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Whether you find yourself moving into your very first - and extremely tiny - apartment, or you're preparing a new home for your family, there's one piece of home decor that is always going to be a necessity: curtains.
There's the obvious use for curtains as traditional window coverings, adding a bit of a flair to an otherwise dull space. But if you get a little creative, you can use curtains for a variety of different things, from hiding an unsightly closet to creating a little more privacy in your sleeping area.
First and foremost, a great set of curtains can truly brighten up a living space. But if you're dealing with a small room, it's best to choose drapery with minimal print or none at all. This is where going with something like the Advantage Plus Drapery Panels is your best option because of the multitude of colors to choose from. Payless Decor also makes it easy to select the perfect size curtains. Simply measure your windows and plug in the measurements after selecting a color.
Just remember: when you're deciding on a color for your curtains, make sure it doesn't conflict with your other decor. If you have neutral-colored furniture, you can get a little crazy with the curtain colors. Have bright furniture? Opt for off-white or any other muted color instead.
Anyone who's ever discovered the difficulty of having to decorate a small space - be it a studio apartment or a one-person bedroom that needs to be made into a two-person bedroom - knows how important curtains can be. No one likes to have their privacy encroached upon, especially when they're sleeping.
With some cable wire and screw-in hooks, a studio apartment can be transformed into a pseudo-bedroom and living room. And if you're wanting extra privacy, be sure to order curtains with a blackout lining instead of a regular, sheer lining.
Aside from letting you decide when you want light to shine through your household windows, curtains can give you even more coverage when placed over sliding doors. Even if you have curtains over all your windows, you still might find yourself in an overly bright area and may need even more ways to block out the sun. Or maybe sun isn't the issue, and you're just looking for some extra privacy. Either way, sheer, white curtains or a solid neutral will look best in front of sliding doors.
Another way to brighten up a space while also making your room look tidier? Hiding areas like open closets or a washer and dryer with fun, brightly-colored curtains. No one wants all their belongings out on display, but installing a door is just too much trouble. Attach a curtain rod to your wall, hang a curtain that matches your room's decor, and voila - a simple, yet chic way to make your space look more put together.
This technique can be used in a multitude of situations. Have a washer and dryer set that sticks out like a sore thumb? Put a curtain in front of it. Have a certain area of your living room that your child loves to play in so it's constantly in disarray? Put a curtain in front of it.
Decorating your new space can be a difficult task, but because of the versatility of curtains, it doesn't have to be.
Cozy Up for Christmas
When you think of the winter, you likely think of staying warm from the cold. Cozying up next to the fire, snuggling in a warm blanket and drinking hot chocolate with mini marshmallows. With predictions of another frigid winter, you can keep your home warm in both temperature and ambiance with a few simple additions. Read on to discover unique ways you can make your abode cozy this cold season.
One way to keep your home feeling toasty is to add a woodsy element. An easy way to achieve this is with wood window blinds. Not only do they provide elegance and warmth to cozy up a space, they also add a unique style to any room, especially a bedroom or living room. This look can be supplemented by hanging up heavy drapes for an even more decorative and inviting aura.
Since energy bills are usually higher in the winter months, you'll definitely want to reduce your bill anyway you can. Blackout cellular shades are perfect for those who are more practical but still want sophistication. They protect against heat loss in winter. Windows are the source of the most wasted energy inside the home so these shades are a must. A bonus? They're cordless, making for extremely easy opening and closing. Try to choose rich colors that evoke feelings of tranquility and safety. Colors like amber, espresso or vanilla will make you feel like you're in winter oasis. Reds and yellows are also good choices— just be sure to stick to mellow tones of each.
If drapes or blinds aren't for you, there are other options— shades or sliding panels, for instance, add a sophisticated and distinct vibe to your windows. This unexpected element can keep you warm both functionally and visually. Try Roman window shades, which combine fabric and the easily operated shades, for an elegant touch, or bamboo shades for a trendy touch. The latter will lie flat against the window and can then be rolled up to allow more light to shine through. They also bring the beauty of nature indoors with rich textures, beautiful colors and natural style.
Window decorations aren't the only way to spruce up your home. Instead of having a cold, bare floor, think about placing rugs underneath coffee tables in neutral colors or ones that pop. One key to picking rugs— or any object used for decoration— is to pick ones with a color that doesn't stimulate but makes you feel secure. That means a vibrant, lime green rug wouldn't be the wisest choice for warm, wintery decor. Instead, look for colors in browns and maroon reds, like the drapes. A jute rug, braided in pattern and great for big spaces, lends to feelings of comfort and security. Additionally, these rugs are eco-friendly and can easily be cleaned from spills or melting snow.
