They say mothers and daughters become closer when daughters become mothers. Already having a close relationship with my mom, I didn’t think much of it, but over the course of time, it’s so true. Having my own sweet baby, has bonded my mom and I in a whole new light. Especially as we approach my first Mother’s Day as ‘mommy.’
So to my mom, thank you for your unending sacrifices that you’ve made and continue to make for our family. It doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you for everything you endured both emotionally and physically to bring Tyler, Kalie, and I into the world. Also, I’m very sorry for making you feel guilty for not spending enough time with us when Kalie came into the world. 😉 I now know how emotionally and physically draining one newborn can be, let alone having 2 older children to love on at the same time. Thank you for loving us through our awkward phases, rebellious phases, achievements, engagements, weddings, and now, pregnancies. I know I wasn’t the easiest person to get along with being pregnant. My hormones were CrAzY! Thank you for bringing me maternity clothes to help me feel girly when I felt like a killer whale. Thank you for bringing meals when I was too sick, and then too weak to cook. And finally, thank you for instilling the confidence in me that I really can rock this whole mom thing!
Now, to my daughter, thank you for making me a mommy. Aside from being your daddy’s wife, it’s the best role I’ve ever had. Nothing prepared me for your first cry after 36 hours of labor. I still get chills thinking about it. You were so beautiful. Every day you amaze me. God pulled out all the stops when He created you and chose me to be your mommy. Some days I don’t feel qualified to be your mommy, but you make it so easy. I love when your eyes light up on our adventures. I love your gentle, but mischievous spirit. You have filled my heart with more joy than I ever thought possible, and I can not wait to watch you grow. But take your time. There’s no rush to grow up. I promise to always be there for you no matter what. I’ll do my best to expose you to new things, but also, how to appreciate the simple things in life. We’re going to have so much fun. I love you, sweet girl!
To my mother-in-law, thank you for raising such a patient, caring, young man. He went from being your sweet baby, to that curious little boy, to my best friend, to my husband, to the best daddy to our little girl. I’m sure it wasn’t easy letting him go and allowing us to cling to each other as we figured out this whole marriage and now parenting thing. We are so thankful to have you in our lives.
They say only superheroes wear capes, but I think every mom deserves a cape. They’re the real superheroes working quietly behind the scenes to make sure the day-to-day operations run smoothly.
Happy Mother’s Day!


Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986) was a French author and existentialist philosopher. Her The Second Sex is one of the foundational texts of modern feminism and philosophy (as well as the source of the quote below). She was the partner of fellow philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre for nearly 50 years. They remain together today, at least in a manner of speaking.
Sartre and Beauvoir never married, nor did they ever establish a joint-household. Their relationship has been the subject of much scholarship and speculation. Today's words of wisdom feature Beauvoir's impression of one the major ills of marriage: that it's too often seen as two people completing each other rather than two people giving to each other:
"The curse which lies upon marriage is that too often the individuals are joined in their weakness rather than in their strength, each asking from the other instead of finding pleasure in giving."


Being Muslim is a compilation of essential concepts and timeless wisdom compiled from over 20 reliable authorities in Islam, bringing all of these components together in one convenient, easily readable guide.
Practical • Clear • Reliable
This book is meant to give readers practical and useful knowledge that can help them understand what it means to be Muslim.
Whether you are completely new to the religion or need to brush up on some of the basics, Being Muslim is an excellent guide to reconnect to the most essential aspects of Islam. The entire manual clearly explains the most fundamental aspects of the faith and assumes no background knowledge at all.
Foreword by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
"All of the great learning that Muslims displayed throughout their history was always predicated on a foundational, core knowledge that the great usuli scholars of Islamic jurisprudence called fard 'ayn, or 'the individual obligations.'
"This short book has that little amount of individually responsible knowledge necessary for a new Muslim or an unlearned Muslim rediscovering his or her religion. Dr. Asad Tarsin has rendered our community an important service by designing and writing a concise, useful, and accurate manual of core knowledge that every Muslim should know. It is a basic manual, and much needed in our time of great ignorance from within and without the Muslim community."
From the foreword by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
Being Muslim—A Deeper Look
We live in confusing times. When it comes to learning Islam, many wonder, "Where do I start? What should I start with?" Being Muslim presents content that is both reliable—based in Islamic scholarship—and not obscured in jargon and difficult terminology. It was designed to include what every Muslim should know as well as those things that are essential to a proper understanding of the overall vision and spirit of Islam.
Being Muslim uses the Narration of Gabriel (Hadith Jibril) as a basic framework, then covers the basics of Islamic belief, how to pray and fast, spiritual refinement, a brief examination of the life of the Prophet Muhammad, an introduction to the Quran, and guidelines for living an Islamically ethical lifestyle. It also includes a glossary of frequently used Islamic terms, an appendix of short selections from the Quran, and a list of recommended reading.
Learn the Essentials
"Praise belongs to God, the One Who taught us
the very knowledge He made obligatory upon us."
—Imam 'Abd al-Wahid ibn 'Ashir
Being Muslim prioritizes your learning by focusing primarily on what is called fard 'ayn, that which every Muslim must learn in order to know and worship God appropriately. This "how-to" guide includes the essentials of Muslim belief, the rites known as the pillars of Islam, and an understanding of character refinement. By focusing on the essentials—while also providing context and important background knowledge—Being Muslim allows students to learn what is most vital and practical.


Things have been quiet in the coastal town of North Harbor, Maine, since Sarah Grayson and her rescue cat, Elvis, solved their first murder. Sarah is happy running Second Chance, the shop where she sells lovingly refurbished and repurposed items. But then she gets dragged into a controversy over developing the waterfront. Most of the residents—including Sarah—are for it, but there is one holdout—baker Lily Carter.
So when Lily is found murdered in her bakery, it looks like somebody wanted to remove the only obstacle to the development. But Sarah soon discovers that nothing is as simple as it seems. Now, with the help of her cat’s uncanny ability to detect a lie, and her senior citizen sleuth friends, Sarah is narrowing down the suspects. But can she collar the culprit before the ruthless killer pounces again?
The first book from Obsidian in the new Second Chance Cat mystery series, The Whole Cat & Caboodle, from the author of the best-selling Magical Cats mysteries, Sofie Kelly, writing as Sofie Ryan.
Sarah Grayson runs Second Chance, a repurpose shop in North Harbor, Maine. When her beloved grandmother volunteers Sarah to teach one of her do-it-yourself workshops for free to a group of seniors, Sarah ends up discovering the body of Arthur Fenety. She also reconnects with hunky Nick Elliot, an investigator for the medical examiner’s office.
It turns out the charming, silver haired Fenety was a con artist with a string of wives and fiancés, who were all left a lot poorer after their time with the man. Since he’d been in North Harbor, Fenety had been seeing Madeline Hamilton, and when the police arrest Maddie for Fenety’s murder, her friends—including Nick’s mother, Charlotte—decide to investigate. Sarah has never forgotten how kind Maddie was when Sarah’s father died, and she refuses to believe the older woman could hurt anyone. Before she knows it, Sarah and her would-be detectives, with some help from Mr. P., a geriatric computer whiz, and Elvis, a cat with an uncanny nose for sniffing out the truth, are on the trail of a cold-hearted killer.


Did you know that you can make your dreams come true? Well, the ability is there but many of us don't really know where to start. How do you really manage to achieve living the life that you desire and accomplish everything that you wish for?
The Goal Book is a different and innovative book on personal development. It is addressed to everyone who wants to succeed in life, but have not yet come up with how to get there. In a simple and entertaining way Peter Jumrukovski guides the reader to set goals in life's key areas: health, money, personal development, relationships and career - and to find a balance between them. With a mix of research, real life stories and anecdotes, he shows that everyone can actually achieve exactly what they want by writing down their goals and actively working towards them every day.
About the Author
Peter Jumrukovski has by working with goals for the last fifteen years accomplished to win a World Championship bronze medal (Shotokan) and eight national championships in karate, traveled the world, become a top marketing salesman and fulfilled his childhood dream of moving across the globe from Sweden to Los Angeles. His dream has long been to help others succeed in achieving their goals and that is exactly what he is doing right now!
"I can really recommend it, fantastic book"
– MAGNUS HELGESSON, Founder of the 100 million dollar revenue restaurant chain Harrys
“Thank you for a fantastic book. It allowed me to develop a lot and it makes one realize that development happens outside your comfort zone!”
– MARTINA OLOVSSON
“If you’re considering buying a book right now, this is it. It will boost your business, you as a person and everything as a whole.”
– PETER ROSWALL
”Best investment I have ever made! I highly recommend it!”
– RICHARD DIMELL
”The Goal Book is the BEST self development book I have ever read. I am working towards my goals right now and I am so grateful!”
– REBECKA MARIE GUSTAFSSON
Make an investment in yourself and order The Goal Book today by pressing the button below.
You have nothing to lose, we are so sure that you will love The Goal Book that we will give you a 100% refund if you are not satisfied.


