delivered the call, it didn’t take long for Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to double down on their party’s obstructionism, touting the nickname “The Party of Hell No.”

Think Progress compiled a video illustrating the Republican confusion. Watch it:

With Republicans saying no to Wall Street reform, no to an extension of unemployment benefits, and preemptively saying no to the next Supreme Court appointee, it seems the GOP could resolve its internal conundrum by sticking to calling themselves “The Party of Hell No.”

Cuccinelli mocks dangers of CO2, telling Tea Partiers to hold their breath and make the EPA happy.
On Saturday, Virginia Attorney General attended the Powhatan Taxpayers’ Alliance Tea Party rally to address his beloved base. Cuccinelli reportedly greeted the crowd by saying that it was “great to be with so many people who appreciate the Constitution” and then talked about his challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency’s conclusion that greenhouse gases […]

On Saturday, Virginia Attorney General attended the Powhatan Taxpayers’ Alliance Tea Party rally to address his beloved base. Cuccinelli reportedly greeted the crowd by saying that it was “great to be with so many people who appreciate the Constitution” and then talked about his challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency’s conclusion that greenhouse gases should be regulated under the Clean Air Act. In particular, the crowd loved when he made fun of the EPA and joked that they could hold their breath for a few seconds and make the EPA “happy”:

“The Attorney General’s office is a very reactive office. We wouldn’t be suing the EPA if the EPA did not abandon all semblance of science and law to put out its endangerment finding on the CO2. Now, let’s make them all happy just for a moment and everybody just hold your breath,” Cuccinelli waited several seconds before saying “There you go, just a short period of time with no CO2. Now the trees are going protest but at least the EPA will be happy”.

Cuccinelli is a full-on global warming denier, saying that climate change is “unverifiable and doctored” science. However, environmental and energy groups in Virginia are increasingly pushing back on Cuccinelli’s attempts to dismantle regulations.

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_______________________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2010

DAILY GUIDANCE AND PRESS SCHEDULE FOR
TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2010

In the morning, the President will participate in a group photo with Heads of Delegation attending the Nuclear Security Summit at the Washington Convention Center. There will be Nuclear Security Summit pool coverage. Following the group photo, the President will deliver remarks at Plenary Session I of the Nuclear Security Summit. The Vice President will join the President at Plenary Session I. There will be a pool spray of the President’s remarks.

Later, the President will attend the Heads of Delegation working lunch. This lunch is closed press.

In the afternoon, the President will meet with the Prime Minster Erdogan of Turkey. This meeting is closed press.

Later, the President will attend Plenary Session II of the Nuclear Security Summit. This session is closed press.

Following Plenary Session II, the President will meet with President Fernandez de Kirchner of Argentina. This meeting is closed press.

The President will then hold a press conference at the Washington Convention Center. This event is open to Nuclear Security Summit-credentialed press.

In the evening, the President will attend a Heads of Delegation reception in the Washington Convention Center Dining Room. This event is closed press. He will then hold a bilateral meeting with Chancellor Merkel of Germany. There will be a pool spray at the top of the meeting.

In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CNN
Print: New York Post
Radio: AP

EDT

8:30AM Pool Call Time

9:20AM THE PRESIDENT participates in Heads of Delegation Group Photo
Washington Convention Center
Nuclear Security Summit Pool Coverage (Pool Gather time 8:45AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)

9:30AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT attend Plenary Session I of the Nuclear Security Summit, THE PRESIDENT delivers opening remarks
Washington Convention Center
Pool spray for remarks
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT attends Heads of Delegation working lunch
Washington Convention Center Dining Room
Closed Press

1:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Prime Minster Erdogan of Turkey
Washington Convention Center
Closed Press

2:00PM THE PRESIDENT attends Plenary Session II of the Nuclear Security Summit
Washington Convention Center
Closed Press

4:00PM THE PRESIDENT meets with President Fernandez de Kirchner of Argentina
Washington Convention Center
Closed Press

4:30PM THE PRESIDENT holds press conference
Washington Convention Center
Open to Nuclear Security Summit-credentialed press

5:15PM THE PRESIDENT attends Heads of Delegation reception
Washington Convention Center Dining Room
Closed Press

6:00PM THE PRESIDENT holds bilateral meeting with Chancellor Merkel of Germany
Washington Convention Center
Pool spray at the top

##

Obama team points to smaller deficit numbers
The federal deficit is running significantly lower than it did last year, with the budget gap for the first half of fiscal 2010 down 8 percent over the same period a year ago, senior Obama administration officials said Monday.

Attorney general Eric Holder to attend hearing before Senate Judiciary Committee
Last month, Attorney General Eric Holder narrowly escaped a grilling before the Senate Judiciary Committee — thanks to the signing of President Obama’s health-care reform package on March 22, which preempted all other activity on the Hill.

Jobless benefits advance in Senate with Republican votes
The Senate moved closer Monday to extending jobless benefits that expired a week ago, overcoming a procedural vote over the objections of deficit-conscious Republicans.

Obama spokesman Gibbs sounds eager for future strategist role
Robert Gibbs does not seem particularly attached to his office.

Este próximo fin de semana la Fórmula 1 se traslada al circuito de Shangai en el GP de China. Este Gran Premio nos ha dejado increibles adelantamientos y carreras muy divertidas para todos los seguidores de la máxima categoría del motor.

