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Fetus Yawning
This baby is sooo cute, yet, a mother can have this "yawning baby" aborted pretty much for any reason. And people are surprised when a wrestler uses his signature move to choke his 7-year old to death.
Now At: religiopoliticaltalk.com
This site is search-able for old posts and I will keep it up for that reason.
Fetus Yawning
This baby is sooo cute, yet, a mother can have this "yawning baby" aborted pretty much for any reason. And people are surprised when a wrestler uses his signature move to choke his 7-year old to death.
NPR's Ridley Rips Gore: Concert Trumps Your Son's Crisis
(I stand corrected on something… if anyone can tell me what I stand corrected on they will get my first published book signed by me with a wink, a nod, and a smack on the ass!)
This is what they voted for
What do the Democrats have to offer the tax-payer? Lets see:
They've launched over 300 investigations, had over 350 requests for documents and interviews and they have had over 600 oversight hearings in just about 100 days.
What the hell is wrong with this world?! An "Octo-Squid?? The real question is, how does it taste.
It's a squid, it's an octopus, it's ... a mystery from the deep.
What appears to be a half-squid, half-octopus specimen found off Keahole Point on the
Hate Crime?
I do not have enough info on who the victims were, but I would guess that if they were white, the press would never say it. However, if the victims were black and the attackers were white, this would be an instant "Hate-Crimes" case. With the area, I would fathom a logical guess that it was black-on-black crime, which makes up most of the crime committed against black people.
This story is sickening!
Did Cheney Lie? Did Libby Lie? No,
Yet after two years of investigation, Mr. Fitzgerald charged no one with a crime for leaking Ms. Plame's name. In fact, he learned early on that Mr. Novak's primary source was former deputy secretary of state Richard L. Armitage, an unlikely tool of the White House. The trial has provided convincing evidence that there was no conspiracy to punish Mr. Wilson by leaking Ms. Plame's identity -- and no evidence that she was, in fact, covert….
I could defend Libby further here, but I have already done that (just click the Libby "tag" below). This is not the purview of this post. This post is to clearly show that Joe Wilson lied. I do need to -- however -- settle one other area here before we go any further, that is the "Yellowcake" ruse the Left often use.
You may want to watch an NPR liberal, a NYT's lefty, one neo-con, and one Reaganite go at it on this very topic:
FactCheck.org says this: Both the Butler report and the Senate Intelligence Committee report make clear that Bush's 16 words weren't based on the fake documents. The British didn't even see them until after issuing the reports -- based on other sources -- that Bush quoted in his 16 words.
Bush's "sixteen word" statement in his State of the Union speech has been shown to be correct. People keep speaking about forged documents, however no one in the Bush administration or in print uses these forged documents as their source to say
Yes, there were fake documents relating to Niger-Iraq sales. But no, those forgeries were not the evidence that convinced British intelligence that Saddam may have been shopping for "yellowcake" uranium. But that's not all. The
According to the FT: "European intelligence officers have now revealed that three years before the fake documents became public, human and electronic intelligence sources from a number of countries picked up repeated discussion of an illicit trade in uranium from Niger. One of the customers discussed by the traders was
There's still more: As Susan Schmidt reported in the Washington Post: "Contrary to Wilson's assertions and even the government's previous statements, the CIA did not tell the White House it had qualms about the reliability of the Africa intelligence." She goes on to report that the bi-partisan Senate Intelligence "panel found that the CIA has not fully investigated possible efforts by Iraq to buy uranium in Niger to this day, citing reports from a foreign service and the U.S. Navy about uranium from Niger destined for Iraq and stored in a warehouse in Benin."
Score ONE for radioactive material, ZERO for the Liberal bloggers out there who cannot see past there MoveOn.org/Keith Olbermann/Nancy Pelosi brown stained noses.
Now watch two NPR Liberals (side note, you will never see a conservative NPR rep... great use of tax-payer money!), a Neo-Con, and a Reaganite discuss who the leak was:
Okay, on we trudge.
After a whirl of TV and radio appearances during which he received high-fives and hearty hugs from producers and hosts (I was in some green rooms with him so this is eyewitness reporting), and a wet-kiss profile in Vanity Fair, he gave birth to a quickie book sporting his dapper self on the cover, and verbosely entitled The Politics of Truth: Inside the Lies that Led to War and Betrayed My Wife's CIA Identity: A Diplomat's Memoir.
The book jacket talks of his "fearless insight" (whatever that's supposed to mean) and "disarming candor" (which does not extend to telling readers for whom he has been working since retiring early from the Foreign Service).
The biographical blurb describes him as a "political centrist" who received a prize for "Truth-Telling," though a careful reader might notice that the award came in part from a group associated with The Nation magazine — which only Michael Moore would consider a centrist publication.
Unfortunately for
Wilson claimed quite clearly in the press and in his book that his wife, CIA employee Valerie Plame, was not the one who came up with the brilliant idea that the agency send him to Niger to investigate whether Saddam Hussein had been attempting to acquire uranium.
"Valerie had nothing to do with the matter,"
Here is the full Washington Post article
Plame's Input Is Cited on
Report Disputes
By Susan Schmidt
Saturday, July 10, 2004; Page A09
Former ambassador Joseph C. Wilson IV, dispatched by the CIA in February 2002 to investigate reports that
The panel found that
Yesterday's report said that whether
The report turns a harsh spotlight on what
Plame's role could be significant in an ongoing investigation into whether a crime was committed when her name and employment were disclosed to reporters last summer.
Administration officials told columnist Robert D. Novak then that Wilson, a partisan critic of Bush's foreign policy, was sent to
The report may bolster the rationale that administration officials provided the information not to intentionally expose an undercover CIA employee, but to call into question
The report states that a CIA official told the Senate committee that Plame "offered up" Wilson's name for the Niger trip, then on Feb. 12, 2002, sent a memo to a deputy chief in the CIA's Directorate of Operations saying her husband "has good relations with both the PM [prime minister] and the former Minister of Mines (not to mention lots of French contacts), both of whom could possibly shed light on this sort of activity." The next day, the operations official cabled an overseas officer seeking concurrence with the idea of sending
"Valerie had nothing to do with the matter,"
The report said Plame told committee staffers that she relayed the CIA's request to her husband, saying, "there's this crazy report" about a purported deal for
The report also said
"Committee staff asked how the former ambassador could have come to the conclusion that the 'dates were wrong and the names were wrong' when he had never seen the CIA reports and had no knowledge of what names and dates were in the reports," the Senate panel said.
Wilson said that a former prime minister of Niger, Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, was unaware of any sales contract with Iraq, but said that in June 1999 a businessman approached him, insisting that he meet with an Iraqi delegation to discuss "expanding commercial relations" between Niger and Iraq -- which Mayaki interpreted to mean they wanted to discuss yellowcake sales. A report CIA officials drafted after debriefing
According to the former
Still, it was the CIA that bore the brunt of the criticism of the
The agency did not examine forged documents that have been widely cited as a reason to dismiss the purported effort by
So does
FactCheck.org had this to say about
What you have – in fact – is a Looney Left who affords murderers and terrorists the benefit of the doubt over a President they cannot stand. They choose Saddam over Bush, they support
Rich Republicans, Poor Democrats
Two Old Posts That Make the Same Point
The first post is from Rush, the second is a compilation by me and involved an encounter with a guy on the golf-course.
Democrats Get More Money From "Rich"
Another myth about "the rich" has been shattered – namely the conventional wisdom that they are all Republicans – thanks to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics. A December 18, 2002 Washington Times editorial reports that donors giving "small and medium amounts" in 2002 overwhelmingly supported the GOP, while "rich or deep-pocketed givers" hugely backed the Democrats!
Those giving $200 to $999: GOP $68 million; Democrats $44 million. Those giving $1,000 to $9,999: GOP $317 million; Democrats $307 million. The "fabulously wealthy" donors of $10,000+ gave $111 million to the GOP – a whopping $29 million less than the $140 million they lavished on the Democrats! Among those who gave $100,000+, the Democrats raised $72 million – more than double the $34 million the GOP took.
"Yeah, Rush, but all those millionaires are Republicans." No, that's not a fact, my friends. The fact is that in the 2002 election cycle, those who gave a million dollars or more poured $36 million into the Democrat coffers, and a paltry $3 million into the pockets of the GOP. Again: millionaire donations went Democrat by a 12:1 margin! The two parties took in about the same amount overall – GOP: $384 million; Democrats: $350 million. Just look at the
In addition, the GOP attracted 40% more individual donors! (George W. Bush set an all-time fund-raising record by collecting the most money from one-thousand-dollar donors in the history of presidential politics.) Far more people giving small amounts exist as contributors to the Republican Party - while Democrats skunked the GOP among the super-rich. That's no surprise, since nine of the twelve richest members of the United States Senate are Democrats.
We're going to put this up on our website homepage permanently, right alongside the story that the top 50% of wage earners, those who make more than $26,000 a year, pay over 96% of all income taxes. (The IRS data) This myth that the Republicans are the party of the rich is breathing its last gasps, so we're giving you these figures to help put it out of its misery for good. This is not a political commercial you have to disprove. These are actual results of campaign contributions in just the 2002 cycle, which is why this class-envy garbage isn't getting the traction it used to.
Greedy Religious Conservatives!
(A debate from 2004 I had)
I wanted to isolate a previous discussion and get some of your input on us greedy conservatives. The only reason I bring this up is that while playing golf in Vegas I got into a discussion with one of the caddies about politics and faith. The conversation started out very interestingly though. Democrats/Liberals place a lot of emphasis on feelings in their anti-Bush diatribe. This elderly caddy maybe in his mid-fifties said he wouldnt vote for bush because his wife worked for the phone company making good money for fifteen-years. She lost her job and is now a receptionist for a Veterinarian. He said, I wont vote for that assho#@!& because my wife isn't making any money!! I pointed out, politely, so as to not make him explode, that it is not Bushs fault that his wife does not have a degree or a specialty that can get them by in these lean times. He realized that his wifes life choices put them in the spot their in, not Bush (with a little coaxing from me of course). So I explained some of the following during our conversation, passerbys stopping and patting me on the back for such a great example of conservatisms values at work.
If you can remember back to the 2000 election here in the U. S. and the blue state, red state scenario of which voted for Gore and which voted for Bush, Im sure you do, even if another country. Once in awhile stats are done to see which part of the country (which states in fact) give more to charity per-capita than other states. Do you know which of the top twenty states gives the most to charity? You got it, Bush country! Every single one of the red states in that top-twenty are the middle-income fly-over states. Guess how many red-states got the lower twenty of giving? Two. Eighteen States that were in the lowest giving ratio to charity were Gore states. This is even more interesting with a few recent poles. Just under 66-percent republicans go to church one-to-two times a week. Just fewer than 66-percent democrats do not even go to church once a week. DRAT those nasty religious / conservatives!
New Stat that I am adding to my arguments by the way:
Only one of the top 25 donors to political 527 groups has given to a conservative organization, shedding further light on the huge disparity between Democrats and Republicans in this new fund-raising area. The top three 527 donors so far in the 2004 election cycle -
Dems the richest five senators?
Financial statements revealed the five richest members of the United States Senate are Democrats. The annual disclosure allows senators to represent their net worth inside a broad range.
Presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) is far ahead of his colleagues with $163 million, most of it coming from his wife's inheritance of the Heinz fortune. The actual estimate is over $400 million.
Lagging behind is Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI) at $111 million. The
Former Goldman Sachs chairman Sen. John Corzine (D-NJ) weighs in at $71 million, with Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-CA) rounding out the top five at $26.3 million. Sen. Peter Fitzgerald (R-IL) breaks the string of Democrat multimillionaires in sixth place at $26.1 million. Sens. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Bill Frist (R-TN), John Edwards (D-NC), and Edward Kennedy (D-MA) complete the top ten.
Democrats are 10 of the top 15 richest senators.
- Doctor shortage at AIDS facility. - Doctor shortage at El Cerro. - Shipment of Doctors to Venezuela causes doctor shortage. - Maternity ward closes because of nurse shortage. - Pneumonia outbreak. - Car headlights used to light polyclinic during medical procedure. - High infant mortality rate, yes, but 6 out of 10 babies aborted. - Doctor fired after complaining about lack of sterilized equipment.


