Sports Bra to the Rescue!

Berlin, Germany

When Colorado native Jessica Bruinsma got ready for her hike through the Bavarian Alps last week, she likely packed a few safety items in case of emergency. Perhaps some bandages, maybe some food and water. She probably didn't intend to use her undergarments as emergency equipment. But when the 24 year-old athlete fell over 16 feet onto an isolated rocky ledge, she was left with little choice. With a dislocated shoulder and badly bruised leg, Bruinsma had no chance of climbing to safety. Just within reach, a line used in the timber harvesting process stretched stationary through the air, it's system stopped. Keeping her outer clothing for warmth, Bruinsma tied her sports bra to the line as a signal, in hopes that rescue workers might spot it and come to investigate. For 70 hours, she survived on the narrow ledge with only a little water from a supply box. Finally, the timber harvesting system was activated and the line carried her bra to a base, where workers who knew of the missing hiker called the police.

Once rescued, Bruinsma decided to abandon her plans to stay in Germany, choosing instead to return to her family in the states.

To read more, visit http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/06/23/sports.bra.ap/index.html

Special thanks to the Gander for tipping us off to this one.

For the Fritzls, Another Step Towards Normalcy

Vienna, Austria

Faithful Goose readers know that I can't resist giving positive updates, no matter how trivial, regarding the famous Fritzl family. In keeping with this tradition, I'm happy to report that the Fritzls have been watching the Euro 2008 soccer tournament on TV together from their condo on clinic grounds in Vienna. Until recently, their doctors and therapists enforced a strict television ban on the family, for fear that they might see disturbing news stories featuring themselves. However, in the spirit of sportsmanship and family bonding, the ban has been lifted for this special soccer event, hosted in part by Austria. As one source from the hospital explained, “It will take a lot of adjustment but football is something everyone can share and take part in together.” I think anyone who's attended a Superbowl party can understand that.

To read more, visit http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1321791.ece

Scientists Discover New Piece to the Alzheimer's Puzzle

Harvard Medical School, US

For quite some time, doctors and scientists have acknowledged the presence of beta-amyloid (a sticky protein) buildup in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. What has remained unknown is whether the plaque was a cause of the disease, or merely a side effect. The fact that beta-amyloid buildup can be found in the brains of some non-Alzheimer's patients pointed to the latter.

However, in a recent study led by Dr. Ganesh M. Shankar and Dr. Dennis J. Selkoe of Harvard Medical School, rats injected with a specific form of the protein exhibited Alzheimer's symptoms. Meanwhile other rats, injected with different forms of beta-amyloid, showed no symptoms. Therefor it seems that a certain strain of beta-amyloid may in fact be a contributing cause of Alzheimer's, while other harmless strains are not.

In the constant struggle to understand this mysterious disease, such tiny clarifications are priceless. Understanding the exact cause of Alzheimer's may prove to be the key to finding a treatment, and now science is one step closer.

To find out more about the study, visit http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,370002,00.html

Rock Out: Game Programming Goes Indie

Good news for the ever-growing population gaming fans and underdogs en generale. CNN reports that more independent game designers are finding ways to create video and internet-based games, even if they don't belong to a massive in-house programmers crew. Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo have all released light versions of their programming software to give designers without mega distribution deals a chance to get their ideas out there, hopefully attracting the attention of game box moguls looking to try something new for video gamers. Due to the enormous risk involved in designing a popular video game, and the financial risk of a game that flops, most new games tend to be sequels built off already popular games (like Grand Theft Auto or Halo). With the recent increase in demand for games that diverge from the usual formula of guns, gore, and guilds. By looking towards the 'indies' of the gaming industry, both the spectrum of games available and the number of people who dream of developing the industry will be allowed to grow. With liberty and justice for all!

For more info and a sneak peak at a potential Next Big Thing featuring a zombie-fighting dishwasher, check out the original link:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/06/23/indie.games.ap/index.html

Bosses n' Babes: Employers Helping Employees Adopt

The number of employers helping their employees to adopt children rose to almost 50%, up 12% from last year. The "help" includes everything from financial aid, to moral support, paid leave, and legal counseling. About 1,000 business across the US are getting on board, seeing it as an opportunity to improve workplace relations and help their image. As companies increase their awareness of the toll, both financial and emotional, that the complicated adoption process can take, they are more frequently increasing the the amount of benefits offered. Let's hope the number of adoptees and new parents with happier homes and smoother transitions continue to rise thanks to these family friendly bosses!

The CNN original link with more details and personal stories can be found at:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/worklife/06/19/adoption.benefits.ap/index.html

Update: Macie Hope Born Again at 10 Weeks Old

When Keri McCartney was six months into her pregnancy, she and her family went in for an ultrasound to determine the sex of her unborn child. Shockingly, the image also revealed that there was a a life-threatening, grape-fruit sized tumor growing out of her daughter's tailbone. Given only a 10% chance of survival, Macie Hope's parents decided to go ahead with a very rare and equally dangerous surgery with the hope of removing the tumor well before she reached full term. The four hour operation included 20 minutes during which Keri's fetus was exposed to air, and therefore at risk for cardiac arrest. After removing the tumor, surgeons then continued to operate, making sure her womb was watertight so as not to disturb the placenta. Keri carried Macie 10 more weeks before her daughter came into the world for a second time on May 3rd. Mom and baby are now in recovering well and will be on their way home from the hospital tomorrow.

For more details and pictures of Macie and mommy:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/24999650/

From Crime to Comfort, Canine-style

Leo may be one of the greatest testements to the power of therapy in reforming past criminals and giving them fresh starts once they manage to distance themselves from a life of crime and hardship.

Leo, who had been kept locked up and only let out in order to fight or kill, was a previous member of the Bad Newz gang who underwent a re-education and therapy program aimed at giving him a new chance at life. Leo now works to cheer and comfort Californian cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment at the Camino Infusion Center, as well as helping set an example of hope and the possibility of starting a new life to the young men and women on probation at the Alternative Placement Academy in San Jose.

Leo, I should mention, is a pitbull. He was one of fifty dogs discovered by authorities in the Bad Newz Kennel sponsored by ex-NFL player Michael Vick (currently serving a 23 month sentence in a federal penitentiary). The dogs were discovered "injured and scarred, chained to buried car axles. Forensic experts discovered remains of dogs that had been shot with a .22-caliber pistol, electrocuted, drowned, hanged or slammed to the ground for lacking a desire to fight." reports John Woestendiek of The Baltimore Sun.

Its is amazing to learn that Leo's 180 degree transformation took only five weeks. Marthina McClay, who works for a pitbull advocacy group called Our Pack, summed it up quite neatly: At first, “He was a little like a caveman at a tea party,” McClay said. “He didn’t have a lot of training.”

For an adorable video of just how far Leo has come, check out the original link at :
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/mutts/blog/2008/06/_mountain_view_calif.html