Every week, we pose the important questions to our League of Extraordinary Retailers. Got a question you want us to ask? Email us at parallelworlds@nypost.com!
Have you ever sold a book for far less than it's worth, out of ignorance?
Never. I have the two top dogs watching over me (some would even say breathing down my neck) and if it's a comic book or comic book-related item and it has a cash value on it, Stash manager Walter Flanagan will make sure that we get every penny of value out of it. Selling it for any less would mean my head.
A customer came in and returned a $125 variant book that he regretted buying for Ultimates 3 #1, citing that he believed he could get it cheaper elsewhere. When we checked the receipt, it turned out I had accidentally charged him $1.25! You best believe he regretted returning it.
Other than that, these new Image #1's seem to shoot up in price all over eBay. We're well aware of the profit made on that route, but the fact is we don't need to sell them by preying on what other people desire. We offer them for retail value, to everyone for as long as they last, and I think people are that much more grateful.
A book out of ignorance, no. I did incorrectly read an invoice once for some collectible figures and calculated the retail price way below what it should have been. It was in the early years of me working here. I can't remember what the figures were, but I do remember we sold 2 before my manager caught it. I felt terrible about it when he did. The saving grace was they weren't sold below cost. In any event, lesson learned and I have been way more cautious ever since.
We HAVE sold books for less then they might be "going for," but not out of ignorance…more like conscience. There will be some #1 of a recent book that just got optioned, and we find out people are asking $50. … What the heck?? $10 is plenty, thanks. We're not interested in anybody feeling burned, we want them back!
Ted Alexander, manager, Midtown Comics' Downtown location, 64 Fulton St., corner of Gold St.
I can't say I have. I'm pretty careful when selling a higher-priced book to make sure I'm not ripping anyone off. This goes for lesser-priced books as well. Our back issue buyer, Alex Rae, is pretty spot-on when pricing books, he knows all the key issues.
Menachem Luchins, owner, Escape Pod Comics, 302 Main Street, Huntington, L.I.
Never out of ignorance. When I first opened, Diamond sent me a bunch of variant covers as a "reward." At first, I looked up their values, but as they all kept clocking in at $4 or $5 on eBay and $10-$15 in price guides, I just stopped.
Eventually, a customer asked me how much I wanted for the New 52 Justice League pencil variant that I had gotten the week before. "Well," I say, "I usually sell those variants for $5-$10." "That's worth $200." says he. After a bit of online snooping I see that he is, indeed correct.
"Oh, he'll keep it," chimes in his mother, who had been silent the whole time. The grin on his face was worth it, any time.
Mike Zapcic, AMC's television show "Comic Book Men" and Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash, Red Bank, N.J.
EXCLUSIVE! Damian 'Robin' Wayne returns!


It belongs to the family Asteraceae/Compositae (Daisy family), which is one of the largest and most important families in the plant kingdom. The family includes troublesome weeds, ornamental annuals, herbaceous perennials, medicinal and food plants [Table - 2]. , Fifteen species of Parthenium L. occur in America and the West Indies. One species, Parthenium hysterophorus L. was introduced to the Indian subcontinent. All contain allergenic sesquiterpene lactones (SQLs).
It has a rosette with large, dark green, simple, radicle, pinnetisect small leaves and flowering is absent. The large lower leaves are spread on the ground like a carpet, without allowing any vegetation underneath it.
It is procumbent (trailing along the ground but not rooting), profusely branched, leafy herb resembling a bush or shrub because of its height (1-2.5m). The stem becomes tough and woody as the plant matures into a hardy bush. Enormous number of pollen grains (624 millions per plant) are produced by anemophilous (by wind) pollination. It is an extremely prolific seed producer with upto 25,000 seeds (achenes) per plant. The plant is thermo- and photo-insensitive; hence, it grows round the year except in severe winters; in other words, it survives environmental extremes. It is a rapid colonizer and competes out other vegetation in its vicinity within two growing seasons. It grows in almost all types of soil except near the seashore as the saline soil is not conducive to parthenium flowering.
SQLs are characterized by the presence of a γ-butyrolactone ring bearing an exocylic γ-methylene group [Figure - 2].
Air borne contact dermatitis is not always due to Parthenium hysterophorus . Xanthium strumarium , another weed belonging to Compositae, is reported to be a causative agent in North India with patch test positive to xanthium but negative to parthenium.  Other members of the Compositae family causing ABCD in North India include Chrysanthemum morifolium (chrysanthemums) Dahlia pinnata (dahlia) and Tagetes indica (marigold).  Since the allergens of Compositae are sesquiterpene lactones (SQLs), cross reactions may occur. , P . hysterophorus and X. strumarium have shown a high rate of cross-sensitivity in Indian patients,  whereas the prevalence of cross reaction with chrysanthemum is generally low. , It is also important to distinguish between true cross sensitization and polysensitivity.  If a patient develops independent allergies to more than one agent that do not share any chemical groups (antigenic determinants), then such a situation is called polysensitivity and not cross-sensitivity.
Serious health hazards to livestock in parthenium-invaded areas have been reported.  While cattle and buffalo sparingly feed on parthenium weed, goats readily graze it. In artificial feeding tests, buffalo bull calves accepted the weed alone or in mixtures with green fodder with severe consequences. The majority (11 out of 16) developed severe dermatitis and toxic symptoms and died within 8-30 days. Alopecia, loss of skin pigmentation, dermatitis, and diarrhea have been reported.  Degenerative changes in both the liver and kidneys and inhibition of liver dehydrogenases have been reported in buffalo  and sheep.  The milk and meat of cattle, buffalo and sheep becomes tainted by parthenium. , The practical impact of the presence of antigens in meat and milk must be studied.
Patch tests: It is always important to carry out tests with the plant material "as is."
Plant allergens are low molecular weight secondary plant metabolites and are usually soluble in acetone, ethanol or ether. A filtered acetone or ethanol extract of dried plant material or a short ether extract of fresh material produces a solution suitable for patch testing. Aqueous extracts degrade rapidly and lose their sensitizing power within a month.  Acetone extracts of P. hysterophorus are reported to be more sensitive than water extracts, with good sensitivity to 1% acetone extract.  Although extracts in organic solvents are more stable, with time, evaporation of the solvent may increase the concentration and the sensitizing effect of the allergen(s).  Incorporating an evaporated extract into petrolatum represents a standard means of retaining material for patch testing.
Since P. hysterophorus is ubiquitous, a change of residence or job is not a suitable option. This would also lead to social and economic consequences. Hence, prevention is aimed at the reduction in the quantity of the antigen to which the patient is exposed.
