We Need Quantum Computers

Ethan Siegel, a senior contributor at Forbes, has an article about unresolved math problems such as the travelling salesman problem, a question that has  remained unresolved for ninety years. In this problem, the salesman has to travel to a number of distinct destinations and then return home to his base. As the number of destinations increase, the number of routes involved explode exponentially.  A regular computer would take a preposterously long time to calculate and recommend the shortest and therefore the most efficient path.  Therefore quantum computers are necessary, and one was designed and successfully tested in 2019.


Here is the link to the Forbes article:


https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2020/05/28/this-90-year-old-math-problem-shows-why-we-need-quantum-computers/#3033ba791c5d




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Footnote from the Blog Author


While Siegel may be right in offering quantum computers as the only tool that can perform a complete “brute force” determination of the shortest path by comparing every single ;possible path, substantial progress was made in the 20^th century through the use of improved algorithms.  See:


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travelling_salesman_problem


See also Karmarkar’s algorithm at:


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karmarkar%27s_algorithm

Certain Viruses Attack Cancer Cells

An adenovirus is now better able to target and kill cancer cells due to the addition of an RNA stabilizing element
From: Hokkaido University in Japan


May 28, 2020 -- Hokkaido University scientists have made an adenovirus that specifically replicates inside and kills cancer cells by employing special RNA-stabilizing elements. The details of the research were published in the journal Cancers.



Much research in recent years has investigated genetically modifying adenoviruses to kill cancers, with some currently being tested in clinical trials. When injected, these adenoviruses replicate inside cancer cells and kill them. Scientists are trying to design more efficient viruses, which are better able to target cancer cells while leaving normal cells alone.



Hokkaido University molecular oncologist Fumihiro Higashino led a team of scientists to make two new adenoviruses that specifically target cancer cells. To do this, they used ‘adenylate-uridylate-rich elements’ (AREs), which are signals in RNA molecules known to enhance the rapid decay of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in human cells. “AREs make sure that mRNAs don’t continue to code for proteins unnecessarily in cells,” explains Higashino. “Genes required for cell growth and proliferation tend to have AREs.”



Under certain stress conditions, however, ARE-containing mRNAs can become temporarily stabilized allowing the maintenance of some necessary cell processes. ARE-mRNAs are also stabilized in cancer cells, supporting their continuous proliferation.



Higashino and his team inserted AREs from two human genes into an adenovirus replicating gene, making the new adenoviruses: AdARET and AdAREF. “The idea behind the insertion is that the AREs will stabilize the killer adenoviruses, allowing them to replicate only inside cancer cells but not in normal healthy ones,” says Higashino.


Indeed, AdARET and AdAREF were both found to replicate inside and kill cancer cells in the laboratory, while they hardly affected normal cells. Tests confirmed that the specific replication in cancer cells was due to stabilization of the viral genes with AREs, which did not happen in the healthy cells.


The scientists then injected human cancer cells under the skin of nude mice, which then developed into tumors. When AdARET and AdAREF were injected into the tumors, they resulted in a significant reduction in tumor size.


This wasn’t the first time for the team to test the use of AREs in adenoviruses. In a previous study, another scientist used an ARE belonging to a different gene and found this adenovirus worked specifically in cancers containing a mutation in a gene called RAS. AdARET and AdAREF, on the other hand, were found to be effective against cancer cells without a mutated RAS gene, making the viruses applicable to a wider range of cancer cells.



“Since ARE-mRNA stability has also been reported in diseases other than cancer, we think the viruses we engineered could also have potential for treating diseases related to inflammations, viral infection, hypoxia, and ultraviolet irradiation,” says Higashino.


           https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/blog/exploiting-viruses-to-attack-cancer-cells/

Your Dog Wants to Rescue You

Pet dogs will try to save their distressed human, if they know how


Arizona State University --- May 29, 2020 -- Imagine you're a dog. Your owner is trapped in a box and is crying out for help. Are you aware of his despair? If so, can you set him free? And what's more, do you really want to? That's what researchers wanted to know when they gave dogs the chance to rescue their owners.


