World’s Most Expensive Medicines

While the debate over healthcare continues, Forbes has released a list of the nine most expensive drugs in the world—each of which costs patients over $200,000 annually.

At the top of the list is Soliris (eculizumab), produced by Alexion Pharmaceuticals to treat, ahem, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. PNH is a rare and life-threatening disease and is the only form of hemolytic anemia—a deficiency in red blood cells caused by their destruction, as opposed to low production—that is acquired rather than inherited.

PNH affects approximately 8,000 Americans. It’s because of that low figure that Alexion can charge $409,500 per year for the most expensive drug in the world. The rarity of the condition means there are very few competitors to compete with for pricing.

The second most expensive medicine in the world is Elaprase at $375,000 annually. It was created by Shire Pharmaceuticals to treat Hunter Syndrome, which has symptoms ranging from a flattened nose to brain damage and afflicts 2,000 people worldwide. The third is Naglazyme, produced by BioMarin Pharmaceuticals, which treats an even rarer disorder that enlarges the head and causes short stature. That drug costs $365,000 annually.

Eyjafjallajökull

The Iceland eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in April 2010
Here us a story from cnn.com

(CNN) — Weather experts predicted Friday that a volcanic ash causing chaos to air traffic across Europe would affect the region well into the weekend and possibly beyond as the dust cloud continued to spread.

Scientists said it was too soon to predict when the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland would cease spewing ash, raising the prospect of thousands more grounded flights in coming days.

Prevailing westerly winds are expected to fan the massive plume of dust from an erupting volcano in Iceland further east and north, according to predictions from the London Ash Advisory Center.

By 07:00 GMT Saturday (7 p.m. ET) the cloud traveling at up to 9,000 meters (30,000 feet) is forecast to be covering parts of Russia, Poland, Finland and other East European countries while continuing to affect the UK, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Denmark and Netherlands.

Volcanic ash still causing travel chaos

Northern parts of Sweden, the UK, and Ireland, which have begun to reinstate air flights, would remain in the clear for the time being, according to forecasts.

CNN meteorologist Brandon Miller said upper-level winds will remain largely from the same direction, from the North and West, over the next 40 hours, bringing ash from the volcano into northern Europe.

“We expect the speed of the winds to decrease over Iceland and the North Sea, however, which could limit the distance the plume will travel, as well as limit the concentration of the ash if and when it reaches mainland Europe,” he said.

View this Story Here: http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/…

iMaxi – The original Apple iPad Case/Cover with Protective Wings – White/White

Introducing Hip Handmaids’ exclusive iMaxi—the only Apple iPad case made with protective wings!

With its durable vinyl outer layer and plush, quilted-cotton sleeve, the iMaxi helps keep your iPad clean and dry. Plus, the iMaxi’s Velcro-latched, advanced wing design wraps snugly around your device, so your iPad always stays where it should. Best of all, it shields it from all those unsightly and embarrassing data leaks that would make any motherboard worry!

Each handmade iMaxi can be easily customized to fit your active lifestyle. Please view other listings for different color options and styles. If you don’t see a color you like, just ask.

It’s the perfect one-of-a-kind embarrassing gift for the Apple geek in your life. Don’t be caught letting your iPad show!

ORDER YOUR iMaxi CASE TODAY! [Due to overwhelming demand, please allow for up to two weeks for delivery.]

As seen on:
• Mashable.com
• Gizmodo.com
• MacWorld.com
• And more…

Bird Singing Contest in Yala 2010

Thai Muslim villagers look at birds in cages during in a bird-singing contest in Yala province, about 1,100 km (683 miles) south of Bangkok March 7, 2010. About 6,000 birds took part in the competition. (Reuters)

Infografic for famous movie quotes