Watertight

The ultimate peace keeper. This was created by one of my favorite sites: Think Geek. If you would like your own copy to print, you can download it from their website. You will find the address under my link list. Once there, simply click 'about us' and scroll down the page. Enjoy!

Bio Band-Aid

Recently a friend of mine was on the receiving end of a Diagnostic Lumbar Puncture (spinal tap). He had a horrible, migraine scale headache and the doctors wished to rule out some serious causes such as Meningitis or an aneurysm in the brain. Everything turned up clear so, they sent him home with the recommendation of bed rest and painkillers to get over both the migraine and the spinal tap. A couple days later, he seemed to be getting worse. He had developed a terrible hunch, and could not stand up straight. The only way he could be comfortable was to be lying down in a certain position. Needless to say, he had to go back to the hospital.

After much worry, it was discovered that this was not very serious at all. The puncture he had received from the spinal tap had not closed off and he was very slowly leaking spinal fluid into his body. The body just absorbs this fluid, but the normal spinal fluid pressure could not be achieved with this leak. This was the reason he was experiencing discomfort in his back. What is so interesting about all this is the course of treatment the doctors decided to take.

If left alone, this leak sometimes resolves within a few weeks. During this period the patient would endure night sweats, pain, and weakness while restricted to bed rest. Modern medicine has a much faster treatment: an Autologous Blood Patch. A blood patch is exactly what it sounds like; it is a patch made out of blood. The word autologous used here means that the blood used is taken from the patient. The doctor draws blood from the patient and basically squirts it from a needle into the spine near the internal leak site. I need to mention that spinal cord is actually made up of multiple layers of tissue, almost like sleeves. The blood used ends up in a certain one of these layers and forms a blood clot ball around the spinal cord at the leak site. During this procedure, the patient must stay very still and allow the blood to clot. Before all this takes place, a local anesthetic is provided. It's the perfect spray on band aid! As the blood patch is made out of your body's own product, the immune system recognizes it and does not attempt to attack. Your blood is also very clean, so there is no risk of infection unless the tools used are not sterile. As you are in a hospital, it's fairly safe to assume that they are. (Unless you are treated at the St. Joseph's Hospital in B.C. I suppose.)

Blood Platelets under an electron microscope. These cells allow the formation of clots.
The red pigment has been added by a computer as color does not exist at this level of magnification.

No one is quite sure why my friend got the headache in the first place. I think a migraine is the most probable answer, as I have them from time to time. There is some speculation that they can run in families.

Certainly beats using a fresh fish to "draw out the poison " (an old Scottish folk remedy.) I suppose they thought as the fish decayed, poison was absorbed causing the rot.

The Relentless Project

I have been working casually on a project for a few weeks now. Does anyone remember the old game known as Little Big Adventure? (Also known as Relentless if you bought it in North America.) Well, whilst on one of my weekly internet explorations; I discovered two fan sites. These dedicated fan groups (who enjoy the game as much as I do) have started two exciting projects. Using the old engine, they plan to and have begun creating a sequel and prequel! If you are interested in visiting these sites, the links are on my Favorite Places List. After poking around I decided I wanted to help in anyway I could. After all, it was my favorite game once upon a time. They emailed me back a reply and set up a MSN conversation. (For those not savvy with internet junk like this, MSN is a way to communicate instantly on the internet using text.) After "talking" they informed me that I could help with a few things.

-English to French Translations (TGR)
-Writing/Editing the storyline (TGR)
-Creating a Wikipedia article (LBAP)
-Creating a trailer for the game (TGR)
-Provide input on artwork and music scores (TGR)


Golly, does this mean I'm a Game Designer now? Perhaps this could turn out to be something I add to my resume one day. It may be a small role, but it's still pretty interesting to be a part of something like this. I may look into composing some music for the game as well.

The game and site are run by fans alone. Anyone interested in helping is welcome to apply. It is totally non-profit as to avoid legal issues with the original French company, Adeline. In all honesty, I think that's the best plan. The non-monetary drive will keep the spirit and atmosphere of the site and game intact. Also, anyone even remotely interested can look at the game.

One item that we are still in need of is voice talent for the characters! Be it either bystander or main character, both games still need voices. Imagine, your voice preserved for eternity in a mass produced set of files. If you're interested in performing, contact either me or the LBA team by email. You can find more information, again, from my link list.

Rather exciting isn't it?

The Beginning of a Brave New Blog

For a few years now I have wanted to keep a journal. Just a little place of my own to record and share parts of my life. About 6 months ago my cousin, Jody Lightfoot, introduced me to blogging. She showed me her blog journal that she had kept during her travels away from home. I found myself eagerly checking it every week thereafter for a glimpse into her life and experiences. After reading how much she enjoyed maintaining her blog, I decided to take a shot at it.

Now, I may not be traveling or doing amazing things like she is, but some of the things I do and ponder may be of interest to others. Also, blogging is an easy way to receive feedback on these ideas and activities. For you readers, this blog will be a window into my head as I go through life. For me, by writing these things down I will have a physical record of my thoughts, feelings and experiences without worry of forgetting. I suppose, as it is a public journal, it is also a way for me to communicate with the world.

All I ask of you readers is to listen (and comment if you wish).