What to do. You're a dog. Your owner is trapped in a box and is crying out for help. Are you aware of 
his despair? If so, can you set him free? And what's more, do you really want to?


That's what Joshua Van Bourg and Clive Wynne wanted to know when they gave dogs the chance to rescue their owners.


Until recently, little research has been done on dogs' interest in rescuing humans, but that's what humans have come to expect from their canine companions -- a legend dating back to Lassie and updated by the popular Bolt.


"It's a pervasive legend," said Van Bourg, a graduate student in Arizona State University's Department of Psychology.


Simply observing dogs rescuing someone doesn't tell you much, Van Bourg said. "The difficult challenge is figuring out why they do it."


So, Van Bourg and Wynne, an ASU professor of psychology and director of the Canine Science Collaboratory at ASU, set up an experiment assessing 60 pet dogs' propensity to rescue their owners. None of the dogs had training in such an endeavor.


In the main test, each owner was confined to a large box equipped with a light-weight door, which the dog could move aside. The owners feigned distress by calling out "help," or "help me."


Beforehand, the researchers coached the owners so their cries for help sounded authentic. In addition, owners weren't allowed to call their dog's name, which would encourage the dog to act out of obedience, and not out of concern for her owner's welfare.


"About one-third of the dogs rescued their distressed owner, which doesn't sound too impressive on its own, but really is impressive when you take a closer look," Van Bourg said.


That's because two things are at stake here. One is the dogs' desire to help their owners, and the other is how well the dogs understood the nature of the help that was needed. Van Bourg and Wynne explored this factor in control tests -- tests that were lacking in previous studies.


In one control test, when the dog watched a researcher drop food into the box, only 19 of the 60 dogs opened the box to get the food. More dogs rescued their owners than retrieved food.


"The key here is that without controlling for each dog's understanding of how to open the box, the proportion of dogs who rescued their owners greatly underestimates the proportion of dogs who wanted to rescue their owners," Van Bourg said.


"The fact that two-thirds of the dogs didn't even open the box for food is a pretty strong indication that rescuing requires more than just motivation, there's something else involved, and that's the ability component," Van Bourg said. "If you look at only those 19 dogs that showed us they were able to open the door in the food test, 84% of them rescued their owners. So, most dogs want to rescue you, but they need to know how."


In another control test, Van Bourg and Wynne looked at what happened when the owner sat inside the box and calmly read aloud from a magazine. What they found was that four fewer dogs, 16 out of 60, opened the box in the reading test than in the distress test.


"A lot of the time it isn't necessarily about rescuing," Van Bourg said. "But that doesn't take anything away from how special dogs really are. Most dogs would run into a burning building just because they can't stand to be apart from their owners. How sweet is that? And if they know you're in distress, well, that just ups the ante."


The fact that dogs did open the box more often in the distress test than in the reading control test indicated that rescuing could not be explained solely by the dogs wanting to be near their owners.


The researchers also observed each dog's behavior during the three scenarios. They noted behaviors that can indicate stress, such as whining, walking, barking and yawning.


"During the distress test, the dogs were much more stressed," Van Bourg said. "When their owner was distressed, they barked more, and they whined more. In fact, there were eight dogs who whined, and they did so during the distress test. Only one other dog whined, and that was for food."


What's more, the second and third attempts to open the box during the distress test didn't make the dogs less stressed than they were during the first attempt. That was in contrast to the reading test, where dogs that have already been exposed to the scenario, were less stressed across repeated tests.


"They became acclimated," Van Bourg said. "Something about the owner's distress counteracts this acclimation. There's something about the owner calling for help that makes the dogs not get calmer with repeated exposure."


In essence, these individual behaviors are more evidence of "emotional contagion," the transmission of stress from the owner to the dog, explains Van Bourg, or what humans would call empathy.


"What's fascinating about this study," Wynne said, "is that it shows that dogs really care about their people. Even without training, many dogs will try and rescue people who appear to be in distress -- and when they fail, we can still see how upset they are. The results from the control tests indicate that dogs who fail to rescue their people are unable to understand what to do -- it's not that they don't care about their people.


"Next, we want to explore whether the dogs that rescue do so to get close to their people, or whether they would still open the box even if that did not give them the opportunity to come together with their humans," Wynne added.

