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Santa Clara hosts LMU, Pepperdine this week

Santa Clara hosts LMU, Pepperdine this week

Jan. 28, 2009

After defeating Houston Baptist 85-59 on Sunday, Santa Clara jumps back into WCC play when it hosts LMU on Thurs., Jan. 29 at 7 pm and then Pepperdine at 7 pm on Sat., Jan. 31.

The Broncos are 9-13 and 1-4 in the WCC. The Broncos have won two in a row with their 70-54 win over San Francisco on Jan. 23 and then their 85-59 victory over Houston Baptist on Jan. 25. It was their seventh straight win over the Dons. John Bryant was named WCC Player of the Week after he averaged 19 points, 16.5 rebounds and 3.5 blocks last week.

Against LMU, SCU had a nine-game winning streak in the series between 1999-02. The two split the season series last season with each winning in the other's gym and LMU swept the season series in 2006-07, winning two games by a total of four points.

Head Coach Bill Bayno, who had been serving a leave of absence since Nov. 24, officially resigned from the position, Athletics Director Dr. William Husak announced Jan. 12. Husak also announced that Max Good, who has been the acting head coach during Bayno's leave, has agreed to a multiple-year deal to be the head coach of the Lions. Good is 1-16 thus far and 242-240 in his 15th season as a head coach. The Lions are 1-20 and 0-5 in the WCC this season. LMU is 0-11 on the road this year. They are led by Vernon Teel (14.3 ppg), Kevin Young (7.0 rpg) and Jarred DuBois (2.9 apg).

Listen up

The SCU-LMU game will be broadcast at 7 pm via the Bronco Radio Network on both KDOW 1220 AM and Broncos All-Access on the web at The pregame show will begin at 6:30 pm. Anthony Passarelli is in his second season as the Santa Clara men's basketball play-by-play announcer after six seasons of handling those duties for SCU women's basketball.

In addition, head coach Kerry Keating can be heard on KDOW 1220 AM on Sunday evenings from 8:30 - 9 pm in his radio spotlight on The Sports Ramble. The Sports Ramble, hosted by Chetan Chaudhari, runs on KDOW 1220 AM from 8 - 10 pm on Sunday evenings. If you are out of the listening area Bronco fans, KDOW is streamed online live at so go to their website and listen live!

Like Numbers?

Ken Pomeroy of breaks down all kinds of numbers on his website. For example: Santa Clara is No. 20 in the country in block percentage at 14.2 per game.

Pomeroy breaks it down a lot further. Individually, John Bryant is ranked No. 1 nationally in defensive rebounding percentage (35.6%) and No. 4 in offensive rebounding percentage (17.5%). He tops the WCC in both.

Bryant is ranked No. 4 in the country in percentage of shots taken (36.8%) and is No. 1 in the WCC. Bryant is No. 1 in the WCC in block percentage (9.93%) and No. 26 nationally.

Want more on Bryant? also breaks down Offensive Ratings as well. It's a measure of personal offensive efficiency developed by Dean Oliver. Bryant is No. 15 nationally. Among WCC players, Bryant is No. 1 at 29.6 in at least 28% of possessions and at least 24% of possessions (113.3). He is No. 3 in the WCC in at least 20% of possessions. In all possessions, Bryant is No. 8.

Bryant Named WCC POW ... Again!

Named the WCC Player of the Week Jan. 26, John Bryant averaged 19 points, 16.5 rebounds and 3.5 blocks last week. On Jan. 23, vs. USF, Bryant collected his 14th double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Bryant then scored 20 points and grabbed 21 rebounds in the Broncos' win over Houston Baptist on Jan. 25. The 21-rebound performance was Bryant's fourth 20+ rebound game of the season, the most in the country, and it marked the fourth time he's had at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in a game. Bryant now leads the nation in overall rebounds with 284, eight more than Oklahoma's Blake Griffin, who is second with 276 (as of Jan. 26). The double-double was the San Pablo, Calif. native's WCC-leading 15th of the season, ranking him second in the nation behind Griffin's 16.

"I am really happy for John and for our team this past week. We had some of the best practices of the year last week and it showed in the games we played," said Bronco head coach Kerry Keating. "For John to get Player of the Week in a conference as strong as the WCC is a real compliment to the type of player he is with two teams in the top 25. He has worked hard to put himself in this position and his efforts on and off the court as a leader are also appreciated."

Young Guns

With the Broncos starting three freshmen the last few games it appears they are one of the younger teams nationally this season. True. According to Robbie Allen of STATSHEET.COM, the Broncos have the 38th youngest team in the NCAA this year of the 342 Division I teams, which means 89% of the Division I teams have a more experienced roster than the Broncos. But, SCU isn't even the youngest team in the WCC this year. Santa Clara has an average age per minute of 2.15 years while LMU is No. 2 at 2.07 (No. 24 nationally) and Pepperdine is the WCC's youngest at 1.78 (No. 8 nationally). Both SCU and LMU are slated to start three freshmen and two seniors on Thursday night.

On the flip side, also according to Allen's figures, the three oldest in the WCC: Saint Mary's with an average age per minute of 3.09 is No. 1, Gonzaga is No. 2 at 3.07 and San Diego is No. 3 at 2.73. Nationally, of the team's ranked by most experience, Saint Mary's is No. 40 (top 88%) and Gonzaga is No. 47 (top 86%).

John Bryant is averaging a double-double this year and leads the team in points (17.2), rebounds (12.9), blocks (2.6) and shooting percentage (59.1%). He is ranked the No. 9 center nationally by He has had four 20+points/20+ rebound games and has collected 20+ points seven times. He scored a season-high 33 points vs. UTEP and collected a career-high 22 rebounds vs. Stanford and at Portland. The 22 rebounds by Bryant vs. Stanford tied a Leavey Center record Kurt Rambis held for 31 years when he grabbed that same number vs. Saint Mary's on Feb. 5, 1977.

Bryant has 15 double-doubles this season (vs. CSU East Bay, vs. UAB, at Georgia, at Montana, at San Jose State, vs. Sacramento State, at UNLV, vs. Stanford, vs. UTEP, at Harvard, vs. San Diego, at Gonzaga, at Portland, vs. USF and vs. Houston Baptist). Bryant has 38 double-doubles in his career. He notched 15 double-doubles last season, five double-doubles in 2006-07 and had four double-doubles as a freshman during the 2005-06 season.

Two freshmen continue to hover around double-figures: Kevin Foster is averaging 13.1 ppg and James Rahon puts in 10.8 ppg starting the last four games. Foster is the team's leading free-throw shooter at 79% and Rahon is the top three-point shooter at 41%.

Show No Fear

The freshmen are some of the top youngsters in the WCC. Marc Trasolini leads the WCC in all games in field goal percentage (62.5%) and blocked shots (1.47). In WCC games he leads freshmen in the league in field goal percentage (64.7%). Kevin Foster leads the WCC freshmen in assists per game in WCC games at 3.2. See the chart on the right for all Bronco freshmen rankings.

Kevin Foster, James Rahon and Trasolini are all on pace to break a few Santa Clara freshmen records this season. See page 7 for complete list of records.

Foster is on pace to break Kurt Rambis' freshman scoring record of 414 points as Foster has scored 274 points. Foster is in the hunt for a few other records (the record is in parenthesis): he tied the three pointers made on Sunday (51); and has 140 three pointers attempted (145), 28 steals (49) and 13.1 scoring average (15.3).

James Rahon is also climbing the freshmen record charts. Rahon is in the top 10 for scoring average at 10.8 (15.3), has 187 field goals attempted (317), 41 three pointers made (51), 100 three points attempted (145) and 41.7% from the three point line (40.8%).

Finally, Trasolini is on pace to break the blocks freshman record set by John Bryant in 2006. Trasolini has 28 and Bryant blocked 37 his freshman campaign.

NCAA Lists

In NCAA statistics released on Jan. 25, the Broncos are No. 33 in blocked shots per game. John Bryant is ranked nationally in three categories: No. 3 in RPG, No. 18 in blocked shots and No. 23 in field goal percentage.

Only ONE Bryant!

John Bryant is the only Bronco to ever score 1,400 points, collect more than 900 rebounds and block more than 200 shots in his career. Bryant is working to become the first Bronco since Kurt Rambis to collect 1,000+ rebounds and just the third in school history. Dennis Awtrey holds the school record with 1,135 rebounds (1967-70) and Rambis is second with 1,037 rebounds (1976-80). Bryant has 969 career rebounds and needs just 167 to break Awtrey's school record. He is No. 9 on the all-time scoring list with 1,450 points. He needs 288 points to break Kurt Rambis' school record from 1976-80.

Bryant is in a number of career top 10 lists. See below.

BlocksNo. 1(219)
Rebounds No. 3 (969)
Field Goal Percentage No. 4 (57.3%)
Field Goals Made No. 5 (582)
Games Started No. 8 (95)
Personal Fouls No. 8 (307)
Points Scored No. 9 (1,450)
He is also on a single season record list as well:
Blocks No. 4 (56)

All three: 20+ some

20+ is a popular number of points to score with the freshmen crew this year. Kevin Foster hit a career-best 24 vs. Belmont on Dec. 29, scoring on 8 of 17 shots (3 of 11 from three point land), collecting on 5 of 5 at the free throw line.

