text:
Time to Save the Nu
Three great rivers flow through parallel canyons in the mountains of southwest China on their way to the coastal plains of Asia. At least ten dams have been built on two of them, the Mekong and the Yangtze.
The third remains wild: the remote, raging Nu, known as the Salween in Myanmar, where it empties into the Andaman Sea. It also serves Thailand. No dam stands in the path of its flowing blue waters. It is the last free-flowing river in China.
Environmentalists have waged a passionate defence of Nu for more than a decade, battling state hydropower companies determined to build several dams to harness the river. It is an epic struggle that has bounced from victory to defeat and back again and has recently taken on new significance: With global temperature rising, can China afford to protect its rivers and forgo an alternative to the coal-fired plants responsible for much of the world's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Green supporters across the country have argued that dams on the Nu would force the relocation of tens of thousands of people, destroy spawning grounds for fish, and threaten the livelihoods of farmers and fishermen downstream.
But China has promised to begin scaling back its use of coal even as its power needs continue to rise. The government pledged that one-fifth of the nation's energy use will come from non-fossil sources by 2030, and it intends to reach that in large part by building more dams. Provincial officials said in March that they would suspend constructions of small dams and instead establish a national park along the river. But environmentalists remain wary.
This valley in China's southwest Yunnan Province, is home to a kaleidoscope of ethnic and religious communities unparalleled in China. Farmers tend to fields along steep, terraced walls. Pastors hold services in churches overlooking the river while Tibetan lamas perform rituals on hilltop monasteries. And guesthouse owners open their doors to tourists eager to glimpse this wild corner of their country. Dams would result in the flooding of many of these villages and undermine the river's role as a lifeline through the valley.1
Over the years, government agencies and state firms have proposed building multiple dams along the 2,700 kilometre-long river. Most of these plans have been scrapped and the fight is now focused on proposals for four dams on the pristine upper stretch that flows through this valley and a fifth one in Tibet. These dams would contribute to the 350 gigawatts of hydropower capacity that Beijing wants to have built by 2020.
In Xiaoshaba, near the proposed dam site farthest downriver, the government has already relocated residents, the start of what will be a huge resettlement effort along the entire valley if the dams are approved.
The village's 120 households have been forced to give up their livestock and farmland and move into two-storey building nearby. To the north, in the village of Laomudeng, Yu Wulin, a guesthouse owner, said the dams would have "no good benefits for the local people," and would choke off tourism.2
Environmentalists acknowledge that China needs to wean itself off coal and other fossil fuels to combat global warming, but maintain that it can do so without resorting to as much hydropower or nuclear power as proposed by the government. Some climate change researchers say building hydropower capacity is critical for China as it tries to move away from coal. "Hydropower in China's sustainable development process, occupies a rather important role," says Yang Fuqiang of the Natural Resources Defense Council. "But with regards to the Nu River," he added. "I personally think the best thing for China is to preserve a perfect, untouched river."3
The World Heritage Site in China is known as the epicenter of Chinese biodiversity and contains over 6,000 plant species and is believed to support over 25 percent of the world's and 50 percent of China's animal species. This unique ecosystem and the communities that depend on it for their survival are threatened by plans to construct a 5-dam cascade on China's portion of the river. The projects would displace 60,000 largely ethnic minority people. News of the dams triggered UNESCO's World Heritage Committee to issue a warning to the Chinese government in 2005 that any dam construction within the World Heritage property "would provide a case for inclusion of the property in the List of World Heritage in Danger."
In an incredible victory for the burgeoning Chinese environmental movement, in 2004 Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao announced the suspension of all projects on the Nu River pending further scientific study. However, in February 2011, Chinese officials revealed plans to resume the Nu River dams as part of China's 12th Five-Year Plan, which aims to add up to 140 GW of new hydropower capacity to meet its renewable energy targets. This was confirmed in January 2013, when the State Council announced plans for five of the 13 dams to start construction by 2015.
Communities living downstream in Burma and Thailand have voiced strong opposition to dam construction on the river both within China and on the lower stretch of the Nu/Salween in Burma. Seven large dams and a water diversion project are currently being pushed by the governments of Burma and Thailand for the lower Nu/Salween in Burma, despite recent conflicts near the dam sites. Thousands depend on the Nu/Salween for their livelihoods. Fisheries are a major source of dietary protein for communities, and the river's nutrient-rich waters sustain vegetable gardens and farmlands. Six of these projects, including one on a major tributary, were approved in February 2013 according to Burma's Deputy Minister of Electric Power.
International Rivers is working with a coalition of NGOs to stop the dams in China and Burma, protect this precious resource, and find real solutions to climate change that don't sacrifice rivers and livelihoods.
1 Edward Wong. "Chinese Eye Last Wild River for Power" The New York Times International Weekly, (July 2, 2016): 2
2 Ibid
3 Ibid
Terry Wildman
Senior Editor
E-mail: email@example.com


text:
Britons looking to invest in faraway shores
Permalink: Britons looking to invest in faraway shores
by Kay Mitchell
It has emerged by Directors of Investors Provident that an increasing number Britons are looking to invest in countries such as Brazil, Egypt and Morocco rather than the traditional overseas destinations.
The research showed that this is mainly due to tremendously low property prices. For example, in Egypt, you can buy properties for £16,000 which is extremely inexpensive. Brazil offers apartments on the beach for a mere £40,000. Morocco is at a similar price with good quality prices selling for approximately £35,000.
It has also emerged by Investors Provident that the Indian property market also offers good long-term investments.
Click here to discuss this: Home Move property forums
Related stories to: Britons looking to invest in faraway shores
The beach hut – a symbol of the British seaside
Buyers put off investing in Spain
£350 million damage caused by Britons copying DIY shows
FC Exchange sees increase in FTBs buying abroad
Previous: « Interest rates on hold but increase in summer is likely
Next: Homeowners struggling to repay mortgages »
Visited 1705 times, 4 so far today

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Laguna Beach Water Polo Age Group 12-Under boys "A" team won silver Monday at the San Diego Cup.
The three-day tournament started Saturday.
Laguna, coached by Carl Renezeder and Rob Capobianco, was entered into upper level, AA Division, and placed second among 36 teams. Opponents were shut down by the strong and steady defense led by Matthew Franck, Jack Gannaway and Zachary Cord. Erik Franck unleashed powerful shots on goal and was supported by strong left-hander Holden Geary. Augie Renezeder dominated at the two-meter position and Caden Capobianco commanded the goal, making a number of outstanding blocks. Brian Gilmore, Will Kelly and Charlie Besso supported with great defense and each scored several goals.
Matthew Franck and Erik Franck were selected as members of the all-tournament team.
The team will next compete at the Southern Pacific Zone (SOPAC) Junior Olympic Qualifier May 30-June 1 in Irvine.
— Reader submission
The Thurston Middle School surf team took a third-place finish last weekend at the Scholastic Surf Series Middle School State Championships at Oceanside Harbor.
Thirty middle school teams from Santa Cruz to San Diego competed for the title.
Led by coaches Jeff Booth and Bobby Lockhart, Thurston finished with 203 team points and finished behind San Clemente Shorecliffs which won the team title with 295 points, and second-place La Jolla Muirlands (244 points).
Booth won the Coaches' Shortboard division event.
— Reader submission
Laguna Beach Little League
AAA Division
UPS 11, Lumberyard 3: In the final game of the regular season, UPS overwhelmed Lumberyard.
UPS got on the scoreboard quickly, scoring five runs in the first inning highlighted by a grand slam by Sam Schineller which cleared the fence by a approximately 20 feet. UPS never looked back as they tacked on runs in the second, third and fifth innings.
UPS also got offensive contributions from Lucas Jablon, Aidan McDennon, Kai Gillies and Davis Dix. Spencer Klug got hit by the pitch and stole 2nd base only to find out later, he had broken his arm and unfortunately will be out for the season.
On the mound, JD Dix pitched his best game of the season going three innings and didn't allow an earned run.
Lumberyard turned in a few highlights of its own. Noah Neufeld singled to lead off the bottom of the first and came around to score. Nick Bonn was stellar in the field and at the plate, while Bryce Ford and Erik Olsen both had hits and scored runs.
The teams will square off again in the first round of the playoffs on Friday at 4:15pm.
— Reader submission
AA Division
La Sirena Grill 15, Bushards 4: La Sirena Grill clinched the AA regular season championship by beating a fast-improving Bushards.
Cade Anderton lead the way with an extremely efficient pitching effort (3 2/3 innings, one walk, four runs, five strikeouts) supported by continued outstanding fielding by a number of players including Ben Dawson, Jackson Baldwin, Ryan Loughlin and Redmond Chesley. Baldwin closed the game in the fourth thanks to a tremendous throw from Chesley to catcher Luke Fetzer who tagged out Bushards' Hayden Farrington at home plate.
La Sirena got off to a strong start with three runs in the first inning based on back-to-back doubles by Anderton (RBI, three runs) and Chesley (two for two, double, triple, 3 RBIs, two runs). La Sirena took a commanding lead after a five-run third inning, lead by Fetzer (double, two runs) and Dawson (single, two runs).
Bushards received solid pitching efforts from Gavin Genske (two innings, three strikeouts), Jayson Rowley and Will Goodwin (1 2/3 innings, four strikeouts). They were led at the plate by Andrew Kelleher (two for two, double, run), Goodwin (double, run), Morgan Zevnik (single), Michael Watts (double, RBI, run), and Christopher Hemsley (single, run).
— Reader submission


text:
The Rolls MB15b ProMatch converts consumer level stereo RCA signals to balanced XLR professional line level and vice versa. For live applications, the MB15b ProMatch is a great device for connecting DJ mixers to powered PA speakers. The MB15b converts the stereo signal to balanced XLR at hot +4dB professional levels so you can run long lines to the powered speakers, with no line loss, interference or noise, and you get a gain boost as well.
The MB15b ProMatch has stereo volume controls for fine tuning and matching levels. Two-way operation also converts stereo XLR balanced to stereo RCA unbalanced output. Active circuit for signal boost plus it ships with power supply.
Rolls MB15b ProMatch Active Stereo Direct Box Features
What started as a simple string and pedal sales catalog has grown exponentially over the past thirty years. The early days were a time where catalogs didn't have much of a presence in the industry, but what began as a college dorm room operation grew rapidly. In 1986 we moved to a full product offering and 64-page catalog, which over the years has grown to 162 pages. Join the AMS family and get your free catalog now!
Copyright © 1996-2017 American Musical Supply, Inc. All rights reserved. American Musical Supply reserves the right to correct pricing and/or product specifications in the event of typographical errors found in our print catalog or on our website. If a product is listed at an incorrect price due to such errors or because of inaccurate information received from a supplier, American Musical Supply shall have the right to refuse or cancel any orders placed, whether or not the order has been confirmed and your credit card charged. If your credit card has already been charged for the purchase and your order is canceled, American Musical Supply will issue a credit to your credit card account in the amount of the charge.