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Monday, January 11, 2010
My Little Bright Eyes!
Posted by momforhealthyhomes at 5:14 PM
4 comments:
- Rachel said...
Oh she is adorable you two! Just adorable!
- January 11, 2010 at 6:20 PM
- K&andKJones said...
she has some big beautiful eyes! she's so tiny and cute! I bet you are having the time of your lives with her!
- January 11, 2010 at 10:41 PM
- L Rammell said...
She's so adorable honey! I miss you so much! Personally, I like the name Aaralynn... sounds kinda familiar! I also like "Lola." Between the two, I'm claimin' she's named after me! Love you all!!
- January 12, 2010 at 8:44 PM
- Alexandria Rammell said...
I want to see her!! I didnt even hold the little peanut. stupid sore throat. im all better now...I just want to reach my hands throw the computer and hold her! do you have skype yet?
- January 29, 2010 at 5:42 PM
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subset: commoncrawl


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Equatorial Cameron Highlands (formerly known as Equatorial Hill Resort) is re-branded as Copthorne Hotel Cameron Highlands with effect from 1st January 2014. This famous Cameron Highland Hotel is situated on top of Cameron Highlands hill offerring breathtaking greenery valleys view, terraced, well established farms, magnificient hills and spectacular mountains. The altitude of location of this popular Cameron Highland hotel provides every visitor revitalizing cool and energizing air. It is undoubtedly an ideal getaway.
There are few great restaurants in Equatorial Cameron Highland, such as Golden Phoenix, (Equatorial signature restaurant) which offers trustworthy Szechuan, Cantonese and Teochew delicacies. Cricket Bistro is a good choice if you are looking for a romantic atmosphere for candlelight dinner.
Equatorial Cameron Highlands' versatility (equipped with a Cameron Ballroom and 8 function rooms) facilitates it to organize conventions, seminars or even corporate events. In addition, this resort features a variety of recreational amenities, consisting of children playground, pool tables, indoor swimming pool and gymnasium. Recreational activities or tour may be arranged through the Tour Desk established at the Resort Lobby.


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laws the government is trying to ensure that everyone has a better standard of living and a more equal chance of competing with the higher income families and a fairer chance to improve their economic condition.
In talking about low-income families the topic of equal rights arises and what an individual can do to get fair treatment regardless of their income. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy enacted the Kennedy rights, and among them is the right to be a minority consumer without a disadvantage. The word minority not only refers minorities but also to low-income consumers. What this law means is that a consumer regardless of their income has the right to safety, which is knowing if a product is hazardous to their health. The right to be protected against false advertising, the right to have products and services at competitive prices, and the right to be heard.
These rights have often been bent when it comes to low-income minority consumers. Often times minorities are exposed ...
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the graph.
As you can see that at the equilibrium point of $4.25 all participants in the market are doing as well as they can, given the condition in the labor market. (Goodman & Dolan 171) If minimum wage is raised to $5.50 unemployment will grow. The reason for this is that the supply exceeds the demand. The equilibrium point does not change because of the legal requirements and the net effect is unemployment and/or less work for the workers. Just as a worker will only offer his labor time for a wage he finds beneficial, so an employer will only be willing to pay workers a wage that permits him to earn a profit. The higher the wage, the fewer workers the ...
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Henry Lee
Henry Lee III (January 29, 1756–March 25, 1818) was an early American patriot who served as the Governor of Virginia and as the Virginia Representative to the United States Congress. During the American Revolution, Lee served as a cavalry officer in the Continental Army and earned the name Light Horse Harry.
American Revolutionary War, kamericanrevolutionperson, Light Horse Harry, portrait, soldier, U.S. Representative, USGovernor, Virginia
Benson John Lossing, ed. Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History (vol. 5) (New York, NY: Harper and Brothers, 1912)


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Five programs in South Carolina are among the 16 across three states to receive more than $1.2 million in new grants from Duke Energy's Water Resources Fund to support environmental and wildlife programs. Recipients also include programs in North Carolina and Virginia.
"From conserving lands with abundant water resources to providing access to boats and kayaks and everything in between, the projects we're supporting will benefit generations to come," said Kodwo Ghartey-Tagoe, Duke Energy's South Carolina president, in a news release. "We're proud to support the 16 organizations whose vision and innovation will protect and improve our waterways."
The programs in the Palmetto State receiving grant support include:
- Friends of the Reedy River Cleveland Park Stables — $100,000 to convert 2.5 acres along the Reedy River into a passive public park. Invasive plants will be removed and replaced with native vegetation and educational signage will share the project's connection to improving water quality.
- City of Manning Pocotaligo Nature Walk and Trail — $100,000 to renovate and expand a popular boardwalk through the Pocotaligo Swamp known as the Pocotaligo River Walk and Trail, and to bring the boardwalk up to ADA standards.
- Florence County Lynches River Boat and Kayak Project — $68,200 for river cleanup at four priority areas along the Lynches River to improve access for boaters and kayakers.
- Lindsay Pettus Greenway Gills Creek Nature Pavilion, Trail and Observation Piers — $100,000 to construct a trail and pier overlook to provide recreational trail users access to Gills Creek in Lancaster.
- Town of Cheraw Erosion and Handicap Fishing Deck Project — $100,000 to provide three ADA-compliant fishing platforms at the town of Cheraw's Riverside Park on the Pee Dee River.
Grants are selected by an independent panel with diverse environmental expertise. The panel includes five external members and two Duke Energy representatives.
The fund is a $10 million multiyear commitment from Duke Energy to help local organizations continue to protect and improve the environment, including waterways used year-round across the Carolinas and neighboring states. To date, the fund has invested $8.5 million to support 102 projects to protect natural resources, according to the release.


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Rating: PG
Directors: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
Writers: Jennifer Lee, Hans Christian Anerdsen, Chris Buck, Shane Morris
Main Cast: Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, Idina Menzel
Seen: At the theater.
Anna, a fearless optimist, sets off on an epic journey - teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven - to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. From the outside Anna's sister, Elsa looks poised, regal and reserved, but in reality, she lives in fear as she wrestles with a mighty secret-she was born with the power to create ice and snow. It's a beautiful ability, but also extremely dangerous. Haunted by the moment her magic nearly killed her younger sister Anna, Elsa has isolated herself, spending every waking minute trying to suppress her growing powers. Her mounting emotions trigger the magic, accidentally setting off an eternal winter that she can't stop. She fears she's becoming a monster and that no one, not even her sister, can help her.My Review: Wow. Wow. This movie is seriously amazing. And I know I'm a little late on the train here but I am now a hardcore fan of Frozen. I went to see it with my friends and was totally blown away by how well this film was done. The animation, the easy to relate to characters, and the laugh-out-loud humor made me fall absolutely in love with this movie!
Summary found here.
The first thing that really struck me was our protagonist, Anna. I don't think I've ever seen a Disney princess who is so incredibly easy to connect and sympathize with. She was the perfect blend of awkward, funny, hopeful, and loyal and I adored being able to learn more about her! Multiple times throughout the movie, she did something and I was just like "wow, that is something I could see myself doing!"
Besides Anna, I found it very easy to also sympathize with Elsa. She was so desperately afraid of her powers because of what had happened in the past. I could see the way she was slowly just closing in on herself as the beginning of the movie progressed and it was so heart breaking. She cared so deeply for her sister and, in order to protect her, she thought she needed to close her out. Her entire character arc was just wonderful and I loved seeing the way it unfolded.
Both Hans and Kristoff were three dimensional and unique characters and even though one of them royally pissed me off, I appreciated that they were both their own people and had their own quirks and motivations for the things they were doing. And, of course, there was Olaf! This little guy was my absolute favorite! He was hilarious and I couldn't help smiling and laughing out loud whenever he was on screen. He added a much appreciated sense of humor to this movie.
The plot was amazing and entertaining the entire time! I was at the edge of my seat, anxious to see what would happen next and how they would figure out a way to fix everything! It also played well in teaching some very heart warming and meaningful lessons.
Frozen is a Disney movie that stood out from the rest. Though it had the trademark princesses, princes, romance, and adventure like the others, it came with a unique and wholly entertaining sense of humor, easily the most relatable heroine yet, and an unconventional true love. I look forward to watching this movie again and seeing what Disney comes up with next!
Five Cards