By Crocker Stephenson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, March 26, 2018
Gloria Dawson was 24 years old when, in the fall of 1990, her mother was bringing potatoes up from the basement of her West Allis, Wisconsin, home, tumbled back down the steps and died.
Grief-stricken, Gloria went to her room and stayed there, venturing out as infrequently as possible.
Gloria was small and fragile. She was born three months prematurely and weighed less than two pounds. Even now, at 51, she’s tiny. Four-foot-four. Sixty-six pounds.
She has Down syndrome and an associated heart condition. Her mother, Claire, and her father, Marty, tried to mainstream Gloria at a nearby elementary school, but the ordinary rambunctiousness of her classmates proved to be too much.
So Gloria stayed home with her mom, dad and older sister, Colleen. At the center of their home was Claire. Claire was its joy and source of laughter. When Claire died, the house grew sad.
Enter the incandescent Rosa Dodd.


The 26th Annual Report of the ZNCR for the year 2015 was published on 11th October 2017, exactly one year after the release of the 2015 report.This is part of the Registry’s ongoing contribution to cancer prevention and control in Zimbabwe. The ZNCR is the primary source of reliable cancer information in the country. The publication of the report in October was timed to coincide with breast cancer awareness activities taking place during the month. October is breast cancer awareness month.
The ZNCR is delighted that its data have been published in Volume XI of 'Cancer Incidents in 5 Continents' which was unveiled at the 39th Annual Scientific Conference of the International Association of Cancer Registries which was held in Utrecht, Netherlands in October 2017. The ZNCR also contributed data to the 3rd volume of the 'International Incidents of Childhood Cancer' which was published early this year. The ZNCR is one of the few registries from Africa that have been consistent in their contribution to these prestigious international publications on cancer incidents worldwide.


Happy Halloween, folks! In continuing with our Halloween-themed celebration -- a "spooktacular," if you will -- of all great scary stuff, I thought it might be interesting to talk about some excellent horror comic books. That's right, comic books. While comics generally have a for-kids-only, superheroes-in-tights stigma, the medium actually has a long history of producing terrific horror stories. Thusly, here are a few personal favorites that are sure to deliver thrills and chills.
The EC Archives: Shock Suspenstories
EC Comics, a comic book publisher from the 40s and 50s, produced a slew of innovative horror comics -- notable, aside from how frightening they are, for introducing new techniques in art, narrative, and overall chance-taking -- before being all but shut down thanks to some very irrational fears about the effects of comics on kids. Thanks to the EC Archives series of hardcover collected reprints, these long out-of-print tales are being rediscovered. EC created several stellar titles, including Tales From the Crypt and Weird Science, which aside from providing scares, also worked as smart morality plays on racism, anti-Semitism, and more. Shock Suspenstories was no different, as this omnibus is filled with excellent horror, crime, and war stories that will scare you and make you think. But don't take my word for it; EC fan Steven Spielberg wrote the foreword to this wonderful collection. An essential piece of comic book history.
The Goon: Volume 1 - Nothin' But Misery
The Goon, a story about a hulking, emotionally scarred gangster with a heart of gold -- created, written and drawn by Eric Powell -- is one of the best comics on the market today. A mash-up of horror, crime, and comedy, The Goon contains everything cool: zombies, werewolves, 30s gangsters and tough guys, vampires, mad scientists, killer robots, and more. Powell is a supremely gifted storyteller when it comes to his writing, as he deftly jumps from the heart-wrenching to the gut-busting, and he pulls it off with aplomb. But his art is also startlingly unique, combining pencils, watercolors, and deep inks with a kinetic energy that recalls Jack Kirby. It's best to start here at the beginning, and see how Powell slowly builds The Goon's world, characters, and tone. Before you know it, you're amazed. Highly recommended.
Torso: A True Crime Graphic Novel
Brian Michael Bendis is probably comics' biggest writer these days, as he has written just about every major series that Marvel Comics publishes, including Ultimate Spider-Man, New Avengers, and the current mega-event, Secret Invasion. But I think his best work remains Torso, a black-and-white graphic novel based on the true story of the Cleveland Torso Murderer serial killer. Disturbing and dark, this comic is like a great crime novel, with a true can't-put-it-down quality.
The Walking Dead: Volume 1 - Days Gone Bye
Zombie comics have been around forever, but none have really had as great an impact as Robert Kirkman's The Walking Dead. Created and written by Kirkman, and presented in awesome black-and-white, The Walking Dead recalls George Romero's excellent zombie films, with a balanced focus on zombies and smart story. Telling the story of a cop named Rick, his family and others they've met along the way in trying to survive a zombie outbreak, the real brilliance of The Walking Dead lies not so much in its scare-factor of a catastrophe, but rather, in its questioning of how far are we willing to sacrifice our morals and ideals in the face of that catastrophe? No character is safe in this sprawling epic (which makes it all the more fun), and if you start here with volume one, you'll be hooked.


A humorous coming-of-age story for teens AND adults!
by Rob Zona with Guy Castonguay
The paperback book, autographed by Guy, is offered at a $5.00 discount!
The book retails for $14.99 USD / $19.99 CAD.
With the discount, you pay only $9.99 USD / $14.99 CAD plus shipping, AND you get the book autographed by Guy. Sweet deal!
Since shipping rates vary, simply email us your shipping address and the name you would like the book autographed to, and we will send you an invoice with the total amount and payment methods. Though these autographed books ship from Canada, shipping rates to the U.S. are surprisingly reasonable. Feel free to ask for a quote.
However, if you live in the Montréal area, NO shipping charges are applied! You can pick up your autographed book near a convenient downtown métro station, or Guy will gladly make arrangements to hand-deliver the book to you. Another sweet deal!
Thank you very much for your interest in an autographed paperback book!


(photo by Lexi Adsit)
Nia King is a multimedia journalist whose work focuses on political art by women, queer people, and people of color. She is the author of Queer and Trans Artists of Color: Stories of Some of Our Lives and the host and producer of We Want the Airwaves podcast. Her writing has been published in Colorlines, East Bay Express and Women & Performance. She recently self-published Queer & Trans Artists of Color, Volume 2 with co-editor Elena Rose.
"Queer and Trans Artists of Color is a nuanced exploration of the value of art in community organizing and activist causes that matter to LGBT people of color."
- Sam Levin, East Bay Express
"[Queer & Trans Artists of Color] is one of the most informative and inspirational books I’ve read in a long time. It’s like a primer for how to be an effective artist or community worker."
- Mey Rude, Autostraddle
"The sixteen artist interviews that make up Nia King’s Queer and Trans Artists of Color: Stories of Some of Our Lives portray profiles of some of the most intriguing creative minds at work today." - Tom Léger, Topside Press
Buy Nia's book and zines here. Book her to speak at your college or conference today!


While I was watching The Haunting of Hill House on Netflix; I already knew that I was going to post this review; and before the show even ended, I knew how this review was going to be. A couple of episodes down and I was totally addicted, so bad that I watched all 10 of them in a row, one after another. When I was mid-away, I was absolutely in love with how the story was progressing and by the time it ended, I was left with only one word “Wow”. I watch a lot of horror and there is rarely anything anymore that surprises me anymore.
My expectation when I started watching it was of a story of yet another house with a creepy and traffic past and a few scares but it left me surprised completely. It is totally different than the regular trash they are producing these days in the name of horror; and I would highly recommend watching the show.
The Haunting of Hill House is actually a 1959 gothic horror novel by American author Shirley Jackson. A finalist for the National Book Award and considered one of the best literary ghost stories published during the 20th century; this story has already been adapted in two feature films and a play; and is the basis of a television series. What made this novel so famous and story so intriguing was the fact that Jackson’s novel relies on terror rather than horror to elicit emotion in the reader; using complex relationships between the mysterious events in the house and the characters’ psyches. (Source Wiki)
The Haunting of Hill House
I have not really watched the two movies based on the show so I am not sure how they were. The Netflix series however is not really the exact story of the novel. True that the base of the story is the same but it is way different than the novel. One thing that is common however is the fact that both the novel and this series are equally entertaining and definitely worth your time.
Most of the things about the show are great. Do a quick Google search looking for reviews on it and you will find that almost all of them are positive. The acting by every actor is great, believable, true and realistic. The direction is excellent. Episode after episode the series tells the story, unraveling the secrets patiently. The story may be different from the novel but it is still awesome and well executed. The amount of scares, the mysteries, the answers, the doubt, the reveals; everything just fits in so smoothly. True that it is a story of a house, but it’s also a story of a family. It could very well be described as a dark family thriller. CGI are great and the jump scares do not seem cheap. They are very well placed and will work on you.
In the end, I would like to stay that The Haunting of Hill House is a great show that is definitely worth a watch. See it with an open mind, let a couple of episodes pass, allow it time to grow on you and you will definitely enjoy watching it till the end. I am not much of a reviewer but I would love to hear your views on the show if you have seen it. Please do share in the comments section below.


