Tyler Passed: Part 2: Giving him the BEST Day

 In yesterday's blog, you read about how quickly cancer took our 14 1/2 year old black and tan, lovable, always-happy, protective, playful, toy-loving dachshund, Tyler.  When we woke up on Tuesday, July 29th, we knew it would be Tyler's last day, because cancer metasticized in 5 of his organs (we learned just 5 days before). So, we planned the BEST day for him.

(Photos: A collage of Tyler's favorite activities that we did on his last day, July 29, 2025)

He came to us as a rescue dog at around 1 year old, heartworm positive. We fostered him, healed him, adopted him, and he bonded with our Weimararner, Dolly, who passed in Oct 2020. Since then, Tyler was our Rock.

FAVORITE TOYS - We made sure his favorite toys were with him all day. He loved "loofa stuffed dogs" - especially a red one and yellow one. Now, Tom has the yellow one and I have the red one. 

(Photo: Tyler with his 2 most favorite toys: yellow and read "loofa dog toys")

FRESH COOKED HAMBURGER, CHICKEN and ROAST BEEF 

On Monday morning, July 28th, when we knew Tyler was failing, I cooked hamburger and chicken and got sliced roast beef in addition to the sliced turkey we always have. Tyler enjoyed his meals and he still had an appetite.

MORNING WALK / RIDE! -  We bought a wagon 2 years ago before we moved from Maryland, because Dash was getting old (he's 17 now) and doesn't walk entire distances. Since Tyler was paralyzed in his back legs, we took him for a "ride" during our walk, and Dash joined him a couple of times. 

POSING FOR WAGON PICS - Tom and I stopped to get a wagon picture with Tyler.

SITTING OUTSIDE IN THE GRASS- One of Tyler, Dash and Cody's favorite things to do is to sit outside in the backyard on the grass and watch nature. They sometimes like to look into our backyard forest, where squirrels race and birds fly in and out. So, even though it was hot, we found shade and sat outside for an hour in the morning. 

DASH AND TYLER ALWAYS TOGETHER- Dash, our 17 year old Chihuahua/Dachshund Mix, immediately bonded with Tyler 7 years ago when he came to us. They do everything together. Since Dash's vision has been failing over the last couple of years, he's always followed Tyler. He would sleep next to Tyler, and they woud eat together, do agility together and walk together. On July 29th, he walked over to Tyler who was laying on the grass (unable to move), and lay down next to him.

A DUNKIN DONUT DRIVE THROUGH LUNCH AND BARK! - Tyler loved to bark whenever we would use the drive through at Dunkin. There was never a time he didn't bark on a trip there. So, we put him on a bed, covered with a pee pad, and he and Dash sat in the back seat as we drove through Dunkin. Tyler happily barked. 

(Photo: Tyler and Dash teamed up to stick their tongues out for the picture)

A WATERFALL PARK - One of the places we like to take lunch is to a nearby park in South Berwick, with a view of a waterfall and a river. The boys love that place, so we took them there. I took Tyler out of the truck and carried him around, showing him the river and waterfall. 

(Left to right: Dash, Tyler, Cody) 

BACKYARD FOREST WALK!! - Because we have a good amount of forest in our backyard, we made 4 parallel pathways through it, to walk the dogs. The boys all enjoy walking through the forest and sniffing out all the amazing scents. 

So, we pulled out the wagon again, and took Tyler on a wagon ride through the forest (since his back legs were paralyzed).   We took Tyler and Dash out of the wagon for a Menagerie group photo with Cody, too.  

(Photo: The Wagonmasters: Dash in front, Tyler in back)

THE TREAT GAME! One of Tyler and Dash's favorite dog games is "find the treat" in a
special dog-shag rug (thanks to their aunt Cindy). So, we dropped treats in the rug and Tyler, Dash and Cody did some treat hunting! 

INDOOR COOL DOWN- We cooled Tyler off with wet washcloths, put him in a diaper and let him nap. He crashed. His breathing became shallow and it was hard to wake him. We thought he may actually pass, but in 2 hours he snapped out of it. His heart was beating like crazy during that time, too. 

DINNER TIME - More freshly cooked hamburger for dinner!   

THREE TREAT TIME - Usually at 7:30pm in our house, we have 3 treat time, where the kids line up for three different favorite treats. We had to do it early (6pm) because Tyler was going to the vet to cross over at 7:20pm. - They all loved their treats. 

SAT ON THE GRASS OUTSIDE- After dinner and three treat time, we went back outside and sat on the grass for an hour. Tyler lay on his side, and seemed exhausted. He continued to dribble pee uncontrollably, so it was good he was outside. 

