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Coveted Crib: Roberto Burle Marx's Tropical Home Turf

CasaSugar — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:00:45 -0800

Born in 1909, Brazilian landscape architect and painter Roberto Burle Marx created fascinatingly gorgeous works of art out of plants, many of which were native to Brazil. This landscape architect, whose work is currently being honored through an exhibition at the Paço Imperial Museum in Rio de Janeiro, brought a sense of modernism and high art to landscaping. Many of Marx's artistic ideals are reflected in his home, Santo Antonio da Bica sítio.

While the house dates back to the 16th century, when Marx bought it in 1948, his main use for the home and grounds was to store his collection of plants. When he took it as his main residence, he also added a modern art studio, where he could work on his paintings. The artist and landscape architect lived there from the early '70s until his death. The property was donated to the Brazilian government, and is now a national monument open to visitors.

To find out more about Marx's home as well as to see lots of photos of the property, read more.

In a recent New York Times article, Lauro Cavalcanti, the curator of an exhibition devoted to the work of Roberto Burle Marx, notes that, "Burle Marx created tropical landscaping as we know it today, but in doing so he also did something even greater . . . By organizing native plants in accordance with the aesthetic principles of the artistic vanguard, especially Cubism and abstractionism, he created a new and modern grammar for international landscape design.”

If you're visiting Rio de Janeiro, stop by this 100-acre property, which includes Marx's home and a private chapel (that's open to the public for weddings). Any plant lover will have plenty to be amazed by, since the property boasts over 3,500 plant species, as well as pottery and paintings. Check out the gallery for more images of this gorgeous property.

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For Female Chefs, the Kitchen Still Feels Like a Man's World

YumSugar — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 05:30:12 -0800

With female personalities like Padma Lakshmi, Giada De Laurentiis, and Cat Cora in the media spotlight, one would think that sexism in the kitchen is a non-issue. However, a provocative article in Time Out magazine argues that even if sex discrimination isn't overt, it's still prevalent. While "Mad Men-style ass-pinching" is no longer de rigueur, Rebecca Flint Marx points out that sex discrimination is clear when you notice (or don't) the amount of recognition that women chefs receive in comparison to their male counterparts.

Only 10 percent of the nation's executive chefs are female, and men vastly outnumber women when it comes to receiving accolades, such as a nomination for Food & Wine's Best New Chef, or a James Beard Foundation Award.

Donatella Arpaia attributes the disparity in the kitchen to women not getting enough publicity. Others blame it on the fact that women tend to work for smaller restaurant groups. Prominent female chefs have certainly complained of getting "passed over and not let into the club."

Yet, many in the industry remain hopeful: In recent years, women have gained ground in sommelier and maître d' positions and resources such as the New York Women's Culinary Alliance and Women Chefs and Restaurateurs exist to promote the advancement of women in the food industry.

Are you surprised to learn that women are still hitting a glass ceiling in a place as merit-based as the kitchen?

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Happy Caturday!

TresSugar — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 07:38:43 -0700

Although it looks like someone drew in Groucho Marx eyebrows on this kitty, I think those brows are real! Maybe a little fur dye or kitten electrolysis will help this cat so that he doesn't have to go through life looking so quizzical. Or maybe it doesn't matter - it looks like someone is in love with him just the way he is!

Marx's Coveted Crib

CasaSugar — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:40:41 -0800

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Abscess

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:55:59 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

An abscess is a localized collection of pus in any part of the body that is surrounded by swelling (inflammation).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Abscesses occur when an area of tissue becomes infected and the body's immune system tries to fight it. White blood cells move through the walls of the blood vessels into the area of the infection and collect within the damaged tissue. During this process, pus forms. Pus is the build up of fluid, living and dead white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria or other foreign substances.

Abscesses can form in almost every part of the body and may be caused by infectious organisms, parasites, and foreign substances. Abscesses in the skin can be easily seen, and are red, raised, and painful. Abscesses in other areas of the body may not be obvious, but if they may cause significant organ damage.

Specific type of abscesses:

Signs and tests

Often, a sample of fluid will be taken from the abscess and tested to see what organism is causing the problem.

Treatment

Treatment varies, but often requires antibiotics.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you think that you may have any type of abscess.

