unicorn

I'm finishing by Danube/Balkan trip soon. We visited Chisinau today and will visit Transnistria tomorrow. When I get back, maybe I can see about adding Wyatt's to the names/photos string. I have no recollection as to how many Wyatt's I have. It's not super-common a name, so hopefully a manageable number. https://www.gayguides.com/topic/78782-pick-a-name/

We're visiting Romania, passed by this bank, and my husband mused "Is that a blood bank?".

I don't understand how HIV antibody tests prevent transmission in.such a setting. In fact, the first few weeks after infection (before the antibodies appear) is when an HIV-infected person is the most contagious. If you engage in risky behavior (especially anal sex), you must practice universal precautions (preferably PrEP and condoms, or at least PEP, or at a very minimum a condom alone). HIV testing your partner won't help you. Those who have HIV and are under effective treatment will have HIV antibodies but be undetectable, and therefore not contagious.

CT's (unlike regular X-rays) expose patients who receive them with very significant doses of radiation. In fact, the radiation from one abdominal CT increases a patient's risk of developing cancer due to the radiation by 1 in 1000. (A combined Chest/Abdomen CT increases the risk to 1/500!). To receive annual CT's would involve very substantially increasing the risk that the screening itself leads to cancer! I suspect that what your doctor will say is that she just wanted to make sure the cyst (or perhaps mass) isn't getting bigger. However, that is not what the professional guidelines advise. It's also rather dangerous. Pancreatic cancers are among the most fast-growing cancers affecting humans, which is why the only hope of cure is to remove it before it grows. Chest CT scanning is recommended for smokers or former smokers--but it only reduces mortality from non small-cell lung cancers. The mortality from small-cell lung cancers (SCC), another human cancer which spreads with amazing speed, is not reduced by lung cancer screening. Once SCC starts growing, it's game over. If she won't do (or refer you for) endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), I'd get it done elsewhere.

Is pre and/or post-exposure prophylaxis not available in other countries? I can't understand why people contract HIV these days. Even in the case of rape, one can still take post-exposure prophylaxis. 🤔

Sorry, but her advice was incorrect. MRI's are effective at finding cysts, even very small ones, but an endoscopic ultrasound is needed to differentiate a cyst (common) from a solid lesion (such as cancer). If there is a solid lesion, an endoscopic biopsy is needed. https://www.google.com/search?q=What+is+the+best+method+to+screen+high-risk+individuals+for+pancreatic+cancer%3F&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&amc=1&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCjIyNzA3ajBqMzGoAgOwAgE&oq=What+is+the+best+method+to+screen+high-risk+individuals+for+pancreatic+cancer%3F&udm=50&aep=42&cud=0&qsubts=1779339881497&source=chrome.crn.rb&ccb=1&cs=0&hl=en-US&biw=1410&bih=754&mstk=AUtExfBntoG1KvRob7OdULLiRuCYtSLUAT3Ynw1OdAwK5FRHfYoRf6jUH530K6sjG3s2XIUfzMijS2RD-Wtsa6oh6R2upuMHQyHBcljn43FBHR4uCp8Wb4wjSi7ggfGM8DcJZjZxeOTToZB0IFMN4o1fxYdJJDy8V4VCiuuPVsgihr57izLS5npY4fCEZDE56I4NauIw2436nNIUpmeMDMSp0jNuUGr8kMENNEO5wBh_6e0dvNUhbCEEKaJQzYPnz-ZVJ64GgGytYuHTiVdXH49A-RWYst23GsSRDhM&csuir=1 Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP/MRI): This noninvasive, radiation-free imaging method provides highly detailed views of the pancreatic tissue and bile ducts. It is highly sensitive at identifying cystic lesions (like IPMNs) that could transition into cancer. Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): Performed under sedation, a gastroenterologist guides a thin, flexible scope down the esophagus into the stomach. An ultrasound probe at the tip allows for unmatched resolution of the pancreas from just millimeters away. EUS is exceptionally skilled at detecting small, solid masses as small as 5mm that an MRI might miss. [1, 2, 4, 5, 7] "Why EUS and MRI are Used Together MRI / MRCP: This non-invasive scan is highly accurate for mapping the pancreatic ducts and detecting fluid-filled cystic lesions. It serves as an excellent, painless baseline tool. Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): This minimally invasive procedure involves passing a thin scope down the esophagus into the stomach. Because the stomach sits right next to the pancreas, EUS is exceptionally sensitive at detecting very small, solid tumors. Biopsy Capability: If a suspicious lesion or mass is found, an EUS allows the physician to perform an immediate fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy for pathological confirmation, which an MRI cannot do. " IPMN's refer to pre-cancerous (potentially turn into cancers) cysts. So some cysts can turn cancerous, but only EUS (endoscopic ultrasound) can figure that out. MRI's show only the cyst.

