text:
I spent the morning of October 2nd at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle.
I had previously attended weddings at this zoo (of people, mind you... though an animal wedding would be awesome) but had never really toured the place... until now.
With my Oregon Zoo membership card, I was able to get half-price admission to the WPZ, which was already in its "off season" and had lower prices than during the summer anyway. Admission plus parking came to around $12 total.
Once inside, I got a map and began to plan my route. I quickly realized that this zoo is big! According to zoos.wanderbat.com, the WPZ is 92 acres (compared to the Oregon Zoo's 64 acres.) While some exhibits were clumped together, others felt very spread out. I did a lot of walking that morning.
I was glad I'd grabbed a map, because the pathway system at this zoo is tricky. Signage isn't very clear on most paths, and there are a bunch of little trails that sometimes made me feel like I was in a labyrinth. I understand that they want to spread out the visitors (away from one main path, where it might get crowded) and make the zoo more nature-esque, but...
...come on. The city of Venice was easier to navigate!
But of course I saw a lot of animals.
There were a couple of interactive exhibits, including "penguin feeding," which, for $5, allowed you to throw some fish into the penguin pond, and an aviary where you could feed birds seeds off a stick for a buck. The particular aviary where this was occurring was not an ideal place to hang out, as nearly every pathway had a tree overhanging it, every tree had a bird, and nearly every bird had already eaten and was now all about nature's calling. (I got out of there quickly.)
All in all, I spent about two and a half pleasant hours at the Woodland Park Zoo and visited pretty much every exhibit during that time. On this Sunday morning in early October, it wasn't very crowded. I had a good time looking at the variety of animals that live there, and would someday like to visit this zoo again.


text:
Updated: 3/29/19
There are many fresh foods that are delicious enough on their own, but when it comes to modifying recipes to lighten them up, it's important to understand how to retain flavor when reducing fat, sugar or sodium.
Adding spices, herbs or other flavorings such as lemon or lime juice are great ways to accomplish this. Some recipes utilize aromatic vegetables such as garlic, onions or celery while others will add herbs and spices to season up the dish. Here are 3 tips for storing and using spices.
Dry vs. Fresh: Dried herbs do not always taste like their fresh counterparts, so sometimes they are not always interchangeable in a recipe. Substituting one part dry herb for three parts fresh will work in a pinch.
Shelf Life: Dry herbs and spices have a shelf life, and most should not be kept for more than a few years, especially if they have been opened. Store your dried herbs and spices in airtight containers in a cool, dark place like your cupboard or pantry – not your counter.
Seasoning: It's much better to under-season and add more spices than over-season. Taste and season your recipe throughout the cooking process.
Pre-made blends can be nice to have on hand, but check the ingredient label, as you will want to avoid the blends that are filled with sodium. Some recipes may call for specific herbs and spices but the list below is a great place to start outfitting your spice rack. You can also grow your own herbs with a seed kit. It's easy to do and kids will have fun watching them grow.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Mugardos LNG terminal to receive first Q-Flex carrier
Spanish LNG terminal operator Reganosa said the Mugardos LNG terminal is set to receive the Q-Flex carrier Al Utoriya next week.
According to the company's statement, Al Utoriya tanker with the capacity to transport 216,203 cubic meters of LNG will be the largest vessel of its type to unload at the terminal when it docks on Tuesday, April 25.
The vessel built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in 2008 is transporting a cargo from Qatar's Ras Laffan LNG complex.
With the shipment, the Mugardos LNG terminal will have received 294 cargoes since its start up in 2007.
The Mugardos LNG terminal at the Ferrol port has the capacity to provide 3.6 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year to the Spanish transmission system.


text:
Sponsored By:
Blood is the most important source for routine in-vitro diagnostic information, such as the concentration level of plasma biomarkers and cells. Only in special cases, such as leukemia diagnostics, functional analysis is performed with fluorescence flow cytometry. However, the rich information content of blood cell functions is not routinely available due to the complexity of today's diagnostic workflow. Furthermore, sample logistics and sample preparation efforts cause imprecision of the test results. In my presentation, I review the single cell analysis challenges with opaque whole blood as sample matrix and the clinical unmet need for point of care usability. To demonstrate how cell function diagnostics can be achieved at the point of care, I will discuss my research efforts to integrate microfluidic workflows and giant magnetorestistance sensors.
Speaker Bio:


text:
4.6 V8 Conversion
This snowballed slightly into some extra tidying up, specifically:
- Added twin electric fans - something you probably need to do if you're doing a conversion.
But first, a word on engine conversions - turned into a minor rant, moved to its own section to avoid clogging this page up!
Reasons Why
So, why did we decide to swap the engine in the ambulance?
Well, first off the original de-tuned 3.5 was not running as well as it might - it felt like a problem of tuning rather than underlying mechanical issue. However, I really hate carbs, don't get on with them at all. My usual approach is to convert to EFI and fit Megasquirt with EDIS distributorless ignition rather than fart about with carbs and suchlike.
Now, we could've done that to the original 3.5 lump using bits from a later engine, but it's a fair bit of faffing about swapping bits, so instead we decided to remove the lump complete & mothball it. P38 Range Rovers are cheap and frequently suffer electrical issues that terrify people, plus they have a more modern version of the Rover V8 at either 4.0 or 4.6 litres, with various useful improvements like cross-bolted mains, polyvee ancillary drive, 100+Amp alternator, and of course fuel injection already present. Not to mention a significant improvement in power & torque over the old 3.5.
The ambulance is a big heavy old hector, so a lump with plenty of low-down torque is just the ticket for relaxed driving.
"But why not a diesel???" I hear multitudes wailing…
Well, there's various reasons, personal preference being a significant factor.
Viable Land Rover diesel engines for a conversion would be the 200 & 300TDi or possibly TD5. The first two are a little underpowered for the ambulance, not to mention being (beloved to some) purely mechanical so somewhat old-school in terms of refinement. Finding a good one is hard these days. The TD5 is easier to find but brings a full ECU & wiring loom with it. Not to mention that when I looked at the fuel consumption of TD5 Discoverys and Defenders it was in the low 20mpg region, perilously close to V8 territory.
We drove a friend's Locomotors ambulance before we bought the 127, and that was fitted with a very sweet MOD-reconditioned Wolf-spec 300TDi which went very nicely. However, there's no escaping the fact that you have to raise your voice to have a conversation and the TDi is having to work to push it along - and he reckons low-to-mid-20's mpg-wise is the average.
Converting to TDi raises other issues too; the majority of available TDi's are not from Defenders and hence adaption of plumbing is required. All of them would require a different gearbox & bellhousing, change or adaption of chassis engine mounts, a new radiator with intercooler, exhaust… basically a fair impact on the vehicle and more work and expense. The gearbox on the 127 was a very clean rebuilt R380 from Ashcrofts so binning it would've been a real waste.
There's also weird issues like being denied entry to certain countries (USA for example) if using an engine that isn't approved.
By comparison, Rover V8's are basically interchangeable - you can bolt one in place of another and only have plumbing to worry about. Doing this we would retain the almost new R380 gearbox that's fitted, and get to leave a lot of other bits untouched or easily put back.
On With The Conversion!
So, decision made we turned to eBay and found a decent looking P38 4.6 down the road in Bournemouth - crucially it had an MOT and was running & driving with no engine issues - by far the best way to buy an engine is in a vehicle you can drive. We won it for £720, a bit spendy by some standards (I've heard of similar P38's being picked up for £250 by the fortunate) but the hassle factor was low, it was local and ticked all the boxes.
We felt a bit bad as the lad who was selling it talked us through the various buttons and things on his pride and joy and I had to admit to really not caring as we were only after the engine!
Anyway, we collected it and I drove it
home to Dave's garden with no problems - in fact I was rather surprised to find this:
In fact it was claiming nearly 24mpg by the time we got it back.
There was then a long period of inactivity while builders knocked holes in our house and also built a garage tall enough to actually fit the ambulance in. The P38 ended up in Dave's garden for many months longer than intended, and we owe Dave a debt of many beers. Luckily, no sooner had we removed the P38 than another mate, Mike, "accidentally" acquired about 10 GRP kit-cars and moulds and filled Dave's garden back up, making us look much better by comparison!
Removing the engine
With massively appreciated help from TSD (vehicle storage, trailer rental, workshop space, engine crane, spanner waving, colourful language…) a weekend saw this happen:
Not many cars you can fit an engine, the engine crane, a load of gear in the back and not even have to remove the sofa-bed to make room
With the engine home & treated to a coat of looking at, the valley gasket was very crusty so I thought I'd replace it, only to have the last inlet manifold bolt shear off tried all the tricks but ultimately had to admit defeat so it's having a visit to Banda Engineering in Portsmouth to get it removed.
Engine being looked at:
Exactly what you don't want:
But otherwise pretty good inside:
A weekend visit to Nige at megasquirt-v8 meant I got the crank pulley machined for the trigger wheel, lambda sensor welded in to the exhaust, and collected a big box of bits for the forthcoming megasquirt install - loads of lovely laser-cut brackets, even a full set of shiny new unobtainium connectors for the EDIS-8, I think Nige is the only person on the planet with a supply of these.
Also rather disappointed to find the P38 exhaust manifolds won't fit due to the clutch slave fouling, shame as they seem nicer than the current 4:2 RR EFi ones fitted. Maybe some 4:1 3.9 cast ones should go on the shopping list.
The plan was not to get carried away trying to build it perfect 1st time but to get it up together & usable and then go out & use it to see how it goes, then make changes / improvements as we go. As such, the engine was going to get a quick "freshen up" and be plonked in…
…Well some freshening that turned out to be!
I spent 3 weeks nocturnally occupying the shed, every single little thing fought me all the bleedin' way but at long last it runs and drives again, and by crikey it goes a whole lot better than it used to!
First things first - Banda Engineering did their magic without even having to remove the heads, saved me some grief there and for a very reasonable price.
Before & After:
And while we're doing before & afters - where we started & where this is all heading:
What has turned out to be an series of excellent investments: A £3 lamp from Asda, a £10 set of steps from Home Bargains and a small folding plastic step/stool thingy, excellent when spending hours bent over an engine bay!
Many hours of farting about (not pictured) led to this being in the way of every-effing-thing in the workshop:
And a big space in the front:
Fitting the 4.6
As alluded to earlier in the thread, of course the 4.6 is going to be run by Megasquirt'n'EDIS as is only right and proper. I will be shamelessly plugging Nige's kit (www.megasquirt-v8.co.uk) throughout the next few posts as it really does make life so much easier - and that's despite the fact I already have a shed full of megasquirt bits and wiring gear, I still bought a kit of bits & wiring loom kit from Nige.
While I'm documenting this I'll try and explain what bits do for those unfamiliar with how it all hangs together.
Lambda sensor boss welded into the exhaust - this senses the unburnt fuel in the exhaust to tweak the mixture on the fly:
1st half of the mount for the VR sensor - crank pulley removed for trigger wheel fitting, on P38 lumps there is no timing mark OR pointer so you'll need to work out where TDC is, make a pointer, and then mark the pulley for later use:
For those converting a P38 lump, you need to blank off this hole where the flywheel sensor was (or just leave the sensor in):
You'll also need to either blank off or adapt the heater output on the P38 inlet manifold - it's 1/2" BSPT (taper thread):
You'll also need to remove the flywheel dowel at 10-o-clock position, sometimes they can be pulled out with pliers, this one fought like a barsteward :
If you're using Nige's kit with an idle air control valve (also known as PWM valve), you need to drill a hole in the back of the plenum & attach the elbow for it:
I tapped the holes in the plenum to M6, smeared the plate with black silicone (sensor-safe / low acid - Loctite 5910 or 598) and bolted on:
If you are making a loom for the injectors etc. then DO NOT refit the plenum, it is miles easier to get to the n/s injectors with it off.
Again, using Nige's kit, you then mount the joiner for the air intake pipe - this provides somewhere to screw in the inlet air temperature sensor (IAT) and a takeoff pipe for the idle air valve to get its air from:
It's a bit of a faff as you have to remove the throttle mount (black steel frame) make sure you catch all the springs and things when you pull it off! I found later that this bracket needs to be shortened by about 15-30mm for a Defender retro-fit. Also note that all the bolts must face OUT from the bracket or they'll foul the throttle linkage.
Those converting a Defender will want the 50th Anniversary throttle cable, part number SBB104100.
This is (roughly) how most PWM valves fit - an MS sourced from Nige (or one properly modified) will drive any 2-wire valve, Bosch being quite available in most scrapyards:
All the hose fittings are 3/4" / 19mm, for some reason (I think 'cos they're LR parts-bin) Nige supplies narrower pipes and recommends silicone lube, I struggled for ages with this and decided that just 'cos you use lube it doesn't make it consensual and reverted to non-standard bits of hose from the bucket of dong.
You'll need to attach the fuel supply hose - 8 or 6mm bore hose is what you want, it MUST be high pressure as EFI pumps can manage 100psi. Again with the P38 conversion, you'll need to cut the original fuel pipe off, carefully to avoid damaging the steel pipe:
Bellhousing before & after:
A couple of bits of bling from Nige / Xcess4x4 - I already had the ali clutch release bearing but the small laser-cut stainless clip for the arm is typical Nige overkill
Here is my TDC locating effort - I made a (very shoddy) pointer and bolted it to the P38 crank angle sensor (black thing in the front cover behind the pulley):
Then put a feeler thing* down the bore of cylinder 1, rotate back & forth, take mid-point with protractor, repeat with shorter feeler-thing, mark pulley:
Remember that the marks are relative to your pointer, so if you move the pointer your marks are wrong.
Not pictured: original flywheel fitted, new clutch fitted, crank pulley bolted on, Defender engine mounts bolted on:
It fits - although if you're fitting a P38 block in a Defender you'll need to chop the aircon pump bracket down to clear the inner wing:
…and if you're not using the aircon pump, this is the belt you'll need (1870mm, 7-vee, although 1900mm would also work):
Fitting The Megasquirt
Here is the point I made a hell of a lot of extra work for myself - deciding that the Ambulance is quite original and I didn't want to bolt the ECU in the cab with wires trailing to it, or under the seat in the way of batteries/fuel/water tanks etc. I looked around and found an ECU-sized hole - behind the dashboard:
Fishing round in my box of MS detritus I found a case lid I could sacrifice to the experiment, and a 90deg headshell:
Let's see…
Oh yeaaaaaah, loooaaads of room how hard can it be?
1st step, insert a couple of rivnuts for screwing the ECU into position, this threw up a couple of issues:
Number one: You can't get a drill in there
Number two: You can't get a rivnut tool in there
Number one was solved with a drill bit in a tapping handle and patience swearing.
Number two was solved with a makeshift nut-and-bolt rivnut doer-upper which sort of mostly worked after a fashion.
Anyway, moving along, I detoured slightly from Nige's kit as I have some nice but hard to find Bosch sealed injector connectors:
The only snag is you have to remember to assemble them in the right order as the terminals go in from the front:
Happily you can use P-clips and M6-by-short bolts on the inlet manifold (most V8 EFI's are the same) which makes life quite neat:
Other side - yeah, I forgot to leave the plenum off:
Also used 8mm push-fit adapter (shiny thing) onto the existing plenum takeoff, to 6mm push-fit nylon pipe for the MAP (inlet vacuum) to ECU connection.
When wiring, cable ties are your friend - I use cheap brightly coloured ones for temporarily holding stuff as they're easy to spot when tidying up. Also, I didn't follow this advice but you really should NOT wrap the loom until it runs & drives and EVERYTHING is working, there's always one wire you forgot…
Those converting to a P38 lump will need to bypass the oil cooler - these ports are metric thread (same as a freelander as it happens), initial trip to Hyphose resulted in an adapter that worked but fouled the steering box (127's have HD 6-bolt boxes, your Defender may vary), this was the 2nd attempt shaved down with a grinder - oil coolers are on the return-to-sump side so low pressure:
Edit from the future: I blanked the ports off, M20 blanking plugs: Deets here.
Let's wire up some coil pack connectors! Everyone gets these confused as you have to ignore ALL the numbers on Ford coil packs, connectors, etc. and ALSO the connectors plug into the coil packs in a way that feels "upside-down", this is the order you want using the colour codes in Nige's instructions:
This is ALMOST how the crimp should look - don't strip too much off the end of the wire, the 2nd crimp is there to grip the insulation AND the skinny end of the boot, which I realised too late:
This is the 2nd point where I made a load of work for myself by upgrading the fusebox to blade fuses. May as well while you've got the loom in bits!
Before - after:
And mounted a couple of relay holders to the back for good measure - one for the fuel pump, the other spare:
After many hours hunched in the cab, all cables re-crimped to the new holders and new cables for the MS poked through behind the dash:
I deviated from Nige's current MS circuit diagram and powered the coils & injector feed direct from ignition live to put some load on the ignition system and hence avoid needing a diode in the alternator warning light feed to prevent back-feeding & running on as often happens. LR actually did that mod themselves in some vehicles.
Lambda sensor wired up using IP67 connectors supplied by Nige (Ampseal):
ECU with EDIS mounted:
EDIS plug - Nige has gone to a lot of trouble to source brand new plugs & pins so you can make everything all nice with no joints:
The centre earth (black) just grounds the shield wire for the VR sensor, you can see the other end looping back & soldered to the shield - glue-lined heat-shrink out of shot ready to be shrunk over the joint. EDIS switches the ground side of the coils so needs a good ground - 2mmsq wire used here.
The EDIS pins are a bit of a nightmare to get in, it feels as if you're going to bend them trying to push them home so care is needed, I don't know if there's a knack to it. Finished plug:
Time for the ECU plug:
I modded my ECU to control cooling fans as I am ditching the viscous - after a brief search of the scrapyard it turns out Freelander 1.8 fans are an ideal fit for a Defender V8 rad:
One of the nicest things from Nige's kit is the coil pack mounting brackets, makes things lovely and neat:
Another thing that's taken me bleedin' ages is the power steering pipe. The P38 pump is of course in a different place, but I found the Defender pipe will screw in, so a trip to Hyphose later and I've got an adapter:
And a length of high-pressure hose crimped up… only to find the ends are too rigid to bolt up to the pipe in the available space:
Damnit, let's try a 45deg adapter in there (another trip to hyphose):
Nope, now it's too long and fouls the pulley/VR sensor
OK how about throwing another bend in?
Nope, that fouls even more things
So thanks to TSD digging round under the bonnet of the donor P38 and hacking the PAS pipe up, I started again with the P38 end:
That looks more promising:
After finding the air intake pipe thingy fouled the washer tank, I had the blessed thing apart and chopped ~20mm out of it:
ECU mods - using a ULN2803 darlington array to give the ECU 4 spare outputs, zener diodes used near the connector to catch spikes coming back from the relays:
As ever, lashings of conformal coating to keep the board nice.
Top tip - bits of old hose make ideal protective sleeves for wiring looms etc. where they touch brackets/edges:
Also you can see how lovely and flush the cable-tie gun cuts the cable ties off, no sharp ends to cut yourself on. It's one of my favourite tools.
Additional fusebox added in engine bay for the main power feed plus fans - as LR don't fuse the main feed (or indeed many other things) I thought I would:
Rad + Fans in:
Another tip - a standard inline filter on the return line (unpressurised return to tank) of the fuel system shows you you have fuel & it's flowing:
More P-clips, alternator feed upgraded to 16mm2 what with it being a 120A alternator and all:
Which means the engine-bay side of things is done… apart from the air filter, which is too big to fit in the hole.
Not pictured: Many, many hours embuggerance with pipes, hoses, clips, clamps, wiring loom, brackets, etc.
Back inside after many, many, many more hours tidying the standard loom up, chasing wires, poking cables through, cable tying, spiral binding, and basically trying to straighten out the rats-nest of wiring that seems to happen behind all Defender dashboards, the ECU and EDIS are tucked away with a serial cable permanently attached (because you're never getting in there to plug one in!):
All tucked away with a bit of slack on the serial cable:
It runs, it drives, the fans come on & off, the PAS works… and it really does go rather well!
There's a snaglist a mile long of little things to sort out;
- Need an air box (Defender 200TDi if anyone's got one?)
- The lambda sensor appears dead, I've got a new one to go in.
- Need a remote oil filter kit (again, PM me if you have one) as the oil filter is a bit close to the front diff for my liking.
- Need to check & trim the timing, it looks pretty close but I've not confirmed it is bang on
- Need to tweak the PWM valve settings, it hunts quite a lot from cold
- Need to secure the new high-pressure fuel line
- …well, that's it for the engine anyway!
While I was doing all this farting about, Helen was busy with the power tools creating a kitchen and bed, and we've also bought a pair of Puma front seats to replace the squaddie-spec black vinyl jobs. I still need to chop the rear bulkhead out to make it walk-through from cab to rear and a few other jobs…
No pressure but the ferry is booked for end of the month
Update 1
Update: it went fine!
Update 2
Finally got round to fitting a 200TDi air box to it.
There's a bit more detail on LR4x4 here.