Foster then turned it up a notch at Saint Mary's and scored 31 points, a career best. The last Bronco freshman to score at least 25 points: senior Calvin Johnson scored 25 vs. Cal Poly on Dec. 10, 2005 during his freshman campaign. He hit 9 of 14 shots in that game, including six three-pointers. Foster has scored 20+ points five times this season.

Marc Trasolini scored a career-best 24 points at UNH, knocking down 7 of 8 shots and hitting a career-best 10 of 12 from the charity stripe. It was Trasolini's first double-double of the year.

On Jan. 23, James Rahon topped the 20 mark for the first time in his career when he scored 21 points in the win over USF. Rahon hit 7 of 14 shots, including 4 of 7 from the three point line and 3 of 4 from the free throw line. He added a career-high five assists for good measure. Not to be out-done on Jan. 25 Rahon scored a career-high 25 points, hitting 6 of 12, including 5 of 9 from the three-point line and 8 of 8 from the free throw line.

Johnson takes Huge Step
June 11, 2009 Johnson takes Huge Step
Angley Returns to Town
June 8, 2009 Angley Returns to Town
Trasolini Chats it up
April 27, 2009 Trasolini Chats it up
SCU-Portland Quotes
March 1, 2009 SCU-Portland Quotes
Zags Outlast Broncos, 81-73
February 26, 2009 Zags Outlast Broncos, 81-73
Feb. 6 Game Notes
February 6, 2009 Feb. 6 Game Notes
Strength Coach in Numbers
February 1, 2009 Strength Coach in Numbers
Post-Game Quotes
January 30, 2009 Post-Game Quotes
Santa Clara Falls At Gonzaga
January 15, 2009 Santa Clara Falls At Gonzaga
Post Game Quotes
January 11, 2009 Post Game Quotes
Broncos Rally for OT Win
December 31, 2008 Broncos Rally for OT Win
Broncos Fall at Pacific
December 20, 2008 Broncos Fall at Pacific
Meet Basketball's Kevin Foster
December 19, 2008 Meet Basketball's Kevin Foster
Broncos Fall To UNLV 78-66
December 17, 2008 Broncos Fall To UNLV 78-66
Georgia Tops Broncos, 54-48
November 24, 2008 Georgia Tops Broncos, 54-48
Basketball Coaches Clinic
September 29, 2008 Basketball Coaches Clinic


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50shades of Dedication

On Friday evening I was asked to give a brief talk at an event in Ombersley, Worcs. It was at the cricket ground and club house and organised by a lovely gentleman by the name of Charlie. I haven’t used his surname as his heart is so big, he doesn’t wish any recognition even for all that he does.

The evening was not only well supported but most enjoyable, and like all the events organised by Charlie, a true success.

There were many interesting people in attendance, some loyal supporters of his, who both donated prizes and attended all his events to date. It is his aim to raise £10,000 for the Stroke Association and he is so very nearly there, yet still personally he doesn’t expect any recognition. He is just so happy to be raising money for such a worthy cause as he puts it. Yet I hope he won’t mind me mentioning that when his late and very dearly loved wife had a terrible pain in her head and Charlie did all the correct things regarding help, her doctor told her she was wrong, you could not get headaches in the back of her head. I obviously do not know all the details, but you get the picture that sadly stroke, in this case was missed, misdiagnosed and sadly sometime later, Charlie lost his dear wife to stroke. His passion as you have gathered is helping others whose lives have been touched in whatever way by stroke, and at every event Charlie organises his wife’s photo has pride of place for all to see. A truly wonderful man.

I feel my blog this week could not be about anything else, Charlie, I hope you will forgive me. #50shadededication & kindness

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CEO Tours of Long-Term Care Facilities

Since spring 2013, CEOs of Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) have been conducting annual tours of long-term care facilities across the province.

The goal of these annual tours is to find out what's working well, what can be improved, and how the funds accessed by health regions under the Urgent Issues Action Fund (UIAF) have benefitted long-term care residents in Saskatchewan.

The Urgent Issues Action Fund was created in October 2013 to provide $10.04 million to address priority issues identified by health regions stemming from CEO tours of long-term care facilities. A further $3.8 million was provided in December 2013 to address ongoing pressures.

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Book Review: Starters, Lissa Price

| 19 June , 2012 | Reply

The only people to survive the Spore Wars are the Starters (youth) and the Enders (elderly): both vaccinated because of their vulnerability. Everyone else between the ages of 20 and 60 died, including Callie’s parents.

Callie and her little brother, Tyler, are unclaimed minors living on the streets. Survival to them means getting through the day. When Callie hears a rumour about a place called Prime Destinations, a business that rents out youthful bodies to the elderly, she heads in for a consultation, only to leave determined not to get involved. But as things get desperate, Callie finds herself back at Prime, ready to hand over her body to a stranger.

Starters by Lissa Price holds an interesting premise: renting out your body so that an elderly person can recapture their youth. There are many of paths where this could lead and Price keeps readers on their toes with plenty of twists and turns.

Signing up to be a donor with Prime Destinations, Callie wakes up in a world that she would normally never be able to touch: a world of fast cars, glamourous clothes and huge mansions. It all seems like a dream, until Callie discovers that her renter has a deadly agenda.

I’m generally a huge fan of neologism (creating new words) or substituting words in fiction to create a stronger atmosphere, or world, but I am not sure how well it works here. Substituting the names of words when we already have them can feel a little unnecessary; it shows a great sense of imagination, but unless it improves the story as a whole, it doesn’t need to be done. Some of the words work, as Price creates a technologically advanced world, but other times, I wonder if the original words might have been a better choice.

As it is, some of the ‘replacements’ are distracting, as it requires matching them up to the ones we know. And though it isn’t hard to do, it still draws people away from the story, when they should be just flowing through it.

The plot is intriguing and well paced, though there is some need for more backstory. The novel revolves around the aftermath of a war: the Spore Wars, but what really happened? And what part do the ‘renegades’ play against the ‘friendlies’? There’s not much detail to go on. To many people this won’t be a problem, as Callie’s story will be enough to keep them hooked, but I felt that the lack of history took away some of the depth and motive from the other characters.

Having said this, it is still a good read. I am curious about The Old Man. Who is he and what does he want with Callie? And what is going to happen to her and the other donors? Will Prime Destinations be shut down or will they continue with their lethal plan?

Starters is a novel full of potential. It shows a delicate balance of power that lies between the wealthy and poor, and the Enders and Starters. And it makes you wonder, who is really in control of their own lives? And once it’s taken, how do you get that control back?

Available now: Random House RRP$24.95

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Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Saucy Mama's 2014 Recipe Contest and Giveaway: Honey Dijon Fried Chicken and Bacon Wafflewiches

Congratulations Carmen! You are my lucky Saucy Mama sauce winner. Thanks to everyone who entered. Please keep on the lookout for future giveaways!

I am proud to say that I am one of the 25 bloggers chosen by Saucy Mama to compete in their 2014 recipe contest. The winner of this challenge wins $1,000, a golden ticket, which gives you the opportunity to represent Saucy Mama in The World Food Championships in Las Vegas in November, and a $1,000 travel stipend.

Not only was I excited about participating in the recipe challenge and possibly winning this great prize, but I was also happy about getting to taste their sauces. I have worked with them in the past cooking with their delicious mustards, so when I saw a call for bloggers to try out their sauce products, I couldn't sign up quickly enough.

For this challenge, Barhyte Specialty Foods sent me 6 bottles of sauce which included Orange Habanero Wing Sauce, Jamacian Jerk Wing Sauce, Honey BBQ Wing Sauce, Hot Wing Sauce, Four Leaf Balsamic Vinaigrette and Marinade, and Honey Dijon Dressing.

They asked participants to try them and chose at least one to use in an original recipe. Even though they are all really great, the moment I tasted the Honey BBQ Wing Sauce and the Honey Dijon Dressing the wheels in my head started turning. Since I liked both the sauces, I decided to do my best to incorporate both of them in my recipe.

My next consideration was to decide what type of dish I was going to make. We were asked by Saucy Mama that our recipe fall into one of the WFC categories of Burger, Bacon, Pasta, Sandwich, Seafood, or Cheese.

For some reason I just kept coming back to the sandwich category. I love a good sandwich. Who doesn't for that matter? A hand held meal is something we all enjoy at one time or another. So I've been working like a fiend for the last couple of days trying to put together a recipe that has bold flavors and textures with just a hint of comfort that does these sauces justice.

You might recall it wasn't that long ago that I wrote a post about my love for chicken and waffles. In the end it was this post that was my inspiration for my recipe. Sweet, salty, juicy and peppery, my wafflewich really has it all. The crispy cheesy waffles with the moist, slightly sweet honey Dijon breaded chicken tenders, are the perfect base for the spicy, smoky sweet mayonnaise, salty bacon, tangy olives, juicy tomatoes and of course the peppery baby arugula. Pretty great if I do say so myself.

So here it is, my official entry into Saucy Mama's 2014 Recipe Contest. If you'd like to check out what the other 24 talented bloggers come up with, please click here for links to their sites. Even if mine isn't chosen as the winner one thing is for sure, I've actually already won because I get to enjoy these great sauces all summer long.