---

Story Source:


Materials provided by Arizona State University. Original written by Robin Tricoles.


                    https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/05/200529150706.htm

Skepticism About Any Virus Vaccine

Introduction


CBS News picked up on an Associated Press story dealing with a new poll dealing with the public attitude toward using the new vaccines that are being developed to prevent infection by the coronavirus.  Below are two paragraphs about the poll results.


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“Only about half of Americans say they would get a COVID-19 vaccine if the scientists working furiously to create one succeed, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.


“That's surprisingly low considering the being put into the global race for a vaccine against the coronavirus that's sparked a pandemic since first emerging from China late last year. But more people might eventually roll up their sleeves: The poll, released Wednesday, found 31% simply weren't sure if they'd get vaccinated. One-in-five said they'd refuse.”


         https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-vaccine-half-americans-would-get/

Anaphylaxis (Anaphylactic Shock)

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. It typically causes more than one of the following: an itchy rash, throat or tongue swelling, shortness of breath, vomiting, lightheadedness, and low blood pressure. These symptoms typically come on over minutes to hours.


Common causes include insect bites and stings, foods, and medications. Other causes include latex exposure and exercise. Additionally, cases may occur without an obvious reason. The mechanism involves the release of mediators from certain types of white blood cells triggered by either immunologic or non-immunologic mechanisms. Diagnosis is based on the presenting symptoms and signs after exposure to a potential allergen.


The primary treatment of anaphylaxis is epinephrine injection into a muscle, intravenous fluids, and positioning the person flat. Additional doses of epinephrine may be required. Other measures, such as antihistamines and steroids, are complementary. Carrying an epinephrine auto-injector and identification regarding the condition is recommended in people with a history of anaphylaxis.

Worldwide, 0.05–2% of the population is estimated to experience anaphylaxis at some point in life. Rates appear to be increasing. It occurs most often in young people and females. Of people who go to a hospital with anaphylaxis in the United States about 99.7% survive. The term comes from the Ancient Greek: ἀνά, romanized: ana, lit.  'against', and the Ancient Greek: φύλαξις, romanized: phylaxis, lit. 'protection'.


Causes of Anaphylaxis


Anaphylaxis can occur in response to almost any foreign substance. Common triggers include venom from insect bites or stings, foods, and medication. Foods are the most common trigger n children and young adults while medications and insect bites and stings are more common in older adults. Less common causes include: physical factors, biological agents such as semen, latex, hormonal changes, food additives such as monosodium glutamate and food colors, and topical medications. Physical factors such as exercise (known as exercise-induced anaphylaxis) or temperature (either hot or cold) may also act as triggers through their direct effects on mast cells. Events caused by exercise are frequently associated with the ingestion of certain foods. During anesthesia, neuromuscular blocking agents, antibiotics, and latex are the most common causes. The cause remains unknown in 32–50% of cases, referred to as "idiopathic anaphylaxis." Six vaccines (MMR, varicella, influenza, hepatitis B, tetanus, meningococcal) are recognized as a cause for anaphylaxis, and HPV may cause anaphylaxis as well. Physical exercise is an uncommon cause of anaphylaxis; in about a third of such cases there is a co-factor like taking an NSAID or eating a specific food prior to exercising.


Diagnosis


Anaphylaxis is diagnosed on the basis of a person's signs and symptoms. When any one of the following three occurs within minutes or hours of exposure to an allergen there is a high likelihood of anaphylaxis: 

1. Involvement of the skin or mucosal tissue plus either respiratory difficulty or a low blood pressure causing symptoms
2. Two or more of the following symptoms after a likely contact with an allergen:

a. Involvement of the skin or mucosa

b. Respiratory difficulties

c. Low blood pressure

d. Gastrointestinal symptoms

3. Low blood pressure after exposure to a known allergen

Skin involvement may include: hives, itchiness or a swollen tongue among others. Respiratory difficulties may include: shortness of breath, stridor, or low oxygen levels among others. Low blood pressure is defined as a greater than 30% decrease from a person's usual blood pressure. In adults a systolic blood pressure of less than 90 mmHg is often used.