text:
Describe your favorite memory at Carver.
"My favorite memory at Carver was when we went to Lake Compounce. We got to go on rides and then the water park. My favorite ride was a scary roller coaster. It was my first roller coaster, but I wasn't scared."
Who is your role model?
"My role model is Gem. He's the best counselor at Carver. When we get free time, he always talks to us. Whenever there are problems, he stays chill. I also like watching soccer games with him. "
What do you want to be when you grow up?
"I want to be a soccer player. I play soccer at Carver sometimes when we have free time."
Describe an accomplishment that you're proud of.
"I'm proud of never getting an F in school. My favorite subject in school is math because it's the easiest for me and I do the best in math."
Describe Carver to someone who doesn't know what it is.
"At Carver, all of the campers learn and have fun. You learn reading and math, but you also have fun playing outside here."


text:
Our Quote Request Form below will ensure a quick resonse to your request. In order to assist you with your request as accurately and efficiently as we can, please provide all necessary details and as much additional information as possible.
Our team will be in touch with you primarily via email or by phone if we require any additional information.


text:
- Topped the charts for today's practice sessions on the 2.385-mile road course
- Will take the grid in the 10th position for tomorrow's 85-lap race
"We were going for pole and we gambled on something really big on the setup. We just took a really big, aggressive move on it and the car just wouldn't take it. Unfortunately we're at the point now where we can start getting creative with our approach. Two races left – we basically have to win them both and the Penskes have to DNF, so we're going for it. To be starting 10th is a shame and we'll have to make it up tomorrow. We'll have to pass cars on the track, pass in pit lane and also have a good strategy to go along with it. Fingers crossed – it's going to be a long race tomorrow, everyone will have their hands full. We're a bit disappointed where we're sitting now, but we can make it up tomorrow in the DHL car."


text:
Per Christian Brown´s Melancholic Tableau
By Elisabeth Byre
What does my body know of Photography?
I observed that a photograph can be the object of three practices (or of three emotions, or of three intentions): to do, to undergo, to look.
- Roland Barthes, Camera Lucida. Reflections on Photography (1980)
In the art of Per Christian Brown we are invited into a universe of pathos – with every picture being at a point of no return. Without a beginning or an end, they are either directly entering the action or tempting us to wait for some.
Brown stages his pictures with varying degrees of clarity. They are directed, decorated and lighted to achieve a certain representation. Some to form a scenic illusion, others to strive for realism. In the first case, we look for the model – is it scenes from a film, a painting or a stage play, we ask ourselves. However, the point of reference cannot be identified as one specific piece, rather as many pieces – "a copy without an original" (1). In the second case, they strive so well for reality that we are searching for signs directing our attention to the method employed.
Brown's pictures can be divided into two subject spheres – landscapes on the one hand, tableaux on the other. Thematically, these spheres meet in a project involving sexuality and belonging – the dark night and artificial lighting being the aesthetic common denominator.
In his landscapes, the deserted parks and streets of the night – the city's hideouts – are the subjects of investigation. Surrounded by a secretive darkness, streetlights create a dramatic and theatrical effect, and many of these pictures are entitled "Scene". We assume the position of someone peeping; in the shadow of the tree, at the edge of the woods, eagerly waiting for something to happen. In particular, it is the absence of people in these pictures that evokes our curiosity. By including clues, Brown makes us participants in his stories, in which unexpected objects or props create a symbolic ambivalence. In the series "Power and Pain", toilet paper, like streamers from a party, is hanging from the trees. An aesthetically pleasing expression is formed by something associated with the negation of aesthetics – human faeces and secretes to be wiped away and hidden. Our attention is directed towards areas covered by taboos, and our thoughts towards the events taking place under the guise of darkness; hidden activities and brief encounters. In this way, the park is transformed into a sexualized landscape. Here, the stories unfold beyond the time frame of the photographs; they have already happened or they will happen – the pictures present the scenes of possible events, of unknown dramas.
In his tableaux, Brown is moving away from nature and into enclosed spaces. As in the landscape pictures, there is an enveloping darkness interrupted by dramatic lighting. Here, the streetlights have been replaced by candles or flashlights. In the tableaux, the presence of people, not the absence, creates the stories. These pictures show men in various vulnerable situations, half-naked, asleep, blindfolded, forced to their knees or staring melancholically into a fire. There are no confronting looks, no attempts to communicate with the camera; instead, partially hidden faces turning away. In "Embracing the Night", we see a naked man in front of a window – the light of the sunset on the horizon blurring all contours. In this piece, it is not an estranging object that arouses our curiosity, but the way in which the person is acting: the disturbing element lies in his movement. Is he about to climb out of the window – or is he just admiring the view? As in all of Brown's pieces, we are not given any answers – just cues and hints – leading or misleading us.
Tableau photography is characterized by its toning down of the geographic location in favor of a more universal space. In this way, the pictures retain their mysteriousness; the dreamlike expression is enhanced, since the pictures are not associated with a particular time and place. The direct gaze characterizes the style of documentary film, portrait photography, snapshots and – not least – commercials. By avoiding direct communication with the camera, Brown maintains the theatrical and cinematic illusion he professes in his project. The narration is not obvious, like a chain reaction of cause and effect, but requires our imagination and time.
In the triptych "Nocturnal Vision", Brown's model is baroque painting. Inspired by the era's dualistic thinking of good and evil, the saved and the lost, the scenes unfold. The composition of the triptych emphasises the elements of time and creates contingency between past, present and future. Here, it is presented as a threat from a swan haunting a man – awakening him from his sleep. The dramatic lighting evokes the use of dichotomies of the baroque era: the light flowing down from above as something divine, a saving light. The enclosing darkness from which the swan arises is like an ascension from the sinful dark, earthly. The white sheet and the white swan form a simple symbolic unity of purity and sincerety, contrasting with the aggressiveness of the swan attacking the man – vulnerable and naked.
Ambiguity is a recurring aspect of Brown's artistic project – there are frequently contrasting elements in the titles and picture compositions. Facing his pictures, it is as if we gain access to a private and secret world. With a certain shyness, we become voyeurs: peeping into intimate spaces normally not available to outsiders, which we are nevertheless allowed to peek into – from a distance. An underlying tension arouses our curiosity, and it persists.
Elisabeth Byre
(1) Rosalind Krauss (1993) Cindy Sherman 1975-1993. New York: Rizzoli


text:
Prune high branches quickly and easily without climbing a ladder.
Fiskar's innovative 9240 telescoping Pruning Stik Tree Pruner makes it easy to cut high or low with a level of control traditional pruners with exterior ropes can't match. You can cut high branches without the hassles and dangers of using a ladder. In addition, you can make low cuts without sore knees from kneeling. The Pruning Stik will help prevent back strain from bending, and it easily reaches into dense, prickly shrubs or tight spots. The rope-free design means you can use both hands to maximize your power and accuracy, and an easy-to-grip sliding handle makes the pruning action smooth and simple. An actuating ball at the end of the shaft lets you reach even farther and still prune with precision, and the cutting head rotates up to 230-degrees to let you prune at tough angles. The Fiskar's 9240 telescoping version includes a 15-inch saw blade to take down thicker branches. The 9240 tree pruner extends to a full 12-foot. The Fiskars' 9240 Pruning Stik includes a lifetime warranty.
Adjustable cutting head makes it easy to prune at virtually any angle.. View larger.
Prune low without back strain from bending or sore knees from kneeling. View larger.
Rope-free design maximizes power and control. View larger.
Quick-release thumb lock provides easy adjustment of the cutting head angle. . View larger.


text:
The popular Realarm app for Windows 10 on PC and Mobile has been updated. The new 220.127.116.11 version adds, among other things, voice commands to the alarm app.
The developer behind Realarm has revealed what's new and fixed with the new version in a Reddit post:
- [NEW] Added voice commands
- [NEW] Added Mute all
- [NEW] Added Chinese language
- [NEW] Added Portuguese language
- [FIX] Fixed no alarms issue caused by Anniversary Update build bug
- [FIX] Fixed disabled Save button caused by bug in build 14905.1000
- [FIX] Fixed empty small tile
- [FIX] Fixed default dark theme
- [FIX] Stability improvements
If you have the Windows 10 Anniversary Update for Windows 10 Mobile, you might want to take heed of this additional note from the Realarm developer:
Important: After updating your phone to Anniversary Update, you need to launch Realarm at least once. Otherwise, your alarms will not go off. During the update, all alarms registered in system are removed due to bug in update.
After launching Realarm, it should auto-heal and re-register all alarms.
Thanks to Viktor for the tip!
Download Realarm from the Windows Store
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.