In addition to using blankets and sweaters to stay warm this winter, a few key household accessories can really help provide that cozy, inviting feeling that everyone looks forward to when they visit family over the holidays.
Out With The Old, In With The New
Spring cleaning isn't a new concept. You sift through all the things you've acquired over autumn and winter, and you start anew with a more organized home. But in order to accumulate these things, you must do a little of what we like to call fall decorating.
One of the best ways to transition into the colder seasons (besides making more hot chocolate and buying an abundance of sweaters) is to decorate your home with fall and winter decor. Use this time of the year to pack up all your bright-colored decorations and furniture, and turn to darker neutrals, deep reds, and moss greens, perhaps even some golden yellows - think the colors you see on changing leaves.
The first addition to your newly-decorated home should be a rug, simply because it's easiest to build your other decor around this central focal point. Since you'll most likely be spending more time indoors during these colder seasons, you'll need a more durable rug.Jute - which is a strong fiber made from plants - is one of the best materials for a fall and winter rug, because not only is it eco-friendly, but it has water-repelling properties for those little spills. Try the Mustard Seed Jute Rug to brighten up an otherwise dark room or the Salem Jute Rug to tone down any bright walls or decor you may have.
Mustard Seed Jute RugSalem Jute Rug
And even though it's not the season of spring cleaning, be sure to stay adamant about cleaning your rugs so you can pack them up at the end of the season and reuse them instead of having to toss them because they go too dirty. Does this mean you have to take a steam cleaner to your rug every week? Absolutely not. In fact, it's only necessary to deeply clean your rug right before you replace it with your spring and summer rug. Instead, simply vacuum twice a week to maintain appropriate cleanliness.Once you've selected your rug (or multiple rugs if you have a rather large living space), it's time to decorate around it. Choose some heavy drapes to add to the coziness of your new space. The rule of thumb is if your rug has multiple colors, go with neutral drapes. But if you've chosen a single-colored rug, you can get more adventurous with the drapes.
Advantage III Drapery Panels
If you'd prefer to bypass drapes, but still want some coverage for your windows, opt for bamboo shades. But be forewarned, once you make the switch to bamboo shades, you'll never want to go back to cheap, plastic shades ever again (which is actually a good thing). The best thing about bamboo shades is the natural light they let in as well as the fact that because of their decorative quality, they look good alone or with drapes.
Premium Bamboo Shades
Switching out all of your decor after the summer may seem unnecessary, but you'll be surprised how much cozier your home will feel when you fill it with new rugs and window fixings.
When it comes to design, old is always new. Whether you are in the mood for eclectic, traditional, vintage modern, mid-century modern, shabby chic or just about any other style, classic vintage pieces can be easily found at flea markets, garage sales, antique stores, and even the attic. These great additions to your space help express your personality and style while honoring the past. The secret is in the balance.Here are a few ways to infuse the past into your home to give it an antiquated feel.Stay UniqueFill your home with vintage pieces that define you and your personal style. Don't shy away from bright colors, as they balance your palette and pull together the space. Rich dark colors on the walls and furniture creates the perfect backdrop for vivid, contrasting moments throughout, so you can greet your guests with comfort while presenting decor that is undoubtedly your own.A dresser with a distressed finish and mismatched drawer knobs, in Shabby chic style.Lights, camera, actionOld movie posters are a great way to bring vintage aesthetics to your living room. You may want to pick a few of your favorite classics like Gone With the Wind or Casablanca, or you can choose a foreign film that has great artwork. You can check online vendors like Amazon or look through eBay for people selling their private collections. Frame your finds in an antique frame that matches your faux wood blinds or pick a slick new one that mixes the old with the new.Go BohoAre you drawn to all things eclectic, colorful and unique in both your fashion statements and your home? Boho chic means using a little creativity and whatever one has on hand like mix-and-match fabric patterns, antique mirrors, specialty lighting fixtures, brightly hued candles and travel-themed accessories. Creating a boho chic decor is fairly simple, and the result is an eclectic decor with a bohemian stylish flair.Rust is a mustMany times if your decorations get rusty that isn't a good sign, but if you go antique shopping sometimes finding old appliances that are covered in rust gives them a timeless feel that can complement your home. Unfortunately, rust can cause a mess so you may want to put any antiques on some decorative lace, or perhaps reserve them for great lawn ornaments."Barnstar" anchor plate Incorporating vintage decor to your living space can also be great for your budget. Who doesn't love a beautiful bargain?
Choosing the perfect window covering can go a long way in creating the right atmosphere in your home. You can't just pick any set of blinds or curtains—you need to choose an option that seamlessly blends into your existing decor. Covering your windows can be tricky enough when you consider all the various curtain and blind options available, but what about that sliding glass patio door?
