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(redirected from Testosterone congeners)
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(tĕstŏs`tərōn), principal androgen, or male sex hormonehormone,
secretory substance carried from one gland or organ of the body via the bloodstream to more or less specific tissues, where it exerts some influence upon the metabolism of the target tissue.
..... Click the link for more information.
. One of the group of compounds known as anabolic steroidssteroids,
class of lipids having a particular molecular ring structure called the cyclopentanoperhydro-phenanthrene ring system. Steroids differ from one another in the structure of various side chains and additional rings. Steroids are common in both plants and animals.
..... Click the link for more information.
, testosterone is secreted by the testes (see testistestis
or testicle
, one of a pair of glands that produce the male reproductive cells, or sperm. In fetal life the testes develop in the abdomen, then descend into an external sac, the scrotum.
..... Click the link for more information.
) but is also synthesized in small quantities in the ovariesovary,
ductless gland of the female in which the ova (female reproductive cells) are produced. In vertebrate animals the ovary also secretes the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, which control the development of the sexual organs and the secondary sexual characteristics.
..... Click the link for more information.
, cortices of the adrenal glandsadrenal gland
or suprarenal gland
, endocrine gland (see endocrine system) about 2 in. (5.1 cm) long situated atop each kidney. The outer yellowish layer (cortex) of the adrenal gland secretes about 30 steroid hormones, the most important of which are aldosterone and
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, and placenta, usually from cholesterolcholesterol
, fatty lipid found in the body tissues and blood plasma of vertebrates; it is only sparingly soluble in water, but much more soluble in some organic solvents. A steroid, cholesterol can be found in large concentrations in the brain, spinal cord, and liver.
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. Testosterone is necessary in the fetus for the development of male external genitalia; increased levels of testosterone at puberty are responsible for further growth of male genitalia and for the development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics such as facial hair and voice changes. Testosterone also stimulates protein synthesis and accounts for the greater muscular development of the male (see metabolismmetabolism,
sum of all biochemical processes involved in life. Two subcategories of metabolism are anabolism, the building up of complex organic molecules from simpler precursors, and catabolism, the breakdown of complex substances into simpler molecules, often accompanied by
..... Click the link for more information.

An abnormally low testosterone level in men, known as hypogonadism, is treated with testosterone, but it is not clear if testosterone is a safe or effective treatment for so-called low testosterone, such as the lower levels of testosterone typically found in older men. In men with lower testosterone, the level can often be raised by increasing exercise, improving diet, and reducing weight to the recommended range. For many years, synthetic steroids similar to testosterone have been used by athletes with the goal of improving performance, but medical research has shown that these drugs may have a wide range of harmful side effects and their use is now typically banned (see anabolic steroidanabolic steroid
or androgenic steroid
, any of a group of synthetic derivatives of testosterone that promote muscle and bone growth. Used to treat uncontrolled weight loss in wasting diseases, anabolic steroids have also been taken by bodybuilders and athletes seeking
..... Click the link for more information.

(also 17 β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one), the principal male sex hormone; chemically, a steroid. Testosterone occurs as colorless crystals having a melting point of 155°C. It is sparingly soluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. (The substance was first obtained in 1935. Here, testosterone in crystalline form was isolated from bovine testis tissue, 100 kg of tissue yielding 10 mg of hormone.)

In humans and other higher vertebrates, testosterone is produced by the sex glands, mainly the testes, as well as by the adrenal glands, placenta, and liver. Intermediate products in the biosynthesis of testosterone include cholesterol and progesterone.

The normal level of testosterone in the blood of a man is 0.5–0.6 microgram per 100 milliliters; in a woman, the level is 0.12 microgram per 100 milliliters. A man produces approximately 15 mg of testosterone per day. Testosterone promotes the development of male sexual organs and of secondary sex characteristics. It affects the differentiation of sexual organs and bodily structures of vertebrates developing in the uterus. The concentration of testosterone in the blood probably serves as the factor determining masculinization in males and virilism in females. Other androgens are active only after their conversion into testosterone.

Testosterone is used in medicine in substitution therapy when there are insufficiencies in the functioning of sex glands in men. It is also used for climacteric disorders in women and for certain types of tumors. Intake of testosterone over prolonged periods blocks the secretion of gonadotrophic hormones and suppresses sexual activity. In the pharmaceutical industry, the hormone is obtained from sterols and steroid saponins. Highly active synthetic analogues of testosterone, such as testosterone propionate and methyltestosterone, are used in medical practice.

Fieser, L., and M. Fieser. Steroidy. Moscow, 1964. (Translated from English.)
Heftmann, E. Biokhimiia steroidov. Moscow, 1972. (Translated from English.)

C19H28O2 The principal androgenic hormone released by the human testis; may be synthesized from cholesterol and certain other sterols.

a potent steroid hormone secreted mainly by the testes. It can be extracted from the testes of animals or synthesized and used to treat androgen deficiency or promote anabolism. Formula: C19H28O2


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Related to naphthalene: naphthalene poisoning

(năf`thəlēn'), colorless, crystalline, solid aromatic hydrocarbon with a pungent odor. It melts at 80°C;, boils at 218°C;, and sublimes upon heating. It is insoluble in water, somewhat soluble in ethanol, soluble in benzene, and very soluble in ether, chloroform, or carbon disulfide. Naphthalene is obtained from coal tar, a byproduct of the coking of coal. It is used in mothballs and gives them their characteristic odor. From it are prepared derivatives that are used in the preparation of dyes and as insecticides and organic solvents. The molecular structure of naphthalene is that of two benzenebenzene
, colorless, flammable, toxic liquid with a pleasant aromatic odor. It boils at 80.1°C; and solidifies at 5.5°C;. Benzene is a hydrocarbon, with formula C6H6.
..... Click the link for more information.
 rings fused together with two adjacent carbon atoms common to both rings.

an aromatic hydrocarbon; colorless lamellar crystals with a characteristic odor. Melting point, 80.3°C; boiling point, 218°C; density, 1.1517 g/cm3 (15°C).

Naphthalene is volatile; it sublimes at 50°C. It is poorly soluble in water but dissolves readily in most organic solvents; it is distilled over steam. In general, naphthalene is prepared commercially from coal tar (8–10 percent naphthalene content) and from products of petroleum pyrolysis; naphthalene extracted from the latter is considerably purer than that derived from coal tar.

Naphthalene readily enters into elecrophilic substitution reactions (for example, halogenation, nitration, sulfonation, alkylation, and acylation). The substitution rate in the α-position is higher than in the β-position, although β-substituted naphthalenes have greater thermodynamic stability than α-substituted forms. Therefore, mixtures of isomers are usually produced; their composition depends on the reagent, catalyst, and solvent used, and also on the temperature and reaction time. For example, both α-chloronaphthalene and 1,4- and 1,5-dichloronaphthalenes are produced upon cold chlorination of naphthalene in the presence of FeCl3. The reaction of naphthalene and acetyl chloride in ethylene dichloride upon action of AlCl3. produces α-acetylnaphthalene; a mixture of α- and β-derivatives is formed when no solvent is used. Sulfonation of naphthalene at low temperatures yields α-naphthalenesulfonic acid, which converts to the β-isomer upon heating. Further sulfonation produces a mixture of disulfonic and polysulfonic acids of naphthalene; this process yields no sulfonic acids containing sulfo groups in the ortho-, para-, and peri- (that is, 1,8 or 4,5) positions. Naphthalene nitration yields α-nitronaphthalene, and the β-isomer is obtained by an indirect method.

Hydrogenation of naphthalene yields Tetralin (I) and Decalin (II), whereas oxidation yields phthalic anhydride (III)—for example,

In industry, α-naphthylamine is prepared by reduction of α-nitronaphthalene, acid hydrolysis of α-naphthylamine yields α-naphthol, and alkaline fusion of β-naphthalenesulfonic acid produces β-naphthol:

Naphthalene is a valuable source material in the preparation of many organic intermediates (primarily phthalic anhydride) and dyes (based on naphthols, naphthylamines, and their sulfonic acids).

Methyl naphthalenes, the closest homologues of naphthalene, are also found in coal tar and have properties similar to those of naphthalenes. These homologues are used in the synthesis of plant growth regulators, whereas polymethyl naphthalenes are used as insecticides, and the sulfonic acid salts of higher naphthalene homologues are used as emulsifiers.

(organic chemistry)
C10H8 White, volatile crystals with coal tar aroma; insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents; structurally it is represented as two benzenoid rings fused together; boiling point 218°C, melting point 80.1°C; used for moth repellents, fungicides, lubricants, and resins, and as a solvent. Also known as naphthalin; tar camphor.