El circuito de Shangai es un trazado diseñado por Hermann Tilke. Consta de 16 curvas, provoca un desgaste medio en los neumáticos y necesita de un gran apoyo aerodinámico. La metereología suele ser también determinante en este circuito por lo que tanto el tiempo como la temperatura del asfalto será un factor clave en la carrera. Recordemos que aqui tan pronto te asas de calor te cae una gran tormenta.

Por último, os dejo con la agenda del evento para que no os perdais ni un minuto de competición:

Viernes 16 de abril

• 04.00 h. Entrenamientos libres 1
• 08.00 h. Entrenamientos libres 2

Sábado 17 de abril

• 05.00 h. Entrenamientos libres 3
• 08.00 h. Sesión de clasificación

Domingo 18 de abril

• 07.00 h. Previo
• 09.00 h. Carrera GP de China

Related posts:

1. GP de Australia 2010, agenda del evento
2. GP de Abu Dhabi, agenda del evento
3. GP de Malasia 2010, agenda del evento

General Motors CEO Ed Whitacre said that the Detroit automaker expects to report “solid” operating results for the first quarter, which will show the company’s progress towards its goal of returning to profitability by the end of 2010. That goal of “profitability” will end a horrible 5-year streak of losses and mark a turnaround for the General, which came out of a U.S. government financed bankruptcy in July.

“In January, I said we could earn a profit in 2010, if everything falls into place,” Whitacre said in a memo to employees, which was obtained by Reuters. “Our first quarter financial results will show us an important milestone, and I’m pleased to say that I anticipate solid operating results when we report our first quarter financials in May.”

GM will report its first-quarter results in mid-May.

Whitacre, who replaced Fritz Henderson as CEO in December, plans to launch an IPO that would allow the Obama administration to reduce its majority stake in the automaker.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Economists may be debating when the recession ended, but small business owners report little pick up in their sales or confidence in March, according to a report released Tuesday. The weak readings explain why small businesses remain reluctant to hire.

The Small Business Optimism Index lost 1.2 points to 86.8 in March, said the National Federation of Independent Business.

The NFIB noted that nine of the 10 components declined or failed to contribute to an increase in the top-line index. The lone improvement came in the subindex covering expected business conditions. It rose 1 percentage point to -8%.

The report said 34% of respondents said “weak sales” were their top business problem. The subindex on earnings trends fell 4 points to 43%, and sales expectations subindex dropped 3 points to -3% in March.

The lack of revenue may be holding back job growth. The March employment index fell 1 point to -2%. The NFIB said businesses may be finished with layoffs, but companies will only add workers if owners think “new hires can generate enough additional business to pay their way.”

Earlier in April, payroll giant ADP reported that its jobs survey showed small businesses — with 49 or fewer employees — cut 12,000 jobs in March.

Weak sales are also leading to inventory reductions. The inventory index was flat at -7%, and the NFIB said more firms cut stockpiles than added to them in March.

Inflationary pressures were nearly nonexistent last month. Seasonally adjusted, the net percentage of owners raising prices was -20%, up one point from February.

The drop in confidence among small business owners comes as economists are debating when the recession ended. The National Bureau of Economic Research said Monday it was still “premature” to set a date for the economy’s trough. The NFIB reports suggest that while the overall economy is growing, pockets of pessimism remain.

Chances are, a little-heard-of company will buy Palm. It’s not quite as sexy a story as HTC or Google buying them, but that’s often the way. Huawei, who manufactures dongles and cheap Androids, was apparently approached by Palm in February. More »

Well after a recent FCC filing and then confirmation from Sony themselves, the sub-controller as it has been known so far was given a new name: Navigation Controller.

Hopefully as E3 is right around the corner, Sony has a few tricks up their sleeve to showcase some new tech alongside the PlayStation Move ensemble.  All eyes are sure to be on Sony’s press conference to see what they have in store.

So it would appear that “You are the Navigator”. Ok, sorry about that. I had a flashback to Max for a brief second. I can’t be the only one right?

After dominating the desktop market for years, Intel recognizes they have a long road ahead of them in terms of smart phones.  Android, as a platform, was initially designed to run on handsets powered by processors made with Arm technology.  Because of this, Arm has been enjoying a 98% mobile phone market share as of 2007.  Intel understands as well as any company that they could do well to load Android onto their Atom-based phones.  Today sees the chip giant announcing they’ve already done just that.

Intel already has Android running on Atom-based smartphones and certain customers are interested in using it, said Renee James, general manager of Intel’s software and services group, on the sidelines of the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in Beijing.

Source: PCWorld, AndroidPolice

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Let’s face it: Our kitchens take a beating. But that doesn’t mean that cleaning them up has to be complicated, expensive, or difficult. Here are five common kitchen materials and simple ways to make them shine again:

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" Muitas pessoas perdem seu humor meramente por perceber que você não perdeu o seu. "

Frank Moore Colby

Google may be making one eagerly anticipated move that should usher in a new era for HTML5 and online video at large. The company is now expected to release the VP8 video codec as open source, offering a third viable option for HTM5-based video streaming along with the proprietary H.264 and the existing open-source alternative O… (read more)