DRIVING TO THE VET'S OFFICE- DASH'S LOVE- Tyler and Dash always sit in the backseats of our pickup truck (with the seats down and a thick blanket covering it). Tom was driving (with Cody), and when I looked back, Tyler had rested his face on Dash's outstretched legs for the entire ride.

(Photo: Tyler rests his head on Dash's feet in the back seat of the truck going to the vet).

(Photo: Tyler on the afternoon of July 29, 2025, sitting on a pee pad in his bed with his 2 most favorite toys.) 

FINAL GOOD BYE - Damn, this was hard. It was brutal. We cried hard. Tom and I sat on a bench in a room at the vet. Cody was on Tom's lap. Dash sat in between Tom and I. 

  Tyler laid across his favorite blanket on my lap, and his head RESTED on Dash's back. Dash never moved. Dr. Matt gave the injection and Tyler passed pretty quickly, all the while Dash never moved, allowing Tyler to continue resting his head. I was so very touched by Dash's love for his brother. 

  Tyler will be "coming home" in a cedar box with his ashes sometime next week, we assume. In the meantime, we'll give extra love to Dash and Cody, and we each have one of Tyler's favorite toys on our beds. 

   Tyler always wagged his tail. Every day. We both always said he was the happiest dog we've ever known. Now he is with Dolly, Franklin, Sprite and Buzz on the other side. We miss him so much. 

Tyler Passed- Part 1: Toughest Diagnosis- We had 5 Days

Tragically, on Tuesday, July 29th, cancer was too much for our boy,Tyler. Last weekend was traumatic to say the least, for Tyler and for us. But Tyler, our 14 1/2 year old Dachshund, was heroic, strong and determined to not let it stop him from enjoying anything. Today's blog is a timetable of a fast decline of 5 days, so that dog parents can know our story with cancer. 

On Friday, July 25th, we learned he had stage 4 cancer in multiple organs and no treatment possible, and a tangerine-sized internal tumor has put pressure on his spine rendering his back legs immobile. But we were prepared to get him a wheelchair, immune supplments and do whatever it took.  Until Tuesday early morning (2am) he acted like it was an inconvenience  interacted with dog games. But overnight the bottom fell out. This is part 1 of a 2 part blog (Tomorrow's is how he enjoyed his last day). 

(Photo: Tyler rests on his bed in the kitchen while awaiting dinner - instead of walking around)

On June 23, 2025, we noticed two things in our black and tan smooth-haired dachshund, Tyler. One, he had a growth on his head that became large in 4 weeks, then bled open on July 13th. This happened 1 year after we had another pre-cancerous, small tumor removed from near his ear.  On July 15, he had surgery to remove the new growth and a big fatty benign growth on his chest. The results from the head tumor were positive for Melanoma. That should have been a clue.

On Wed. July 23rd, we noticed his back legs were struggling and he was having difficulty walking. We thought it was IVDD (disc disease) and were prepared to get the surgery.

The next day, on July 24th, when Tyler got his stitches out (his head healed in 9 days), we noted his wobbling walk, and asked about his bloated stomach. Our vet, Dr. Matt Robbins recommended an xray of his stomach. It revealed a large mass near his kidney. The doctor sent us to a Vet ER the next day. 

On July 25th, Tyler's back legs were suddenly not working anymore. I took him to the ER in Saco, Maine where they took an ultrasound. Tyler was quiet and cooperative. He was facing this like a hero. Like our Weimaraner, Dolly (who passed in 2020) Tyler knew when someone is trying to help him. He learned it from her. 

(Photo: Tyler's new mode of going for long walks (over his 5 days of decline) in the "dog wagon." Dash often joined him, because Dash can't walk long distances without getting tired.)

After 4 hours, the vet called me in and said she was "So sorry." She said the ultrasound revealed cancerous nodules in 4 or 5 organs: Liver, kidneys, spleen, Adrenal glands and lung. The large growth was on a blood vessel, and inoperable.  She said he cannot take anesteshia to even sample the growths. She was actually shocked that he survived the surgery and anesthesia from 2 weeks before with the head and chest tumor removals. I said he's a fighter. 

She said hospice was the only course of action. 

We were devastated. We carried him in and out to do his business and hold up his back end.  We carried him over to his food bowls (his appetite had not changed).  He even dragged himself to the water bowl when we were not looking. 

(Photo: Monday, July 28, Dash (left) and Tyler (right) enjoyed a treat hunting game. Tyler couldn't walk but sat on one side of it and found the hidden treats.)