, naphthaline, naphthalin
a white crystalline volatile solid with a characteristic penetrating odour: an aromatic hydrocarbon used in mothballs and in the manufacture of dyes, explosives, etc. Formula: C10H8
References in periodicals archive ?
Briefly, samples were not pooled, and separate gels were run for each incubation with labeled (for imaging) and unlabeled (for identification) naphthalene.
8220;India Naphthalene and PCE based Admixtures Market Forecast & Opportunities, 2019” has analyzed the potential of naphthalene and PCE based admixtures market and provides statistics and information on market sizes, shares and trends.
where N is the total rate of mass transfer of naphthalene [g/s, lb/s],
Samples were analyzed for vapor-phase naphthalene by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy.
Previously, we demonstrated that fuel-cell maintenance personnel who performed fuel-tank entry tasks had higher exposure to naphthalene via both dermal (Chao et al.
The asphaltene content in TLA is significantly higher than TPB and other asphalt materials and the asphaltene to naphthalene aromatic to polar aromatic ratio was approximately equal to one.
Exposure to naphthalene or PDB can induce relatively minor human health problems such as nausea, vomiting, headache, coughing, burning eyes and shortness of breath.
The contaminated soil was a sieved Delhi Loamy Sand (DLS) spiked with naphthalene.
For more water-soluble compounds, naphthalene and 2,4-dinitrotoluene, the diffusion rate was greater in post-soaked samples with diffusivities approaching [10.
Abbott noted that scientists testing the product at the University of Texas at Austin and at a Florida university concluded that the pills are mainly naphthalene, the chemical found in mothballs.
The Harvard report on fire-safe cigarettes found that carbon monoxide, related to heart disease, and naphthalene, linked to cancer, are boosted by the use of a special, banded paper that slows down burning when the cigarette is unattended.

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Nominations for Best Business of the Year Awards open

Nominations are now open for the Fort St. John Chamber of Commerce’s 2008 Best Business of the Year awards.

The awards, which run in conjunction with BC’s Small Business Week, honor companies in Fort St. John who show exemplary performance in a number of categories including community-mindedness, customer service, environmental awareness and innovation.

Nominations close October 12th, and forms are available by calling the Chamber at 785-6037.

Have something you'd like to add? Read our comment policy by clicking here.


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EEE News

November 8, 2017

Urban Water Projects class introduces service-learning and collaborative design

A class in Environmental and Ecological Engineering at Purdue University is stepping outside the typical classroom setting to provide a real-world, client-based design experience for students. EEE 49500, Urban Water Projects was launched in 2013 by the Director of Service Learning, Dr. Lindsay Payne in an effort to provide best-management practices when dealing with items like stormwater.
October 13, 2017

Nies speaks on the potential of indirect water reuse at IWEA

Environmental and Ecological Engineering (EEE) Professor Larry Nies recently delivered a presentation entitled “Watershed Scale Management of Water Resources: Finding Answers in Large Heterogeneous Data Sets,” as part of the Indiana Water Environment Association (IWEA) annual conference.
September 26, 2017

EEE junior receives Partners for Pollution Prevention scholarship

Purdue University was recently selected to receive one of three $1,000 scholarships from the Indiana Partners for Pollution Prevention (Partners) to award to a student of their choosing. Megan Townsend, a junior in Environmental and Ecological Engineering, was the chosen recipient of the Partners scholarship.
September 18, 2017

Dr. Jafvert to be inducted as Purdue University Teaching Academy Fellow

The Purdue University Teaching Academy is set to recognize Environmental and Ecological Engineering professor Dr. Chad Jafvert, amongst others.

Academy fellows are recognized for their outstanding and scholarly teaching in graduate, undergraduate or engagement programs. Candidates were identified by their individual department or college/school based upon evidence of excellence in teaching, innovation in teaching methodology, teaching-related service, and scholarship in teaching and learning.
August 1, 2017

EEE Graduate Student Enze Jin Presents at PIRE

In May 2017, Environmental and Ecological Engineering graduate student Enze Jin presented at the Partnerships for International Research and Education (PIRE) meeting in Eugene, Oregon. PIRE is a National Science Foundation program that supports projects which aim to advance research and education that could not occur without international collaboration.
July 24, 2017

RET Site Program Brings STEM Educators Together to Develop Engineering Expertise

Eleven high school STEM educators from Alabama and Indiana were on the campus of Purdue University on Friday, July 14 for the culmination of a summer-long research experience. In its second year, the Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) Program was created through a partnership with Purdue University’s Environmental and Ecological Engineering program and Tuskegee University.
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Zero Hour! Halloween 2014 — The Emperess Cicada

This third offering, from Episodes from the Zero Hour! Managing Editor Jason Butkowski, is loosely tied to his Rex Rockwell: Weird Game Hunter series of short stories.  For more on the adventures of Rex Rockwell, Weird Game Hunter, check out EZH Volume 3: Weird Game Hunter, available now, and look for more Rex Rockwell adventures in the Weird Tales from the Zero Hour! anthology, coming soon.

The Emperess Cicada

by: Jason Butkowski

My dear friend,

I know that it has been far too long since our last communication. My work, unfortunately, leaves little time for idle correspondence; as does your own. However, I have recently come across a matter of interest, and given our shared affection for stories of the strange and unusual, I thought you would enjoy hearing this one.

In many of the native traditions of the indigenous peoples of the American colonies, there exists a peculiar legend about the end of the world. As most aboriginal legends tend to be associated with the natural order of things, this one is no exception. Continue reading

Zero Hour! Halloween 2014 — Pegs

Jonathan Elliott is an old friend of Episodes from the Zero Hour! who served as an editor on EZH! Volume 3: Weird Game Hunter.  His story, “Circular Logic” will appear in the upcoming Weird Tales from the Zero Hour! anthology.

by: Jonathan Elliott

It’s hard to slip into a space not meant for you. Like one of those children’s toys, with the solid sheet of wood with holes in it and a bunch of blocky shapes to correspond to each hole. Pressure and pain and resistance and splinters teach us very early on what happens when the pudgy little pyramid meets an opening meant for the fat cube. But as we get older, we learn the virtues and potency of force and grease and compromise, and somehow, the shapes work their ways on through the spaces we’ve got, appropriate or otherwise.

This is how we get what we want. This is how I get what I want. This is why she is in front of me now. It began downstairs at a gorgeous new bar in Asbury Park, patterned after that French film, “The Red Balloon.” Nothing but dark woods and flights of fancy and classy fonts all mish-mashed together, tinted in a little bit of crimson and scented in assorted varieties of chocolate. She found me. This is different, and I am off-balance, because I am very good at doing the finding. Sometimes the nights end in misery and rejection, and sometimes I locate a lady who is willing and waiting for me, and what you might imagine would happen does, indeed, happen, and we go our separate ways. Continue reading

Zero Hour! Halloween 2014 — Slow Burn

Halloween has arrived!

It’s no secret… at Episodes from the Zero Hour!, Halloween reigns supreme above all other holidays.  It’s the time of year when we give license to our darkest imaginations to bring forth their worst, in service of the scare.  It’s the holiday during which we dare the ghosts and goblins to slink out of the shadows of our own fearful minds, to prove that the world isn’t as rational and logical and safe as we had hoped.  And that makes for some great storytelling.

Each year, we strive to bring you our Episodes from the Zero Hour! Trick ‘R Treat Halloween short stories.  This year, we gave our writers the freedom to write whatever they wanted, so long as it was scary or otherwise related to Halloween.  We’ve got some Zero Hour! veterans in the mix, as well as some fresh faces who have contributed their own tales of horror.  We hope you enjoy, and if you do, please let our writers know in the comments section of their short story posts.

Happy Halloween!

-Episodes from the Zero Hour!

Our first offering is from Episodes from the Zero Hour! Managing Editor Jason Butkowski.

Slow Burn

by: Jason Butkowski

The world was going to shit.

I know every generation says the same thing. My parents, in their time, said it. My grandparents said it. But this time, it was actually happening. The human race had reached the end of its rope, the foot was on the accelerator, and the space between the car and the cliff was getting smaller and smaller by the moment.

It started innocuously enough. One or two fucked up stories in the news. Half-naked cannibals in Florida… the newscasters said it was because the assailant was on “bath salts.” First time I ever heard the term. Then some humans doing downright inhuman things in Jersey. Relatives, family friends, savagely attacking and killing children. Bad weed, according to police reports.

You see, people were shocked, and then they moved on. We all had our problems. As long as the drug-addled psychos didn’t bother us, we thought we didn’t have to pay any of it much attention.

But then things started getting bad for everybody.

Continue reading

They’re Coming to Get You, Barbara… Zero Hour! Halloween 2014 Flash Fiction Challenge

What’s up, Toga Zombie? And what’s going on with Zombie Jerry Lewis in Boxer Shorts?

So, if you’ve been coming to this site for a little while, you know we’re a bit bonkers about Halloween. And why not? Halloween is a holiday of infinite possibilities, in which the dead can roam the Earth with the living, in which ghouls and goblins are made manifest by overactive imaginations, in which vampires and witches prowl the night in search of tasty treats, dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria. It is a holiday during which we may engage in our most primal of emotions — fear — and either conquer it or succumb to it. You can’t really say the same for Arbor Day, can you? (well, I suppose you can, if you’re dendrophobic…)

One of my favorite Episodes from the Zero Hour! traditions is the annual Halloween Short Story. It’s a chance for our creators to let loose and participate in the pure art of storytelling, while poking at the weird bits that coagulate at the edge of the Zero Hour! universe. It’s also a chance for me to revisit what got me into writing in the first place. Continue reading


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Archive for the ‘Space and Time’ Category

A Digital Universe, V2

August 9, 2017

A digital universe – whether 5 kilobytes or the entire Internet – consists of two species of bits: differences in space, and differences in time. Digital computers translate between these two forms of information – structure and sequence – according to definite rules. Bits that are embodied as structure (varying in space, invariant across time) we perceive as memory, and bits that are embodied as sequence (varying in time, invariant across space) we perceive as code. Gates are the intersections where bits span both worlds at the moments of transition from one instant to the next.

