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On the 1 December, I woke to be greeted by an abundance of snow outside my bedroom window and an extremely tasty treat in my advent calendar. This combined with the twinkling lights and mince pies began to get me into the Christmas spirit.
With the Christmas weekend approaching fast, I travelled into London for a spot of Christmas shopping, and was greeted by not only spectacular displays but also heaps of posters on the Tube showing the latest deals for ski holidays.
It got me thinking about how lovely it would be to spend Christmas in the Alps this year. The advantages of skiing over the Christmas week are not only that you will have to take off only three days holiday from work; there is the added bonus of the snowy, festive atmosphere of a ski resort. You may also experience ice skating and sledging, firework displays – and in some resorts you may even get a warming glass of vin chaud.
If you are looking for a holiday with guaranteed snow, think about picking one of the high altitude resorts where there should be lots of snow. Saying that, this season's start has been a cracker (pardon the pun), so you will be hard pressed not to find good snow. To be sure, you can check the snow reports on skiclub.co.uk to seek out the areas with the best snow.
With so many resorts to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. But some resorts stand out as top choices for a Christmas ski holiday:
If you are looking for your very own winter wonderland, Lapland has it all from frozen lakes to an abundance of tree skiing. In Finland you could ski at Ruka, Levi, Saariselka or Yllas, all these areas have an impressive snow record and other festive attractions. For example at Ruka you can go on a snow safari through the trees, on a sledge drawn by huskies or reindeer.
If you are looking for the charm of a traditional Austrian resort, then head to Kitzbühel. This picturesque resort offers diverse terrain suitable for all abilities. With brass bands, chimes from the Church bells, and Christmas markets, this resort is perfect for a Christmas break.
If you would like to combine a city break with time on the slopes, there are various places which are perfect for your get-away. Salzburg, Innsbruck and Munich are not only easy to get to and in reach of some of Europe's finest resorts, but also are infamous for their gorgeous Christmas markets. Resorts close to these cities include: Alpendorf, Neustift, Seefeld, Soll, Kitzbühel and Mayrhofen.
So if this has got you thinking about heading to the snow for a last minute Christmas break, then I hope my top Christmas tips will help you take the plunge and get fully prepared for Christmas on the slopes:
- Remember you can often get a great value ski holiday over the Christmas week – often cheaper than New Year.
- Check skiclub.co.uk for the latest snow reports to check where has the best snow.
- Look out for free vin chaud and glühwein in resort.
- Check the tourist office website for a list of Christmas activities and events.
- Pack small gifts to open on Christmas day.
- Get the first lift up on Christmas Day – make it one to remember!
- Check out lastminute.com for all the latest ski deals – new 5% discount for Ski Club members.
So wherever you decide to go this year be it home or away, have a very happy Christmas!
Kate Thorman, Ski Club of Great Britain
Images courtesy of Fran Breslin and the Ski Club of Great Britain


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I felt so sorry and mad with myself why I purchased this item because it is a piece of crap!!!!!! It looks nice in the picture but I was not happy when I got it!!!! If I could only return this ring it would make my day. It was expensive for this kind of a ring, so light and very, very, bad!!!!! I would never, never, order or buy any jewelries in this company again.
The ring turned out to be more beautiful than it appeared on the website - looks fabulous! Has lots of sparkle, looks like an expensive ring. Unfortunately I had to return it due to a sizing issue. I wear an odd size and was hoping this would fit. The ring has lots of glitz to it - beautiful!
I have a real diamond set that I never wear because it is just too valuable. This set resembles my real diamonds close enough that no one but me has to know and I can wear it all the time!
I love the style of this ring and the sizing is great. I just wish the center stone wouldn't get cloudy as much.
I was really happy with this Ring... It had the look, gleam and sparkle.... It does lack that high silver polish look, but I'm happy... The Ring size was great... My Daughter liked it... She seldom likes anything... Over All it was more than I felt it would be... It is a keeper!
I wanted a alternative to my Real rings but the setting makes it look fake. It sparkles beautifully. Also wish it would come in half sizes
She loved it but it is a little big. I should have ordered a half size smaller. Overall the look on her face was priceless.
Usually leaves our warehouse in 1-2 business days. *
Items must be returned in new or unused condition and contain all original materials included with the shipment.
More details
Our standard shipping method is ground shipping. We also offer expedited shipping for most items. Your final shipping cost and estimated delivery timeframe will be available at checkout.
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** Most Oversize orders are delivered within 1-4 weeks. Some orders may take 6 weeks to be delivered.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Added Dec 21, 2011
by janene
London, United K...
Faux fur coat from Burda Style magazine, issue 11/2010. Closes with press studs, disguised with hand made furry covered buttons. Cheeky purple shot lining. A joy to make. One very happy daughter! More details at ooobop!
Faux fur and shot lining, press studs, handmade covered buttons.
Jan 3, 2012, 11.00 AMby blueshoegal
Awesome coat! I'm loving the purple lining as well! She looks awesome! Wish you'd been my mum when i was her age – best dressed kid at school!
Dec 23, 2011, 06.56 PMby Olivia Anne
so adorable she's a little diva in the making
Dec 24, 2011, 04.18 PMby janene
Thank you Atomiquee. She certainly is!
Dec 22, 2011, 02.37 PMby Ralf Schmitz
oh wow!!! this is such a well made coat (and such a well made daughter :-)))
you are a true inspiration and i love, what you made for your very lovely smiling daughter! GREAT!!!!
Dec 24, 2011, 04.14 PMby janene
Thank you Ralf. Every comment you make serves to make me smile! You are one of my longest standing Burda friends and I have sooooo appreciated sharing, admiring and chatting with you over the last year. Heres to the next year of fine creativity and productivity! x
Dec 22, 2011, 02.16 PMby Lucha Suarez
So lovely! What a lucky little girl to get such a fabulous coat!
Dec 24, 2011, 04.12 PMby janene
Thank you Lucha. I am a little bit jealous actually!
Dec 22, 2011, 02.07 PMby turtlegirl00
i want this coat!! this is darling! I also love when coats have a contrasting lining—it like a fun secret! Adorable coat and daughter—awesome job!
Dec 24, 2011, 04.11 PMby janene
Thank you Turtlegirl :-)
Dec 22, 2011, 08.38 AMby loulourosa
It is fabulous! My daughter would love one like that too! My mum is making a coat with the same pattern for my daughter now, did you use the shoulderpads like it says on the instruction?
Dec 22, 2011, 08.52 AMby janene
Thank you loulourosa. I didn't use shoulder pads. I must have missed that part of the instructions! It would certainly add a bit more structure but I would use really lightweight ones. Unless you want the Joan Collins look!
Dec 22, 2011, 07.12 AMby monikapullerits
Very trendy indeed! I love the purple lining, such a nice contrats. And can't belive you covered studs too. What a great detail :)
Dec 22, 2011, 07.56 AMby janene
Thank you monika. I always think lining is a bit of a chore but its always so worth it in the end! The buttons were fun to do. I blogged it here if you are interested: http://ooobop.com/2011/12/12/ooobop-how-to-furry-covered-buttons/
Dec 22, 2011, 02.00 AMby schnui
That is such a lovely coat and so trendy for lovely little girl.
Dec 22, 2011, 07.54 AMby janene
Thank you Schnui. I think I want one myself!
Dec 21, 2011, 11.34 PMby patti-r
Your work is lovely inside and out!!! She is adorable!!!!!
Dec 22, 2011, 07.54 AMby janene
Thank you so much :-)
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Read more, and get the coupon code...
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She modified this coat wonderfully by adding length and changing the pockets and collar
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text:
(Updated 31st October 2014)
PetroStrat Ltd. is a Biostratigraphic Consultancy that provides a full suite of specialist palaeontological services (micropalaeontology, nannopalaeontology and palynology) to the Oil & Gas industry. Based in Conwy, North Wales and an associate member of Geoscience Wales Ltd., we specialise in the provision of wellsite (real time) biostratigraphic services and high resolution, quantitative reservoir scale studies.
Our Mission Statement
- To provide the highest quality analytical service
- To employ fully quantitative analytical methods that maximise correlative value
- To maintain competitive advantage by utilising superior laboratories
- To provide a timely and cost effective service
- To ensure knowledge transfer to our clients