To remove as much of the causative plant as possible from the immediate environment of the patient.
To wash the uncovered areas of the skin with soap and water as frequently as possible (preferably every 2-3 h) in order to wash off the antigen before it penetrates the skin.
To frequently use a barrier cream to slow down the penetration of the antigen into the skin and to wash each time before the reapplication of the barrier cream.
To avoid the exposure to sunlight; sunscreen lotions may serve as barrier creams.
Prevention of parthenium dermatitis can be attempted by biological or chemical control of the weed, P. hysterophorus.
P. hysterophorus is essentially a ruderal (grows in rubbish, poor land or waste land) plant in the New World and only occasionally achieves a weed status in the fields or pastures. Biotic factors suppress the plant within its native range compared to its increased fitness or vigor in their absence, as in Australia and India, and therefore, the biological control may offer the best long-term solution for the management of this weed. However, there is skepticism surrounding the introduction of exotic biocontrol agents, which include the following.
Despite the release of Z. bicolorata over 17 years ago in Australia in the areas of massive sunflower cultivation, there have been no reported instances of beetle attack on the crop. Beetle defoliation is reported to cause up to 99.5% decline in weed population and replacement by up to 40 different plant species in the fallow land.
Z. bicolorata proved to be an effective control agent in Bangalore. Beetle attacks were reported on sunflowers from Karnataka. However despite the widespread cultivation of sunflower as a crop in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, there have been no further reports of beetle feeding on sunflower in field situations.
Mainly fungal and include exotic agents such as classical biocontrol agents as well as adapted or opportunistic pathogens such as mycoherbicides [Table - 3].
Cassia uniflora (Leguminosae) moved into areas that were previously ("traditionally") occupied by parthenium weed in Maharashtra, India.
Well known herbicides such paraquat, trifluralin, diphenamid, napropamide and propachlor fail to control parthenium weed.  Timing of chemical control is critical. They should be treated when plants are small and have not produced seed and when grasses are actively growing to recolonize the infested area (early summer).  Maintaining competition is important for control of parthenium weed; therefore, spraying with a selective herbicide that will not kill other species is recommended.
P. hysterophorus poses a serious health risk in Australia and India as it invades new areas and retains the established ones. This review has highlighted the dermatological aspects, current views on pathogenesis, other health hazards and its impact on agricultural as well as the natural ecosystems. Since its avoidance is not possible due to various reasons, preventive, therapeutic and control options are presented.
1. Lonkar A, Mitchell JC, Calnan CD. Contact dermatitis from Parthenium hysterophorus . Trans St Johns Hosp Dermatol Soc 1974;60:43-53.
2. Mitchell JC. Calnan CD. Scourge of India: Parthenium dermatitis. Int J Dermatol 1978;17:303-4.
3. Guin JD. Sesquiterpene-lactone dermatitis. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 1989;9:447-61.
4. Behl PN, Captain RM. Skin irritant and sensitizing plants found in India. S. Chand, Ram Nagar, New Delhi; 1979.
5. Lonkar A, Jog MK. Dermatitis caused by a plant Parthenium hysterophorus Linn. A preliminary report. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 1968;34:194-6.
6. Evans HC. Parthenium hysterophorus : A review of its weed status and the possibilities for biological control. Biocontrol News Information 1997;18:89N-98N.
7. Aneja KR, Dhawan SR, Sharma AB. Deadly weed Parthenium hysterophorus L. and its distribution. Indian J Weed Sci 1991;23:14-8.
8. Narwal SS. Palaniraj R, Sati SC, Kadian HS, Dahiya DS. Allelopathic plants; 8. Parthenium hysterophorus L. Allelopathy Jr 2003;11:151-70.
9. Joel DM, Liston A. New adventure weeds in Israel. J Botany 1986;35:215-23.
10. Medhin BG. Parthenium hysterophorus : A new weed problem in Ethiopia. FAO Plant Protect Bull 1992;40:49.
11. Nath R. Note in the effect of parthenium extract on germination and seedling growth of crops. Indian J Agricultural Sci 1988;51:601-3.
12. Warshaw EM, Zug KA. Sesquiterpene lactone allergy. Am J Contact Dermat 1996;7:1-23.
13. Lovell C R. Plants and the skin. Oxford; Blackwell Scientific: 1993.
14. Rao PV, Mangala A, Towers GH, Rodriguez E. Immunological activity of parthenin and its diastereomer in persons sensitized by Parthenium hysterophorus L. Contact Dermatitis 1978;4:199-203.
15. Picman AK, Picman J, Towers GH. Cross-reactivity between sesquiterpene lactones and parthenin in parthenin-sensitized guinea pigs. Contact Dermatitis 1982;8:294-301.
16. Ducombs G, Benezra C, Talaga P. Andersen KE, Burrows D, Camarasa JG, et al . Patch testing with the "sesquiterpene lactone mix": A marker for contact allergy to Compositae and other sesquiterpene - lactone - containing plants. Contact Dermatitis 1990;22:249-52.
17. McFadyen RE. Parthenium weed and human health in Queensland. Aust Fam Physician 1995;24:1455-9.
18. Lonkar A, Nagasampagi BA, Narayanan CR, Landge AB, Sawaikar DD. An antigen from Parthenium hysterophorus Linn. Contact Dermatitis 1976;2:151-4.
19. Towers GH, Mitchell JC, Rodriguez E. Biology and chemistry of Parthenium hysterophorus L. a problem weed in India. J Sci Industrial Res 1997;36:672-84.
20. Towers GH, Mitchell JC. The current status of the weed Parthenium hysterophorus L. as a cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis 1983;9:465-9.
21. Sharma SC, Kaur S. Airborne contact dermatitis from Composite plants in Northern India. Contact Dermatitis 1989;21:1-5.
22. Bajaj AK, Govil CD, Bhargava NS. Contact Dermatitis due to plants. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 1982;48:268-70.
23. Singh KK, Singh G. Air borne contact dermatitis in Varanasi. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 1986;52:140-2.
24. Menz J, Winkelmann RK. Sensitivity to wild vegetation. Contact Dermatitis 1987;16:169-73.
25. Shenoi SD, Srinivas CR. Changing clinical patterns of parthenium dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis 1997;37:128.
26. Lakshmi C, Srinivas CR, Jayaraman A. Ciclosporin in parthenium dermatitis - a report of 2 cases. Contact Dermatitis (In press).
27. Bajaj AK. Contact dermatitis In : Valia RJ, editor. IADVL Textbook and Atlas of Dermatology. Bhalani Publishing House: Mumbai; 2001. Vol 1, p. 470-1.