— George Dyson, from Turing’s Cathedral

Further Reading:

George Dyson / Turing’s Cathedral: the origins of the digital universe

Embodied as Structure, Perceived as Memory

Invariant across Time: ¬ΔT
Varying in Space: ΔS

Embodied as Sequence, Perceived as Code

Varying in Time: ΔT
Invariant across Space: ¬ΔS

[*7.82, *7.83, *7.153, *10.14]

The Paradoxes of Zeno

April 21, 2016

sq_zeno_paradoxes5“Suppose,” said Zeno, “that Achilles and a tortoise are planning to race”.

Such is the beginning of a famous thought experiment by an ancient philosopher. Since athletic Achilles was much faster than the slow tortoise, he let the tortoise start first. But alas, he could never catch up to it, since every time Achilles made it to where the tortoise had been, the tortoise had moved just a little further ahead. Of course Achilles was faster so he had to pass the tortoise quickly unless it had started near the finish line. So, paradox!

Most of the paradoxes of Zeno were about fractions and entireties of time and space. Can an infinite series of fractions of space add up to a finite entirety of space in a finite entirety of time? Some might say that integral calculus solves these basically mathematical problems, yet others think they point to metaphysical issues as regards to the discreteness and the continuity of time and space.

This fourfold reminds me of my previous fourfold Spacetime which dealt with succession (as parts of time), location (as parts of space), extension (as wholes of space), and duration (as wholes of time). It must have been in the back of my mind.

Relative Time

November 14, 2014

sq_relative_time For what more terrifying revelation can there be than that it is the present moment? That we survive the shock at all is only possible because the past shelters us on one side and the future on another.

— From Orlando, by Virgina Woolf

As we can see on the previous four-folds of space and time, all have a degree of conditioning to the location and orientation of an observer. In other words, there are no absolute frameworks of space or time. That does not mean that they are not useful conventional and conceptual tools.

What would a four-fold of Relative Time be like? Because time seems to be linear instead of two dimensional, relative time would be very different than relative directions. What if we contrast our understanding of what happened in time with what actually occurred? What if we compare our thoughts of an imagined future with what becomes realized?

One could contrast an individual’s notions of past and future with a group or society’s notions of past and future. Or one could contrast an individual’s or society’s recalled past and imagined future with the actual past and the realized future. Some might argue that there is no actual past, but only the past we think or recall that it is. Similarly, those or others might argue that there is no realized future, because once the future becomes the present it has already slipped into the past that we can now only recall.

As the future becomes realized, the imagined future is discarded or blended into it to become our recalled past. As we understand more about the real past, our recalled past may be discarded or blended into it to become our new recalled past. Or one can refuse that knowledge and believe whatever suits them.

[*8.99, *9.60]

Four Dimensional Space-time

September 1, 2014

Here’s a simple fourfold I’ve been ignoring just because it’s so trivial, but that triviality can be deceiving. Space-time as formulated in special relativity has four dimensions: three of space and one of time. Our everyday experience shows us the three dimensions of space: length, width (or breadth), and depth (or height), but time is a different kind of thing because we cannot see or move forward and backward through time with our eyes or body, like we can along the axes of space.

Personally, only our memory and imagination can let us range through time. Of course, after the invention of language and more recent technologies, the spoken word, writings, photographs, audio recordings, and videos can also be used. But it’s not the same as shifting one’s gaze along the length of something or moving one’s body across a width.

So, we can move semi-freely through the three spatial dimensions but our movement in time seems to be fixed into a relentless forward motion that we have no control over. And because gravity pulls us down onto the surface of the world, one of the spatial dimensions (depth or height) is more limiting than the other two.

sq_ll2Thus another interesting comparison to this fourfold is to that of linear logic. One observation is that length and width can be considered reversible but depth and time can be considered somewhat irreversible. That’s not true of course, but because of gravity it is easier to descend than to ascend, and it’s far easier to move into the future than into the past. But we can see into the distant past, just not our own, as we turn our telescopes to the heavens.

Space without time could have four or even higher dimensions, but we have no empirical evidence that it is so. Mathematically, however, we can easily construct multidimensional spaces. One representation of four dimensional space is by using quaternions, which have four dimensions to the complex numbers’ two. Tuples of real numbers or even vector spaces can also be used. However, the geometry of space-time is not Euclidean; it is described by the Minkowski metric.

Novels about characters living in different numbers of spatial dimensions are an interesting way to learn and think about them. The very first was Flatland by Edwin Abbott Abbott, about a being limited to two dimensions that learns about a third outside his experience when a three dimensional being comes to visit. Just recently I’ve finished reading Spaceland by Rudy Rucker, about an ordinary human person limited to the three dimensions of space that learns about the fourth dimension by similar reasons.

Matter, Energy, Space, and Time

February 17, 2014

sq_MESTHere’s a nice little fourfold that I’ve overlooked until now, kind of like a four-leaf clover. If you search for images of matter, energy, space, and time, several websites show a diagram quite similar to this, and some have interesting things to say.

One shows free energy instead of energy in general. Free energy is energy that is able to do work, and that is an important distinction, especially if you are thinking about the Four Causes. Then the four can be considered fundamental resources.

There are some other things to consider from these references. One is that there is the familiar equivalence between matter and energy. Another is the equivalence principle between gravity and acceleration.

Also, there are obvious analogies between this fourfold and the Four Elements and the Four States of Matter. sq_Noether's TheoremI have also used the pairs space-time and matter-energy as two parts of the fourfold Noether’s Theorem, the other two parts being symmetry and conservation. There is also the fourfold Spacetime that has some similarities to this one. And let’s not forget the atomism of On the Nature of Things by Lucretius.

Be sure and watch the upcoming television series Cosmos: a Spacetime Odyssey, hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson. I’m sure there will be much talk of Matter, Energy, Space, and Time.

There is even a term coined for Matter-Energy-Space-Time: MEST. Of course, MEST also stands for Math, Engineering, Science, and Technology! No, sorry, that’s STEM!

[*7.90, *8.32]

Human Limitations

July 10, 2013

birth_death_nature_nurture Everything existing in the universe is the fruit of chance and necessity.

What are humans limited by? We are limited by time and by space.

We are limited in time because we are mortal beings, bound to the past by our birth and to the future by our death, delimiting the short interval of our lifetimes.

We are limited in space because we are finite beings. At each point of time we are constrained by what we are and what we might become. We are bound both by our actuality and our possibility. Our nature defines our actuality and our nurture sets our possibility.

Certainly, we can transcend our limitations, but this just means they weren’t really the true limits after all. We can’t say for certain what our real limits are, so that’s a good thing.

This fourfold also reminds me of the following modal square of opposition. At birth, much is possible. At death, all becomes impossible. Nurture is contingent and Nature is necessary.

The Duality of Time and Information, V2

May 2, 2013

The states of a computing system bear information and change time, while its events bear time and change information.

from The Duality of Time and Information by Vaughn Pratt

The most promising transformational logic seems to us to be Girard’s linear logic.

— from Rational Mechanics and Natural Mathematics by Vaughn Pratt

Here we have three duals: information – time, state – event, and bear – change.

Vaughan Pratt / The Duality of Time and Information http://boole.stanford.edu/pub/dti.pdf

Vaughan Pratt / Time and Information in Sequential and Concurrent Computation http://boole.stanford.edu/pub/tppp.pdf

Vaughan Pratt / Rational Mechanics and Natural Mathematics http://chu.stanford.edu/guide.html#ratmech

The Space-Time Tetrahedron

March 29, 2013

spacetime_tetrahedronIn honor of April Fool’s Day, I present the Space-Time Tetrahedron.

The Internet is full of crackpot and nutty websites, and one of the most famous concerns the so-called Time Cube.

Since the ideas expressed on this website are pretty much ignored, it is hoped that it could at least find some recognition as being slightly crackpot or somewhat nutty.

Let’s examine the similarities between Time Cube theory and my theory.

The number four is very important in each. In fact, the Time Cube is a fourfold, although quite a puzzling one.

The notions of space and time are crucial to Time Cube; many of my fourfolds involve some aspect of space and time or spacetime.

How about the differences? I don’t think one can find any common claims between the two theories. At least I hope not!

Equivalent Exchange

February 8, 2013

structure-functionThere is an old riddle that asks, what is the value of a human body? It goes on to enumerate the quantities of the various chemicals that constitute an average body, and then price those chemicals to come up with a total material value. This might come as a shock to the one who tried to answer the riddle, because the value is so low.

Of course that analysis ignores the real value of the body because it ignores the spatial arrangement of those chemicals in the various tissues and organs of the body. It ignores the form of the body as an hierarchical arrangement of structured parts. These parts are very valuable for someone needing an organ donation, for example.

This static analysis is lacking as well because it neglects the dynamic actions that a body can perform. Taken as a set of discrete individual acts, this is like considering the individual chemicals that constitute a body. One can enumerate the acts too, as in counting the number of breaths or the number of heart beats over a lifetime.

But we are still not finished, because this enumeration of actions also overlooks the functions that a body can perform, as arrangements of actions in time. These functions are the most important value of a body because they include but are not limited to being alive, thinking, and feeling.