text:
Paedo dad padlocked daughter's head inside a box as he raped her & kept her as a sex slave
A TWISTED father who kept his daughter as a sex slave been released from prison - despite fears he could reoffend.
Ronald Van der Plaat abused daughter Tanjas Darke from the age of nine until she was in her thirties.
He tied her up in chains, handcuffs and clamps and padlocked her head inside a box while he carried out the vile sex attacks.
The perverted 82-year-old even impregnated Tanjas when she was just 12.
Now the twisted paedo is out of jail and living just 400 metres from a primary school in the same home where he terrorised his daughter.
He was previously released from prison in 2010 but was immediately sent back when he was seen holding hands with a young girl in a museum.
Residents of Te Atatu, New Zealand, where the horror crimes took place, are scared that Van der Plaat is now back in their midst.
Te Atatu MP Phil Twyford said: "There are real and just concerns in the community about the risk this man poses to the safety of vulnerable people given his appalling behaviour and the circumstances when he was last released."
And a concerned neighbour added: "The concerns I have is what might this do to our property values, how people might have to change their behaviour - for example children not being about to go and play outside."
Van der Plaat's psychiatric report says he does not admit that what he did was a crime and that he could "groom vulnerable solo mothers through offering financial, material, practical and emotional support".
It said: "Future victims are likely to be their female children with Mr Van der Plaat assuming some form of caregiver role."
The conditions of Van der Plaat's release mean he must wear a GPS bracelet and has a ban on going to places where children younger than 16 may hang around.
It includes, parks, nurseries, schools, childcare centres and libraries.
The 82-year-old is banned from possessing devices capable of taking photos or filming and must complete rehabilitation.
He is not allowed to have contact with anyone under the age of 16 unless he is supervised by an adult who is over 20 years old and knows of his criminal history – with the approval of a probation officer.
Tanjas waived her right to anonymity and wrote a book about her ordeal called Flight of the Dancing Bird.
Van der Plaat is not allowed to contact her.


text:
Let's face it, we're not perfect and sometimes that catastrophic consequence ("You're grounded for the rest of high school!!!") is just thrown out there in the heat of the moment. It's good to remember that you always have the authority to approach your child and say, "I've really given this some thought and I don't feel like the current consequence is going to help you learn how to do better with X, so I'm going to handle it this way instead."
I think parents feel a lot of pressure to do what they say they're going to do, because they know how important it is to be consistent. I respect when parents recognize how important that is, but I like to remind them that you want to be consistent with what works.
So, if you realize belatedly that you set up a consequence that doesn't fit the crime, doesn't really relate to the behavior and isn't task-oriented, know that you don't have to stick with it if you can think of a better alternative. I believe it's a mistake to stick with something that won't work out of some rigid obligation to follow through with what you originally planned.
The important thing to keep in mind is that changing your mind after carefully thinking things through doesn't make you a negotiator. As a parent, what you want to steer clear of is changing already agreed-upon house or family rules and expectations, just because your child has acted out or is skilled at getting you to budge.
Remember, you have the authority to set the rules, change the rules, and determine what the consequences and rewards are going to be for behavior. The awareness that this is an option for you as a parent can be really liberating.
Look at it this way: recognizing something probably won't work out, and replacing it with something that has a much better shot, is a great way to model how to be a superb problem-solver. It gives you more credibility to identify something that isn't working — and to come up with a new plan — than it does to keep your word on something that won't help to change the behavior.
If you ever find yourself in this situation, here's one important tip: The Total Transformation Program encourages very direct and simple communication, so you don't need to make a speech about how you're trying so hard to be a good parent. Just state your idea in a clear and short manner, "I think I could work on X, and here's what I'll do the next time around." It's not necessary to be over-apologetic or over-emotional.
So put on that business-like persona. It won't make you appear weak or foolish to own anything that you could do more effectively as a parent, and it helps teach our kids the language and ability to own their behavior as well.
About Tina Wakefield
As a 1-on-1 Coach, Tina Wakefield coached parents on techniques from the Total Transformation, as well as Empowering Parents' other programs, for over 8 years. Tina is also a mother and stepmother.


text:
Buying Customized Bottles Online
Customised bottles have recently become one of the very approved and accepted trends in the world. With the help of these bottles one can always make the other feel special and like an individual.
Also the concept of the bottles are definitely unique by nature. The customized bottles can be bought from many places. But the best are the online sites like that of the lovecustombottles.com/. There are many statements which will help in proving this statement right.
The online shopping sites makes the life easier than one can think. This article will ensure that one understands this completely. One should understand that what is the online shopping sites at the very first?
The online shopping sites:
The online shopping sites are basically the shopping platforms that are very much available online or in the internet. These shopping sites ensure the very fact that one can buy their stuffs from the internet without much hassle. These sites specializes in keeping the most important things that will help in the very best gathering of things.
The online shopping sites are very much famous and accepted by the new generation due to the various advantages it provides. These sites manages to impress the very new crowd with the technologically advanced mentality and opportunity to fulfil their buying needs. The online sites are the best for shopping and the below mentioned advantages will prove the very same.
The advantages of buying the customized bottles online:
The following are the various advantages that one may have while they decide to shop online:
- The very first advantage of shopping online is the fact that one do not have to go out of the house for the getting hold of these. All one needs to do is sit at the comfort of their own house and log in to these sites to get their shopping done. With the sites like that of the lovecustombottles.com/ available one can definitely get the best of the bottles customized and that too various styles of them.
- The very next advantage states the fact that there are numerous options of things that one can definitely choose from. This advantage is something that one may get locally. Also one must remember the fact that the advantage like this can make one feel special. As they will know that there are many possible choices that one can choose their stuffs from. This way they will ensure the fact that they have got the perfect one according to their need.
- The next advantage is the ease by which one can actually choose the products. One can always select the favourite by narrowing down all the options. They can get hold of all the products according to their own price choice or their own material choice. With this advantage they will not have to spend a lot of time on the site and then can save a lot of time for the same. Also one will have the opportunity of getting the products delivered right at their door step.
All these points can really be utilized when one decides to get the best kind of customized bottles for someone.
About author
You might also like
How to select the suitable plumber for you?
Plumbing section in our home should be taken care of importantly. This is because if any problem encounter in any of the area it will affect the whole system. It
Clean Your Dirty Mattresses With Enzymatic Cleaners
We take a lot of efforts to clean our houses. But the least we care is mattress cleaning. We must be aware that cleaning the mattress will keep our houses
It is known that the complications arises in the trucks are unavoidable and it is very imperative to choose the one who provides best repairing services in
0 Comments
No Comments Yet!
You can be first to comment this post!


text:
Free Local Deliveries*
We Are San Diego's Largest Suppliers Of Pet Food And Supplies Conveniently Located In Lemon Grove
For the lowest prices and the absolute best selection, your only choice should be San Diego Pet Supply!
3307 Lemon Grove Ave, Lemon Grove, 91945
HOURS: Mon - Sat 9:30 - 6:00 Sun 10:00 - 4:00
San Diego Pet Supply, an original pet supply warehouse! San Diego Pet Supply is packed with anything and everything a pet will possibly need, and all that your special friend could want. Operating as a supplier of feed and scratch, we offer a huge assortment of bulk and packaged foods by the bag or by the pallet.
From common brands to all natural and whole foods blends, we are the source for satisfying your animals'appetites. We will order any item for no additional fee. One call is like having a pet store at your door! We carry food for cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, various small animals and even for you pond. Stop in and see for yourself. Account holders can schedule free repeat deliveries. Orders available by phone and in store and delivery is free with minimum orders.
Because we know pets and animals, that's what we do. With our many years of experience, we've done and seen it all.