He was fighting. We did, too, until it wasn't an option.

We ordered a dog-mushroom supplement on-line that is said to shrink tumors (I checked with the vet and he named the same thing before I told him what it was). We also ordered a dog-wheelchair so he can get around (without us moving his back legs and hunching over, walking around the backyard with him). Sadly, he never got to use either of them.

Even on Monday, July 28th, he was still very aware of surroundings and wanted to be active, although couldn't. But Monday night/early Tuesday morning he took the worst turn, as cancer took away his ability to feel and do #1 and #2. He was just dribbling urine constantly.

Had to Make the Tragic Call. 

Tyler slept on one half of my bed. He has always had many toys surrounding him on the "big bed" and always put one blanket under him, and covered him with another before kissing him good night and telling him how much I love him (since we adopted him). 

At 2am, his bladder control ceased, and he awoke, and realized he peed on his blanket, so woke me up to go out. He was traumatized by peeing in the house. I took him out. He dribbled pee when I picked him up.

  I cleaned him up and put a pee pad on his side of the bed and we went back to bed. Neither Tyler nor I slept because he couldn't get comfortable (from the big tumor inside) and he needed to go out at 2:30; 3:00, 3:30 and 4:30am. We came in at 4:44 am (A sign from Sprite on the other side) and I gave Tyler another pain pill. It was obvious the cancer was hurting his organs.  

We finally slept from 5 am until 7am. Then we learned he couldn't control his pooping either. He also had a continual drip of urine. He was also bloated from the tumor affecting his spine, and couldn't get comfortable easily. We called the vet and set a time for 7:20 pm that night to ease his pain. 

SIMILAR CASE- When I shared the note about Tyler's fast moving cancer and passing within 5 days, a pet parent who follows my books said the same exact thing happened to her dog. Cancer throughout multiple organs that had not previously shown itself, then ravaged her poor dog's body within 5 days and he passed from organ failure. 

PONDERING CAUSES-  We fostered then adopted Tyler through a Dachshund rescue when our friend Shelley called us  (thank you, Shelley) about him in 2011.  We saved him from a North Carolina kill shelter as a pup at around 1 year old. He was heartworm positive, so he had to endure 2 painful injections to kill the heartworm. I can't help but wonder if those contributed to his condition.  

TOMORROW'S BLOG - TYLER'S LAST DAY OF EVERYTHING HE LOVED  

HISTORY: U.S. Post Office introduces zip codes July 1963 (and Mr. Zip!)

If you thought Zip codes have been around for 100 years, you would be incorrect! 100 areas in the U.S. had some numbered identifiers during World War 2, but in July, 1963, the U.S. Post office expanded that! In addition, they created a cartoon character called Mr. Zip to encourage people to use the "new" Zip Codes on their mail. That's today's blog! 

U.S. Post Office introduces zip codes 

History.com July 1, 2025

On July 1, 1963, the United States Postal Service (USPS) introduces the Zone Improvement Plan as part of a plan to improve the speed of mail delivery, inaugurating the use of machine-readable ZIP codes to facilitate the efficient sorting of mail at a national level.

The idea wasn’t totally new. In 1943, the Post Office had created numbered zones for more than 100 urban areas around the country. But in the post-WWII boom, that system quickly became inadequate. Between 1943 and 1962, annual mail volume doubled from 33 billion to 66.5 billion pieces, and the average mailed letter passed through an average of 17 sorting stops. Suburbs were sprouting exponentially, and mail transport was shifting from railway to highway and air, making old urban hub systems obsolete.

To automate and streamline this sorting process, the Post Office established the Nationwide Improved Mail Service program, which standardized physical dimensions of the mail and created the five-digit structured code, or ZIP number. 

Who Helped Create Zip Codes? 

The first three digits were invented by Robert Moon, a postal inspector who first introduced his idea in 1944. Another inspector, H. Bentley Hahn, developed the last two digits. 

What do the Numbers Represent?

The numbers referred to a new and streamlined mail-hub hierarchy, consisting of regions, subregions, post offices and delivery stations.

Development of the Mr. Zip Cartoon Campaign

To launch the system, the USPS invested in a massive public relations campaign throughout the 1960s, first targeting bulk mailers like government agencies and magazine publishers, and then individual citizens. Massive advertising campaigns celebrated the new codes in magazines, newspapers, radio, television and public transit. 