Your sliding glass door can be a great addition to your home. It's a good source of natural light, provides an excellent view into your backyard, can give the illusion of more space and, because they're often larger than normal doors, they can be a great way to move larger objects into and out of your home. But there are times you may not want an abundance of natural light, or you may not want to allow an unblocked view into your home. This is when a set of blinds or curtains for your sliding doors will come in handy.
The most common option for covering your sliding glass door is by using vertical blinds. Many of these blinds will be made from a sturdy PVC, and they often come in a variety of colors to match your decor. These will typically be the most cost-affective way to cover your sliding glass door, as they're fairly inexpensive to purchase, clean and replace. Like typical, horizontal blinds, vertical blinds come in a variety of styles and textures. If the PVC versions aren't exactly what you're looking for, you can opt for a sturdy fabric or even a faux wood material instead. While vertical blinds are easy to install and certainly get the job done, they may not fit well with the design aesthetic of every home.
For those looking for a door cover that blends with their decor, there are other options available.If your home has a more natural, earthy feel to it, or your family is environmentally conscious, a woven wood sliding panel is a great option. Made from tightly woven bamboo, these come in a variety of natural colors. They're great for allowing softly filtered light into a room, and their edges are bound to provide extra durability. You can also install a privacy lining with the bamboo panels if you enjoy the natural look, but want to increase privacy, light control and present a neutral appearance to the street.
A third, and more high-end, option for covering your sliding glass door is to use a Solar Shade sliding fabric panel. These provide a modern, designer feel to any room and can be easily coordinated with existing decor. They come in a variety of colors and openness options (including blackout for complete room darkening), allowing you to control and customize the amount of light you want to filter into the room. They feature solar mesh and other materials that block UV rays and solar heat gain while still preserving views - perfect for sliding glass doors, large windows or as a ceiling-mounted retractable room divider.
To bring a unique style to your home, you can choose decor from various cultures that will bring about a unique and exotic feel. Infusing your living space with Japanese-style decorations can add a soothing and welcoming touch - here are a few tips to doing so.
Mini zen garden
The Japanese zen garden has been a long standing tradition in the East that has been co-opted by horticulture enthusiasts. While many outdoor Japanese gardens incorporate water and bonsai trees, a large part of their composition includes sand and rocks. You can have your own tabletop zen garden by getting some smooth sand (from your next beach trip) and putting it in a decorative dish, with a mini rake as a great finishing touch.
Wind chimes
Metal wind chimes will bring soothing sounds to your home, complemented by a cool autumn breeze. Your wind chimes can be made from a variety of materials, and if you have a crafty flair you can construct your own using old silverware or pieces of metal pipe.
Tatami mats
These lightweight straw mats give a welcoming feel and are a great additional piece of furniture. They are typically made with straw and their neutral hues will go great with some bamboo window blinds. You can place them around your coffee table and store them in a closet until you have guests.
If you're always looking for the latest window treatment furnishings and wall decor, there are plenty of trends to take advantage of as you create a fresh look in your living spaces. Each year, many new styles emerge and take the American interior design world by storm. Whether you give your rooms a different look every season or you do so infrequently, there are several trends worth noting this year as you begin your adventures in decorating. Here are some of the most popular thus far being seen in homes across the country.
Bold colors Gone are the days where window shades, wallpaper and furniture were meant to be subtle in neutral hues. House Beautiful magazine states that bold colors are trending in American design, and this style is right up your alley if you want to add flair to your living spaces. Think fire engine red, cobalt blue and forest green to make an impact in your rooms. While it may take some getting used to, color can do wonders from a drab area of your home.
Stylized features While clean, minimalist modern decor is still trendy, For Your Home claims that more designers are leaning toward stylized furnishings to create an intriguing interior. Furniture that has curves and fine detailing is becoming all the rage as homeowners try to avoid being too bland in their living spaces. If you've been keeping the antique cabinet from your great aunt in the basement, now is the time to bring it up and show off its beauty!
Green Specifically, the Pantone color institute has named emerald green is the hue of the year, according to the Huffington Post. Now, it's showing up in everything from wallpaper to arm chairs, and this color isn't going away any time soon. If you want to encompass all that is American design in your home in 2013, opt for emerald green when you select new furnishings for your living spaces. Even if you aren't a "green" person, you may come to love the soothing, eye-pleasing qualities of it over time.
Many people wish that they could have the picture perfect American home, but it can be a lot of work to get rooms to look flawless as they do in magazines. By taking upcoming trends into account, you can increase your chances of creating a beautiful look that pleases the eye.
There's nothing quite as boring as a room with little color. Even if you want your living space to encompass neutrals with its window treatments and furnishings, a splash of color can do wonders for a room. If you aren't interested in embracing a handful of hues from the rainbow, it's possible to add a hint of color to a space without creating an overwhelming look.