Iron is an essential nutrient for most organisms, including pathogenic organisms. Pathogenic bacteria attempting to colonize (infect) an organism are confronted with extremely low concentrations of free iron. Consequently, many pathogens have evolved sophisticated mechanisms for iron acquisition, including the utilization of heme iron. Thus, it is possible that targeting paths used by pathogenic bacteria to assimilate iron and heme-iron from their host is a viable approach to the development of new antibiotics. Many of the proteins involved in heme uptake and heme utilization in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa have designated functions. However, their structure, dynamics and inter-protein interactions needed to facilitate host-heme capture, internalization and degradation in the cytosol, are largely unknown. We aim at contributing to fill this gap by studying the structure, function, dynamics and association of the soluble proteins that aid in the capture of heme from hemoglobin and help degrade it in the cytosol of P. aeruginosa. Current efforts entail recombinant DNA methodology, NMR spectroscopy and bioelectrochemistry in this laboratory and X-ray crystallography, EPR spectroscopy and resonance Raman spectroscopy via collaborations. This approach is aimed at:
(1) Understanding how polypeptide dynamics controls and contributes to the complicated catalytic cycle of heme degradation whereby heme oxygenase releases iron from heme for subsequent metabolic needs. These studies build from our previous investigations aimed at determining structure-function relationships in heme oxygenase from P. aeruginosa (pa-HO). A recent finding demonstrates that disrupting the network of hydrogen bonding waters in the distal site of pa-HO, accomplished by replacing Arg 80 (see figure) for Leu, leads to chaotic global μs-ms motions of the polypeptide and significant loss of heme oxidation activity.
(2) Biochemically and structurally characterizing two previously unknown electron transport proteins (pa-Bfd and pa-Fpr), which we hypothesize function to deliver the 7 electrons needed by heme oxygenase to cleave the heme and release its iron in the cytosol of P. aeruginosa. It has been recently demonstrated that the novel ferredoxin reductase (pa-FPR) efficiently delivers the 7 electrons needed by pa-HO to oxidize heme and release iron, without the need of a mediating ferredoxin. The structure of pa-FPR is now characterized and this information is being used in the study of protein-protein interactions that facilitate electron transfer to heme oxygenase.
(3) Structurally and biochemically characterizing HasAp, a secreted heme binding protein capable of capturing heme from hemoglobin and delivering it to the outer membrane receptor for internalization. The structural information is being used to define its interactions with hemoglobin using NMR spectroscopic methods, in an attempt to gain molecular understanding of the mechanism whereby HasAp “steals” the heme from hemoglobin for subsequent delivery to a receptor, internalization to the cytosol and degradation by pa-HO to release the iron.
(4) Characterizing structure-function relationships in the two iron storage bacterioferritins of P. aeruginosa, which are likely involved in facilitating its survival under low-iron and oxidative stress conditions. These investigations also encompass the study of pa-Bfd, a ferredoxin likely involved in the mobilization of iron from bacterioferritin.


Happy Mother’s Day to the mother that doesn’t feel like a superwoman, the mother that may be feeling like she’s not enough. Either society or someone else has told you you’re inadequate… maybe for whatever reason you’ve told yourself you’re insufficient. I want to say Happy Mother’s Day to you… Happy Mother’s Day to us.
Is there something that has you feeling like you aren’t “the best mom” you can be? Feel like you failed your child or children in some way and your mind won’t allow you to get past it? Some days that’s me. I’ve been unable to walk for about a month now, and there’s a lot of things I can’t do for my daughter. Reality says you survived a car accident that could have taken your life, you literally fight mental and physical battles DAILY, and through prayer and patience, you are getting better, but my mind says something else. My mind shows me everything I’m not doing for my daughter, reminds me constantly of my baby that I’ll never get to meet, tells me all that my family has been through and is going through is my fault…. But God. I know for a fact this is just a way for the enemy to use me against me. So today I’m fighting back by not only encouraging myself but encouraging you too! I want to tell you that you are not alone; you are not inadequate. YOU ARE WORTHY.
I say this prayer for myself and I encourage you to say it as well: God I come to you the Father on this Mother’s Day weekend first saying thank you for the ability to give life. Thank you for using me as a vessel to bring one of your greatest creations to this earth. Had it not been for you I could not be a mother and because you chose me I know that I am capable.
Today God honestly, I am not feeling worthy of being celebrated. Because of (insert whatever has you feeling this way) I don’t feel like the best mother I can be. I don’t feel like enough. But God I will not allow myself to stay this way. God forgive me first for any way that I have sinned. Forgive me for being hard on me. If these feelings are simply the enemies’ way of using my own mind against me then God I ask that you take control of my mind and help me to see myself the way you see me. Help me to see myself as the mother my child(ren) deserve. God if for any reason I am lacking I ask that you provide me with the tools necessary to excel and be the best mother I can be for my children. God point me in the right direction of any resources that may help me. Connect me with mothers who have been through what I’m going through and use them to give me guidance when I am having trouble hearing from you. God, I thank you in advance for the peace you will restore back to me. For making me feel complete again so that I may share how you brought me through and encourage others to seek you. God, I thank you for the reminder that I am a good mother, that I am capable and it will only get better from here. AMEN.
Again ladies, Happy Mother’s Day.


Yesterday was the first of this week’s library book sales. Usually, my two area sales (Stow and Cuyahoga Falls) don’t fall on the same weekend, but this year, by some crazy-random-happenstance, they’re both occurring in the first weekend in May. I’m not complaining, of course. Book sale season is my favorite time of year.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a whole lot of books at the Stow sale. I purchased only five. This year, there was a large selection of mystery and romance novels–neither of which genres are my favorite. They did have a strong selection of Science Fiction and Graphic Novels last year, but no luck this time around.
The Books I Did Find:
1. Inside of a Dog by Alexandra Horowitz ~ I believe this book is about the psychology and physiology of dogs. I don’t know. All I know for sure is that it’s a science book with a dog on the cover. Instabuy.
2. Foundation by Isaac Asimov ~ I loved I, Robot, and I’ve been meaning to give Asimov’s other books a try. I really wanted to read his robot mystery series next, but I can’t find the first book so I’ll just have to read Foundation in the meantime.
3. The Fabric of the Cosmos by Brian Greene ~ I always liked watching Brian Greene on NOVA so I thought I might as well read one of his books.
4. Star Wars: The Cestus Deception by Steven Barnes ~ I’m finding that I don’t care for Star Wars EU books which take place within the movies’ timelines, but, since this is about Obi Wan Kenobi, I decided to give it a try even though it takes place during the Clone Wars.
5. Labyrinth by Kate Mosse ~ There’s a miniseries adaptation of this book coming to The CW later this month so I got the book to read beforehand. (I’ll hopefully have a review up of this one sometime in May.)
These five books came to a total of $3.50–which isn’t too shabby.
I’ll hopefully have A LOT of awesome books to share with you after the Cuyahoga Falls Library Sale tonight. I don’t actually know where I’m going to shelve everything.
Do you go to your library’s book sales? What’s the best book you’ve ever found?


Cytokines (e.g. Interleukin-6, IL-6) are mediators of the immune system, which are secreted due to infection or injury. They regulate the differentiation and activation of naive immune cells, as well as the development of an inflammation which is hallmarked by the hepatic expression of acute-phase proteins, fever and pain. Thereby cytokines contribute to the reconstitution of homeostasis in the body. However, hyperactivity of pro-inflammatory cytokines or a reduced response to anti-inflammatory cytokines contributes to a huge number of chronic diseases (e.g. allergy, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer or autoimmunity).
Cytokines bind to membrane-bound receptors to activate intracellular signalling cascades. These signalling cascades result in the activation of transcription factors that bind to specific DNA sequences (promoter) in the nucleus. Activated promoters induce the transcription of target genes, e.g. the expression of acute-phase genes in the liver. The sequential activation of signalling molecules in a signalling network enables signal enhancement, complex regulation as well as the integration of different inputs and signalling cascades.
IL-6 is a central mediator of inflammatory and developmental processes in the body. It is a major inducer of acute-phase protein synthesis in the liver, regulates the differentiation of B- and T-cells and effects migration of T-cells and monocytes. Furthermore, it is an important mediator of neuronal survival and differentiation.
IL-6-induced signal transduction is activated by binding of IL-6 to the IL-6 receptor complex consisting of the IL-6 receptor α (IL-6Rα) and the signal transducing receptor subunit gp130. After binding of IL-6, receptor associated Janus kinases (JAK1, JAK2, TYK2) are activated. Activated JAKs phosphorylate tyrosine residues in the cytoplasmic part of gp130. These phosphorylated tyrosine residues serve as binding motifs for molecules that facilitate the activation of JAK/STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) signalling, PI3 kinase (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) and MAP (mitogen activated protein) kinase cascades. Central elements of these pathways are the activation respectively inactivation of proteins by posttranslational modifications, conformational changes or altered cellular localisation. Molecules of special interests are so called multi-site docking proteins (e.g. Gab1). Activated multi-site docking proteins act as a cellular platform to recruit a plethora of different signalling and regulatory molecules. Along with multi-site docking proteins regulatory proteins play a central function in signal transduction. Regulatory proteins prevent a hyper-activation of signalling at physiological conditions. Important regulatory proteins in IL-6-induced signalling are protein tyrosine phosphatases (e.g. SHP2) and kinase inhibitors (e.g. the feedback-inhibitor SOCS3).


