Exposure to the oil for a prolonged period of time can result in a toxic effect on the skin, and mammals can suffer lung damage or death after breathing it in, Bossart said.

CNN: Oil spill could be disaster for animals, experts say

In one scale there was a 5 point improvement in symptoms in the placebo pill group, but people who got nothing had a 4 point improvement over the same period of time This suggests that the main effect here is the passage of time.

FORBES: Harvard Placebo Study Was Seriously Overhyped

So, again, those are real people out there who will suffer if sequester goes into effect and stays into effect for a substantial period of time.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefings

As Katrina demonstrated, if the electricity goes off for any protracted period of time, there is a cascading ripple-effect which takes down the means by which we communicate, get food and water, access financial resources, receive medical services, dispose of sewage and move from one location to another.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: EMP and you

For somebody with my background and record with respect to coronary artery disease and previous heart attacks, there is that possibility of abnormal heartbeats and about two weeks ago we did a test that's, in effect, an electrocardiogram that you wear for a long period of time.

CNN: Vice President on his latest heart problem

So he could have a profound effect on the outcome of the ACA in a very short period of time.

FORBES: Daschle: Mitt Romney Can Repeal 'Bulk' of Obamacare With a Senate Majority

To clarify, as has been raised to us by counsel for Branca and McClain since our article first was posted, the will was admitted to probate and the time period for challenging of the validity of the will under California law passed, which has the effect of determining that the will is valid.

FORBES: Michael Jackson's Siblings Promise New Fight Over His Estate