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Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity.Plato
Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.Louisa May Alcott
Our task must be to free ourselves . . . by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.Albert Einstein
We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.Jawaharlal Nehru
Our task must be to free ourselves . . .by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.Albert Einstein
Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicityPlato
Flowers... are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty out-values all the utilities of the world.Ralph Waldo Emerson
A flower's appeal is in its contradictions - so delicate in form yet strong in fragrance, so small in size yet big in beauty, so short in life yet long on effect.Adabella Radici
When I look into the eyes of my Prince, and my daughter Paris, I see miracles and I see beauty.Michael Jackson
All my writing is about the recognition that there is no single reality. But the beauty of it is that you nevertheless go on, walking towards utopia, which may not exist, on a bridge which might end before you reach the other side.Marguerite Young
The ability to see beauty is the beginning of our moral sensibility. What we believe is beautiful we will not wantonly destroy.Reverend Sean Parker Dennison
Flowers that are so pathetic in their beauty, frail as the clouds, and in their coloring as gorgeous as the heavens, had through thousands of years been the heritage of children - honored as the jewelry of God....Thomas De Quincey
Light, God's eldest daughter, is a principal beauty in a building.Thomas Fuller
Birds were flying from continent to continent long before we were. They reached the coldest place on Earth, Antarctica, long before we did. They can survive in the hottest of deserts. Some can remain on the wing for years at a time. They can girdle the globe. Now, we have taken over the earth and the sea and the sky, but with skill and care and knowledge, we can ensure that there is still a place on Earth for birds in all their beauty and variety if we want to and surely, we should.Sir David Frederick Attenborough
A girl is Innocence playing in the mud, Beauty standing on its head, and Motherhood dragging a doll by the footAllan Beck
Poetry is the rhythmical creation of beauty in words.Edgar Allan Poe
No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face.John Donne
The beauty myth moves for men as a mirage; its power lies in its ever-receding nature. When the gap is closed, the lover embraces only his own disillusion.Herman Melville
Competence, like truth, beauty, and contact lenses, is in the eye of the beholder.Dr. Laurence J. Peter
A beautiful eye makes silence eloquent, a kind eye makes contradiction an assent, an enraged eye makes beauty deformed. This little member gives life to every other part about us; and I believe the story of Argus implies no more than that the eye is in every part; that is to say, every other part would be mutilated were not its force represented more by the eye than even by itself.Joseph Addison
One would give generous alms if one had the eyes to see the beauty of a cupped receiving hand.Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
I have enjoyed the trees and scenery of Kentucky exceedingly. How shall I ever tell of the miles and miles of beauty that have been flowing into me in such measure? These lofty curving ranks of lobing, swelling hills, these concealed valleys of fathomless verdure, and these lordly trees with the nursing sunlight glancing in their leaves upon the outlines of the magnificent masses of shade embosomed among their wide branchesthese are cut into my memory to go with me forever.John Muir
I know no subject more elevating, more amazing, more ready to the poetical enthusiasm, the philosophical reflection, and the moral sentiment than the works of nature. Where can we meet such variety, such beauty, such magnificence?James Thomson


text:
From the Ceres Valley comes a crisp and refreshing range of fruit juices. As perfect as nature intended, Ceres fruit juice contains no added sugar or preservatives, which makes it the perfect drink for the whole family.
We are proud to announce our 3 cute new TV adverts for Ceres Squash!


text:
In one of my favorite posts of 2009 Bob goes to town on the use of on-premise v. on-premises when talking about the "yeah cloud". Not only is it entertaining but it's also something IT folks should know cold.
Fast-froward two years and not only am I careful when using the term but I also instruct those I work with to also know the difference. So it was with surprise to find that Microsoft is using the term on their BPOS front page…
Microsoft Business Productivity Online Standard Suite is a set of messaging and collaboration tools, delivered as a subscription service, that gives your business rich capabilities without the need to deploy and maintain software and hardware on-premise. These online services are designed to help meet your needs for robust security, all-day every-day reliability, and user productivity.
Typo? Or is Microsoft mainstreaming the grammatically incorrect term?
"The sometimes-used term "on-premise software" is grammatically incorrect because the word premises is already singular rather than plural." – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On-premises_software


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Burning cafe is saved by chef
The timely intervention of a chef who noticed smoke billowing out of The Tap Cafe prevented flames from overwhelming the whole building.
The timely intervention of a chef who noticed smoke billowing out of The Tap Cafe prevented flames from overwhelming the whole building.
Wicklow Boat Charters held a presentation of prizes evening in the Grand Hotel on Saturday as part of the free customer competitions held over the season.
Deborah Coleman 'It's time for action' was the view expressed by Cllr John Snell at a recent meeting of Wicklow County Council where the issue of homelessness was debated.
Myles Buchanan Wicklow's Siobhan O'Connor has been crowned Comfort Keepers' top care giver in the entire Wicklow region.
Myles Buchanan Speaking at the launch of a Wicklow microbrewery on Thursday night, Deputy Andrew Doyle said tax breaks included in the 2015 budget should encourage the setting up of similar small enterprises.
A man living in Baltinglass will go on trial charged with assault causing harm to a 20-year-old who died after he was attacked in the early hours of New Years Day.
Champion Christmas Tree Grower Christy Kavanagh has teamed up with Jack and Jill and will make a donation for every tree sold to help...
Deborah Coleman Concern was raised at a recent meeting of Wicklow County Council that a waste incinerator could be on the cards for the county as part of a new waste management for the Eastern and Midlands region.
There was an extra special visitor to the little village of Clonmore recently as one of the most famous trophies in the history of world...
Channing House, Upper Row Street,
Co Wexford
Tel: 053 914 0100
Fax: 053 914 0192
Two successful charity initiatives spanning a large portion of County Wicklow were at the heart to generous donations recently.News
A fundraiser for Wicklow's Mountain Rescue teams will provide the answers to all life's...News
When James Kavanagh , Brian Laide and Barney Hynes accepted an offer from the committee of the new Rathdrum RFC to play an...News
Young members of Arklow Rugby Club enjoyed a recent fun day out at Carlow Rugby Club.News
The elected members of Wicklow Municipal District want to meet with Minister of State Simon Harris to discuss the future of...News
Further discussions have taken place between council officials, councillors and Wicklow Golf Club over the erosion of the cliff walk.News
Wicklow County Council will be taking legal action against the builders responsible for Hillview Estate.News
Ways to prevent further erosion of the Murrough are to be examined by Wicklow Municipal District who have engaged with...News
Plenty of expressions of interest have been shown by local organisations hoping to use the FCA Hall once it is purchased by Wicklow...News
Cllr John Snell says the removal of blinds from a vacant council house allowed thieves to scope out all of its major contents.News
It's been quite a busy year for the Wicklow SPCA at Sharpeshill Animal Sanctuary. Each year hundreds of animals, some of whom have been savagely mistreated, are taken in by...
The new street layout plan proposed for Baltinglass will go up on display so members of the public can give their opinions on the...News
Close to 4,000 meals were collected by Lions Clubs...News
Arklow could be in line to receive a brand new Primary Care Centre if a suitable developer will come on board.News
Baltinglass GAA club will...Sport
Played in freezing conditions in the Wicklow Center of Excellence, Ballinakill,...Sport
A Hollywood GAA delegate fired some biting comments in the direction of the top table at County Convention in Aughrim on Saturday...Sport
On Thursday 10 entrepreneurs from local County Wicklow based businesses received their certificates having completed the Local Enterprise Office Wicklow's Management...
The community of Ballycoog came out in force on Saturday for the unveiling of the...Local Notes
A surprise Christmas homecoming video...Local Notes
In the New Year, Baltinglass Adult Learning Centre is offering those who left school early the opportunity to increase their skills for...Local Notes
As the Big Day approaches, the bookies are taking...Lifestyle
You'd want to have been made of stone not to be...Lifestyle
St Joseph's Church in Baltinglass hosted a special Christmas Carol Service on...Lifestyle
There was plenty of Christmas cheer at Fatima Hall in...Entertainment
Funny-man Brendan Grace will help ease Wicklow into the New Year with a performance in the Grand Hotel in January.Entertainment
The Meals On Wheels Singing Santys Wicklow appearing in a pub near you on Saturday, December 20.Entertainment


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Ole! Ole! I realize that a few years back I did an inspiration board with Spanish influence, titled "La Boda – the Wedding." I am again inspired to create a mood board along those lines, with a more updated look. Whereas my first board included many traditional Spanish elements, this one has more subtle nods to that grand heritage. You can incorporate any of these into your celebration, such as a location that has Spanish architecture, or by using lots of lace details and fans or shawls for your female attendants. Your ladies could also wear their hair in a style that would look great with a few roses tucked in the sides, or perhaps as a bride, you would like to wear a traditional mantilla comb with a veil to complement it. Damask fabrics and paper goods have been popular for the last few years, and can provide a very stylish and sophisticated look to your event. Enjoy!!
Posts Tagged 'lace'
Spanish Romance – An Inspiration Board!
Posted in bridal, event planning, Events, Ideas, Inspirations, parties, party, party planning, receptions, Trends, wedding, wedding planning, Weddings, tagged black, event, inspiration board, lace, mood board, red, romance, Spanish, wedding on May 1, 2011 | Leave a Comment »


text:
Forum Nokia honors one member every month for their outstanding contribution to our community's Wiki. The winner for the Month of September is Forumk Nokia Champion croozeus who has added several new articles in October. Croozeus is currently an administrator of the Forum Nokia Wiki and will not receive any prize. We still felt that croozeus had done an outstanding job outside of the normal voluntary work for the Wiki.
Most months the Forum Nokia member that contributes in new articles or major edits is named the Contributor of the Month and is awarded a Nokia Multimedia Device for their contribution.