text:
FREE SHIPPING on orders of $85 or more
An excerpt from www.HouseOfNames.com archives copyright © 2000 - 2017
Standbridge Early Origins
Bedfordshire (Old English: Bedanfordscir), located in Southeast-central England, formerly part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia, where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor in the parish of Leighton Buzzard. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the year 1276 when Gilbert of Stanbridge was recorded with the estates.
Standbridge Spelling Variations
Standbridge Spelling Variations
Spelling variations of this family name include: Standbridge, Standbrige, Stanbrugge, Stanbrick, Standbridge and many more.
Standbridge Early History
Standbridge Early History
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Standbridge research. Another 209 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1487, 1463, 1510, 1488, 1505, 1507, 1509, 1509 and 1510 are included under the topic Early Standbridge History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Standbridge Early Notables (pre 1700)
Standbridge Early Notables (pre 1700)
Distinguished members of the family include John Stanbridge (1463-1510), an English grammarian and headmaster of Magdalen College School in 1488. He is best known for the series...
Another 26 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Standbridge Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
The Great Migration
The Great Migration
Some of the first settlers of this family name were:
Standbridge Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Contemporary Notables of the name Standbridge (post 1700)
Contemporary Notables of the name Standbridge (post 1700)
Standbridge Family Crest Products
Standbridge Family Crest Products
See Also
See Also
Other References
The Standbridge Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Standbridge Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.
This page was last modified on 13 November 2015 at 11:04.
Sign Up
FREE SHIPPING on orders of $85 or more


text:
- Home
- What's On
- Courses, Classes and Workshops
- News & Blogs
- Your Visit
- About Us
- Membership
- Venue Hire
Julian Rachlin conductor/violin
Royal Northern Sinfonia
Vivaldi The Four Seasons
Mendelssohn Symphony No.4 'Italian'
Following the huge success of his sold-out Beethoven Violin Concerto last season, Julian Rachlin is back!
This time he treats us to Vivaldi's ever-popular Four Seasons, complete with barking dog and chattering teeth, followed by Mendelssohn's romantic response to the colour and atmosphere of Italy, described by the composer as 'the happiest piece I have ever written'.
Fine Dining
Complete your evening with superb fine dining on our Concourse.
- Warm goat's cheese, sourdough crisp, pea salad, sun-blushed tomatoes with mint dressing
- Slow-cooked featherblade of beef, mustard mash, root vegetable bundles, thyme and port jus
- Fresh fruit tart and praline cream with raspberry coulis
- Coffee and petit fours
Four-course dining: £45 per person including wine
Packages – Booking opens Thursday 1 June, 10am.
Plan your season in advance and take advantage of some great discounts. Choose your favourite concerts from our RNS At Home and RNS Presents series, and save up to 25% on the cost of your tickets. Then sit back, relax, and start looking forward to another great Classical Season at Sage Gateshead.
- 5 – 9 concerts save 10%
- 10 – 14 concerts save 15%
- 15 – 21 concerts save 20%
- 22 concerts save 25%
Include our Opening Night in your package and join us for a FREE glass of fizz in the interval to celebrate the new season.
How to Save
Gateshead Residents
FREE tickets available for any concert in our RNS At Home series if you live in Gateshead and have never been to a classical concert before. Gateshead classical first-timers – come and hear your orchestra! Two tickets per customer.
Bar 5 for Under 30s
If you are under 30 our Bar 5 scheme entitles you to a ticket for just £5 plus a FREE bottle of beer for RNS At Home (in advance), RNS Presents (on the day) or RNS nights out (on the day). Find out more.
17 and under and Unemployed
Tickets available for £5 in advance for RNS At Home and on the day for RNS Presents and RNS Nights Out. Find out more.
View the Classical Season homepage
Part of Classical Season 2017/18 | RNS At Home
Always at the heart of our season – join Royal Northern Sinfonia 'at home' for their main series of classical concerts in Sage One.
Part of Classical Season 2017/18
From dedicated classical lovers to those looking for a new musical experience, there is something for everyone to get excited about in our brand new season.
Part of Christmas at Sage Gateshead
We have something for everyone; families looking to get into the Christmas spirit with a spectacular show; friends and workmates looking to let their hair down and party the night away; and anyone looking to reflect on what Christmas means to them with a more traditional performance. Whatever...


text:
9/11 Whistleblower & Dan Ellsberg At Hearing 14/06
Sign up for the wire at:
Unanswered Questions : Thinking for ourselves.
9/11 Whistleblower to be joined by Dan Ellsberg at Upcoming Hearing, June 14th
Your Support Is Needed
June 14th, 9:30 AM -- U.S. District Court
3rd & Constitution Ave (Constitution Ave. Entrance)
[Please post and distributely widely]
For over two years Attorney General John Ashcroft has been relentlessly engaged in covering up my reports and investigations into my allegations. He has asserted the rarely invoked State Secret Privilege in my court proceedings, and has used it to quash a subpoena request for my deposition from attorneys representing 9/11 family members on information regarding 9/11.
Ashcroft is not protecting 'national security' or 'state secrets' of the United States. On the contrary, he is endangering our national security by covering up facts and information related to criminal and terrorist activities against this country and it's citizens. Ashcroft is fully aware that making this information public will bring about the question of accountability, will expose serious criminal activities, and his complicity in covering up.
On Monday, June 14, 2004, at 10:00 AM, Judge Reggie Walton is expected to issue his ruling on the state secret privilege assertion by AG Ashcroft, which is intended to gag me. The hearing will be held in US District Court for the District of Columbia, located at 3rd and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, Judge Walton's courtroom. Please attend if you can, since by your presence both the court and Ashcroft will understand that this attempt to cover up will not go unnoticed.
I will be there, in front of the Court's Constitution Avenue entrance, at 9:30 AM, and will be joined by Daniel Ellsberg to make press statements and to meet with all of you.
Court with map
Hope to see you there,
Sibel D. Edmonds
P.S. Look for 60 Minutes to do another segment on this case next Sunday.
STANDARD DISCLAIMER FROM UQ.ORG: UnansweredQuestions.org does not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the above article. We present this in the interests of research -for the relevant information we believe it contains. We hope that the reader finds in it inspiration to work with us further, in helping to build bridges between our various investigative communities, towards a greater, common understanding of the unanswered questions which now lie before us.


text:
Calling all wine connoisseurs! Alex and Ani is excited to be in the Holiday 2013 issue of Saratoga Living Magazine.
Our Illumination Set of 4 Wine Charms is featured in the Holiday Gift Guide section. This particular set includes the Tree of Life, Lotus Peace Petals, Star of Venus, and Path of Life.
There's also the Spiritual Journey Set of 4 Wine Charms that includes the Om, Seven Swords, Welcoming Pineapple, and Eye of Horus.
Either set is a perfect gift and promotes enlightenment, enchantment, and empowerment.


text:
Lajpat Nagar Escort Girls
Independent escort in Lajpat Nagar
Being the independent escort of Lajpat Nagar I take an extra care of my health. I keep an eye on my health. I eat properly so that I am able to maintain the sexy figure of mine. I go for walk in the morning and eat a healthy diet throughout the day. My working timings are also very flexible. I adjust my routine according to the timings and needs of my clients.
Escort service in Lajpat Nagar
Call girls in Lajpat Nagar
The needs and wants of people are different from each other. Some want luxury and some just want fun in their life. They way of getting fun is different for different person. Some find fun by spending their time on a long trip and some find fun by fulfilling their fantasies by spending time with a gorgeous girl by their side.
I am Zoya Khan. I am 22 years old. I am an independent Delhi escort with excellent qualities to adore for. I am well educated with a good ranking from the best college in Delhi. I am tall, slim beautiful girl with golden brown hairs and brown eyes. My good qualities like punctuality, soft-spoken, my behavior and my thoughts are all results of the good education I have received. With all these qualities I am an independent escort of Lajpat Nagar. I was my willing that I choose escort as my part time job. I am really a good escort. I don't brag about it. My clients really appreciate my qualities and my personality. I am really a comfortable person and you can also be comfortable with me if you get to know me better.
Mine beauty is the essential content that drags the clients towards me. Moreover being the independent escort of Lajpat Nagar helps you to show you beauty in a more defined way. Lajpat Nagar is an essential and the most important place in Delhi to fulfill your desires. I am the most reliable escort of Lajpat Nagar. My beauty does not only count the outer beauty I possess but my inner beauty, my likes, and dislikes are also to adore for.
Lajpat Nagar Escort
Lajpat Nagar Girls
I really like to spend money on various things but mainly on purchasing the best outfit and accessories along with that. I really like to sing. It is my singing that attracts the attention of the people. My hobbies also include singing, dancing and drawing. Being good at drawing during my college time I was easily assigned as a designer in one of the dress designing company. That is how I earn my living. I really like people who are bold and confident like me.
With all these likings I have dislikes too. I have a complete dislike towards the people who are not punctual, ones who are liars and have a bad personality. I do not like the people that are shy and introvert. I really hate people who are so full of themselves that they pay no attention towards other people's thinking, and views and so on. I do not like shy people.
Find escorts service in Saket and pure nude massage in delhi by sexy females.
Meeting with an attractive and gorgeous escort in Connaught Place like me I can bet that the time one will spend with me will be totally an amazing one. I will fill each and every moment of complete happiness and each moment will be bliss. Each and every client will be served equally and equal dedication will be provided to each client. I have a number of clients that comes back to me and enjoy time with me. It is my good service and sexy figure that makes then turn back to me.
Some female escorts near Delhi Airport also available.
Lajpat Nagar Escort GirlsI have seen people those who are really depressed from their daily life. So I am sure that one meeting with me can cover their depression. My sexy moves and my comfortable atmosphere are sure to provide them pleasure. A person can gain lots of intimate moments and can get rid of the stress. I am sure to add spice to the life of my clients. So this is all about the independent escort in Lajpat Nagar. So looking for a good escort connects to the website and grabs the opportunity to have a blissful day.
Get sexy pleasure with call girls in Laxmi Nagar and natural russian call girls in Delhi.
Blog on call girls Malviya Nagar and Karol Bagh Escorts. call girl in delhi south ex are perfect for body to body massage. escort service in greater kailash


text:
Worlds most advanced Triple Blade Groove Sharpeners
Sold for:
Start Free Trial
or Sign In to see what it's worth.
- Sold Date:
- Source: eBay
TRIPLE BLADE GROOVE SHARPENERTHE "ROLLS ROYCE" OF GOLF GROOVE SHARPENERS Over 13500 golfers in 23 countries sharpen up every 10---15 rounds Triple Blades is the only groover with 3 blades on each end. Milled on a computer controlled CNC Milling machine from A2 Hercules air hardened tool steel, it will easily slice through bent over grooves in your wedges and irons. Faster than any single blade groover . {This helps if you need to use it whilst your playing} Both ends will sharpen the edges of U---V Grooves on all clubs When you consider that 3 blades are re-cutting your grooves instead of 1 its quite obvious which groover will outlast the other, so buying the best is also much greater value. A WELL KNOWN RAZOR BLADE COMPANY REALIZED THIS SOME YEARS AGO !
Cutting with a single blade in such narrow grooves is quite difficult and requires a steady hand but the Triple locates and tracks in much the same way as a train on rails, each of the 3 blades helping the other two stay on track in the grooves for a cleaner more accurate re-groove.
No other groover has the durability of the Triple, its made from the worlds hardest tool steel, and carries a lifetime guarantee.
Our confidence in your ... read more