There is no blood test (or any other recommended screening for the general population) for pancreatic cancer. If a cancer is present CA-125 (not 25), can help monitor treatment, but it is NOT a screening test for any kind of cancer (CA-125 can be elevated in multiple types of cancers). As I stated previously, the only ways to screen for pancreatic cancer (not even tested as effective, but probably makes sense) are invasive, endoscopic tests, and therefore only recommended for those at particularly high risk.

While the risk of stroke can be substantially reduced by avoiding nicotine, and controlling BP, cholesterol, and blood sugars, one that occurs at 27 is usually either due to an extremely avoidable use of cocaine and/or amphetamines, or to something completely unavoidable, such as a tear in one of the arteries to the brain, a ruptured aneurysm, and so on, which occur quickly and with no warning. Brain aneurysms are difficult to screen for, and currently recommended only for people with TWO first-degree relatives with ruptured aneurysms, and some rare conditions causing weak tissues such as Marfan's or Ehlers-Danlos (the "rubber skin" condition). You are right in stating that screening for pancreatic cancers is very difficult, as any screening for pancreatic cancer would involve invasive procedures (having the patient under anesthesia and putting tubes through the stomach into the duodenum/small intestine). Such screening is again only recommended for those with TWO first-degree relatives with pancreatic cancer (or 3 total relatives), and those with certain genetic mutations such as BRCA genes. Essentially, the vast majority of pancreatic cancer cases happen out of the blue and cannot be prevented. Man with a form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome:

I do recall posting a similar string about synthetic men on a post a while back. Here's an example: https://spartanlover.com/products/511-male-sex-doll-lucian?variant=46010979254530&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AfmBOoq7u27r7LPxM8W36jIWBunRthjVXhaHQ5iKxcfwN-u8Eu96hWphyGs https://spartanlover.com/collections/male-sex-dolls

While staying physically active certainly helps, and I either walk at least 3 miles/5 km and/or swim 30 laps every day, eventually time catches up with anyone who lives long enough. My step-mother is in her mid 90s, and her accumulating orthopedic problems have also made her look for a place at Belmont Village (in her area), as it's becoming very difficult for her to get around and prepare meals. My oldest friend, who's now 106 (yes, she was born in 1919!) also needs help, although she remained fit even in her old age, windsurfing in the Potomac River near DC into her late 80s, and playing tennis into her early 90s. However, age catches up to everyone eventually, even if we follow our physicians' advice diligently (especially with respect to diet, exercise, etc.). My old friend was proud of winning windsurfing competitions in her 80s--although she was the only person in the octogenarian category! 😉 Quite a person with amazing stories to tell, including climbing over the Pyrenees Mountains to escape Nazi-occupied France in 1940, eventually making it to the Belgian embassy in Madrid, and later to the Congo, to wait out the war (she had both French and Belgian citizenship).

If I'd have to guess, I'd guess that those Americans who avail themselves of those services are somewhat comfortable in Spanish, though the facilities are bilingual. The cost of assisted care in the US exceeds $50,000 per year, so if you don't have that meager income, you'll be destitute quite quickly. Many people don't realize that after Mexico, the US is the country with the greatest number Spanish speakers. Certainly in Los Angeles, it seems to be a language one uses often (and when I was working in northern California, one I used every day at work). You are right Ajijic and San Miguel de Allende aren't the place to get advanced cancer treatments, etc., but those are available under Medicare in the US. What Ajijic and SMdA offer are assisted living for people who have memory problems, or are wheelchair bound and need assistance with transfers (i.e. bed to wheelchair), etc. My father suffered a stroke in his early 80s and would have been in deep trouble if his wife weren't physically capable of transferring him and cooking his meals. He did eventually lose most mobility, and ended needing extended care. My mother had memory problems and couldn't even tell time, much less cook a meal or take care of her basic needs. She had long-term care insurance and spent her last days at a pleasant assisted living facility. If I need only assistance with transfers and/or meals in my old age, I trust my husband would provide these for me. I've told him that if I lose my marbles, I have long-term care insurance, and he should get me a place at Belmont Village. https://www.belmontvillage.com/losangeles/ If I didn't have those options, Ajijic and SMdA would be good options I'd consider (and yes, I'm fluent in Spanish).

