Eosinophils and Basophils Explained in Myeloprolific Neoplasm Blood Disorder

In a previous post, I mentioned for the first time that I have polycythemia vera, which is a myeloprolific neoplasm (MPN), which is a mutant stem cell in the bone marrow that results in the overproduction of any variety/combination of blood cells.

On of the very, very minor effects of this is pruritis - terrible itching.  If you know me, you've seen me itching like I have fleas at times and it's embarrassing sometimes and annoying all the time.  It is due to increased histamines, similar to an allergic reaction, due to increased Eosinophils and Basophils in the blood count.

This video is the best explanation I've found, so for you fellow MPN people, take a listen.  Also, allergy sufferers, this will help you understand your reactions better:  Dr. Susan Leclair.

Danny DeVito in Steal My Girl Video with One Direction

The tiniest flicker of hope for humanity rising up out of the ashes and smoke of what America used to be has brought me out of my hibernation for a quick gasp of this beautiful, pepperminty-cool, life-sustaining fresh air before it dissipates.

Any guesses?

It'll surprise you.

You can let your kids watch it.

It's Steal My Girl by One Direction. 

Actually, it's the video for the song.

Before you watch it, let me comment that it is a wholesome love song you haven't heard in a few decades.  It is encouraging and sweet, and will elevate your spirit for high school sweethearts worldwide.  It is naive and pure with no vulgar language or scenes, it doesn't objectify anyone.  And it is creative.  Somebody, somewhere put on their creative hat and resisted the urge to paint their canvas with the filth our artists have been using with lazy lasciviousness recently.  Bravo!

So maybe "Lifestyle Photo Shoots" have been around forever and I just became aware of them, I don't know.  I think this is a new thing and I've fallen in love with it!

A Lifestyle Photo Shoot is where the photographer enters your world and shoots everyday activities.  In this instance, the husband/father was deployed, so the photos and video were made especially for him.

Check it out, here's what a Lifestyle Photo Shoot looks like:

Photos:  La Belle Photography
Video:  MS Viewpoint

Imagination Movers Fall Tour and Rock-O-Matic Review

Imagination Movers' Rock-O-Matic CD and DVD was released earlier this year by Razor & Tie.  They are in the middle of their Fall Tour right now and I was given a set to review and

a set to offer in a give-away.

So of course I brought in my seven year old granddaughter to help me out.

The Emmy award winning New Orleans based Imagination Movers has been on the scene since 2003.  The group consists of Rich Collins, Scott Durbin (my granddaughter's favorite), Dave Poche and Scott “Smitty”

Smith.  The guys are positive, upbeat and high-energy.  The songs - on this CD - are a combination of rap and old school rock.  The message is positive and educational.  The tunes are catchy and you'll find yourself humming or singing along. 

Stone Engraving with a Diamond Wire Saw

I'm working on a writing project for a favorite customer of mine who begins our conversations like this:

"Hey, I need a genius and I instantly thought of you..."

"I've got an incredibly fun project coming up that I thought you might want to be involved in...." 

"I need someone who can bring a story to life...."

Oh, he's good.

So I'm working on another project for him and thought you, too, might enjoy seeing how something works.

When master stone carver Ron Clamp first mentioned his diamond saw, I perked up of course.  Diamonds?  Diamonds are used to cut hard rock?  You betcha:

Watch the video.....

The American Bible Challenge Airs Tonight

The American Bible Challenge, a brand new series hosted by Jeff Foxworthy, will air tonight, August 23, at 8 pm ET on GSN (formerly Game Show Network).   

Foxworthy describes the game show as "Faith, Fun and Facts."  After previewing the premiere early, One Million Moms reported that Foxworthy jokes around with contestants and gives a short explanation of the scripture after questions are answered.  Teams are made up of family members and friends who are real life heroes and share their testimonies on air.  Teams will play to win money for their favorite charity.

The tournament starts with......

OK GO Treadmill Video

I want to do this at the gym even more than I want to do a flash mob.
I think.

Check it out:  OK GO Treadmill Video

GOP Convention Preparations Time-Lapse Video

The Tampa Bay Times Forum is undergoing a face-lift for the 2012 Republican National Convention.
The GOP Convention has released this time-lapse video to show the work done during the month of July. 

From a Press Release, Tampa FL:  Convention organizers gained access to the Tampa Bay Times Forum July 15 and work must be complete in time for the August 27-30 event.  The project involves 200 to 300 workers on any given day - who will work an estimated 50,000 total man-hours.

The high definition video, taken within the Tampa Bay Times Forum, is photographed at the rate of one frame every 30 seconds (approximately 124,000 individual photos during the convention build-out).  The footage shows workers removing seats to make room for construction of the stage that will hold the podium.  Above floor level, viewers can see carpenters making modifications to skyboxes being transformed into television anchor booths that will beam the convention to a worldwide audience.