text:
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
It's Payday for Nate (N8) Van Dyke
Coming soon to Upper Playground is a new figure from Illustrator N8 Van Dyke called Payday. Check back here for updates on the release date of this limited-edition item. To purchase other Upper Playground collectibles, go here.
Posted by Chief Walrus at 11:13 AM
No comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Jack and the Beanstalk
A Golden Eggstravaganza is imminent when the Wonersh Players
perform Jack and the Beanstalk their long-established "late, late" pantomime, during this February Half-Term Holiday.
The traditional tale is brought to life by writer and director Jon Rogers, and has the usual
blend of old jokes, memorable songs and strong characters. Along with wonderful costumes by Marian Cozens, the show will
give children and adults a show to remember.
The story sees Jack (Nyssa Staniforth),
his garrulous mother Doris (Simon Osborne) and deaf old Gran (Glyn Tassell) swapping their cow for a bag of beans. A magical
beanstalk grows overnight and the adventurous Jack climbs it to find a goose that lays golden eggs belonging to the angry
Giant (Tony Carmichael) and his long suffering wife Doreen (Tracey Taylor). Jack befriends the lovely Lena (Sophie Myers)
and three navvies Arfur, Arfur and Arfur (Leigh Terry, Nicky Bracey and Dave Workman) while the obnoxious Tim (Jeanette Farley)
and benevolent Tom (Liz Rossall) help Jack steals the goose. Will the giant grind their bones to make his bread? Will Lena
fall for Jack? Will there be a happy ending? You'll just have to see the show to find out.
Performances at the Wonersh Memorial Hall are in February on Thursday 19th at 7:30pm, Friday 20th
at 7:30pm and Saturday 21st at 7:30pm. All with a Licensed Bar, with a Children's Matinee on Saturday 21st
at 2:30pm. Tickets cost £6.00 for adults and £4.00 for children and seniors and are available from 01483 892401.
Profits of the show will go to the the charities the Fountain Centre and Us in a Bus


text:
Materials for Irish Crochet Lace lesson - 2
Crochet Yarn.
Historically, Irish lace is crocheted by cotton yarn. But early only fine linen thread was used. Linen thread was no different smoothness and evenness. Therefore, it is replaced by cotton. In addition, the cotton thread was cheaper and easier to wash out. And with the invention of process mercerization thread the yarn quality has improved and cottons began to shine.
At present, the industry offers a large selection of different yarns for crochet. For the lace yarn is preferable to select, based on compliance with weight and length of the ball of yarn. For example, crochets formed in the classic 50-gram bolls, in which the 350-500 yards of thread. Ideal Classic Crochet (Size 10) company «Aunt Lydia''s» or «J & P Coats».
For Irish crochet motifs can be used yarn with thick filaments, ie, containing 50 grams in balls with 150-170 yards. But if the product will be monophonic it is important to pick the exact monochromatic color yarns of varying thickness. For bourdon can be used a thicker yarn, but be sure of one tone from the main thread. To avoid errors, it is best to pick a different yarn of one manufacturer and pay attention to the correspondence sheet color.
Also you can use modern linen thread for Irish lace. Linen yarn, usually contains a portion of the cotton, which increases its strength and makes it softer. Linen thread can be combined with cotton. That is, do the motifs of the linen thread and the connection of the mesh of cotton, which will only emphasize the individuality of motifs.
In addition, the present Irish lace is often converted into the free form crochet - FREEFORM,. For this purpose, can be used wool yarn. For this jacket was used ANGORA BATIK for motifs (602 yards - 100g yards) and KID MOHAIR for mesh (382 yards - 30g.).
Crochet Hooks.
As a rule, the Irish lace require selection of hooks into compliance with several requirements:
- crochet hook should correspond thickness of the used yarn;
- The tip of the crochet hook must be sharp enough, because motifs, crocheted around bourdon, different by density, and the hook should be free to penetrate into the densely-located stitches;
- The hook should be smooth so as not to split the thread into fiber and does not injure hands.
Most suitable for crochet lace hooks are:
00- 1,75 mm
000- 1,5 mm
4/0- 1,25 mm
5/0- 1,0 mm
6/0- 0,75 mm
8/0- 0,5 mm
Accordingly, if a 50 grams ball containing a 300 yards of thread, you should use a hook of 1.25 - 1.5 mm. A more accurate numbering depends on the density of the crochet square (gauge), generated by crocheters.
Irish crochet lace will need some accessories. First of all it is pattern. It is best to use for that thick cotton fabric from which to cut out the exact pattern of the future product. In some cases, perhaps drawing on the pattern of the pattern arrangement of motifs. Fabric pattern is useful in the manufacture of large items, jackets, dresses, because with attached fabric motifs can be folded in several layers, leaving a small work area. In addition, the fabric is convenient to attach (tack) motifs.
For the initial attachment motifs to the pattern it is needed a pin. It is advisable to use safety pins with plastic heads. They do not cling the threads of finished motifs and work thread.
A tablet can be useful when you create a mesh. On tablet you can stretch pattern with the help of pins. Spanned exactly pattern will help to avoid contracting the mesh, which can lead to distortion of the final size of the product and skews the picture of the pattern. The tablet can be done independently of a small board, a piece of foam rubber, covered with dense tissue. Handy size, about - 30X40 cm.
In addition for sewing of motifs need to pick up the thread with the appropriate color tone of the crochet working thread. This may be a sewing thread number 40.


text:
Hello Ely,I was wondering, would you be willing to purchase something from my shop and review it on your blog? I would be so honored if you would. Just use the contact form on the side of my shop to email me back, or use the order form to order something. Here is my shop. ashleysyarnworks.blogspot.com Love,Ashleyashleysyarnworks.blogspot.com
Chaya Chobi Digital Studio
Half a pound of tuppenny rice, half a pound of treacle... andmakethemcry.blogspot.com


text:
Mel Bay Modern Guitar Method Grade 3 (Book + Online Audio)
Item is available as a recurring order
To automatically re-order this item before you run out, select the recurring order option during checkout.
This book begins with the key of A major and immediately introduces right-hand accompaniment concepts before moving on to the relative minor key of F#. Notes in the first position on the first four strings are reviewed before approaching scales, chords and etudes in keys of B-flat major/G minor, E-flat major/C minor, and A-flat major/F minor. Includes theory lessons regarding intervals, harmonized scales, triads, expression marks and syncopation plus techniques of glissando, ascending and descending slurs, ...more