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Sing Dance Grow
Contact Us
The importance of the primary educator cannot be underestimated.
We can all remember our first favorite teacher and how they made us feel. Continuity and stability is essential for children. Knowing that Teacher will be there when they come to class will make them feel safe, and allow them to focus on developing and absorbing.
Teacher Belle is a classically trained singer, with a strong background in music theory, piano and guitar.
A performer with an adoring audience of two at home (Kaya-5, and Gaius-2.5), Belle is also a certified teacher, with a graduate degree in Neuroscience and a strong background in Developmental Psychology.
Interacting with children, incorporating movement, modeling facial expressions, and creating a story through music became a part of Belle's every day routine after the birth of her first child. This is also what makes her classes unique, and keeps every child engaged.
She strongly feels that discovering the "adult modeling" approach to teaching music made her a better mother, and a stronger performer, allowing her to connect with children in a unique way.
From singing songs learned in class to making up chants about the Solar System or saying goodbye to the zoo - music is a part of how Belle teaches both Kaya and Gaius about the world. Exploring with music can make one brave and confident.
After developing her own unique, non pressuring approach to teaching both the kids and the adults who love them, Belle is excited to be offering an updated version of the tried and true golden standard in singing and movement classes.
Belle's classes are always fun. She can't wait to bring music into your child's heart.


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Course Title: Prepare, install and monitor lighting equipment
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2007
Course Code: EEET6451C
Course ID: 035480
Course Title: Prepare, install and monitor lighting equipment
School: 345T Creative Media
Program Code: C5128 - Diploma of Audio Visual Technology
Course Contact : Adam Lovell
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4976
Course Contact Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Rebekha Naim Phone: 9925 4345 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Nominal Hours: 25
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
Course Description
In this course you will learn about the art and science behind lighting for live events and productions. You will prepare, install, test and monitor basic analogue and digital lighting systems including the use of production lights and production lighting consoles.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title:
CUFLGT02A Prepare, install and monitor lighting equipment
Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the NTIS Elements above
Overview of Learning Activities
Details of Learning Activities
Theory classes, practical classes, groupwork and private study.
Teaching Schedule
Class #1
22 February
Discussion and introduction of the course guide, resources, assessments and expectations.
Includes: Presentation PPT, class exercise, discussion and watching a video.
Homework: Observe how lighting is used around you
Class #2
1 March
What Is This? A practical demonstration (show and tell) of all the equipment, accessories and documentation involved in Production Lighting and its application
Includes: Presentation, group work and videos
Homework: A study on three lanterns (to be handed in by 22nd March 2007)
Class #3
8 March
Beams and Angles: Discussion of lanterns, fixtures and basic lighting system. Roles and responsibilities overview.
Includes: Presentation PPT and practical exercise
Homework: Work on assessments
Class #4
15 March
Practical Exercises: Looking at beam angles, lighting design and rigging applications.
NB. The first SSCC meeting is today
Homework: Work on assessments
Class #5
22 March
Review of CUFLGT02A Prepare, Install and Monitor Lighting Equipment
Includes: Presentation PPT, assessment
TODAY: Assessment Task: Practical Test
Hand in homework task on three lanterns
Overview of Learning Resources
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Practical Stage Lighting by Rex Bunn, Currency Press, Sydney, 1993
Stage Lighting Revised by Richard Pilbrow, Drama Book Publishers, New York, 1991
0 89676 005 7
Other Resources
'Production Lighting Resource Guide' to be handed out in class.
There are a number of books and videos in the Carlton Library about 'live' lighting techniques. The 'world wide web' is also an excellent resource.
Overview of Assessment
1. Participate in simulation exercises during class time 20%
2. Practical test 40%
3. Production of a lighting plan and written report 40%
Assessment Tasks
1. Participate in simulation exercises during class time 20%
During teacher guided hours
Answer oral questions and participate in practical tasks at various stages to demonstrate understanding of underpinning knowledge
2. Practical Test 40%
Due: 22nd March 2007, TAFE WEEK 6
In groups you will prepare, install and monitor a small lighting system as specified by your teacher and assessed against a checklist (See class handout for details)
3. Production of a lighting plan and written report 40%
9th April 2007, TAFE WEEK 9
Develop a lighting plan (to scale) for a live event which you may be working on during the year and report on how you are going to carry out the lighting design as described in your plan. The report should explain the lighting design's purpose and concepts, the various scenes/shoots required and the venue and expected audience. See class handout for details.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview


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Hollywood B.O.: Worst July 4th Weekend Since 1999
This is how it's worked in the past.
Other studios accede the July 4th weekend to the second weekend of the "Transformers" series, which then grosses in the $40-50 million range. The other studios might release more serious films ("Public Enemies," 2009) or comedies ("Horrible Bosses," 2011), but they don't want their A-movies getting crushed beneath the weight of all that stupid metal, so they let Michael Bay have the weekend more or less to himself.
This year it was the same. Warner Bros. released "Tammy," an awful-looking comedy starring Melissa McCarthy, and ScreenGems counter-programmed with the Eric Bana horror film "Deliver Us From Evil." But the fourth "Transformers" movies till won the weekend.
Except it fell off by 63%, grossing only $37 million. (Cf.: $47 million in 2011 for "Transformers 3.") Meanwhile, "Tammy" merely did OK ($21), while "Evil" bombed ($9.7).
Upshot? A July 4th weekend that was down 47% from last year when (get this) "Despicable Me 2" and "The Lone Ranger" were released. You know you're in trouble when you can't match "The Lone Ranger"'s numbers.
In fact, according to Ray Subers at Box Office Mojo, it's the worst July 4th weekend for the top 12 movies since 1999.
Overall box office has already been weak this year—the tent poles appear bent if not busted—so unless a surprise champion emerges ("Apes"? "Guardians"?), it's going to be a cruel, cruel summer for Hollywood. But maybe that will mean better summers for the rest of us in the long run.
How could Americans not want to see giant robots riding giant robotic dinosaurs?
Posted at 12:14 PM on Tue. Jul 08, 2014 in category Movies - Box Office
Twitter: @ErikLundegaardTweets by @ErikLundegaard
Opening Day 2019: Your Active Leaders
2019 Reviews
2018 Reviews
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
The Bold, the Corrupt, and the Beautiful
Ip Man: The Final Fight (2013)
Something to Sing About (1937)
Recommended Movies
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri


text: If you are thinking of taking up an orchestral instrument and would like to have a chat about which one to choose, or would like to find out about instruments available on loan, please get in touch. If you don't know where to start, an interesting book to read is "The Right Instrument for your Child" (ignore the child bit!) by Atarah ben Tovim and Douglas Boyd, published by Gollancz. They became interested in why so many people started to learn a particular instrument and gave up, so they considered the physical, mental and emotional elements of playing a variety of instruments.


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Curved Text: Text on an Arc for a Menu
Jeremy ·
It would be cool to have a menu that had curved menu links without using image replacement! I have a project in which the design has a curved header element I'd love to create it with just text. So I can't be the only person looking to create an arched menu.
Googling around, I found the following Javascript libraries:
- Read more about Curved Text: Text on an Arc for a Menu
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Radiotherapy Rates in the USA Decline for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Pancreatic cancer patients in the USA are significantly less likely to receive radiation therapy now than they were 20 years ago
- Date: 03 Feb 2015
- Author: Shreeya Nanda, Senior medwireNews Reporter
- Topic: Surgical Oncology / Pancreatic Cancer / Therapy / Radiation Oncology
medwireNews: Research published in JAMA Surgery suggests that administration of radiotherapy for the treatment of locally unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma has decreased markedly in the USA over the past two decades.
"The use of radiation is likely on the decline owing to the proven efficacy of chemotherapy for locally unresectable pancreatic cancer without convincing data showing an additive effect for radiotherapy", speculate Jason Gold, from VA Boston Healthcare System in West Roxbury, Massachusetts, USA, and co-investigators.
Their analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data of individuals with localised unresectable pancreatic cancer showed that external beam radiotherapy was used in 52% and 39% of patients from 1988 to 1992 and 2008 to 2010, respectively, a difference that was statistically significant.
Multivariate analysis showed significant geographical variation in the administration of radiotherapy, with the most frequent use noted in the Midwest, followed by the Northeast, Southeast and Pacific West regions of the country.
Patients who were 65 years of age and older were also significantly less likely to receive radiation compared with those younger than 65 years (odds ratio [OR]=0.56), as were African–American versus White patients (OR=0.80). Additionally the use of radiotherapy was significantly higher in married than in single individuals (OR=1.43) and in non-Hispanic compared with Hispanic patients (OR=1.31).
By contrast, gender and tumour characteristics, such as size, grade and lymph node involvement, were not associated with radiation use.
The researchers found a significant survival benefit of radiotherapy, with longer overall survival in the 4137 patients who received radiation than in the 5649 individuals who did not, at a median of 10 versus 6 months. But they caution that "selection bias cannot be excluded because data on patients' comorbidities and use of chemotherapy were not available."
They conclude: "Despite the limitations in our survival analysis, there may be a cohort of patients with localized unresectable pancreatic cancer who could benefit from radiation, and this is worthy of further investigation.
"If radiotherapy is thought to be of benefit, efforts should be made to minimize disparities in its use."
Shapiro M, Rashid NU, Huang Q, et al. Radiation Therapy for Unresectable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Population-Based Trends in Utilization and Survival Rates in the United States. JAMA Surg 2015; Online First 28 January. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2014.1837
medwireNews (www.medwireNews.com ) is an independent clinical news service provided by Springer Healthcare Limited. © Springer Healthcare Ltd; 2015


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Things to Do in Cleveland
Music lovers of all genres will appreciate the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, featuring more than 50 exhibits. After enjoying a Cleveland Browns football game at FirstEnergy Stadium, located in downtown Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie, take a trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a must-visit for any football fan. For visitors it's helpful to know that University Circle is the nation's largest concentration of cultural and medical institutions within 1 square mile. Here you'll find the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland Botanical Garden and Severance Hall, which is the winter home of the Cleveland Orchestra.
To get back to nature, head to Cleveland Metroparks, spanning 22,000 acres and hundreds of miles of walking, bicycle and horse trails along with picnic areas. The area also has seven golf courses and great fishing holes. Kids have a blast at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, home to almost 3,000 animals that represent 600 species from six continents.
Offering the grandeur of a bygone age, The Arcade was one of the first indoor shopping malls in the U.S. The Cleveland Museum of Art, situated in Wade Park, houses a renowned collection of more than 43,000 pieces of Asian and Egyptian art.