AlUla: Unveiling the Ancient City and the Tale of Prophet Saleh
Tucked away in the lap of Saudi Arabia's northwest is the city of AlUla, a monument to the enduring legacy of civilizations as well as a keeper of Islamic history. AlUla has weaved its complex threads into the larger story of Islamic legacy across time, providing a unique window into the spiritual and cultural turning points that have influenced the area. This essay explores the rich history of AlUla and its significance to the spiritual underpinnings of Islam as we set out to explore the Islamic complexities of the city. AlUla is a real example of the confluence of faith, history, and the ongoing spirit of Islamic culture, with everything from historic rock tombs to echoes of Prophet Saleh's tale.
The Enigmatic Waqia of Hazrat Saleh: A Glimpse into the Past
The story of Prophet Saleh (peace be upon him) and the people of Thamud is essential to the historical fabric of AlUla. According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Saleh was sent by Allah to lead the Thamud tribe, a tribe residing in the AlUla region. The town was endowed with plenty, including verdant gardens and imposing buildings that showcased their sophisticated architectural skills and were carved out of the rock.
However, the inhabitants of Thamud became engulfed in arrogance and strayed from the righteous path. Prophet Saleh, chosen as a divine messenger, preached morality and monotheistic beliefs. He exhorted the people to worship Allah alone and warned them against the pitfalls of pride and disobedience. The people of Thamud stubbornly rejected the message despite his heroic efforts, which set off a tragic and catastrophic chain of events.
Divine Wrath and the Azaab on AlUla City
The people of Thamud suffered a dire consequence known as the "azaab," or divine punishment, for disobeying divine counsel. Their once-thriving city was about to be forever altered by a disaster that would never be forgotten. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, decreed a special punishment for the disobedient people of Ulla.
The nature of the penalty's details is described in Islamic scriptures. A mighty, thunderous roar echoed through the valleys, announcing the arrival of the divine decree. Suddenly, a tremendous tremor shook the city, as a formidable earthquake ripped through the foundations of Thamud's grand structures. The once-majestic buildings were reduced to rubble as the earth shifted and heaved.
Prophet Saleh and the few of followers who heard his warning were saved from the azaab amidst the turmoil. The residents, who were defiant, were destroyed in the calamity, serving as a sobering lesson of what happens when one disobeys divine direction.
Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Reference to AlUla: Lessons from the Past
The legacy of AlUla and the tale of Prophet Saleh did not vanish from memory. The last messenger of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), referenced the fate of AlUla as a powerful lesson for future generations. AlUla is used as a warning against the dangers of haughtiness, disobedience, and rejecting divine guidance in several hadiths, or sayings, of the Prophet.
Prophet Muhammad warned his followers against following the destructive path followed by the people of Thamud and underlined the need for humility and surrender to Allah. The silent reminders of a bygone period that remain today, the ruins of AlUla, echo the prophetic lessons and serve as a constant reminder of what happens when one deviates from the path of justice.
AlUla Today: A Bridge between Past and Present
Visitors are met with a landscape that skillfully blends the ruins of ancient civilizations with the bustling pulse of modern life as they discover the modern marvel that is AlUla. The city is now a dynamic example of the human spirit's tenacity and the timeless truths found within its difficult landscape.
The remarkable Madain Saleh and other archaeological sites in AlUla have been inducted as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, highlighting the historical significance of the city. The magnificent Nabataean tombs, set into crimson cliffs, are a reminder of the masterful construction of another period. Travelers and pilgrims alike swarm to AlUla, not just to take in the breathtaking scenery but also to consider the rich historical legacy that has molded the area.
Conclusion: AlUla - A City of Reflection and Revelation
AlUla invites visitors to explore historical narratives and uncover the profound teachings concealed within its rugged embrace. It is a place of ancient legends and breathtaking archaeological discoveries. A sobering reminder of what happens to those who deviate from the path of justice is provided by Hazrat Saleh's waqia and the azaab that followed on the inhabitants of Thamud.
The Prophet Muhammad's allusions to AlUla have endured because they teach modern Muslims the value of modesty, piety, and unshakeable faith. Standing at the nexus of the past and present, AlUla invites us to consider the timeless wisdom contained in its rugged landscapes and to be inspired by the teachings of the mission of Prophet Saleh and the divine vengeance that transpired in the ancient city. content


I have every journal I’ve ever written in stored in my closet – there are about ten journals from my teenage years, a handful of pre-teen diaries, and another ten notebooks from my childhood. Lets not forget all the ones I’ve started in the last five years of my adulthood. The picture above isn’t even a quarter of how many notebooks I have!
Writing consistently in journals over such a long span of time gives me a significant timeline of my emotional growth and progress. When I feel like reflecting, analyzing patterns, flipping through memory lane… I have years of journal writing to scan through.
It can be amazing to look back and see my younger self’s perspective. It can also be sad and emotional, but I learn about myself every time. Looking back always fuels my desire to continue documenting my emotions and various events in my life so I can continue to keep looking back at them.
In entering adulthood, ending beautiful and difficult relationships, starting to seeing a new therapist, moving out of my parents’ house, and navigating many other experiences it has become clear that keeping journals was a critical part of understanding myself.
Intentionally write in my journals about specific emotions, distresses, anxieties, relationships, therapy sessions, and more is a critical part of understanding that putting aside time to intentionally write in them about specific emotions, distresses, anxieties, relationships, therapy sessions, and more.
This kind of writing is one way I accomplish emotional work, which is internal + external work I do to support my own healing and recovery from traumatic things I’ve experienced, harmful behaviors I exhibit, and many other conflicts in my life.
Your emotional work or path towards healing may include going to therapy, reading books about mental health or communication, going outside, doing yoga, or something very personal to you. You may not even call it emotional work! That’s what I call some of my journal writing because it gives me an easier way to describe it to others. Sometimes it literally does feel like work, but its impact on my life has been positive and concrete.
Below I’ve photographed several examples of what my emotional work writing looks like. These pages have assisted me when I’ve been struggling to articulate things to myself, my friends, my partners, and my family. I have even taken my “emotional work writing,” these exact pages, into therapy when I felt like my writing would help my therapist understand how I was feeling.
This is a page about my feelings on emotional availability and what it means to me to be emotionally available. Writing out what definitions and feelings felt accurate to me helped me to better understand what behaviors make me feel present and what space my mind is in when I feel emotionally available.
All of this helps me to understand and recognize the patterns I exhibit when I’m not feeling emotionally available. For instance, when I am not prioritizing my own healing, boundaries, or needs, that’s usually a time where I’m not feeling my most present. These are my own personal definitions of emotional availability.
I want to share this page in particular to show how breaking down an idea can help you understand it better. Finding your own definitions which resonate and feel true to you is one of the most important parts of this practice.
This page is an example of a specific conflict I was struggling to navigate. I was feeling very self-deprecating, and even first began to write “Failing” instead of “Forgetting,” which I crossed out because I realized that was not a productive way to phrase the issue at hand. Then I wrote down some questions to ask myself in the moments of forgetting myself, and challenged myself to think of potential solutions that could help me out. In many relationships, I’ve struggled to stay connected to my own boundaries and needs. Often I’ve felt like the dopamine rush, excitement of a new crush, and separation anxiety was leaving me a little blindsided. Once I started writing it out and compiling some solutions I felt like I was better equipped to navigate the situation. I was also able to talk with my partners about how I was feeling.
With this page, I wanted to help myself find a balance between my work and a sustainable daily routine. Sometimes I think I can just work everyday all day, but if I do that, then I let my non-work related daily practices fall to the wayside, and I end up feeling worse. I wanted to write down types of sustainable habits I could do when I wasn’t working so I could still feel like I was progressing in other parts of my life. Finding the balance between energy output and input can be quite difficult for me, so these types of lists can be crucial to my success.
This is a list I was inspired to write after having extreme anxiety in the presence of one of my friends. I wanted a page to look back to and to share with people close to me so they know how to best support me in times of distress. A symptom of my anxiety is often “going non-verbal,” so having a written document that can speak for me is incredibly useful. It also makes it easier to answer the “What can I do to help you?” “What do you need right now?” questions you might be asked when you’re not feeling your best.
Journaling is a significant part of my self-care routine and I definitely consider it to be a healthy coping mechanism for me. However, not all journaling has to be this specific and intentional to be helpful! Sometimes just writing, scribbling, drawing lines, or even writing the same word over and over can be cathartic and calming. I also encourage you to to journal or document your thoughts in any way that feels most accessible for you – if not a physical journal, maybe an internet blog like Tumblr or Blogger. Penzu also offers some insightful journal prompts if you’re having trouble getting started.
Written by: Clara Zornado


Factors influencing sustainability of horticultural private extension services
Keywords: Educational extension, extension performance, sustainability, public extension services, private extension services
AbstractThe present study aimed at evaluating prominent factors that affect the sustainability of horticultural private extension services (SHPES) and the continuous flow of their activities from the perspective of public sector experts. The study sample consisted of 148 public sector experts who were selected through stratified random sampling. A questionnaire was utilized for data collection. Validity was confirmed by face validity, convergent validity, and content validity. The results showed that infrastructure, educational extension, and economic factors had the most positive and significant effects on the SHPES and the continuity of their activities. The result of the calculated goodness-of-fit index (0.718) revealed that the model provided an excellent fit for the data. Also, the structures and factors explained 78% of the variance of the SHPES. The present study showed how management, economic, socio-cultural, policy, infrastructure, and educational factors influence SHPES.
Copyright (c) 2022 Journal of Applied Horticulture
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.