text:
A different revolution
A policeman shot two men in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi yesterday. One of them lost his life, while the other was wounded. Both men were accused of blasphemy a charge punishable by death in Pakistan. While no death sentence has been carried out for those charged with blasphemy, non-profit organisation, 'Life for All' says that at least 48 blasphemy-accused have been killed extrajudicially. In most if not all cases these laws are misused by those wanting to settle property disputes, personal vendetta, etc. Both Muslims and non-Muslims have been targeted due to these laws. It is quite easy for anyone here to label someone else a 'non-Muslim' or accuse them of blasphemy, as there is hardly any accountability when a crime is committed in the name of religion.
Nearly a month ago, the 'dharna revolution' started in the capital for electoral reforms and the ouster of this government. Such is the tragedy that no dharnas (sit-ins) would ever take place here for the rights of the minorities and those arrested on false blasphemy charges because of fear... fear of those with guns and bombs. Pic/AFP
For years, human rights organisations and activists have been asking that the blasphemy laws should either be scrapped, or at the very least reformed, so that they cannot be misused to settle scores. Once a person is charged with blasphemy, his/her life is at risk. Those critical of the controversial blasphemy laws are also in danger. The debate on blasphemy laws ended for all intents and purposes when two high-profile politicians were assassinated three years ago. In 2011, Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer was killed by his bodyguard for speaking in defence of Aasia Bibi, a blasphemy-accused. Taseer's murderer was treated like a hero by many. The same year, Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti was gunned down for the same reason. Human rights advocate Rashid Rehman was killed earlier this year for defending a university lecturer accused of blasphemy.
It is because of such incidents that lawyers are afraid of defending those accused of blasphemy, judges are afraid of dismissing the charges and most people are afraid of speaking vocally about the issue. In trying to appease the religious Right, our rulers have made it impossible for people to question any laws made in the name of religion. Many people who have spoken about minority rights, incitement to violence in the name of religion, and other such sensitive issues have had to face threats at the hands of fundamentalists. Not everyone has the capacity to deal with the trauma of being hounded by the fundos, which is why a lot of people choose to stay away from sensitive issues. More than a month has passed since the 'dharna revolution' started in the capital for electoral reforms and the ouster of this government. Such is the tragedy of this country that no dharnas (sit-ins) would ever take place here for the rights of the minorities and those arrested on false blasphemy charges because of fear… fear of those with guns and bombs.
Pakistan needs a different sort of revolution. We need to revolutionise our mindsets in order to fight extremism. If we lose our battle against extremism, we would eventually lose our country. One hopes that some day we realise which battles are worth fighting for.
The writer is a Pakistani journalist. Reach her at firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
International Commercial and Finance Law Firm in Geneva, Switzerland
Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman
Case Postale 3473
Geneva 1211
+41 (22) 312-3525
+41 (22) 311-7148
Contact the Law Firm
Other Offices: Panama City Montevideo
Credit Cards
Law Firm OverviewIcaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman, founded in the year 1920 under the name Lombardi e Icaza, grows with the center of international services in Panama. Its founders are pioneers among those who contributed to the creation of the legal structure in our country, which has been developing in order to become the international financial center it is today.
Presently, Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman has a qualified group of lawyers, who day to day expand, enrich and renew the capacity of the firm, with studies and up to date specializations, both in Panama and abroad, which have converted it into an organization with ample capacity to attend every aspect of legal counseling demanded of cities with important financial and commercial activities.
The competence areas of these professionals cover several worldwide jurisdictions which, together with the great demand of services related to international operations, has led the firm to establish affiliates in important financial centers. Presently, Icaza, González-Ruíz & Alemán, offers its services with an office located at Geneva, Switzerland. The depth of over 90 years of experience guarantees the timely delivery of top quality solutions in every service rendered.
Year this Office was Established: 1992
Languages: Spanish, French, English
Areas of Law
Additional Areas of Law: Re-Insurance; Panama Private Interest Foundations; Public Contracting & Privatization; Trust Services; Panama Trusts; Vista Trusts.
Areas of Law Description
Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman provides legal help on the following areas of practice:
- Administrative Law
We offer to our clients a complete range of services in the area of administrative law. Panama, like other modern states, is introducing an ever-expanding web of regulations and procedures, that both individual and corporate entities need to deal with, in the course of their business or other affairs.
- Banking and Finance
Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman has been able to accumulate invaluable expertise that benefits our international and domestic clients. Being sensitive to the domestic legal, regulatory and cultural considerations we are regularly assisting financial institutions that wish to operate from Panama.
- Capital Markets
Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman expertise includes transactions on various asset-backed facilities secured on a variety of assets as property, insurance, concessions, lease, trade and account receivables, often documenting innovative structures as well as traditional ones.
- Communications & IT'
The expertise of our CIT lawyers makes Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman the leading law firm in Panama in this area of business, delivering expert tailor-made solutions to e-business and technologies issues.
- Company Formation and Management
Our lawyers focus on tax-oriented advice and can offer a very broad spectrum of vehicles for the international structuring of business and private equity by selecting the most suitable corporate structures from their transactional expertise on a choice of domiciles.
- Consumer Protection & Competition
Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman has a team of expert lawyers who are specialized in dealing with current regulations applicable to the aforesaid free competition and consumer protection matters. We have acted for complainants and respondents.
- Contracts
The attorneys at Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Alemán have the expertise and the academic preparation required to advice on commercial matters.
- Corporate Law
Our firm may assist its clients in all legal matters related to corporations and their shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, creditors, partnerships, intellectual property, trusts, contracts, environmental issues, among others, including all kinds of litigation.
- Energy and Environmental
Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman have demonstrated technical expertise in various deals involving complex environmental and commercial issues related to the idiosyncratic geographical characteristics of Panama, such as hydrographic, preservation and maintenance, and transport issues.
- Immigration and Naturalization
This department deals with any immigration matters, on behalf of our independent and/or international corporate clients in their Panamanian business dealings and in conjunction with the employment and labor law practice.
- Insurance and Re-Insurance
Our insurance and re-insurance specialist team has built excellent record and good business relationships with clients in the Insurance industry.
- Intellectual Property
Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman has an intellectual property department with significant experience across the field. We deal with all the needs of our domestic and international clients in a national or regional level.
- Labor and Employment
Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman has an employment and labor law team well versed both in the regulatory framework that governs this area of law and the industrial relationships reality in various industry sectors.
- Litigation & ADR
Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman has one of the leading litigation practices, and benefits from long experience and in-depth specializations of its partners, associates and paralegal staff.
- Maritime and Admiralty
Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman continuously offers a wide range of legal services to the international maritime community. Maritime law has been at the core of our practice since 1920.
- Private Interest Foundations
The main objective of Private Interest Foundations is to provide a legal vehicle that will allow you to protect, to ease the administration of and to avoid hereditary processes of your personal estate.
- Public Contracting & Privatization
Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman has been acting for sponsors and host-authorities of the public sector as well as for private parties such as developers, investors, commercial purchasers, contractors, and concessionaires.
- Real Estate & Tourism
We have a specialized team of attorneys that serves the needs of our clients in an integral manner in order to make the experience of visiting, relocating or investing in Panama, a pleasant and enjoyable one.
- Taxation
Our tax practice has won the trust of a wide range of clients, both individual and corporate, for the quality of the advice that it has produced. Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman offers optimal solutions regarding taxes for every type of activity.
- Trust Services
It allows for a flexible and effective asset management and controlled distribution, timely, to family members and others, in the stages or under the conditions that the original owner wishes.
- Inter-American Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI)
- International Trademark Association (INTA)
- International Bar Association (IBA)
- Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
More Information on Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & AlemanBanking and Finance
Litigation & ADR
Corporate Law
Intellectual Property
Maritime and Admiralty
Labor and Employment
Immigration and Naturalization
Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman News and Publications
Articles Published by Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman
Panama as an Added Value to SEM Companies: A Reflection 10 Years Later
Ten years have elapsed since the enactment of Law 41 of 2007, whereby the Special System for the establishment and operation of Multinational Corporations Headquarters (SEM) was created in Panama.Read Article
Myths and Realities of Panamanian Corporations
Some have come across diverse and perhaps incompatible information on the legal framework regarding the creation of corporations and private interest foundations. It is not surprising to see a variety of questions arise.Read Article
Contributions of the Panama Canal – Republic of Panama
A New Panama Canal Administrator is Appointed - The Panama Canal Authority contributed to the Panamanian Government, during the last fiscal year that ended September 30th, 2011, the sum of 1,043 million dollars. This amount breaks down to $366.9 million for fees for net ton, $1.9 million public service duty and $674.2 million for surplus.Read Article
New Special System for the Operation of Free Zones in Panama
In the Official Gazette N°26,757-B of April 5th, 2011 was published the Law N°32 of the same date whereby a special, comprehensive and simplified system for the establishment and operation of free zones is established and provides other provisions. For your convenience, we have prepared the following summary of this law.Read Article
Panama and the USA Sign an Agreement for Tax Cooperation and the Exchange of Information Relating to Taxes
On the 30th day of November of 2010, the governments of the Republic of Panama and of the United States of America ("USA") signed an "Agreement for Tax Cooperation and the Exchange of Information relating to Taxes" ("the Agreement").Read Article
IGRA Provides Consultancy for the Protection and Defense of Industrial Property in Panama
It has been entrusted to ICAZA, GONZALEZ-RUIZ & ALEMAN the rendering of legal consultancy and assistance to the "Containers Control Program (CCP)", under the supervision and the coordination of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).Read Article
Innovations or Inventions Developed and Obtained by Workers - Panama
To whom does the property of an invention, whose creation is a direct consequence of a labor relationship, belong to? During 2009, multiple inquiries and queries related to the feasibility to limit or to restrict the property right on the ideas, the technical innovations or invents developed and obtained by the workers were received.Read Article
New Law Regulates the Rights of Credit Cards and Other Cards Users - Panama
Law 81 of December 31st, 2009, published in Official Gazette No. 26438-B of the same date, is aimed to regulate the business of credit cards and other financing cards, as well as its use, in order to guarantee and protect the rights of the cardholders and regulate the relationships among the latter and the issuers of cards and the affiliated commerce.Read Article
Possessory Rights and Titling in Coastal Zones and Insular Territory - Panama
In the Official Gazette N°26438-B was published the Law N°80 of December 31st, 2009, that recognizes the possessory rights and regulates titling in the coastal zones and the insular territory in order to ensure its optimum use and also enacts other provisions.Read Article


text:
In The House: Take 1
Published October 28, 2010 by Laura S
The first video we showed has not yet made its debut on our site (coming soon). The American Heart Association Start! Heart Walk took place in early September, and our crew was at the scene to film two videos. The first video tells the personal story of Bank of America associate, Morgan Kennedy, and her experience with heart disease. The second video captures the fun of the event, complete with giant Wii on the big screens at Victory Park, and trampoline jumping for kids. "Which of the two do you like best?" Bradshaw asked. Story number one was preferred. "[It's] such a unique perspective," said a member of Foreboding Films.


text:
In September 2015 two friends had a dream. It wasn't about each other. That would be weird, and a little awkward.
No, this dream was to sling a wood-fired oven in the back of a Land Rover and together produce the greatest pizza the world has ever seen - or at least try really hard to.
Using simple quality ingredients prepared with passion we began a quest to cater for pizza lovers everywhere - as long as we don't have to park on a double yellow line.
Our perfectly crispy pizzas are paired with simple quality toppings; whether it's classic Neapolitan Margherita or our Sardinian-inspired pecorino, rosemary and honey.
So if you've got an event coming up send us an email at firstname.lastname@example.com. We'd love to hear from you.
Or if you just fancy pigging out on our delicious pizzas, follow us on Instagram (@pizzapigsUK) to see where you can find us.
Why call it Pizza Pigs you may ask? Alliteration. That's why!
Our custom pizza truck is available for your next special event, party, or wedding. We make every pizza to order on site for a truly unique pizza dining experience.
Typically we are willing to drive up to 60 miles outside of Windsor for events. Further locations are always considered, just drop us a message.
Our event service includes 3 pizza types and pizzas are served buffet style within your event space or from the side of the truck.
Please send us an email with details of your event. We can then provide a specific estimate and catering package to fit your requirements.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Phil & Sam
For any bookings or to find out more, please email us.


text:
GraphicRiver Summer Holiday Badges 11086827
Category: Stock Vector | Comment: ( 0 )
GraphicRiver Summer Holiday Badges 11086827
Stock Vector \ Conceptual
Summer \ Retro \ Poster \ Tourist \ Travel \ Vector \ Vintage \ Vacation \ Typography
Stock Vector - Summer Holiday Badges 11086827 by aninfloat @ GraphicRiver
Stock Vector \ Conceptual
Layered: No; Graphics Files Included: Vector EPS, AI Illustrator; Minimum Adobe CS Version: CS.
Fully Vector
AI and EPS file
Easy to edit, color
Font link attached
f you need a help or anything, please contact me through my profile page.
If you happy and love it, please don't forget to rate 5 star at download section. Thank You
Keywords: background, badge, banner, beach, cruise, decoration, decorative, design, frame, holiday, illustration, journey, label, party, poster, retro, sea, set, summer, tourist, travel, tropical, typography, vacation, vector, vintage.