Prevention

Prevention of abscesses depends on where they may develop. For example, good hygiene can help prevent skin abscesses. Dental hygiene and routine care will prevent dental abscesses.

References

Meislin HW, Guio JA. Soft tissue infections. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 135.

Guss DA. Liver and biliary tract. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 89.

Lavoie FW, Saucier JR. Central nervous system infections. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 107.

Singer JI, Gebhart ME. Sore throat. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 31.

Review Date: 8/12/2008

Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

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Decorating Dos and Don'ts For Obama White House

CasaSugar — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:00:41 -0800

In the New York Times article "Free the Blue Room," writer and Domino magazine editor Deborah Needleman argues for a more modern aesthetic for the White House. Unfortunately, this is no simple task. Why? Because so many previous generations of White House first ladies have shown little imagination in decorating the capital home, since the initial redecoration in 1962 by Jackie Kennedy.

In order to revive the cringe-worthy decor of the White House, reports Needleman, Jackie Kennedy cleverly framed her dramatic makeover as an historical renovation, and had Congress designate the White House as a museum. Unfortunately, since this time, following first ladies have interpreted the preservationist mandate as something not to be tampered with. Thus, the White House's style has languished under a style that, while under Jackie's eye and stylish guidance, looked lovely, but in subsequent interpretations, has gone slightly sour.

To read more about Needleman's recommendations, and to see a video of Jackie Kennedy giving a tour of the White House, read more.

In the article, Needleman recounts,

As [Jackie Kennedy] understood, the White House, in order to truly be “the people’s house,” should reflect its living character as much as its history. Mrs. Obama’s appointment of Michael Smith, a Los Angeles-based decorator, is a promising start. He is well versed in the art of Gilbert Stuart and the craftsmanship of Duncan Phyfe, but is unlikely to shy from adding, say, modern paintings by Mark Rothko or furniture by Samuel Marx.

Needleman concludes that, "The White House ought to reflect the truth that people live surrounded by many historic periods at once - in our art, music, and literature as well as in the decor of the rooms we inhabit. To revive the spirit of Camelot, the Obamas need to show reverence for the past without living in it."

How would you like to see the White House decorated under the Obama administration? Are you a modernist who hopes decorator Michael Smith injects a sense of 21st-century life into the surroundings? Or do you think it's best to leave well enough alone?

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Four Chords, 36 Songs

GiggleSugar — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:00:00 -0800

From Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" to Richard Marx's "Right Here Waiting" (and 34 songs in between that!), these four chords sure get a workout! Now excuse me while I go to my Casio keyboard and hammer out another hit. See you at the Grammys!

Appendectomy

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:01:59 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Description
Indications
Risks
Expectations after surgery
References

Illustrations

Anatomical landmarks, front view

Digestive system

Appendectomy - series

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

An appendectomy is surgery to remove the appendix.

Alternative Names

Appendix removal

Description

The appendix is a small, finger-shaped sac extending from the first part of the large intestine. It is removed when it becomes inflamed or infected. An infected appendix can leak and infect the entire abdominal area, which can be deadly. See: Peritonitis.

An appendectomy is done under general anesthesia, which means you are asleep and do not feel any pain during the surgery. The surgeon makes a small cut in the lower right side of your belly area and removes the appendix.

The appendix can also be removed using minimally invasive techniques. This is called a laparoscopic appendectomy. It is performed with small incisions and a camera.

If the appendix ruptured or a pocket of infection (abscess) formed, your abdomen will be thoroughly washed out during surgery. A small tube may be left in the belly area to help drain out fluids or pus.

Indications

An emergency appendix removal will be needed if you have symptoms of sudden (acute) appendicitis. These symptoms include:

Abdominal pain (located in the lower right side)
Fever
Reduced appetite
Nausea and vomiting

If you have symptoms of appendicitis seek immediate emergency medical help. Untreated sudden (acute) appendicitis can be deadly. Do not use heating pads, enemas, laxatives, or other home treatments to try and relieve symptoms.

Your health care provider will examine your abdomen and rectum to check for a swollen appendix. Blood tests, including a white blood cell count (WBC), may be done to check for infection.

There is no actual test to confirm appendicitis. It is important to understand that the symptoms may be caused by other illnesses. The health care provider will diagnose the condition based on your symptoms, medical history, and the results of the physical exam and medical tests.