text:
Kiwibaby offers free shipping within NZ on all orders over $100, and only charges $6 shipping on items under $100. We will happily offer an exchange, refund (minus our freight costs) or credit note on unused items in original packaging returned within 7 days with a copy of the receipt.
Edwards & Co Capsule s2 with ECO Fabric & Base Package
availability:In stock
sku: e10324979459
Product Description
Latest Model from Edwards & Co
New features for the series 2:
- NZ designed outer with PU foam new born support cushion and lumbar wedge for safety and comfort.
- Swedish designed 5-point harness system.
- New "easy carry" aluminium core handle with foam outer.
Other features:
- Clips into the Ed & Co ISOFIX/Belt Fix multi-fix base.
- Clips into any Ed & Co buggy without the need for travel system adaptors.
- EPS foam for enhanced impact protection.
- Lightweight at just 3.5kg.
- Can be directly installed into your vehicle's 3-point seat belt system.
- High sides for enhanced side protection.
- Multi-adjustable sun canopy.
- Adjustable handle.
- Approved to ECE44 STD for up to 13kgs (12-15 Months) as approved by Land Transport NZ.
- 2 year warranty.
The simple installation design, combined with the foot anchor and rear seat shield provides optimum protection in the event of an accident
Isofix or carseat belt installation with locking clip
Additional Information
Edwards and Co
custom contents goes here


text:
Desserts that Cut the Sugar
- ‹ Prev
- Next ›
- slide 1 of 8
Sweet Potato Brownies
Prep 20 minutes
Bake 25 minutes at 325°F
The mashed sweet potato in this recipe ups the moisture (letting you skip the traditional eggs), imparts a tender crumb (which is the typical role of sugar), and adds lots of vitamins and minerals.
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 11/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 1 cup almond butter
- 3/4 cup mashed cook sweet potato (below)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 3 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl stir together first five ingredients (through salt).
2. In a large bowl combine next four ingredients (through vanilla). Stir in flour mixture just until combined. Stir in chocolate. Spread batter in prepared pan.
3. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until top is puffed and appears dry. Cool in pan on a wire rack. If desired, dust with additional cocoa powder. Makes 16 brownies.
Mashed Cooked Sweet Potato
For 3/4 cup mashed sweet potato, peel one 8-oz. sweet potato and cut into 2-inch pieces. Place sweet potato in a steamer basket in a saucepan. Add water to saucepan to just below basket. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Steam, covered, 18 minutes or until very tender. Press sweet potato through a ricer, or mash with a potato masher.
Per brownie: 190 cal., 11 g fat (2 g sat. fat), 0 mg chol., 181 mg sodium, 22 g carb., 3 fiber, 14 g sugars, 5 g pro.Date Published: May 7, 2018Date Updated: May 8, 2018
Creamy Chocolate Pudding
Start to finish 10 minutes
While classic pudding has 31 grams of sugar per 1/2 cup, this recipe only has 14 grams.
- 1 ripe avocado, halved, seeded, peeled, and cut up
- 1/2 of a banana, cut up
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup milk or soymilk
- 3 to 4 Tbsp. honey or agave syrup
- 2 tsp. vanilla
1. In a blender combine all of the ingredients. Cover and blend until smooth. If desired, cover surface with plastic wrap and chill before serving. Makes 4 servings (1/2 cup each).
Per serving: 163 cal., 7 g fat (2 g sat. fat), 2 mg chol., 20 mg sodium, 26 g carb., 6 g fiber, 14 g sugars 4 g pro.Date Published: May 7, 2018Date Updated: May 8, 2018
Chocolate Cake
Prep 20 minutes
Bake 30 minutes at 350°F
Cool 1 hour
The canned black beans in this recipe bring down the sugar while maintaining a moist-and-tender texture–you won't taste them, we promise!
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 4 eggs, room temperature
- 1 Tbsp. water
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- Espresso powder, berries, and/or Sweet Cashew Cream (below) (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick cooking spray. Dust pan with cocoa powder, shaking out excess. Line pan with parchment paper; dust again with cocoa powder.
2. In a small bowl microwave oil 15 to 20 seconds or until melted. In a large bowl combine melted oil, eggs, and the water. In a small bowl stir together 1/3 cup cocoa powder, baking powder and baking soda.
3. In a food processor combine beans, both sugars, vanilla, and salt. Cover and process until smooth. Stir bean mixture into egg mixture until combined. Add cocoa powder mixture to egg mixture; beat with a mixer on medium 1 minute. Spread batter in a prepared pan.
4. Bake 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool cake layer in a pan 10 minutes. Remove; cool on a wire rack. If desired, dust with espresso powder and/or additional cocoa powder and serve with berries and/or Sweet Cashew Cream. Makes 12 servings.
Sweet Cashew Cream
In a small bowl combine 1 cup raw unsalted cashews and enough boiling water to cover. Let stand, covered, 15 minutes; drain. Rinse and drain again. In a blender or food processor combine chashews, 1/2 cup water, and dash sea salt. Cover and blend or prcess 5 minutes or until creamy. Stir in 1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup or honey and 1/2 tsp. vanilla.
Per serving: 201 cal., 8 g fat (6 g sat. fat), 62 mg chol., 331 mg sodium, 30 g carb., 3 g fiber, 22 g sugars, 5 g pro.Date Published: May 7, 2018Date Updated: May 8, 2018
Apple and Cream Cheese Galette
Prep 25 minutes
Chill 1 hour
Bake 30 minutes at 375°F
While a classic slice of apple pie has 20 grams of sugar, this sweet dessert only has 4.
- 11/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 2 Tbsp. butter, cut up
- 2 Tbsp. sour cream
- 2 Tbsp. canola oil
- 2 Tbsp. cold water
- 6 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. honey warmed
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 2 eggs
- 11/3 cups thinly sliced apples
- Dash ground cinnamon (optional)
1. In a medium bowl stir together the 11/4 cups flour and the 1/4 tsp. salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in sour cream and oil until combined. Sprinkle with the water, tossing until moistened. Gather pastry into a ball, kneading gently just until it holds together (mixture may appear crumbly). Wrap in plastic wrap and chill 1 hour.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F. In a medium bowl beat cream cheese, 1 Tbsp. of the honey, the 1 Tbsp. flour, and the 1/8 tsp. salt with a mixer on medium until combined. Stir in one of the eggs just until combined.
3. Roll pastry between two pieces of parchment paper into a 14-inch circle; discard top paper. Slide remaining paper with pastry onto a baking sheet. Spread pastry with cream cheese mixture to within 2 inches of the edges. Arrange apples on cream cheese mixture. Fold uncovered pastry over filling, pleating as needed. Lightly beat remaining egg; brush over top and sides of pastry.
4. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is golden. Cool on a wire rack. If desired, drizzle with remaining 1 Tbsp. honey and/or dust with cinnamon. Makes 10 servings.
Per serving: 175 mg chol., 10 g fat (4 g sat. fat), 47 mg chol., 176 mg sodium, 17 g carb., 1 g fiber, 4 g sugars, 4 g pro.Date Published: May 7, 2018Date Updated: May 8, 2018
Apple-Maple Snack Cake
Prep 15 minutes
Bake 20 minutes 350°F
While a classic blondie bar has 17 grams of sugar, these delicious treats only have 9 grams.
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 3/4 tsp. apple pie spice
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp. vanilla
- 11/2 cups peeled and chopped Braeburn or other cooking apples
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan. In a medium bowl stir together first four ingredients (through salt).
2. In another medium bowl combine brown sugar, maple syrup, and melted butter. Stir in egg and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture just until combined. Fold in apples. Spread batter in prepared pan. Sprinkle in almonds.
3. Bake 20 to 23 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Makes 16 servings.
Per serving: 101 cal., 4 g fat (2 g sat. fat), 19 mg chol., 96 mg sodium, 15 g carb., 1 g fiber, 9 g sugars, 2 g pro.Date Published: May 7, 2018Date Updated: May 8, 2018
Frozen Yogurt Bark
Prep 15 minutes
Freeze 2 hours
- 1 32-oz. carton plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup honey or 2 Tbsp. agave syrup
- 2 tsp. vanilla or 1 tsp. almond extract
- 1 cup filling(s), such as chopped dark chocolate, berries, and/or nuts
- 2 cups topper(s), such as toasted raw chip coconut, nuts, or seeds; fruit; cocao nibs
1. Line two large baking sheets or trays with parchmnt paper. In a large bowl combine yogurt, honey and vanilla. Stir in filling(s).
2. Divide yogurt mixture between prepared baking sheets, spreading into rectangles. Sprinkle with topper(s).
3. Freeze 2 to 4 hours or until firm. To serve, break bark into 24 irregular pieces. Store in freezer. Makes 24 servings.
Per serving: 117 cal., 7 g fat (4 g sat. fat), 5 mg chol., 14 mg sodium, 9 g carb., 2 g fiber, 6 g sugars, 5 g pro.Date Published: May 7, 2018Date Updated: May 8, 2018
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep 25 minutes
Bake 6 minutes per batch at 375°F
Adding honey will make the cookies slightly sweeter and cakier–and it adds 1 gram of sugars per cookie. Each cookie has 5 grams of sugars compared to a normal 11.
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 eggs
- 2 Tbsp. honey (optional)
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dark chocolate pieces
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl beat butter and shortening with a mixer on medium to high 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Beat on medium 2 minutes, scraping bowl as needed. Beat in eggs, honey, and vanilla. Beat in flour. Stir in chocolate pieces.
2. Drip dough by teaspoons 2 inches apart apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Take 6 to 8 minutes or just until edges are light brown (cookies may not appear set). Cool on cookie sheet 2 minutes. Remove; cool on a wire rack. Makes 48 cookies.
To Store
Layer cookies between waxed paper in an airtight container. Store at room temperature up to 1 day, chill up to 3 days, or freeze up to 1 month.
Per cookie: 91 cal., 6 g fat (3 g sat. fat), 13 mg chol., 95 mg sodium, 9 g carb., 0 g fiber, 5 g sugars, 1 g pro.Date Published: May 7, 2018Date Updated: May 8, 2018
Latest Blogs
Add Your Comment
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login