The Holy Cross community can now donate and recycle books to The Bay State Book Company via an on-campus collection bin behind Alumni Hall.
What do your old books support? The Bay State Book Company aims to “keep as many books out of landfills as possible.” They donate books to local schools, community centers, and soldiers. For any remaining books, the organization recycles them responsibly.
A study by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) discovered that the United States sends over 640,000 tons of books to landfills every year. By having this collection bin on campus, the Holy Cross community can give their books a new life and redistribute resources instead of creating more trash.
Participation is easy. Simply bring your books to the designated bin 24/7.
- Books in Poor Condition/Unreadable
- Mass-Market Paperback
- Books with Library Binding or Spiral Binding


Laura Tillman a journalist and the author of “The Long Shadow of Small Ghosts: Murder and Memory in an American City,” (Scribner, 2016). Her work has appeared in The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, Pacific Standard, The Wall Street Journal, Tin House, and Literary Hub, among other publications. She holds an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Goucher College and a BA in International Studies from Vassar College. She is represented by the Wylie Agency.
She lives in Mexico City where she is at work on her next book.


Dupont, C., B. Moore, E. Boasson, V. Gravey and A.J. Jordan et al. (2023) Three decades of EU climate policy: Racing toward climate neutrality? WIRES Climate Change, e863. DOI: 10.1002/wcc.863
Verfuerth, C., Demski, C., Capstick, S., Whitmarsh, L., & Poortinga, W. (2023) A people-centred approach is needed to meet net zero goals, Journal of the British Academy, 11(s4): 97–124.
Haggar, P., Whitmarsh, L., & Nash, N. (2023) A Drop in the Ocean? Fostering Water-Saving Behavior and Spillover Through Information Provision and Feedback. Environment and Behavior, 55(6-7), 520-548. https://doi.org/10.1177/00139165231201371
Hampton, S. & Whitmarsh, L. (2023) Choices for climate action: A review of the multiple roles individuals play. One Earth, Volume 6, Issue 9, 2023, Pages 1157-1172, ISSN 2590-3322, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2023.08.006.
Tosun, J., Geese, L., & Lorenzoni, I. (2023) For Young and Future Generations? Insights from the Web Profiles of European Climate Pact Ambassadors, European Journal of Risk Regulation, 1-13. doi:10.1017/err.2023.53
Verfuerth, C., Sanderson Bellamy, A., Adlerova, B., Dutton, A. (2023) Building relationships back into the food system: addressing food insecurity and food well-being, Front. Sustain. Food Syst. 7.
Poortinga, W., Demski, C. & Steentjes K. (2023) Generational differences in climate-related beliefs, risk perceptions and emotions in the UK, Communications Earth & Environment.
Martin-Kerry, J.M., Graham H.M, & Lampard, P. (2023) ‘I don’t really associate climate change with actual people’s health’: a qualitative study in England of perceptions of climate change and its impacts on health, Public Health, Volume 219, 2023, Pages 85-90.
De Vito, L., Wynne-Jones, S., Heins, E. & Verfuerth, C. (2023) Policy fellowship schemes as a vehicle for co-production – insights from Welsh Government fellowships, Centre for Science and Policy.
Player, L., Prosser M.B., A., Thorman, D., Tirion S.C, A., Whitmarsh L., Kurz, T., & Shah, P. (2023) Quantifying the importance of socio-demographic, travel-related, and psychological predictors of public acceptability of low emission zones, Journal of Environmental Psychology.
Isham, A., Verfuerth, C., Armstrong, A., Elf, P., Gatersleben, B., & Jackson, T. (2022) The problematic role of materialistic values in the pursuit of sustainable well-being, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
Jordan A, Lorenzoni I, Tosun J, Enguer Saus J, Geese L, Kenny J, Levario Saad E, Moore B & Schaub S. (2022) The political challenges of deep decarbonisation: towards a more integrated agenda, Climate Action.
Rao, N. D. and C. Wilson (2022) Advancing energy and well-being research. Nature Sustainability. 5(2): 98-103. [DOI.org/10.1038/s41893-021-00775-7]
Hanmer, C., C. Wilson, O. Y. Edelenbosch and D. P. van Vuuren (2022). Translating Global Integrated Assessment Model Output into Lifestyle Change Pathways at the Country and Household Level. Energies 15(5). DOI: 10.3390/en15051650
Verfuerth, C., Gregory-Smith, D., Oates, C. J., Jones, C. R. and Alevizou, P. (2021). Reducing meat consumption at work and at home: facilitators and barriers that influence contextual spillover. Journal of Marketing Management
Latter, B. and Capstick, S. (2021) Climate Emergency: UK Universities’ Declarations and Their Role in Responding to Climate Change. Frontiers in Sustainability.
Steentjes K, Demski C, Poortinga W. (2021). Public perceptions of climate change and policy action in the UK, China, Sweden and Brazil. CAST Briefing Paper 10.
Hoolohan C, Mclachlan C, Jones C, Larkin A, Birch C, Mander S & Broderick J. (2021). Responding to the climate emergency: how are UK universities establishing sustainable workplace routines for flying and food?. Climate Policy.
Britton J, Mae Minas A, Marques A C. Pourmirza Z (2021). Exploring the potential of heat as a service in decarbonization: Evidence needs and research gaps. Energy Sources.
Jordan, A & Moore, B (2021). UK climate policy: For the long haul. IEMA.
Moore, B. & Jordan, A. (2020). Disaggregating the dependent variable in policy feedback research: an analysis of the EU emissions trading system. Policy Sciences.
Moore, B., Verfuerth, C., Minas, A. M., Tipping, C., Mander, S., Lorenzoni, I., Hoolohan, C., Jordan, A. J. & L. Whitmarsh (2021). Transformations for climate change mitigation: A systematic review of terminology, concepts, and characteristics. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change.
Dudley, H., Jordan, A., & Lorenzoni, I. (2021). Independent expert advisory bodies facilitate ambitious climate policy responses. Science Brief.
Jordan A, Moore B, (2020). Durable by design. Policy feedback in a changing climate. Cambridge University Press.
Pohjolainen, P., Kukkonen, I., Jokinen, P., Poortinga, W., Adedayo Ogunbode, C., Böhm, G., … & Umit, R. (2021). The role of national affluence, carbon emissions, and democracy in Europeans’ climate perceptions. Innovation: The European Journal of Social Science Research.
Demski, C. (2021) Net zero public engagement and participation: Research Note.
Dasandi N, HGraham, Lampard P, & Jankin Mikhaylov S, Intergovernmental engagement on health impacts of climate change (2021), Bulletin of the World Health Organisation.
Whitmarsh, L., (2020). CAST Briefing Paper 05: Tracking the effect of COVID-19 on low-carbon behaviours and attitudes to climate change: results from wave 2 of the CAST COVID-19 Survey.
Whitmarsh, L., Hoolohan, C., Larner, O., McLachlan, C. & Poortinga, W. (2020). CAST Briefing Paper 04: How has COVID-19 Impacted Low-Carbon Lifestyles and Attitudes towards Climate Action?
Capstick S, Demski C, Cherry C, Verfuerth C, Steentjes K. (2020). CAST briefing paper 03: Climate change citizens’ assemblies.
Gill M, Ebi K, Smith K, Whitmarsh L, Haines A. (2020). We need health warning labels on points of sale of fossil fuels. British Medical Journal, in press
Whitmarsh L, Capstick S, Moore I, Köhler J, Le Quéré C. (2020) Use of aviation by climate change researchers: Structural influences, personal attitudes, and information provision. Global Environmental Change
Nash N, Whitmarsh L, Capstick S, Gouveia V, de Carvalho Rodrigues Araújo R, Dos Santos M, … Wang X. (2020). Local climate change cultures: climate-relevant discursive practices in three emerging economies. Climatic change, 163.
Nielsen, K, Capstick S, Whitmarsh L. (2020). How psychology can help limit climate change. American Psychologist, in press,
Thorman D, Whitmarsh L, Demski C. (2020). Policy Acceptance of Low-Consumption Governance Approaches: The Effect of Social Norms and Hypocrisy. Sustainability, (3).
Verfuerth, C., Henn, L., & Becker, S. (2019) Is it up to them? Individual leverages for sufficiency. GAIA-Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society
Howarth C, Bryant P, Corner A, Fankhauser S, Gouldson A, Whitmarsh L & Willis R. (2019) Building a Social Mandate for Climate Action: Lessons from COVID-19
Howarth C, Bryant P, Corner A, Fankhauser S, Gouldson A, Whitmarsh L & Willis R. (2019). The Pathway toward a Net-Zero-Emissions Future. One Earth, 1(1), pp. 18-20.
Nash N, Capstick S, Whitmarsh L, Chaudhary I, Manandhar R. (2019). Perceptions of Local Environmental Issues and the Relevance of Climate Change in Nepal’s Terai: Perspectives From Two Communities. Frontiers in Sociology.
Capstick S, Demski C, Poortinga W, Whitmarsh L, Steentjes K, Corner A, Graham H. (2019). CAST briefing paper 02: Public opinion in a time of climate emergency.
Capstick S, Whitmarsh L, Nash N, Haggar P, Lord J. (2019). Compensatory and Catalyzing Beliefs: Their Relationship to Pro-environmental Behavior and Behavioral Spillover in Seven Countries. Frontiers in psychology, 10, pp. 963.
Corner A, Graham H, Whitmarsh L. (2019). CAST briefing paper 01: Engaging the public on low-carbon lifestyle change.