During an attack, blood tests for tryptase or histamine (released from mast cells) might be useful in diagnosing anaphylaxis due to insect stings or medications. However these tests are of limited use if the cause is food or if the person has a normal blood pressure, and they are not specific for the diagnosis.


Prevention


Avoidance of the trigger of anaphylaxis is recommended. In cases where this may not be possible, desensitization may be an option. Immunotherapy with Hymenoptera venoms is effective at desensitizing 80–90% of adults and 98% of children against allergies to bees, wasps, hornets, yellowjackets, and fire ants. Oral immunotherapy may be effective at desensitizing some people to certain food including milk, eggs, nuts and peanuts; however, adverse effects are common.  For example, many people develop an itchy throat, cough, or lip swelling during immunotherapy. 
Desensitization is also possible for many medications, however it is advised that most people simply avoid the agent in question. In those who react to latex it may be important to avoid cross-reactive foods such as avocados, bananas, and potatoes among others.


Management


Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that may require resuscitation measures such as airway management, supplemental oxygen, large volumes of intravenous fluids, and close monitoring. Passive leg raise may also be helpful in the emergency management.


Administration of epinephrine is the treatment of choice with antihistamines and steroids (for example, dexamethasone) often used as adjuncts. A period of in-hospital observation for between 2 and 24 hours is recommended for people once they have returned to normal due to concerns of biphasic anaphylaxis.


                                          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaphylaxis

Ingredients for a Long Life

David Robson wrote a piece for the BBC about common elements of the remote “Blue Zones” of the earth where people live the longest, some past age 100 years.  There were common elements to these long-lived residents, though the zone exists on different continents.

•        Eat only until your stomach is eighty percent full.
•         Insist on high quality relationships and try to include fellow religious practitioners in your circle of friends.  Additionally, allow yourself to be awed by nature.
•         Enjoy a few cups of a hot drink such as coffee or tea each day.
•         Ingest a diet low in meat but high in fruit and vegetables.
•         Try some sweet potatoes instead of rice.
•         Consider seaweed, algae and kelp as edible.      
•      Live where the natural radiation level is low rather than very low.
•      Get plenty of exercise.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200512-the-ingredients-that-hold-the-secret-to-a-long-life

The "Bro Code" in Detail

In popular culture, the Bro Code is a friendship etiquette to be followed among men or, more specifically, among members of the bro subculture. The term has been popularized by Barney Stinson, a character from the television show How I Met Your Mother. Katherine Connor Martin, head of content creation at Oxford Dictionaries, recognized Stinson as "the quintessence of a certain iteration of the contemporary bro."


The Notion


Early references

The notion of an unwritten set of rules that govern the relationship between male friends is present in popular culture at least since 1991. In the Seinfeld episode "The Stranded", which aired on November 27 that year, Jerry Seinfeld says the following monologue, in one of his stand-up bits: 

All plans between men are tentative. If one man should suddenly have an opportunity to pursue a woman, it's like these two guys never met each other ever in life. This is the male code. And it doesn't matter how important the arrangements are [...]

— Jerry Seinfeld, in Seinfeld, "The Stranded"

"Bros before hoes"


"Bros before hoes" (that is, "friends before women") is a well-known, slang expression about how men should not abandon their male friends in order to pursue or embark on relationships with women.


The "bros before hoes" expression is often regarded as the "golden rule" of male friendship, and it has been common slang at least since 2001. It was used by The Office character Michael Scott in "A Benihana Christmas", and was later popularized by Barney Stinson.


In the 2008 presidential election primaries, there were T-shirts sold online with the slogan “Bros before Hos.” The shirts depict Barack Obama (the Bro) and Hillary Clinton (the Ho).  See  https://www.truthdig.com/articles/a-farewell-to-the-hillary-nutcracker-and-other-obscenities/ 


The Bro Code


Inspired by the notion of Bro Code that they developed in their sitcom, How I Met Your Mother creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas, and one of the show's writers, Matt Kuhn, wrote a book called The Bro Code. Published by Simon & Schuster, the book covers 150 rules written in articles of what "bros" should or should not do. The book was penned by Barney Stinson and also credited with Kuhn, who also wrote the entries of Barney's blog, mentioned in the series. The book was first shown in the episode "The Goat". Greig Dymond of CBC.ca calls the book "a tongue-in-cheek guide to etiquette for horn-dog dudes." At the end of each episode, a vanity card is used to display a random rule from the Bro Code, similar to what is done on Chuck Lorre-produced shows.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bro_Code


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The Bro Code: How Contemporary Culture Creates Sexist Men is a documentary created by Thomas E. Keith in 2011.