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Friday, June 22, 2007
Monkeybone puppet
Posted by Damon Bard at 12:55 PM
2 comments:
- Klara Grunning-Harris said...
Blog looks great, smart way to display the portfolio -congrats! K.
- June 22, 2007 at 7:15 PM
- Stephen said...
Awesome work as usual! Very nice to see some of these finally and looking forward to seeing much more!
- June 23, 2007 at 5:20 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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January & February - Friday Afterschool Movies -2:45 pm
Drop In Stories
…meets every Weds. at 10:40 am throughout the year. Children listen to stories, participate in finger plays, songs, & games based around a theme. They then make a craft based on the story they've heard and end the session with a chance to play with the library's selection of toys, puzzles and stuffed animals.
ages 2.5 - 5 years (babies & older siblings, welcome to join us)
Pajama Story Hour
Fall & Spring Sessions held on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm
Stories, crafts, music and more with Miss Vicey.
Held in the evening and Saturdays so that families with working parents can attend.
After School Bookworm Club
Tuesday, Wednesdays & Thursdays at 2:45 pm
Children meet after school to listen to stories, play games, and make crafts. max of 15 children. Grades k-2 & 3-4. Children must register for this popular club.
Pete the Pirate Entertains Summer Readers


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McKinney's Game-by-game stats: 2018-19 | 2017-2018 | 2016-17
2017-18 Season
Played in 27 games, starting 23 of them for the Bearkats as a sophomore post player … led the team in field goal percentage for those that played in enough games to qualify at 47.4 percent for the season … second on the team in rebounding at 5.5 of them per game … had 13 rebounds in a game on November 17 against Wiley College, including six of them on the offensive glass ... led the team in blocks per game with 1.3 per game and 36 total for the season, good for fourth in the SLC … had two separate games with four blocks, one on November 12 against Jackson State and another on February 10 against Lamar.
2016-17 Season
Led all Southland Conference freshmen with 26 blocks which ranked third overall among league competitors ... led team in rebounding on four different occasions and paced squad in points two times ... third on squad with 4.5 rebounds per game ... played in all 28 games including making 14 starts ... generated double-digit point totals four times including season-best 15 points against Wiley College on Nov. 18 ... one game later, grabbed 12 boards vs. UTRGV ... recorded four blocks in a game twice, coming in stretch of six games.
Tascosa High School
Named First-Team All-District 2-6A as a senior ... led the Lady Rebels with 21 points in a 60-49 win against El Paso El Dorado for Tascosa's first playoff victory since 2001 ... McKinney was a dominant inside force, leading the Lady Rebels with 13.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1,9 blocks a game as a junior while being named a first-team All-District selection ... played for coach Betsy Baughman at Tascosa and Johnna Pointer in summer ball for Hoop 10.


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Land Use Manager – Christina Goodwin email@example.com
Planning/Zoning/Historic District Administrative Assistant – Jan Laferriere email@example.com
Land Use Planner - TBD email@example.com
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Project Review – Scheduled on Friday only
The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) exists as a constitutional safety valve to ensure that ordinances are applied equitably to all property. The ZBA is made up of five (5) permanent members, and up to five (5) alternate members. The State of New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) 672 – 677 (Planning and Zoning RSA's) along with the Town of Bristol New Hampshire ordinances, Zoning Ordinance as voted on by the residents of Bristol, provide the legal basis for the board of adjustment's work. Board members and alternates are appointed by the selectmen to terms of three (3) years.
The Board of adjustment meets regularly at 6:00pm on the first Tuesday of every month in which there is business for the board to undertake in the conference room in the lower level of the Town Office Building. All meetings are open to the public, and the public is encouraged to attend. The minutes of each ZBA meeting are public record and can be viewed on the website or at town hall.
Any person wishing to bring business to the Board of Adjustment should fill out the necessary paperwork, either by downloading here either by downloading the Variance Application on the right hand side of the page or picking up in person in the Zoning and Planning office of town hall. All appropriate fees must be paid and abutter's notices sent prior to the board hearing a case.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) is responsible for the following:
Variances and Special Exceptions -- The role of the ZBA is to grant or deny variances and special exceptions from the terms of the Zoning Ordinance.
Appeals of Administrative Decisions – Any decision by the land use officer, Board of Selectmen or other official or board that involves an interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance can be appealed to the ZBA. (RSA 676:5) Under RSA 674:33, the ZBA possess all of the powers of the administrative officer whose decision has been appealed, and the ZBA has authority to affirm, reverse or modify the decision of the administrative official, based on the current Zoning Ordinance.
-Re-hearings – The Zoning Board of Adjustment holds a re-hearing (if petitioned to do so) when a ZBA decision denies approval of any application that comes before them.
Equitable Waivers of Dimensional Requirements – The ZBA can legalize existing violations of the Zoning Ordinance relative to physical layout or dimensional requirements where the violation occurred unknowingly and is discovered later. This refers to such zoning provisions as frontage, setbacks and building height. The property owner has the burden of proving four elements set forth in RSA 674:33-a in order to receive an equitable waiver.
C - Corridor Commercial
DC - Downtown Commercial
I - Industrial
L - Lake
R - Rural
VC - Village Commercial
VR - Village Residential
Pemigewasset Overlay
Wetlands Conservation Overlay
Historic Overlay
Lot Size and Setback Guidelines
Zoning Application Instructions


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We arrange gastro services even outside of the resort. We are able to prepare a top-class reception in the premises you choose including preparation and transport of regular hot meals. High quality of our services has been verified by our bot long-standing and new clients.
Telephone: +420 596 373 310
Mobile: +420 739 531 906
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Ask for more information about culture, leisure and gastronomy. Use our online form. We will reply as soon as possible.Fill online


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Renewable Advanced
Sundrop Fuels technology provides for complete flexibility to produce any type of renewable, liquid advanced biofuel, from biobased "green gasoline" to diesel and aviation fuels. These clean "drop-in" biofuels are fully compatible with today's engines, pipelines and distribution infrastructure. In addition, these biofuels create immediate benefits for both consumers and the environment: A gallon of renewable gasoline contains more than 30 percent more energy value than a gallon of ethanol, while significantly reducing the amount greenhouse gas emissions compared to petroleum fuels.
Our process creates the highest fuel energy yield per ton of biomass of all biofuels processes. Patented Sundrop Fuels BioReforming technology can produce twice as much as conventional gasification processes as well as biochemical-based processes typically used to produce cellulosic ethanol on an energy equivalent basis.
When completed, a single Sundrop Fuels biorefinery will efficiently produce more than 200 million gallons of transportation fuel annually. We will replicate biorefinery units in targeted areas, creating a capability of producing more than a billion gallons annually by 2025 – more than five percent of the nation's goal to produce 22 billion gallons of advanced renewable fuels by this point.
Sundrop Fuels has completed a successful progression of scale-up activities. These include laboratory-scale demonstrations, a pilot plant facility that was operational from 2009 to 2011, and a process demonstration facility now in operation at North Dakota's Energy and Environmental Research Center. The company's next commercial biorefinery fuels plant is current in engineering design stage and planned for completion by 2020. The production facility will produce more than 200 million gallons of fuel per year.


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Mornings in Paris is an authentic, European-style cafe in the heart of Southern Maine. We hand roast our own coffees and blend our teas. We work with local dairy suppliers and bakeries to source the freshest, highest quality offerings.
Sunny days guarantee that our patio will be full of guests enjoying a drink or treat. On not-so-sunny days, we also offer comfortable seating inside our café with free wifi! The cafe's warm, inviting atmosphere is an ideal setting for your morning repast, light lunch or afternoon tea.
Although we offer a wide variety of hot and iced drinks, we also provide savory and sweet food options. So whether you're stopping for your morning coffee, lunch, or an afternoon snack, we've got you covered! "Taste the experience at MIP"
Hand Roasted coffees, by the pound or carefully crafted into your favorite latte or cappuccino
Need a coffee delivery for your school, church, social event, celebration etc? We now offer FREE delivery service for orders over $30 and within a 5 mile radoius
French-Dark Roast
Old Port-Specialty blend!
Seasonal Flavored Medium Roast
Creme Brulee Cappuccino
Nutella Latte
Salt & Silk (White Mocha with Salted Caramel)
Red Velvet Latte
For tea lovers there is an assortment of loose-leaf teas, also sold in bulk or steeped to perfection and served in generous bowl-like cups.
Fresh daily! Plain, Sweet or Savory
Fruit or Cheese option
Blueberry & Raspberry
Lemon, Blueberry, or Raspberry Teacakes
Homemade banana and zucchini breads!!
A small bite-sized treat!!
Macarons galore!! Gluten-free,yummy, and come in a variety of flavors.
Meat or Veggie options available
Quiche Lorraine or Asparagus
Meat or Veggie options available
Mixed Berry, Apple, & Blueberry
See what all the talk is about with this scrumptious delight!!
21 Western Avenue, Mornings in Paris Cafe, Kennebunk, ME 04043, US
Monday - Friday
7:00am - 4:30pm
Saturday & Sunday
Copyright © 2019 Mornings In Paris - All Rights Reserved.


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Ace Digital is one of Shreveport's only digital flatbed printers! Spread your company's message in high traffic locations, identify job sites, announce your campaign, advertise specials, and more with Full Color Coroplast Yard Signs!
Need stakes? We've got them! Looking for a premium frame – from rolled steel to sturdy plastic, we offer a full selection of sign frames!
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Need a design? Let our creative department develop your message's curb appeal.
Get your quote today! Contact us here or call 318-317-1000!