Honey Dijon Fried Chicken and Bacon Wafflewiches

8 slices thick bacon
8 medium size chicken tenders (approximately 1-1/2 pounds)
1/3 cup Saucy Mama Honey Dijon Dressing
1-1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup Saucy Mama Honey BBQ Wing Sauce
1 tablespoon adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers plus 1 chipotle pepper finely minced
2-1/4 all-purpose flour, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus up to 3 more cups for frying chicken tenders
1 egg, beaten
3 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (I used vintage white cheddar)
3 rounded tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
3 medium size green onions, thinly sliced
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
4 rounded tablespoons sliced large green pimento stuffed olives (or hamburger dill slices)
2 medium size juicy, ripe tomatoes (heirloom if possible)
2 cups lightly packed baby arugula

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Place bacon rashers side by side on a jelly roll pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake until it has reached desired doneness. I like mine just shy of crispy so mine took about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, drain on paper towels and set aside.

While bacon is cooking, place chicken tenders in a medium size bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt then pour the Saucy mama Honey Mustard dressing over the top. Toss to coat, cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Place mayonnaise, Saucy Mama Honey BBQ Wing Sauce, adobo and chopped chipotle pepper in a small bowl; mix well, cover and set aside.

Sift 1-1/4 cup of the flour, the remaining salt and baking powder together and place in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, oil and egg. While stirring vigorously, slowly add the liquid ingredients into the dry. Once a smooth batter is formed, fold in the cheeses, onions and black pepper; set aside.

Preheat a non-stick waffle iron. Once the waffle iron is good and hot, lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray before pouring a little over 1/4 cup of the batter onto each side, spreading it out towards the edges just a bit to give your finished waffles a good shape. Close the lid and cook until the ready light on your iron comes on (my waffles baked about 3 minutes). Transfer cooked waffles to a cooling rack which is set on top of a cookie sheet. Place in a warm oven until ready to use.

Place a medium size frying pan (I love my cast iron pan for this) with enough oil so that it comes about 1/2" up the sides of the pan, over medium high heat. Preheat until oil sizzles when a bit of the breading from the chicken is dropped into it.

Pour the remaining 1 cup flour onto a plate. Taking one tender at a time, shake off any excess dressing before dredging in the flour. Place on a separate plate and continue with the remaining tenders. Just before placing them in the preheated hot oil to cook, dredge one more time if they appear to be sticky.

Carefully lower tenders into the hot oil (they should make a sizzling sound) being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for approximately 5 minutes on the first side, turn over and cook an additional 3 - 4 minutes on the other, or until they are cooked through and juices run clear. Due to the honey in the dressing, the tenders may take on a darker appearance once they are done. Don't worry as this adds a wonderful depth of flavor to this sandwich. Drain on paper towels and keep warm.

To assemble the wafflewiches, slather one side (this will become the insides of the wafflewiches) with a good dollop of the spicy honey bbq mayonnaise mixture. Top one half of the waffles with a couple of the chicken tenders, followed by 2 slices of the bacon, then two slices of tomato each, equal amounts of the olives, 1/2 cup of the arugula and finally the remaining waffles to close the sandwich. Makes 4 wafflewiches.

Serve warm.

Saucy Mama has given me 3 bottles of their wing sauces to give away to one of my readers. I promise you are really going to love them. If you'd like to throw your name in the hat to win this giveaway, just leave me a comment here, or on Facebook (if you don't have Google+ and are unable to comment here) and you are entered. If you'd like extra entries, you can "Like" Savoury Table on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, on Pinterest or Google+ by clicking on the buttons at the top right of this page.

You can also "Like" Saucy Mama on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Pinterest by clicking on the links. Just be sure and leave separate comments stating your entries and make sure I have a contact link for you. In one week, that's Wednesday, May 14th at noon mountain time, I'll draw a winner. Good luck!

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spring 2015 collection
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text:
The Scamdex Scam Email Archive - Advance Fee Fraud/419 o

Date:  Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:04:46 -0500

A Scam Email with the Subject "PLEASE I NEED YOUR HELP" was received in one of Scamdex's honeypot email accounts on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:04:46 -0500 and has been classified as a Advance Fee Fraud/419 Scam. The sender was (ALEX SMITH), although it may have been spoofed.

Dear Dad/Mum,

I hope this message reaches you in good health (Amen). Truthfully, I am
very sorry to have browsed your email address from the internet to send you
this mail without your consent or approval. Please do understand. To start
with, permit me to introduce myself to you. I am Alex Smith I am 18yrs of
age, from the Mecca District of Bomi Country in the Republic of Liberia. My
father Hon. Williams Smith, the director of Smith Timber Company and the one
time special adviser to the Minister of Natural Resources was murdered by an
opposition Leader during the previous Crisis in my country (Republic of
Liberia). Before the death of my father (Hon. Williams Smith) during the
early stage of the war of my country, he revealed a secret to my mother that
he deposited $7.Million USD as a family treasure box in a Security
Company in the Republic of Ghana. He ask my mother and I to leave Liberia
and come to the near by Country Ghana, where we can find refugee and have
peace for our dear lives. Having a meeting with my late father's Ghanaian
lawyer (Barrister Mark Okolo), he told my mother and I that all vital
documents as regards to the deposit and claim of this consignment in the
Security Company was handed over to him by my late father. We went to
the Security Company for the claim of this consignment but we could not make
the claim due to my father's laid down will for me to consult his foreign
business partner before the release of the consignment which my father did
not disclose to me before his untimely death. Now as the next of kin and the
only Surviving child who is presently with my mother(Mrs. Mary Smith) in the
United Nations refugee camp(Bujumbura) Ghana, I seek for your humanitarian
assistance to enable us claim this consignment in your name as the foreign
beneficiary and help us receive this family treasure box(consignment) in
your country while you invite me over to you for the sharing and investment
in a lucrative production or business in your country as it is the laid down
instruction by my late father for me to consult his foreign partner who will
guide me in the investment in his country due to Africa political crisis and
instability in the African economy. Mistrust is like an axe on the tree of
partnership but since only God could ordain trust, I will be very grateful
to Him to build up such a relationship with you in accordance to his will. I
promise you with all sincerity and a heart full of thankfulness to God that
I shall give you all true love and respect and I would be grateful to God
the almighty if you will be kind, understanding and trustworthy enough to
help get a better life. I promise to give you 20% of the total fund and 15%
per-annual in the investment as your benefit of assisting me a young refugee
and a fatherless child attains a better life. God bless as I expect your
reply and thanks in advance.

Alex Smith.


text:
The Scamdex Scam Email Archive - Advance Fee Fraud/419 o

Subject:  From Walter Brown
From:  "walterbb4" <>
Date:  Thu, 11 May 2006 03:59:44 -0700

A Scam Email with the Subject "From Walter Brown" was received in one of Scamdex's honeypot email accounts on Thu, 11 May 2006 03:59:44 -0700 and has been classified as a Advance Fee Fraud/419 Scam. The sender was "walterbb4" <>, although it may have been spoofed.

Good Day,

With a good heart, I wish to introduce to you  a business suggestion/proposal that will be
beneficial to you and I. Before I proceed, I will want to advice that you should not consider me a
dishonest individual in the end after reading this email for deciding to do this because no matter
what your decision may be, as they say, the dead man's money will eventually be going into someone
else pockets, and this is either going to be mine and yours or the United Kingdom Government
eventually. I am doing this for out of desperation for myself, my family and for their future's

Before the U.S and Iraqi war broke out again our client Gen. Aadel Akgaal Bastaan who was with the
Iraqi forces and also a businessman made a numbered fixed deposit for 18 calendar months, with a
value of Twenty Four million Five Hundred Thousand United State Dollars only in my branch. Upon
maturity several notices was sent to him, even during the war which began in 2003.&nb sp;Again
after the war another notification was sent and still no response came from him. We later find out
that the General along with his wife and only daughter had been killed during the war in a bomb
blast that hit their home.
After further investigation it was also discovered that Gen. Aadel Akgaal Bastaan did not declare
any next of kin in his official papers including the paper work of his bank deposit. And he also
confided in me the last time he was at my office that no one except me knew of his& nbsp;deposit in
my bank. So, Twenty Four million Five Hundred Thousand United State Dollars is still lying in my
bank and no one will ever come forward to claim it. What bothers me most is that according to the
laws of my country at the expiration 5 years, the funds will be reverted to the ownership of the
United Kingdom Government if nobody applies to claim the funds.Against this backdrop, my suggestion
to you is that I will like you as a foreigner
to stand as the next of kin to Gen. Aadel Akgaal Bastaan  so that you will be able to receive his

I want you to know that I have had everything planned out so that we shall come out successful. I
have an attorney that will prepare the necessary document that will back you up as the next of kin
to Gen. Aadel Akgaal Bastaan, all that is required from you at this stage is for you to provide me
with your Full Name and Address so that the attorney can commence his job. After you have been made
the next of kin, the attorney will also  fill in for claims on your behalf and secure the necessary
approval and of probate in your favor for the movement of the funds to an account that will be
provided by you. There is no risk involved at all in this matter, as we are going to adopt a
legalized method and the attorney will be preparing all the necessary documents. Please endeavor to
observe utmost discretion in all matters concerning this issue. Once the funds have been
transferred to your nominated bank account we
shall then share in the ratio of  70% for me, 30% for you.