28. Tiwari BD, Sohi AS, Chopra TR. Allergic contact dermatitis due to Parthenium hysterophorus . Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 1986;52:140-2.
29. Guin JD. Occupational contact dermatitis to plants. In : Kanerva L, Elsen P, Wahlberg JE, Maibach HI, editors. Handbook of occupational dermatology. Berlin: Springer; 2000. p. 730-66.
30. Sharma VK, Sahoo B. Prurigo nodularis like lesion in Parthenium dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis 2000:42:235.
31. Verma KK, Sirka CS, Ramam M, Sharma VK. Parthenium dermatitis presenting as photosensitive lichenoid eruption. A new clinical variant. Contact Dermatitis 2002;46:286-9.
32. Sharma VK, Sethuraman G, Bhat R. Evolution of clinical pattern of parthenium dermatitis: A study of 74 cases. Contact Dermatitis 2005;53:84-8.
33. Singh KK, Srinivas CR, Balachandran C, Menon S. Parthenium dermatitis sparing vitiliginous skin. Contact Dermatitis 1987;16:174.
34. Pasricha JS, Verma KK, D'Souza P. Air Borne contact dermatitis caused exclusively by Xanthium strumarium . Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 1995;61:354-5.
35. Sharma SC, Kaur S. Contact dermatitis from composite plants. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 1990;56:27-30.
36. Pasricha JS, Bhaumik P, Agarwal A. Contact Dermatitis due to Xanthium strumarium . Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 1990;56:319-21.
37. Pasricha JS, Nandakishore T. Air borne contact dermatitis due to chrysanthemum with true cross sensitivity to Parthenium hysterophorus and Xanthium strumarium . Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 1992;58:268-71.
38. Sharma SC, Tanwar RC, Kau S. Contact dermatitis from chrysanthemums in India. Contact Dermatitis 1989;21:69-71.
39. Benezra X, Maibach HI. True cross sensitisation, false cross sensitization and otherwise. Contact Dermatitis 1984;11:65-9.
40. Pasricha JS. Titre of contact hypersensitivity (TCH) as a means of determining the degree of hypersensitivity in contact dermatitis. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 1986;52:195-7.
41. Pasricha JS. Contact Dermatitis in India, 2 nd edn. New Delhi: Department of Science and Technology; 1988.
42. Ramam M, Manchanda Y, Verma KK, Sharma VK. Reproducibility of titre of contact hypersensitivity to Parthenium hysterophorus . Contact Dermatitis 2000;42:366.
44. Verma KK, Pasricha JS. Azathioprine as a corticosteroid sparing agen in air borne contact dermatitis. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 1996;62:30-2.
45. Towers GHN, Subba Rao PV. Impact of the pan topical weed. Parthenium hysterophorus L on human affairs. In: Richardson RG, editor. Proceedings of the 1 st International Weed Control Congress, Melbourne, Australia, Melbourne. Weed Science Society of Victoria; p. 134-8.
46. Rao M, Prakash O, Subba Rao PV. Reaginic allergy to parthenium pollen evaluation by skin test and RAST. Clin Allergy 1985;15:449-54.
47. Srirama Rao P, Nagpal S, Rao BS, Prakash O, Rao PV. Immediate hypersensitivity to Parthenium hysterophorus . II Clinical studies in the prevalence of parthenium rhinitis. Clin Exp Allergy 1991;21:55-62.
48. Suresh PV, Gupta D, Behera D, Jindal SK. Bronchial provocation with parthenium pollen extract in bronchial asthma. Indian J Chest Dis Allied Sci 1994;36:104.
49. Nandhakishore T, Pasricha JS. Pattern of cross-sensitivity between 4 Compositae plants, Parthenium hysterophorus , Xanthium strumarium , Helianthus annuus and Chrysanthemum coronarium , in Indian patients. Contact Dermatitis 1994;30:162-7.
50. Sriramarao P, Rao PV. Allergenic cross-infectivity between parthenium and ragweed pollen allergens. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 1993;100:74-85.
51. Tanner MS, Mattocks AR. Hypothesis: Plant and fungal biocides, copper and Indian childhood liver disease. Ann Trop Paediatr 1987;7:264-9.
52. Wrangsio K, Ros AM. Compositae allergy. Semin Dermatol 1996;15:87-94.
53. Bhutani JK, Rao DS. Photocontact dermatitis caused by Parthenium hysterophorus . Dermatologica 1978;157:206-9.
54. Srinivas CR, Shenoi SD. Minimal erythema dose to ultra violet light in parthenium dermatitis. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 1994;60:149-50.
55. Murphy GM, White IR, Hawk JL. Allergic airborne contact dermatitis to composite with photosensitivity chronic actinic dermatitis in evolution. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 1990;7:38-9.
56. Jeanmougin M, Taieb M, Mancieb JR, Moulin JP, Ciratte J. Photo-aggravated Parthenium hysterophorus contact eczema. Ann Dermatol Venereol 1988;115:1238-40.
58. Kunz B, Ring J. Clinical features and diagnostic criteria of atopic dermatitis. In: Harper J orange A, Prose N, editors. Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology, vol 1, Oxford: Blackwell Science; p. 199-214.
59. Uehara M. Prurigo reaction in atopic dermatitis. Acta Derm Venereol (Stockh) 1980;92:109-10.
60. Russell SC, Dave RS, Collins, Man I, Ferguson J. Photosensitivity dermatitis and the actinic reticuloid syndrome (chronic actinic dermatitis) occurring in seven young atopic dermatitis patients. Br J Dermatol 1998;138:496-501.
61. Mahajan VK, Sharma NL, Sharma RC. Parthenium dermatitis: Is it a systemic contact dermatitis or an airborne contact dermatitis? Contact Dermatitis 2004;51:231-4.
62. Lakshmi C, Srinivas CR. Parthenium dermatitis caused by immediate and delayed hypersensitivity. Contact Dermatitis 2007;57:64-5.
63. Jayachandra. Parthenium weed in Mysore State and its control. Curr Sci 1971;40:568-9.
64. McFadyen RE. Biological control against parthenium weed in Australia. Crop Protection 1992;11:400-7.
65. Chippendale JF, Panetta FD. The cost of parthenium weed to the Queensland cattle industry. Plant Protect Quarterly 1994;9:73-6.
66. Narasimhan TR, Ananth M, Naryana Swamy M, Rajendra Babu M, Mangala A, Subba Rao PV. Toxicity of Parthenium hysterophorus L. Curr Sci 1977;46:15-6.