text:
Stifel Financial Schedules Second Quarter 2012 Financial Results Conference Call
Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE:SF) will release its second quarter 2012 financial results after the market close on Wednesday, August 8, 2012. The company will host a conference call to review the results at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time that same day. The conference call may include forward-looking statements.
All interested parties are invited to listen to Stifel Chairman, President, and CEO Ronald J. Kruszewski by dialing (800) 651-2240 and referencing conference ID #98861040. A live audio webcast of the call, as well as a presentation highlighting the company's results, will be available through Stifel's web site, www.stifel.com. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay of the broadcast will be available through the above-referenced web site beginning approximately one hour following the completion of the call.
Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE:SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel clients are served through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated in the U.S., through Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc. in Canada, and through Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited in the United Kingdom and Europe. The Company's broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank & Trust offers a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. offers trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel Financial, please visit the Company's web site at
Select the service that is right for you!COMPARE ALL SERVICES
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text:
The plan to bring dozens of out-of-town doctors to Southeast Queens for one week this summer had gotten tangled in some red tape, but the area lawmaker who initiated the proposal said it's back on track and should still happen at the scheduled time.
Due to the lack of hospitals and healthcare in his district, Assemblyman Bill Scarborough (D-Jamaica) introduced a bill a year ago to bring Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps, a nonprofit Tennessee-based group, to the borough to set up a free clinic for a week.
Scarborough said the event would provide much needed free healthcare to everyone, particularly the uninsured, and would demonstrate through the number of people who attend the need for a new full-service hospital.
The plan hit a snag when the state Education Department, the agency charged with professional licensing, had some concerns, Scarborough said Friday.
It wanted more information on the specific doctors who would be providing the care, so it could determine their suitability for treating patients in the borough, he said. The SED also wanted to ensure that there would be area doctors on board to provide follow-up care after the RAM physicians leave.
Now, both those problems appear to have been resolved.
RAM will give the necessary information about its physicians to the SED, Scarborough said, and several area doctors have agreed to provide after care including those at the Addabbo Family Medical Center, according to its executive director, Peter Nelson.
"Remote Area Medical will be doing mostly screenings and then they will be referring people to us," Nelson said. "We will also probably have some of our staff at the clinic to distribute information and brochures."
While the after care at Addabbo would not be free, services for uninsured patients are provided on the low end of a sliding scale, Nelson said, and medication may cost about 50 percent less than it would at a typical pharmacy.
Last session when Scarborough initially introduced the bill, it was on the agenda before the Higher Education Committee when the chairperson consulted with the SED and found out that the agency had some concerns it wanted addressed before the assemblymembers could vote on it.
The lawmaker reintroduced the RAM legislation in early January and has had frequent conversations with the SED since then. He said he feels confident that the bill, which is presently before the Higher Education Committee again, will pass this time around and RAM will arrive on schedule. State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Jamaica) will be the lead sponsor of the companion version of the bill in the Senate.
Members of Southeast Queens in Support of Health Services, which is spearheading the project, will be heading to Sacramento, Calif. on March 28 to attend a RAM seminar, part of the group's requirements for any host group.
There SQUISH members will learn details about how the clinic will function and how they will be able to assist as volunteers. Funding for the three-day voyage will be provided by the National Basketball Association.
The RAM clinic would include a team of 100 doctors, 50 to 60 dentists and 20-30 opthalmologists and would be open 12 hours a day for five days and could serve 3,000 to 4,000 people, according to Al Smith, chairman of Community Board 12's Health Committee and a member SQUISH, who will be going on the California trip. Individuals will also be able to get an eye exam and glasses on the spot.
"I am very excited," Smith said. "I can't wait to get there and see how the operation is run, and I'm sure we can do the same if not better."
RAM will keep patients' medical records for three to five years, Smith said, and SQUISH will let those individuals know how to access the files if they need them
RAM would provide the staff, equipment and services, requiring no money from the city or state, Smith said. But SQUISH would have to provide food and shelter for the workers as well as housing for support staff.
A typical RAM clinic costs between $20,000 and $100,000, Smith said, adding that the NBA has committed to donating $65,000 to cover the expenses — that's in addition to the money for the California trip.


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9 Fabulous Family Rooms
Turn your family hangout into a comfy and cozybut still beautifulspace with these designer ideas.
Electric Color
In this Sullivans Island, South Carolina, vacation home, the family room's neutral sofa gets instant pizzazz with an electric blue brush fringe from Samuel & Sons. "Brush fringe used as welting turns out to be fresh and funand electric blue is my new favorite color," designer Sally Markham says. The room is completed with vintage Russel Wright chairs upholstered in Meloire Reverse by China Seas and a Calypso Home floor pillow.


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Ken is a Data Layer for Knowledge Representation.
It's being built to access the Metaweb Services supplied by Freebase.com. The project's goals are the provision of a concise API for querying and writing. Therefore it wraps the Metaweb Architecture to smart Ruby Objects.
You can navigate the Freebase Graph using a rubyish syntax. Also you can use this library as a Data Layer (instead of or in addition to ActiveRecord/DataMapper) for your Web Framework of choice (Merb, Rails).
Use Gemcutter RubyGems:
In your Ruby files add:
require 'rubygems'
require 'ken'
Getting started
The first place to get started with Freebase is of course, Freebase. Try out their Browser at http://www.freebase.com.
The Freebase Database can be thought of as a huge graph of interconnected nodes that represent knowledge (in a much more structured way than wikipedia does). That graph can be viewed at a higher level through an object-oriented lens which leads to easier interaction. To understand the fundamental Metaweb Architecture please read the official MQL Reference guide (with focus on Chapter 2) provided by Freebase.
In addition, you can learn a lot by employing the Freebase Query Editor.
Fetching a Resource
Let's ask Ken what he knows about the British Band New Order.
resource = Ken.get('/en/new_order') # => <Resource id="/en/new_order" name="New Order">
Inspecting the Types
Every Resource can have multiple types.
# => [ #<Type id="/film/music_contributor" name="Film music contributor">, #<Type id="/music/artist" name="Musical Artist">,
#<Type id="/common/topic" name="Topic">, #<Type id="/music/musical_group" name="Musical Group">,
#<Type id="/broadcast/artist" name="Broadcast Artist">, #<Type id="/music/group_member" name="Musical Group Member"> ]
We can see that New Order is a member of Music Artist, Film Music Contributor, Broadcast Artist and other types.
Inspecting a Type's properties
A type defines a set of properties to describe a Resource.
resource.types.each do |type|
type.properties # => e.g. [ #<Property id="/music/musical_group/member"> ]
We get sets of Properties for each Type. The Type Musical Group has just one Property
named Members Of Musical Group.
Listing all Attributes
After inspecting a Resource's Types and Properties we now know what we could know. But actually we don't know nothing :) So it's time to ask for the values of properties, the so called Attributes.
Note: In Ken's terminology we differ between Properties and concrete Property instances, the Attributes, while Freebase itself doesn't.
resource.attributes.each do |att|
att # => e.g. #<Attribute property="/music/artist/album">
att.property.name # => e.g. "Albums"
# e.g. => [ #<Resource id="/guid/9202a8c04000641f8000000002fa2556" name="Ceremony">,
#<Resource id="/guid/9202a8c04000641f8000000002fa24d5" name="Procession">,
#<Resource id="/guid/9202a8c04000641f8000000002fa20d3" name="Everything's Gone Green">, ... ]
# e.g. => ["1980"]
# alternatively you can access them directly
resource.attribute('/music/artist/album') # => #<Attribute property="/music/artist/album">
Attributes are slightly more complicated to handle compared to Types and Properties.
There are four kinds of Attributes.
- Unique Value Type
- Unique Object Type
- Non-unique Value Type
- Non-unique Object
In order to be able to use unique and non-unique Attributes in the same manner we always wrap the value of an Attribute in a Collection, no matter if there's one value or there are many.
Group Attributes by their Type using Views
resource.views.each do |view|
view # => e.g. #<View type="/music/artist">
view.type # => e.g #<Type id="/music/artist" name="Musical Artist">
# => [#<Attribute property="/music/artist/home_page">, #<Attribute property="/music/artist/genre">,
#<Attribute property="/music/artist/active_start">, #<Attribute property="/music/artist/similar_artist">,
#<Attribute property="/music/artist/album">, #<Attribute property="/music/artist/label">,
#<Attribute property="/music/artist/track">, #<Attribute property="/music/artist/origin">]
view.attributes.each do |att|
# e.g. => [ #<Resource id="/en/alternative_dance" name="Alternative dance">,
#<Resource id="/en/synthpop" name="Synthpop">,
#<Resource id="/en/house_music" name="House music">,
#<Resource id="/en/post-punk" name="Post-punk"> ]
# e.g. => ["1980"]
Fetching multiple Resources using a query
As of now you can ask for multiple Resources by specifying a query.
resources = Ken.all(:name => "Apple", :type => "/music/album")
# => [#<Resource id="/guid/9202a8c04000641f80000000031dae7c" name="Apple">,
#<Resource id="/guid/9202a8c04000641f8000000007ce31ec" name="Apple">]
Keep in mind that only the top level of the query is mapped to a Collection of Resource Objects. So asking for values in a nested level does not make sense. Use nested statements just for lowering the top level result.
However you can instead navigate the normal way to figure out that values. But won't that require another query to triggered? Certainly.
Let's look at a nested query:
query = {
:directed_by => "George Lucas",
:starring => [
:actor => "Harrison Ford"
:type => "/film/film"
resources = Ken.all(query)
# => [#<Resource id="/en/star_wars_episode_iv_a_new_hope" name="Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope">,
#<Resource id="/en/american_graffiti" name="American Graffiti">,
#<Resource id="/en/the_star_wars_holiday_special" name="The Star Wars Holiday Special">]
Access properties attributes directly
Ken is primarily designed for inspecting resources in a generic way, what's ideal for domain independent browsing applications. However, there are legitimate situations where you already know what you want to access.
That's why I now added direct Property/Attribute access, but only on a Type/View level:
resource = Ken.get('/en/new_order')
type = resource.types[1] # => #<Type id="/music/artist" name="Musical Artist">
# because we know _/music/artist_ has a _genre_ property we can access that directly
type.genre # => #<Property id="/music/artist/genre" expected_type="/music/genre" unique="false" object_type="true">
The same works for views:
resource = Ken.get('/en/new_order')
view = resource.views[1] # => #<View type="/music/artist">
# because we know _/music/artist_ has a _genre_ property we can access attribute directly as well
view.genre # => #<Attribute property="/music/artist/genre">
If you rather want to query based on Types and access Properties/Attributes directly you can consider using Chris Eppsteins Freebase Library as an alternative.
Low Level API
Sometimes you may want to do specific queries instead of inspecting Resources as a whole. In such a case you would want to use Ken's low level API.
mqlread works like the regular mqlread service, except that you are able to pass Ruby hashes instead of JSON. And you don't have to deal with HTTP, parameter encoding and parsing JSON.
artists = Ken.session.mqlread([{
:type => "/music/artist",
:id => nil,
:"/common/topic/webpage" => [{:uri => nil}],
:home_page => [{:uri => nil}],
:limit => 2
# => [
{"type"=>"/music/artist", "home_page"=>[{"uri"=>"http://www.massiveattack.co.uk/"}], "id"=>"/en/massive_attack", "/common/topic/webpage"=>[{"uri"=>"http://musicmoz.org/Bands_and_Artists/M/Massive_Attack/"}, {"uri"=>"http://www.discogs.com/artist/Massive+Attack"}, {"uri"=>"http://www.massiveattackarea.com/"}, {"uri"=>"http://www.massiveattack.co.uk/"}, {"uri"=>"http://www.massiveattack.com/"}]},
{"type"=>"/music/artist", "home_page"=>[{"uri"=>"http://www.apartment26.com/"}], "id"=>"/en/apartment_26", "/common/topic/webpage"=>[{"uri"=>"http://www.discogs.com/artist/Apartment+26"}, {"uri"=>"http://musicmoz.org/Bands_and_Artists/A/Apartment_26/"}, {"uri"=>"http://www.apartment26.com/"}]}
Topic API
Please first have a look at the official Topic HTTP API documentation .
The API provides general meta-data such as name, description, links and images for a given topic, as well as all properties directly related to that topic in the graph. The API wraps a series of MQL queries that are needed to get this data, which otherwise must be performed separately. So for gaining common interest information about a specific topic the Topic API is a way faster alternative to mqlread.
The latest update of Ken provides an easy way to access Freebase Topics using Ruby. As usual Ken wraps the JSON result of the web service to convenient Ruby Objects.
For now Ken only returns simple properties. Support for so called mediator properties (aka 'CVT') will be added later. To be honest, I just don't know how to wrap them appropriately using the existing Ken object model. Any API ideas are welcome, btw! ;) However, in the meanwhile you can access CVT's by using the plain JSON result returned by the low level Ken.session.topic method.
The API for Topics is quite the same as for Resources.
t = Ken::Topic.get("/en/new_order")
# => <Topic id="/en/new_order" name="New Order">
# => [ #<Type id="/music/artist" name="Musical Artist">, #<Type id="/music/musical_group" name="Musical Group">, ... ]
# => [ #<View type="/music/artist">, #<View type="/music/musical_group">, ... ]
# => [ #<Property id="/music/artist/similar_artist" expected_type="/music/artist">, ... ]
# => [ #<Attribute property="/music/artist/similar_artist">, #<Attribute property="/music/artist/album">, ... ]
Additionally you can access some general meta-data, most importantly the topic's description which otherwise would need an additional request to the raw service.
t.name # => "New Order"
t.description # => "New Order were an English musical group formed in 1980 by Bernard Sumner ... "
t.aliases # => [ "NewOrder", "Englandneworder" ]
t.webpages # => [ {"url"=>"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/index.html?curid=22146", "text"=>"Wikipedia"}, ... ]
t.url # => "http://www.freebase.com/view/en/new_order"
t.thumbnail => "http://api.freebase.com/api/trans/image_thumb/en/new_order"
Project Status
- Fetching of single Resources
- Fetching of multiple Resources by specifying a query
- Accessing Properties/Attributes directly (on a type/view level)
- Type inspection
- Attribute inspection
- Low Level API (mqlread)
- Rails and Merb support
- Views on Resources to group Attributes based on the Resource's types
- Accessing Topics using the new Freebase Topic API
- More tests
- Write-Support
Initial thoughts, obviously not up-to-date and not conforming to the current version, are available at http://wiki.github.com/michael/ken.