The appendix may be removed even when it is not infected to prevent future problems.

Risks

Risks for any anesthesia include the following:

Reactions to medications
Problems breathing

Risks for any surgery include the following:

Bleeding
Infection

Additional risks with an appendectomy with ruptured appendix include the following:

Longer hospital stays
Side effects from medications

Expectations after surgery

Patients tend to recover quickly after a simple appendectomy. Most patients leave the hospital in 1 - 3 days after the operation. Normal activities can be resumed within 1 - 3 weeks after leaving the hospital.

Recovery is slower and more complicated if the appendix has ruptured or an abscess has formed.

Living without an appendix causes no known health problems.

References

Maa J, Kirkwood KS. The Appendix. In: Townsend JR CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL. Townsend: Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 49.

Wolfe JM, Henneman PL. Acute Appendicitis. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, Adams JG. Marx: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby;2006: chap 92.

Review Date: 5/15/2008

Reviewed By: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_002921

Exclusive Interview: Rainn Wilson Talks The Rocker

PopSugarUK — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:00:00 -0700

A few months ago I was lucky enough to meet up with the very lovely and funny Rainn Wilson for a Q+A session about his new movie The Rocker (out today in the UK). In the movie he stars as Robert "Fish" Fishman, a talented drummer in a hair metal band that gets kicked out by his bandmates before they go on to rock glory. He then gets a second chance at success when his nephew's rock band are looking for a new drummer, and here's what he had to say when we spoke earlier this year:

So, Rainn, how good are you at drumming really? Check this out [drums on the table, with a little rhythm] How was that? Did you get that? So... in other words, not very good. Passable.
How much training did you do for this movie? The movie got greenlit and, I swear to God, we found out in the morning and by 2.30 in the afternoon a whole drum kit had arrived at my house! I moved it in my garage and the next day a drum coach showed up and we started working, started learning the basics - how to hold the drumsticks and all that stuff! And then I spent a lot of time watching YouTube videos of old hair metal bands. There’s a whole other level of drumming in hair metal drumming - stick twirling, getting the crowd riled up, putting on a show, you’re like the Las Vegas magician of drummers! That was very informative... also, the music I listen to is alternative rock, maybe a little more on the cerebral side, and the drummers take themselves a little more seriously. The heavy metal drummers are like - sorry - big dumb animals, pounding away shouting “Yeeeeahhh”, flashing the heavy metal horns in between beats, and stuff like that. That informed the character of Fish a lot. He's an instinctual guy, who talks first and thinks second, not cerebral in any way shape or form.

To read lots more from Rainn, on naked drumming, The Office, Pete Best and Bonsai Shadow Hands, just read more.

How liberating is it to drum naked? [Shakes his head] It’s not liberating, it’s humiliating, I don’t recommend it to anyone. There’s a lot of flopping around, and the sweat just goes right down the crack, it’s like a funnel. Not terribly liberating. It wasn’t even just takes, it was endless film reels, [in a British accent] “No, do it this way, no I can see your pecker, less arse crack, more sweat” They’d come in and hose me down… I was doused with every sweat they had, spritz bottle, Vaseline, high tech, like a glycerine sweat, and Peter Cattaneo’s (the director) urine.

Nice! So what was your overall experience of shooting this movie? [smiles] It was painful, if you see when I take my shirt off at the beginning you can see bruises all over my body from where I was throwing myself all over the place for so long. It was painful, but it’s really fun - I love physical comedy, I think there’s nothing greater than a physical gag. And it was hard, you know, riding a tricycle into a pool at 5am four times in a row, and they have to blow dry my wig, and ass cheeks to get me to do it again. It was crazy, the whole film was like a giant weird fever dream. The thing I really like about it, and really responded to, is that the script is so funny, and there are so many great physical gags, but at the same time there’s such heart to the movie, and it’s quite touching. This guy grows up and finds redemption and comes of age. I knew that with Peter in the equation we’d have the humour and the heartwarming aspect of the tale. So for my first starring role to have that... [nods happily] We shot six days a week and we got really behind schedule, everything got pushed backwards into nights, like 5pm calls shooting through to 11am, having to film scenes where you’re supposed to be charming and funny at 9.30am when you’ve been up all night, and you really just feel like shooting yourself in the eye! So, that was my experience.
Were you quite comfortable with the nudity in the movie?! I’m happy to be show my body for laughter, it’s been getting laughs for a long, long time. They do that on The Office sometimes - we had one scene which didn’t work and they had to do a rewrite, and they told me to take my shirt off. I was like ‘Oh great, you need an instant laugh so you need me running around with my shirt off to get it….' That’s comedy.
How long do you have between seasons of The Office? It’s entirely dependent on Steve Carell’s schedule, and so he’ll do a movie and we’ll get an announcement that he’s going to be away for four months and we’ll fit what we can into those dates. I think there'll be at least two or three if not more seasons of the show, Steve’s under contract for three more years, but I think he could get out of that if he wanted to... There have been plenty of TV stars that have tried to become film stars, and for some it works and some it doesn’t. You have a very limited amount of time to make a movie in between seasons, look at the cast of Friends - Jennifer Aniston is the only one who’s had some kind of permanent film career. We’re all [The Office cast] successfully doing movies, so we’re very happy with that...