RACE HORSES : PEDIGREE, DESCRIPTION, HISTORY.
Drawings by V. J. COTLISON + L. PENICAULT + LE NAIL
published by John C. Nimmo. [ London : 1890 ]
from the book by S. Touchstone:
[ History of Celebrated English and French Thorough-Bred Stallions and French Mares which Appeared on the Turf from 1764 to 1887. ] --- A beautiful compendium of English and French horses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Containing sixty hand-colored plates by Cotlison, Penicaut, and Nail the book's the print run was limited to 520 copies. The plates were produced in order to preform: "a service to breeders, constituting an authentic document of the history of the thorough-bred horse, from his début down to the present day." "The breeding of thorough-breds is a very costly amusement, and in order to induce breeders to produce the animals required, it is imperative to offer them some substantial inducements and to stimulate their emulation. This is the object of racing, which admits of their covering part at all events of the enormous expenses which they have to meet, while the pleasure of seeing their horses first past the post is very gratifying to their amour-propre." This full-page chromolithographic plate is by either V.J. Cotlison, L. Pénicaut, and Le Nail. Each print comes with a description of the horse, many of the desptions of these horses have full color vignettes.


“Do I contradict myself? Very well, then, I contradict myself; I am large — I contain multitudes.”
“What is that you express in your eyes? It seems to me more than all the words I have read in my life.”[.] “Failing to fetch me at first, keep encouraged. Missing me one place, search another. I stop somewhere waiting for you.” [.] “I no doubt deserved my enemies, but I don’t believe I deserved my friends.” [.] “Happiness, not in another place but this place…not for another hour, but this hour.” [.] “I exist as I am, that is enough,
If no other in the world be aware I sit content,
And if each and all be aware I sit content.
One world is aware, and by the far the largest to me, and that is myself,
And whether I come to my own today or in ten thousand or ten million years,
I can cheerfully take it now, or with equal cheerfulness, I can wait.” [.] “Be curious, not judgmental.” [.] “Whatever satisfies the soul is truth.” [.] “Now I see the secret of making the best person: it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.”


Simple, schematic, concrete and extremely clear and punctual (as typical of the Anglo-Saxon spirit), the US guidelines on Lipedema have finally been completed and we consider them very favorably and very useful in our daily professional practice.
In particular, some data (which were known but in this document are very well highlighted) are impressive. Among these:
- The emphasis on the hereditary and genetic nature of the problem (our very recent article on the discovery of the first gene – AKR1C1 – responsible, if mutated, for the familial pathology is also cited in the bibliography)
About 10 million US women suffer from the disease (in children it is common for 6-6.5%).
- Confirmation that traditional low-calorie diet, exercise, and bariatric surgery do not solve the clinical problem
- The proscription of diuretic therapy
- The positive use of metformin, especially in subjects with insulin resistance confirmed by laboratory investigations
- The need for vitamin D monitoring (often lacking in these subjects)
- The importance of combined physical treatment both in the containment of the disease and in the regression of the main symptoms (first of all pain). It is also confirmed the need to entrust the patient to teams of health workers culturally and practically well prepared.
- The evidence shows that, depending on the clinical case, two are the techniques of liposuction (among the many currently used) that are recommended, after a careful selection of patients who are candidates for the procedure: WAL (Water Assisted Liposuction) and PAL (Power Assisted Liposuction).
This is a clear and useful document that will surely soon become an important reference point for patients, healthcare professionals and healthcare institutions.
We are especially grateful to Professor Herbst (coordinator of the work) for her continuous effort, always careful and correct, in the battle against Lipedema.
Dr. Sandro MicheliniLinee guida Lipedema USA


When Theo was first hospitalized, a group of longtime family friends collected books to send to Theo in the hospital. Each book had a special message written to Theo and he’s been enjoying them ever since. Today before naptime, Theo chose to read a set of books in which the message is a poem written by someone who can absolutely relate to Theo’s fight (she has been graceful and strong in her fight, too, and she’s doing wonderfully). I feel like today, Thanksgiving, is a good day to share this with you, too:
Your beautiful eyes, so big and bright
Light up a room, in day or night.
Your smile is contagious, even without a sound
Showing how much you feel love from all around.
For you are loved by so many more than you know
From the top of your head to your perfect little toes.
You’ve touched hearts and made a difference here
Through all the smiles, tears, hopes and fears.
I pray and know that God holds your hand
As you hold our hearts, you precious little man.
We continue to be amazed by our little man. He is cute, sweet, smart, funny, strong and fiercely determined. He’s my best big boy and I’m thankful for him, his sister and brother, and Dada every second of every day. My husband and our beautiful children bring more joy to my life than I could ever explain. I hope you feel that joy in your life, too.


The majority of us have heard of or have experienced the job of trying to compose essays. Most of us have read essays or at least have seen them written. That expertise has generally reinforced the feeling that one wants to have an adequate comprehension of the most typical thoughts about composing on any topic. This raises questions as to what constitutes an essay and as to just how the process of creating one ought to be handled.
An article is, generally speaking, a kind of literary composition that present the writer’s debate, but the exact definition is extremely vague, overlapping significantly with those of an essay, a report, a novel, a brief story, and a pamphlet. Essays are generally formal and are sub-divided to two main categories. One might be the perfect essay, which can be one in which each concept is presented with total confidence in the knowledge of the author. The next is that the normal essay, which might include an introduction, a body, an end, and one or more inter-links among the parts.
To compose essays well, you need to get a better awareness of the different kinds of essay. In a paragraph essay, the central idea is introduced in the first paragraph and then developed in subsequent paragraphs. Paragraph essays create the theme in the first paragraph and build upon it in following paragraphs. A case history article uses fix grammatical errors one event to make several links among related events and requires the topic in the third paragraph. Problem-solving essays develop the idea in the third paragraph and use it to talk about an issue.
To compose essays with any amount of success, you need to understand there is a gap between an argumentative essay and a descriptive article. Argumentative essays generally present some proof to oppose or support a claim. They may be written about an individual or group, a cause or an issue, or an overall situation. A descriptive essay, on the other hand, presents data or information to aid readers in forming an impression, analyzing a problem, or determining an answer. Many times, students are requested to express their own opinion regarding an issue or problem. A good example is a questionnaire where students are asked to read a description of a issue and give an opinion about it.
The perfect way to learn to compose essays would be to read what professional essays look like. That means studying sample essays, taking a class or reading an entire volume on composing, or perhaps viewing a few examples on tv. Whatever you do, do not replicate any of these writing styles-their arrangement, word usage, and overall tone. Rather, study these samples carefully so which you can find an notion of the way the style is used. You also want to free grammar check online english be certain that your sentences make sense and compliment each other.
One last key to learning how to write essays is to be certain your essay is made up of very clear and consistent diagram. A structure is a drawing or graphic representation that can be a simple line or complicated and complicated as a tree diagram, for instance. The diagram is the primary illustration in the article, and students will need to pay close attention to it throughout the composing process. To be able to make sure that the structure is clear and consistent throughout the essay, consider that portion of the essay should emphasize and which portion can be left to your conclusion. Students will probably retain information they view in a clear and consistent diagram rather than needing to re-read an essay that doesn’t employ a diagram.