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Magic Bullet mb0145 Vermapyre and Ides of Gemini Split 12 Inch
A split single featuring compositions by Vermapyre and Ides of Gemini. Released by Magic Bullet Records in 2012.
- Side A - untitled by Vermapyre
- Side B - "Martyrium of the Hippolyt" by Ides of Gemini
- Side B - "Constantinople" by Ides of Gemini
Dischord Records
3819 Beecher St. NWWashington, DC 20007-1802
©2014 Dischord Records
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Title: Monoclonal antibody
specific for advanced glycosylation endproducts in biological samples
United States Patent: RE39,138
Issued: June 20, 2006
Inventors: Founds; Henry W.
(Mendham, NJ); Sadeghi; Homayoun (Chalfont, PA)
Assignee: Alteon
Incorporated (Parsippany, NJ)
Appl. No.: 465444
Filed: December 16, 1999
George Washington University's Healthcare MBA
George Washington University's Healthcare MBA
The present invention relates to
monoclonal antibodies to advanced glycosylation endproducts formed in vivo
and cross-reactive with advanced glycosylation endproducts formed in
vitro, and to methods of diagnosis and therapy based thereon. More
particularly, the invention is directed to a monoclonal antibody, or an
antigen-binding fragment thereof, reactive with in vivo produced advanced
glycosylation endproducts (AGEs), which monoclonal antibody or antigen
binding fragment thereof demonstrates an immunological binding
characteristic of monoclonal antibody 4G9 as produced by hybridoma 4G9,
deposited with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and assigned
Accession Number CRL 11626, on Apr. 27, 1994. In a specific embodiment,
the 4G9 antibody is used in a sandwich ELISA to detect ApoB-AGE, IgG-AGE,
collagen-AGE, serum-AGE peptides and proteins and urinary-AGE peptides and
The present invention is directed to a
monoclonal antibody, or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, reactive with
in vivo-produced advanced glycosylation endproducts (AGEs). In particular,
said monoclonal antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof can
demonstrate the immunological binding characteristics of monoclonal
antibody 4G9 as produced by hybridoma 4G9, deposited with the American
Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and assigned Accession Number CRL 11626, on
Apr. 27, 1994. Naturally, the invention extends to the hybridoma as well.
Thus, the invention advantageously provides an indefinitely prolonged cell
source of a monoclonal antibody of the invention: the hybridoma.
The invention further relates to diagnostic assay methods and kits that
comprise the monoclonal antibody of the invention and to therapeutic
methods based thereon.
Various terms are used herein, which have the following meanings:
A molecule is "antigenic" when it is capable of specifically interacting
with an antigen recognition molecule of the immune system, such as an
immunoglobulin (antibody) or T cell antigen receptor. An antigenic
polypeptide contains at least about 5, and preferably at least about 10,
amino acids. An antigenic portion of a molecule can be that portion that
is immunodominant for antibody or T cell receptor recognition, or it can
be a portion used to generate an antibody to the molecule by conjugating
the antigenic portion to a carrier molecule for immunization. A molecule
that is antigenic need not be itself immunogenic, i.e., capable of
eliciting an immune response without a carrier.
Where present, the term "immunological binding characteristics," or other
binding characteristics of an antibody with an antigen, in all of its
grammatical forms, refers to the specificity, affinity, cross-reactivity,
and other binding characteristics of an antibody.
The term "adjuvant" refers to a compound or mixture that enhances the
immune response to an antigen. An adjuvant can serve as a tissue depot
that slowly releases the antigen and also as a lymphoid system activator
that non-specifically enhances the immune response (Hood et al.,
Immunology, Second Ed., 1984, Benjamin/Cummings: Menlo Park, Calif., p.
384). Often, a primary challenge with an antigen alone, in the absence of
an adjuvant, will fail to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response.
Adjuvants include, but are not limited to, complete Freund's adjuvant,
incomplete Freund's adjuvant, saponin, mineral gels such as aluminum
hydroxide, surface active substances such as lysolecithin, pluronic
polyols, polyanions, peptides, oil or hydrocarbon emulsions, keyhole
limpet hemocyanins, and potentially useful human adjuvants such as BCG (bacille
Calmette-Guerin) and Corynebacterium parvum. Preferably, the adjutant is
pharmaceutically acceptable.
The present invention advantageously provides methods for preparing
monoclonal antibodies having the binding characteristics of monoclonal
antibody 4G9 by immunizing with an antigen such as Rnase-AGE, lysozyme-AGE,
BSA-AGE and KLH-AGE. Any such antigen may be used as an immunogen to
generate antibodies with the immunological characteristics of monoclonal
antibody 4G9. Such antibodies include but are not limited to monoclonal,
chimeric, single chain, Fab fragments, and an Fab expression library.
Various procedures known in the art may be used for the production of
polyclonal antibodies corresponding to the monoclonal antibody of the
present invention. For example, reproduction of antibody may proceed by
the immunization of various host animals. In this embodiment, the antigen
may be conjugated to an immunogenic carrier, e.g., bovine serum albumin (BSA)
or keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), or the carrier may be reacted with a
reducing sugar such as glucose such that the carrier bears AGE
determinants. Various adjuvants such as those set forth above, may be used
to increase the immunological response, depending on the host species.
For production of monoclonal antibodies of the present invention, any
technique that provides for the production of antibody molecules by
continuous cell lines in culture may be used. These include but are not
limited to the hybridoma technique originally developed by Kohler and
Milstein (1975, Nature 256:495-497), as well as the trioma technique, the
human B-cell hybridoma technique (Kozbor et al., 1983, Immunology Today
4:72), and the EBV-hybridoma technique to produce human monoclonal
antibodies (Cole et al., 1985, in Monoclonal Antibodies and Cancer
Therapy, Alan R. Liss, Inc., pp. 77-96). In an additional embodiment of
the invention, monoclonal antibodies can be produced in germ-free animals
utilizing recent technology (PCT/US90/02545). According to the invention,
human antibodies may be used and can be obtained by using human hybridomas
(Cote et al., 1983, Proc. Nail. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 80:2026-2030) or by
transforming human B cells with EBV virus in vitro (Cole et al., 1985, in
Monoclonal Antibodies and Cancer Therapy, Alan R. Liss, pp. 77-96). In
fact, according to the invention, techniques developed for the production
of "chimeric antibodies" or "humanized antibodies" (Morrison et al., 1984,
J. Bacteriol. 159-870; Neuberger et al., 1984, Nature 312:604-608; Takeda
et al., 1985, Nature 314:452-454) by splicing the genes from a mouse
antibody molecule of the present invention, e.g., monoclonal antibody 4G9,
together with genes from a human antibody molecule of appropriate
biological activity can be used; such antibodies are within the scope of
this invention. Chimeric antibodies are those that contain a human Fc
portion and a murine (or other non-human) Fv portion:humanized antibodies
are those in which the murine (or other non-human) complementarity
determining regions (CDR) are incorporated in a human antibody; both
chimetic and humanized antibodies are monoclonal. Such human or humanized
chimeric antibodies are preferred for use in in vivo diagnosis or therapy
of human diseases or disorders (described infra), since the human or
humanized antibodies are much less likely than xenogeneic antibodies to
induce an immune response, in particular an allergic response.
According to the invention, techniques described for the production of
single chain antibodies (U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,778) can be adapted to
provide single chain antibodies of the present invention. An additional
embodiment of the invention utilizes the techniques described for the
construction of Fab expression libraries (Huse et al., 1989, Science 246:
1275-1281) to allow rapid and easy identification of monoclonal Fab
fragments with the desired specificity for the antibody of the present
invention, or its derivatives, or analogs.
Antibody fragments which contain the idiotype of the antibody molecule can
be generated by known techniques. For examples, such fragments include but
are not limited to: the F(ab').sub.2 fragment which can be produced by
pepsin digestion of the antibody molecule; the Fab' fragments which can be
generated by reducing the disulfide bridges of the F(ab').sub.2 fragment,
and the Fab fragments which can be generated by treating the antibody
molecule with papain and a reducing agent. Such antibody fragments can be
generated from any of the polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies of the
invention; preferably, such antibody fragments are generated using
monoclonal antibody 4G9.
In the production of antibodies, screening for the desired antibody can be
accomplished by techniques known in the art, e.g., radioimmunoassay, ELISA
(enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), "sandwich" immunoassays,
immunoradiometric assays, gel diffusion precipitin reactions,
immunodiffusion assays, in situ immunoassays (using colloidal gold, enzyme
or radioisotope labels, for example), western blots, precipitation
reactions, agglutination assays (e.g., gel agglutination assays,
hemagglutination assays), complement fixation assays, immunofluorescence
assays, protein A assays, and immunoelectrophoresis assays, etc. In one
embodiment, antibody binding is detected by detecting a label on the
primary antibody. In another embodiment, the primary antibody is detected
by detecting binding of a secondary antibody or other reagent to the
primary antibody. In a further embodiment, the secondary antibody is
labeled. Many means are known in the art for detecting binding in an
immunoassay and are within the scope of the present invention. For
example, to select antibodies in accordance with the present invention,
one may assay generated hybridomas for a product which binds to in
vivo-formed or in vitro-formed AGEs. Alternatively, such an antibody can
be selected on the basis of an ability to compete for binding of
monoclonal antibody 4G9 to such AGEs.
The foregoing antibodies can be used in methods known in the art relating
to the localization and activity of AGE-modified proteins or tissues,
e.g., for Western blotting, ELISA, detecting AGE-modified tissue in situ,
measuring levels of AGE-modified molecules, for instance, including
proteins, peptides, lipids and nucleic acids, and, in particular,
hemoglobin-AGE, immunoglobulin-AGE, and LDL-AGE, in appropriate
physiological samples, such as serum samples.
Using the present invention, one can assess and/or detect the presence of
stimulated, spontaneous, or idiopathic pathological states in mammals, by
measuring the corresponding presence of advanced glycosylation endproducts.
More particularly, the presence or amount of the AGEs may be followed
directly by assay techniques such as those discussed herein, for example
through the use of an appropriately labeled quantity of the present
anti-AGE monoclonal antibody, as set forth herein.
The tissue and end organ damage caused by advanced glycosylation
accumulates over a period of months to years. Diabetic complications
progress over a similar duration, so that it is advantageous to detect
earlier the AGE accumulation that has been linked to the development of
pathology in such disease states.
In particular, the monoclonal antibody of the invention can be used to