Should you be interested please send me your:
(1) Full names,
(2) Private phone number,
(3) Current residential address,

via this email address: ( finally after that, I shall provide you with more
details of this operation.

Your earliest response to this letter will be appreciated.
Warmest and Kindest
Walter B.


text:
SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online

vol.84 issue1Catastrophic household expenditure for health care in a low-income society: a study from Nouna District, Burkina FasoA sociodental approach to assessing children's oral health needs: integrating an oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) measure into oral health service planning author indexsubject indexarticles search
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Bulletin of the World Health Organization

Print version ISSN 0042-9686

Bull World Health Organ vol.84 n.1 Genebra Jan. 2006

Reducing diarrhoea in Guatemalan children: randomized controlled trial of flocculant–disinfectant for drinking-water

Essai contrôlé et randomisé d'un traitement par un produit floculant/désinfectant pour l'eau de boisson visant à réduire la fréquence des diarrhées chez les enfants du Guatemala

Estudio aleatorizado controlado sobre la reducción de la diarrea en niños guatemaltecos mediante la adición de un floculante-desinfectante al agua de bebida

Tom M ChillerI, 1; Carlos E MendozaII; M Beatriz LopezII; Maricruz AlvarezII; Robert M HoekstraIII; Bruce H KeswickIV; Stephen P LubyI

IFoodborne and Diarrheal Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop D-63, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
IIMedical Entomology Research and Training Unit, Guatemala City, Guatemala
IIIBiostatistics and Information Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
IVProcter & Gamble, Cincinnati, OH, USA

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of a new point-of-use treatment for drinking-water, a commercially developed flocculant–disinfectant, on the prevalence of diarrhoea in children.
METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial among 514 rural Guatemalan households, divided into 42 neighbourhood clusters, for 13 weeks, from 4 November 2002 through 31 January 2003. Clusters assigned to water treatment with the flocculant–disinfectant were compared with those using their usual water-handling practices. The longitudinal prevalence of diarrhoea was calculated as the proportion of total days with diarrhoea divided by the total number of days of observation. The prevalence of diarrhoea was compared using the Wilcoxon rank–sum test.
FINDINGS: The 1702 people in households receiving the disinfectant had a prevalence of diarrhoea that was 40% lower than that among the 1699 people using standard water-handling practices (0.9% versus 1.5%; P = 0.001). In households using the flocculant–disinfectant, children < 1 year of age had a 39% lower prevalence of diarrhoea than those in households using their standard practices (3.7% versus 6.0%; P = 0.005).
CONCLUSION: In settings where families rarely treat drinking-water, we introduced a novel flocculant–disinfectant that reduced the longitudinal prevalence of diarrhoea, especially among children aged < 1 year, among whom diarrhoea has been strongly associated with mortality. Successful introduction and use of this product could contribute to preventing diarrhoeal disease globally.

Keywords: Diarrhea/epidemiology/prevention and control; Potable water/microbiology; Disinfectants; Water purification/methods; Child; Randomized controlled trials; Longitudinal studies; Guatemala (source: MeSH, NLM).

OBJECTIF: Étudier les effets sur la prévalence de la diarrhée d'un nouveau traitement de l'eau de boisson par un produit floculant/désinfectant, appliqué au point d'utilisation et développé à l'échelle industrielle.
MÉTHODES: Un essai contrôlé et randomisé a été mené pendant 13 semaines, du 4 novembre 2002 au 31 janvier 2003, chez 514 ménages ruraux du Guatemala, répartis en 42 agrégats définis par le voisinage. Les agrégats ayant reçu la consigne de traiter leur eau de boisson par le produit floculant/désinfectant ont fait l'objet d'une comparaison avec ceux manipulant l'eau selon des pratiques usuelles. La prévalence longitudinale de la diarrhée a été calculée comme le rapport du nombre total de jours où un ou plusieurs membres du ménage souffraient de diarrhée au nombre total de jours d'observation. Les prévalences ont été comparées au moyen du test de Wilcoxon.
RÉSULTATS: Parmi les 1702 membres des ménages recevant le désinfectant, la prévalence de la diarrhée était inférieure de 40 % à celle observée chez les 1699 personnes manipulant l'eau de manière classique (0,9 % contre 1,5 %, p = 0,001). Les nourrissons membres des ménages utilisant le produit floculant/désinfectant présentaient une prévalence de la diarrhée moindre que les nourrissons des ménages ayant des pratiques classiques en matière de manipulation de l'eau (3,7 % contre 6,0 %, p = 0,005).
CONCLUSION: Dans des zones où les familles traitent rarement l'eau de boisson, l'étude montre que l'on peut introduire un nouveau produit floculant/désinfectant capable de réduire la prévalence longitudinale de la diarrhée, en particulier chez les nourrissons, pour lesquels il existe une forte association entre diarrhée et mortalité. Réussir à introduire et à faire utiliser ce produit contriburait à la prévention des maladies diarrhéiques dans le monde.

Mots clés: Diarrhée/épidémiologie/prévention et contrôle; Eau potable/microbiologie; Désinfectants; Purification eau/méthodes; Enfant; Essai clinique randomisé; Etude longitudinale; Guatemala (source: MeSH, INSERM).

OBJETIVO: Investigar el efecto que sobre la prevalencia de la diarrea infantil tiene un nuevo tratamiento del agua de bebida consistente en la adición en el lugar de consumo de un floculante-desinfectante.
MÉTODOS: Durante 13 semanas (entre el 4 de noviembre de 2002 y el 31 de enero de 2003), realizamos un estudio aleatorizado controlado en 514 hogares rurales de Guatemala, divididos en 42 vecindarios. Los vecindarios asignados al tratamiento del agua con el floculante-desinfectante se compararon con aquellos que siguieron las prácticas habituales de tratamiento del agua. La prevalencia longitudinal de la diarrea se calculó como el número de días con diarrea dividido por el número de días de observación. La prevalencia de diarrea se comparó con la prueba de la suma de rangos de Wilcoxon.
RESULTADOS: Las 1702 personas residentes en los hogares que recibieron el desinfectante presentaron una prevalencia de diarrea un 40% menor que las 1699 personas que siguieron las prácticas habituales de tratamiento del agua (0,9% frente a 1,5%; P = 0,001). Los niños menores de un año residentes en hogares donde se utilizó el floculante-desinfectante presentaron una prevalencia de diarrea un 39% menor que los residentes en hogares donde se utilizaron las prácticas habituales de tratamiento del agua (3,7% frente a 6,0%; P = 0,005).
CONCLUSIÓN: En zonas donde las familias raramente tratan el agua de bebida, la introducción de un nuevo floculante-desinfectante redujo la prevalencia longitudinal de diarrea, en particular en los niños menores de un año, en los que la diarrea se asocia estrechamente a la mortalidad. La introducción y uso de este producto podría contribuir a la prevención de las enfermedades diarreicas en el mundo.

Palabras clave: Diarrea/epidemiología/prevención y control; Agua potable/microbiología; Desinfectantes; Purificación del agua/métodos; Niño; Ensayos controlados aleatorios; Estudios longitudinales; Guatemala (fuente: DeCS, BIREME).

An estimated 2 million children die each year from diarrhoeal disease. Almost all of them are living in developing countries and are aged < 5 years.1 Infants younger than 1 year account for more than half of these deaths, and the risk can be 2–3 times higher among infants who are not exclusively breastfed.2, 3 Many of these deaths are attributed to the use of unsafe drinking-water.1 The World health report 2002 emphasized the need to identify simple interventions to treat unsafe water in order to have an impact on the associated high mortality among children.1 The report recommended a policy shift toward cost effective point-of-use water disinfection.

Strategies for point-of-use disinfection were reviewed in 19954, and subsequent experience has been summarized.5 Point-of-use disinfection of drinking-water with chlorine and filtration, and recently with a new flocculant–disinfectant, has been proven to reduce the incidence of diarrhoea in children in several studies in developing countries.6–10 Although chlorine is readily available and highly successful in treating unsafe drinking-water, it has not been widely adopted by at-risk households without substantial efforts being made by local field staff to change behaviour. One reason may be that adding chlorine to drinking-water often adversely affects its taste and odour and does not make the water appear cleaner. An in-home water treatment product has been developed to address these issues.11 The technology consists of a flocculant–disinfectant powder that is added to drinking-water to remove microorganisms, organic matter and heavy metals. After decanting, the water looks markedly clearer and is left with a free chlorine residual that produces microbiologically safer water without pronounced chlorine taste or odour.11

The initial intervention trial of this technology in Guatemala demonstrated a significant overall reduction in the incidence of diarrhoea but not among children < 1 year of age.9 High concentrations of free chlorine residuals and a suboptimal approach to encouraging its use led to households using the flocculant–disinfectant only intermittently. A new formulation of the flocculant–disinfectant has been developed, which includes a lower concentration of calcium hypochlorite, and a new programme to change behaviour has been developed, which uses local women to encourage others to use the disinfectant.