The film has been described as a treatise on misogyny.


Biographical Information on the Film Maker:  Thomas Keith is a professor at California Polytechnic University and Claremont Graduate University where he teaches philosophy and gender studies. His specific areas of study include: American philosophy, race, class\, and gender.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bro_Code:_How_Contemporary_Culture_Creates_Sexist_Men


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125 Rules of The Bro Code


1

Bros before Hoes – A ‘Hoe’ is defined as any woman that is not your wife or direct family.

2

A Bro is always allowed to do something stupid as long as his Bros are doing it.

3

If a Bro gets a dog it must be at least knee height when fully grown.

4

Whether a Bro is in to sports or not they pick a team and support them until their dying breath.

5

A Bro shall not gaze at a naked Bro.

6

A Bro never sends a birthday card to another Bro.

7

A Bro is honor-bound to aid his Bros with DIY and moving house.

8

Bros do not share dessert.

9

If a Bro leads a beer/food run they are entitled to all left over change.

10

A Bro doesn’t allow another Bro to get married until they are at least thirty years old.

11

A Bro never dances with their hands above their head.

12

A Bro will not sleep with another Bro's sister. However, a Bro is allowed to be vocal about her level of attractiveness.

13

A Bro shall not wear his cell phone on a belt clip.

14

Bros don't make eye-contact during a Devil's Three-way.

15

A Bro never rents a chick flick.

16

Even in a fight to the death a Bro never punches another Bro in the groin.

17

A Bro never cries.

18

A Bro never applies sunscreen to another Bro.

19

A Bro never wears pink underwear.

20

A Bro never publicly reveals how many people another Bro has slept with.

21

A Bro is not required to remember another Bro's birthday.

22

A Bro is required to go out with his Bros on Saint Patrick's Day.

23

A Bro doesn't grow a moustache.

24

A Bro will make any and all effort to provide his Bro with a condom when they score.

25

A Bro must always reciprocate a round of drinks.

26

A Bro ALWAYS enhances another Bro's job description when introducing him.

27

A Bro leaves the toilet seat up for his Bros.

28

If a Bro buys a new car he is required to pop the hood when showing it off to his Bros.

29

If a Bro for whatever reason needs to drive another Bro's car, they shall not adjust the preprogrammed radio stations.

30

A Bro shows up to a party with at least one more unit of alcohol than they plan to drink.

31

Bros start at least one fire a year.

32

If a Bro asks another Bro to keep a secret he shall take that secret to his grave.

33

A Bro never wears socks with sandals.

34

The mum of a Bro is always off-limits.

35

When a Bro isn't invited to another Bro's wedding, they don't make a big deal about it.

36

A Bro doesn't sing along to music in a bar.

37

'Clothing optional' doesn't really mean 'clothing optional' to Bros.

38

A Bro shall not damage another Bro's chances to score.

39

A Bro never willingly relinquishes possession of a remote control.

40

A Bro is never vegan.

If a Bro fails a challenge, it's ALWAYS the equipment's fault.

42

Every Bro knows a Bro who is the worlds best at something.

43

When a Bro learns another Bro has been in a traffic accident, they must first ask what condition the car is in.

44

When hosting, a Bro orders enough pizza for all his Bros.

45

A Bro shall seek no revenge if they pass out around their Bros and wake up to find their body covered in drawings and shaving foam.

46

A Bro is never offended if another Bro fails to return a phone call, text or email.

47

A Bro doesn't listen to chick music... in front of other Bros.

48

A Bro pretends to understand and enjoy cigars.

49

It is NEVER acceptable for a Bro to sleep with another Bro's ex.