A cartoon mascot named Mr. ZIP popped up on lunch boxes, tin banks and board games. Popular singer Ethel Merman recorded a promotional jingle to the tune of “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.” Even cartoon sleuth Dick Tracy endorsed the system. By the end of the decade, ZIP codes had achieved broad public acceptance.

Adding to the Zip Code in 1983

In 1983, with the complexity and volume of mail increasing exponentially, the USPS introduced an extended code called ZIP+4. And in 2024, the agency announced that it was reviving the Mr. Zip character as a source of licensing revenue, with products including children's books, plush toys, bobbleheads, apparel and smartphone cases. 

New Music! Dolly Teams up with Mötley Crüe on Reimagined "Home Sweet Home" on Video/Song

Anyone who knows me, knows I'm one of Dolly Parton's biggest fans, and how she influenced my life to make me an optimist and appreciate the simple things in life. I'm also big into music from the 80s. When Dolly's recent "Rockstar" CD came out, covering 70s and 80s music, I loved it! Now, she's collaborated with a heavy metal band (that I honestly never listened to), and the result is amazing. Plus, it's also benefiting a good cause. Here's the story and video.

Dolly Teams up with Mötley Crüe on Reimagined "Home Sweet Home"

Dolly has teamed up with Mötley Crüe on a stunning new version of the band’s revered classic, “Home Sweet Home,” reimagined as a heartfelt duet. The song is part of From The Beginning, Mötley Crüe’s definitive compilation that traces the band’s storied career from their start on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles to their current status as global rock titans.

VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/U3Xw6Sm3lQY?si=EqhgpbiqkEEgPEYg

Mötley Crüe ‘HOME SWEET HOME’ Featuring the Iconic @Dolly Parton from the forthcoming “From the Beginning”, the definitive collection of Mötley Crüe drops September 12.

To drive home the song’s positive message of hope, a portion of the proceeds from the single will benefit Covenant House, an organization that provides safe shelter, meals, hope and more to help youth experiencing homelessness.

Get the song everywhere you listen to music!
LIST OF LINKS ON VARIOUS PLATFORMS TO HEAR IT: https://crue.lnk.to/HomeSweetHomeID?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&_kx=WIOSjKZ6WE__UQA6VNZyEEvukXHTajSrKoCOS2IKT_c.WX5AtK

Local: Enjoyed Sunflower Summer at Sandy Hill Farm!

Sandy Hill Farm in Eliot, Maine plants many rows of giant sunflowers, and allows people to walk down the large "aisles" and take pictures. There's an admission to the farm, which also covers a few other things. The experience is usually open in July, so we went!

This year's event ended on July 20th so we got there a couple of days before. It was a nice way to spend 90 minutes or so, and the sunflowers are amazing. Some of the sunflowers had grown to about four or five feet high!  The rows of Sunflowers were amazing to behold.  

The field was in full bloom, and we had good weather with sunshine and highs in the 70s since the heat wave had ended.

We noticed that there were cars from Massachusetts and New Hampshire as well as from Maine. Apparently it's become quite a big attraction during the summer time. If you want to plan for next year. The cost is $7.00 per person on weekdays (Monday thru Thursday) and $10.00 per person on weekend days (Friday thru Sunday). Children 3 and under are free.

As we walked up and down a couple of pathways, it seemed like there was a bee on every other sunflower, so the pollinators were working hard!  

Each ticket entitles the ticket holder to: entry to the field for walking and picture-taking among the blooms and their distinctive metal art, wagon rides on their refurbished train (which is really a small trolley on rubber tires pulled by a tractor), and a single scoop of their Frozen Custard (fancy ice cream).

 There was also a kid-sized pick up truck made of wood that you could pose next to, so I did!

 

(Photo: A panel of fencing in front of the Sunflowers that spelled out "Sandy Hill Farm" on the pickets.)

The day that we went, there were a lot of mothers with children there and they all wanted to board the trolley so unfortunately we were not able to do so. The trolley takes you on a 15 minute ride around the entire farm which is quite extensive.

This is the same farm that puts on a massive Christmas display in the winter time. You may remember it from a blog earlier this year than I posted.

During the Christmas display, They put out close to a 1 million lights and light up trees make tunnels I have vehicles made of lights, polar bears and Penguins made of lights and other things. It's pretty cool in the winter time as well! If you don't remember the blog or missed it, you can see the Holiday light blog here: https://rob-tom-dolly-franklin.blogspot.com/2024/12/saw-amazing-holiday-light-display-open.html

Idiot of the Week: Man climbs into mausoleum and couldn't get out.

We like exploring cemeteries, but would never, ever disturb someone's burial place, but this week's idiot didn't mind. He crawled into a mausoleum (who does that?!?), and had to be rescued. He's this week's idiot. 