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Meet the wackiest car I ever owned.
A Smart Crossblade. Designed by Smart to promote the brand it was eventually launched as part of the innovative "For Two" range.
The car never hit the planned production targets.
Could that possibly be down to the lack of doors, no roof, and no windows?
Even the nifty little "windscreen" was just a decoration that sent the wind straight into your face.
The Crossblade is the car that gave me more motoring pleasure than any other machine in nigh on 1 million miles of motoring. Sadly it also gave me an equal measure of displeasure.
The Good News
Every journey was an event.
Most of the time I travelled "unprotected", but on wet days I used a crash helmet. Even wearing a crash hat in a road car is unusual, so that didn't spoil the fun.
On the day I took a test drive I was so excited by the "wind in your hair" experience that I couldn't resist shelling out £7200 for this impractical machine.
Amazingly for such a small car there was pretty decent sized boot, and being left hand drive it trumped "ordinary Smarts" with a great driving position, and supremely comfortable seats. On the days when I drove it over 400 miles I was totally comfortable behind the wheel.
Visibility was pretty good, and being able to indicate with your feet was a great pleasure.
The Bad News
Realistically the Smart brand is one enormous Mercedes Benz confidence trick. Forget all the claims, these little machines were not built to a high standard.
The suspension was totally thrown by the bumps and potholes of British roads. Those wide tyres would lose grip at the slightest irregularity. Driving quickly on the quieter back roads of Spain and Portugal I found the car gripped well on smooth tarmac, whilst inspiring terrific confidence.
The trouble was most of our 14,000 miles together were on Britain's black stuff. Hot any bump and the primitive traction control would chime in cutting power dramatically.
The heater was pretty poor. The only way to get warm on a cold day was run alongside a juggernaut. The air pressure from the lorry would act as an invisible barrier to hot air escaping under the supercar style upward opening side bars.
Whilst the Xenons were bright they dazzled on coming traffic, which made me unpopular. Reliablity was poor, with several weeks off the road due to unavailability of spare tyres, and break pipe corrosion and parts shortages.
In 30 months on the road the car certainly got grimy, and I was surprised to only get £3600 for it after 30 months.
Performance was poor. My son could make an ancient Renault 4 accelerate more quickly than the slurry softouch auto. This 600 c.c. machine also failed to attain more than 36 mpg on super unleaded. That's hopeless.
A solitary journey through the Pico d'Europa national park in Northern Spain, and hearing and seeing new birds like the Nightingale in Portugal was really special. Driving a Crossblade makes you feel "connected" with natural world like no other car.
Overtaking cars in a thunderstorm on the A303 was another stand out memory. People were just staggered by the nutter flying passed.
Incredibly I even "pulled" in The Smart. An attractive young girl at a petrol station jumped in and demanded I take her for a drive. I'd never seen her before in my life.
I suppose that is indicative of Smart for Twos. People love them, and want to be part of the action.
Why did I get rid of it?
One Christmas a friend asked to buy it, and the frustrations and expense of this plastic plaything had finally gotten to me. Ultimately this was a machine that was crying out for a proper gearbox, and de-restricted engine.
Believe me an 83mph top speed is too slow for a "sports car".


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For some reason, carrot cake screams Easter to me. It is a cake that I love but have never made. Since we hosted Easter dinner, and we needed a dessert, I tried my hand at a variety of carrot cake that I found on Pinterest via Real Mom Kitchen (adapted from Better Homes & Gardens). I wanted to have a cake, rather than bars like the original recipe called for, mostly because I wanted to use my new round cake stand that I won from Bake at 350 a few months ago, so I made it in a 9-inch round cake pan instead of a 9x13 rectangular pan. What a delicious after dinner treat! It wasn't too sweet, and I know it's not healthy, but it has carrot and zucchini in it, so I can pretend, right? And the frosting…delicious! I never would have thought that a little lemon zest would freshen up a cream cheese frosting like it did, but it was perfect!
For the Cake:
2 Eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup Packed Brown Sugar
1/2 cup Canola Oil
1/4 cup Honey
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 1/2 cups Carrot, shredded (I used about 6 smallish carrots)
1 cup Zucchini, shredded (I used 3/4 of a medium sized zucchini)
1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts
1 1/2 cup Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, oil, honey, and vanilla. Any clumps of brown sugar will dissolve as you prepare the remaining ingredients, so don't worry too much about getting them all out. Fold in the carrots, zucchini, and walnuts. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, ginger, and baking soda; whisk to combine. Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Spread the batter into an ungreased 9x13-inch baking pan, or a 9-inch round cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
For the Frosting:
1 (8-ounce) package Cream Cheese
1 cup Powdered Sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Zest (I used 1 lemon)
In a mixing bowl, beat all 3 ingredients with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Spread or pipe the frosting over the cooled bars/cake.


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Last week, comedienne Amy Schumer's new special titled "The Leather Special" dropped on Netflix. In light of some scathing reviews, however, the video streaming provider is dropping its 5-star rating system.
The Verge reported this week that Netflix will be ditching its 5-star rating system in favor of a "thumbs up, thumbs down" system.
"Five stars feels very yesterday now," Netflix vice president of product Todd Yellin said. "We're spending many billions of dollars on the titles we're producing and licensing, and with these big catalogs, that just adds a challenge."
Last year, Business Insider reported that the streaming giant was looking to move away from its current rating system. During beta testing, Yellin said they received a 200 percent increase in ratings.
A majority of reviews of Schumer's comedy special received a 1-star rating. Schumer took to Instagram and blamed "alt-right trolls" for converging onto Netflix and giving her horrible reviews.
"I am so proud of my special and grateful to all the people spreading love on line about it," Schumer wrote in her Instagram post. "I am the first female comic who is selling out arenas all over the world and so grateful for that. I am embarrassed for the 'journalists' who report on trolls activities as if it's news."
She continued. "It's indicative of administration right now. Anyone who reported that 'viewers aren't happy' with my special, it would have been cool if you did a moment of research before posting. The alt right organized trolls attack everything I do."
I am so proud of my special and grateful to all the people spreading love on line about it. I am the first female comic who is selling out arenas all over the world and so grateful for that. I am embarrassed for the "journalists" who report on trolls activities as if it's news. It's indicative of administration right now. Anyone who reported that "viewers aren't happy" with my special, it would have been cool if you did a moment of research before posting. The alt right organized trolls attack everything I do. Read the @splitsider article. They organize to get my ratings down. Meeting in sub Reddit rooms. They tried on my book and movies and tv show And I want to thank them. It makes me feel so powerful and dangerous and brave. It reminds me what I'm saying is effective and bring more interest to my work and their obsession with me keeps me going. I am only alarmed by the people printing their organized trolling as "news" this is what the current administration wants. So this post has nothing against the trolls. I thank you trolls so much. It fills me with hope and power to see you all furiously posting so as always accuse me of whatever lies you want. Call me a whale. Call me a thief and I will continue to rise and fight and lead. I know who I am. I am strong and beautiful and will use my voice my whole time on this earth. Journalists do better it's embarrassing. Trolls see you on the next one! 😘😘😘
However, many of her own fans thought her comedy special was terrible.
Amy Schumer's new Netflix comedy special is laughably bad, which is the only laugh you'll get from it. And I say that as a fan.— Hey_Drienne (@Hey_Drienne) March 15, 2017
My wife's a fan, so we watched Amy Schumer on Netflix. My wife hated it. I told her this would happen when Amy had to write her own jokes.— Beet Farmer (@farmer_beet) March 15, 2017
A final thought... Against popular opinion, I've long been a fan of Amy Schumer. And I still respect her. But this latest special is...Meh.— Stoli (@CRStoli) March 17, 2017
Pro Tip: I'm a fan, but the new Amy Schumer special is so gross, I only made it 8 mins. It took 20 mins of Zootopia just to feel okay again.— Ian Punnett (@deaconpunnett) March 15, 2017
So, while Netflix hasn't clearly stated that they're getting rid of their ratings system due to Schumer's special, the timing is odd and suspicious at the very least.


