Lost in Spades

Shell-fish are not kosher one suspects at least partly because of their capacity to filter and quarantine marine microbes. Specific marine microbes are now being cultured and used to create an artificial feed (Novacq) that allows for a 30% faster growth rate than compared to the usual pellet-fed prawns (the main ingredient of the traditional pellets fed to farm prawns being wild fish). The metabolism of these 'filters of the ocean' is enhanced by adding a lot more microbes to their feeds; perhaps mimicking their more natural oceanic environ. It's a dirty animal to begin with - then we try and grow it in (cleaner) farms - and then we add buckets of microbes to grow them faster. Just how nature intended... NOT! Source: Scientists create prawn super food Kashrut: Jewish Dietary Laws

During a snap press-conference these five words were apparently spoke by Pope Francis regarding the question of homosexuality; confirming his desire to be a pope for the people and the times. Would Pope Francis have said the same thing at the time of Sodom and Gomorrah? But is that what the world needs - a pope for our times? Or do we rather need a pope for all times? "Who Am I To Judge?" This, the very same institution that has taken upon itself to be judge and juror during the preceding two millennia, including the notable examples of: The Inquisition; Selling of Indulgences; and Taking the Title of Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the State of the Vatican City, Servant of the Servants of God ... A quasi-modern Pope that leans toward the whims of the people is nothing but a Fa...

In response to the UK Banking watchdog's scrutiny, Barclays plans a capital  raising of US equivalent $8.9 billion (5.8 billion pounds) to part-fund a substantial strengthening of its capital reserves. Indeed, one of the main post-GFC requirements of the Bank of England's PRA (Prudential Regulation Authority) is a 3% leverage ratio target by June 2014. The PRA has recently estimated Barclay's leverage ratio at 2.2%, even lower than the 2.5% internal estimate. Barclays plans to offer one new share for every four to its existing shareholders at the discount price of 185 pence (Barclays shares opened down 4.6% to 295 pence) and in so doing has deferred it's target (aka prediction) for a positive return on equity (ROE) to 2016! Source: Reuters London

 by W. H. Auden                                                                    (To JS/07 M 378 This Marble Monument Is Erected by the State) He was found by the Bureau of Statistics to be One against whom there was no official complaint, And all the reports on his conduct agree That, in the modern sense of an old-fashioned word, he was a saint, For in everything he did he served the Greater Community. Except for the War till the day he retired He worked in a factory and never got fired, But satisfied his employers, Fudge Motors Inc. Yet he wasn't a scab or odd in his views, For his Union reports that he paid his dues, (Our report on his Union shows...

Sars-like (Mers-CoV) illness kills man in London

“We swear to God to sacrifice with our blood for Egypt and its people against any terrorist, extremist or ignoramus. Long live Egypt and its proud people.”