67. Ahmed MN, Rao PR, Mahender M, Moorthy AS. A study on changes in blood. Chemistry in parthenium toxicity in buffalo calves. Cheirion 1988;17:57-60.
68. Rajkumar ED, Kumar NV, Haran NV, Morthy NV, Ram NV. Antagonistic effect of Parthenium hysterophorus on succinate dehydrogenase of sheep liver. J Environ Biol 1988;9:231-7.
69. Tudor GD, Ford AL, Armstrong TR, Bromage EK. Taints in meat from sheep grazing Parthenium hysterophorus . Aust J Exp Agriculture Animal Husbandry 1982;22:43-6.
70. Swaminathan C, Rai RS, Suresh KK. Allelopathic effects of Parthenium hysterophorus on germination and growth of a few multi purpose trees and arable crops. Int Tree Crops Jr 1990;6:143-50.
71. Jayachandra KS. Pollen allelopathy: A new phenomenon. Phytologist 1980;80:739-46.
72. Robertson LN, Kettle BA. Biology of Pseodoheteronyx sp (Coleoptera: carabacidae) on the central highlands of Queensland. J Aust Entomol Soc 1994;33:181-4.
73. Chandler LD, Chandler JM. Comparative host suitability of bell pepper and selected weed species for Liriomyza trifolii (Burgers). South West Entomol 1988;13:137-46.
74. Ovies J, Larrinaga L. Transmission de Xanthomonas compestris PV. Phaseoli mediante un hospedante silvertre. Ciencias Y Tecnica en la Agricultura 1988;11:23-30.
75. Kishun R, Chand R. New collateral hosts for Pseudomonas solanacearum . Indian J Mycol Plant Pathol 1988;17:237.
79. Shelmire B. Contact dermatitis from weeds: Patch testing with their oleoresins. J Am Med Assoc 1939;113:1085-90.
80. Sharma VK, Sethuraman G, Tejasvi T. Comparison of patch test contact sensitivity to acetone and aqueous extracts of Parthenium hysterophorus in patients with air borne contact dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis 2004;50:230-2.
81. Le Coz CJ, Ducombs G. Plants and plant products. In: Frosch PJ, Menne T, Leppoittevin JP, editors. Contact Dermatitis 4 th ed. p. 751-800.
82. Handa S, Sahoo B, Sharma VK. Oral hyposensitisation in patients with contact dermatitis from Parthenium hysterophorus . Contact Dermatitis 2001;44:279-82.
83. Srinivas CR, Krupashankar DS, Singh KK, Balachandran C, Shenoi SD. Oral hyposensitisation in parthenium dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis 1998;18:242-3.
84. Watson ES. Toxicodendron hyposensitisation programs. Clin Dermatol 1986;4:160-70.
85. Narasimha SK, Srinivas CR, Mathew AC. Effect of topical corticosteroid application frequency on histamine induced wheals. Int J Dermatol 2005;44:425-7.
86. Fisher AA. Esoteric contact dermatitis. Part IV: Devastating contact dermatitis in India produces by American Parthenium weed. (The Scourge of India). Cutis 1996;57:297-8.
87. Smith JA, Mansfield LE, deShazo RD, Nelson HS. An evaluation of the pharmacologic inhibition of the immediate and late cutaneous reactions to allergen. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1980;65:185.
88. Gallant C, Kenny P. Oral glucocorticoids and their complications. A review. J Am Acad Dermatol 1986;14:161-77.
89. Pasricha JS. Story of pulse therapy in pemphigus and other dermatoses. In: Shankar PS, Biradar PM, editors. Advances in dermato-venereo-leprology. South Zone conference of IADVL: Gulbarga; 1992. p. 53-60.
90. Gronneberg R, Strandberg K, Stalenheim G, Zettertrom O. Effect in man of anti-allergic drugs on the immediate and late phase cutaneous allergic reactions induced by anti-IgE. Allergy 1981;36:201-8.
91. Andersson M, Andersson P, Pipkarull U. Topical glucocorticosteroids and allergen induced increase in nasal reactivity: Relationship between treatment time and inhibitory effect. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1988;82:1019-26.
92. Andersson M, Pipkorn U. Inhibition of the dermal immediate allergic reaction through prolonged treatment with topical glucocorticoids. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1987;79:345-9.
93. Pipkorn U, Hammarlund A, Enerback L. Prolonged treatment with topical glucocorticoids results in an inhibition of the allergen induced wheal and flare response and a reduction in the skin mast cell numbers and histamine content. Clin Exp Allergy 1989;19:19-25.
94. Verma KK, Pasricha JS. Azathioprine as a corticosteroid- sparing agent in air-borne contact dermatitis. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 1996;62:30-2.
95. Srinivas CR, Balachandran C, Shenoi SD, Acharya S. Azathioprine in the treatment of parthenium dermatitis. Br J Dermatol 1991;124:394-5.
96. Sharma VK, Chakrabarti A, Mahajan V. Azathioprine in the treatment of parthenium dermatitis. Int J Dermatol 1998;37:299-302.
97. Verma KK, Manchanda Y, Pasricha JS. Azathioprine as a corticosteroid sparing agent for the treatment of dermatitis caused by the weed parthenium. Acta Derm Venereol 2000;80:31-2.
98. Kaushal K, Manchanda Y. Long-term safely and toxicity of ozathiprine in patients with air borne contact dermatitis. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2001;67:75-7.
99. Khurana S, Minocha YC, Minocha KB, Dogra A. Evaluation on azathioprine in the treatment of parthenium dermatitis. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2001;67:75-7.
102. Gunaseelan VN. Parthenium as an additive with cattle manure in biogas production. Biol Wastes 1987;21:1095-2002.
103. Lakshmi C, Srinivas CR, Chinnusamy C. Retention of allergic potential of parthenium following composting. Contact Dermatitis (in press).
104. Srinivas CR. Transmission of parthenium dermatitis by clothing. Arch Dermatol 2005;141:1605.
105. Goncalo M, Mascarenhas R, Vieira R, Figueiredo A. Permeability of gloves to plant allergens. Contact Dermatitis 2004;50:200-1.
106. Dhawan SR, Dhawan P. Effect of aqueous foliar extracts of some trees on germination and early seedling growth of Parthenium hysterophorus L. World Weeds 1995;2:217-21.
107. Njoroge JM. Tolerance of Bidens pilosa L and Parthenium hysterophorus L to paraquat (Gramoxone) in Kenya. Kenya Coffee 1991;56:999.
108. Parthenium weed ( P. hysterophorus ) Weeds of National Significance: Weed Management Guide. Department of the Environment and Heritage and the CRC for Australian Weed Management, 2003.