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Imaginary Mary (ABC)
Premiered March 29 at 8:30pm
There are some concepts that should never have made it to air. The most egregious one that I can think of off the top of my head is "Cavemen," an expansion of a humorous commercial that ended up being a horrendous, symbolically racist half-hour series that lasted all too long by existing for even a moment. Jenna Elfman had a successful run as the star of "Dharma and Greg" from 1997 to 2002, and since then, she has headlined four short-lived sitcoms, all of which were poorly-reviewed and remembered by just about no one. I personally thought she was pretty good on "Damages" in season five, and I've enjoyed her appearances in some movies, like "Keeping the Faith." What's imminently clear is that network executives just don't know what to do with her, and casting her in shows with fanciful, theoretically creative premises just isn't working. Why anyone thought this was a good idea is beyond me, since the sight of whatever Mary is supposed to be doesn't conjure up anything remotely mature, but this definitely isn't meant to be a comedy for kids. It's apparently a loose remake of the 1991 film "Drop Dead Fred," which itself wasn't all that well-received. Rachel Dratch is another comedienne who is sometimes hard to place correctly, and I imagine she won't be putting this at the top of her resume. I realized that I recognize Stephen Schneider, who plays the irritating Ben, from his role as the dependably unreliable Ty on "You're the Worst," and I don't find him very appealing here. There's simply nothing to like about this show, and plenty to find stupid and obnoxious.
How will it work as a series? I can't imagine it's going to produce too many episodes, but I guess Mary is going to appear every time Alice starts to do something questionable or something that may make Mary not need to stick around. I'd be happier if she just decided that Mary could be erased from existence, but I think Alice and the other characters aren't all that much better.
How long will it last? The reviews are expectedly poor, and the ratings weren't all that much better, though they're not bad enough to doom this show to immediate cancellation. ABC has a handful of successful shows on the air that continue to bring in viewers, so I can't imagine there will be many fighting to keep this show alive. I predict that it will be pulled before all of its filmed episodes air.
Pilot grade: F-
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Pilot Review: Imaginary Mary
Posted by Movies with Abe at 4/05/2017
Labels: Imaginary Mary, Imaginary Mary Pilot, Pilot Reviews
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How to Pawn a Cell Phone | March 2019
Wondering how to pawn a cell phone in 2019?
Pawning a cell phone is a great way to get instant cash in hand for your phone instead of waiting for a buyback company to send money to you.
If you found this post in the process of looking for information on how to pawn your cell phone as collateral for a cash loan, we will tell you all about how that works. If you were looking for information on how to sell a cell phone to a pawn shop outright for cash without a loan involved, we will also help you with that.
If you've never pawned a cell phone, we need to tell you a few things that will help you get the most money possible for your phone with minimal hassle.
We will break down what you should expect when you begin the cell phone pawn process, as well as tips on how to pawn a cell phone in 2019 so that you get the most value out of the transaction.
Want to get started with pawning your cell phone right now? At PawnGuru, we make the pawning process convenient and easy, even if you are a first-time pawner. There's no need to feel intimidated—this process is quick and easy.
Sign up for PawnGuru for free, post your cell phone (or smartphone) for sale on our site, and watch your local pawn shops bid on your cell phone today. There is no obligation on your part.
The preparation of pawning your cell phone is actually more work than pawning it. Can you believe that? Fortunately, pawning or selling your cell phone is easier at a pawn shop—and it takes less time than the more well-known methods of selling a cell phone.
Please note this post applies most specifically to smartphones. If you're trying to pawn an old school flip phone and such, you can still try to pawn it, but you won't get as much money. Keep in mind that the functionality is also different from what is discussed below.
How to Pawn a Cell Phone in 2019 Effectively: Prepare
1. Get to Know Your Cell Phone
If you want the largest chunk of cash possible for your cell phone, take just a couple extra minutes to become acquainted with the exact type of cell phone you have and its features.
This might sound trivial, but it is actually crucial for getting the best offer.
- Find out the model. Is your iPhone the X or X Max? The Galaxy S10 or S10 Edge? This makes a difference in terms of value.
- Know your carrier (e.g. Verizon). The offer you get for your cell phone can be more or less depending on what the carrier is. It might sound crazy, but it's true.
- Know your cell phone's storage limit. 16GB will get you a smaller offer than 64 GB or 128 GB. Check the surface of your cell phone for any damage or wear and tear.
2. Learn the Value of Your Cell Phone
Check out our cell phone pawn prices data and keep this price range in mind when you go to pawn your cell phone. The following articles display the average cell phone pawn prices by brand and generation:
3. Back Up & Wipe Your Personal Data
If you want to know how to pawn your cell phone in 2019 in the safest way possible, make sure to back up your personal data and then wipe it off your phone. By personal data, we are referring to files, contacts, music, movies, photos and apps.
Back up your data elsewhere for your future cell phone using an external hard drive or computer. You don't want to lose all your contacts, media and apps!
For iPhones, connect your phone via USB to your laptop and open iTunes. Sign in with your Apple ID (or other ID) in iTunes on the computer, then go to File>Devices>Back Up.
If you don't have an iPhone, note that the method for backing up data may vary from cell phone to cell phone. Perform a quick Google search for the instructions for your specific phone. It's simple!
Wipe all this data afterward by performing a factory reset (instructions below). This is important if you don't want to be a victim of identity theft or have anyone else's eyes on your personal data.
4. Disable "Find My iPhone" or "Device" & Restore Factory Settings
When you disable "Find My iCell phone" (or "Find My Device" for Android), this may actually increase the value of the cell phone you're pawning.
To disable Find My iCell phone, go to Settings>iCloud>Find My iCell phone. Disable that feature using the toggle.
Perform a factory reset on your cell phone to wipe your phone clean of your personal data. To do this, go to Settings>General>Reset>Erase All Content and Settings.
5. Unlock Your Cell Phone
Since unlocked cell phones typically get the highest offers, you might try to unlock it prior to selling or pawning it. Follow these instructions from Apple for unlocking your iCell phone.
6. Gather Any Original Components
If you have any of the original boxes, manuals, charger, USB that came with your cell phone, include those with your cell phone in the transaction. This could get you a better offer.
How to Pawn Your Cell Phone in 2019 for the Most Cash
1. List Your Cell Phone Online
Use PawnGuru to list your cell phone for sale online so that only your local pawn shops can see it. This is free and only takes a couple of minutes.
Choose "sell" or "pawn" depending on what your goal is.
- Pawning your cell phone will require you pay the pawn shop back within a certain timeframe to get your phone back after they hand you money for it.
- Selling your cell phone will allow you to sell the phone for cash and be done with it for good.
2. Receive Bids from Pawn Shops
Once your cell phone is listed on PawnGuru, you'll start to see local pawn shops bid on your item promptly. You're not obligated to accept any offers, but you can get great deals from these shops.
Now that you know how to prepare your cell phone for pawning or selling, you are equipped to get the best cash offer possible.
3. Get Cash in Hand
After you accept an offer from a local pawn shop, bring your cell phone to the pawn shop and get cash in hand the same day.


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New! 2009-08-31:
neurospy is now in limbo. Learn how to get the latest stable version here.
2007-08-08: Read the article about
neurospy in PLoS One.
2007-08-08: Development milestone toward release 1.0 is available for download below.
This is the site of
neurospy, the free software for functional imaging of fast neuronal activity.
neurospy is a modular cross-platform application framework written in Java for the NetBeans Platform. At this time it runs on Windows XP-based LeCroy oscilloscopes and drives acousto-optic scanners via USB using the Analog Devices 9959 Direct Digital Synthesis chip. This combination makes one of the most powerful systems for scanning microscopy available today at any price.
neurospy is very easy to port to other kinds of acquisition and scanning hardware.
More details about the construction of the first
neurospy-based imaging system can be found in the PLoS One article and in the braintool wiki.
The sources are kept in a subversion repository on sourceforge.net. The project home page is here.
The latest release of the software is development release 200708080041.
ALPHA CODE ALERT! This is a milestone toward release 1.0 which, unlike earlier releases, is a module suite running on the NetBeans Platform. If you plan on using development releases you really should be getting the latest module updates either from the subversion repository (best) or from the update center at http://neurospy.org/updates/updates.xml.
Here is the description of all the files in this release:
|The entire platform with all the modules. Includes most of NetBeans 5.5.1. Requires Java 1.6.1. Requires firmware v5. Very large download (44MB).
|Firmware and device driver for the AD9959/PCBZ Direct Digital Synthesis board.
The latest stable release of the older monolithic application is version 0.9.1:
|The program and all the supporting libraries.
|Firmware and device driver for the AD9959/PCBZ Direct Digital Synthesis board.
|NetBeans 5.5 project with the source code.
First install the device driver for the DDS board. See details in the braintool wiki.
Then download and install the latest JDK from
http://java.sun.com/. Finally, download
neurospy-200708080041.zip, unzip, and double-click
neurospy.exe in the
bin directory to start the application.
Read and contribute documentation on usage, code and architecture of
neurospy in the wiki.
Last updated on August 31st, 2009.