Man climbs into mausoleum and can't get out. Now he faces criminal charges. 

Karen Dandurant Foster's Daily Democrat, May 5, 2025

DURHAM, NH — Emergency responders were sent to an unusual call Thursday night, May 1, a person who was reportedly stuck inside a mausoleum at Jackson's Landing.

Assistant Police Chief David Holmstock confirmed that a male, not a juvenile, had been rescued from the structure. He did not know how he had gotten inside.

"Criminal trespassing charges will be forthcoming," said Holmstock. "We will be putting together a warrant."

Emergency crews had to rescue a man who entered the Emerson Mausoleum at Jackson's Landing Thursday night and then couldn't get out.

Durham Fire Marshal Brendan O'Sullivan said they were toned out at 10:09 p.m. Thursday, May 1.

"There were no injuries," said O'Sullivan. "Crews got him out and then left him with police. Apparently gravity was on his side going in, but it worked against him when he tried to get out."

O'Sullivan said the unidentified man called someone with his cell phone from inside the tomb and they called for help.

Town Administrator Todd Selig said the mausoleum is owned by the Emerson family, one of the town's founding families. 

"Jackson's Landing is owned by the town, but the mausoleum predates that," Selig said. "It is private, and on the water, a beautiful final resting place."

Selig said there is also a small cemetery there, but the mausoleum sits apart from it.

"We had the area surveyed this winter," Selig said. "There has been some shifting of granite there. I can only speculate that this person found a crack, maybe crawled in and then got stuck."

Hero of the Week: Chihuahua helps Swiss rescuers find a man who fell into a glacier

This week's hero is a little Chihauhua whose actions led to the rescue of a man, his dad, who fell into a glacier! The Air Zermatt rescue crew experienced an extraordinary mission on the Fee Glacier above Saas-Fee on Friday afternoon, July 4, 2025. A man fell into a crevasse around eight meters (26 feet)deep. It was his little Chihuahua that saved his life.

A pacing Chihuahua helps Swiss rescuers find a man who fell into a glacier

By JAMEY KEATEN, Associated Press July 8, 2025

GENEVA (AP) — Rescuers are hailing as a “four-legged hero” a furry Chihuahua whose pacing atop an Alpine rock helped a helicopter crew find its owner, who had fallen into a crevasse on a Swiss glacier nearby.

The man, who was not identified, was exploring the Fee Glacier in southern Switzerland on Friday when he broke through a snow bridge and fell nearly 8 meters (about 26 feet), according to Air Zermatt, a rescue, training and transport company.

Equipped with a walkie-talkie, the man connected with a person nearby who relayed the accident to emergency services. But the exact location was unknown. After about a half-hour search, the pacing pooch caught the eye of a rescue team member.

As the crew zeroed on the Chihuahua, the hole the man fell into became more visible. The little dog did not move during the entire operation and closely followed every movement of the rescue specialists. Rescuers rappelled down, rescued the man and flew him and his canine companion to a hospital.

“Imagine if the dog wasn’t there,” Air Zermatt spokesman Bruno Kalbermatten said by phone. “I have no idea what would happen to this guy. I think he wouldn’t survive this fall into the crevasse.”

On its website, the company was effusive: “The dog is a four-legged hero who may have saved his master’s life in a life-threatening situation.”

Book of the Week: Now You See It by Carol J. Perry (Witch City Mysteries)

Carol Perry's Witch City Mysteries are one of my all-time favorite series and "Now You See it" didn't disappoint. It was engaging, just like all of her characters. Five of Five Stars!

Lee Mondelo, a TV reporter turned program manager who has the ability to perform scrying.. (seeing fortelling images in reflected surfaces) and her husband Pete, a local police officer are great characters. Lee's Aunt Ibby is the town librarian with resources to help with any murder mystery they get involved in... and there's O'Ryan the cat who was once the "familiar" of a now deceased Salem, Mass. witch... and the cat usually comes up with interesting behaviors to clue in Lee and Pete. 

  This mystery in the series was really engaging. It's about a new museum opening to highlight the seafaring days of yesteryear with lots of history and expensive  artifacts... and before it gets off the ground, there's a murder- with a mysterious hooded figure... I couldn't wait to get to the end! It's a great read!

ABOUT THE BOOK: Bestselling author Carol J. Perry returns with the latest installment of her Witch City Mysteries!

Marriage isn’t the only thing new in Lee Barrett’s life when she’s tasked with a hauntingly dangerous assignment in her job as program director for Salem, Massachusetts’s local station, WICH-TV . . .