50

Bros don't quote Oscar Wilde.

51

A Bro always admits when they farted.

52

A Bro will always verify another Bro's story when they are trying to score.

53

If your team beats your Bro's team you have 24 hours to rub it in.

54

A Bro always takes a piss standing up.

55

A Bro never catches a cold. Bros are struck down with Man Flu.

56

If a Bro finds his Bro's girlfriend repulsive, they shall not say anything until they have broken up.

57

A Bro never gives another Bro the silent treatment.

58

A Bro always has his Bro's back.

59

Women can also be a Bro.

60

A Bro DOES NOT masturbate in front of other Bros.

61

When a Bro asks another Bro to look after their drink, that Bro never tampers with it. Pranks NEVER involve another Bro's drink.

62

A Bro doesn't unfriend his Bro on Facebook while in a huff.

63

All Bros are required to take turns as the 'designated driver'.

64

Bros don't wax their body hair.

65

A Bro is not expected to notice another Bro's new haircut.

66

A Bro never asks another Bro to come with them to the bathroom.

67

A Bro never wears Crocs.

68

Bros DO NOT pout for selfies.

69

A Bro never uses another Bro's toothbrush.

70

Bros don't use umbrellas.

71

A Bro DOES NOT choose his own nickname. A nickname, good or bad, is bestowed upon you by your fellow Bros.

72

Bros take care of their fellow bros when they have too much to drink.

73

A Bro of a Bro is a Bro to you.

74

When a Bro has a kid his Bros become honorary uncles.

75

A Bro never keeps a photo of their Bro in his wallet.

76

A Bro does not allow his Bro to drunk dial or text his ex.

77

Bros don't wear skinny jeans.

78

A Bro ALWAYS honours a bet.

79

A Bro is honour bound to accept all arm wrestling challenges.

80

Bros pay for their dates.

Bros don't stop to smell flowers.

82

Bros don't touch another Bro's drink without express permission.

83

Bros don't break up chick fights until a sufficient amount of clothing has been pulled off.

84

A Bro will ALWAYS watch a movie narrated by Morgan Freeman.

85

At a Bro's funeral, all other Bros toast with the deceased's drink of choice.

86

When a Bro wants to do something stupid, you film it.

87

A Bro must NEVER impede on a Bro's ability to suit up.

88

ALL conversations between Bros are subject to 'Bro to Bro confidentiality'.

89

A bro cannot give another Bro a teddy bear.

90

Bros shall never under any circumstances go and see a chick flick alone.

91

A Bro does not dare or challenge another bro to do anything they wouldn't try themselves.

92

A Bro and a Brother are not the same thing.

93

A Bro never rearranges the dishes at another Bro's house.

94

Paint Balling is the ONLY combat scenario in which a Bro's balls are not off limits.

95

When a Bro leaves his seat that seat becomes vacant and cannot be reclaimed if another Bro takes it.

96

Bros shall not wear a Fanny Pack/Bum Bag.

97

A Bro never leaves another Bro behind.

98

A Bro never makes eye-contact with another Bro while eating a banana.

99

Dibs cannot be implied, you must call dibs in front of witnesses for any said Dibs to be valid.

100

When playing or responding to a prank, a Bro's car is off limits.

If you catch your Bro's partner cheating you immediately tell your Bro regardless of any shit-storm that may arise.

102

A Bro always has a condom in their wallet.

103

All Bros like steak.

104

Bros don't take selfies while having a dump.

105

A Bro never lets his brokenhearted Bro drink alone.

106

A Bro never tickles another Bro.

107

A Bro always offers his Bros a drink when getting one for themselves.

108

Bros wear their pants/trousers above their ass.

109

Bros don't use a photo of their pet or child as their profile picture.

110

A Bro doesn't get lost, he merely finds an alternate route.

111

If a Bro wins a trophy that can be used as a cup they will drink alcohol out of it as soon as possible.

112

Bros don't giggle.

113

Bros don't wear turtlenecks.

114

If Bros share a house/apartment all Bros are obligated to stay out of the way if a fellow Bro brings their date home.

115

A Bro NEVER under ANY circumstances attempts to get with another Bro's partner.