It's fairly common for US seniors who need assisted living to do so in Ajijic, a lakeside community not far from Guadalajara. One does need to get Mexican residency (not too tough to obtain) and Mexican healthcare insurance, since Medicare isn't valid abroad. San Miguel de Allende is another common place for assisted retirement. I personally have long-term-care insurance, which will pay for in-home care (and my husband hopefully will also be able to help when the time comes). https://www.nursinghomelakechapala.com/servicios

And the man's 24, not 19: https://aintstraight.com/2026/04/30/undercover-twist-barber-arrested-after-allegedly-sexually-assaulting-client-who-turned-out-to-be-police-officer/?fbclid=IwY2xjawR0To1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFrdVNTNjRGYjJDUTdwZU9Rc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHs_WKk0F8UzDxIaooVYF6XV6H1Csjn-rgtdvq74HVEVd6j5ipmQ1Omphu0mI_aem_vZwIOlhJXTy1u4tFfX5eSg

Well, I just looked it up. It turns out the man was arrested in San Ysidro, near the border with Mexico--some 3 hours from LA. So not really near LA at all. https://www.facebook.com/groups/566574660122119/posts/26758308593855368/

By any chance, does anyone here know where he cuts hair? 😉

I'm probably in the minority, but I get turned on by the body odor, especially the armpits. If I ask my husband if he might be in the mood for sex tomorrow, that's his code word to know not to apply anti-perspirants or deodorants or scents after showering in the morning. If I hire an escort, I request that they not put on any antiperspirant or deodorant after showering in the morning, and specifically ask them NOT to shower before seeing me. If possible, in fact, I'd prefer if they go to the gym or work out before the meeting. I once paid an escort to meet me at the top of a steep hiking trail near my house so I could buy his sweaty T-shirt for a good price.

Well, to be fair, most Americans disapprove of this war. November is 6 months away... https://www.instagram.com/p/DX1sEkqF_Tt/ https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2026/03/25/americans-broadly-disapprove-of-u-s-military-action-in-iran/ "...About six-in-ten Americans (61%) disapprove of Trump’s handling of the conflict, while 37% approve...".

That reminds me of that episode in M*A*S*H in which one of the soldiers proposes to another with a ring which was supposed to read "Over Hill, Over Dale, Our Love Will Never Fail," but the Korean ring-maker wrote "Our Love Will Ever Fail" by mistake. 😄

Well, these are the latest results, according to AI: As of early May 2026, the California governor's race is highly competitive and fractured, with Republican Steve Hilton [15%] and Democrat Xavier Becerra [18%] tied for the lead in recent California Democratic Party polling. The race is wide open following term limits for Gov. Gavin Newsom, with a large, divided field of candidates and roughly 26% of voters still undecided. Key Candidates and Poll Standings (Approximate)Steve Hilton (R): 16% – 18%, Xavier Becerra (D): 10% – 18%, Tom Steyer (D): 12% – 15%, Chad Bianco (R): 10% – 14%, Katie Porter (D): 8% – 10%, Matt Mahan (D): 4% – 5%. If I were to vote for my favorite, it'd be Matt Mahan, but California has a system in which the top two vote-getters face off, and it would be a disaster if it were a Bianco-Hilton face-off. Trump endorses Hilton and, Bianco is a complete nut-job. Out of fear of having a GOP vs GOP final election (although a Democrat could win as a write-in), I'll vote for Becerra. Steyer comes off as a complete sleazebag, Porter is abrasive, arrogant, and condescending. According to AI: Key criticisms from her detractors include: Poor Temperament: Critics argue she has an "unhappy" and combative demeanor, highlighting incidents where she shouted at staffer or acted rudely in interviews. Abusive Management Style: She has faced accusations of being an "abusive" and "racist" boss, specifically in reports about her treatment of staff, according to a POLITICO article. "Arrogant" and "Condescending": Opponents argue that her "whiteboard" style is condescending and that she acts with a sense of moral or intellectual superiority, according to a National Review article and the Medium article. Self-Destructive/Weak Candidate: Some critics, such as former state controller Betty Yee, have labeled her a "weak, self-destructive candidate unfit to lead California," particularly when facing pressure or difficult questioning. Political Missteps: Critics have described her as overambitious, pointing to her decision to run for the Senate instead of staying in the House as a move that let down her party

OK. I apologize for the confusion. Not mentioned in the OP was that there are now about 157 yen to the US dollar.

One word: marketing.

That explains the missing posts, thanks for clarifying.