text:
I've always been fascinated by Albert Einstein, so when the National Geographic channel announced they were producing a mini-series about him (Genius), it immediately became must-see TV in the Sapp household.
Einstein is fascinating for his once-in-a-generation kind of intellect. But my interest in the man extends far beyond his facility with physics equations. Einstein holds a unique place among scientists and continues to inspire people from all walks of life because of the playfulness with which he viewed the world and the joy he ascribed to the human experience.
He understood science as an art form and approached his life with a contagious sense of child-like wonder that continues to inspire his students and admirers today.
So, to the class of 2017, be more like Albert Einstein.
Embrace the Beauty of Simplicity
When ideas are complex, it means we don't understand them well enough yet. In a profession that fills chalkboards with complex calculations, Einstein described the previously unrecognized relationship between matter and energy using the simplest of equations—e=mc2. And he described complex ideas about relativity and the properties of time using everyday language that even the average person could begin to grasp.
When our lives are complex, it means we don't understand our purpose well enough yet. Discover who you are, embrace who God created you to be, and live into that singular truth.
Trust your unique relationship with God. Then trust yourself. And your life will become powerfully simple—so simple, in fact, that even the average person will be able to grasp the beauty of who you are.
Harness the Power of Your Individuality
Your education has sought to form you as an individual, but it has also worked to fit you into a reproducible mold. Your employers will seek to do the same. Your ability to fit into and work within a system will be invaluable to you as you make important contributions within the organizational structures that compose our modern-day society.
But never forget that you are more than a cog in a machine. Conformity will help you get along; your individuality will help you get ahead.
Einstein struggled with authority and institutional hierarchy. He refused to conform in ways that would have doomed the prospects of people less gifted than he was.
But his giftedness was more than intellectual. His giftedness included an innate and enduring sense of self-confidence that allowed him to more fully harness the power of his individuality.
We can learn the value of conformity from Einstein's struggles—and the value of individuality from his successes.
Cultivate a Continuing Sense of Curiosity
Engage the world as a child would—with an active sense of imagination. Never become so grown-up that the myriad mysteries of life become less than wonderful to you. Einstein maintained a curious interest in all kinds of things as an adult--playing the violin, sailing, and hiking among them--and he always enjoyed playing with children.
So embrace a broad range of interests. You need not master them all. You need only let them master you—music, art, literature, baseball, history, fashion, architecture, technology, design. Develop the interests that spark your imagination and pursue them with determined curiosity.
Be Persistently Resilient
Einstein demonstrated the courage to confidently pursue a dream or an idea even if no one else gave him much of a chance at success. And he didn't give up even when the importance of his work went unnoticed.
Although his colleagues were always aware of his potential, the genius of Einstein's initial work went largely unrecognized, in part because he didn't have the right credentials or academic standing to be taken seriously.
But his persistence as he worked outside the normal structures of his profession—without a professorship or university position—paid off. Don't be afraid to keep trying. And don't be afraid to hold onto the big idea of your life, even if no one else gives you much of a chance.
Persistence and resilience may be the two most important predictors of life satisfaction and accomplishment.
And, finally, if all of this seems like too much to remember, remember this: the world you're entering is serious enough already. So don't take yourself too seriously. Smile. Laugh. Goof off. Sleep in. Binge watch. Play.
And, remember that life is a gift, that God is love, and that you were created to be a uniquely powerful force for good in the world.
See you Sunday.


text:
The Firewise Communities movement in Hawaii continues to grow. There are now 11 Firewise Communities in Hawaii, 10 of which HWMO has assisted in the last two years. Puukapu Farm Lots, which spans thousands of acres of Department of Hawaiian Homeland-owned pasture in Waimea on Hawaii Island, is the latest candidate for becoming a Firewise Community. HWMO has a new round of funding from the US Forest Service, with additional help from State Farm, to assist at least 4 more communities towards becoming a nationally-recognized Firewise Community. Puukapu residents have jumped on the opportunity early, aiming to become certified in 2018.
The homestead community has had many encounters with brushfires over the years, especially during droughts and summer months. The most recent large fire that occurred in and around Puukapu was a 2,200-acre wildfire that started on July 7, 2017. The fire originated from one of the lots on the southwest end of Puukapu and, fueled by strong prevailing trade winds, quickly spread through the adjacent Parker Ranch pastures towards Highway 190. The start of the fire is now suspected to be an accidental start from fireworks. Several residents stayed to fight the fire with garden hoses before first responders could arrive to protect a home on one of the properties. Other residents also helped by driving skid steers or tractors to create firebreaks. Fortunately, no human casualties resulted from the blaze. The fire did, however, burn down a home and vehicle and took the lives of a couple of sheep on another property. There was also significant damage to fencing, waterlines, and water tanks on both Puukapu private lots and Parker Ranch lands, let alone the thousands of acres of pasture that were burned.
As a response to the latest fire, several community members gathered on October 20, 2017, to meet with HWMO and Hawaii Fire Department (HFD) representatives to conduct a community-wide Firewise hazard assessment. The assessment team first convened at the entrance of Poliahu Alanui to map out an itinerary for the day and determine priority community areas to examine on the field assessment. The team drove throughout the subdivision, examining various water resources and wildland borders along the way Along with the priority areas, the team visited a few homes to conduct a "Home Ignition Zone" assessment to gain a better idea of the wildfire hazards at the individual lot level and pull locally-relevant examples of best practices for creating defensible space and fire-proofing structures.
Once HWMO completes a written report of the hazard assessment, they will present their findings to the new Firewise Committee formed by Puukapu community members. The Committee will take recommendations provided in the report into consideration when they develop an action plan for wildfire risk reduction activities in their community.
We thank the Puukapu community members and HFD for joining the hazard assessment and look forward to their continuing partnership in this effort to establish Puukapu as a Firewise Community.


text:
Gut microbiome-immune crosstalk affects progression of cancer
The intestinal microbiota is increasingly recognized as a major modulator of health and disease (1). The dramatic explosion of genetic tools and metagenomic techniques in the last decade allowed to characterize the composition of the microbiome from several areas of the body. In addition, this knowledge increasingly enables scientists to link composition and changes with human health and more importantly with various disorders far beyond the gastrointestinal tract (2,3). It is currently believed that the gastrointestinal tract inhabits as much bacteria as cells composing the human body (4). Prototypic examples for an altered microbiome structure are derived from complex diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, chronic liver diseases and various cancers (5-9). Most information on the gut microbiome so far is rather descriptive and whether there exist direct pathogenetic correlations with human disease is mostly unknown. The interaction between the epithelial surface and its microbial ecosystems could have a major impact on local and systemic immunity and might directly influence the evolution and progression of various cancers in and outside the gastrointestinal tract.
Sethi and colleagues recently reported that the gut microbiota is able to promote tumor growth in rodents by affecting immune responses (10). In their studies, they assessed the role of antibiotic therapy on the evolution of various cancers in mice. Mouse cancers were induced either by subcutaneous injection of KPC pancreatic cancer cells derived from tumors developed in KrasG12D/+, Trp53R172H/+ or Ptenfl/fl mice, by subcutaneous injection of melanoma cells from Tyr-CreER, BrafV600E/+ or Ptenfl/fl mice or by splenic injection of pancreatic carcinoma cells, melanoma cells or MC38 colon cancer cells to induce liver metastasis. The oral antibiotic combination with vancomycin, neomycin, metronidazole, ampicillin and amphotericin B resulted in a substantial decrease in subcutaneous tumor growth in models of pancreatic cancer and melanoma. Furthermore, this treatment intervention also decreased liver metastases in pancreatic and colon cancer and in melanoma. Importantly, when experiments where performed using Rag1 knockout mice which lack both T and B cells the tumor-suppressing effect of oral antibiotics was no more visible clearly suggesting that the effect of the gut microbiota on tumor formation needs presence of certain immune cells. Further experiments in this study demonstrated that an increase in Th1 (IFN+CD4+CD3+) and Tc1 (IFN+CD8+CD3+) cells in the tumor microenvironment was crucial for a tumor-suppressive effect of oral antibiotics. In addition, neutralization of IL-17a with a specific antibody abrogated the tumor-attenuating effect of oral antibiotics. This part of the study reveals that various cytokines and especially T cell immunity seems to link the effect of the intestinal microbiota on certain cancers also distant from the gastrointestinal tract. When assessing the gut microbiome after administration of oral antibiotics, the authors observed that especially Proteobacteria were increased in feces of mice and also a gut microbiome signature could be detected in liver metastases. Proteobacteria are in general considered pro-inflammatory and might be able to drive immune responses characterized by increased IFN expression (11). In summary, this study nicely links the gut microbiome with immunity and various cancers and suggests that interference at the gut microbiome level might constitute an attractive treatment strategy in human cancers.
Indeed, it has been assumed from several recent microbiome studies that functional properties of the intestinal microbiome refer mainly to metabolic and immune functions. This is expected as the gastrointestinal tract is involved in nutrient digestion and metabolic processes throughout the body and shapes intra- and extra-intestinal immunity (12). Several lines of evidence from the past years have revealed exciting interactions between the intestinal microbiota and cancer (13). Microbes can affect cancer development by many mechanisms, either by production of toxic metabolites, acting oncogenic or regulating immune processes thereby affecting host antitumor immune responses. Early studies proving such interactions demonstrated that certain anticancer drugs showed impaired efficacy in germ-free mice as well as in mice treated with certain antibiotics (14,15). Mechanisms behind are currently not well understood but might involve a fine-tuned interaction with various immune pathways including certain cytokines, specialized lymphocytes and dendritic cells. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) blockade results in the damage of intestinal epithelial cells involving intraepithelial lymphocytes and this was accompanied by an increase in certain bacteria such as Bacteroides fragilis thereby activating IL-12-producing dendritic cells and T helper 1 immune responses (15). The most exciting findings in this field probably refer to the fact that checkpoint inhibitors, now used in the treatment of many human cancers, are obviously able to interfere with the gut microbiome. A first piece of evidence was generated by the demonstration that therapeutic efficacy of programmed cell death 1 protein (PD-1/PD-L1) blockade in mice was paralleled by the presence of certain Bifidobacteria species which have been demonstrated to activate antigen-presenting cells (16). The most compelling evidence for a key role of the intestinal microbiome in various cancers undergoing checkpoint immunotherapies came from recently published clinical studies (17,18). In a first report, Routy and colleagues demonstrated that primary resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy was influenced by an abnormal gut microbiome composition. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from cancer patients responding to such therapies into germ free mice enhanced efficacy of these drugs. The authors could identify Akkermansia muciniphila as a crucial commensal bacterium. Non-responders to immune therapies were characterized by low abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila and response to tumor therapy could be improved by oral administration of this bacterium (17). Akkermansia mucinipila constitutes 3–5% of the human gut microbiota and has demonstrated so far mainly metabolically beneficial and anti-inflammatory effects (19,20). In a second study from the US authors studied oral and gut microbiome of 112 melanoma patients undergoing anti-PD1 immunotherapy. Analysis showed that responders exhibited a higher alpha diversity and an increased concentration of Ruminococcaceae bacteria (18). These results are fascinating as they propose a totally unexpected but obviously relevant role of the gut microbiome in systemic immunotherapies.
So what could be the role of antibiotics in patients undergoing cancer therapies? Would they act detrimental or beneficial when administered close to certain anti-cancer treatments? This might, as discussed before be highly dependent on underlying disease and might also be species specific. As outlined in their article (10), in the used preclinical model use of antibiotics was beneficial regarding tumor promotion. Several lines of evidence in humans, however, suggest that the situation might be different. Some studies in humans with various cancers such as metastatic kidney, lung or bladder cancers showed a detrimental role for antibiotics when administered around the administration of monoclonal antibodies targeting PD1/PDL-1 (18). This retrospective data, however, suggested that controlled prospective large human trials are needed to understand how antibiotic usage affects efficacy of certain immunotherapeutic cancer strategies. The box is now open and we can only speculate how important antibiotic modulation of the gut microbiota is in cancer medicine. The findings on Akkermansia muciniphila, however, certainly reveal that future studies using administration of designed probiotics (e.g., by using Akkermansia muciniphila) or certain FMT strategies could be of relevance to enhance efficacy of cancer drugs especially targeting the immune system. Recent evidence also suggests that the intestinal microbiome is also linked to the pharmacological effects of various chemotherapies including 5-fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, gemcitabine, and others. The gut microbiome affects these agents through key mechanisms such as immunomodulation, metabolism or enzymatic degradation activity (21).
Evidence is increasing that the intestinal microbiota composition affects tumor evolution of various origins far beyond the intestine. This is exciting and reflects likely a complex interaction of various members of this highly complex bacterial world with various immune pathways. The overall net effect of this bacterial world is currently unclear i.e., whether the intestinal microbiota and its manipulation results in deleterious or beneficial effects on affected patients. The study by Sehti and colleagues offers that manipulation of the intestinal microbiota by antibiotics might be beneficial, although this report is entirely preclinical. Furthermore, it has to be stated that human and mouse microbiome differ substantially. Despite these important preclinical findings, only careful and respective powered clinical trials will allow to understand whether interference at the microbiome level will result in clinical benefit for cancer patients. A new fascinating interaction between microbes and host has entered cancer medicine and manipulation of this intriguing world could evolve as important strategy in the future treatment of many cancers.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
- Lynch SV, Pedersen O. The Human Intestinal Microbiome in Health and Disease. N Engl J Med 2016;375:2369-79. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Gilbert JA, Blaser MJ, Caporaso JG, et al. Current understanding of the human microbiome. Nat Med 2018;24:392-400. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Marchesi JR, Adams DH, Fava F, et al. The gut microbiota and host health: a new clinical frontier. Gut 2016;65:330-9. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Sender R, Fuchs S, Milo R. Revised Estimates for the Number of Human and Bacteria Cells in the Body. PLoS Biol 2016;14. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Zuo T, Kamm MA, Colombel JF, et al. Urbanization and the gut microbiota in health and inflammatory bowel disease. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018. [Epub ahead of print]. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Sonnenburg JL, Backhed F. Diet-microbiota interactions as moderators of human metabolism. Nature 2016;535:56-64. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Tilg H, Cani PD, Mayer EA. Gut microbiome and liver diseases. Gut. 2016;65:2035-44. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Tilg H, Adolph TE, Gerner RR, et al. The Intestinal Microbiota in Colorectal Cancer. Cancer Cell 2018;33:954-64. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Zitvogel L, Ma Y, Raoult D, et al. The microbiome in cancer immunotherapy: Diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies. Science 2018;359:1366-70. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Sethi V, Kurtom S, Tarique M, et al. Gut Microbiota Promotes Tumor Growth in Mice by Modulating Immune Response. Gastroenterology 2018. [Epub ahead of print]. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Mukhopadhya I, Hansen R, El-Omar EM, et al. IBD-what role do Proteobacteria play? Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2012;9:219-30. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Hooper LV, Littman DR, Macpherson AJ. Interactions between the microbiota and the immune system. Science 2012;336:1268-73. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Dzutsev A, Badger JH, Perez-Chanona E, et al. Microbes and Cancer. Annu Rev Immunol 2017;35:199-228. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Iida N, Dzutsev A, Stewart CA, et al. Commensal bacteria control cancer response to therapy by modulating the tumor microenvironment. Science 2013;342:967-70. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Viaud S, Saccheri F, Mignot G, et al. The intestinal microbiota modulates the anticancer immune effects of cyclophosphamide. Science 2013;342:971-6. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Sivan A, Corrales L, Hubert N, et al. Commensal Bifidobacterium promotes antitumor immunity and facilitates anti-PD-L1 efficacy. Science 2015;350:1084-9. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Routy B, Le Chatelier E, Derosa L, et al. Gut microbiome influences efficacy of PD-1-based immunotherapy against epithelial tumors. Science 2018;359:91-7. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Gopalakrishnan V, Spencer CN, Nezi L, et al. Gut microbiome modulates response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in melanoma patients. Science 2018;359:97-103. [Crossref]
- Plovier H, Everard A, Druart C, et al. A purified membrane protein from Akkermansia muciniphila or the pasteurized bacterium improves metabolism in obese and diabetic mice. Nat Med 2017;23:107-13. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Grander C, Adolph TE, Wieser V, et al. Recovery of ethanol-induced Akkermansia muciniphila depletion ameliorates alcoholic liver disease. Gut 2018;67:891-901. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Alexander JL, Wilson ID, Teare J, et al. Gut microbiota modulation of chemotherapy efficacy and toxicity. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017;14:356-65. [Crossref] [PubMed]
Cite this article as: Tilg H, Schmiderer A, Djanani A. Gut microbiome-immune crosstalk affects progression of cancer. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018;3:34.


