girl beach: October 2011

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Stamp - Singapore-Egypt Joint Issue - Significant Rivers

Source Website:
https://shop.vpost.com.sg/vPOSTMall/execute/viewCatalog?catalog=CSN11
http://www.singpost.com/download/AboutSingPost/Media/NewsReleases/2011/pr20111014b.pdf
https://shop.vpost.com.sg/
http://www.singpost.com.sg/

Singapore-Egypt Joint Issue - Stamps
Date Of Issue : 17 Oct, 2011

PHOTO: Singapore-Egypt Joint Issue - Singapore and Egypt Stamps
Date Of Issue : 17 Oct, 2011
Local Price : S$ 3.10
Overseas Price : S$ 3.10
https://shop.vpost.com.sg/vPOSTMall/images/philatelic/CSN11ASTb.jpg
https://shop.vpost.com.sg/vPOSTMall/execute/viewDetail?itemSku=CSN11@^CSN11AST

PHOTO: Singapore-Egypt Joint Issue - Miniature Sheet
Date Of Issue : 17 Oct, 2011
Local Price : S$ 3.30
Overseas Price : S$ 3.10
https://shop.vpost.com.sg/vPOSTMall/images/philatelic/CSN11MSb.jpg
https://shop.vpost.com.sg/vPOSTMall/execute/viewDetail?itemSku=CSN11@^CSN11MS

Singapore and Egypt enjoy warm and long-standing relations. Our ties with Egypt go back to the days of then President Gamal Abdel Nasser and then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. Giants in their time, they paved the way and laid down strong foundations for enduring bilateral ties. Egypt was the first Arab country to recognise Singapore’s independence in August 1965 and it was also the first Middle Eastern country with which Singapore established diplomatic relations in November 1966. Since then, bilateral relations have grown from strength to strength. Bilateral cooperation has expanded significantly and covers areas such as aviation, trade and investments, culture and education.

PHOTO: Singapore-Egypt Joint Issue - Presentation Pack
Date Of Issue : 17 Oct, 2011
Local Price : S$ 8.20
Overseas Price : S$ 7.70
https://shop.vpost.com.sg/vPOSTMall/images/philatelic/CSN11PRb.jp
https://shop.vpost.com.sg/vPOSTMall/execute/viewDetail?itemSku=CSN11@^CSN11PR

This stamp issue interestingly depicts the two Significant Rivers (Nile and Singapore Rivers) of Egypt and Singapore.

PHOTO: Significant Rivers Long Stamps, $1.10 & $2.00

The significance of featuring both Nile and Singapore Rivers lies in the fact that both rivers have been closely associated with the evolution of Egypt and Singapore. Historically, when Singapore was founded in 1819, the Singapore River served as the main life-line of the then colony. Trade, commerce and finance sprung up on the banks of the river, which enabled Singapore to flourish as an entreport. Over the years of Singapore’s rapid economic development, the Singapore River has been an integral part of its success.

PHOTO: Presentation Pack (S$8.20*) - Cover

PHOTO: Presentation Pack (S$8.20*) - Singapore and Egypt Stamp

Today, the Singapore River continues to play an important role as part of the Marina reservoir after a dam, known as the Marina Barrage, was built at its mouth to create a new reservoir of freshwater. In tandem with the economic changes in Singapore, the Singapore River has been transformed from a trading hub to a major tourist attraction.

PHOTO: Presentation Pack (S$8.20*) - Minature Sheet

Similarly, the Nile River, the longest river in the world, has been the lifeline of civilization in Egypt since the Stone Age. In fact, the ancient Greek historian Herodotus described Egypt as the gift of the Nile. Flowing northwards into the Mediterranean Sea, the Nile irrigates Egypt’s rich agricultural lands. The Nile also sustains the major population centres in Egypt which are located along its banks. The river got its name from the Greek word Neilos, which means valley. Many modern travellers to Egypt today take a Nile cruise as part of their sightseeing package. For to see the land as its people do, one must journey on the river. When cruising on the Nile, one might pass by the ancient and significant sites of different great temples of historical magnificence, allowing one to bask in the stories of the past, while yet embracing the sight of the present. Truly, the Nile is the Heart of the ancient and modern land of Egypt.