For anyone not paying attention, the scourge of drug abuse continues to ravage and plague our nation. As a child of the eighties who watched the inferno we called “crack” rise up and burn through an entire generation, I wish I could open my mind to the younger generations and urge them caution from the memories of my childhood.
I would let them feel the sensation of walking to school over the crunch of thousands of empty crack vials under my feet. I would share the image of a friend’s mother, who I watched shrivel from drug use–and then one day literally disappear. A sick, real-life version of Lemony Snicket’s so called “Unfortunate Events.” Except Lemony Snicket never attempted to portray the brutal reality of CPS intervention and the gulag of group homes that swallowed the children of users. I would sear into their vision the image of girls I knew in grade school transformed into street walking zombie prostitutes before we even reached graduation. And many boys as well.
Such sharing of memories is not possible, and any words I put here will never do them justice. The truths I learned from hard experience are received with skepticism or outright rejection by my children. Each of them is sure that he or she is the exception, that everyone before was weak or stupid. These children of the nineties and their younger siblings have no knowledge of the needle junkies my generation thought they left behind in the 70s, and so a fresh generation of needle junkies is born: from stolen pills, to snorting heroin, to heaven in a needle. Chemical slavery in three short steps.
Of course this is just the human drama played out over and over again. We can teach. We can caution. But each generation must do and learn for themselves all over again. We are left only to pick up the pieces–if we’re lucky enough to have pieces left to gather. With these drugs, the tale ends in only one of two ways: recovery or death.
For the loved ones of addicts, picking up the pieces means cautiously reaching out in support of those we have watched morph into liars and thieves and worse, hoping against hope that this time “it” will truly work. Recovery is a journey of fits and false starts. By definition it lasts a lifetime, the trick is to get the lifetime to last as long as possible.
As family and loved ones, the most frustrating part of the recovery journey is our almost total exclusion from it. Having watched our friend or child or partner isolate themselves with drug use and all of the toxic personality changes it brings, we are then excluded from the recovery process itself. Sure, we can attend “Alanon” meetings to learn about what recovery entails, what we can expect, and what they are trying to do, but as “non-addicts” we are universally excluded from “the rooms” themselves, where the battles are actually fought. Not being addicts means we are not fit for the front lines of defense and support. We just “don’t understand.”
Having been walled off previously by the thicket of lies and addict behaviors of active users, we find ourselves pushed away now by the scrum of their “support group.” Having watched their personality warp and writhe through their addiction, we can only helplessly watch it bend and change again through recovery.
It is not a zero sum process. The person that rises will most certainly not be the same one you watched descend, though their shell might seem the same. In the furnace of recovery, the mettle is changed. The process is, by necessity, transformative. Affections can be lost or transferred. This is the hardest reality to face: that you yourself may be lost in the process, your relationship a casualty of recovery, as it were.
As I watch this process play out mostly helpless from the sidelines, I struggle to extract the lessons that I know I will need to pass on to my younger children. How to even describe the countless casualties of this disease? I flinch from the burden of tallying the cost of broken vows and lost promise that addiction has visited upon me, my family, and so many that I love. I can feel the effects ripple through my life, see them echo into my future, and I don’t even know where to begin.


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American author J.D. Salinger passed away yesterday at the age of 91. Most famous for his definitive coming-of-age novel “Catcher in the Rye,” Salinger was similarly known for his self-imposed life of “recluse.”
But success, once it arrived, paled quickly for him. He told the editors of Saturday Review that he was “good and sick” of seeing his photograph on the dust jacket of “The Catcher in the Rye” and demanded that it be removed from subsequent editions. He ordered his agent to burn any fan mail.
With all the time he had by himself, though, Salinger also became known for his letter-writing, much of which reflected his disgust for the outside world. So, you could imagine that when someone approached him about doing a movie adaptation of “Catcher and the Rye,” his response was not exactly friendly. The following is from the fantastic blog Letters of Note:
Ever since its release in 1951, a steady stream of eager producers, directors, screenwriters and actors have unsuccessfully attempted to bring J. D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye to the big screen, all falling at the first hurdle when confronted with Salinger’s resolute refusal to sell the rights to his novel. The letter below, written in 1957 in response to an enquiry from a Mr. Herbert (and currently for sale here), is a perfect example of the opposition faced and provides an entertaining glimpse at the author’s reasoning.
[via (the amazing) Letters of Note]


CA: Tamara thanks for stopping in. I have a book of yours upcoming in the next little while to review and I look forward to it! I hope you enjoy hanging out at my blog this week *smiles*!
Author Pen Name: Tamara Wilhite
CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?
TW: I write everything except romance and mystery. I have an engineering degree – an engineer who can write can make more money than a writer who is good at math and science. But I’m back to technical writing to pay the bills. My passions are science fiction and horror.
Maybe it’s fate. My father is an engineer who was so much of a Robert Heinlein fan he named me for one of the character’s in Robert Heinlein’s last book. And I’m an engineer, who writes science fiction.
CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
TW: I read lots of books, and thought of all the ways the stories could be better. Then I was making up plots, then started writing my own stories.
CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?
TW: I started writing science fiction when I couldn’t find any good sci-fi to read.
CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
TW: I write when the kids are in bed, or naptime. It’s something I do in between work, kids, etc. I have the movie in my mind of how the plot will unfold which kind of runs in the back ground while I am living my life. By the time I sit down to type up a short story, it’s already done except for being put onto the `paper’. Same thing for most frugal living articles, humor pieces, or any other genre I write.
CA: Your book is about to be sent into the reader world, what is one word that describes how you feel?
CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?
TW: Read. Read to my kids.
CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
TW: I’ve written a ton of short stories and articles. My official first book, “Humanity’s Edge”, is actually an anthology of my short stories. “Sirat: Through the Fires of Hell”, coming out February, 2008, is my first full length novel. It’s probably my favorite, because it combines all the elements I’ve wanted in a story into one long narrative. (Long for me, 275 pages, considering I write so many short stories).
Due to my father’s collection, I read a lot of Robert Heinlein growing up. He is a classic libertarian science fiction author. He wrote, among other titles, "Stranger in a Strange Land", "Starship Troopers", and "The moon is a harsh mistress". "Sirat: Through the Fires of Hell" has a few of his social conventions, like group marriages and very fluid society (no formal laws until a couple decades after the Founding). It’s in the style of Heinlein - but without the free love.
I have also had short stories published in several “Universe Pathways” anthologies, and one story in “Finis: A book of endings to give people new beginnings”.
CA: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?
TW: Imagination. I don’t know think I know that many aliens / genetically engineering humans / artificial intelligences. Though there are a few suspects.
CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?
TW: Type in “Tamara Wilhite” into http://www.amazon.com/ – you’ll see about 30 titles I’ve written there. Everything from horror to parenting humor (not really so different), science fiction and technical articles (take today, imagine it fast forwarded a couple years, and you get sci-fi).
I can be reached via firstname.lastname@example.org.
CA: Thanks so much for sharing a little bit of you with the readers ;) Hugs and love, Crystal


The Original Members of Luren
O. A. Nelson, Teodor Moller, N. E. Nelsen, H. Engebretsen
This brief history of the Luren Singing Society is taken from the booklet ‘140 Years of Luren! 1868 – 2008’ which was compiled by Paul Jordahl in 2008. We are indebted to Paul for his efforts in giving us this glimpse into Luren’s past.


Posted on 16th January 2023 at 15:12
Here at the Music Workshop Company, our work is driven by our love of music. But of course, music as an art form does not exist in a vacuum: throughout history, musicians and composers have been inspired by artists, writers and more – and vice versa. For younger audiences, this can provide multiple ways of accessing new stories and ideas, with new adaptations introducing children to works they may not otherwise have discovered.
This month, with World Book Day approaching, we take a look at some of our favourite stories where music takes a starring role, and some of the music that has been inspired by books.


Daisy Lafarge is a writer based in Glasgow, UK. Born in Hastings, she has lived in Scotland since 2011. She is the author of the novel Paul (Granta 2021; Riverhead 2022), which was a New York Times Editor’s Choice, and the poetry collection Life Without Air (Granta 2020), which was shortlisted for the T.S. Eliot Prize and awarded Scottish Poetry Book of the Year.
Her reviews and essays on ecology, art and literature have been widely published, appearing in Granta, LitHub, Wellcome Collection Stories, Art Review, TANK Magazine, The White Review, and elsewhere. In 2021 she completed a PhD at the University of Glasgow, and was appointed Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of St Andrews. Lovebug, a book about infection and intimacy, will be published in 2023.


13 Mar 23
Cape to Bluff
Cape to Bluff is a survey of residential architecture from Aotearoa New Zealand, by Simon Devitt, Luke Scott and Andrea Stevens.
We are humbled to be included in this stunning book, featuring thirty of New Zealand's most spectacular examples of architecture.
Two of our homes feature in the book. A common theme between them is both the close relationship we formed with the clients and architects, and the strong relationship each in turn has with the land we built upon. These relationships are so important to us, and the success of these beautiful homes reminds us of our 'why'.