The 2012 Republican National Convention will be held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum August 27-30, 2012.  Nearly 50,000 visitors are expected to come to the Tampa Bay area for the event, including delegates, alternate delegates, media and other guests.  For more information about the 2012 Republican National Convention, become part of the virtual convention at www.ConventionWithoutWalls.com, visit the website www.GOPConvention2012.com and check out theofficial blog, Conventional Wisdom, at www.gopconvention2012.com/blog/. 

Beth Moore's Siesta Summer Bible Study 2012

I woke up very excited today.  Today's the launch of Beth Moore's Siesta Summer Bible Study!  She's leading us in the study of Nehemiah with a guide book written by Kelly Minter.  Watch the video, then go to Beth's Blog and sign in for the study if you'd like to join us.  You can gather together your own small group to follow along with or do the study solo, either way!

Gina and Quentin Roberts Lima Peru Inner City Ministry

 
"We have to give them tools to handle life and Jesus Christ is the greatest tool we could give them."

I met Gina and Quentin Roberts, inner city missionaries in Lima, Peru when they came down to Ica, Peru to help with the disaster relief a few years ago.  I was struck by their passion, compassion, sincerity, clarity... love.  As much as possible, I drew near to Gina to learn how to express the love and compassion and power of Christ to hurting people, especially in a language I did not know.


A love and compassion I struggle to show to my own husband right now, let alone a foreign stranger. I have found myself in a brittle, dusty, dry spiritual drought.  I feel like I am a walking, talking Death Valley.

Do you find it easier to express love and compassion to total strangers on a mission trip than to the people closest to you in everyday life?....

Community Helps Tornado Survivor in Wagener SC

Guest Writer: my daughter

Mr. Vibraschi Aversa was unloading groceries Friday afternoon when a tornado went ripping through the next room over. At 87-years old, the old man did what he could do; he stood there. And he survived.

Mr. Vibraschi Aversa was unloading groceries Friday afternoon when a tornado went ripping through the next room over. At 87-years old, the old man did what he could do; he stood there. And he survived.

“He was scared for his life,” Pastor Bill Bishop said speaking for Mr. Aversa. Mr. Aversa is very hard of hearing, and it became apparent all I had to do was listen. He had so much to say.

“I got home from getting groceries Friday, and I pulled my car into the garage. I always do. I went into the kitchen to start putting things away. I thought just trees were coming down, and in a second my roof was gone.”.....

Sumter National Enduro Race Footage and Interviews with 3 out of Top Ten

First National Enduro 2012 Sumter

Marj and I had a great time last night at Sumter.

The Blizzard of 1990

This is an early Flashback Friday because our Guest Writer, the Cheap Senior Citizen, has her regularly scheduled post for tomorrow.

During the Christmas holiday, with the kids home more and with us taking more time off work, we spent a lot of time looking at old VHS home videos.  It's been so much fun.  I suspect in the next two months you will see a few home videos converted to digital for your amusement...... like this one.

Two teenage boys in Upstate New York enjoy the Blizzard of 1990.
Featuring TroutU's Prof. Steve and Planet Pookie's infamous Cousin David with a cameo appearance from Nana.  Also, a quick peek at NY's beloved dog "Chain" who was tragically killed off Hwy. 302 soon after his retirement to the South.

The Energy of Essex Has Me Totally Knackered

When Marj and I backpack across Europe next Summer, we have decided to visit Essex.   We want to see if everyone in Essex is super-hyper.  Sophia Grace and Russell Brand are both from there. They don't claim to be related, but surely...... you see for yourself.  Can everyone in Essex be like this??   Anyway, Marj and I are gonna get to the bottom of this......

Everyday People

My internet service was down one day this week so I found myself with several hours in which I couldn't do most of my work.  I decided to use the time to organize the files and folders on my computer.  When I got to the photo files.... well.... you know what happened.  I got distracted.

But looking over all the photos made me realize how much I love the people in my life.  So I gathered the avi files and made this little video.   I was limited to the movie clips I had available, so many of you may not be featured.  But I still love you.

Funny Baptisms

I found this cute video on GodTube.  My fave is the third one in.

I removed the video from this blog because it automatically played each time my site was opened. Here's the link: Funny Baptisms if you want to view the video.

Tasty Tuesday Isn't Just for Humans

For today's Tasty Tuesday, I'm gonna share Connie's very special recipe for feeding the seagulls.
Enjoy!

Kid.... Dy-No-Mite!!

You'll never guess who I found:

Don't recognize him?

Let me try another photo:

Kid Dy-No-Mite!!!

I Just Want To Take You Somewhere.... the latest song by Mirakolous

My son is getting married in 4 weeks.  His latest song reflects what he's been thinking about.