text:
Hello friends we are here with lots of happy new year 2017 greeting card designs for Facebook and whatsapp so that you can now be able to send some of the wishes to your friends and family members. The new year bring many of the new things like new hope, new will, new wishes, new thinking, new resolutions, new oath and many other new year of new 365 days so with all these we should take some new oath and make our earth good.
It will also make your happy new year 2017 looking very good and make a new year for you in the 2017. With all these greeting cards designs of happy new year 2017, you can make your new year more entertaining and you can also able to take an oath for the new year for making your environment more and more convenient for living of human being.
So now without wasting more and more time over the introduction of happy new year 2017 as we are coming back to the main point for which we are here yes you understand right it is happy new year 2017 greeting card designs for facebook and whatsapp. Just look and if you like it then you can also download them.


text:
Day Trips
Day trips are fun and a great way of relaxing with friends and family. The train runs on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays. The trips meander through the incredible scenery of the Eastern Cape to the station in Loerie.Here you can picnic, braai or enjoy a home cooked mealat the Station restuarant.
|Forthcoming Day Trips Summer Season 2010 -11 download here
|Day Trip Details Summer Season 2010-11 download here
|To enquire on booking availability click here
|Please view Cancellation and Locomotive Policy


text:
Trailer Rental & Towing in Phoenix, AZ at U-Haul Moving & Storage of Downtown Phoenix
Moving to or from Phoenix, AZ? U-Haul cargo and enclosed trailers are intelligently designed to protect and secure your precious belongings, while our open utility trailers are perfect for hauling building supplies, landscaping materials or bulky items. U-Haul car trailers have EZ load ramps for effortless loading of vehicles while our motorcycle trailers are lightweight and easy to tow. Get FREE trailer rental rate quotes in Phoenix AZ 85004 today.
Get FREE trailer rental quotes on car trailers, utility trailers, cargo trailers, and motorcycle trailer rentals in Phoenix, AZ
Cargo Trailers
Cargo trailers in Phoenix, AZ are lightweight, aerodynamic, and engineered for better fuel economy which makes it easy to tow behind any vehicle. Millions of families use our enclosed cargo trailers to move every year. U-Haul has a large selection of enclosed trailers to rent in-town or one way, review our cargo trailer sizes and reserve a trailer rental online at U-Haul Moving & Storage of Downtown Phoenix!
Utility Trailers
Utility trailers are perfect for towing large or oversize cargo in Phoenix AZ 85004. Many utility trailer rentals come equipped with a loading ramp for easy convenience. The utility trailer selection at U-Haul Moving & Storage of Downtown Phoenix provides an affordable solution for home improvement projects, furniture delivery and for towing recreational vehicles. Utility trailer rentals are also popular with businesses for deliveries and trade-show events. Utility trailers come in a wide range of sizes and styles so that any car can tow.
Car Trailers
Moving cross-country with your vehicle on a car trailer is a smart way to save gas and eliminate miles of wear and tear on your vehicle. Our Tow Dolly is a low-cost option for towing front wheel drive vehicles, while auto transports are ideal for long distance moves. Both car haulers fit most sized vehicles in Phoenix, AZ and are also an economical alternative to calling a tow truck in the case of a break-down. Whether towing behind a U-Haul moving van or your own personal vehicle, you can rent a car hauler for both in-town and one way moves.
Motorcycle Trailers
Motorcycle trailers in are lightweight, easy to tow and have an easy-access loading ramp. Each motorcycle trailer also comes equipped with an integrated chock for the front wheel and with heavy-duty tie-down rings to support even the heaviest of motorcycles. Reserve your motorcycle trailer rental in Phoenix, AZ online today!
Trailer and Towing Supplies
U-Haul trailer hitches
Enter your vehicle information and we'll help you find the right trailer hitch.
Customer Reviews
Geoff P. on
I booked online, and it said this location had the 24-hour self-pickup and -dropoff option, which I registered to do and learned how to do. When I got there, I actually had to speak to someone because there was no lockbox or anything. I also had to return it the next day because I needed it slightly past closing time. Lastly, there's nowhere to park other than paid lots so I had to factor in a full-day's cost to my rental. Then, the van said the rear door was ajar, but the employee assured me it was fine and just a sensor error. This was still irritating, as the light in the back would stay on. However, the employee that helped me was sympathetic, which I appreciated. Still, I won't be going to this location again.
Damian T. on
Everything was great.
Tabitha A. on
I have been to this location three times, and have been helped by four different people. Everyone is extremely nice and incredibly helpful. They truly made my moving experience lovely.
Deborah A. on
The agent, Roland Silva, is not merely rude, I believe he is a danger to the public. I could tell his civil facade is thin and he didn't it almost instantly. Basically, hearted my four hours before we were done, ok if that's the rule, but then he took a long chatty call. When I asked him to put the call on hold while we finished up he 'lost it's. From that point on, I just can't adequately describe his bizarre behavior. He got me so upset that I swore under my breath and he truly made me afraid for my safety. I would never subject myself or others to that treatment. I got physically ill afterward.
Joe G. on
The phone app was wonky. It said it could not find my location. It probably required some sort of browser setting that I was not familiar with. Roland (the employee who helped me) eventually had to fill in the info on his computer. So this is NOT a location issue but a UHAUL software issue.
Lauren B. on
Jose was great! Very speedy and informative about the services U-Haul provides. Whenever I need a moving truck or van again, I will definitely be using this location.
Marie K. on
See previous comment. My son will be moving soon and we will NOT be using U Haul again!
Byresha L. on
Stop ripping people off I was charged $200 for one day in town use there is no way I did more then 30 miles
JOHN H. on
No improvements needed with the staff and internal facility. I cannot imagine a more friendly customer focused staff. The only thing worth mentioning in the form of a change would be - - - There needs to be a smoother walk way to roll a cart out to your car. The path way runs through brick/cobblestone and is too hard on your belongings as well as the carts.
NOELLE W. on
The place is not a drop off location. There was no box off drop box. The parking was not set up for drop either.
Todd W. on
The entire process was smooth and efficient. Thank you!
Charles D. on
I was very disappointed with the lady I came in asked her if I could just drop the key she says I couldn't leave until she printed the invoice out and I signed for it. She said that her general manager will get upset. I have a credit card on file, I have used U-Haul numerous times without any issue. I waited for 45 minutes for her to finish another customer. Which according to them they been there for 30 minutes trying to make a transaction and it was something wrong with the credit card machine then she said that she needed to make a call ..I also waited outside the door knocking on the door for 15 minutes before anyone came to unlock it.. I've also use the call button numerous times. I could see her through the window and she did not acknowledge the fact that I was out there trying to return the vehicle.. I've used U-Haul many times and I'm very disappointed in apalled by the terrible customer service I received .


text:
Bio & Incident Details
Age: 57
Tour: 27 years
Badge # Not available
Cause: Heart attack
· Leave a Reflection
· Add to My Heroes
· Update this memorial
Officer Raymond Cleveland suffered a fatal heart attack while escorting a woman to jail from a local tavern. The woman was able to slip out of her handcuffs and kicked Officer Cleveland. He collapsed while trying to subdue the woman.
Officer Cleveland had served with the agency for 27 years.


text:
Notre Dame vs. Florida State - 12/13/14 College Basketball Pick, Odds, and Prediction
Florida State Seminoles (4-4) at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-1)
College Basketball: Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 8:00 pm (Joyce Center)
The Line: Notre Dame Fighting Irish -10 -- Over/Under: 140.5 See the Latest Odds
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Florida State Seminoles face off on Saturday in South Bend in they Joyce Center in college basketball action.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are 9-1 this season and they are the 25th ranked team in the nation. Notre Dame is 8-0 at home so far but they have played just the 339th ranked schedule in the nation. ND is averaging 85.1 points and they are shooting 56.2 percent from the floor while defensively they are allowing 60 points and their opponents shoot 38.7 percent. Jerian Grant leads the Irish averaging 19 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. Pat Connaughton is averaging 13.1 points and 7.5 rebounds, Zach Auguste is averaging 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds, and Demetrius Jackson is averaging 12.8 points. Notre Dame has the best shooting percentage of any team in the nation.
USA TODAY Sports
The Florida State Seminoles are 4-4 this season but they have won three of their last four games. FSU hasn't played a true road game but they are 0-2 in neutral site games. Florida State is averaging 70.3 points and they are shooting 48.4 percent from the floor while defensively they are allowing 67.8 points and their opponents are shooting 41.9 percent. Aaron Thomas leads the Noles averaging 14.8 points per game. Montay Brandon is averaging 13.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, Xavier Rathan-Mayes is averaging 12.3 points, and Jarquez Smith and Phil Cofer are averaging 6.4 points each. Florida State has played the 60th ranked schedule in the nation and hey are 36th in shooting percentage.
Notre Dame is 7-18-1 against the spread against the ACC, 1-4 against the spread following a win, and 5-15-1 against the spread in their last 21 games. Florida State is 1-5 against the spread in their last six games, 0-3-1 against the spread following a win, and 5-0 against the spread following a win by 20 or more points.
My free pick in this one is going to be on the total and my play here is the over. My stronger play is on who will cover the spread and I will post that in the Premium Area as well as on the App.