Just married, Lee and her husband, Detective Sergeant Pete Mondello, are settling into their new home when Lee is dubbed WICH-TV’s new “Historical Documentary Chief Executive.” Her first subject is the brand-newSalem International Museum, slated to be a location for traveling blockbuster exhibits, starting with “Seafaring New England.” From research to collecting artifacts of Salem’s long-ago days as a shipping capital, the project is a challenge—but when the driver of a truckload of antiquities turns up dead under a pile of fall leaves, it’s not quite the kind of challenge Lee expected . . .

Soon, Lee and Pete are dredging up clues along with a hardy crew of helpers, including Lee’s librarian aunt, Ibby, Lee’s best friend and practicing witch, River North—and of course the clairvoyant cat, O’Ryan. But when a ship model in the exhibit’s collection appears to be haunted, Lee will have to dive into her own treasure trove of psychic gifts before a killer comes to the surface to strike again . . .

The "Curse of King Tut" was a Fungus that now shows promise against Cancer

Most people remember the "Curse of King Tut," where archaeologists who opened the tomb all died shortly afterward. It wasn't a curse at all. It was likely a toxic fungus, thought to have caused fatal lung infections in tomb explorers. Now, that same fungus shows promise against combating Leukemia!  (to read about the 9 victims of the curse, go here: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/23321/victims-king-tuts-curse Here's the story.

A sample of Aspergillus flavus, the fungus thought to have been responsible for 'the mummy's curse.' (Image credit: Bella Ciervo (CC BY-SA))

 
Fungus that may have caused 'King Tut's curse' shows promise in treating cancer

By Lydia Smith Live Science, June 24, 2025

Scientists have found that a deadly tomb fungus called Aspergillus flavus may hold the key to promising new treatments for leukemia.

A toxic fungus, once thought to have caused fatal lung infections in tomb explorers, may hold the key to powerful new cancer treatments, new research suggests.

Within months of the discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamun in 1922, the earl who had financed the excavation and visited the "wonderful" burial site died, leading many to believe the mummy had cursed those who entered the tomb. In the 1970s, 10 of the 12 archaeologists excavating the 15th-century crypt of King Casimir IV in Poland also met a similar fate.

Analysis of Casimir's tomb revealed the presence of a fungus called Aspergillus flavus, the toxins of which are known to cause a deadly lung infection.

Now, the same fungus has shown promise as a treatment for leukemia, according to a new study published in Nature Chemical Biology. The researcher team identified and engineered a class of molecules within the fungus, called asperigimycins, that kill leukemia cells in a laboratory setting.

"This is nature's irony at its finest," study senior author Sherry Gao, a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, said in a statement. "The same fungus once feared for bringing death may now help save lives."

Aspergillus flavus produces spores that are able to lie dormant for centuries — including inside sealed tombs. When disturbed, the fungus can cause deadly respiratory infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.

In their new study, the scientists examined the unique chemical compounds produced by the fungus and discovered a class of natural compounds called RiPPs (ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides). These molecules are difficult to isolate and rarely seen in fungi, but they hold therapeutic promise due to their complex structures and bioactivity. This means they have intricate, unique shapes that can interact with biological systems in powerful ways, such as killing cancer cells.

"We found four novel asperigimycins with an unusual interlocking ring structure," lead author Qiuyue Nie, a researcher in chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, said in the statement. "Two of them had strong anti-leukemia properties even without modification."

To enhance the drugs' effectiveness, the researchers attached lipid molecules similar to those found in royal jelly, the nutrient-rich substance that sustains queen bees. This enabled the drugs to enter cancer cells more efficiently, because lipids help drugs cross cellular membranes, which are made largely of fats themselves.

Further analysis revealed how a gene called SLC46A3 acts as a kind of molecular gateway, helping the drug escape cellular compartments and target leukemia cells directly. This discovery could aid in the delivery of other promising but hard-to-administer drugs in the future.

Unlike broad-spectrum chemotherapy agents that can damage healthy cells, asperigimycins appear to specifically disrupt leukemia cell division without affecting healthy tissues. Early tests also suggest the compounds have minimal effects on breast, liver, and lung cancer cells. According to the researchers, this selectivity is important for minimizing unwanted side effects.

In addition to asperigimycins, the team believe similar life-saving compounds may be hidden in other fungal species.

The team are planning to test asperigimycins in animal models, with the eventual goal of launching human clinical trials. And by scanning fungal genomes and exploring more strains of Aspergillus, they hope to unlock new treatments.