So it seems to me that there is a heirarchy here, that goes from parts to structure to actions to function, with parts being at the lowest level and function being at the highest. Each level of the hierarchy is dependent on the level below, but the nature of a level is fundamentally different from the level below it, as well as the level above it. Please see my previous post Structure-Function.

The term “equivalent exchange” comes from an alchemy-centric anime, where through a process called “human transmutation” it is attempted to recreate a body starting from a pile of the basic chemicals that constitute it. Even with some high-powered magic, the attempt fails due to the fact that much more is required to fashion a body or even a living, breathing person.

July 3, 2012

Aristotle’s Four Causes is an important fourfold that seems to be the basis for many of the fourfolds, both original and not, presented in this blog. Two of the causes, efficient and material, are acceptable to modern scientific inquiry because they can be thought of as motion and matter, respectively, but the other two causes, formal and final, are not. Why is that?

The formal cause is problematic because the formal is usually considered to be an abstract concept, a construction of universals that may only exist in the human mind. The final cause is also problematic because it is associated with the concept of telos or purpose. There, too, only human or cognitive agents are allowed to have goals or ends. So for two causes, efficient and material, all things may participate in them, but for the two remaining, formal and final, only agents with minds may.

These problems may be due to the pervasive influence of what the recent philosophical movement of Object Oriented Philosophy calls correlationism: ontology or the existence of things is limited to human knowledge of them, or epistemology. The Four Causes as usually described becomes restricted to the human creation and purpose of things. Heidegger’s Tool Analysis or Fourfold, which also appears to have been derived from the Four Causes, is usually explained in terms of the human use of human made things: bridges, hammers, pitchers. Even scientific knowledge is claimed to be just human knowledge, because only humans participate in the making of this knowledge as well as its usage.

Graham Harman, one of the founders of Speculative Realism of which his Object Oriented Ontology is a result, has transformed Heidegger’s Fourfold so that it operates for all things, and so the correlationism that restricts ontology to human knowledge becomes a relationism that informs the ontology for all things. Instead of this limiting our knowledge even more, it is surprising what can be said about the relations between all things when every thing’s access is as limited as human access. However, this transformation is into the realm of the phenomenological, which is not easily accessible to rational inquiry.

I wish to update the Four Causes, and claim that they can be recast into a completely naturalistic fourfold operating for all things. This new version was inspired by the Four Operators of Linear Logic. Structure and function are commonplace terms in scientific discourse, and I wish to replace formal and final causes with them. It may be argued that what is obtained can no longer be properly called the Four Causes, and that may indeed be correct.

First, let us rename the efficient cause to be action, but not simply a motion that something can perform. I’m not concerned at the moment with whether the action is intentional or random, but it must not be wholly deterministic. Thus there are at least two alternatives to an action. I’m also not determining whether one alternative is better than the other, so there is no normative judgement. An action is such that something could have done something differently in the same situation. This is usually called external choice in Linear Logic (although it makes more sense to me to call it internal choice: please see silly link below).

Second, let us call the material cause part, but not simply a piece of something. Instead of the material or substance that something is composed of, let us first consider the parts that constitute it. However, a part is not merely a piece that can be removed. A part is such that something different could be substituted for it in the same structure, but not by one’s choice. Like an action, I am not concerned whether one of the alternatives is better than the other, but only that the thing is still the thing regardless of the alternative. This is usually called internal choice.

Next, we will relabel the formal cause to be structure, but not simply the structure of the thing under consideration. Ordinarily structure is not a mere list of parts, or a set of parts, or even a sum or integral of parts, but an ordered assembly of parts that shapes a form. Ideally structure is an arrangement of parts in space. However, in this conceptualization, structure will be only an unordered list of parts with duplications allowed.

Last, instead of final cause we will say function, but not simply the function of the thing as determined by humans. Ordinarily function is not a mere list of actions, or a set of actions, or a sum or integral of actions, but an ordered aggregate of actions that enables a functionality. Ideally function is an arrangement of actions in time. However, like structure, function will be only an unordered list of actions with duplications allowed.

As we transform the Four Causes from made things to all things, both natural and human-made, we will later examine how that changes them.

[*6.144, *7.32, *7.97]


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[06/06 & 06/12]: FOCI w/ Method Man/Redman (DTLA) & Pharaohe Monch (SF)

Pasadena’s hometown hero FOCI is still continuing his trek with the JT Collective in pushing his latest release, The Achievement Gap across the country. Tomorrow night, he will be sharing the stage with hiphop’s favorite weed smokers, Method Man & Redman, at the Belasco Theatre. Next week, he will be in San Francisco sharing the stage with Pharaohe Monch at the Brick & Mortar Music Hall in San Francisco! Tickets are still available for both events, so get them while you can!

[06/06]: Tickets w/Method Man & Redman (click here)
[06/12]: Tickets w/Pharaohe Monch (click here)

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Thursday, July 25, 2013

Avoiding Mr. Right Virtual Book Tour

Avoiding Mr Right
Walk on the Wild Side, Book 2
C.J. Ellisson

Genre: erotic romance

Publisher: Red Hot Publishing

Carla Johnson thinks issuing orders to a lover will keep her heart safe and leave her in charge of her own destiny. Afraid for Carla’s future, her best friend Heather implores her to change her self-centered ways, handing her a list of love life mistakes to steer clear of:

1. Casual Sex
2. Friends with Benefits
3. Avoidance of Intimacy

Carla ignores the list—unwilling to face she might have a commitment problem. Until she invites a co-worker to her place one night. She instantly regrets the hum-drum sexual encounter and discourages the accountant from pursuing her.

Andy Shea refuses to become another lover the feisty blonde dumps. It'll take a patient man with a strong hand to unlock Carla's sexual awareness and win her heart. He’s up for the challenge to convince her he’s the one—and eager to prove this number cruncher won’t make a boring bedmate.

Amazon   Goodreads

Chapter One

Casual Sex,” I say, twisting the phrase so it sounds like a bad thing. “There. I said it.” I look across the table and meet my best friend’s dark, knowing gaze. “Happy now?” Unable to hold her penetrating stare any longer, I reach for my tepid chai latte, grateful it’s tasty even cold.

“I know you think I’m being a shrewish bitch, Carla. But it’s for your own good.” Heather picks up her favorite vanilla cappuccino and takes a drink.

“And why is that, exactly?” Regret gnaws at my stomach. Why did I let myself get dragged into this conversation during my lunch hour? “Sure, you found your great ‘one-and-only’ guy, but I don’t think that’s going to happen with me.”

Heather ignores me and taps her finger on the small sheet of paper on the table between us. “Next one.”

Geez, this feels like a one-woman intervention, and despite the jokes I could make over that realization, I’m really not enjoying it. The pleading on her compassionate face has me glancing at the slip of paper once more. “Friends with Benefits. Oh, come on, that too? I kind of like that one. Makes it much easier to stay friends when the guy winds up being dumb, but not bad in bed.”

Heather’s mouth sets in a firm line and I plow ahead to the last item on her unhelpful “list” of what she sees as my love life faults. “Avoidance of Intimacy. Seriously? You think I do all this crap?” A knot of anxiety sits in my throat. “I’m not a fun-loving chick all the time, you know. I have been searching for the right guy.” The right guy who’s perfect in the sack and magically disappears before dawn. “Just haven’t found him yet.”

“Really?” she counters, showing a touch of backbone my once-shy friend didn’t have a month ago. “And none of them were worthy of your time after you slept with them, huh?”

A grimace twists my face and I try to smooth my features. “It’s not like that—I swear.” Secretly I fear it’s exactly like that. And what the hell does that say about me? That I’m a slut? I’m not. I like sex but I don’t sleep with just anyone like her darned unasked for list of faults implies. “They weren’t good matches for me.”

“Uh-huh. Sure.”

“Why are we discussing this…,” I gesture to the paper between us, “list of yours? I’m a careful woman. I always make sure they use a condom. My instincts are good. I’ve never been in a situation I couldn’t handle. What happened to make you think I needed—no wanted—your input in my love life?”

Heather’s strength deflates and I feel like I’ve kicked a puppy. “It’s because I care about you, Carla, and want to see you happy. You keep up with this casual approach to relationships and you’re going to be alone for the rest of your life.”

A snort erupts from me. “Like that’s a bad thing? I’m not afraid of being alone. In fact, I’m quite all right with it.” I resist the urge, just barely, to throw her words from a few weeks ago in her face. She was the one afraid of winding up alone and eating microwave meals-for-one her whole life. Not me. Never me.

My goal has always been to find an exciting, independent man—one who’s a great lover and wants nothing emotional from me in return. I gaze out the window of our favorite coffee shop, staring at the pelting rain washing the city streets. Maybe my relaxed attitude would be better suited in Europe. Seems like the Puritanical ideals of America are still going strong, no matter how much women struggle with equality. If I were a guy no one would bat an eye at my desire for a lover with no emotional attachments weighing us down.

An exciting man who’s good in bed. That’s not too much to ask is it? We’re in “the city that never sleeps” for crying out loud. There’s got to be a few guys who learned something in the sack since college, right? Maybe I can find one who isn’t emotionally scarred from a long-term relationship and where the woman taught him a thing or two. That would be hitting the relationship lottery in my book.