Who were your comedy heroes growing up? I was a total comedy geek when I was a kid, among all the geeky things I did. I loved the Marx Brothers, and found Monty Python on public television in America, and I used to take a tape recorder and hold it in front of the TV and play it over and over and memorise it. I loved TV sitcoms like Taxi, and Mash, and all the comedy characters. I’d say the greatest inspiration for me growing up was Jerry Lewis. I loved him, growing up, I loved the absurdity of his physical comedy. I don’t think I’m much like Jerry Lewis, but I loved his movies... If I could go back to 1975 and join Monty Python just as they’re getting started, that would be my dream.
Do you want to go back to less comedic projects in the future? A lot of the projects I’m trying to develop for myself are darkly comic and more independent feeling, not as broad as studio comedy. You know I don’t think I’ll ever be “Mr Serious Actor Guy” I love comedy too much, but I definitely want to try and balance the comedy to show the other aspects of my range. The first role that got me noticed was on Six Feet Under, which was a little comic, but also a little bit dark and a little bit tragic. I did nine years of theatre before I ever did a day on a movie set.
Does your religion impact much on your work? I’m a member of the B’ahai faith... I can do whatever I want, but I definitely want to do movies that make the world a better place. But at the same time you have to know not to take it too seriously. It’s fine for me to show my ass crack and have a good time because it’s all in good fun, but there’s definitely some material I get which is just in bad taste.
Is it true you're hoping to work with Jason Reitman again? Yeah, I just turned in the second draft of a script for Jason Reitman called Bonsai Shadow Hands about a down and out alcoholic ninja living in the San Fernando Valley. We’ll see what his response is, but hopefully we’ll be moving towards production next summer.
Even the title of that one is funny! What was it like meeting Pete Best (the ex-Beatles drummer who never saw the band's major success)? Oh yeah, he was in a cameo on the bus bench, it was kinda scary, because - it’s not based on him - but here he is turning up to do a cameo in a movie about a failed drummer... He’s so happy, he’s still playing music, he’s a swell guy. Great sense of humour, really fun.
Thank you Rainn! Thank you!

Rainn was a lot of fun to interview and left handing out enthusiastic high fives to everyone around. The Rocker stars Rainn, Christina Applegate, Emma Stone and Teddy Geiger, and is out now.

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Overdose

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:21:01 -0700

Overview

Definition
Information
References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

An overdose is when you take more than the normal or recommended amount of something, usually a drug. An overdose may result in serious, harmful symptoms or death.

If you take too much of something on purpose, it is called an intentional or deliberate overdose.

If the overdose happens by mistake, it is called an accidental overdose. For example, a young child may accidentally take an adult's heart medication.

Your doctor may refer to an overdose as an ingestion. Ingestion means you swallowed something.

An overdose is not the same as a poisoning. Poisoning occurs when someone or something (such as the environment) exposes you to dangerous chemicals, plants, or other harmful substance without your knowledge.

Information

An overdose may be mild, moderate, or serious. Symptoms, treatment, and recovery depend on the specific drug involved. For more information see:

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. It is a free and confidential service. You should call if you have any questions about an overdose, poisoning, or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

References

Ford MD. Clinical Toxicology. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2001.

Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006.

Review Date: 5/16/2007

Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_007287