116

Bros don't touch each others hair.

117

When a Bro offers another Bro chewing gum, that offer is for two or more pieces.

118

Bro's don't smell each other on purpose.

119

A bro is NEVER afraid to fail.

120

If a Bro injures themselves while lifting weights, fellow Bros will add more weights before getting help.

Bros do not share a drink or popcorn at the cinema.

122

Bros only comment on a fellow Bro's fashion choice if that choice will affect their ability to get laid.

123

All Bros have an interest in some sort of weaponry.

124

A bro shall never engage in any sexual activity with a Girl-Bro.

125

A Bro will always tell their fellow Bro if they discover the girl they like is interested in someone else.



                                                 https://brocode.org/the-code/1/

Coronavirus Treatment from Australia

“And tidings do I bring, and lucky joys, And golden times, and happy news of price.”

— Shakespeare, Henry IV Part 2, Act 5, Scene 3

Make some tea or coffee.  Sit down and open this link.  Consider reading it, slowly, aloud.



https://www.newsmax.com/us/ivermectin-drug-virus/2020/05/22/id/968688/

Hong Kong "National Security Law"

The draft decision to establish and improve a legal framework and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, commonly referred to as the Hong Kong national security law, is a bill that is currently being deliberated on the third session of the thirteenth National People's Congress, held from 22 May 2020 to 28 May 2020, and is scheduled to be voted on at the end of the session on 28 May 2020. 


The draft decision covers five aspects, including improving national security and preventing external interference in Hong Kong's affairs. The law is intended to put in place "law-based and forceful measures" prohibiting activities described as having "seriously challenged the bottom line of the 'one country, two systems' principle, harmed the rule of law, and threatened national sovereignty, security and development interests". In addition to outlawing subversion, separatism, or acts of foreign interference against the central government, "security organs" will be set up in Hong Kong.


Different from the Basic Law Article 23, which requires approval from the Legislative Council to be enacted, the proposed law can be enacted by adding it to the Annex III of the Basic Law, effectively bypassing the legislative procedure of Hong Kong. Since its proposal, it has been criticized for further restricting the autonomy and freedom of Hong Kong. Its impact has been described by some as “The effective end of Hong Kong”. On 23 May, 2020, it was noted that the Chinese state-run media have been actively defending the bill, depicting the "laws as necessary to protect the rule of the Communist Party". It was described as "China’s propaganda machine (going) into full gear as the government sought to defend new laws aimed at limiting dissent and protest in Hong Kong." 


Background


The Hong Kong government has attempted to enact the Basic Law Article 23, a similar law to the currently proposed draft, in February 2003, but was forced to shelve it after a massive demonstration against it. In 2019, the government proposed the Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill which sparked the large-scale 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests forcing the government to withdraw it. As the central government decides that the Hong Kong administration is unable to pass the local legislation to enact laws on national security, it turns to the National People’s Congress to legislate such a law.


Content


The draft comprises of 7 articles, translated as below with notable passage underlined:

1. The country shall comprehensively implement the policy of “One country, two systems” and the high degree of autonomy that Hong Kong enjoys, while maintaining the constitution and the constitutional order established by the HKSAR Basic Law. It shall also establish a sound legal system in the HKSAR to maintain national security, preventing and penalizing activities that endanger national security.
2. The country objects to any foreign interference to the affairs of the HKSAR, and will employ any necessary counter-measures, preventing and penalizing any foreign activities in Hong Kong aiming for secession, subversion, penetration, and destruction.
3. It is the constitutional responsibility of the HKSAR to maintain the sovereignty and unity of the country. The HKSAR shall legislate national security law according to the Basic Law as soon as possible. The executive, legislature, and judiciary of the HKSAR shall prevent and penalize actions that endanger national security according to the related law.
4. The HKSAR shall construct a sound organisation and mechanism to maintain national security, and reinforce the work of maintaining national security. Organizations in the Central People’s Government responsible for national security may set up organizations in the HKSAR in order to fulfill the responsibility of maintaining national security.
5. The HKSAR chief executive shall periodically submit a report on the work of maintaining national security, education on national security, and prohibition of actions endangering national security.
6. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress is authorized to enact laws in order to build a sound legal system in the HKSAR to maintain national security and to prevent and penalize foreign interference of Hong Kong affairs and any actions that endanger national security such as secession, subversion, and organization of terrorism acts. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress decides to list the aforementioned laws into the Annex III of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, which is to be enforced by the HKSAR.
7. This decision is effective starting from the day of announcement.