text:
Save the Date!
Live music. Food. Flow. Ceremony. Plant Medicine. Full Sensory Experience.
🌙 Healing Connection with your soul sisters and fellow Earth Goddesses.
🍁 Earth Goddess
🍂 Cacao ceremony w/ Amy Heilman, Shamanic Yoga teacher, leading a heartfelt elemental flow through the medicine wheel.
🍁 Earth Goddess High Vibe Crystal workshop W/Veronica Walters. This fall will move through the Soul Tree and experience a journey meditation to
🍂 Dine with delicious, balancing and soothing vegan meal provided By nutritionist, author, Yoga teacher, Carrie Drinkwine.
Early bird price $67


text:
Foreclosures had become a strikingly normal part of life in Miami-Dade, as the economy became one of the hardest hit during the recession and homeowners found themselves underwater. Thing however appear to finally be getting better.
In the first five months of 2010 foreclosures were down 38% from the same time in 2009. Meaning there were only 18,327 foreclosures, compared to 29,674.
However there's no sign that the commercial foreclosure rate is letting up, and that residential foreclosures may pick up again. [Herald]
If you like this story, consider signing up for our email newsletters.
You have successfully signed up for your selected newsletter(s) - please keep an eye on your mailbox, we're movin' in!
- Starting on July 17th there will no longer be toll booths on the Don Shula and Snapper Creek expressways. Instead drivers will be charged via Sun Pass (drivers without will receive a bill in the mail). Drivers will also be charged by segments of the road traveled instead of a flat toll. [CBS4]
- Much of the swim advisory for Biscayne Bay has been lifted as crews finally fixed the sewage pipe leak that had spilled millions of gallons of nastiness into the waters. [WSVN]
- University of Miami's Ti'erra Brown won the national title in the 400 meter hurdles, making her the first UM track athlete to win at a national level. [Herald]
- Jury selection for the trial of Christopher Sutton has begun. Sutton is charged with hiring a neighbor to kill his parents back in 2004. His mother died and his father was left blind after the attack. The killer, Garrett Koop, plead guilty in 2008. [CBS4]


text:
[Under control] Leaked reactor6 water treatment system was "installed" on a trailer / Tank overflowed
Following up this article..[Leakage everywhere] Retained water treatment system for reactor5&6 leaked 9L / Automotive system [URL] According to Tepco, the leaked water treatment system is a part of
[Absolutely not direct leakage] 20,000,000 Bq/m3 of Tritium beside reactor2 turbine building
Related to this article..1,800,000 Bq/m3 of Tritium beside reactor4 / Facing the sea outside of plant port [URL] High level of Tritium and all β nuclides (including Strontium-90) are
Tepco disclosed the drain contamination data after 1 week blank → All β rose 2.6 times much as the past highest
Following up this article..Leaked tank contamination data been masked even after "the cleaning" since IOC selected Tokyo for 2020 Olympic host [URL] After 1 week of blank, Tepco disclosed
Increasing Tritium density in leaked tank area, 97,000Bq/L → 130,000Bq/L → 150,000Bq/L
On 9/13/2013 (Yesterday), Fukushima Diary reported 97,000,000 Bq/m3 of Tritium was detected in 300m3 leakage tank area. (cf, 97,000,000 Bq/m3 of Tritium detected in groundwater of 300m3 leakage tank area
[Too many tanks] Leaked tank can't be dismantled before the next tank dismantled because of no space among the tanks
Having 300m3 of the highly contaminated water leaked from a tank, Tepco is planning to dismantle the tank. However Tepco started dismantling the next tank on 9/13/2013, which is located
Tepco admitted leaked radiation is diluted outside of Fukushima plant port
Following up this article..JP PM Abe to IOC "Contaminated water is completely blocked"→Tepco "Tritium can't be blocked" [URL] In the press conference of 9/13/2013, Tepco's spokesman commented the radiation


text:
Rahim.mawji.health needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 71 designs submitted by 36 freelance designers.
"Cafe Sante" organic deli and juice bar
An organic deli and coffee house serving breakfast and lunch. Has a juice bar as well. Sells some selected wines and health products and supplements.
Next door to a high end gym with a target market of young professionals and older fitness orientated couples.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