Don’t forget good looking, great body, successful career, a big dick…

Yeah, a girl can dream, right?

Aware I need to get back to work, I glance at my watch then gather the remains of my meal. We say our goodbyes and I race into the rain, pulling up the hood on my stylish raincoat for the three-block trek to the office.

Heather likes to forget—I’m not like her. I’ve always known what I want in my life and in my bed. She and Tony met at the exact time she was ready to blossom. My sexuality bloomed a long time ago and I quickly became disappointed with the unknowledgeable lovers I invited into my bed. Hell, when the first few trysts were a let down, why go back for more?

It’s pretty sad, really. They all appeared to be so promising during our initial dates.

Despite Heather’s list making me sound like a “good-time girl,” a phrase I hear a lot from my mom, I actually practice a lot of decorum when choosing a lover. They all have ambitious careers, their own apartments, aren’t married, and know how to treat a lady with manners. I don’t have a set laundry list of physical attributes the guy has to have, but I do want a man who cares enough about his health and appearance to not be slovenly or obese.

Unlike Heather, I never sit on the sidelines waiting for life to come to me—I actively seek adventure and always will. Who says a woman needs a man to be happy? I’m happy as I am on my own. And I intend to keep it that way—not hung up on a guy like my mom was with my dad. When he left us, she was devastated and it changed her outlook on life forever.

Avoiding large puddles and dangerous sidewalk grating, I wish I would’ve changed out of my heels before dashing off to meet Heather. A short woman like me learns the benefit of being on equal eye level in the advertising world. Doesn’t hurt that I look great in them, too.

The awning to my building appears and I gratefully step under it and push back my hood. I unzip the coat and flap the sides, knocking off moisture before entering.

“Hey, Carla,” a masculine voice calls from the doorway.

I look up to see one of the company accountants holding the door for me. “Thanks, Andrew.” I step through, avoiding eye contact with him.

He’s tried to make casual conversation with me for months, and I’m always polite but careful not to lead him on. I mean really, he’s an accountant. Could a job be more unexciting? Just stick him in an IT position and buy him a ticket to the next Trekkie convention in town.

One thing I’ve learned while shopping for an exciting man—I won’t find one in a humdrum job like his. I’m not saying Andrew is boring, he seems nice enough. But his job sure as hell is unexciting, which decreases his chances of being a stimulating guy by eighty percent.

While we walk across the lobby to the elevators, I sense him fidgeting beside me, perhaps too nervous to talk. I smother a smile at his awkwardness. Honestly, he’s not bad looking—no beer gut and he dresses okay. Maybe I should hook him up with Katrina from yoga class. She’s been on the prowl for a decent man.

He clears his throat as we step into the elevator. “Do you have time later to talk about the Stringer account?”

My ears perk at the mention of my largest client. “Of course. Is something wrong?”

The doors whisk closed and we ascend to our floor. “No, nothing’s wrong. I was looking over the latest numbers and think I’ve found a way to free up some advertising money in their budget that isn’t working where it is now. Might help you up-sell them to a larger ad space in the areas that are working.”

“Sounds good.” I smile, the first genuine one to grace my face since I met Heather for lunch. “Your cubicle or mine?”

His blue eyes crinkle at the corners as he returns my smile. “Come to mine, I’ll show you the spreadsheets.”

Hours later I hang up the phone with Jennifer Stringer, the owner of the largest independently owned fabric distributor in the legendary New York garment district. She was thrilled with Andrew’s findings and eager to pour fifty thousand more into the current advertising campaign. We helped to increase her business twenty percent in the last three months. Satisfaction for a job well done warms me, filling me with a sense of completeness like no encounter with a man ever has.

A sigh escapes as I relax into my chair. Damn, talk about a long week. It’s Friday and after five. I stifle the urge to chant TGIF and log off my computer, eager to shake the stresses of the week from my shoulders.

IMs flew around the office ten minutes ago and people are gearing up to meet at the bar down the block for drinks. I freshen my lipstick, straighten my desk, and grab my bag. Andrew stands the same moment I do and our eyes meet across the cubical walls. “Are you going tonight?” I ask him.

Interest lights his eyes. “Yup.”

He runs a hand through his short brown hair, the gesture making him appear more confident. Too bad he’s boring, he’s almost handsome. “Great, I owe you a drink for that tidbit you shared after lunch.”

A small smile turns up his mouth as he walks down the opposite aisle toward the door. “Just one? Could have sworn my ‘tidbit’ helped you make your monthly quota a week early.”

I laugh at his ballsiness. “Maybe I’ll buy you two. But don’t get your hopes up.”

A spark ignites in his blue depths as his gaze travels up and down my length. An awareness tingles through me and I can’t deny, he looks different, somehow. He’s only a few inches taller than I am in heels, which makes him a couple of inches shy of six-foot. His shirtsleeves are rolled up to reveal corded forearms with a light dusting of hair. With warm heat banked in his gaze, his average looks jump a thousand points.

I brush off the sudden interest spiking in my gut. I can’t let an office romance begin to brew. I told Heather I wasn’t doing any of the things she accused me of. No matter how much I might wish otherwise, I highly doubt a co-worker with benefits is much different than the friends with benefits on her sheet.

As a large boisterous group of our co-workers join us in the elevator, I resolve to steer clear of any temptation offered by Andrew at the bar. No way in the world could he be a good match for me.

I am a fan of Ms. Ellisson and loved the first book in this series, Vanilla on Top. It sizzled and popped, giving me the hope that this book would be as spicy. It was, but in a different way. It was more of a general romance instead of the BDSM slant I was expecting and  I got a story that was a bit different from what I was expecting.

Carla has some commitment issues stemming from her childhood. After sleeping with several men and finding them to be boring and useless, she has a fling with Andy, an accountant at work. He is determined to prove his worth to her as a lover, even as she is treating him in a less than decently. I like books where I can identify at least a little with the motivation of the main character and this time I found myself pretty much not liking her at all. She treats Andy terribly and while I loved his character-naughty and nice, I felt like Carla was kind of bitchy with not much in the redeeming value kind of way.

Overall, the story was fine but it was, unfortunately, one that I had a hard time connecting with. Identifying with the female character is key with me, and if she is too off the charts, I can't. It made me want to hug Andy and find him a nice girl who wasn't so high maintenance.

About the Author:
C.J. Ellisson is the USA Today Bestselling author of the NYT Bestselling book, Vanilla on Top, the bestselling V V Inn series, and several erotica shorts. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband, two children, two dogs, and a fluffy black cat who makes her sneeze.

Unlike most full-time authors, she's also battling severe chronic illness. C.J. works daily to put her Lupus into remission and continues to fight numerous bacterial infections while her immune system slowly attacks her body.

She turned to writing when she could no longer work outside the home and claims the escape of penning contemporary fantasy, erotica, and erotic romance has helped save her sanity.

To learn more about C.J. and her other books, please stop by the author's website  or visit her on facebook at

Leave a comment and your email address for the chance to win swag packs!

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Tag Archives: Nut balls

The Amazing Disappearing Fruit/Nut Ball

This is what was left...

I made these 2 nights ago, expecting them to last a little while, seeing as they pack quite the nutritional/satisfying punch.  So, I came home today, looking for something delicious to snack on and to my surprise found only 1 lonely nut ball left in a sea of Aluminum Foil!  How did I miss that… I only just made them and hadn’t even tried them yet.  Apparently they were tasty… and now having tasted them and finished them off, I would have to agree.  And… those of you who know me and my family, would not be surprised to know that Benji (my boyfriend… and Strongman in training) had indeed eaten them all (well almost).

So, here I am sharing the love.  Indulge in a savory nut and fruit concoction with tons of your most essential fatty acids.  Great for looking good, feeling good & satisfying your hunger and sweet tooth at the same time… I’m not gonna lie, they do taste a bit like cookie dough… YUM!

The only downside here, is that usually I like to make things that are packable and possibly good for backpacking or just putting in your bag for a little snack later in the day and these will definitely melt a bit when un-refrigerated.

The Goods:

  • 2 cups dried fruit
  • 2 cups assorted nuts (I used a mix of almonds and walnuts)
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1/4 almond butter
  • 1/4 unsweetened coconut flakes

The mix:

  • Use a Cuisinart to grind down the dried fruit and put in a medium bowl
  • Grind the nut mix next and add to the fruit mix
  • Melt your coconut oil
  • Add the oil, coconut and almond butter and MIX!
  • Scoop onto parchment paper or aluminum foil and place in the refrigerator for a couple of hours
  • Makes 5 or 20 depending on how big you want um… mine were about the size of a golf-ball
  • Enjoy!

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Euphoria’s Blog for Green Mamas

advice, news & freebies

You CAN Stop Stretch Marks September 8, 2009

Filed under: Pregnancy — Rachel @ 7:52 pm
Tags: , ,

Yesterday my mother saw my stomach as I was changing and exclaimed, “You didn’t get stretch marks!?!”  Most women get stretchmarks during pregnancy, but a lucky few do not.  Research shows that genetics has a lot to do with it.  And yet, my mother and sister both got a fair amount of stretch marks, but I did not – at least not on my belly – even after two pregnancies.  How’s that?