PHOTO: Singapore FDC (First Day Cover) on "Singapore-Egypt Joint Issue - Significant Rivers"

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtj7JhMwV6pXNlQMK_4sRmeJ_n0PYUhE5vGwnjcXXIRMthz8vFk5ew37doPkgJhmW9bCrlNwMqPeoGRbE4EaD9V-GDNDxh0gvzSQJmVnMvGjgzqGHhMaz6CmAbb9goG8QE_tVlzckKIE/s1600/SINFDC201103.jpg
http://tommy-post.blogspot.com/2011/10/singapore-fdc-on-singapore-egypt-joint.html

PHOTO: Pre-cancelled First-Day Cover affixed with Singapore and Egypt stamps S$3.95*

PHOTO: Pre-cancelled First-Day Cover affixed with a miniature sheet S$3.95*

Items on Sale Price

First Day Cover (without stamps) S$0.25*
Pre-cancelled First-Day Cover affixed with stamps S$3.95*
Pre-cancelled First-Day Cover affixed with a miniature sheet S$3.95*
Complete set of stamps S$3.10
Presentation Pack S$8.20*
Set of 2 Pre-cancelled Commemorative Cover affixed with Singapore and Egypt stamps S$6.70*

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 17 October 2011
Denominations : S$1.10, S$2.00
Stamp Size : 162mm x 30mm
Perforation : 13
Paper : Unwatermarked
Printing Process : Offset Lithography
Printer : Secura Singapore Pte Ltd
Sheet Content : 10 Stamps per sheet
Designers : Wong Wui Kong (Singapore River)
Designers : Mrs Amany Ahmed and Mrs Rasha El Zonkoly (The Nile River)

* Prices inclusive of prevailing GST for purchases within Singapore

Reference

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Popping aspirins may cut risk of cancer

Today, Saturday, October 29, 2011, Page 26, Science
From http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20111029/2910NCW026.pdf
Source Website: http://www.todayonline.com/Science/EDC111029-0000137/Popping-aspirins-may-cut-risk-of-cancer
By THE GUARDIAN, 04:46 AM Oct 29, 2011

PHOTO: That was a balanced judgment based on weighing risks and benefits. I know I might get an ulcer or a cerebral bleed but I’d rather not have a heart attack, stroke or cancer. That’s my choice. Professor John Burn of Newcastle University.

BLOOMBERG, Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/cmsfileserver/showimageCC.aspx?450&304&f=2074&img=2074_528862.jpg&h=450&w=304

LONDON - Some people with a family history of cancer could halve their risk of developing the disease by taking daily doses of aspirin, according to the results of a 10-year trial of the treatment.

The study shows that regularly taking the medicine cuts the risk of bowel cancer by more than 60 per cent in those with a particular genetic predisposition to get the disease - as well as reducing the risk of other hereditary cancers.

Scientists who led the study said people with several family members with cancers other than breast, blood and prostate might be advised to start taking aspirin daily from the age of 45.

PHOTO: Taking an aspirin every day cuts the risk of dying from a range of common cancers.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/12/07/article-1336349-00713D3100000258-631_468x486.jpg
http://fatewebs.blogspot.com/2010_12_01_archive.html

They said those without a family history of the disease might also consider doing so, but that they should make a personal assessment of the risks and benefits and get medical advice.

Anyone thinking of taking the drug regularly should consult their doctor first.

The trial involved people with Lynch syndrome, a genetic abnormality that predisposes carriers to develop bowel cancer and other solid organ cancers including endometrial, ovarian, stomach, kidney, oesophageal, brain and skin tumours.

The condition affects at least one in 1,000 people.

Carriers are around 10 times as likely to develop cancer and often do so at a young age.

Professor John Burn of Newcastle University, who led the study, estimated that if all 30,000 or so people with Lynch syndrome in the United Kingdom were to start taking two aspirin tablets a day then some 10,000 cancers would be prevented over the next 30 years, saving about a thousand lives.

PHOTO: Start taking two aspirin tablets a day then some 10,000 cancers would be prevented over the next 30 years, saving about a thousand lives.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qblpzwjkTMpCu6C9zavV2nydWdnkGVbi3RMzwM-P7FQkSSBHwy5MrrX4Hgr3Hns7AWlAecOnSmYVy0018oRoSBtsm-e24GPAVzv_8-HZ9k3PpITDdEy_oudbi0Rolwy7r77CZ1lJzwI/s1600/aspirin-heart-disease-636_0.jpg
http://nancynearphiladelphia.blogspot.com/2011/02/aspirin-for-valentines-day.html

The downside of the treatment is that around an extra thousand people would develop stomach ulcers as a side-effect.