text:
The constant-volume hypothesis regarding the four-chambered heart states that total pericardial volume remains invariant throughout the cardiac cycle. Previous canine studies have indicated that the pericardial volume remains constant within 5%; however, this hypothesis has not been validated in humans using state-of-the-art technology. The constant-volume hypothesis has several predictable functional consequences, including a relationship between atrial ejection fraction and chamber equilibrium volumes. Using cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (MRI), we measured the extent to which the constant-volume attribute of the heart is valid, and we tested the accuracy of the predicted relationship between atrial ejection fraction and chamber equilibrium volumes. Eleven normal volunteers and one volunteer with congenital absence of the pericardium were imaged using a 1.5-T MR scanner. A short-axis cine-loop stack covering the entire heart was acquired. The cardiac cycle was divided into 20 intervals. For each slice and interval, pericardial volumes were measured. The slices were stacked and summed, and total pericardial volume as a function of time was determined for each subject. In the normal subjects, chamber volumes at ventricular end diastole, end systole, and diastasis were measured. Pericardial volume remained invariant within 5 ± 1% in normal subjects; maximum variation occurred near end systole. In the subject with congenital absence of the pericardium, total heart volume, defined by the epicardial surface, varied by 12%. The predictions of the relationship between atrial ejection fraction and chamber equilibrium volumes were well fit by MRI data. In normal subjects, the four-chambered heart is a constant-volume pump within 5 ± 1%, and constant-volume-based modeling accurately predicts previously unreported physiological relationships.
- cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
- mathematical modeling
- diastasis
- pericardial motion
full understanding of the cardiovascular system at the organ, tissue, and cellular levels represents a continued challenge (27). To facilitate analysis of physiological data in the context of broad, conceptual ideas, both computational and theoretical models have been developed (18, 19). We (19) have previously defined and validated a conceptual and mathematical model that all ventricles obey when they fill. One beneficial consequence is that if a model is formulated appropriately, new physiological relationships can be predicted and validated, and seemingly unrelated physiological or clinical observations can be related and causally explained (21, 23, 25).
Although physiologically profound, the constant-volume pump attribute of the four-chambered heart is both conceptually and mathematically simple, yet it has received insufficient attention. It states that the total volume of the pericardial sack, containing the atria, ventricles, myocardium, coronary arteries, and roots of the aorta and pulmonary artery, remains constant throughout the cardiac cycle.
The constant-volume heart concept was first proposed in 1932 by Hamilton and Rompf (8), who invoked teleological arguments. In the 1980s, Hoffman and Ritman (12, 13) performed a series of pioneering experiments using the dynamic spatial reconstructor (DSR). They found that in dogs, pericardial sack volume varied by ∼5% between end systole and end diastole. They also concluded that, independently, the left and right sides of the heart were relatively constant two-chamber pumps. However, the DSR was unable to validate the constant-volume attribute in humans due to technological limitations of X-ray imaging in conjunction with anatomic differences between dogs and humans (11). Later studies used magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (MRI) to evaluate pericardial volume in humans at several discrete timepoints (9–11) and in Fontan procedure candidates (4), but lacked sufficient resolution to measure chamber size accurately and required long scan times. A detailed human study, using the most recent MRI technology to determine pericardial volumes and cardiac chamber volumes simultaneously, has not been performed.
Mathematical modeling of the constant-volume pump attribute of the four-chambered heart predicts specific and testable physiological consequences. Selected examples include 1) a model of left ventricular (LV) filling that accurately predicts transmitral flow patterns in normal and pathological states (19, 20); 2) the reciprocation of atrial and ventricular volumes and redirection of blood momentum and flow during the cardiac cycle (16); 3) the relation between the Doppler E-to-E′ ratio and LV end-diastolic pressure (21); 4) maximal LV wall thinning-to-Doppler E-wave relation (3); and 5) the compensatory changes of right ventricular (RV) and LV stroke volumes caused by acute perturbations in left (LA) or right atrial (RA) volumes (7). Additionally, the constant-volume attribute model predicts a specific, MRI-testable relationship between diastatic chamber volumes (17) and the atrial ejection fraction (EFA).
Because of its high spatial (<1 mm) and temporal (<30 ms) resolution, cardiac MRI has become the gold standard for LV mass and chamber size (volume) determination (33). The availability of a true steady-state gradient echo technique [balanced fast-field echo (bFFE)] (2, 29) makes MRI ideally suited for quantifying cardiac anatomy, function, and flow (1, 6, 33). Cardiac MRI can image the heart in any plane at any instant of the cardiac cycle. We are not aware of any prior MRI study that investigated the functional (dynamic) interrelationships of all cardiac chambers throughout the cardiac cycle and sought to validate model-predicted relationships between chamber volumes and function.
Imaging. After appropriate informed consent was obtained (consistent with the Washington University Medical Center Human Studies Committee guidelines), 11 normal subjects (6 men and 5 women) and 1 (male) subject with congenital absence of the pericardium were scanned with a 1.5-T Philips Gyroscan MRI system (Release 9.0, Philips Medical Systems; Best, The Netherlands). Survey images and standard planes for ventricular four-chamber, short-axis, and LV outflow tract (LVOT) views were obtained. Once determined, high-resolution cine loops of the four-chamber and LVOT views were obtained during subject breathholds (duration of ∼10 s each). These cine loops were divided into 20–27 cardiac phases triggered from the ECG R wave covering the entire cardiac cycle.
The initial four-chamber view was used to plan a short-axis cine-stack protocol of between 18 and 20 slices, 9 mm thick with zero gap, spanning the apex of the ventricles through the superior-posterior wall of the LA. Image slices were obtained during 10-s breathholds per slice, and each cine loop was divided into 20 cardiac phases triggered from the ECG R wave covering the entire cardiac cycle. For the short-axis stack image acquisition, the repetition time, echo time, and flip angles were 4.0 ms, 1.47 ms, and 50°, respectively. In-plane resolution of 1.41 mm was obtained with a field of view of 36 cm and a matrix size of 192 × 256 interpolated to 256 × 256.
Upon completion of the exam, the data was archived to 4.1-GB magnetooptical disks and transferred to a remote Sun Microsystems workstation running EasyVision analysis software (Philips Release 5.1). All image analysis was performed off-line using EasyVision or on a remote personal computer using eFilm 1.5.3 (eFilm Medical; Toronto, Ontario, Canada), Paint Shop Pro 7 (Jasc Software; Minnetonka, MN), and Scion Image (Scion; Frederick, MD).
In all subjects, the pericardial contour was manually traced in each slice at each phase of the three-dimensional (3-D) dataset (Fig. 1A), and the corresponding segmental volume was determined. For each phase, the segmental volumes of the pericardial traces were summed and compared over the cardiac cycle. To compare hearts of different sizes, the pericardial volumes were normalized to the volume measured at ventricular end diastole (phase 1) in all subjects. Volumes of the individual cardiac chambers were measured in a similar manner (Fig. 1, B and C).
Modeling. In the context of the constant-volume hypothesis, we assume steady state; hence, cardiac output, ejection fraction, and stroke volume remain constant on a beat-to-beat basis. In analogy to the LV ejection fraction (EFLV), defined as (stroke volume)/(LV end-diastolic volume), the atrial ejection fraction EFA is defined by (1) where AD is the (left + right) atrial volume at diastasis (immediately before atrial contraction) and Am is the (constant) minimal (left + right) atrial volume (after atrial contraction). According to the constant-volume attribute of the heart (ignoring the roots of the aorta and pulmonary artery for simplicity) (2) where VD is the (left + right) ventricular volume at diastasis and C is the (constant) total volume of the LV and RV plus the LA and RA. Rearranging Eq. 2 and dividing both sides by AD yields (3) and solving Eq. 3 for AD in terms of VD/AD gives (4) Substituting Eq. 4 into Eq. 1 yields (5) which, when rearranged in the y = mx + b form, generates (6)
Therefore, Eq. 6 predicts that as EFA increases, VD/AD decreases linearly. This prediction can be tested by measuring the volumes of the atria and ventricles at ventricular end diastole and diastasis. Chamber volumes were also measured at ventricular end systole, and 3-D determined LV ejection fractions were compared with those obtained using the area-length method from the LVOT view to corroborate the 3-D measurement. Intra- and interobserver variability for measurements were determined using 10 randomly selected images.
Demographics for all subjects are listed in Table 1. The normalized total pericardial volume measurements as a function of time for all subjects are displayed in Fig. 2. Data from the subject with congenital absence of the pericardium are shown separately (Fig. 2, open circles). In normal subjects, the maximum change in total pericardial volume over the cardiac cycle is ∼45 ml, or 5 ± 1% (mean ± SD), relative to a total end-diastolic pericardial volume of ∼800 ml and ∼25% compared with a combined (right + left) ventricular stroke volume of ∼180 ml. In eight subjects, the maximum pericardial volume change occurred at ventricular end systole. In the three other normal subjects, the maximal pericardial change occurred within 75 ms of end systole. In these subjects, however, the total pericardial volume change during the 75-ms interval from end systole was <1% of the end-diastolic pericardial volume and essentially negligible (data not shown). During ventricular systole, the combined (left + right) atria filled by ∼105 ml, and the combined (aortic and pulmonary artery) roots filled by ∼25 ml. In the subject with congenital absence of the pericardium, the maximum change in total epicardial surface heart volume was 12% of the end-diastolic heart volume and also occurred at end systole.
For the VD/AD and EFA measurements, the values obtained for each parameter are listed in Table 2. The plot of EFA versus VD/AD is shown in Fig. 3A. Linear regression analysis yielded EFA = –0.23(VD/AD) + 0.79 (r = –0.84). Similar analysis of the left and right sides of the heart individually yielded the plots shown in Fig. 3, B and C, respectively. For the left side of the heart, EFLA = –0.11(LVD/LAD) + 0.64 (r = –0.48); for the right side of the heart, EFRA = –0.23(RVD/RAD) + 0.67 (r = –0.79).
Intra- and interobserver variability for tracings were 1.3% and 8.7%, respectively.
The findings of this study are significant because they demonstrate in humans that the volume of the normal four-chambered heart is rather constant (within 5%) throughout the cardiac cycle. As the ventricles contract, the epicardial surface slides within the pericardial sack and follows its contour (see animations 1 and 2; http://ajpheart.physiology.org/cgi/content/full/00249.2003/DC1). The individual volumes composed of the blood-filled cavities [ventricles (Vventr), atria (Vatria), roots of the outflow tracts (Vroots)], muscle, and connective tissue (Vtissue) must add up to the total volume of the pericardial sack (Vpericard) and hence must obey the following summation rule (7) This rule has predictable consequences concerning normal heart function. Most importantly, when differentiated, it implies conservation of flow over the pericardial boundaries and requires that as the ventricles empty during systole, the atria and the roots of the great vessels within the pericardial sack must simultaneously fill (8). Specifically, when differentiated with respect to time [change in volume over time (dV/dt)], we obtain (8)