109. Paredes E, Labrada R. Umbral de danos de P. hysterophorus en plantacion de pimiento y siembra directa de tomate. 1986. Resumenes Congreso ALAM, Guadalajara 37.
Asha Kumari, J., Rama Chandra Prasad, P., Reddy, K.B.
Agarwal, K.K., Kumar Nath, A., Jaisankar, T.J., DæSouza, M.


text:
Q: Linq to XML - From table to XDocument I would like to generate an XDocument from my table (the structure is different) but I keep getting the following error :
LINQ to Entities does not recognize the method 'System.String ToString()' method.
I know this is caused by the Birthdate and I would need to use SqlFunctions.StringConvert but I'm working with Framework 4.0
Any ideas on how to solve that?
// Newsletter subscriptions
var news = new XDocument(new XDeclaration("1.0", "utf-8", "yes"),
            new XElement("USER",
            from n in _dc.Newsletter_Datas
            where n.Timestamp >= startDate
            select
               new XElement("ROW",
                    new XElement("UTI", n.ID),
                    new XElement("FIRSTNAME", n.FirstName),
                    new XElement("FAMILYNAME", n.LastName),
                    new XElement("GENDER", n.Gender),
                    new XElement("BIRTHDATE", n.BirthDate != null ? n.BirthDate.Value.ToString("yyyy-MM-dd") : "2003-01-01"),
                    new XElement("LANGUAGE", n.Language),
                    new XElement("EMAIL", n.Email),
                    new XElement("STREETNAME", n.StreetName),
                    new XElement("HOUSENR", n.HouseNr),
                    new XElement("BOXNR", n.BoxNr),
                    new XElement("ZIPCODE", n.Zipcode),
                    new XElement("CITY", n.City),
                    new XElement("COUNTRY", n.Country),
                    new XElement("TS", n.Timestamp.ToString("yyyy-MM-dd hh:mm:ss")),
                    new XElement("MESSAGE_ID", "SCNEWS02"),
                    new XElement("OPT_INS",
                        new XElement("OPT_IN",
                            new XElement("OPT_IN_CBP", "01000000000"),
                            new XElement("OPT_IN_INSERT_TS", n.Timestamp.ToString("yyyy-MM-dd hh:mm:ss")),
                            new XElement("OPT_IN_METHOD", "1"),
                            new XElement("OPT_IN_TYPE", n.OptIn),
                            new XElement("OPT_IN_CHANNEL", "2"))))));

Thank you very much

A: Break your query into separate parts, the first part is the query itself.  That will be handled by the entity framework.  Then cast that query to an IEnumerable<NewsletterData>  to finish it off using LINQ to objects.  Entity Framework can't do more than a simple projection (which you are clearly not doing).
var query =
    from n in _dc.Newsletter_Datas
    where n.Timestamp >= startDate
    select n;
var news = new XDocument(new XDeclaration("1.0", "utf-8", "yes"),
    new XElement("USER",
        from n in query.AsEnumerable() // LINQ to objects
        select new XElement("ROW",
            new XElement("UTI", n.ID),
            new XElement("FIRSTNAME", n.FirstName),
            new XElement("FAMILYNAME", n.LastName),
            new XElement("GENDER", n.Gender),
            new XElement("BIRTHDATE", n.BirthDate != null ? n.BirthDate.Value.ToString("yyyy-MM-dd") : "2003-01-01"),
            new XElement("LANGUAGE", n.Language),
            new XElement("EMAIL", n.Email),
            new XElement("STREETNAME", n.StreetName),
            new XElement("HOUSENR", n.HouseNr),
            new XElement("BOXNR", n.BoxNr),
            new XElement("ZIPCODE", n.Zipcode),
            new XElement("CITY", n.City),
            new XElement("COUNTRY", n.Country),
            new XElement("TS", n.Timestamp.ToString("yyyy-MM-dd hh:mm:ss")),
            new XElement("MESSAGE_ID", "SCNEWS02"),
            new XElement("OPT_INS",
                new XElement("OPT_IN",
                    new XElement("OPT_IN_CBP", "01000000000"),
                    new XElement("OPT_IN_INSERT_TS", n.Timestamp.ToString("yyyy-MM-dd hh:mm:ss")),
                    new XElement("OPT_IN_METHOD", "1"),
                    new XElement("OPT_IN_TYPE", n.OptIn),
                    new XElement("OPT_IN_CHANNEL", "2")
                )
            )
        )
    )
);

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


¡Me encanta este lugar en particular!
Thanks Istvan. There is a link to the site in the sidebar of my blog but the university where it is hosted has redone their website and it is offline at the moment. I have emailed Dr Atzbach to see if it can be put back online, I actually have a locally cached copy of it here because I had it on my laptop to refer to when I wasn't on the 'net. In the meantime the Internet Archive has a copy which can be found here:I will add a link in the sidebar to the cached version.


text:
HOME > NEWSROOM > PRESS CENTER > The Christian Broadcasting Network to Receive the 2017 NRB Award for TV Broadcaster of the Year
James A. Smith Sr.
press@nrb.org
The Christian Broadcasting Network to Receive the 2017 NRB Award for TV Broadcaster of the Year
WASHINGTON (NRB) – The Christian Broadcasting Network will receive the 2017 NRB Media Award for TV Broadcaster of the Year on Thursday, March 2, at Proclaim 17, the NRB International Christian Media Convention in Orlando, Florida.
The NRB Media Award for TV Broadcaster of the Year is presented to a Christian television broadcaster that displays innovative and creative programming through its daily schedule; is a force for the Gospel in its coverage of Christian events, issues, and stories; demonstrates a commitment to produce original programming to meet the spiritual needs of its viewing audience; and works in partnership with churches and ministries to provide a media platform for voices unable to be heard elsewhere.
Fifty-five years ago, The Christian Broadcasting Network started the first Christian television station in the nation. Today, with 17 production centers in 15 countries, CBN has grown to be one of the largest producers of Christian television in the world with original programming in 38 languages broadcasting in 149 countries.
The TV Broadcaster of the Year Award is one of 21 awards that will be presented during Proclaim 17, which takes place February 27-March 2, 2017, at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando. For the complete list of 2017 award recipients, click here.
About NRB
The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) is a nonpartisan, international association of Christian communicators whose member organizations represent millions of listeners, viewers, and readers. Our mission is to advance biblical truth; to promote media excellence; and to defend free speech. In addition to promoting standards of excellence, integrity, and accountability, NRB provides networking, educational, ministry, and fellowship opportunities for its members. Learn more at www.nrb.org.