First off, I realize that getting stretch marks is not the end of the world.  It’s true that a woman has more pressing concerns during pregnancy than preserving her smooth skin.  She’s got a lot to do between having a healthy baby, preparing for birth and shopping for must-have bedding and gear.  And yet, all of us do have some concern over the fate of our looks, do we not?   And if we can preserve our youth without threatening our health or baby’s, why not?

I believe that most women can prevent or greatly reduce stretch marks with frequent and early use of conditioning oil.  Before my first pregnancy, I worked with pregnant women in a local maternity boutique.  It was there that I first became aware of all the many creams, oils and solutions designed to prevent or fade stretch marks.  I learned that oils are better than creams, as far as efficacy, since they are more readily absorbed into the skin.  I learned that those who shopped for fading creams usually wished they had used a preventative product during their pregnancy.  I decided I would invest in a bottle of preventative oil as soon as I found out I was pregnant.  If that bottle could preserve my skin for years to come, it was worth the investment.

So,  I did.  I applied a pregnancy oil early on in my pregnancy, at least once and sometimes twice a day (twice a day is recommended!).  It was a pleasant after-shower regime that kept me in touch with the daily changes caused by the life growing inside.  After my first baby was born and my body recovered, I noticed that my belly was stretch mark-free.  But… I had stretch marks at both hips and very slight ones at the breasts.  Oops!  Yes, the pregnant belly is not the only spot that grows.  So, here’s my take-home for you – apply that oil wherever you’re seeing growth, considering hips, thighs, buttocks, and breasts

With baby #2, I used Motherlove Organic Belly Oil as faithfully as before, but this time I slathered my hips and bust too.   I came through that pregnancy with no new stretch marks and lots of confidence in a good quality pregnancy oil!  By the way, I gained the recommended amount of weight (about 25 lbs) with both pregnancies.

You may have heard that some women have good results with plain cocoa butter.  I’m sure that’s true, but I’d recommend that you choose an oil actually designed for pregnancy.  Oils have been shown to penetrate the skin better than creams.  Since oils are naturally produced by the skin, it’s not surprising that the skin finds it easiest to recognize and utilize nutrients carried in oil.  Pregnancy oils are complex, super-nourishing blends that prepare your skin to stretch and bounce back without becoming damaged.  When choosing an oil, check the ingredient list for questionable chemicals and preservatives.  Choose something safe and natural, since you’ll be using it consistently during your baby’s most vulnerable months.

You CAN stop stretch marks:

  • Buy a safe, natural pregnancy oil as soon as you find out you’re pregnant
  • Apply it at least once, hopefully twice a day, especially after a shower
  • Massage the oil into your belly, hips and bust – or wherever you’re experiencing growth


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Public Release:

Risk for aging-related diseases elevated among thyroid cancer survivors

For many diseases, risk was particularly high among those diagnosed before age 40

American Association for Cancer Research

Bottom Line: Risk for aging-related diseases such as heart disease and diabetes was significantly higher among thyroid cancer survivors in Utah than it was among age-matched, cancer-free individuals, with those diagnosed before age 40 having the highest risk for some of the diseases.

Journal in Which the Study was Published: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Author: Mia Hashibe, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, and a Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) investigator.

Background: Hashibe explained that cancer survivors are living longer today than ever before, and they need to be aware of long-term disease risks. Thyroid cancer survivors are a group we are particularly concerned about for long-term health issues, since thyroid cancer is often diagnosed at an earlier age than other cancers, and the five-year survival rate is very high, at 98 percent, she added.

How the Study Was Conducted and Results: Hashibe and colleagues analyzed electronic medical records, statewide health care data, voter registration records, residential histories, family history records, and birth and death certificates obtained from the Utah Population Database, a research resource managed by the HCI, which contains an extensive collection of family histories linked to medical and demographic records. They identified 3,706 people who had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer between 1997 and 2012, 37 percent of whom were less than age 40 at diagnosis. For each of the thyroid cancer survivors, the researchers extracted data for up to five cancer-free individuals matched to the survivor by birth year, sex, and birth state.

The investigators looked at risk for 39 aging-related diseases. Overall, thyroid cancer survivors had significantly increased risk for many of these diseases. For example, all thyroid cancer survivors had significantly increased risk for hypertension and diabetes at all time points after diagnosis compared with age-matched, cancer-free individuals. For most of the other diseases, risk was increased at some time after diagnosis for either the group diagnosed at a young age or an older age.

For many diseases, including diabetes, cardiomyopathy, osteoporosis, and nutritional deficiencies, the increase in risk was higher for those diagnosed with thyroid cancer before age 40 than for those diagnosed at older ages. For example, survivors diagnosed before age 40 had an almost eightfold increased risk of osteoporosis one to five years after diagnosis compared with age-matched, cancer-free individuals, while survivors diagnosed at older ages had a twofold increase in risk of osteoporosis compared with age-matched, cancer-free individuals.

Author Comment: "We found that thyroid cancer survivors are at increased risk of many aging-related diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis," said Hashibe. "Some of the risks appeared to be higher for those diagnosed at a young age--less than 40--than for those diagnosed at older ages, and the more aggressive treatment often given to younger patients may contribute to this."

"I hope that this study will increase awareness of the long-term health issues experienced by thyroid cancer survivors so that they and their health care providers are proactive about having regular follow-ups and discussions about adopting a healthier lifestyle," she continued.

Limitations: This is a retrospective, observational study. One of the limitations of the study is that detailed information on treatment was limited, making it hard to determine the effects of specific treatments on risk.

To interview Mia Hashibe, contact Julia Gunther at or 215-446-6896.

Funding & Disclosures: This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute, the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, the Utah State Department of Health, and the University of Utah. Hashibe declares no conflict.

Follow us: Cancer Research Catalyst; Twitter @AACR; and Facebook

About the American Association for Cancer Research

Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world's first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR membership includes more than 37,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and patient advocates residing in 108 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, biology, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer by annually convening more than 30 conferences and educational workshops, the largest of which is the AACR Annual Meeting with more than 21,900 attendees. In addition, the AACR publishes eight prestigious, peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients, and their caregivers. The AACR funds meritorious research directly as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer organizations. As the Scientific Partner of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR provides expert peer review, grants administration, and scientific oversight of team science and individual investigator grants in cancer research that have the potential for near-term patient benefit. The AACR actively communicates with legislators and other policymakers about the value of cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from cancer. For more information about the AACR, visit

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.


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Posts Tagged ‘Tough Mudder Miami’

Our much anticipated Tough Mudder video is finally complete!!!!

Special THANKS to Janine, who spent nearly 4-5 hours working on cutting this down. We have nearly all 24 obstacles. As the battery was running down, we missed a few obstacles at the end to ensure we had Funky Monkey, Everest, and Electroshock Therapy. This was my first time running with the GoPro2, which I HIGHLY recommend, and definitely learned a lot from it. I videotaped way too much of us just running which really isn’t necessary. People will not watch this to see us run, as I 100% would not. 🙂 They are watching to see the OBSTACLES!!! I hope you enjoy.

Cannot wait to video Tough Mudder Miami with the new GoPro3 and what additional tweaks we can make to the video afterwards!

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Musings of an everyday woman . . .

Reflections on living and loving life . . .

Aloha Friday #13 July 24, 2009

Filed under: Aloha Friday,Books — everydaywomanusa @ 9:23 am
Tags: , ,

It’s Friday, so that means it’s time for . . .

My “Aloha Friday” question this week is:

As for me, I’m usually catching up with “educational literature” over the summer and  just finished re-reading Jonathan Kozol’s Savage Inequalities, which exposes the extreme differences between wealth and poverty in America’s school system.

For a light, fun, beach read, I’m just finishing Elin Hilderbrand’s The Beach Club.  She’s got a bunch of nice, light summer titles that you might enjoy.

If you’d like to participate in more Aloha Friday questions, click on over to  An Island Life for Kailani’s  “Aloha Friday.”

15 Responses to “Aloha Friday #13”

  1. Confessions of a shopaholic.

  2. Audrey Says:

    Anything by JD Robb/Nora Roberts. She has never disappointed me.

  3. Jeremy Says:

    Most of what I read deals with my profession. You probably wouldn’t like it. 🙂 I need to read more “fun” books though.

  4. Sues2u2 Says:

    The Kris Longknife series by Mike Shephard. It starts w/ Mutineer. Very good.

  5. Right now, I’m reading “The Vanishing Face of Gaia,” but it’s not a summer read necessarily. I’m more into heavy science nonfiction, so I’m probably not the one to ask!

  6. Becca Says:

    I highly recommend James Patterson and Patricia Cornwell.

  7. O gosh wish I could help out I haven’t been able to pick up a book since my 4th child arrive

  8. Kailani Says:

    I love reading chick lit during the summer. I’m really looking forward to reading the new Sophie Kinsella book.

  9. Kailani~
    It’s great to hear from you! Thanks so much for your suggestion and for INVENTING Aloha Friday in the first place! It is so much fun!

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Dominion and vegetarianism

I have decided to become a vegetarian. It may seem to be a major change but it is something which I have thought about many times over the past few years as I moved to establish a consistent philosophical position. I was finally forced to make a decision after reading Matthew Scully’s Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy.