"The ancient world is still offering us tools for modern medicine," said Gao. "The tombs were feared for their curses, but they may become a wellspring of cures."

Florida Republican nearly died under the abortion law she supports

Republican legislators like this moron, Rep. Kat Cammack (R) in Florida who suffered from an Ectopic pregnancy and required abortion care was furious at doctors who were scared to do anything for fear of being arrested, fined or losing their license, because of FLORIDA LAWS, that this MORON put in place. When she needed it, she was furious and instead blamed democrats who had nothing to do with it. It was HER OWN FAULT. In these cases, they should have left her alone to suffer. I have NO SYMPATHY for these hateful people. They only care when it hurts them. Here's her story.

Anti-Abortion Lawmaker Blames The Left After Docs Delay Care For Her Life-Threatening Pregnancy

Huff post, June 25, 2025 

Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) opened up about her life-threatening experience with an ectopic pregnancy last year amid her state’s six-week abortion ban, which left health professionals in fear of prosecution for delivering reproductive care.

Cammack detailed her life-threatening experience with the Wall Street Journal in an interview published over the weekend. She said she learned about her ectopic pregnancy, a condition in which a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, in May last year. She was five weeks pregnant and had woken up with heavy bleeding.

Ectopic pregnancies are nonviable and life-threatening. Cammack told WSJ she refused surgery to remove the embryo, and instead asked for methotrexate, a drug that can stop the embryo’s growth and dissolve existing cells.

However, doctors and nurses were hesitant to give her the medication out of fear of losing their license or worse, facing criminal charges amid the six-week abortion ban that had taken effect that month.

Cammack pulled up the state law on her phone for hospital workers to read, and tried calling Gov. Ron Desantis’ (R) office for help, but her calls were unanswered. She eventually received methotrexate hours after arguing her case.

Florida’s abortion ban has exceptions for the life of the pregnant person, and it allows for the treatment of ectopic pregnancies. However, lifesaving care has nevertheless been delayed or denied altogether to some Florida women under its law, and medical professionals have expressed concern about the law being unclear.

Cammack, who opposes abortion, blamed the wariness of her doctors on the left, not on the abortion ban. She told the WSJ that the left’s messaging around the law had made health care workers paranoid about criminal penalties.

HISTORY: Democratic President FDR signs G.I. Bill

Since many people have no idea about the history of our country, and a lot of military people seem to support Republicans for some reason, today's blog is to educate them that a Democratic President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, was the one who signed into law the G.I. Bill for veterans. (Side note: in 2025, Trump laid off thousands of veterans and cut health and other services to them, so wake up Military folks- Democrats are your supporters!). Here's the story about the G.I. Bill -

(Photo: credit: Franklin D. Roosevelt Library Photo Collection /   President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen's Readjustment Act, better known as the G.I. Bill of Rights, on June 22, 1944. Surrounding him are (left to right): Senator Bennett Clark (D-MO); Representatives J. Hardin Peterson (D-FL), John Rankin (D-MS), and Edith N. Rogers (R-MA); J. M. Sullivan; Senator Walter George (D-GA); John Stelle; Senators Robert Wagner (D-NY), Scott Lucas (D-IL), and Alben Barkley (D-KY).

FDR signs G.I. Bill

  HISTORY.com Editors June 2025

On June 22, 1944, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the G.I. Bill, an unprecedented act of legislation designed to compensate returning members of the armed services—known as G.I.s—for their efforts in World War II.

As the last of its sweeping New Deal reforms, Roosevelt’s administration created the G.I. Bill (officially the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944) hoping to avoid a relapse into the Great Depression after the war ended. FDR particularly wanted to prevent a repeat of the Bonus March of 1932, when 20,000 unemployed veterans and their families flocked in protest to Washington. The American Legion, a veteran’s organization, successfully fought for many of the provisions included in the bill, which gave returning servicemen access to unemployment compensation, low-interest home and business loans, and—most importantly—funding for education.

G.I. Bill On June 22, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen's Readjustment Act, better known as the G.I. Bill, in order to help soldiers secure stability as they returned to civilian life. A broadcast aired shortly after the bill was signed describes a nation preparing to welcome World War II veterans.

By giving veterans money for tuition, living expenses, books, supplies and equipment, the G.I. Bill effectively transformed higher education in America. Before the war, college had been an option for only 10-15 percent of young Americans, and university campuses had become known as a haven for the most privileged classes. By 1947, in contrast, vets made up half of the nation’s college enrollment; three years later, nearly 500,000 Americans graduated from college, compared with 160,000 in 1939.