text:
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Angiotensin Receptor-1 Blocker Inhibits Atherosclerotic Changes and Endothelial Disruption of the Aortic Valve in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits
Author + information
- Received August 23, 2006
- Revision received November 1, 2006
- Accepted November 23, 2006
- Published online April 3, 2007.
Author Information
- Kumiko Arishiro, MD⁎,
- Masaaki Hoshiga, MD, PhD⁎,⁎ (in1026{at}poh.osaka-med.ac.jp),
- Nobuyuki Negoro, MD, PhD⁎,
- Denan Jin, MD, PhD†,
- Shinji Takai, PhD†,
- Mizuo Miyazaki, MD, PhD†,
- Tadashi Ishihara, MD, PhD⁎ and
- Toshiaki Hanafusa, MD, PhD⁎
- ↵⁎Reprint requests and correspondence:
Dr. Masaaki Hoshiga, First Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan.
This work was partly presented at the 55th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology, Atlanta, Georgia, March 11 to 14, 2006, and published in abstract form (J Am Coll Cardiol 2006;47 Suppl A:284A).
Objectives We sought to examine the effect of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) on the formation of lesions in the aortic valves of hypercholesterolemic rabbits.
Background Recently, atherosclerosis has been recognized as a mechanism that is responsible for calcific aortic stenosis. The effect of ARBs might help to prevent aortic stenosis because they have multiple antiatherosclerotic effects.
Methods Male Japanese white rabbits (n = 36) were separated as follows: control with chow diet (C) and vehicle (V) groups, both of which were fed a 1% cholesterol diet for 8 weeks, and an ARB group (A), which was fed a 1% cholesterol diet for 8 weeks with ARB (olmesartan, 1 mg/kg/day) for the last 4 weeks.
Results This dose of olmesartan did not affect either blood pressure or cholesterol levels. Dietary cholesterol induced fatty deposition with macrophage accumulation and osteopontin coexpression in valve leaflets, whereas ARB decreased macrophage accumulation (% area: V, 9.3 ± 0.34; A, 1.4 ± 0.30; p = 0.003) and osteopontin expression (p = 0.017). Angiotensin-converting enzyme was also up-regulated in V and decreased by olmesartan (p = 0.015). Immunohistochemistry with anti-CD31 antibody revealed that dietary cholesterol disrupted and olmesartan preserved endothelial integrity on the lesion-prone aortic side of the valve (% CD31-positive circumference: V, 30 ± 3.7; A, 62 ± 4.8; p = 0.003). Numbers of alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts were increased in V and decreased by olmesartan (p = 0.003). Real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that increased amounts of messenger ribonucleic acid for osteoblast-specific transcription factor core binding factor alpha-1 in V were diminished by olmesartan.
Conclusions Atherosclerotic changes in the aortic valves of rabbits fed with cholesterol were inhibited by ARB, whereas endo-thelial integrity was preserved and transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts and/or osteoblasts in valve leaflets was inhibited.
Calcific aortic valve stenosis is a common medical condition in the elderly (1) and it is currently the most common indication for valve replacement (2). Accumulating evidence suggests that the calcific aortic stenosis (AS) disease process has many similarities to vascular atherosclerosis (3–8). The prevention or retardation of AS progression is evolving but this has not yet been achieved in the clinical setting. Two classes of drugs, namely hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme-A reductase inhibitors (statins) and inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system, might be useful because they have multiple antiatherosclerotic effects (9,10). Rajammanaan et al. (11) have reported recently that atorvastatin inhibits atherosclerotic changes of aortic valves in cholesterol-fed rabbit models. Clinical trials of statins for patients with AS presently are underway (6,12–15).
In addition, the renin-angiotensin system might be involved in AS progression because angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is up-regulated in human calcific aortic valves (16), which raises the possibility that ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) might inhibit AS progression, but no animal data and conflicting clinical data have been generated (14,17). The present study tests whether the ARB (olmesartan) prevents atherosclerotic changes in the aortic valves of rabbit models fed dietary cholesterol.
Animal experiments
Thirty-six male Japanese white rabbits (2.5 to 3.0 kg) were housed at room temperature with a 12-h light-dark cycle and provided with tap water ad libitum throughout the experimental period. All animal studies were performed according to the "Position of the American Heart Association on Research Animal Use," adopted by The American Heart Association on November 11, 1984, and proceeded with the approval of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of the Osaka Medical College.
After 4 weeks of a normal standard diet, the rabbits were separated into 3 groups. The control group (C; n = 12) remained on the normal diet until sacrifice. The olmesartan (A; n = 12) and vehicle (V; n = 12) groups received a diet containing 1% cholesterol (Oriental Yeast Co., Osaka, Japan) for 8 weeks until sacrifice. Olmesartan (a gift from Sankyo Pharmaceutical Co., Tokyo, Japan) was prepared by emulsification with carboxymethyl-cellulose in water. The suspension (1 mg/kg/day of olmesartan) was administered orally via a gastric tube to the A group during the last 4 weeks. The V group received 1% carboxymethyl-cellulose by mouth via a gastric tube during the last 4 weeks.
Blood pressure was directly measured at the central artery of the ear using a SURFLO Flash catheter (Terumo, Tokyo, Japan) and transducer 30 min before sacrifice. Blood samples were collected thereafter, and total plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were measured enzymatically (Sigma-Aldrich Co., St. Louis, Missouri). At the end of the protocol, the rabbits were sacrificed by venous injection with an overdose of sodium pentobarbital.
Tissue preparation
After sacrifice, the ascending aortic section containing the aortic valve was dissected and rinsed in phosphate-buffered saline. The aortic root was opened longitudinally, and one leaflet from each aortic valve dissected with the adjacent aorta was fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde in phosphate-buffered saline for 1 h. Thereafter, samples for histological and immunohistochemical analyses were taken vertically through the cusp and sinus near the center of the leaflet according to the method of Otto et al. (3), embedded in Tissue-Tek O.C.T. compound (Sakura Finetechnical, Tokyo, Japan), and snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen. The remaining 2 leaflets from each valve were frozen immediately for mRNA detection.
Histological and immunohistochemical staining
Frozen sections were cut into 3- to 5-μm slices and stained with hematoxylin and eosin as well as Oil red O. Immunohistochemical studies were performed using the following primary antibodies; a mouse monoclonal antibody against rabbit macrophages (RAM-11, 1:1,000 dilution, DAKO, Carpinteria, California), anti-α-smooth muscle actin (1A4, 1:1,000 dilution, DAKO), osteopontin (1:50 dilution, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Santa Cruz, California), anti-ACE (1:200, Chemicon International, a Millipore Company, Temecula, California), anti-CD31 (1:100, DAKO), and antiendothelial nitric oxide synthase (anti-eNOS) (1:50, BD Transduction Laboratories, Lexington, Kentucky).
Frozen sections were air-dried, fixed in acetone, and endogenous peroxidase was block by incubation with 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Tissue sections were incubated overnight with primary antibodies at 4°C, then with biotinylated anti-mouse immunoglobulin (E0354, 1:200 dilution, DAKO) at room temperature for 30 min. The sections were visualized using NiCl2-enhanced 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (LY. 186, Dojin Chemical, Kumamoto, Japan) and counterstained with 0.25% methyl green or stained with AEC (Nichirei, Tokyo, Japan) without counterstaining.
Oil red O staining and immunohistochemistry other than for CD31 and eNOS were quantified by computer-assisted image analysis using NIH-image (1.61). Positive areas are expressed as ratios (%) of whole valve leaflet areas. To quantify endothelial integrity using CD31- and eNOS-immunohistochemistry, each positive length on the valve surface was measured and calculated as a ratio (%) of the total circumference of the valve surface using computer software (MCID 4.0, Imaging Research Inc., St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada).
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) isolation and real-time reverse transcriptional-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
We assessed valvular gene expression by using RT-PCR. Frozen valve specimens were disrupted in TRIzol reagent (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, California) using a motorized homogenizer (Microtec Nition, Chiba, Japan). Total RNA extracted using the RNeasy Mini Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, California) was purified and determined spectrophotometrically (ratio 260/280 nm) and by gel electrophoresis. For reverse transcription, complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was synthesized from 2 μg of total RNA by Avian Myeloblastosis Virus reverse transcriptase using first strand complementary DNA synthesis as described in the protocol supplied with the RT-PCR Kit (Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland).
The synthesized complementary DNA was quantified by SYBRGreen I dye PCR analysis of each gene using the LightCycler system according to the manufacturer's protocol (Roche Diagnostics).
The primers were: core binding factor alpha-1 (Cbfa-1) forward, 5′-CCGCACGACAACCGCACCAT-3′ and reverse, 5′-CGCTCCGGCCCACAAATCTC-3′ (289 base pairs) as described by Komori et al. (18) and GAPDH forward, 5′-TCACCAGGGCTGCTTTTAAC-3′ and reverse, 5′-GCGTTGCTGACAATCTTGAG-3′ (397 base pairs). The amount of Cbfa-1 complementary DNA was normalized relative to the respective quantity of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase complementary DNA.
Statistical analysis
Quantitative data are expressed as means ± SEM. Data were statistically analyzed using an unpaired t-test for parametric data or Mann-Whitney test for nonparametric data (only for real-time RT-PCR data) using a Macintosh computer (Apple, Cupertino, California) with StatView software (SAS Institute, Cary, North Carolina. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant.
Serum cholesterol increased in rabbits after 8 weeks on a high cholesterol diet from 32.3 ± 9.4 mg/dl in the control group (C) to 1,510 ± 265 mg/dl in the vehicle group (V) and 2,027 ± 239 mg/dl in the olmesartan group (A). The difference in cholesterol levels between A and V groups was not statistically significant. Blood pressures were similar for all 3 groups (C: 100 ± 7.0/72.7 ± 4.6 mm Hg, V: 100 ± 9.7/75.7 ± 6.0 mm Hg and A: 94.7 ± 11.3/72.3 ±5.8 mm Hg; p = NS).
Cholesterol feeding induced lipid accumulation with macrophage infiltration, especially on the aortic side of the valve (Fig. 1A).Olmesartan significantly decreased lipid deposition (% Oil red O area: V, 11.5 ± 2.1; A, 3.4 ± 0.48; p = 0.005) (Fig. 1B) and macrophage accumulation in the valve leaflet (% RAM-11 area: V, 9.3 ± 0.34; A, 1.4 ± 0.30; p = 0.003) (Fig. 1C). Osteopontin, a calcification mediator, was present at very low levels in control valves (% area in C: 0.30 ± 0.34%) but was increased by cholesterol feeding (% area in V: 9.0 ± 0.50%). Olmesartan treatment was associated with a significant decrease in osteopontin (% area in A: 3.6 ± 0.34%, p = 0.017 vs. V) (Fig. 1D).
Cholesterol feeding was associated with a significant increase in leaflet ACE immunostaining (p = 0.001), which was substantially blunted with olmesartan (C: 1.7 ± 1.9%, V: 35 ± 17% and A: 9.9 ± 5.4%, p = 0.015 vs. V) (Fig. 2).
We next analyzed the endothelial integrity of the aortic valve in this model. CD31 immunostaining (Fig. 3)showed that endothelial integrity was impaired on the aortic surface of the leaflets after cholesterol feeding (p = 0.003), although it was maintained on the left ventricular surface. Olmesartan significantly reversed this disruption on the aortic surface of the valve leaflets (C: 66 ± 6.2%, V: 30 ± 3.7% and A: 62 ± 4.8%, p = 0.003 vs. V). Figure 4shows immunohistochemical staining for the endothelial marker, eNOS. Because the intensity was similar on both the aortic and ventricular surfaces of the valve leaflets, we analyzed eNOS expression on the whole valve surface. Olmesartan increased eNOS expression as compared with high-cholesterol group (V: 24 ± 5.0 vs. A: 48 ± 5.4%, p = 0.008).
The transition from valvular interstitial cells to myofibroblasts is a critical change in valvular pathology. We examined myofibroblasts by immunohistochemical staining using alpha-smooth muscle actin antibody (Fig. 5).In the control, chow-fed group, alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts were sparse and dietary cholesterol obviously increased the alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive area (% area C: 0.34 ± 0.13 vs. V: 7.5 ± 2.2; p = 0.008). Olmesartan decreased the number of myofibroblasts in the valve leaflet (% area: 0.34 ± 0.22%, p = 0.003 vs. V).
Finally, Cbfa-1 messenger RNA expression was examined by real-time RT-PCR (Fig. 6).Dietary cholesterol increased, whereas olmesartan significantly decreased Cbfa-1 mRNA expression (analyzed by Mann-Whitney test).
The present study demonstrates that the ARB (olmesartan) inhibits lesion formation in aortic valve leaflets of hypercholesterolemic rabbits without significantly altering plasma cholesterol levels or blood pressure. Together with inhibiting the formation of aortic valve lesions, treatment with olmesartan was associated with maintained endothelial integrity and inhibition of the transdifferentiation of valvular fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence that a blocker of the renin-angiotensin system can inhibit lesion formation in an animal model of aortic valve disease.
Others have reported that activation of renin-angiotensin system is involved in the pathogenesis of aortic valve lesions (16,19). These reports indicated that ACE, angiotensin II, and the angiotensin II type 1 receptor are upregulated in diseased aortic valves of humans. The present study showed that dietary cholesterol upregulated ACE in the aortic valve, suggesting that in this rabbit model, originally described by Rajamannan et al. (11,20): 1) activation of the renin-angiotensin system is a characteristic of this model, as is the case with human aortic valve lesions (16), and 2) blockade of the renin-angiotensin system inhibits the formation of lesions. The mechanisms by which ARB inhibits lesion formation in the aortic valve are not known but may be similar to those implicated as antiatherogenic effects, such as suppressing inflammation (21), inhibiting macrophage accumulation (22), and decreasing oxidative stress (23,24).
In addition, ACE immunostaining was diffusely positive in the valve leaflets after cholesterol feeding (Fig. 2B), suggesting that ACE is associated with not only macrophages but also low-density lipoprotein particles in extracellular matrix such as biglycan and versican, as already shown in human aortic valves (16). Treatment with ARBs decreased ACE expression in the valve leaflets (Fig. 2C). One proposed mechanism of this effect is that ARBs can decrease extracellular matrix production, which is already shown in rat myocardial infarct models (25), probably through an inhibition of paracrine release of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta (26). This down-regulation of extracellular matrix may lead to decreased retention of lipoproteins (27), which contain ACE (16), as discussed in recent review by O'Brien et al. (28).
Disruption of endothelial integrity may be an important contributor to the formation of aortic valve lesions as well as to the development of atherosclerosis (29). The present study demonstrates, using CD31 immunohistochemistry, that the endothelial integrity of the aortic valve is disrupted in animals fed dietary cholesterol. Interestingly, this disruption is localized to the aortic, rather than the ventricular, surface of the aortic valve leaflet. Our findings with CD31 antibody are consistent with various reports showing that the aortic side of the aortic valve is more susceptible to lesion formation (30,31). In addition, this study demonstrates olmesartan not only maintains endothelial integrity but also preserves eNOS expression. The mechanisms by which ARBs reduce endothelial damage are not known, but may be similar to those reported for vascular injury (32).
In addition, olmesartan decreased myofibroblast accumulation in the valve leaflets. Myofibroblasts are believed to differentiate from valvular interstitial cells and TGF-beta is critical for this trans-differentiation (33,34). Moreover, angiotensin II can stimulate TGF-beta expression in cardiac myofibroblasts (35). Thus the inhibition of differentiation into myofibroblasts in the valve leaflet might be one mechanism whereby ARB inhibited lesion formation in the present study.
Findings from cell culture (33) and rabbit models (11) indicate that myofibroblasts in valve leaflets transdifferentiate into osteoblast-like cells. This study confirms that dietary cholesterol induces the osteoblast-specific transcription factor, Cbfa-1 (11), but now also demonstrates that ARB treatment decreases Cbfa-1 expression. This result confirms that myofibroblast-osteoblast transition, which is a critical pathway in development of calcific valve lesions, is a component of this model but also demonstrates that this transdifferentiation is inhibited by ARB treatment.
Rajamannan et al. (11) have demonstrated that statin inhibits the formation of lesions in the aortic valve of the rabbit model. However, the clinical efficacy of statin therapy for calcific aortic valves is now controversial. Small, retrospective studies have demonstrated a lower rate of progression of AS with statin therapy (6,12–14). However, more recently, a small, prospective randomized trial showed no benefit of statin therapy in inhibiting AS progression during about a 2-year follow-up (15). These results indicate that, in the clinical setting, effective statin therapy might require longer treatment periods or targeting of the disease at an earlier disease stage, i.e., aortic sclerosis (28). The present study uncovered the first evidence that ARBs are effective against aortic valve lesions in the rabbit model, thus encouraging clinical studies of blockers of the renin-angiotensin system in patients with calcific aortic valve disease. One concern is that the therapy might target an earlier stage of disease because we used the same model as Rajamanaan et al. (11).
Here, we used an ARB to block the renin-angiotensin system. The question now arises as to whether ARBs or ACE-inhibitors are superior in preventing the formation of aortic valve lesions. Because rabbits do not produce chymase, another angiotensin II synthesizing enzyme, this model might not be able to address this issue. However, recent data have shown that the expression of chymase as well as ACE is increased in the diseased aortic valve in humans (19), raising the possibility that ARBs have more potential than ACE inhibitors for preventing AS.
Study limitations
This study has several limitations. First, the rabbit model in this study is a rapidly progressive model, which is different from degenerative calcific aortic valve in human. Therefore, we must be always cautious when we apply short-time result in animal model to human slowly progressive disease, such as atherosclerosis and aortic valve calcification. Second, the administration of olmesartan caused a small reduction in systolic blood pressure, though the magnitude of reduction was not statistically significant. Although the range of blood pressure was normal and this dose of olmesartan reportedly does not affect blood pressure in normotensive rabbits (36), the possibility remains that this small decrease in blood pressure might affect the formation of valve lesions. Further studies are needed to determine whether lowering blood pressure with agents other than an ARB can inhibit aortic valve lesion formation.
The authors thank Dr. K. O'Brien (University of Washington, Seattle) for helpful comments and Ms. E. Kohbayashi for excellent technical support.
This study was supported in part by the High-Tech Research Program of Osaka Medical College, Osaka, Japan.
- Abbreviations and Acronyms
- angiotensin-converting enzyme
- angiotensin receptor blocker
- aortic stenosis
- Cbfa-1
- core binding factor alpha-1
- deoxyribonucleic acid
- eNOS
- endothelial nitric oxide synthase
- ribonucleic acid
- reverse transcriptional-polymerase chain reaction
- transforming growth factor
- Received August 23, 2006.
- Revision received November 1, 2006.
- Accepted November 23, 2006.
- American College of Cardiology Foundation
- ↵
- Lindroos M.,
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Our Story
Nyoka was started to create a completely non-toxic, biodegradable light source based on bioluminescence that is not only safe for people and the planet, but helps to restore some of the damage. Our first product, the Light Wand, is just that! #sciencemagic. Based on our core value of Restorative Design, we work hard to create products that help to heal the planet rather than add to its destruction. The Light Wand is algae-based, composts quickly in terrestrial and aquatic environments, is "unofficially edible", and vegan af. We are extra excited to be working on a prototype that acts as a 'seed-bomb' for mushrooms!
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Piddi - A funny charactor from TV show "Sunn Yaar Chill Maar" broadcasted currently on Bindass TV.
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- Anonymous said...
CHILLAR PARTY...for ARYANS?
And that's with LARRY- PB?
MARTIN ROPER and SHERYL CROW are involved in GREYHOUND RACING " together" ?
With HILLARY CLINTON?
And the physicians lime the BUNN- BUNN 5 are there, too?
TEXAS to LOUISIANA?
How does that work????
- 11:47 AM, November 04, 2011
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text: Top 10 Most Dangerous Roads in the World May 9, 2018 76562 10Sichuan-Tibet Highway, China It is a road with a record of over 7,500 deaths for every 100,000 drivers. Due to rock slides, avalanches, and poor weather drivers should certainly use caution. It's one of the world's riskiest roadsBackNext