Previous evaluations of water-treatment strategies have used the incidence of diarrhoea as the measured outcome.6–9 Recent studies suggest that the longitudinal prevalence of diarrhoea (the total number of days a person has diarrhoea divided by the total number of days of observation) is a better predictor of children's growth and mortality than diarrhoea incidence.12

We conducted a randomized controlled intervention trial to examine the effect of the new formulation of the flocculant–disinfectant on the longitudinal prevalence of diarrhoea in a setting where drinking-water is heavily contaminated and diarrhoea is common. We designed this trial to examine the effect of a point-of-use disinfection strategy on reducing diarrhoea, looking specifically at children < 5 years of age and infants (< 1 year), both groups who are the most vulnerable to death from diarrhoeal illness.

Study population

This study was conducted in rural Guatemala in the municipality of San Juan Sacatepéquez, in the highlands 30 km north of Guatemala City. In Guatemala, diarrhoea is a leading cause of death among children, and mortality among children who are younger than 5 years is 74 per 1 000 inhabitants.13

We chose 12 Kachiquel Mayan villages and divided them into 42 neighbourhoods, or clusters. Many villages previously had been study sites, but only households that had not participated in prior studies were eligible to participate in this one. Households had to have at least one child younger than 1 year of age. We grouped participating households into either 2 or 4 neighbourhoods within each village. Neighbourhoods had an average of 12 (range = 5–22) eligible households. We used a spreadsheet with a random number generator to assign half of the neighbourhoods in each village to the intervention group. The remaining neighbourhoods were assigned to the control group. Thus, the treatment and control groups were balanced within each village.

Intervention group

The intervention was to have households use the flocculant–disinfectant. The flocculant–disinfectant includes many chemicals used in commercial water treatment but has been specially formulated to work quickly on small volumes of water.11 All ingredients in the flocculant–disinfectant are used in commercial water treatment or in food products and are generally recognized as safe. The flocculant–disinfectant combines precipitation, coagulation and flocculation with chlorination. It facilitates the removal of suspended organic matter, bacteria, viruses, parasites and heavy metals from treated water. The formulation yields approximately 2 ppm free residual chlorine in treated water.10

Field workers provided participating households with a large spoon and a wide-mouthed bucket for mixing; they also provided a common locally available narrow-topped vessel with a lid for storing treated water. They taught participants to add a sachet of flocculant–disinfectant to a bucket containing 10 litres of water, to stir it vigorously for 5 minutes, and then let it stand for 5 minutes. Field workers instructed participants to decant the water through a flannel cloth into the storage vessel and to discard the residue remaining in the preparation vessel somewhere out of reach of animals and children. Since most families do not have access to latrines, the refuse site was often a hillside or several metres away from the living area. Field workers instructed participants to wash the cloth with detergent to prepare it for reuse. They instructed households to wait 20 minutes (for a total of 30 minutes) before drinking the treated water.

Control group

In the control group, participants continued their usual water collection, treatment and storage practices. Each week they received small items that would not be expected to affect diarrhoea (for example, a kitchen utensil) as an incentive to continue participating.

Field workers, training and observations

A team at the Medical Entomology Research and Training Unit (MERTU) implemented and supervised the field activities. Two groups of field personnel were used in this study. The first group consisted of 13 local women who were trained as field educators and who used the flocculant–disinfectant in their homes. They visited households 1–2 times per week. They explained how to prepare the water; emphasized the importance of providing only treated water, especially to young children; answered questions; and helped mothers integrate regular water treatment into their daily lives.

The second group consisted of field technicians who visited households weekly. They conducted a baseline survey of each household using a questionnaire; this questionnaire collected data on water use. Weekly diarrhoea surveillance began after the intervention households had been using the flocculant–disinfectant for one week. The technicians collected information using a standardized questionnaire and recorded whether each household member had had diarrhoea since the last visit. Diarrhoea was defined by the respondent, usually the mother. The technicians recorded the start date and stop date for each episode of diarrhoea. If an episode of diarrhoea was ongoing, information on the stop date was collected at a subsequent visit. Information on breastfeeding and the consumption of food and water during the preceding week were recorded for children who were aged < 2 years. Field technicians provided households in the intervention group with sachets of the flocculant–disinfectant during their weekly visits. Households retained the empty sachets, and technicians collected and counted both empty and unused sachets each week and provided new supplies. They conducted visits for 13 weeks, from 4 November 2002 through 31 January 2003.

Medical care

Field technicians provided packets of oral rehydration solution and instructions regarding use to all participating families, including those in the control group. They urged mothers to seek care at a community health post for any family member with persistent diarrhoeal symptoms. If field technicians judged that a family member needed urgent medical attention, they arranged for rapid assessment by one of the two field physicians or transport to the hospital.

Collection of water samples

Field technicians collected samples of drinking-water stored by the household at baseline to determine chlorine concentration. During the intervention, they collected samples from stored drinking-water at each household at their weekly visits so that the total chlorine concentration and free chlorine concentration could be determined. During unannounced visits, in weeks 3, 6 and 10 after the intervention, they collected additional water samples to determine chlorine concentration. At baseline and during an unannounced visit in week 3 after the intervention, they collected samples from household water sources and water storage containers to measure Escherichia coli and total coliform counts.

Laboratory analysis

Residual free chlorine and total chlorine concentrations were measured using the DPD colorimetric method within 4 hours of collection (Hach Company, Loveland, CO, USA).

Water bacteriology

Field workers collected household water samples in sterile 100-ml Colilert plastic bottles containing 1% sodium thiosulfate solution to neutralize any bleach present. Samples were transported on ice packs (at 6 ºC) to the laboratory at MERTU for culture within 4–6 hours of collection. Samples were processed with the Colilert Quantitray 2000 kit (IDEXX Laboratories, Westbrook, ME, USA). A most-probable number table was used for quantification of total coliform bacteria and E. coli. Water samples were collected in 500-ml sterile wide-mouth polypropylene bottles. They were transported and processed under similar conditions.

Sample size

We calculated that if 250 households per group were followed for 13 weeks there would be sufficient power to detect a difference in the longitudinal prevalence of diarrhoea of > 24% between intervention and control children aged < 1 year. This was based on results from the previous study where residents of households receiving the flocculant–disinfectant had 24% fewer diarrhoeal episodes than controls.9 We assumed a prevalence of diarrhoea of 24% among children < 1 year in the control group (based on the prior study); we also assumed a weekly follow-up of 95%, a 10% drop-out rate, 95% confidence intervals and a design effect of 1.5 from clustering.

Statistical methods

The field team continued weekly surveillance of diarrhoea in all households that permitted it, even if they discontinued treating their water. We used an intention-to-treat analysis - that is, all participants were analysed in the group to which they had been randomized. The primary outcome specified in the protocol was the longitudinal prevalence of diarrhoea. We calculated longitudinal prevalence as the number of person–days of diarrhoea divided by the total number of person–days of observation. To account for multiple individuals within each household, we calculated the longitudinal prevalence of diarrhoea for each cluster and then compared the mean values of the longitudinal prevalence in intervention clusters with the longitudinal prevalence in control clusters. We calculated 95% confidence intervals for these means. We evaluated chance in explaining observed differences between groups using the Wilcoxon rank–sum test.

Another outcome measured was the incidence of episodes of persistent diarrhoea, defined as > 13 consecutive days of diarrhoea. We calculated the incidence of persistent diarrhoea as the number of new episodes divided by the total number of person–weeks at risk. A new episode was defined only if the participant reported no diarrhoea in the preceding week.

Ethical approval and informed consent

The purpose of the study was explained in Spanish or Kachiquel to each female head of household who was a prospective participant. The field technicians emphasized that participation was voluntary and that participants could withdraw at any time; they obtained written informed consent from all mothers who were literate. Verbal consent was obtained from those who were not. An institutional review board at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Ethics Committee Review Board at the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala reviewed and approved the protocol.

Participant flow

A total of 572 eligible households were assessed for the study and 546 enrolled (Fig. 1). A total of 514 households (257 in each group) completed the entire 13-week study and data from these households were analysed.

Baseline characteristics

The three main sources of drinking-water for study households consisted of rivers or springs, taps and wells. Households in intervention and control groups were similar demographically, in economic indicators, and had similar water sources at baseline (Table 1).

A total of 111/113 (98%) drinking-water sources were contaminated with E. coli when tested at the beginning of the study. All households in the study got their drinking-water from these sources. The average daily consumption of drinking-water did not differ between control or intervention households.

Children < 1 year of age were reported to be breastfed during 95% of all observed person–weeks and to be have been fed supplementary liquids during 93% of person–weeks. Thus, almost all infants were routinely given drinking-water, even if they were being breastfed.

Longitudinal prevalence

Weekly data on the prevalence of diarrhoea were collected from 1702 people in households using the flocculant–disinfectant and 1699 people in control households, giving a total of 41 877 person–weeks of observation. The longitudinal prevalence of diarrhoea was reduced among people in all age groups in households using the flocculant–disinfectant (Table 2). A similar significant magnitude of reduction was also seen in the incidence of diarrhoea among all age groups (data not shown). In total, there was a 40% reduction in the longitudinal prevalence of diarrhoea among people living in households receiving flocculant–disinfectant compared with people from control households (0.9% versus 1.5%; P < 0.001). A total of 253 children aged < 1 year in intervention households and 246 children aged < 1 year in control households were observed for 5 454 person–weeks. In this age group, there was a 39% reduction in the longitudinal prevalence of diarrhoea in intervention households compared with control households (3.7% versus 6.0%; P = 0.005). There was also a 39% reduction in diarrhoea among infants from intervention households who were reported to have been breastfed (3.7% versus 6.1%; P = 0.002) compared with breastfed infants in control households. Similarly, children < 5 years of age in intervention households also had significant reductions in the longitudinal prevalence of diarrhoea (2.4% versus 3.9%; P = 0.002). Participants > 15 years of age in intervention households had the greatest reduction in prevalence: 72% lower than controls (0.1% versus 0.4%; P = 0.006).