A group of colleagues convened a Special Interest Group at IMFAR 2013, 2014 and 2015 on the topic of Technology and Autism.
One of the outcomes of that meeting was the initiation of an ASDtech mailing list, with a monthly digest of news to be circulated. All mailing list members are invited to submit items for the digest which is curated and circulated by Mari MacFarland and administered by Sue Fletcher-Watson. Please contact us if you would like to join the mailing list. The monthly digests from 2013 – 2015 are available for download on this page and the more recent digests can be found via the links below:
January 2016 digest will be posted here shortly
Below there are some links to some recently published reviews on autism and technology which may be of interest (and there’s a lot more embedded within the Digest pdfs in the archive).
Fletcher-Watson, S. (2014). A Targeted Review of Computer-Assisted Learning for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Towards a Consistent Methodology. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 1(2), 87-100.
Grynszpan, O., Weiss, P. L. T., Perez-Diaz, F., & Gal, E. (2014). Innovative technology-based interventions for autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analysis. Autism, 18(4), 346-361.
Kagohara, D. M., van der Meer, L., Ramdoss, S., O’Reilly, M. F., Lancioni, G. E., Davis, T. N., … & Sigafoos, J. (2013). Using iPods® and iPads® in teaching programs for individuals with developmental disabilities: A systematic review. Research in developmental disabilities, 34(1), 147-156.
Pennington, R. C. (2010). Computer-assisted instruction for teaching academic skills to students with autism spectrum disorders: A review of literature. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 25(4), 239-248.
Rajendran, G. (in press). Virtual environments and autism: a developmental psychopathological approach. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning. DOI: 10.1111/jcal.12006
Ramdoss, S., Machalicek, W., Rispoli, M., Mulloy, A., Lang, R., & O’Reilly, M. (2012). Computer-based interventions to improve social and emotional skills in individuals with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 15(2), 119-135.
Ramdoss, S., Lang, R., Mulloy, A., Franco, J., O’Reilly, M., Didden, R., & Lancioni, G. (2011). Use of computer-based interventions to teach communication skills to children with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review. Journal of Behavioral Education, 20(1), 55-76.
Ramdoss, S., Mulloy, A., Lang, R., O’Reilly, M., Sigafoos, J., Lancioni, G., … & El Zein, F. (2011). Use of computer-based interventions to improve literacy skills in students with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 5(4), 1306-1318.


I often look at my life and wonder what I did to deserve the amazing parents I have. Today I'm thinking of the mantras they taught me. On a difficult day I will catch myself repeating one of them over and over and they soothe me just as they did years ago when I was being cradled in their arms after a skinned knee or other childhood trauma.
My Mother always had a way of lifting me up on a bad day with:
- "Tomorrow is another day."
- "In a hundred years it won't matter:"
- "Don't cast your pearls before swine."
- "Do something even if it's wrong."
- "If at first you don't succeed, try, try, again."
- "Make a beginning and never give up."
- "The impossible only takes a little longer."
- "Don't sweat the small stuff - it's all small stuff."
My Father showed me where he finds his inner peace with:
- "Every day's a good day"
- "Don't put your energy into the difficult people, put it into the good ones."
- "I never met a stranger."
- "People are fascinating if you just get to know them."
- "Ignore it. It'll go away."
- "Go hug your dog."
Thank you, Mom and Dad for being there for me no matter where I am. Know that your soothing words are always the background noise in my head.
Now, let me show the rest of you what beauties we've had the sheer joy of framing lately...


Writing an essay means more than finding and recording facts. You need to think critically: analysing material and reaching a conclusion. It means showing that you understand the material you’ve been studying. Above all, it means presenting a coherent argument.
If you’re at high school, college or university, you’ll need to write essays - even if you're studying maths or a science. But learning to write essays also prepares us for life beyond college. In the real world, more and more of us need to be able to express ideas clearly, with good grammar and a flexible style. Essay writing gives us the skills to become more effective citizens.
How do you start? What kind of words should you use? Are you entitled to offer your own views on a subject?
Essay Writing Explained will help you produce an essay that your tutor will appreciate, and that will do you credit.
Here are a few reviews from the Bookboon website.
A very insightful yet practical book for every writer. Thanks.
Idris Osman ★★★★★
Good book. It gives you a clear idea about how to write an essay.
Antonio Mouraz Miranda ★★★★★
One more book to help foreigners to write in English!
Karina Vieira ★★★★★
Very useful! Language is very simple and clear.
Doris J. Marshall ★★★★★
Writing an essay may be easy, but not everyone finds it the same way. Having to read this one, I have found some great ways on how to create an organized and perfect result.
Take a look at Essay Writing Explained.


Playing It Up—With Loose Parts, Playpods and Adventure Playgrounds
Big news! KOOP is included in this amazing book! Playing It Up—With Loose Parts, Playpods and Adventure Playgrounds is a book that features play projects all over the country and is edited by Joan Almon..
We met Joan Almon at the Play Symposium in Ithaca, NY back in October 2016. We heard her speak and were immediately captivated! Joan founded the Alliance for Childhood (http://www.allianceforchildhood.org) and has over 30 years of experience advocating for children’s right to play.
After the conference, we spoke with Joan about our passions for play and about our wish that this tangible passion at the conference could be expanded upon, plans made and followed through, etc. Joan thought we would be valuable additions to the North American Adventure Play Association (NAAPA) and invited us to a meeting. We attended, became members and joined committees. Without Joan’s invitation, we might not be so well connected with others in the play community. We are so grateful to have met her, been invited to NAAPA and now to be included in her fantastic book!
Also at that conference in Ithaca, Joan shared that she is putting together a book of all the up and coming play projects in the United States and she invited KOOP to be a part of her book. We were so excited to read more about the play movement in the US and to find our own play project right there alongside them! It’s amazing, inspiring and we’ve already read it several times!
You can download a free copy here
You can also purchase a hard copy for $24.00 here.


Folks like to call me the author of “medical hope opera”-- I couldn’t be more pleased. Long (and colorful) years as an ER nurse convinced me that love, laughter and faith are the very best medicines. And that’s exactly what I offer in my Mercy Hospital and Grace Medical series: unforgettable characters, adrenalin-infused action, humor, heartwarming romance, and an encouraging message of hope. In these challenging times, just what the doctor ordered. So grab a cup of cyber-coffee and take your time browsing: read my bio (nurse to trauma victim to inspirational author) and check out the free first chapters, reviews and extras.
LATEST BLOG ENTRIES11/21/2013 07:30 AM: There's a Kitchen Easy Button?
Even for those of us who love to cook, there are times when life simply gets in the way, or--in truth--we're just not feelin' it. If you're alone, maybe it's a great excuse for a popcorn entree. Hey, I've done it. But if you've got other rumbling tummies in the house, you'll want to come up with something a bit more substantial-- beyond cheddar cheese powder on the popcorn. How do you make... read more
11/27/2013 06:12 PM: Kitchen Hula: Guest Author Lisa Carter (giveaway)
**Weds. Nov. 27th 5:10 PM Congratulations to our giveaway winner, Jackie! ** Our guest today is bringing a taste of the tropics to Authors' Galley. Especially delightful for those of you already pulling on mittens, parkas and wool hats in the season's first snows. I've seen your Facebook pics! Our guest's newest novel, Aloha Rose, a contemporary romance in the Quilts of Love series, releases... read more
“ . . . medical scenes that ring with authenticity and drama, while giving us a glimpse into the lives and hearts of the people behind the stethoscope . . .”
--Richard L. Mabry, MD, the Prescription for Trouble series
“ . . . adrenaline high, ripped from today’s headlines, with enough romantic tension to spike your pulse.”
--Julie Lessman, award winning author of the Daughters of Boston series
“ . . . an infusion of hope . . . read it and repeat dosage as necessary!”
--Mocha with Linda reviews


Appledore Book Festival
The Appledore Book Festival is one of the largest cultural festivals in Devon.
Due to the current situation with COVID-19 and social distancing government guidelines, the traditional nine-day Festival has been rearranged to a five-day Drive-In Festival.
It will still showcase some world-renowned authors from across the UK, but unfortunately will not be running the Fringe Festival alongside the various author events.
This year’s events features the well-known faces of Richard Osman, Kate Humble, Jeremy Vine, Dr Micheal Moseley… and many more and influential authors and celebrities.
A Drive-In Festival provides a safe environment while in the comfort of your own car. Audiences will be able to watch and listen to amazing authors discussing their latest book, live from the Appledore Book Festival stage, with sound being transmitted via FM radio. There will be an opportunity to put questions to the author, plus snacks and refreshments can be ordered prior to the event and served direct to your car. You’ll even be able to purchase signed books, by contactless payment.
Whether you want to be inspired, entertained or just share a picturesque field with some of the best creative talents of our time, then come and join us at our Drive-In Festival, at Skern Lodge Appledore, from the 18 to 22 September. There really is something for everyone.


My dearest David,
Thank you for the best 10 years of my life! Without you in them they would have been miserable and dull.
Thank you for all the good times and the strength to get through the bad.
Thank you for all your love, support and encouragement, for always being available and caring.
Thank you for each and every candlelit dinner, every evening by the fire, every poem you have written and every cuddle you have given.
Thank you for the beautiful walks in the woods and strides by lakes, the hikes up hills and picnics on mountain tops.
Thank you for still loving me after all these years.
You are amazing and I love you more now than I thought anyone could love, yet I know even by the pass of this day my love for you will have grown even more.


The 4th Annual Women in Philanthropy Luncheon will be held on March 12th, 2014. This popular event is an annual celebration of Women in Philanthropy month.
This year, the Chest brings NY Times best-selling author Laura Schroff to the event. Laura will share her story, featured in her book, An Invisible Thread, of her unlikely interaction with an 11 year old panhandler in New York City and the inspiring love and friendship that followed. It is the story of the mysterious, unseen connections that exist between people who are destined to meet—and how, if only we open our eyes and our hearts to them, these connections can be the great blessings of our lives.
The luncheon will be held at Nashawtuc Country Club at 12:00pm. Tickets are $35 per person and must be purchased in advance. Tables of 8 may also be reserved.