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Monday, July 14, 2014

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/14 - Breathe Deep

Here's something from gawker.com, edited by yours truly, that may blow you away -- literally and figuratively. "Can smelling farts cure cancer? Maybe. Scientists at the University of Exeter have found that fart smell can potentially offer health benefits in a range of issues, like cancer, diabetes, stroke, heart attacks and dementia. Dr. Mark Wood wrote in a release from the university, via Time: 'Although hydrogen sulfide is well known as a pungent, foul-smelling gas in rotten eggs and flatulence, it is naturally produced in the body and could in fact be a healthcare hero with significant implications for future therapies for a variety of diseases.' Although farts are toxic in large doses, small amounts can help protect cells by preserving mitochondria: 'When cells become stressed by disease, they draw in enzymes to generate minute quantities of hydrogen sulfide. This keeps the mitochondria ticking over and allows cells to live. If this doesn't happen, the cells die and lose the ability to regulate survival and control inflammation.' Researchers have created a compound called AP39 to exploit this process and slowly deliver the gas to mitochondria, according to a study published in the journal Medicinal Chemistry Communications. Professor Matt Whiteman writes: 'Our results indicate that if stressed cells are treated with AP39, mitochondria are protected and cells stay alive.' The study doesn't specify how many farts you have to smell in order to live forever." This is great news for me and, I imagine, others my age whose bodies have given over to uncanny flatulence. Suggestions: Keep the covers pulled over your head in order to reap these benefits while sleeping, linger in the bathroom after a particularly robust dump of number two and, if you're at a party, encourage everyone to retire to the den post meal, or at half-time of the Super Bowl.

Here's something I hope to see more often: according to an article at Yahoo Sports, the top high school guard in the nation has decided to forgo his scholarship to SMU and turn pro overseas. Emmanuel Mudiay, six-five, is doing what all those who plan a one-and-done at college should do. Coach Larry Brown claims this is a hardship move that has nothing to do with a failure to qualify academically. Whatever. The young man was born in Zaire. His family escaped the war torn Congo and settled in Dallas. If he has no designs on a degree, he should go pro rather than participate in the farce college basketball has become.

RIP Michael, who was so generous to the floating book shop, even when it was obvious that cancer was ravaging him. Condolences to his wife and children. He fled the Soviet Union with nothing and built a life in America. I once remarked at his loss of weight, and it was obvious he did not want to talk about it, and I didn't dare press. Thank you, sir. If there is a heaven, I know it will welcome you.

Given the forecast, I didn't dare venture to Park Slope. I set up at my usual nook expecting a short stay, but the rain held off and I did modest business. My thanks to the buyers, especially the woman who got off the bus a stop early.
Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Horror Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx


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