This expression defines the required reciprocation of volumes of structures below the atrioventricular plane (ventricles) to those above the plane (atria and great vessel roots), a feature consistent with the findings of other recent MRI studies (16, 32).
In the subject with congenital absence of the pericardium, the total heart volume change throughout the cardiac cycle was 12%, or 7SD above the normal mean. This suggests that the presence of the normal pericardium itself is required for the heart to maintain its constant-volume feature within normal limits (see animations 3 and 4; http://ajpheart.physiology.org/cgi/content/full/00249.2003/DC1). Previous findings have demonstrated that the intact pericardium directly affects chamber pressures (24) and volumes (7), consistent with the notion that the normal pericardium has a functional effect on cardiac physiology.
Contrasting the constant (four-chamber heart)-volume concept in the setting of simultaneous ejection and filling using a quantitative example helps to elucidate the dynamic nature of the physiology, as illustrated in animation 1. The combined (left + right) ventricular stroke volumes in the normal subjects sum to ∼180 ml. This is the total blood pumped out of the four-chambered heart during systole, lasting 0.33 s. This yields an average ventricular ejection rate of 180/0.33 = 545 ml/s. The total pericardial volume change during this time interval is ∼45 ml, and this 45-ml change is attained (effectively) by the time ventricular end systole is reached. Accordingly, the average rate of change for the entire pericardial volume is ∼45/0.33 = 136 ml/s, or one-quarter the rate of change of the (left + right) ventricular volumes during ejection. The difference between the ventricular ejection rate and total pericardial volume decrease rate is accounted for by simultaneous filling of the atria and great vessel roots by 130 ml, yielding an inflow rate of (105+25)/0.33 = 394 ml/s. In the context of Eq. 8, using the sign convention that volume decrease is negative and volume increase is positive, these rates yield (9) or (10) and assuming the tissue to be incompressible (dV/dttissue = 0) or, at the least, negligible (dV/dttissue ≪ 100 ml/s), we get (11)
When expressed in words, Eq. 11 means
Combining the ventricular outflow volume and (atrial + root) inflow volume yields a net four-chamber heart volume decrease of 50 ml (from 800 to 750 ml), which closely approximates the 45-ml change observed when measuring total pericardial volume rather than integrating over individual chamber volume changes. Therefore, as the above numerical example illustrates, whether measuring the total pericardial volume or integrating over the rate of change of volume throughout the cardiac cycle, one concludes that the four-chambered heart is (within ≈5%) a constant-volume pump. The meaning of Eqs. 7–11 underscores this feature and highlights that the ventricles empty slightly faster than the atria and roots are able to fill. This results in a small (≅5%) end-systolic overall decrease in four-chamber volume that keeps the four-chambered heart at (essentially) constant volume. Stated another way, in normal subjects, due to motion and shape changes as a result of ventricular systole, the inanimate pericardial sack develops a remarkably low 5% "ejection fraction," underscoring the nearly constant-volume pump attribute of the four-chambered heart! As shown in Fig. 2, the small four-chamber volume decrease is made up during the next diastolic interval.
Using the constant-volume attribute of the four-chambered heart, we derived a mathematical relation predicting that the ratio of ventricular volume to atrial volume at diastasis decreases as atrial ejection fraction increases. In vivo measurements using cardiac MRI validated this prediction. Note the close agreement between the value of Am/C in Table 2 and the magnitude of the slope of the linear regression equation.
A benefit of this approach is that it may be applied to hearts that vary substantially in size: even though the values for Am and C vary widely among the population studied, the ratio of Am/C is remarkably fixed, again as predicted by the constant-volume relationship. This ratio may have physiological significance in describing the proper anatomic relationship between atria and four-chamber heart volume. It is also of interest to note that the four-chambered heart as a whole obeys the constant-volume prediction more closely than does either the left of right side of the heart individually. This underscores the importance of evaluating global four-chamber heart function instead of restricting study to just the left- or right-sided chambers.
Additionally, the lower correlation coefficient between EFA and VD/AD for the left heart (–0.48) compared with the right heart (–0.79) and the knowledge that the maximum deviation from the ideal constant-volume condition occurs at ventricular end systole is of physiological interest. We note that there appears to be little change in the longitudinal (apex to base) dimension of the heart throughout the cardiac cycle compared with the change in the radial (short axis) dimension (compare Animations 1 and 2), a distinction that is particularly striking in the subject with congenital absence of the pericardium (compare Animations 3 and 4). This observation combined with the substantially different correlation coefficients of the data presented in Fig. 3, B and C, implies that the normal small (∼45 ml) change in total pericardial volume may be due primarily to systolic contraction and subsequent radial displacement of the LV epicardial surface directed toward the centroid of the chamber rather than radial displacement of the RV epicardial surface. Further studies to address this kinematic issue are in progress.
Limitations. The cine loops obtained in the present study were obtained during 10-s breathholds, so the resulting "cardiac cycle" loop represents data obtained over multiple heartbeats. However, during the exam, subjects remain in a physiological steady state at rest, so the resulting cine loop reflects this physiology. Indeed, the fact that identical (breathhold) cine loops comprise the standard used in cardiac MRI imaging (28) underscores that beat-to-beat variability is insignificant.
During breathhold scans prospectively gated by the QRS, it is impossible for the scanner to continuously scan from R wave to R wave; therefore, the scanner often does not obtain data during all of the atrial contraction phase of late diastole. This effect is exacerbated when the actual heart rate and the heart rate that the scanner "expects" do not match well. Other scanning techniques were available, such as retrospective gating, where the scanner acquires images continuously throughout the cardiac cycle and reconstructs them in order after the scan is completed. However, this technique may substantially increase scan time, rendering breathholds less feasible. Free-breathing scans typically exhibit increased motion artifacts, making tracing of the pericardial and endocardial contours more challenging. Because breathhold images are substantially less noisy, the breathhold method was chosen for this study, even if parts of the atrial contraction phase were omitted. To minimize this atrial contraction loss, particular care was taken to input the correct heart rate into the triggering algorithm. Future studies using other imaging techniques may overcome the current limitations of prospectively gated cardiac MRI. Specifically, multidetector spiral computed tomography scanning (5, 26) may not only cover a larger percentage of the cardiac cycle but also provide higher resolution of cardiac chamber volumes. It suffers from its own limitations, however, including increased radiation exposure to the subject as well as an intravenous contrast administration, both of which were avoided by the use of MRI in this study.
Because the volumetric data were acquired using 9-mm-thick slices, there is the possibility of systematic error in the volumes reported in the present study. This error is most likely the largest when the chamber to be measured is the smallest and has the thinnest walls (i.e., the atria and outflow tract roots). However, previous MRI studies evaluating atrial size have used a similar if not larger slice thickness (14, 15, 30, 32). Manual tracings of the chambers may also raise concerns, but it has been the standard approach for chamber volume determination, and a recently developed automated edge detection method for volume measurement showed high agreement to segmental volumes traced manually (32).
It should be noted that the contents of the pericardial sack includes both the blood (including lymph) and tissue of the heart. Despite evidence for changes in bulk myocardial tissue volume over the cardiac cycle (12, 31), in the absence of changes in cellular volume, it is most likely that the majority of the volume change in pericardial sack content is accounted for by the change in total blood (fluid) volume rather than cellular (tissue) volume. This implies that because of shifts in coronary arterial, capillary, and venous volumes, the total chamber volumes in the pericardium may be less constant throughout the cardiac cycle than the blood pool content of the entire pericardial sack. This may explain why the correlation coefficient in Fig. 3A is –0.84 rather than a value closer to unity. Further MRI studies investigating the accuracy of the constant-volume attribute applied to the blood volumes of individual chambers are currently in progress.
We presume in the subject with congenital absence of the pericardium that the absence of the pericardium is the only cardiac anomaly. Frequently, patients with congenital absence of the pericardium have other genetic defects (22); however, nothing in the clinical history of the patient or MRI dataset indicated that there were any other cardiac malformations or dysfunction.
In conclusion, this study evaluated the constant-volume attribute of the four-chambered heart throughout the cardiac cycle in a sample of normal human subjects using state-of-the-art cardiac MRI. We conclude that in normal subjects, the four-chambered heart defined by the contents of the pericardial sack (of ∼800 ml) behaves as a constant-volume pump within 5 ± 1% and that an intact pericardium is required for this degree of constancy to be maintained. We also showed that mathematical modeling of the constant-volume attribute accurately predicts a novel relationship that simultaneously demonstrates coupling between chamber diastasis volumes and atrial function. New insight was provided regarding how global four-chamber heart function differs from constant-volume left or right heart function and the importance of longitudinal (apex to base) versus radial (short-axis) degrees of freedom. Application of this approach to intrapericardial dynamics and selected pathological states is in progress.
This study was supported in part by the Heartland Affiliate of the American Heart Association (Dallas, TX), the Whitaker Foundation (Roslyn, VA), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Grants HL-54179 and HL-04023, the Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Charitable Trust (St. Louis, MO), and Philips Medical Systems (Best, The Netherlands).
The authors thank Shelton Caruthers for technical direction; Mary Watkins and Todd Williams for image acquisition; Amr el Shafei, LaTish McKinney, and Katherine Lehr for subject recruitment; and Mustafa Karamanoglu, Tim Meyer, Ryan Wu, and Alex Waters for helpful comments regarding manuscript preparation.
The costs of publication of this article were defrayed in part by the payment of page charges. The article must therefore be hereby marked "advertisement" in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1734 solely to indicate this fact.
- Copyright © 2003 by the American Physiological Society