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It is important for aspiring researchers to be able to see where they and their research fit in the wider archaeological picture. Conferences and events are often a great way to meet people doing similiar or complementary work but can often be expensive for students to attend.
As part of our commitment to fostering new research, ScARF has a number of bursaries available each year that are designed to enable attendance at workshops and conferences.
The conference must either be directly relevant to Scottish archaeological research, or the student should be presenting some aspect of their research into Scottish archaeology at a broader themed conference. In return for ScARF covering the conference fee/stipend towards travel, bursary recipients are usually expected to write a short report on their experience of the conference. The full series of ScARF supported student reports can be found at http://www.socantscot.org/category/student-report/
To apply please send an email with details of the conference you want to attend as well as if you are presenting a paper or a poster. Please write a short supporting statement explaining why you wish you wish to attend and how is relates to Scottish archaeological research questions. We also ask for a short letter written by a referee to support your application.
Some of the past events that we have supported bursaries for can be seen below.
Currently available bursaries:
We have a small number of bursaries now available to attend the Western Isles symposium which will be held to launch the Scotland's Islands Research Framework for Archaeology (SIRFA) project from the 7th - 10th January 2019. These are available for students and ECR's.
We anticipate being able to cover the costs of accommodation and subsistence at the conference for 5 people.
If you would like to apply please get in touch by email which contains the following
- A short description of your research interests in the Western Isles and why you would like to attend
- A reference/supporting letter from a supervisor
The closing date for applications is the 18th November and you will be notified if you are successful by the 22nd November. Please get in touch to find our more!
Previous bursaries awarded:
- Association of Environmental Archaeologists Conference 2017.
- Supporting student note takers and sponsoring the poster session at the 7th Developing International Geoarchaeology conference, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, 4th -7th September 2017.
- Supporting the poster session at the Rural settlement: relating buildings, landscape, and people in the European Iron Age conference at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, June 19th to 21st 2017.
- Europa 2016: Dynamics of Art, design and Vision in Iron Age Europe, Edinburgh.
- Nordic Research Network conference 2016 'Bridges Between: Norse and Insular Worlds', Glasgow.
- 8th International Symposium on 14C & Archaeology, Edinburgh.
- The 19th Iron Age Research Student Symposium (IARSS), Leicester.
- Supporting one student to attend the Archaeomalacology Working Group Meeting at AEA2016, Orkney.
- Supporting five students to attend the Association of Environmental Archaeologists Conference 2016, Kirkwall, Orkney. You can read the student reports on the conference on our Student Reports page.
- Travel, accommodation and attendance for six students at the Archaeology of Argyll symposium, Kilmartin. November 2015
- Travel and attendance for four students at the Cramond Roman Fort: 60 Years of Excavation and Research conference, Edinburgh. October 2015.
Please sign up to our monthly e-newsletter (http://eepurl.com/bCFibT) to keep in touch and be alerted when new bursaries are available.