The book is interesting and very well-written, the author having worked as a speech writer for the ex-president of the US George W Bush, but was quite a change as he generally writes from a religious point of view. when the majority of what you read is written by atheists having someone seriously quoting the Bible can be quite jarring (although not nearly as bad as when, misled by its title, I read through a book written by, and presumably for, Jehovah’s Witnesses). That said most of the book is presented in a secular manner and appealing more to emotions and the idea of mercy than to either religion or secular philosophy, the latter of which would have greatly benefited it.

Aside from its excellent and highly informative forays into all manner of animal mistreatment, from pig farms and the Safari Club International in the US to an international whaling convention in Australia, the main point, already part of animal ethics, is constantly brought to the fore. That point being that animals are sentient and capable of suffering, regardless of what some philosophers and theologians might assert, and therefore have moral worth. Moving away from the less immediate topics presented that leaves eating meat in a problematic area. To produce meat animals must suffer and that suffering is unnecessary as we are perfectly capable of surviving without eating meat. So the question that is truly posed to everyone is whether or not they believe that the ease and enjoyment of eating meat is of more moral worth than the suffering of animals.

No doubt there are those people who have no feelings for animals but the majority surely are opposed to unnecessary cruelty, easily demonstrated in the uproar following cases of animal abuse, such as microwaving a kitten to death in the UK. This needs to be equally applied to those animals that are currently used for food, especially when current attitudes, such as the anger over Japan’s ‘scientific’ whaling and other Asian countries consumption of cats and dogs, reveal an inconsistent and hypocritical philosophic view. In the end there is no way to maintain an objection to such incidences of cruelty to animals while still partaking in an industry whose very foundation is that of unnecessary suffering.

2 thoughts on “Dominion and vegetarianism

  1. Pingback: Rats appear to show empathy | Evidence & Reason

  2. Pingback: Debating plant ethics | Evidence & Reason

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Exhibit Design and Marketing

Published on Nov 4, 2016 12:00:00 PM

trade show booth guidelines.jpg

There are some standard display rules and regulations for exhibiting at trade shows and expositions in the U.S.A. Even the veteran events manager or coordinator needs to refer to these trade show exhibit rules and regulations periodically to make sure they are in compliance, so show management doesn’t have to tell them to modify their booth structure on-site.

These rules and regulations of booth design can act as a guide for you and your exhibit team.  If you know the industry standard for the rules then you may be able to push them a little but it all depends on show management.  It is always good to have proper exhibit and trade show etiquette; meaning, do not do anything that may hinder or prevent exposure and attendee traffic to your exhibit floor neighbors.

Here are three of the most common booth display rules:

standard linear booth

Standard/ Linear Booth

Standard/Linear booths are also called inline booths. They are generally arranged in a straight line and have exhibiting neighbors on the left and right of them, leaving only the front exposed for attendees.  Linear booths are most commonly 10 feet (3.05 meters) wide and 10 feet (3.05 meters) deep.  They are typically referred to as a 10 foot by 10 foot.  The height of the back wall is limited to 8 feet (2.44 meters).  This back wall height is key to consider when designing your booth property.  Corner booths are always a good location.  You can usually take down one of the 3 foot side rails on the side exposed to the aisle.

Perimeter Booth

perimeter booth

A perimeter booth is a linear booth that backs to a perimeter wall of the exposition facility and not to another exhibiting neighbor.  All guidelines for a linear booth apply to perimeter booths except that the typical maximum back wall height is taller, 12 feet (3.66 meters).

Island Booth

An island booth is any size booth exposed to aisles on all four sides.  Island booths are typically 20 feet x 20 feet (6.10 meters by 6.10 meters) or larger, although it may be configured differently.  The use of the entire space may be used.  The maximum allowable height typically ranges from 16 feet to 20 feet, including signage.

These are the dimensional limitations you have for your most common booth types.  However, that doesn’t limit the size of your exhibit marketing ideas!

Trade Show Tips for New Exhibitors

Topics: trade show booths, Trade Show Booth Design

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Posted by: exiwp | September 14, 2006

Mayor Defends Financing for Fulani Group (2006)

By Jill Gardiner
The New York Sun, September 14, 2006

Mayor Bloomberg is defending the city’s decision to approve more than $12 million in tax-free financing for a nonprofit group founded by a political leader who has been accused of making anti-Semitic comments.

Mr. Bloomberg said the approval of the tax-free financing for the All Stars Project, a performing arts group, was based solely on the substance of the group and had nothing to do with its founding member, Lenora Fulani, who is no longer affiliated with the group.

The city’s Industrial Development Agency gave the green light to the arrangement earlier this week over objections from several leading elected officials, who said the organization’s relationship with Ms. Fulani should disqualify it.

“We don’t look at the politics or the personal philosophies or the first amendment rights of what people say who are not involved with a project,” Mr. Bloomberg told reporters.

“If they have a problem with other people they should express it to other people, but we are not going to hurt the kids at the All Star Project,” he added referring to the opponents.

Ms. Fulani, a former leader of the Independence Party, backed Mr. Bloomberg when he was running for mayor in 2001 and then again in 2005, giving him crucial support and an alternative party line for New Yorkers who wanted to vote for him but didn’t want to pull the lever for the Republican Party. He has distanced himself from her positions, but they repeatedly come back to haunt him.

Ms. Fulani’s most divisive words came in 1989, when she wrote: “Jews had to sell their souls to acquire Israel.” This week, the state comptroller, Alan Hevesi, the City Council speaker, Christine Quinn, the public advocate, Betsy Gotbaum, and Rep. Jerrold Nadler wrote to the head of the IDA urging him to block the financing request. Others who hold power on the IDA board directed their proxies to reject it.

But Mr. Bloomberg contended that there was nothing wrong with the deal: “We’re trying to do what’s right for our children and we certainly do not want to run a city where everybody’s got to pass a litmus test of agreeing with those people running for office,” he said.

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Are Greeks Putting Academics First?

Greek life is, what some could describe as, a large part of the Bowling Green State University (BGSU) community. Making up around 13% of BG students, Greek life brings in new members to their respective councils every term and are steadily growing.
One common misconception of the lifestyle is the abandonment of academics. Members of the chapters are often assumed to be more focused on their social lives rather than the ones that are keeping them in school.
Two chapters, Panhellenic Council chapter Kappa Kappa Gamma (KKG), and Interfraternity Council chapter Phi Kappa Psi (Phi Psi), are the two of the top chapters in their respective councils for upholding the highest GPA for the fall semester of 2016.
“Our minimum requirement for women is a 2.67. If a woman in the chapter holds a position on Chapter Council, they are expected to maintain a 2.75,” said Grace Kress, Academic Chair of Kappa Kappa Gamma.
With acknowledging the issues, it is important to included more sides than one in the Greek community.
Mason Settle, Academic Chair of Phi Kappa Psi stated, “Our minimum requirement is 2.5 and 2.75 if you would like to hold a position.”

Greek Resources

The Greek report for the Spring semester of 2016 can be found here.
Greek Standards of excellence can be found here.

Some chapters take certain privileges from members not meeting their minimum. Settle explained that with not reaching standards, members are prohibited from attending social events to better focus on their studies and attend study hours.
On the opposite end, Kress exclaimed the KKG process is not meant as a punishment but rather a helping hand.
“If a woman is on Period of Concern (POC) they are not restricted from anything rather just aware that they need to go the extra mile with school,” she said.
While both ends of the process work, chapters are also rewarded for their good grades in some cases. Many, often sororities over fraternities, have incentives such as monetary amounts and chapter merchandise to help reward members for excelling in academics.
Kress explained members that turn in certain hours or grades are rewarded with raffles, t-shirt giveaways, and awards.
An example she gave was, “at the end of every semester, the woman with the most improved GPA and the woman with the most study hours is recognized at chapter and rewarded with a gift, usually a stitched letter t-shirt.”
Ways of academic achievement and improvement is very present in the Greek community. With 17 chapters in the Interfraternity Council, 11 chapters in the Panhellenic Council and new members adding to chapters each term, keeping up with large numbers of people can be difficult.
KKG and Phi Psi showcase the determination it takes to keep academics as a top priority.
“I believe our chapter has done a great job of establishing that grades come first and other aspects of the fraternity like social come after that,” said Settle.
As far as how chapters feel about the stereotype, Kress believes it is something that takes the community as a whole to change.
“In order to crush the stereotypes that come along with being Greek, we as a community need to come together to prove to everyone that we value education equally as much as we value being involved on campus,” she stated.
Both chapters hope the stereotype is one day no more.

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Penetrating Insight Into the World's Most Mysterious Psyche

Tag Archives: Erik Rush

The press release that never-was.

Vocus refused to distribute it in July 2012, stating that by sharing this information, I “intend to harm the reputation of President Obama”.

Investigative Researcher Martha Trowbridge has identified the mentor-uncle in President Obama’s Dreams From My Father as Frederick “Delano” Newman PhD of New York City.

“Many have assumed that Obama fondly referred to Communist poet Frank Marshall Davis as his mentor,” states Trowbridge. “But accumulating evidence suggests that his mentor-uncle was actually Frederick “Delano” Newman PhD, a lifelong socialist political activist and political strategist extraordinaire.”

Though not a household name, the recently deceased Newman, a 1962 Stanford PhD, was well known to radical activists. A Bronx native and near-lifetime NYC resident, Newman was renowned for his genius in political strategizing, radical psychology, skill at recruitment and retention of political activists, cult-like hold on his devotees, defiance of social and cultural norms, and highly effective party infiltration techniques. Newman’s political candidate sponsorships included Rev. Al Sharpton, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and twice-Presidential candidate, African-American socialist Lenora Fulani.