Response


Hong Kong

In general, government officials and pro-establishment politicians are supportive of the drafted decision while pro-democracy politicians hold a negative opinion against it. 


Positive

On 22 May 2020, the Chief Executive Carrie Lam issued a statement stating that the HKSAR government will fully cooperate with the Standing Committee of the NPC to complete the legislation. At a press conference on the same day, she attributed the rapid drop in the stock market after the announcement of the draft decision as part of the usual market “ups and downs”, saying that the decision will offer businesses a stable environment.


Andrew Leung, the president of the Legislative Council, commented that the decision is in the overall interest of the country. Martin Liao, the convener of pro-establishment lawmakers, remarked that the NPC is exercising its constitutional power and responsibility as the highest organ of the State power to safeguard national security. 


Negative

The pro-democratic politician Lee Cheuk-yan expressed his worry that the proposed law could be arbitrarily used as a “one-size-fits-all” charge against activists, using the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu XiaoBo as an example, who was sentenced to a prison term of 11 years for inciting subversion.

Tanya Chan, a pro-democracy lawmaker, commented that the drafted decision confirmed that Hong Kong is changing from “One country, Two systems” to “One country, One system”, saying that the Chinese government is intervening in Hong Kong matters in all aspects.


The social activist Joshua Wong has described the drafted decision as the Chinese Communist Party’s attempt to wipe out Hong Kong’s connection to the international community, saying that the drafted law may be used to incriminate Demosisto for promoting the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. 


Joint Statement from the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia

On 22 May 2020, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne released a jount statement in response to Hong Kong's new security law. The statement indicates clearly China should continue to implement the legally binding Joint Declaration, signed by China and the UK, which shall provide that rights and freedom of those involved and ensure Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy. The provisions of the UN covenants on human rights, including International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights shall remain in force. The draft of such law without involvement of consulting legislation, people and judiciary clearly disrupts "One Country, Two Systems."



Canada

On 22 May, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau informed reporters that Canada is "concerned about the situation" and that Canada wants to "ensure that one-country, two-systems approach continues.



European Union

On 22 May 2020, Peter Stano, the lead spokesperson of the European Union, issued a press release. It writes that "One Country Two Systems" principle "attaches great importance to the preservation of Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, in line with the Basic Law and with international commitments, as well as to the respect for this principle." Consultation of people and respect on human rights and freedom should be done before the adoption of national security legislation, "as foreseen in Article 23 of the Basic Law, while also upholding Hong Kong’s autonomy and the ‘One Country Two Systems’ principle."



Japan

On 22 May 2020, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said that Japan is "closely following the development with very high interest." He also added that a free and open Hong Kong under the current "one country, two systems" framework is important.



Taiwan

On 22 May 2020, Taiwan's ruling party Democratic Progressive Party said that if the legislation passes, it would change Hong Kong’s fate forever, and that it would tell the world that "the ‘one country, two systems’ concept is dead." Kuomintang, the opposition party, also called on Beijing to respect and uphold Hong Kong’s autonomy, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. 




United States

On 21 May, 2020, President Donald Trump told reporters that he does not know what the legislation is, but "if it happens, we'll address that issue very strongly." On 22 May 2020, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that "the United States strongly urges Beijing to reconsider its disastrous proposal, abide by its international obligations, and respect Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy, democratic institutions, and civil liberties." He added that the United States will stand with the people of Hong Kong. On the same day, Senior Advisor Kevin Hassett told reporters that the United States was "studying what our possible response could be." Two US senators, Republican Pat Toomey and Democrat Chris Van Hollen, said they plan to introduce a bill that "would introduce legislation to impose sanctions on Chinese officials for violating Hong Kong’s independence."


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_People%27s_Congress_Decision_on_Hong_Kong_national_security_legislation