detect the presence of AGEs such as but not limited to, hemoglobin-AGE,
albumin-AGE, lipid-AGEs, and AGE-modified peptides. Generally, the
presence of a disease or disorder associated with AGEs can be assessed by
detecting higher levels of AGEs in a biological sample from a subject who
suffers from such a disease or disorder, as compared to a normal
individual. The effectiveness of an agent, e.g., aminoguanidine, to
prevent or inhibit the formation of AGEs can be evaluated by observing a
decrease in the level of AGEs in biological samples obtained from a
subject over a time interval.
For example, Hb-AGE has been determined to account for about 0.42% of
circulating human hemoglobin. This fraction increases to approximately
0.75% in patients with diabetes-induced hyperglycemia. Of significance,
diabetic patients treated for 28 days with aminoguanidine, an inhibitor of
AGE formation in vivo, show significantly decreased levels of Hb-AGE at
the end of the treatment period (International Publication No. WO
The present invention also extends to the measurement of other AGEs and
particularly serum and urinary AGE-modified proteins and AGE-modified
peptides. Serum and urinary AGE-modified peptides, like lipid-AGE and Hb-AGE,
represent circulating markers of AGE accumulation that reflect the onset
and extent of pathologies and other dysfunctions where such accumulation
is a characteristic. Thus, those AGE-related and diabetic conditions where
increased levels of AGEs have been observed, such as, for example,
atherosclerosis, cataracts and diabetic nephropathy, may be monitored and
assessed over the long term by the measurement of these AGEs, particularly
by resort to the diagnostic methods disclosed herein.
Similarly, serum peptide-AGEs can be used as an indicator that reflects
glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and kidney damage. Urinary peptide-AGEs
may be used as an indicator to measure the turnover in tissue proteins,
and more particularly, tissue protein bearing AGE modifications.
In the LDL-AGE, Hb-AGE, and the serum peptide-AGE assays, a blood sample
is drawn and a separation procedure can be used. For measuring the level
of LDL- or lipid-AGEs, a procedure such as that described in International
Publication No. WO 93/13421 by Bucala et al. can be used. For detecting
hemoglobin-AGE, the cellular blood components can be separated from the
serum, and hemoglobin can be extracted from the red blood cells. The serum
level of LDL-AGE, peptide-AGEs and the presence or extent of Hb-AGEs
present can then be evaluated.
By conducting these tests with a single blood sample, a broader time frame
at which blood glucose levels become uncontrolled can be estimated, e.g.,
a 60 day range predictable by Hb-AGE for instance, extends the period to
be assessed for glycemic control to before the 3-4 week time frame which
is measured by Hb-A.sub.1c determination. If desired, the analyses of Hb-AGE
and serum peptide-AGEs can be run together with a glucose level
determination in blood or urine, a glucose tolerance test, and other tests
useful for assessing diabetes control including the measurement of urinary
peptide-AGEs, to give a complete patient profile.
In a preferred aspect of the invention, LDL-AGEs are measured using the
monoclonal antibody of the invention in combination with either an anti-LDL
(such as, but not limited to, anti-ApoB) antibody or a polyclonal anti-AGE
antibody (such as rabbit anti-RNase-AGE).
Another aspect of the invention addresses advanced glycosylation
endproducts which can be detected in the urine. Proteins, including
peptides, are excreted in the urine in very low amounts in normal
individuals, and at elevated levels in diseased individuals. The presence
and/or level of Urinary peptide-AGEs reflective of the turnover of tissue
AGEs can be determined, correlated to and predictive of particular
diseases or conditions.
The presence of peptides in the urine may be a symptom of numerous
diseases or conditions reflective of a net catabolic state as would exist
when the host or patient is undergoing invasion as by infection. Under
such circumstances, the host mobilizes against the invasive stimulus by
the secretion of numerous factors such as cytokines that suspend the
anabolic energy storage activity and cellular repair activities and
promote instead the catabolic depletion of energy stores and the
recruitment of leukocytes and other factors to fight and neutralize the
stimulus. The measurement of urinary peptide-AGEs provides yet another
index of possible invasive activity in the host, such as cachexia and
shock. Thus, one can measure the presence or level of peptide-AGEs in
urine, and correlate this level to a standard. In normal individuals, the
normal level may be low. In diabetic patients, the level of peptide-AGEs
may be greater. Alternatively, in a subject suffering from AGE-associated
advanced renal disease, the level of urinary peptides may be greatly
decreased owing to the onset of renal failure. In patients experiencing
infection or other trauma, the level of peptide-AGEs may be significantly
greater than in normal individuals. Thus, the advancement or worsening of
diabetes prior to the onset of renal complications, the onset of renal
complications associated with diabetes or other AGE-related diseases, or
the presence of infection could be detected by detecting urine levels of
The anti-AGE monoclonal antibody of the invention can also be used in the
treatment of patients to reduce the level or accelerate the removal of
circulating AGEs or AGE-modified molecules, or similar such AGEs or
AGE-modified molecules, which may be present in abnormally elevated levels
in certain tissues, e.g., pancreas, liver, kidney or brain, and which AGEs
may be undesired.
Additionally, it is within the scope of the invention described herein to
utilize the anti-AGE monoclonal antibody for the design, screening and/or
potentiation of drugs or compounds which are useful for treating elevated
levels of AGEs in vivo. In this connection, the anti-AGE monoclonal
antibody may be used to purify proteins that have been specially
cultivated or produced for use as therapeutic agents. The therapeutic use
of such proteins is increasing in prominence and importance, and such
exogeneous proteins (like the host's own tissue and circulating proteins)
are susceptible to glycation and the formation of AGEs. Such AGEs are
chemically reactive and biologically active, so it is desirable to limit
their introduction into a host during therapy. As a consequence, the
present invention includes a method for purification of batches of such
proteins by bringing them into contact with, for example, a quantity of
the anti-AGE monoclonal antibody of the present invention, or an
antigen-binding fragment thereof, immobilized on a suitable substrate. In
this way the glycosylated proteins could be separated from the rest of the
batch by conventional procedures. The substrate could be refreshed or
replaced periodically in the instance of a commercial process, so that a
continuous circulation of protein material past the substrate and
subsequent separation of the protein-AGE component could be conducted.
Naturally, the foregoing scheme is presented for purposes of illustration
only, and is capable of various modifications in design and execution
within the skill of the art and the scope of the invention.
All of the protocols disclosed herein may be applied to the qualitative
and quantitative determination of advanced glycosylation endproducts and
to the concomitant diagnosis and surveillance of pathologies in which the
accretion of advanced glycosylation endproducts is implicated. Such
conditions as diabetes and the conditions associated with aging, such as
atherosclerosis and skin wrinkling represent non-limiting examples, and
accordingly methods for diagnosing and monitoring these conditions are
included within the scope of the present invention.
The present invention also includes assay and test kits for the quantative
and/or quantitative analysis of the extent of the presence of advanced
glycosylation endproducts. Such assay systems and test kits may comprise a
labeled component prepared, e.g., by one of the radioactive and/or
enzymatic techniques discussed herein, coupling a label to the anti-AGE
monoclonal antibody of the present invention or an antigen-binding
fragment thereof, or to a binding partner thereof. One of the components
of the kits described herein is the anti-AGE monoclonal antibody of the
present invention or the antigen-binding fragment thereof, in labeled or
non-labeled form.
As stated earlier, the kits may be used to measure the presence of
advanced glycosylation endproducts on recombinant or other purified
proteins, and particularly those destined for therapeutic use, to assay
them for AGE presence in a first instance, and in a second instance, to
assist in their further purification free from material with undesired AGE
In accordance with the testing techniques discussed above, one class of
such kits will contain at least the monoclonal antibody or an
antigen-binding fragment thereof of the invention, means for detecting
immunospecific binding of said antibody or fragment thereof to AGE
components in a biological sample, and directions, of course, depending
upon the method selected, e.g., "competitive", "sandwich", "DASP" and the
like. The kits may also contain peripheral reagents such as buffers,
stabilizers, etc.
More specifically, the preferred diagnostic test kit may further comprise
a known amount of a binding partner to an anti-AGE antibody as described
above, generally bound to a solid phase to form an immunosorbent, or in
the alternative, bound to a suitable label.
A test kit of the invention may also further comprise a second antibody,
which may be labelled or may be provided for attachment to a solid support
(or attached to a solid support). Such an antibody may be, for example, an
anti-AGE antibody, or an antibody specific for the non-AGE portion of the
analyte to be assessed for AGE modification, or an AGE-component. Examples
of the latter include, but are not limited to, anti-hemoglobin,
anti-albumin, and, as shown herein, anti-ApoB. Such antibodies to the
"carrier" portion of an AGE component can be polyclonal or monoclonal
The present invention will be better understood by reference to the
following Examples, which are illustrative of the invention, and are not
intended as limiting of the invention. Where present, the designation
"PBS" denotes phosphate-buffered saline. PBS may be prepared by dissolving
8.0 grams of NaCl, 0.2 grams of KCl, 1.44 grams of Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4, and
0.24 grams of KH.sub.2PO.sub.4 in 800 ml of distilled water, adjusting the
pH to 7.2, and the volume to 1 liter. The resulting solution may be
dispensed in convenient volumes and sterilized by autoclaving, and may be
stored at room temperature. Likewise, the terms "Wash Solution" and "TBS-T
Wash Solution" where present refer to the following: Tris Buffered Saline-Tween
(TBS-T) (0.01M Trizma, 0.15M NaCl, 0.05% Tween-20, 0.02% sodium azide,
adjusted to pH 7.4 with HCl). The term "Assay Buffer" refers to a solution
generally containing 25 mM-1M borate, pH 8.0, 150 mM NaCl, 0.01% EDTA and
1% BSA. The concentrations of the components comprising the Assay Buffer
as may appear in the Examples listed below may vary within the scope of
the present invention. Naturally the foregoing formulations are
illustrative and may vary within the skill of the art, and are presented
herein in fulfillment of the duty to present the best mode for the
practice of the invention.
Claim 1 of 15 Claims
1. Monoclonal antibody 4G9
produced by hybridoma 4G9, deposited with the American Type Culture
Collection (ATCC) and assigned Accession Number CRL 11626, or an antigen
binding fragment thereof reactive with in vivo produced advanced
glycosylation endproducts (AGEs).
If you want to learn more
about this patent, please go directly to the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office Web site to access the full