Children in the intervention households who were < 1 year had 46% fewer episodes of persistent diarrhoea (lasting > 13 days) compared with controls (0.7 episodes/100 person–weeks versus 1.3/100 person–weeks; P < 0.03). Similarly, children in intervention households who were < 5 years of age had 50% fewer episodes of persistent diarrhoea than did controls (0.4 episodes/100 person–weeks versus 0.8/100 person–weeks; P < 0.002).

Flocculant–disinfectant use

The number of sachets of flocculant–disinfectant used rose to > 10 sachets per household per week by week 5, and this level was maintained throughout the study (Fig. 2). During weekly scheduled visits, an average of 85% of intervention households had concentrations of free chlorine in their drinking-water > 0.1 ppm throughout the study. Unannounced visits conducted at periodic intervals (weeks 3, 6 and 10 of the study period) to measure free chlorine concentrations supported the finding that intervention households were using the flocculant–disinfectant (Table 3). The effect of adequate chlorination in intervention households was supported by measurements of E. coli contamination in the household's drinking-water. At week 3, 28% (74) of intervention households tested had E. coli in stored drinking-water compared with 76% (195) of control households (data not shown).

The treatment of unsafe drinking-water with a new formulation of a flocculant–disinfectant markedly reduced the longitudinal prevalence, or burden, of diarrhoeal illness among study participants in Guatemala. Importantly, a significant reduction in the longitudinal prevalence of diarrhoea was seen among children < 5 years of age and among infants, who are at the highest risk of dying from diarrhoea. A strong association has been noted between the longitudinal prevalence of diarrhoea and mortality in young children.8 Given this association, it is likely that in-home treatment of drinking-water would contribute to a reduction in the number of deaths occurring in children that are caused by diarrhoea. Importantly, there was also a 72% reduction in diarrhoea among adults (> 15 years of age). Reducing diarrhoea in this group is important because these household members make decisions about drinking-water treatment for the household; reducing their diarrhoea burden could encourage the adoption and maintenance of the in-home treatment of drinking-water. These findings are consistent with other studies that used bleach to disinfect water; however, those studies used diarrhoea incidence as an outcome rather than longitudinal prevalence.5–8

In our study population, almost all infants were not breastfed exclusively, with more than 93% receiving supplemental liquids regularly. Infants who are not exclusively breastfed have an increased risk of dying from diarrhoea.2, 3, 14 It is not known what proportion of diarrhoeal mortality can be attributed to unsafe drinking-water. In this study, breastfed children in the control group regularly received unsafe drinking-water, and the prevalence of diarrhoea among breastfed children who received treated water was significantly lower. Since non-exclusive breastfeeding is prevalent in settings where drinking-water is unsafe, providing safe water in these settings may save lives.

In the previous study in Guatemala, people living in households that received a formula of the flocculant–disinfectant with a higher dose of chlorine than was used in the present study had a 24–29% reduction in the incidence of diarrhoea when compared with the control group. People who received bleach to treat their water had a 12–25% reduction in diarrhoea. However, no significant reduction was found among children who were < 1 year of age.9 On unannounced visits only 27% of households had residual chlorine in their drinking-water, and the authors concluded that this low use contributed to the lower than expected reduction in diarrhoea.

In the current study, a high proportion of households consistently had adequate residual chlorine in their drinking-water as measured at both unannounced and regular visits; this suggests that they used the flocculant regularly, and consequently there was a larger health benefit. Reducing the concentration of calcium hypochlorite produced equivalent microbiological efficacy while reducing the objectionable chlorine taste associated with treatment; this contributed to higher use of the treatment. The percentage of households with adequate concentrations of chlorine in their drinking-water declined slightly during the study period, despite high levels of flocculant use. Thus households may have used the flocculant–disinfectant less often than daily, so daily use may not have been necessary to provide the sustained reduction in diarrhoea prevalence observed. Furthermore, using local women as field educators improved the acceptability and use of the flocculant-disinfectant. In most households, women prepare the drinking-water for the family, so frequent regular visits by an educator who was a well-known woman from the community seems to be an effective method of motivating regular use.

There are limitations to this study. We did not collect baseline data on episodes of diarrhoea occurring among the study population before introducing the intervention, so it is possible that groups had different rates of diarrhoea at baseline. However, equal numbers of intervention and control clusters were present in each village to account for possible differences in diarrhoea incidence between groups. A previous study in the same area of Guatemala did not reveal significant differences in baseline rates between groups.9 In addition, our study was not blinded. It is possible that the intervention group or the control group could have given biased answers. Furthermore, the field technicians who collected the data were also used to provide the intervention, possibly introducing some courtesy bias. However, all data collection instruments were standardized, and all study workers were thoroughly trained.

This study demonstrates that in-home use of a flocculant–disinfectant to treat contaminated drinking-water successfully reduced diarrhoea among all age groups but most importantly it reduced it in the most vulnerable children, those < 1 year of age. In contrast to previous studies, behavioural change techniques were used throughout the study period: local women, who also used the intervention, acted as motivators by visiting households. Furthermore, the formulation of the flocculant–disinfectant had been changed to a newer one with less chlorine taste. Both of these basic changes to the intervention could be implemented in other settings where point-of-use strategies are needed. The flocculant–disinfectant costs approximately US$ 0.035 per sachet, so if the intervention were to be broadly implemented, it will be important that people are willing to purchase it. Additionally, efforts to explore any marketing challenges that arise should be pursued Given the reduction in the longitudinal prevalence of diarrhoea and in the number of episodes of persistent diarrhoea in this high-risk age group, we expect that this strategy, if broadly implemented, would also reduce mortality. Therefore, it is important to further study its effectiveness under various conditions and in different populations.

We thank Rudinio Acevedo for help with data management, our team of field workers for careful collection of data, and Edwin Ortega for his help supervising field workers and providing medical consultations. The inclusion of trade names in this paper is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Department of Health and Human Services.

Funding: This study was supported by a cooperative research and development agreement between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Procter & Gamble Company. The CDC retains the right to publish results without approval from Procter & Gamble.

Competing interests: The funding organization, represented by Bruce Keswick, contributed to the design of the study and the preparation and critical review of the manuscript. BK did not take part in the conduct of the study, or in data collection, analysis, or interpretation, nor did he approve the manuscript.

1. The world health report 2002: reducing risks, promoting healthy life. Geneva: WHO; 2002.        [ Links ]

2. Arifeen S, Black RE, Antelman G, Baqui A, Caulfield L, Becker S. Exclusive breastfeeding reduces acute respiratory infection and diarrhea deaths among infants in Dhaka slums. Pediatrics [Online journal ] 2001;108:E 67 (        [ Links ]

3. Bhandari N, Bahl R, Mazumdar S, Martines J, Black RE, Bhan MK. Effect of community-based promotion of exclusive breastfeeding on diarrhoeal illness and growth: a cluster randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2003;361:1418-23. (Infant Feeding Study Group.)        [ Links ]

4. Mintz ED, Reiff FM, Tauxe RV. Safe water treatment and storage in the home: a practical new strategy to prevent waterborne disease. JAMA 1995;273:948-53.        [ Links ]

5. Mintz E, Bartram J, Lochery P, Wegelin M. Not just a drop in the bucket: expanding access to point-of-use water treatment systems. Am J Pub Hlth 2001;91:1565-70.        [ Links ]

6. Quick RE, Venczel LV, Mintz ED, Soleto L, Aparicio J, Gironaz M, et al. Diarrhea prevention in Bolivia through point-of-use water treatment and safe storage: a promising new strategy. Epidemiol Infect 1999;122:83-90.        [ Links ]

7. Semenza JC, Roberts LA, Henderson A, Bogan J, Rubin CH. Water distribution system and diarrheal disease transmission: a case study in Uzbekistan. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1998;59:941-6.        [ Links ]

8. Quick RE, Kimura A, Thevos A, Tembo M, Shamputa I, Hutwagner L, et al. Diarrhea prevention through household-level water disinfection and safe storage in Zambia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2002;66:584-9.        [ Links ]

9. Reller ME, Mendoza CE, Lopez MB, Alvarez M, Hoekstra RM, Olson CA, et al. A randomized controlled trial of household based flocculent-disinfectant drinking water treatment for diarrhea prevention in rural Guatemala. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2003;69:411-9.        [ Links ]

10. Clasen TF, Brown J, Collin S, Suntura O, Cairncross S. Reducing diarrhea through the use of household-based ceramic water filters: a randomized, controlled trial in Bolivia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2004;70:651-7.        [ Links ]

11. Souter PF, Cruickshank GD, Tankerville MZ, Keswick BH, Ellis BD, Langworthy DE, et al. Evaluation of a new water treatment for point-of-use household applications to remove microorganisms and arsenic from drinking water. J Water Health. 2003;1:73-84.        [ Links ]

12. Morris SS, Cousens SN, Kirkwood BR, Arthur P, Ross DA. Is prevalence a better predictor of subsequent mortality and weight gain than diarrhea incidence? Am J Epidemiol 1996;144:582-8.        [ Links ]

13. Guatemala. In: Health in the Americas. Vol. 2.Washington (DC): Pan American Health Organization; 2002. p. 306-22, Scientific and Technical Publication No. 587.        [ Links ]

14. WHO Collaborative Study Team on the Role of Breastfeeding on the Prevention of Infant Mortality. Effect of breastfeeding on infant and child mortality due to infectious diseases in less developed countries: a pooled analysis. Lancet 2000;355:451-5.        [ Links ]

(Submitted: 1 August 2004 – Final revised version received: 11 April 2005 – Accepted: 11 July 2005)

1 Correspondence should be sent to Dr Chiller at this address (email:


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Octahedral molecular models, artwork

Octahedral molecular models, artwork

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Caption: Octahedral molecular models, artwork. Each model consists of six atoms and twelve bonds, making up the vertices and edges of an eight-sided shape known as an octahedron. Because the six atoms in each molecular model are equally spaced, these are regular octahedra. Molecules in the shape of an octahedron have been developed as molecular cages for use in nanotechnology.