The most common side effects associated with taking aspirin are gastrointestinal ulcers and stomach bleeding. There is also a very small increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke, in which a blood vessel in the brain bursts.

Prof Burn added that he takes low-dose aspirin tablets as a preventative measure. "That was a balanced judgment based on weighing risks and benefits. I know I might get an ulcer or a cerebral bleed but I'd rather not have a heart attack, stroke or cancer. That's my choice."

The researchers will launch a website to recruit 3,000 people with Lynch syndrome worldwide to take part in a five-year trial to determine the best dose of aspirin to take.

By THE GUARDIAN, 04:46 AM Oct 29, 2011

PHOTO: In this photo illustration, aspirin is displayed in heart shape. Cardiologists at UK have found that not everyone benefits from taking a daily aspirin to prevent heart attack. (Charles Bertram/Lexington Herald-Leader/MCT)
Photo: MBR, Charles Bertram / Lexington Herald-Leader

http://www.mysanantonio.com/mediaManager/?controllerName=image&action=get&id=1075421&width=628&height=471
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/The-little-pill-that-battles-cancer-and-wins-997124.php

Reference

Learning from the pythons ...

Today, Saturday, October 29, 2011, Page 26, Science
From http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20111029/2910NCW026.pdf
Source Website: http://www.todayonline.com/Science/EDC111029-0000136/Learning-from-the-pythons-,,,
By THE NEW YOR K TIMES, 04:46 AM Oct 29, 2011

PHOTO: Scientists are studying snakes, such as this adult Burmese python, for clues about human heart health.

AP, Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/cmsfileserver/showimageCC.aspx?450&365&f=2074&img=2074_528861.jpg&h=450&w=365

BOULDER (Colorado) - Pythons are known for their enormous appetites. In a single meal they can devour animals at least as big as they are - deer, alligators pigs and house pets, for example.

PHOTO: Pythons are known for their enormous appetites
http://www.blog.joelx.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/giant-snake-biting-fence.gif
http://lawnchairanthropology.blogspot.com/2011_01_01_archive.html

Equally remarkable is what happens inside the python as it digests its prey. Within a day, its heart and other organs can double in size. The metabolic rate and production of insulin and lipids soar.

PHOTO: Python intestines, hearts and kindneys undergo remarkable increases in size during digestion. MRI and CT-scanning work showed exactly what happens to the ingested bodies as they're digested inside the snake.

http://scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology/ING-ser-2-burmese-python-CT-rat-in-snake-Aug-2010.jpg
http://scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology/2010/09/ing_ser_2_monster_python.php

Then, like an accordion, the python's organs return to normal size in just a few days. Metabolism slows. Then the snake can fast for months, even a year, without losing muscle mass or showing any ill effects, ready to ambush new prey.

How this process happens so rapidly is a biological mystery with important implications for human health, particularly when it comes to heart failure.

Now scientists at the University of Colorado here are reporting that they have partly solved it.

In a paper in the current issue of Science, they report that a gorging python expands its heart by enlarging existing cells - a process called hypertrophy - and not by creating new ones. (It is not known whether snakes get heart disease.)

PHOTO: Immovable feast ... an over-full python became stuck in the middle of a Malaysian road after swallowing a pregnant sheep / Reuters

http://www.biology-blog.com/images/blogs/9-2006/python-eating-7181.jpg
http://www.biology-blog.com/blogs/archives/Animal-science-blog/1697358055-Sep-28-2006.html

A second finding is that a specific combination of three fatty acids produces enlargement of a python's heart, intestines, liver and kidneys. (The brain does not expand, presumably because it is confined by the skull.) Injections of the combination produce similar growth in the heart of a mouse.

Understanding such exaggerated variations, the researchers say, could help them develop novel ways to delay, prevent, treat or even reverse various hereditary and acquired human diseases.

Pharmaceutical companies have scientifically manipulated substances from other reptiles to develop marketed drugs. For example, Byetta, a diabetes drug, is derived from a hormone found in Gila monster saliva.

And the day may come when doctors literally prescribe snake oil for heart disease. "Heart failure is the goal" of the python research, said Dr Leslie Leinwand, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute professor at the University of Colorado and a senior member of the research team. She added that the findings might also lead to treatments to prevent sudden death in young athletes, as well as ailments like diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

By THE NEW YOR K TIMES, 04:46 AM Oct 29, 2011

Reference