About the NRB Convention
The annual NRB International Christian Media Convention is the largest nationally and internationally recognized event dedicated solely to assist those in the field of Christian communications. The dynamic Exposition consists of around 200 companies and is an active marketplace for those seeking tools and services to expand their organizations. The next Convention, Proclaim 17, will be held at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 27-March 2, 2017. For more information, go to www.nrbconvention.org.
National Religious Broadcasters
1 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 333
MobileCause Pulls Plug on Family Research Council One Hour Before Election Broadcast Event Over 'Hate Group' Label
Support for Local Radio Freedom Act Surpasses Majority in the House
NRB Thanks Senators for Urging POTUS to Ensure First Amendment Fairness for Churches
SCOTUS Delivers Major Wins for Religious Liberty with Rulings on Our Lady of Guadalupe and Little Sisters of the Poor Cases
NRB Urges Congressional Support for Local Radio Freedom Act as Majority Nears
NRB Members Respond to Killing of George Floyd and Protests in Minneapolis
NRB Encouraged by Administration's Review of Online Censorship
NRB Thanks Senators for Seeking Support for Nonprofits, Churches in Next COVID-19 Relief Proposal
NRB Welcomes New Senior VP of Communications, Dan Darling
NRB Applauds DOJ's Stand for Religious Freedom in Mississippi Church Case
« Newer Posts Older Posts » 1234567...75

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
A Sunset Community Music & Arts Event
Phoenix Performance Symposium
Bay Area Summer Opera Theater Institute
Friday January 19 2018, 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Incarnation Episcopal Church, 1750 29th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Arias by Bach, Beethoven, Vivaldi, Mozart, Donizetti, Verdi, Mendelssohn, Wagner and others as well as French and American composers.
BASOTI is an educational institute providing skills for pre-professional singers for a career in opera. By deepening our students' sense of artistic fulfillment and through high-quality public performances, BASOTI contributes to the evolution of opera and song as vital, contemporary art forms.
Nicole Takesono
Saturday February 10, 4 p.m.
Nicole Takesono was born and raised on the island of O'ahu in Kane'ohe, Hawai'i. After attending the prestigious Punahou preparatory school, she attended Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts where she received her B.A. in Music.
Vanessa Langer, soprano, and Vera Breheda, piano
Saturday April 7, 4 p.m.
Praised for her "flexible and multi-hued voice" (-San Francisco Classical Voice) and "enormous stage presence" (-New Classical LA), Soprano Vanessa Langer, an active voice in the baroque and contemporary classical music scene, enjoys a close working relationship with emerging composers from around the world. Her work has been recognize through various awards and fellowships including a Winter Music Creative Residency at the Banff Center for the Arts in Canada, the New Horizon Fellowship from the Aspen Music Festival & School, the Eisner Prize for Creative Achievement in the Arts and the Albert King Scholarship from the University of California at Berkeley. She has given more than 30 world premieres and appeared under the auspices of the Stanford New Ensemble, The Legion of Honor Listening Series, The San Francisco Presidio Sessions, Composer's Inc. Bamm! Festival and San Francisco Music Day.
Vera Breheda , born in Hamburg, Germany of Ukrainian parents, came to the U.S at age three. She spent her early childhood in Buffalo, New York where piano and dance consumed most of her after school time. Her early memories were of her parents singing folk songs of their native Ukraine. At age 11, Vera's family moved to San Francisco where she soon became a scholarship piano student of Alma Harrington, Adolph Baller, and Marcus Gordon. at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Within several years, she was soloist with the San Francisco Symphony in a special youth concert. She continued her studies with Martin Canin at SUNY Stony Brook, and Leonard Shure in Boston, and in 1983 gave her New York recital debut at Carnegie Recital Hall (Weill Recital Hall). Performing music of many styles, from Baroque to 21st century, Vera Breheda's concertizing has taken her from San Francisco, to New York, Boston, Los Angeles and Seattle, as well as to Germany Austria, Czechoslovakia, Japan and Russia. Vera Breheda has appeared as soloist with the Prague Chamber Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony, the Oakland Symphony, the Thalia Orchestra in Seattle, the Kensington Symphony, the Diablo Valley Philharmonic, and the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra.
Saturday April 14 2018, 7:30 p.m.
Arias by Mozart, Gounod, Massenet, Mascagni, Verdi, Tchaikovsky, Barber, and Copeland.
Sunday April 29 2018, 7:30 p.m.
Arias by Mozart, Offenbach, Weber, Saint-Saëns, Wagner.
Friday June 8 2018, 7:30 p.m.
Arias by Mozart, Verdi, Ponchielli, Wagner, R. Strauss, Berg, Schumann, and J. Strauss.
Sunday June 10 2018, 7:30 p.m.
Arias by Puccini, Massenet, Menotti, and other favorite arias to end the
Phoenix Recital Symposium 2018.
Gayatri Venkatesan (soprano) in concert
Saturday September 1, 7:30 p.m.
Gayatri recently graduated from San Jose State University. During her time there, she actively participated in the San Jose State Opera Theater program, where she played roles such as Eurydice (Orpheus in the Underworld), Maria (Westside Story), and Marie (The Daughter of the Regiment). She has also participated in the Opera Chorus at Silicon Valley Community Opera production of Madame Butterfly in Spring of 2015 Additionally, she has been singing with the choir at the Union Church of Cupertino under the direction of Dr. Ross Hoksbergen since June of 2016.


text:
Agrawal G
Das A
Gupta G
Accessory hemizygous channel
obstructed inferior vena cava
uninterrupted inferior vena cava
An unusual case of uninterrupted inferior vena cava with accessory hemizygous channel: An incidental finding in a child
Gaurav Agrawal1, Anupam Das2, Gaurav Gupta2
1 Department of Pediatric Cardiology, BL Kapur Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India
2 Department of Cardio-thoracic and Vascular Surgery, BL Kapur Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India
Date of Acceptance 14-Nov-2019
Azygos or hemizygous continuation of inferior vena cava (IVC) is diagnosed in the presence of intrahepatic interruption of IVC. We report a case of a 4-year-old, male child presenting with a history of poor weight gain. A detailed evaluation of the child revealed a diagnosis of hemizygous continuation of uninterrupted, but severely obstructed, IVC. This incidental finding has rarely been reported in the literature.
