Stem Cells Used For Breast Enhancement

With all the controversy over embryonic stem cells, scientists in Japan found a use for stem cells found in fat:

Stem cells, which have the potential to change into any cells in the body, are found in embryos, but the most plentiful supply in adults is from body fat. When body fat is transferred to the breasts, the stem cells enable the fat to grow its own blood supply, thus becoming an integral part of the breast rather than a foreign object.

Dozens of women in Japan have received the enlargements during trials. This month, German authorities gave approval to the process. Under EU rules, this means that the procedure is now legal throughout Europe, including Britain.

They report that this technique “results in breasts that look and feel smoother than conventional cosmetic surgery using implants.”

Rob Lowe Plans Return To West Wing

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Rob Lowe, who previously worked as White House speech writer Sam Seaborn on The West Wing admitted his goal to return to the west wing of the White House in his role of Senator Robert McCallister while talking with Kitty Walker (Callista Flokart) on last night’s episode of Brothers and Sisters. Lowe plays a Republican but might have liabilities within the party such as a gay brother.

Television appears to not only want to get Rob Lowe back in the White House but also appears to want a Robert McCallister to be a future President. On the 2004 WB show Jack & Bobby a Republican named Bobby McCallister becomes President in 2041.

Happy Darwin Day

Today is Darwin Day in honor of Charles Darwin (February 12, 1809-April 19, 19982). Darwin’s 200th birthday will fall on February 12, 2009 which also marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of The Origin of Species. The goal of the Darwin Day Celebration is “encourage existing institutions worldwide, such as municipalities, public and private schools, colleges and universities, libraries, museums, churches, private organizations and individuals to celebrate Science and Humanity every year, on, or near, February 12, Darwin’s birthday!”

Obama’s Iowa Endorsements

The New York Times reports that Obama has picked up some key endorsements in Iowa. “Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, a longtime fixture of state politics, and State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald, are announcing later today that they have signed onto the Obama team.”

They question how valuable the endorsements are noting that Howard Dean received the endorsement of Al Gore before the Iowa caucus. The media might be paying attention to the wrong endorsements. In 2003 they concentrated on covering high profile endorsements such as Gore’s endorsement of Dean but paid little attention to the endorsements that really mattered. While Dean was making the news, John Kerry was quietly getting the support of local leaders in Iowa and New Hampshire, which had more of an impact on those early races. I don’t know if these endorsements will be enough to help Obama stop Hillary, but it keeps him in the gain. Another aspect that might be significant is that Fitzgerald endorsed Edwards before the 2004 caucus but has now gone over to Obama.

Dixie Chicks Win Five Grammys

The Dixie Chicks have faced death threats and boycotts for speaking out against George Bush. Tonight was a much better evening for them as they won five Grammys, including song of the year for Not Ready to Make Nice. I wonder if they discussed their feelings about George Bush with one of the presenters at this year’s awards–Al Gore. The Washington Post reports:

The Dixie Chicks completed a defiant comeback on Sunday night, winning five Grammy awards after being shunned by the country music establishment over the group’s anti-Bush comments leading up to the Iraq invasion.

The Texas trio won record and song of the year for the no-regrets anthem “Not Ready to Make Nice.” They also won best country album, which was especially ironic considering the group says they don’t consider themselves country artists anymore…

The Dixie Chicks won all five awards they were nominated for, sweet vindication after the superstars’ lives were threatened and sales plummeted when Maines criticized President Bush on the eve of the Iraq war in 2003. Almost overnight, one of the most successful groups of any genre was boycotted by Nashville and disappeared from country radio.