text:
By Reverend Dr. Morar Murray-Hayes
Sunday, September 22, 2013 2:12 pm ·  1 Comment
God is like a woman who sweeps and searches her home until she finds the lost coin she's looking for.
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells a story that explains the crazy logic of God's economy. (Luke 15:8-10)
A woman has ten coins but loses one. Not a small coin in value: perhaps worth a day's wages — at least $100. She lights a lamp, sweeps the house, and searches carefully. She finds the coin. What joy! But here comes the craziness. She throws a party to celebrate finding the coin and spends more than the coin is worth to entertain her friends.
God is like that, Jesus says. Crazy like that.
God will go to great sacrifice to find and embrace those who are "lost." And sometimes, we can discern God in people around us — ordinary people, who search out the lost around them.20-year-old Michael Hill walked into a school in Georgia, with an assault rifle, 500 rounds of ammunition and "nothing to live for". Almost 900 children were in that school when that lost soul entered, having stopped taking his medication. Hill took hostage the school bookkeeper, Antoinette Tuff.
Tuff managed to successfully negotiate between Hill and the police.
"We're not going to hate you," she said, referring to him first as "sir" then as "sweetie" and "baby". "My pastor, he just started this teaching on anchoring, and how you anchor yourself in the Lord," recalled Tuff, who said she was terrified. "I just sat there and started praying."
And so in between updates with the 911 dispatcher she shared her own travails with Hill, telling him about her divorce and disabled son, all the while reassuring him. "I love you. I'm proud of you. We all go through something in life. You're gonna be OK. Sweetheart. I tried to commit suicide last year after my husband left me."
Eventually, while keeping police at a distance, she persuaded him to give up his weapons, lie on the floor and give himself up.
Then, at the end, she soothed him: "It's gonna be all right, sweetheart. I just want you to know that I love you, though, OK? And I'm proud of you. That's a good thing that you're just giving up and don't worry about it. We all go through something in life.
Antoinette Tuff saw a lost soul and sought him out in terrifying circumstances. Just like God seeks us when we're lost, and just as we can seek out the lost souls around us.
God, I give you thanks that no matter how lost I feel, I can come to you in prayer. When hopes are consumed by fears, when dreams are dashed, I can turn to you, and you will throw a great party and invite all the angels to celebrate.
And whether I feel lost or found, I know that you are so crazy in love with all of us that you will do anything to find me.
None of us would put everything at risk to seek one who is lost, would celebrate so enthusiastically when just one is found. Your mercy, grace and love are boundless.
Search out those who are lost in grief and embrace them with your love.
Seek those who are ill and heal body and soul.
Look for those who have lost trust in this world, and wrap them with faith and hope.
Remind me again, in the silence of my heart, just how your great love for me expressed in Jesus, searches, seeks and finds me through your Spirit.
This is what it sounds like when God becomes present to someone who is lost.
911 Dispatcher, Ammunition, Antoinette Tuff, Assault Rifle, Georga, God, Jesus, Love, Michael Hill, Oakville, Police, School Children
What an amazing negotiator she is. How wonderful to hear both these women support each other and the troubled Michael Hill. The art of negotiation fascinates me. Thanks Morar for bringing this incredible audio clip to my attention.
You must be logged in to post a comment.


text:
Back in November, 'carrier supported' Isis Wallet went live, as almost a slap in the face to Google and their Google Wallet that they were trying to push – Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile all released and supported Isis Mobile Wallet. However, in what seems like a cruel – or in Google's eyes, justified – twist of fate, Isis is being forced to change its name with the growing concern over a militant group, whose name when translated into English is Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and is most often referred to by its acronym ISIS. This group has been linked with extreme violence across Iraq and Syria aimed at both civilians and government forces.
CEO of Isis, Michael Abbott said, "However coincidental, we have no interest in sharing a name with a group whose name has become synonymous with violence and our hearts go out to those who are suffering. As a company, we have made the decision to re-brand. Changing a brand is never easy, but we know this is the right decision – for our company, our partners and our customers."
Isis, like most other 'wallets' use the Near Field Technology (NFC) chip to make a transaction and not all devices have the NFC technology built-in to them, making their adoption somewhat slow. It also doesn't help that Apple refuses to add the capability to the iPhone, thus slowing down its adoption. You can go to any carrier's website and it will let you know which devices are compatible with Isis. The Isis Mobile Wallet is a free app that allows you to shop and make payments with the tap of your phone at the vendor's countertop reader or sensor. It works a lot like the "Paywave" card where you just wave your debit or credit card over the reader. With these methods, you do not have to hand your card or smartphone to the cashier to complete the transaction.
Although Isis is not as popular as they were hoping, these things do take time for customers and merchants to become accustom too. Certainly re-branding is going to slow acceptance even more so while confusion rises, it is a necessary step to distance themselves from the militant Group ISIS. When I heard about them on the news the other day, I told my wife that is the same name as the Isis Mobile Wallet – I was wondering how long it would take them to make a name change…not long, and good for them for doing what is right.


text:
The resource has been added to your collection
Safe Surfing - An Introduction to the Internet Lesson Plans. Includes overviews and PowerPoint slide shows (.pps).
This resource has not yet been reviewed.
Not Rated Yet.
Our Terms of Service and Privacy Policies have changed. By logging in, you agree to our updated Terms and Policies.


text:
Is your PC or desktop letting you down? Tech Genius is your Solution
If you have a PC that needs to be upgraded or repaired, you just need to bring it to Tech Genius. We are a reputed PC Computer Repair Burlington company holding expertise at upgrading, diagnosing and repairing computer. Our services come with the guarantee of professional services and quality fix.
We can handle wide variety of issues concerning PC Computer Repair Hamilton. Our experts can also fix additional issues like recovering the data, upgrading hardware, and removing virus. You need not to panic even if your hard drive crashes. The PC Computer Repair Stoney Creek professionals working with us will come to your rescue.
Our professional PC Computer Repair Oakville experts strive hard to meet the particular requirements of clients to their complete satisfaction. They have access to the high-end tools and latest technology to ensure that the complicated repairs are handled efficiently. Your gadgets will be handled with care.
Know why hiring our services will prove out to be your best bet-
1. Transparent and fair Pricing
Our customer-centric services come at fair prices. We will let you know the exact cost if any parts of your PC of required to be fixed. Our Computer Repair Oakville experts never go ahead with repairing the product before getting approval from the customers. Be assured that we will do everything to help you with your particular requirements.
2. Guarantee of Service
Whether you need PC repair, or looking for a reliable agency offering Computers for Sale Burlington Tech Genius can prove out to be your ultimate destination. Our services come with the guarantee of complete satisfaction.
3. Software and Hardware Upgrades
Our PC repair team is well-versed with the know-how's of software and hardware upgrades. From installing software, additional RAM, and hard drives to computer repair, we can help you with everything.
If you are in need of a reliable and trustworthy "Computer Repair Near Me" then go further than Tech Genius.


text:
Category Archives: Diamonds
Taking care of your diamond engagement ring
You've finally received the most important piece of jewelry of your life… You want to wear your engagement ring even in your sleep! but you'll also want to keep it safe and sound, looking as bright as the first time … Continue reading
5 popular trends for engagement season 2016
Summer is all about vacations, sun, bikinis and… diamond rings! As we know, summer is one of the most popular seasons for weddings and engagements for a reason: you get the outdoors ceremony and the happy, lively engagement photoshoot… you … Continue reading
Top 5 Wedding Bands under 200$
Budget friendly, beautiful and creative styles: because getting married doesn't mean breaking the bank. We got you covered! Classic to modern, with a little bit of a twist, here are Szul's team choices for the top 5 wedding bands under … Continue reading
Definitive guide: Buying the perfect diamond engagement ring ( on a budget! )
We at Szul know that nothing symbolizes true love quite like a diamond – precious and everlasting –,we have the complete selection on all existing dazzling ring styles for that very important piece of jewelry. But then comes the question: … Continue reading
Anniversary Awesome – Three Stone Pendants At Black Friday Prices
Traditionally, the three-stone style represents past, present, and future–making them an especially sweet anniversary gift. Increasingly, three stone pendants have also been used to signify families of three–so if you've recently added a little one to your family (even … Continue reading
Szul's Mother's Day Gift Guide: Amazing Jewelry for Mom
For jewelry enthusiasts, Mother's Day is one of the most important holidays. Jewelry is a traditional present that symbolizes and celebrates a mother's enduring love and caring. From dazzling rings with bold gemstones to accessories with a maternal theme in … Continue reading
Brilliant Bestsellers in Szul's April Diamond Birthstone Jewelry Event
April has one of the most dazzling birthstones of all: the classic, timeless diamond, a symbol of class and style worldwide. Diamond jewelry is a popular choice throughout the year due to its unique appeal and symbolic meaning in romance, … Continue reading


text:
A year ago this month, I nervously posted my topless mastectomy photo series on the internet. Not knowing what the reaction would be, I prepared for the WORST (an avalanche of slut shaming internet trolls, hate mail from Breast Cancer Patients saying "I am insensitive", and my father being mortified) and hoped for the BEST (internet trolls showing compassion, breast cancer patients finding comfort and joy, and The Ellen Show begging to have me on).
Thankfully, the reaction was the Best Case (minus getting on The Ellen Show) and the internet proved to be incredibly kind to a WOMAN SHOWING HER BREASTS ON THE INTERNET.
In 2014, a year after my mother passed away from ovarian cancer, I was planning a preventative bilateral mastectomy to lower my risk of cancer--thanks BRCA1 genetic mutation. Three days before my appointment to schedule that surgery, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
Behind the scenes video of the series and my vulnerable explanation of the process.
Before removing my breasts, I wanted photographic evidence of their original splendor but I didn't want it to look like mug shots of attempted murders taken from my cell phone. Instead, I imagined images that captured the changing emotions of each stage in the mastectomy/reconstruction process.
I told everyone that my goal was to change the images women saw of mastectomies. Rather than simple Before and After photos, these would share the Evolution, the Life, and the HUMOR in this dark situation. But the truth is, I was making the photos I wanted to see when I started this process. This series gave me a way to reframe my experience and accept my new body in the process.
The incredible women, Alexa and Ellie, of Blast 'Em Photography lovingly came on board, along with Brynn Burg (Bride of Frankenstein MUA/HAIR) and Tiffany Alfonso (Mannequin MUA).
I dubbed the series MY BREAST CHOICE.
Gasp... REAL Nipples. When the photo series got picked up by the news, this was the only image they censored. The feminist in me finds that funny/heartbreaking.
"Topless Rosie" is an ode to the WWII propaganda image. Taken a week before my double mastectomy and the first time I EVER bared my BARE breasts for a camera, I wanted to capture the "We Can Do It" spirit of determination that was missing in all of the medical mastectomy "before" photos that filled the internet.
Two weeks post mastectomy, with the expanders slightly filled and no nipples, I felt like the Bride of Frankenstein. I was broken and cut to pieces--physically and emotionally. (The stitches around my shoulders and collar bone were movie make-up created by the talented Brynn Berg).
There are so many layers of emotion in this photo. It was taken at the end of 4 months of intense chemo, my expanders were fully inflated, and I looked like a mannequin. It felt like I had become a base model human without the external trappings that define us; hair, clothes, breasts.
During this crappy time, as the treatments were starting to take their toll on me, there was this pressure to continuously be HAPPY. The moment I showed any fear, anxiety, sadness, or depression, people would spew out cliques, "Stay Positive", "Be Strong", "You are going to be FINE". Much of the time was spent managing other's emotions and FAKING my own. I learned that in those moments that all I wanted someone to say was "This sucks" and just be with me as I cried.
Cancer ignited a rebellion within me. Never before had I posed topless because I was a "Good Girl." I followed societies unspoken rules.
Cancer helped burn that away. The human body is beautiful, we are allowed to love ourselves, and there is no reason we should have to hide our bodies. Cancer made me a Feminist and that is why I created this last photo.
I must admit that I still feel shame for the first image. I am embarrassed to show my nipples, even though those nipples are buried in a hazardous waste pile. The censorship of my real nipples goes all the way to my core. YET, this final image, with prosthetic nipples, I feel free of shame or guilt about my body.
Did you take before photos of your breasts? Do you wish you did? Comment Below
Special Thank you to those who made this HAPPEN:
Reconstructive Surgeon- Dr. Christopher Low and Breast Cancer Surgeon Dr. Avisar
Photography Team- Blast 'Em Photography (Alexa and Ellie)
MUA/Hair for Bride of Frankenstein- Brynn Berg
MUA for Mannequin- Tiffany Alfonso
Wig for Bride of Frankenstein- On loan from Chris and Michelle Diamantides
Prosthetic Nipples- Pink Perfect
Buzzfeed Contact- Jenny Lorenzo helped make this whole thing go viral.