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Keywords: artwork, cage, chemical, chemistry, crystal, crystals, engineering, illustration, model, molecular, molecular model, molecule, molecules, nano, nanotech, nanotechnology, octahedra, octahedral, octahedron, polyhedron, shape, structural, structure, technology

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Resident Evil: Degeneration

The "Umbrella Incident" that took place in Raccoon City was ended with the eradication of the deadly virus by a missile attack ordered by the government. As its operations were suspended on a global scale, Umbrella Corporation stock plummeted. This serious blow to the business giant resulted in its complete dissolution. 7 years later, at an airport somewhere in the United States. An ordinary autumn afternoon. One zombie is unleashed into this peaceful scene to attack everyone. In the airport starting to fill up with the undead, the horrific disaster is about to be repeat itself...

Japanese release date: October 17, 2008
Japanese release date: October 18, 2008

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  • Leon S. Kennedy (voix)
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Inquiry to open into gas wells

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A PUBLIC inquiry opens on Tuesday into a plan to drill for gas near Falkirk.

It has been called after Falkirk and Stirling councils failed to reach a decision on Dart Energy’s proposal submitted almost two years ago.

The company wants to drill 22 wells at Airth to extract coal bed methane, a natural gas released by pumping
out water from seams deep underground.

The plan, which includes ancillary facilities and treatment works, is opposed by Concerned Communities, an umbrella group which claims it could cause environmental damage.

Dart says the gas would be delivered into the national grid and the water treated to standards agreed with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and discharged into the Firth of Forth.

Douglas Bain, UK head of the Australian company, said: “We will seek through the public inquiry to address and allay with scientific rigour the concerns of the communities and at the same time correct the many myths surrounding the production of coal bed methane.”

The inquiry is expected to last three weeks.

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Council officials ‘bribed with drink and lapdances’

James Costello. Picture: Julie Bull

James Costello. Picture: Julie Bull

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CORRUPT council officers knocked back drinks and enjoyed lapdances as rewards for handing out building contracts.

Kevin Balmer and Brendan Cantwell, from Edinburgh-based ABC Ltd, even splashed out £5000 on one night out for Charles Owenson and James Costello in a bid to secure work.

Charles Owenson  Picture: Julie Bull

Charles Owenson Picture: Julie Bull

And they brazenly charged the council for the bribes by inflating invoices for completed repairs to properties, including libraries, community centres, schools and cemeteries.

Procurator fiscal Keith O’Mahony told Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday: “In essence, the council was being charged for the cost of bribing its own officials.”

Council officials Owenson and Costello quickly became accustomed to the luxury lifestyle, splashing their cash on cars.

All four men admitted the corruption earlier this week and appeared in court yesterday as the full story was revealed by prosecutors.

It also concerns a fraudulent scheme whereby contractors have falsely inflated the invoices they submitted to the council following completion of work in order to cover the costs of the bribes they were paying to council officials.”

Keith O’Mahony

Mr O’Mahony told how £67,000 was added to ABC’s invoices to cover the cost of keeping Owenson and Costello sweet. And more than £30,000 was spent by the firm at hospitality events attended by the council duo, although others were also present.

Witnesses reported that during one night out, Costello placed his empty glass on his head as a signal it was time that one of the contractors bought him another drink.

Mr O’Mahony said the duo benefited from “extensive” hospitality, including tickets to Hibs and Hearts matches.

He said: “There were corporate seats at football matches with free drinks during and after the game, meals and nights out at bars with drinks paid for and visits to lapdance bars. Drinks and lapdances were provided.

“Costello particularly took advantage of this, and he used to brag. It was said a night out must have cost ABC £5000. It’s impossible to quantify how much was spent on each

Costello – who admitted pocketing £14,134 in cash and rewards – splashed out on three cars: an Audi TT Quattro, Toyota Corolla and a Jeep Cherokee.

The court heard yesterday that Costello, 44, of Crosswood Crescent, Balerno, would “not have been able to sustain that lifestyle” on a modest council salary while raising a family.

Owenson, who admitted receiving £28,387 as a reward for influencing council contracts at an earlier court hearing, attempted to conceal the cash by buying a Mercedes LL320 and a Peugeot 207.

The 62-year-old, of Drum Brae Neuk, was also found to have put “unexplained funds” into bank accounts in both his and his wife’s names.

Costello, who had worked at the city council since 1991, also made “large cash deposits” to his bank account which could not be explained by any income.

The pair, who were both first offenders, were officers within the council’s Property Care Services section.

They were responsible with others for logging reports of properties that needed repairs and taking on contractors to carry out the work. ABC was an approved contractor and carried out the “vast majority” of the work. Mr O’Mahony said the “level of trust and responsibility” held by Owenson and Costello was so great that between 2005 and 2011, they handled more than 1000 contracts worth almost £1.5 million.

At the height of its success, ABC was turning over more than £4m a year and employed more than 70 staff. From 2006 to 2010, 93 per cent of all contracts secured by the firm were for work carried out for the city council.

Police seized files from the offices of ABC in New Mart Road, finding itemised breakdowns for council contracts, including materials and labour.

At the bottom of the page, there was an additional figure noted down – ranging from £20 to £2000 – alongside the initials of either Owenson or Costello, representing the amount needed to secure the contract.

Officers found 175 of these suspicious work orders – Owenson was linked to 102 of them, while Costello was connected to the remaining 73.

Witnesses told police that they saw Balmer regularly putting cash in the top drawer of his desk in envelopes.

Owenson and Costello were regular visitors to the ABC offices, while the contractors went to see the Property Care Services team once a week.

Mr O’Mahony said: “Several colleagues had concerns about favouritism. Witnesses confirmed that on occasions, Owenson would walk round from his desk and go to Costello’s computer, to input something into his computer. Work orders would be created at Costello’s computer, and authorised by Owenson.”

During meetings with 52-year-old Balmer at the ABC offices, the men would be seen going into a glass-fronted room, and the blinds would be drawn.

“One colleague was asked to withdraw cash for Balmer. Some time later she saw Owenson at the ABC premises and she saw that he had two white envelopes under his arm,” said Mr O’Mahony.

An examination of Balmer’s laptop saw references to Cantwell paying for “extras”.

The pair also kept an Excel spreadsheet – named “Jacco” after Costello and Owenson – which kept a running tally of council projects and the bribes.

In 2009, Balmer, who had co-founded the company with scaffolder Cantwell, told a member of staff at the firm that he was “fed up” of Owenson and Costello and stopped giving them payments for a short period.

But Balmer, who was also company secretary, later revealed he came under pressure because ABC was losing business and jobs were being allocated to other contractors – and the bribes resumed.

The court heard that between December 2006 and November 2010, Balmer, of Tantallon Gardens, Livingston, received £141,541 in dividends and Cantwell, 44, of Bankton Gardens, Livingston, £135,071.

A Proceeds of Crime hearing to recover the profits will be held later this year.

Owenson and Costello admitted breaching the 1889 Public Bodies Corrupt Practices Act and Proceeds of Crime charges earlier this week.

Cantwell and Balmer admitted giving £42,521 in cash and hospitality to the value of £30,249.21 to Owenson and Costello as inducements to secure contracts for the repair and maintenance of publicly-owned buildings.

Balmer admitted causing the city council to pay £67,923 to ABC Ltd between April 2007 and May 2010 and obtaining £22,641 by fraud.

He also pleaded guilty to adding £986.51 to a council invoice for materials and labour given to Costello for free – the cost was put on a bill for works carried out at Duddingston and North Leith churchyards.

Sheriff Michael O’Grady QC ordered background reports ahead of sentencing next month.

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Personal finance: How to save money on car hire

There are a few ways to save money on car rental. Picture: Getty

There are a few ways to save money on car rental. Picture: Getty

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LISA Venter, social media marketing manager at Money Dashboard, gives tips on the best ways to save money on care hire.