Keywords: Accessory hemizygous channel, obstructed inferior vena cava, uninterrupted inferior vena cava
Agrawal G, Das A, Gupta G. An unusual case of uninterrupted inferior vena cava with accessory hemizygous channel: An incidental finding in a child. Ann Card Anaesth 2020;23:512-4
Agrawal G, Das A, Gupta G. An unusual case of uninterrupted inferior vena cava with accessory hemizygous channel: An incidental finding in a child. Ann Card Anaesth [serial online] 2020 [cited 2021 Jan 19];23:512-4. Available from: https://www.annals.in/text.asp?2020/23/4/512/298512
Interruption of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is rare, with a reported incidence of 1:5000 based on prenatal ultrasound screening. In the majority of the cases, it presents as an isolated anomaly, although it may be associated with cardiac or splenic abnormalities and often with left atrial isomerism. Azygos continuation of IVC is commonly associated with congenital heart defects like a complete atrioventricular septal defect, double outlet right ventricle, ventricular outflow tract obstructions, total anomalous pulmonary vein drainage, complete heart block, and viscera-cardiac heterotaxy.[1]
The prevalence of azygos continuation of the IVC approaches 0.6–2% in association with congenital heart defects and less than 0.3% when isolated.[2]
Hemizygous or azygous continuation of an obstructed IVC is still a rare anomaly. We report such a case of hemizygous continuation of the IVC in the presence of a severely obstructed IVC without atrial isomerism.
A 4-year-old, male child weighing 10 kg (birth weight 2.5 kg) reported with a history of poor weight gain and failure to thrive (body mass index [BMI] 12.5). There was no history of recurrent respiratory tract infection, cyanosis, dyspnea, edema, and abdominal distension. Antenatal, natal, and postnatal periods were uneventful. Family and socioeconomic history were normal. On examination, his vitals were unremarkable, and saturation was 97% in all four limbs on room air. Auscultation revealed a short systolic murmur all over the precordium. Respiratory, abdominal, and neurological examinations were unremarkable.
Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed situs solitus, levocardia, right-sided IVC, and left-sided aorta on the subcostal short-axis view; however, the direct drainage of IVC into the right atrium could not be confirmed on subcostal long-axis view [Figure 1]a. An upward draining venous channel was detected in the subcostal long-axis view on the left side of the descending aorta [Figure 1]b and Supplementary Video 1].
Right superior vena cava (RSVC) was draining into the right atrium. There was persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) draining into the coronary sinus (CS) with no innominate bridging vein and normal pulmonary venous drainage and no intracardiac defect. The rest of the cardiac anatomy was unexceptional on echocardiography.
Figure 1: (a) Unclear drainage of inferior vena cava (IVC) on transthoracic echocardiogram in the subcostal long-axis view. (b) Transthoracic echocardiogram showing upward draining venous channel on the left side of the descending aorta in the subcostal long-axis view
The chest radiograph and ultrasound of the abdomen excluded the presence of atrial isomerism with utmost certainty. There was no evidence of Budd–Chiari malformation or hepatic vena cava syndrome (HVCS) on the abdominal ultrasound. To determine the IVC drainage into the right atrium, we contemplated the options of computerized tomographic angiography (CTA) or cardiac catheterization angiography. Although an invasive procedure, cardiac catheterization was still preferred over CTA to obtain hemodynamic data, which were not possible with a CTA.
Diagnostic cardiac catheterization was done under conscious sedation, which showed severely obstructed intrahepatic part of IVC that was draining into right atrium [[Figure 2]a and Supplementary Video 2], and there was a hemizygous continuation of IVC that was draining into the right atrium via LSVC and CS [[Figure 2]b and Supplementary Video 2]. There was a mean pressure difference of 6 mmHg between the right atrium and IVC. The pressure difference was measured using a 4 French multipurpose A2 catheter (Cordis Corporation) by the pullback method through the right femoral venous route. Cardiac catheterization was performed to confirm the anatomy and establish the diagnosis.
Figure 2: (a) Angiographic image in anteroposterior view showing drainage of obstructed inferior vena cava (IVC) into the right atrium. (b) Angiographic image in anteroposterior view showing drainage of the hemizygous venous channel into the right atrium via left superior vena cava (LSVC) and coronary sinus (CS)
It is unlikely that this incidental and rare anatomical anomaly had any pathological concerns for the patient in view of the failure to thrive and poor weight gain. The parents were counseled and the patient was advised to consult a pediatrician for a detailed evaluation of poor weight gain to exclude other causes of failure to thrive, namely, nutritional deficiencies, collagen vascular diseases (including serum antinuclear antibody and rheumatoid factor), celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, gastroesophageal reflux, and intestinal parasites. The child is under regular follow-up with the pediatrician.
The child later underwent detailed nutritional and serological work up with the pediatrician and was diagnosed with celiac disease. His serum test was positive for antitransglutaminase immunoglobulin A (IgA). He is being managed with proper dietary modifications, including gluten-free diet and nutritional supplementation and, currently, under bimonthly follow-up with adequate weight gain.
Congenital malformations and abnormalities of IVC and its tributaries have been rarely reported.
During embryological development, IVC is composed of the hepatic, prerenal, renal, and postrenal segments, which undergo segmental fusion, regression, and midline anastomosis. Failure of the hepatic and prerenal segments to fuse results in infrahepatic interruption of IVC, the most common developmental anomaly of the IVC. The infrahepatic IVC may continue either as the azygos vein or hemizygous vein to the LSVC.[3],[4],[5]
This vascular anomaly is most frequently associated with visceral heterotaxy, atrial septal defects, left atrial isomerism (polysple1nia syndrome), and right atrial isomerism (asplenia syndrome).[6],[7]
Although most of these isolated anomalies are incidental findings, they may have clinical implications in certain situations. The dilated azygos vein may be misdiagnosed as a mediastinal mass on chest radiography.[8]
It is hypothesized that the symptoms and prognosis are related to associated congenital heart disease.
There are several reports of interrupted IVC with azygos or hemizygous continuation in literature, but this combination of congenital IVC malformation, in which there was patent but severely obstructed intrahepatic part of IVC along with accessory hemizygous channel with no evidence of isomerism, has been infrequently reported in the literature until now. Most of the cases are supposed to be asymptomatic and are detected incidentally.
A thorough literature search revealed a case of widely patent IVC with azygos continuation.[9]
Obstructed IVC mandates an escape route for the blood from the lower part of the body to be diverted via the persistence of an embryonal anastomosis between the primordia of IVC and azygos or hemizygous system.
In our case, the patient had no signs of obstructed IVC, namely, ascites or pedal edema; hence, he was advised for follow-up at regular intervals.
Palliative implantation of a stent in the IVC may be an option that can be anticipated for maintaining its patency at later stages if symptomatology of IVC obstruction develops.