Acknowedged for his pivotal role in the election of  Michael Bloomberg to Mayor of New York City, Fred Newman was a career socialist political activist. Since the 1960’s, he devoted himself to changing the American political system. Among his initiatives was the creation of independent political parties, including the New Alliance Party [NAP], Independence Party Of New York, and the openly-socialist International Workers Party [IWP].

Key compelling evidence of Fred’s biological relationship with Obama is his appearance with his close degree biological relative Jo Ann Newman – who Trowbridge maintains is the actual identity of President Obama’s mother – at the immediate aftermath of Malcolm X’s February 1965 assassination.   Trowbridge has been asserting that the actual birth identity of Barack Obama is Bâri´ M. Shabazz, allegedly born 28 October 1959, and issued an New York SSN in 1974. Shabazz was the chosen surname of civil rights leader Malcolm X upon his conversion to the Muslim faith. From 1954 through his 1965 assassination, Malcolm X resided in New York City.

“Unlike the endless questions and contradictions presented by what is known as ‘The Obama Narrative’, the Fred Newman / Jo Ann Newman / Malcolm X context raises no red flags,” states Trowbridge. “What’s more, when set in this context, the person we know as President Obama makes perfect sense.”

Additional supporting evidence for Ms. Trowbridge’s identification of Uncle Fred as Obama’s “Uncle Frank” includes Newman’s experience running three prior-to-2008 national United States Presidential campaigns for black candidates; his mastery of political party infiltration and takeover; his widely acknowledged strategic political genius;  his impressive charisma; and the likely biological link between him and Project Vote founder Sanford [Sandy] Newman. [In the mid-eighties, Sandy Newman hired Obama to ‘organize’ Chicago].  A close tie to Fred would also explain Obama’s ‘surprising’ Supreme Court appointment of New Yorker Sonia Sotomayor, who openly affiliated with Newman.

Trowbridge’s discovery of Fred Newman sprung unexpectedly. In September 2011, with the launch of the Terrible Truth blog, Trowbridge’s post Saps, Stool Pigeons And Stanley Ann’s Hair revealed that the famous Obama 2008 Campaign Mother-Son photo had been materially altered. Not only was the mother’s face changed, what appeared to be long hair was actually digitally falsified. Why would the campaign not want America to know his mother sported short hair, became the core investigative question. This discovery eventually led Trowbridge to identifying the young woman at Malcolm X’s wake/funeral as Jo Ann Newman. From there, came Uncle Fred.

Fred Newman was reported to have died in July 2011. “This could explain the marked difference between the efficacy of the Obama 2008 campaign, and the lagging, stumbling Obama 2012 campaign,” Trowbridge says. “No Fred.”

Appreciation to Private Investigator Neil Sankey for his insight; and to Erik Rush for his early-on research collaboration.


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Michelle in Paris or The Fabness that is Michelle Obama

It’s official, I’m gonna be Michelle Obama when I grow up! HAHA I mean I know I am full-fledged 30 year old woman, but Ms. O’s style game is so fly, I might have to copy her when I drop two kids and marry my super-fly soul mate.

Back to Michelle. Everyone is buzzing about this ensemble (made by Thakoon)- some love it and some are a lil confused – but most agree that she is taking some excellent fashion risks and scoring big points. I have to give her points for her hair -it’s gorgeous and healthy looking, which begs the question, “Does the 1st lady sleep with a satin scarf on her head, like every other black woman in America?” Funny.

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New Music Tuesday: Free Downloads, Coldplay

Today is NEW MUSIC TUESDAY. Here is a free download of Coldplay’s live CD – Left Right Left Right. Originally, the band decided to give the free cd to fans who attended one there tour destinations this summer, but decided to offer the cd on their website as a free download. The band says “Playing live is what we love, this album is a thank you to our fans — the people who give us a reason to do it and make it happen.” (source)

The nine-track live album was recorded at various cites during the “Viva La Vida” tour. Click the album, below, to download the full cd.

On a side note – Coldplay will hit Nashville’s Sommet Center on June 6, 2009. Click here for ticket purchases.

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You are currently browsing the monthly archive for November 2006.

The War on Christmas. Give me a BREAK.

A War on Christmas would be if individuals were not permitted to talk about Christmas, or worship in their own way. A War on Christmas would be if an army of anti-Christmas people descended on churches and homes and punished people found to be celebrating the birth of Christ; a War on Christmas would be if sales of Christmas supplies were banned and it became impossible to have a tree and sing hymns and go to midnight worship services and eat yourself into a stupor and have presents. A War on Christmas would be if people spat on you or whacked you in the back of the head for wearing a sweatshirt with a big glittering cross on it, or a Santa Claus for that matter.

But none of this is happening at all. It’s VERY easy to celebrate Christmas in this country. What is NOT realistic, however, is to expect the stores or the government to back you up on it (although it’s worth noting that stores and government office don’t close for Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, but they jolly well close on Christmas). Retailers cannot afford to leave out everyone who celebrates something other than Christmas. They’re not saying “screw you and your Christmas holiday” — they’re being inclusive. It’s business, and you need to not take everything so damn personally. And the government needs to be inclusive too — it is not the government’s job to make sure you feel adequately festive. They give their employees the day off to celebrate, so they’re not ignoring that the majority of Americans are Christian.

I can’t emphasize this enough: “Happy holidays” does NOT equal “Down with Christmas” or “I hate Jesus!” It doesn’t mean that any more than “Would you like to supersize your combo for $1 more?” translates to “You’re looking mighty thin and I think you need another helping of trans fats.”

If you get all bent out of shape if a store clerk or stranger or acquaintance tells you “happy holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas,” I have to politely ask WHAT in the HELL is the matter with you. The person didn’t tell you to stick it; they didn’t say “have a happy something as long as it is NOT Christmas.” It really means, “WHATEVER you celebrate, be it Christmas or something else, I hope you have a good one.” For crying out loud, be gracious, because someone is wishing you well!

I’m sorry, but you really have to be a jerk to get all pissed off (at Christmas time, no less) because someone did not wish you the RIGHT KIND of good wishes in the specific words you wanted to hear.

The bottom line is, don’t bother sending me your e-mails about how we’re banning God from the schools and the stores and this and that. (DEFINTELY don’t send me an e-mail saying “It’s no wonder Katrina struck, because look at this war on Christmas!”) If we all kept God in our hearts, and tried to reflect his grace from the inside out, we would not need to have the schools and local parades and all the stores and store clerks reminding us 24/7 that we’re Christian. We should be content to be Christians in our hearts and homes and churches and families, and in public to whatever degree we want, and be gracious to those who wish us well, no matter WHAT words they use.

I’m looking forward to Christmas. And if you want to wish me merry Christmas, happy holidays, or whatever, I promise to appreciate it.


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Trade between the Falklands and Uruguay

15 Nov

MercoPress reports today on a renewal of farming and business links between the Falkland Islands and Uruguay.

Following a recent visit to Uruguay by the Islands’ Senior Agricultural Advisor, itself initiated by an expression of interest from Joaquin Martinicorena, Chairman of the Uruguayan Wool Secretariat and Pedro Otegui, Director of Lanas Trinidad S.A., a closer association between the British Overseas Territory and Uruguay seems possible.

The establishment of trade links between the Falklands and its neighbours is unlikely to go down well in Argentina which continues in its vocal, if unproven, claim to the Islands. Argentina has worked very hard over the last 10 years to bring its South American neighbours in line with its own thinking on the sovereignty issue.

The last time that Uruguay and Argentina fell out over the Islands was in 1953 when Argentina complained that its small neighbour had infringed Argentina’s sovereignty rights by the establishment of a consulate on the Falklands. At the time, Uruguay pointed out that their consul had been placed on the Islands in 1924. Argentina still imposed economic sanctions.

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Waiting on Wednesday #1: Everyone We’ve Been by Sarah Everett

I haven’t had a post in the last week so I thought “hey why don’t I do this Waiting on Wednesday thing. seems easy enough” and bam, this post was born.

Or maybe I’m doing this to lament that fact that there all all these good books being released in the next few months and I can’t buy any of them bc I’ve put myself on a book buying ban.

Also, I’ve started making headers for my posts so please do tell me your thoughts regarding them! I’m pretty much set on the colour combination, it’s just the fonts and sizes that I’m worried about.Read More »


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Saturday, April 30, 2011

Rape liar can't keep story straight: first says her 'rapist' was white, then changes it to black

At two o'clock last Monday morning, Natalie Nicholas, a Montgomery County, Pennsylvania woman, went to Abington Memorial Hospital and reported that she had been raped and robbed.  She claimed she had been beaten to unconsciousness and when she awoke, the supposed offender was sexually assaulting her.

The only problem is, her story didn't add up. It had inconsistencies. "At one point during the investigation, Nicholas changed the description of the offender from being a white male to being a black male."

By 4:45, less than three hours after she had arrived at the hospital, detectives could definitively say that Nicholas had lied about her attack. Nicholas admitted to lying, and has been charged with making a false report to police. She will also be billed for the costs associated with the investigation.

Sources: and