text:
Trevor Weaver
Leilehua High Class of 1994
Personal Info
- Name:
- Trevor Weaver
- Graduation Year:
- 1994
Register to view Current location, Gender, Birthday, Relationship Status, Children, Employer, Military, College, and Interests
Photos (3)
Memories of Trevor Weaver
What I'm doing now:Register to see what Trevor Weaver is up to now!
Trevor Weaver's Latest Activity:
|- Requested a LHS yearbook from 1994. 2015
|- Updated his profile picture. 2015
|- Registered as a LHS Class of 1994 alumni. 2015
|- Added photos to their personal photo gallery. 2015


text:
Nothing stifles economic growth like uncertainty. Before you commit valuable resources to a project you first need to know its potential. Is the site suitable for your plans? With staff hours and money at stake, are there any environmental obstacles? Environmental rules and regulations are constantly changing. As consultants we are not only aware of these changes, but strive to remain on the forefront, providing our clients insight, creative solutions, and assistance in implementing their projects. We know the impact that environmental issues and regulatory decisions have on your schedule and profitability. Our established relationships with regulatory agencies means means that we can provide a candid assessment of your project's viability long before you invest substantial resources.
With the current pace of economic growth and development in the Carolinas, an impact on our natural resources is inevitable. Our goal is to guide development in order to minimize any adverse affect to the environment, and to enhance the value of natural resources. Our commitment is to assist our clients to fulfill project objectives, maintain high environmental standards, and meet regulatory requirements. Our proven method is to incorporate principles of sound natural resource conservation and management into each and every project we undertake.
Joseph C. Floyd
Chief Executive Officer
With more than 27 years experience in the wetland regulatory consulting field, Mr. Floyd has worked on sites ranging in size from a single home lot to an 11,000-acre-plus multi-phase development. His working knowledge of the wetland regulatory process from the field determination/delineation stage through wetland master planning is widely sought.
Britt A. Feldner
Wetland Ecologist
A member of The Brigman Company team since 1996, Mr. Feldner has extensive experience in conducting wetland delineations and administering threatened and endangered species surveys at a variety of project sites. He also manages 404/401 wetland permitting.


text: Valerian: A plant genus of the family VALERIANACEAE, order Dipsacales, subclass Asteridae, class Magnoliopsida. It is best known for the sedative use and valepotriate content of the roots. It is sometimes called Garden Heliotrope but is unrelated to true Heliotrope (HELIOTROPIUM).Kava: Dried rhizome and roots of Piper methysticum, a shrub native to Oceania and known for its anti-anxiety and sedative properties. Heavy usage results in some adverse effects. It contains ALKALOIDS; LACTONES; kawain, methysticin, mucilage, STARCH, and yangonin. Kava is also the name of the pungent beverage prepared from the plant's roots.Food Industry: The industry concerned with processing, preparing, preserving, distributing, and serving of foods and beverages.Dextrorphan: Dextro form of levorphanol. It acts as a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, among other effects, and has been proposed as a neuroprotective agent. It is also a metabolite of DEXTROMETHORPHAN.Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders: Disorders characterized by impairment of the ability to initiate or maintain sleep. This may occur as a primary disorder or in association with another medical or psychiatric condition.Phytotherapy: Use of plants or herbs to treat diseases or to alleviate pain.Delta Rhythm: Brain waves seen on EEG characterized by a high amplitude and a frequency of 4 Hz and below. They are considered the "deep sleep waves" observed during sleep in dreamless states, infancy, and in some brain disorders.Rhodiola: A plant genus of the family CRASSULACEAE. Members contain rhodioloside. This roseroot is unrelated to the familiar rose (ROSA). Some species in this genus are called stonecrop which is also a common name for SEDUM.Pantoea: A genus of gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, straight rods which are motile by peritrichous flagella. Most strains produce a yellow pigment. This organism is isolated from plant surfaces, seeds, soil, and water, as well as from animals and human wounds, blood, and urine. (From Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology, 9th ed)Materia Medica: Materials or substances used in the composition of traditional medical remedies. The use of this term in MeSH was formerly restricted to historical articles or those concerned with traditional medicine, but it can also refer to homeopathic remedies. Nosodes are specific types of homeopathic remedies prepared from causal agents or disease products.Plant Extracts: Concentrated pharmaceutical preparations of plants obtained by removing active constituents with a suitable solvent, which is evaporated away, and adjusting the residue to a prescribed standard.Alprazolam: A triazolobenzodiazepine compound with antianxiety and sedative-hypnotic actions, that is efficacious in the treatment of PANIC DISORDERS, with or without AGORAPHOBIA, and in generalized ANXIETY DISORDERS. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p238)Humulus: A plant genus in the CANNABACEAE family. Best known for the buds of Humulus lupulus L. used in BEER.


text:
Sleep Channel
Topics & Medications
Related Channels
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking temazepam if you have:
- A history of drug or alcohol abuse (see Alcohol and Restoril)
- Lung problems or breathing problems
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Restoril and Pregnancy)
- Breastfeeding (see Restoril and Breastfeeding).
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Temazepam to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
How Does It Work?Temazepam is one of a group of medications known as benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines have several different effects on the body, including:
All benzodiazepine medications can have these effects to some degree, depending on the specific medication and the dose. They work in the brain by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical that is naturally calming. GABA can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain. This is why temazepam and other benzodiazepines are known as mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants).
List of references (click here)
Restoril [package insert]. St. Louis, MO: Mallinckrodt, Inc.;2006 April.
Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Electronic orange book: approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. FDA Web site. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/ob/. Accessed September 25, 2009.
Briggs GG, Freeman RK, Yaffe SJ. Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 7th ed. Philadelphia (PA): Lippincott Williams & Wilkins;2005.
National Library of Medicine (US). Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMED). NLM Web site. Available at: http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT. Accessed June 15, 2007.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD


text:
The battle for Camera Phone Market shares in the US is heating up.
After Sprint introduced the Sanyo 8100 for only $99.99 after rebate. ATT fights back and offers a $100 rebate on the cool Panasonic Gu87.
Now you can buy the Panasonic Gu87 Camera Phone at Buy.com and get a 100$ Rebate from AT&T!
Panasonic Gu87 now available at Buy.com with $100 Rebate!
Visit I4U's Camera Phone Buyer's Guide for more Camera Phones.


text:
Leaders address donors' concerns
The United Way of Central Carolinas, battling a CEO pay controversy and an economic downturn, is struggling to raise enough money to support more than 90 charities.
Local corporations are facing staff and budget cuts, and some workers are still upset about the $2 million pension package given in 2006 to former United Way CEO Gloria Pace King. Many want to support charities, but don't want their money passing through the United Way.
Charity leaders say the matter is complicated. Here United Way Interim CEO Mac Everett and Board Chairman Carlos Evans answer questions from donors:
Q: I want to give directly to the charity of my choice. What are the pros and cons?
For starters, charity leaders say donors probably won't give as much because they likely won't be using payroll deductions, as most United Way contributors do. And the workplace deduction system gives charities a broader donor base; few firms would organize separate workplace campaigns for more than 90 charities.
Additionally, the United Way spends more time analyzing the community's needs than most individual donors can. It tries to make sure all needs are met, even obscure or unpopular causes. More than 300 volunteers serve on panels that decide how to spend donated money. They hold the charities accountable for results.
"It's a grueling process," said Jane McIntyre, head of the YWCA Central Carolinas. "It's the most stringent application for money that we as an organization go through."
Q: If I give to the United Way and decide later that they haven't fixed their problems, can I get my money back?
Yes, in a manner of speaking. Most people give through payroll deductions, so "people could, if they were not happy, just not honor their pledge," said Evans, the board chairman. "That's not what we want, but that's an option that's always been available."
Q: Can I donate with the caveat that all of my money will go to the charities and none of it will be used for United Way overhead?
No, said Everett, the interim CEO. The United Way can't raise and allocate the money for free. "The cost is there. There's no getting around it," he said.
Q: If I give my money, will it go to King's pay package?
The United Way ousted King last month. While the board will pay her up to $676,000 remaining on her three-year employment contract, it opted out of the pension contract and won't pay more than $1 million remaining on it. United Way officials have said the money to pay King won't come out of this year's donations.
Q: What happens if the fundraising campaign falters?
The United Way has already projected the economic downturn has cost the campaign at least $5million in known or anticipated donations. Evans said the United Way plans to cut its in-house costs and draw on its reserves to cushion any blow to affiliated charities.
Q: Is the United Way fixing its problems?
A task force has been appointed to study what went wrong, but it might not report its findings before the United Way's fund drive ends in November. United Way leaders have said they hope to make the 64-member board smaller so it can provide closer oversight.
Evans said regardless of what happens with the task force, he wants to convince the board to make the organization's operations more transparent. He wants open board meetings and meeting minutes made public.
The United Way has taken criticism for not explaining King's pension more thoroughly, but Evans said once the task force's work is complete, he hopes to make public the relevant meeting minutes, compensation studies and the pension contract itself.


text:
350,000 records. Three locations. And a short turnaround to convert to digital, index, and archive at IMR Digital.
Summary: Faced with various student record retention requirements, the Hackettstown, New Jersey School District needed a way to manage the more than 350,000 documents of student record files they had stored in mostly unlabeled boxes in three different locations. With the help of IMR Digital, the school district was able to digitize the more than… Read more »