1 Don’t rely on airport deals

With Europe’s biggest car hire firms recently rapped on the knuckles by the Competition and Markets Authority and told to act on customer complaints about insurance, it’s clear that people have been losing out. They include people who have simply added airport car hire when buying their tickets. Use price comparison sites before you book your car through your airport ticket bundle to make sure it’s the best price available. If you do plan on using airport hire, plan ahead as booking in advance and online you can save money through early bird fees.

2 Credit card check

Give your credit card statement a once-over after the final car hire bill has come off as it may not always be what you agreed to pay at the desk. That little clause about damages may come back to haunt you when you’re charged for a scrape you didn’t notice or weren’t responsible for.

3 Challenge damages

If you do end up damaging your car or a nasty sum comes off your credit card post car-hire by surprise then do challenge the car hire company. As a result of the new review this will be easier to do in six to 12 months time. When you return your car get it checked for damage and signed off by a member of. If you took the car back out of hours or the desk was busy and you didn’t do the check it could be difficult to challenge the extra charges.

4 Fuel for thought

Before booking your car online, make sure to check the options such as “Pick up full and return full” or “Pre-purchased fuel and return empty” depending on what suits your journey. This is handy for those doing shorter trips who don’t want to pay for a full tank of fuel or those doing longer trips who’d rather buy fuel along the way at a less inflated rate.

5 Insurance

Car hire insurance takes a cheap and appealing quote to an expensive and disappointing experience if you’re not careful. Hopefully after the regulatory review the list of insurance available will be simplified and you won’t have to think so hard about this. But for now follow the advice of the AA, which recommends that “rather than pay the hire company’s ‘Super’ insurance premium to reduce possible excess payments in the event of a claim it might be cheaper to take the hirer’s standard product and insure separately with a car hire excess reimbursement insurance policy”.

• Lisa Venter is social media manager at

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Your weekly insider look at Tennessee athletics

InsideTennessee staff members Maria Cornelius, Cory Gunkel and Danny Parker combined to put together this 3,500-plus-word installment of "Gate 21" for its site members. From recruiting to team news, sign in or subscribe now to get educated on what's going on in Big Orange Country.

How do the players who are missing spring practice work out to ensure they're still getting better despite injuries?

What Scout four-star prospect feels the most comfortable about Tennessee right now?

What transfer names are on the Vols' radar in basketball?

What's the latest on the Lady Vols?

That and more in this week's Gate 21

Inside Tennessee Top Stories


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Tuesday, May 31, 2016

"You and Me" Layout for Prima's May Build a Page Challenge

 Prima had a lovely sketch for their May Build a Page Challenge, so I thought I would play along.

Check it out:

And, this is my take on it:

I used the Tales of You and me collection, as well other Prima goodies including alphas, resin butterflies, hearts from the Mechanicals collection, some floral lace trim, and my coveted pistachio vine! The chipboard is from Dusty Attic, but I did treat it with the new Prima rust paste and copper acrylic paint.

In this closeup, you can see the stenciling I did with clear crackle. I added some brown distress ink, as well as some purple chalk ink over it to blend the colors of the layout together.

Thanks for checking out my layout. I hope you had time to play along!

Monday, May 23, 2016

Art Venture Seaside Projects!

This past April, I went to Prima's Art Venture Seaside event in Coronado, CA, and it was fantastic! Of course this was the perfect getaway for me getting to experience my two favorite things in the world: scrapbooking and the beach! Take a look at the view we had while crafting:

There were three mixed media classes, each taught by some of the best people in the crafting world!

Class #1: "Hope: Altered Doll, Part One with Anna Dabrowska

 This was my third time taking a class from this remarkably talented woman, and this class is my favorite so far because the project was so unique!

Here's a look at the class sample:

I cannot begin to express my excitement to make something like this!

The class was done in two parts. On the first day, we made the dress which had to dry for a few hours. We set the headless dolls outside, and it was quite a sight!

(I didn't take this picture, but I believe Denny Dupra-Ruffner did, as he posted it on Facebook. :) )

And, the last part was decorating the head of the doll. Here's what my lady looked like after the first part of the class:

The dress still needed time to dry completely, so we put them aside for the next day!

Class #2: Relics Romance Necklace with Debby Anderson

I LOVED making this necklace with the Relics and Artifacts line! At first glance of the necklace sample, it looks like its not going to take three hours to make, but the amount of detail that Debby puts into her pieces is incredible! She is an amazing teacher! She took the time to explain the "how and why" of all of the steps, and I learned so many ways to add FINE details to make a piece of jewelry that is finished to perfection. The layers of mixed media on the relics give it an amazing look, and no picture can accurately showcase that! But, here is my finished project:

And, here's a closeup of the heart:

It was a great day of classes, and we ended early enough to enjoy being on the island for a beautiful sunset on the beach.

Class #1: "Hope: Altered Doll, Part Two with Anna Dabrowska

The second part of the altered doll class was an incredible experience. The day before it was exciting to see how everyone had the same products, but managed to make such unique dresses for their dolls! Day two was equally exciting seeing how everyone was adorning, and then coloring their dolls! We all wandered around in awe of what was going on at every table.

Take a look at these pictures to get an idea of the variety:
(Again, I snagged these pictures from Facebook, taken by Denny Dupra-Ruffner.)

I was pretty happy with how my doll came out, but I knew she would need some work when I got home. Some of the blue mist did get on my doll's "skin" and I wanted her to have a cleaner look. This is what her face looked like at the end of class:

I tried painting her with white gesso, but it wasn't coming out as "clean" as I wanted to, so I decided to start over with her entire head and sprayed her with gesso spray.

I attempted to paint her face giving her some eyebrows and pretty plum lips.

But, ultimately I decided she should have a mask, so this is what she looks like, all finished:

Here's a couple of shots of her in her entirety:

And some close ups of the dress details:

And a view from the back:

After making this doll, I have a feeling I will be making a few more!

Class #3: Amour Relic Shrine with John Creighton Petersen

 This is my second time taking a class from John, and I just love how fun he is and how he makes the projects seem so easy to make! The first part of the class was making this beautiful shrine:

The techniques we use with black gesso, opal magic paints, micas, and texture paste make this a stunning piece of decor.  And, I learned about Liquid Fusion glue, which I used to adhere the relics to the shrine. It changed my life! :) There's no way that those pieces are EVER coming off using that stuff!

Here's a closeup of the heart locket:

Even the back of the shrine has an awesome finish:

There is a second part to the class- a heart bracelet, but I didn't get a chance to make that YET. I decided to leave class a little early to beat that crazy Southern CA traffic back to Las Vegas!

Thanks for taking the time to check out my projects from Art Venture Seaside! If you ever get a chance to go to an Art Venture event, DO IT! You won't be sorry!

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

"Be Strong" Layout for the May Prima Product Picks Challenge

I just loved the color palette for Prima's PPP this month, and decided to try it out. Just take a look at these beautiful colors!

I chose to use the Garden Fable collection for most of the layout. While these colors are a lovely combination, my biggest challenge was NOT adding green! :) For some reason I kept wanting to add some green papers and greenery to the floral clusters, but I found some blue and pink leaves from the Royal Menagerie collection that worked out well.  I used up a lot of my flowers from open packages of different collections. Some of the other flowers are from Royal Menagerie, as well as lace flowers from the Cigar Box Secrets collection, some small yellow flowers from the Epiphany collection and the Audrey flower collection, and of course from the Garden Fable collection to get a good variety and capture the colors from the palette!

Here's what I came up with:

I started out using the Prima white crackle paste on a large distressed circle stencil. Once dry, I added some water and soft teal color bloom spray with a brush over the crackle image.

The pink foils that go along with the adhesive rub ons were perfect for this color palette, so I added some of the rub ons, including this flower with a little cluster and beautiful resin cherub. The teal leaves are Prima metals that took apart.

 For the title, I wanted to use the adhesive rub ons with the foil, but I didn't want to use the pink again, and I thought the teal would be too bright, so I used both! I used the pink foil on the adhesive rub on first, but I didn't press it down over the entire rub on. Then, I used the teal foil and pressed over the entire rub on to get this faded look which I love!

Thanks for checking out my layout! I hope you get a chance to play along in the Prima challenges this month!

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Prima Wall Art Submission

Oh my, I was down to the wire on this one! :) In case you didn't know, Prima Marketing is having a "Wall Art" contest, and one of the items on the list that you could use was one of the new Prima DIY chandeliers, so that's what I made. First, here's the gallery wall in it's entirety:

Table top view.

I love all things beachy. It is my most favorite decor theme!

Besides the chandelier, I also made each project, mostly using Prima products, which I have already shared in previous blog posts.

So, for this chandelier, my main idea was to replace the "lights" with shells, and give it a bluish patina wash.

Here's a couple of different pictures of the whole project.

I started out painting the chandelier with some VerDay paint, and then I added some gold crackle in random spots.  I then dry brushed the entire thing with white gesso, then I gave it a good spraying session with the color bloom sprays in deep teal, light teal, and glistening waves.  I also added some pearl strands from my stash, and well as some Prima Calcutta flowers I have been saving for a special project.

I added the shells and then some art stones, both sizes, and dry brushed those with gesso, and then sprayed them with the color bloom spray in empress gold. Here's a couple more closeups of the shells:

Lastly, I added the Prima chandelier adornments. They were clear, but I decided to give them a beach glass finish, again using the blue color bloom sprays.

Thanks for checking out my entry for the Prima Wall Art contest!