Bronshtein M, Khatib N, Blumenfeld Z. Prenatal diagnosis and outcome of isolated interrupted inferior vena cava. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2010;202:398.e1-398.e4.
Colak MH, Rahman A, Kocaturk H, Bayram E, Kocakoc E. Interrupted inferior vena cava and partial anomalous pulmonary venous return with atrial septal defect in a 38-year-old adult: A case report. Cases J 2009;2:7346-51.
Vijayvergiya R, Bhat MN, Kumar RM, Vivekanand SG, Grover A. Azygos continuation of interrupted inferior vena cava in association with sick sinus syndrome. Heart 2005;91:e26.
Kocaturk H, Erol MK, Onbas O. Images in cardiology: Asymptomatic inferior vena cava anomaly in an adult: Three dimensional multislice CT image. Heart 2005;91:1514.
Arakawa A, Nagata Y, Miyagi S, Takahashi M. Case report: Interruption of inferior vena cava with anomalous continuations. J Comput Tomogr 1987;11:341-5.
Phoon CK, Villegas MD, Ursell PC, Silverman NH. Left atrial isomerism detected in fetal life. Am J Cardiol 1996;77:1083-8.
Ruscazio M, Van Praagh S, Marrass AR, Catani G, Illiceto S, Van Praagh R. Interrupted inferior vena cava in asplenia syndrome and a review of the hereditary patterns of visceral situs abnormalities. Am J Cardiol 1998;81:111-6.
Beedie RJ, Yeo W, Morcos SK. Congenital absence of the intrahepatic segment of the inferior vena cava with azygos continuation presenting as a mediastinal mass. Postgrad Med J 1989;65:253-5.
Schneeweiss A, Bleiden LC, Deutsch V, Shem-Tov A, Neufeld HN. Uninterrupted inferior vena cava with azygos continuation. CHEST, 80: 1981 July, 1.
Gaurav Agrawal
Pediatric Cardiology, BL Kapur Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi - 110 005
DOI: 10.4103/aca.ACA_117_19


Here's a fact that not many people know about me… It's one of my 'super powers'.
I'm really great at opening jars.
It may not seem a big deal, but trust me, it totally comes in handy.
So how did I develop my super strength?
It was something I figured out during my very first job in a winery. Now making wine is awesome fun but it's also really physical. There's lots of pumping, shoveling, lifting barrels and climbing.
Coming from the corporate world this was a struggle for me. Plus being the only girl in the winery. It was tough.
One day I was struggling to disconnect a hose fitting from a tank. My hands were aching. There was a lot of swearing. It wasn't pretty. Then one of the more experienced guys came over to help.
He showed me that if I lifted the hose to take the pressure off the fitting it was easy to loosen the screw.
Not long after, I was in my kitchen struggling to open a jar of tomato pasta sauce. It wouldn't budge. There wasn't any one around with muscles I could borrow.
Then it occurred to me… The lid was under pressure (or really a vacuum).
What if I released the pressure?
I grabbed a butter knife, jammed it under the side of the lid. When I hear that satisfying 'pop' of the lid being released I tried again. The lid twisted almost effortlessly.
So there you have it. My 'secret' to opening tricky jars.
What about that half full jar of honey or jam where the lid is literally 'stuck' on?
Place some boiling water in a bowl… about an inch (2.5cm) deep. Upend the offending jar and leave it lid down in the water for a few minutes. Then remove the jar from the water and using a dry tea towel or cloth carefully twist off the lid. Done.
Although if it's still stuck leave it a few more minutes in more boiling water.
At the end of last Summer I was heavily into roasting eggplant, zucchini and capsicum (bell peppers). This simple combo of eggplant and spicy sausage was one of my favourites!
2. Chop eggplant into 2cm (1in) cubes. Halve tomatoes if large and thickly slice chorizo. Toss eggplant, tomato and chorizo in a large baking tray. Drizzle with a good glug of olive oil and season with salt.
3. Roast for 45 minutes. Stir and cook longer if needed. You want the eggplant to be really soft.
4. Divide between two bowls and serve with spinach / salad and mayo on the side.
vegetarian – replace chorizo with extra veg such as sliced zucchini or an extra eggplant (aubergine). Consider serving with some roast nuts or a poached egg for extra protein.
no mayo / egg-free – replace Mayo with a dollop of soft cheese like labneh or goats cheese. Hummus will also be lovely as will natural yoghurt.
other veg – feel free to add diced onion, sliced zucchini, chopped capsicum (bell peppers) and / or whole cloves of garlic.
not hot / small person-friendly – use mild chorizo or non-spicy sausages. You can bake the sausages whole if it's easier than slicing (or crumble the meat out of the casings).
carb-lovers – toss in cooked pasta before serving or serve on a bed of cooked quinoa or brown rice. Also great with crusty bread for mopping up the juices!
herby – toss in torn basil or parsley before serving.
Cook eggplant, chorizo and tomato as per the recipe but don't add the salad or mayo. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze. To serve wam in the oven or a frying pan and serve with spinach / salad and mayo.
I know. The problem with the 'butter knife' technique is that it bends the lid so it won't seal again completely. So don't use it if you're planning on reusing your jars for anywhere you need an air tight seal like preserves or jam.
pps. Tired of deciding what to cook?
I usually just wrap a rubberband around the lid, or take any rubber (or latex) gloves to get some grip, most of the time it works great. I tried the knofe method a couple of times, but I was afraid to damage the knife.
I bang the side of the lid attached to the jar against the wooden chopping board until it pops. Works every time.
I tap all around the edge of the top with a knife and likewise works like a charm every time!
Another technique that works well for opening vacuum-sealed jars is to tap the edge of the lid on your counter (or bench) all the way around. That usually loosens it up nicely. For things like honey or molasses jars, I try to keep the rim clean, because that goes a long way to keeping the lids from sticking. I'll probably be trying a version of today's recipe because your Magic Sausage Supper is one of our all-time favorites.
And I try and keep rims clean too but not everyone in the house does as well!
A better way to break the vacuum seal is to just hit the bottom of the jar with your hand a couple of times. You need to hit it fairly hard, but not so hard you hurt yourself. My grandma has been doing this for years and taught me the trick. This way you don't damage the lid, your knife, or risk cutting yourself.
I was a professional weekend bartender for the better part of two decades. When we would drain one bottle, we had to open the back-up, switch the speed-pour and continue mixing the drink before the customer knew what was happening.
Karen's grandma had the right idea. The trick is to hold the bottle or jar securely in one hand, tip it over, when the contents shift to contact the lid or cap … hit the bottom at the same time. Once.