As educational institutions opened their doors to this diverse new group of students, overcrowded classrooms and residences prompted widespread improvement and expansion of university facilities and teaching staffs. An array of new vocational courses were developed across the country, including advanced training in education, agriculture, commerce, mining and fishing–skills that had previously been taught only informally.

The G.I. Bill became one of the major forces that drove an economic expansion in America that lasted 30 years after World War II. Only 20 percent of the money set aside for unemployment compensation under the bill was given out, as most veterans found jobs or pursued higher education. Low interest home loans enabled millions of American families to move out of urban centers and buy or build homes outside the city, changing the face of the suburbs.

Over 50 years, the impact of the G.I. Bill was enormous, with 20 million veterans and dependents using the education benefits and 14 million home loans guaranteed, for a total federal investment of $67 billion. Among the millions of Americans who have taken advantage of the bill are former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Gerald Ford, former Vice President Al Gore and entertainers Johnny Cash, Ed McMahon, Paul Newman and Clint Eastwood.

Rob's Conn. Paracon Adventure!

Over the weekend of July 12-13, I attended the Connecticut "Paraconn" where I enjoyed time with friends in the paranormal field, signed some books, and fortunately got to give a 30 minute talk that touched others. Here's the story and experience.

 

HIGHLIGHTS - My friend and co-author/co-investigator, Monique Toosoon was there for the first day. We got to spend some good time together and had fun. She always makes me laugh. My other paranormal friends Derick and Candace Fetters (the "Paraclauses")and Alura Hewey (medium) and David Childers (para-tech expert), and Frosty and Jenny of the Witching Hours Podcast were all there! They all really made my day. I also got to meet 2 service dogs who are adorable. Monique posed with one of them.

LIVE INTERVIEW!! - Monique and I got to sit down with Jenny and Frosty for a 30 minute live Podcast, and we talked about our "Haunting of Emery Estate" book. - I also got to know Jenny, who is an amazing Medium in her own right and Frosty (Jeremy), a tech wizard, a lot better! I love their backgrounds: An art teacher turned art museum curator (Jenny) and a high school teacher (Jeremy).

SPEAKING!! - Although the entire speaking scheduled was booked before I even learned about the Paracon, I let the organizers, Charles and Thomas know that I really wanted to teach people how to recognize signs from their pets in spirit, with my lecture about "Pets and the Afterlife" based on my series of books. Fortunately for me, one speaker was not able to attend so I was able to give a shorter version of my (normally 45-60 minute) talk. It was awesome. People in the audience acknowledged whenever they saw a sign I was talking about. Several people in the audience came up to me afterward and told me how they were very touched by my presentation. There were a lot of tears and a lot of hugs and healing afterward.  

(Photo: My friend, paranormal investigator, and co-author,  Monique Toosoon, wears 10"plus heels, so I had to prop myself up on a chair to take a picture at the  CTParaconn) 

SHARED PET SPIRIT STORY - One woman and her sone who attended the lecture told her story. She saidshortly after her dog had passed she was watching a dog for someone else. The visiting dog went out into the backyard and appeared to be playing with another dog. That's when she clearly saw her dog in spirit playing with the visiting dog!

ANOTHER MAINER!  While there, I got to meet Christopher Brown, a medium from Augusta, Maine. He and his wife had driven down (which was 90 minutes longer than my drive!). They were warm and welcoming as Mainer's are. His website: https://www.psychicmediumchristopher.com/  and facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PsychicMediumChristopher/  

ADVERTISING AND ATTENDANCE- Despite the fact that the two organizers did several television appearances, podcasts, and social media promotions, the turnout was minimal, and disappointing. You never know how things will turn out. I estimate no more than 150-200 people came per day. The first day was the slowest day and I sold 2 books. The second day there seemed to be more attendees, and I sold 10 more books. Not enough to cover the fee of the conference (let alone the hotel and rental car), so this was a big financial hit for me and all the other vendors. 

NO A/C IN THE HEAT - The weekend ParaConn was held at the Crosby High School Gym, 300 Pierpont Road in Waterbury, CT. It was a very hot and humid weekend, and unfortunately, the entire show was set up in the high school's gymnasium, where the Air conditioning wasn't functioning. There were two giant fans operating, but it was very hot in the convention. Doors opened from 11am (for VIPs) and closed at 6pm both days.

WHO WAS THERE? VENDOR LIST: Included paranormal teams, tech folks, authors, tarot readers, medium, jewelry and crafts, and much more.