text:
General News
: Local News
SUV Hits Tree, Sends Driver to Hospital
Submitted: 11/27/2012
Town of Pelican
- A one-car crash near Rhinelander sends the driver to the hospital.
Shortly after 7 a.m. this morning, the car went off the road, hitting a tree in the 4600 block of County Road P in the Town of Pelican.
Rescuers had trouble opening the doors of the SUV when they first approached the accident. Pastor Norman Peterson is the Deputy Chief for the Town of Pelican Volunteer Fire Department, "When I arrived on scene the ambulance was here, as were the deputies. We were told that the vehicle was locked and the person was unconscious."
Eventually, emergency workers were able to get into the SUV and check on the condition of the driver, Peterson says, "As I got up to the scene, the deputies and the ambulance personnel had gotten the doors open. So it was just a matter of removing the driver and transporting him to the hospital."
The cause of the crash is unknown at this time.
The driver, a 26 year old Rhinelander man, was taken to St. Mary's Hospital in Rhinelander.
The Oneida County Sheriff's Department is investigating the accident.
Written By: Michael Crusan
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Saint Servulus of Rome
- Servolo il paralitico
- Servolo the Paralysed
Afflicted from birth with a severe palsy that prevented him from ever standing or even sitting unaided. His family carried him to the door of Saint Clement's church in Rome, Italy so he could beg for alms. He kept enough for the most meagre existence, giving the rest to beggars he considered poorer than himself, and buying Scriptural works that he would beg people to read to him. Saint Gregory the Great wrote about him.
- 6th century in Rome, Italy
- Archdiocese of Atlanta
- Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
- Catholic Online
- Lives of the Saints, by Father Alban Butler
- Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints
- Santi e Beati
- "Saint Servulus of Rome". Saints.SQPN.com. 22 December 2013. Web. 27 December 2014. <>


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Current: 59°
High: 60°
Low: 36°
Wind: 7 MPH
Pressure: 30.13
Humidity: 32 %
Ala. man recaptured after escaping courtroom
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — Mobile County Sheriff's officials say a teen who escaped from a courtroom and eluded authorities has been recaptured.
AL.com (http://bit.ly/X8NzwQ ) reports 18-year-old Deven Lane Stephens escaped a Mobile courtroom, ran from several officers and bondsmen and ran downtown Wednesday morning after his bail had been revoked. The man had not been placed in handcuffs.
Stephens was arrested on charges of manufacturing and trafficking methamphetamine and was also charged with burglary.
Police say they found the man hiding under a house in Chickasaw, just north of Mobile.
Information from: Press-Register, http://www.al.com/press-register/
CW Link


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Grass Seed Necklace
These grass seeds are harvested the same time as when thatching their roof. Catherine in the Manzani market in Swaziland has hand made all of these necklaces, each piece made by her with love to the women so very far away. She has created a long or short strand which is a great addition to any outfit. Catherine's favorite is to wear multiple long strands together tied in a low knot.


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Gov. Perry: Presidential Disaster Declaration Approved for Denton County
AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry today announced that a federal disaster declaration for Denton County has been approved by President George W. Bush as a result of severe storms and flooding in the county on April 24.
"This disaster declaration is welcome news to the residents of Denton County," Perry said. "The communities devastated by these storms can now begin rebuilding their homes and businesses."
The Federal Stafford Act makes Texans in Denton County whose homes and properties were destroyed or damaged by the storms eligible to receive individual assistance. Individual Assistance programs, which help individuals and families who are not covered by insurance, can include financial assistance, temporary housing, tax relief, legal services, crisis counseling and Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
On May 1, President Bush declared three counties federal disaster areas, covering damages incurred April 21, when storms and tornadoes struck the City of Cactus in Moore County and the Tulia area in Swisher County, and April 24, when tornadoes struck areas around Eagle Pass in Maverick County. The governor issued a state disaster proclamation for these three areas on April 25.
Other assistance programs made available with a Presidential Disaster Declaration include:
- Disaster Housing Assistance may include funds for repairs, providing temporary housing, rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel/motel lodging costs for residents who lost their homes.
- The Individual and Households Program may provide for necessary expenses and serious needs not met by insurance, loans or other forms of assistance, which may include medical, dental and funeral expenses.
- The Small Business Administration provides low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the disaster.
- Crisis counseling is available to anyone in the designated disaster area.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance is administered by the Texas Workforce Commission and provides benefits for up to 26 weeks after a disaster declaration to persons who lost their jobs directly due to the disaster.
Governor's Initiatives »


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Danielle's StoryI was given this recipe from a coworker who told me they were the best caramels ever and were so easy to make. She was right! They have now become a holiday staple when baking because of their delicious butter flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Tip: I have had the best results when using name brand ingredients as listed.
1 c
butter, room temperature
Find more recipes at goboldwithbutter.com
2 1/4 c
brown sugar
1 c
light karo syrup
1 can(s)
eagle brand sweetened condensed milk
2 tsp
vanilla extract
Directions Step-By-Step
1Cover 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper and set aside
2In a large microwave safe bowl, combine butter, sugar, karo syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Mix just until combined.
3Microwave on high as follows:
4 minutes then stir
4 minutes then stir
4 minutes then stir
4 minutes then stir
4Add 2 tsp vanilla extract. Stir
5Pour mixture into prepared 9x13 and let cool completely. When cooled, cut into pieces and wrap individually with wax paper or saran wrap.
About this Recipe
Course/Dish: Candies
Other Tag: Quick & Easy
susan simons imbossmare - Nov 21, 2010
This looks so easy I'm going to have to give it a try.How does it keep?
Wendy Rusch snooksk9 - Nov 21, 2010
Really??? This really works in the microwave??? CRAZY! If so, sures beats standing over the stove stirring for an hour or so......
Gonna have to try!
Danielle Johnson mrsjnsn - Nov 21, 2010
I kept the wrapped caramels in a cookie jar for about a week before we finished them. They still stayed soft as long as they were wrapped tightly. Wendy-I was surprised by the microwave method as well, but I will never go back to the stove method now!
Wendy Rusch snooksk9 - Nov 21, 2010
I am still amazed by that! lol
rebecca goff sashayin - Nov 21, 2010
You forgot the warning that you need to have lots of extra spoons so you can test the mixture inbetween each 4 minutes of microwaving or was that just me???? Wow easy and very yummy thanks for the post


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The Trinity boys basketball team will play for its first CIF championship in school history on Saturday at Mater Dei High School.
Trinity takes on Rio Hondo Prep at 9:30 in the morning in the championship game of the Southern Section Division 6 playoffs.
Trinity is the No. 2 seed in the playoffs and the second-place team from the Heritage League. The Knights beat Valley Christian, 64-53, in the semifinals.
Rio Hondo Prep is the top-seeded team in the Division 6 playoffs and the second-place team from the Prep League. Rio Hondo beat Desert Chapel, 78-74, in their semifinal game.
In college basketball, the College of the Canyons men are the No. 6 seeded team in the Southern California Regional playoffs. The Cougars, the champions of the Western State Conference South Division, will play Allan Hancock College in the first round on Friday.
The College of the Canyons women are the No. 9 seed in the Southern California Regional playoffs. The Lady Cougars open on the road against Long Beach City College, the No. 8 seed in the Southern California Regionals.
The Master's College women's basketball team beat Hope International, 67-46, in the Golden State Athletic Conference regular season finale. The Lady Mustangs, ranked No. 11 in the NAIA, are the third seed in the conference tournament and have a bye in the first round.
The Master's College men lost to Hope International, 50-44, in the Golden State Athletic Conference finale. The Mustangs will play Arizona Christian in Phoenix in the first round of the Golden State Athletic Conference Tournament on Thursday.
In the NBA, the Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets, 119-108, and had their three-game winning streak snapped.
Kobe Bryant scored 29 points and had nine assists, but the Lakers dropped to two games under .500. They are 11-4 in their past 15 games.
In the NHL, the Kings beat the visiting Anaheim Ducks, 5-2, and won their fourth game in a row. Dustin Penner scored his first goal of the season and Jeff Carter added an empty-netter, his 10th of the season.
The Kings snapped the Ducks' six-game winning streak.
Follow Tim Haddock on Twitter @thaddock.
Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, Or drop us a line at firstname.lastname@example.com


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Italian Research
Sicilian History
Italian Photos
On-Site Italian Research
Italian Links
Italian Towns
Next Trip
Genealogy Links
Jewish Italian Research
Italian Records
WWII POWs
Utilizing the microfilmed, electronic, and printed resources available at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, we provide professional genealogical research services. On-site research is available for some locations.
Latest News: Kathy Kirkpatrick was recently interviewed by Scott Fisher along with Adrian Burke regarding genealogical research in Italy. The podcast (#41 - 12 May 2014) is available at www.extremegenes.com.
Find GenTracer on Facebook
Kathy Kirkpatrick loves doing Italian research here and in Italy.
Jack Cook specializes in records from the British Isles, France, Germany, and United States.
Chris Saffell specializes in records from Canada, Denmark, Italy, Switzerland and United States.
Our favorite genealogy software
European Focus Photography - Includes many Italian towns, or order your own!
Follow this link to our favorite genealogical sites.
© Kathy Kirkpatrick 1997-2014


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Created: 17 January 1996
Expires: 18 January 2020
Hoster: TTC Travel Group LTD
Domain Name: TRAFALGAR.COM Registry Domain ID: Registrar WHOIS Server: whois.networksolutions.com Registrar URL: http://www.networksolutions.com/en_US/ Updated Date: 2011-11-01T00:00:00Z Creation Date: 1996-01-17T00:00:00Z Registrar Registration Expiration Date: 2020-01-19T00:00:00Z Registrar: NETWORK SOLUTIONS, LLC. Registrar IANA ID: 2 Registrar Abuse Contact Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Registrar Abuse Contact Phone: 800-333-7680 Reseller: Domain Status: clientTransferProhibited Registry Registrant ID: Registrant Name: TTC Travel Group Limited Registrant Organization: TTC Travel Group Limited Registrant Street: Picquet House Registrant City: St Peter Port Registrant State/Province: St Peter Port Registrant Postal Code: GY1 1AF Registrant Country: GG Registrant Phone: +44 20 7468 4105 Registrant Phone Ext: Registrant Fax: +44 20 7970 2825 Registrant Fax Ext: Registrant Email: email@example.com Registry Admin ID: Admin Name: Seale, Cheryl Admin Organization: TTC Travel Group Limited Admin Street: Picquet House Admin City: St Peter Port Admin State/Province: St Peter Port Admin Postal Code: GY1 1AF Admin Country: GG Admin Phone: +442074684105 Admin Phone Ext: Admin Fax: +442079702825 Admin Fax Ext: Admin Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Registry Tech ID: Tech Name: Network Solutions, LLC. Tech Organization: Network Solutions, LLC. Tech Street: 13861 Sunrise Valley Drive Tech City: Herndon Tech State/Province: VA Tech Postal Code: 20171 Tech Country: US Tech Phone: 1-888-642-9675 Tech Phone Ext: Tech Fax: 571-434-4620 Tech Fax Ext: Tech Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Name Server: NS.RACKSPACE.COM Name Server: NS2.RACKSPACE.COM DNSSEC: not signed URL of the ICANN WHOIS Data Problem Reporting System: http://wdprs.internic.net/ >>> Last update of whois database: Thu, 06 Feb 2014 23:50:03 UTC <<< The data in Networksolutions.com's WHOIS database is provided to you by Networksolutions.com for information purposes only, that is, to assist you in obtaining information about or related to a domain name registration record. Networksolutions.com makes this information available "as is," and does not guarantee its accuracy. By submitting a WHOIS query, you agree that you will use this data only for lawful purposes and that, under no circumstances will you use this data to: (1) allow, enable, or otherwise support the transmission of mass unsolicited, commercial advertising or solicitations via direct mail, electronic mail, or by telephone; or (2) enable high volume, automated, electronic processes that apply to Networksolutions.com (or its systems). The compilation, repackaging, dissemination or other use of this data is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Networksolutions.com. Networksolutions.com reserves the right to modify these terms at any time. By submitting this query, you agree to abide by these terms.


text:
Russian History Quiz
- Publisher: Coskun CAKIR
- Genre: Education
- Released: 25 Sep, 2013
- Size: 12.5 MB
- Price: $1.99
- App Store Info
DescriptionTest and improve your knowledge answering the questions and learn new facts about Russian History with Russian History Quiz
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Russian History Quiz includes by the multiple choice questions:
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- New Training Available
Two day CCaLC carbon footprinting training course in association with IChemE.
Manchester, 25th - 26th June 2014 - Click here for details
- New Release
CCaLC V3.3 is available to download now.
Visit the software page here for a free download of the new version
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CCaLC LITE for Android, a simplified version of the CCaLC carbon footprinting tool, has been released - Click here for details and to download
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New version of CCaLC tools released for the PVC and bio-based sectors.
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|Existing Users of the PVC Sustainability Tool (V1.0 and V1.1)
|This version of the tool represents an updated version of the original version V1.0 (released in February 2010) and later release V1.1 (released in October 2010). It is fully compatible with both these versions and studies created there can be imported easily into this version via the Export data function on the menu bar.
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Model Aviculture Program
Husbandry Advice
IAS Voluntary Standards
Avian Breeder Software
Manual for Bird-Sitters
Sale of Unweaned Babies
When to Medicate?
Pest Protection
Socialization of Babies
A Quality Diet
Organic Agriculture?
Feather Plucking
Bird Behavior
A Look at Birds' Brains
Success, Disappointment
End of Season Marketing
Warning About Bird Marts
Shipping Information
Making Taxes Less Taxing
Wrapping Up 1997
New Year - 1999
Planning for Professionalism
A Good Board Membe
The Millenium Project
Eclectus Parrots
The Eclectus Group
Call to Action
Non-Native Species Proposals
CA Legislation AB409
Bird Legislation 8/98
CO Legislation 12/97
WI Legislation 12/97
Animal Welfare Act (AWA)
Hearing on FWS Activities
CA Legislative Alert
Amendment to AWA
CITES Update 1997
Table of Contents
This article was previously published in
Bird Breeder
magazine and is reprinted here with permission of the author.
Laurella Desborough
all rights reserved by the author.
Overview of Historical Legislation Affecting Birds
(originally published August 1998)
by Laurella Desborough
The Importance of Knowing Local Laws
Cities and counties are passing into law a variety of regulations aimed specifically at birds, or aimed at exotics, which includes birds. For instance, Bernalillo County in New Mexico has a proposed ordinance that would prohibit the ownership of an exotic bird or animal. San Antonio, Texas has an ordinance that prohibits the breeding of animals or birds within the city.
Many towns and cities have laws that restrict the ownership of all pets to three in total; i.e., one dog, one cat and one bird. San Mateo County in California requires a permit to allow the breeding of animals. Fresno County in California prohibits the breeding of any animals except food, hide or farm animals. There is an application process that requires hundreds of dollars up front, and the applicant may still be denied a permit to breed cats, dogs or birds. Counties in the east require permits for structures such as hog barns, where specifications must be met. Since they have no specs on bird barns, they require bird breeders to meet specs for hog barns. When pet pythons escape, local citizens pass "dangerous" animal legislation that, because of the wording, covers birds, too. Due to pressures from various groups with differing agendas, laws have been put in place that affect bird breeders and owners.
State Laws
Georgia is presently considering a law that would ban the sale of unweaned baby parrots. This particular law seeks to address the negative consequences of the sale of unweaned babies to inexperienced persons. This law, like many others, has been introduced by individuals or organizations to solve a problem or police an activity that is creating problems. If and when members of the avicultural community take actions that result in inhumane, improper care or death of a bird, the results impact the entire community, such as this proposed law. A recently defeated California bill, AB 409, would give the Department of Fish and Game the power to place any bird or animal on the restricted (prohibited) list. The regulations would require that scientific proof be offered that would show that the bird would not pose a threat to human health, native wildlife or agriculture, before it would be allowed to be owned. The bill has been defeated but may be reintroduced at a later date.
Update On California AB 409
The latest work on this bill is that it is dead for this legislative session. We can't be sure until August 31. Even if it is dead for now, the issue is not dead. Legislative analysts predict that the matter will be addressed in the next session by those who want to place restrictions and prohibitions on the ownership or transport of everything from cats and dogs to ferrets and parrots. In order to ensure legislative success, plans are now being formed to create a strong network of concerned persons willing to take action. California bird owners, bird breeders, retailers, and any associated commerical businesses should become a part of this network. For further information please contact: Martin Muschinske in Southern California at email: firstname.lastname@example.com or Barry Wold at email: firstname.lastname@example.com in Northern California. Our legislative advisors recommend the following: When restrictive state legislation is proposed, only residents of that state should contact legislators. Legislators are angered and turned against our concerns when they receive input from out-of-state persons. Instead, contact your friends in that state and have them contact the legislators. This will help the cause.
This is indicative of a new focus on the element of non-native species and the potential threats posed by those species. On the basis of a potential or perceived threat, laws are being promulgated at state levels. We can expect to see more restrictive legislation proposed concerning birds and other pets.
What can be done? It is clear that doing nothing is not the answer. To maintain our freedom to keep and breed birds, we must be pro-active. Follow these guidelines to be prepared.
Keep informed. Know what proposals are on the agenda at your county board of supervisors and city council. When a proposal says "animal," read that as "bird," because "animal" generally includes everything.
Prepare for and attend hearings on any ordinances that deal with birds and animals. Speak out, write letters and network with interested others.
Assume nothing, check everything. People may say: "Oh, they'll never enforce that law!" Don't believe it. They will enforce it, probably on a complaint-driven basis. Educate yourself about the proper city and county meeting protocols and follow them. Dress neatly and in business attire. You will be given more credibility. Always be polite. You are there to educate your representatives and bring them to your side of the issue, not make enemies of them through belligerence or rudeness.
Work! Contact people; communicate about the problem. Work in teams to solve it. Meet with your elected representatives. If you can't defeat the proposals outright, seek amendments that will protect the interests of aviculturists. Keep in mind that restrictive or prohibitive regulations on birds affect all of us, no matter where we live or where the regulations are in place. Our clients and potential clients live everywhere. When we protect their interests, we protect our own.
Legislation Background
In the early to late 1980s, great numbers of wild birds were being imported into the United States, Europe and other countries from South America, Africa and Indonesia. These birds were destined primarily for the pet market, although some went to zoos and some to bird breeders. Why did this happen during this time? It happened because it was possible. Wild birds are captured in accessible areas, such as the grasslands or savannas of Africa. One can drive out to the location, set up nets, collect the birds and drive them to the airports. Where impenetrable rain forest exists, roads are needed. Roads were constructed into rain forests to reach mineral deposits and to remove timber or turn the jungle into cattle ranches and plantations. These roads made it possible for trappers to reach areas where they could capture wild birds and then transport them out of the remote areas by boat or vehicle to airports. The majority of imported birds were collected as a byproduct of the much greater goal of land development in forests around the world.
One result of the importation of non-native birds was the establishment of many anti-wildlife-trade organizations, such as the Environmental Investigation Agency. This group actively worked to pass the Wild Bird Conservation Act in the U.S. and presently promotes anti-trade doctrines at the meetings of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (C.I.T.E.S.). Other groups believe that birds should not be in cages and work to restrict ownership of pet birds. There are many animal rights and animal welfare organizations working to prohibit or restrict ownership or mandate regulations on care and housing of animals/birds. Why? Birds are beautiful and charismatic; they evoke feelings in most people. Organizations are using these feelings to raise money for their goals. Working on issues around birds serves ideological beliefs and brings in donations.
The Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA) of 1992
The main purpose of this national law was to conserve birds in the wild. Most wild parrot species are prohibited from being imported into the U.S. by the WBCA. Actually, there are not many countries still exporting their wild birds. Those that do are still shipping to Europe, Japan and the Far East. Although the WBCA was designed to prohibit importation of wild birds into the U.S., it has had the effect of prohibiting the importation of domestic-raised birds, as well. Government officials cannot find a way to distinguish between domestic-raised and wild-caught. Therefore, all birds are assumed to be wild-caught. Under the WBCA, cooperative breeding programs may be establishedwith proper paperwork and approved status. These programs allow for the importation of limited numbers of wild-caught birds for special breeding programs.
The WBCA and the publicity related to the bird trade and smuggling have had a general effect on aviculture in the U.S. in the following three ways:
Bird breeders recognize that they must produce their own future breeding stock (or acquire through trades/sales) because they cannot replenish breeders from imported birds.
The general public has had a large dose of serious misinformation and negative publicity about the keeping of birds.
The animal rights organizations have turned their attention to local and state laws and regulations since a national law is in place.


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