"Color is the most powerful design element," Interior Design Professional Sabrina Soto told SheKnows.com. "Colors add character to your designs. With character comes perception and emotion. Colors set the mood, tone and feel of any space."
Colors in accessories One of the easiest way to begin incorporating color into your living space is by using it in the accessories throughout your room. This means bringing in colorful window shades, throw pillows and blankets that have a hint of color to create more visual interest. To add further appeal to the area, consider utilizing accessories that have texture as well as color.
Using black If you're particularly interested in using a bright or bold color in your living space, consider complementing it with black to anchor the entire look. HGTV states that this is an effective way to use color in a room without going overboard. The contrast is eye-catching as well as soothing. The drama of the black can also enhance all of the other hues used throughout the space.
Whether you're interested in adding color to a bedroom or a living room, these tips can help you get off on the right foot. Take the time to narrow down your options prior to choosing one or two hues to use throughout the space. In the end, you'll be happier with the final product.


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Details from three proposals for a Vikings stadium. Two other plans – the "Linden Ave." and "Famers Market" options – were not supported by Minneapolis:
Cost | $1.11 billion | $918 million | $920 million |
Plan to pay for it | 3% Ramsey County tax on food, drink; $425 million from Vikings; $350 million from state | Existing Convention Center taxes; $407 million from Vikings; $300 million from state | Racino, fan fees, no new taxes; $400 million from Vikings |
Location | Former Army Ammunition Site in Arden Hills | Metrodome site | Industrial area near Hwys. 101 and 169 east of Shakopee |
Land area | 260 acres with 170 acres more available | Current Metrodome site is 20 acres | 130 acres |
Who owns the land or facility? | Federal government | Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission | Two owners |
Quote about the proposal/ option | "Ramsey County has a viable finance plan and we have an agreement in principle with the county." – Vikings vice president of stadium development Lester Bagley | "We've come up with the only plan that puts significant dollars on the table without new taxes." – Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak | "We believe that we have the best site, that will be the easiest to develop … the cheapest in cost and the second largest in land acreage." – Shakopee Mayor Brad Tabke |

subset: commoncrawl


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Enable Support for Android MTP in KDE
Productivity Sauce
Since many mainstream Linux distros still lack proper support for the Media Transfer Protocol (MTP), making a Linux machine play nicely with an Android device can be a bit tricky. Unless you happen to use Kubuntu. In this case, you can add MTP support to the Dolphin file manager by installing the MTP KIO slave using the following commands:
sudo apt-add-repository ppa:philschmidt/ppa-kio-mtp-daily sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install kio-mtp
Once you've done that, connect your Android device, and you should be able to manage it as a regular storage device using Dolphin. Not using Kubuntu? Then follow the instructions on the Afiestas blog on how to compile and install the MTP KIO slave from source.
comments powered by DisqusIssue 172/2015
Buy this issue as a PDF
Cisco Releases Annual Security Report
Spammers go low-volume, and 90% of IE browsers are unpatched.
Zero Day Exploits Target Flash
Adobe scrambles to release patches for vulnerable Flash Player.
Intel Unveils Compute Stick
Four-inch-long computer on a stick lets you boot a full Linux system from any HDMI display device.
Obama Proposes Personal Data Notification Law
New statute would require companies to report break-ins to consumers.
TGXf Project Warns of File Transfer through Screen Pixels
Weird data transfer technique avoids all standard security measures.
Industry Giants Announce a Fix for the Password Mess
FIDO alliance declares the beginning of the end for old-style login authentication.
Poll: Vote for the Best Open Source Software for Photographers
The Linux New Media Awards have honored the most significant products, projects, people, and organizations for open source/Linux every year since 2000.
Debian Gets Forked
Legendary Uber-distro splits over the systemd controversy.
Linux Mint Project Releases Mint 17.1
New LTS version offers many refinements for the Cinnamon and Mate desktops and significant improvement under the hood.
CeBIT Open Source Forum Call for Papers
One of CeBIT's most successful forums returns in 2015.


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Corner had no idea who he was messing with
CANTON, Ohio -- What a rush it must have been for Reggie Corner, bolting up the sideline into the end zone in his Buffalo Bills uniform after intercepting a pass in the stadium where he played high school football.
Jason Miller/US Presswire | |
Buffalo Bills cornerback Reggie Corner intercepted a pass from Titans rookie quarterback Alex Mortensen, son of ESPN's Chris, for a touchdown. |
Now Corner's wondering if it might come back to haunt him.
The quarterback Corner intercepted is Titans rookie Alex Mortensen -- of the ESPN Mortensens.
That's right. His father is Chris Mortensen, who was watching from the press box.
"Wow. Hopefully, he don't bad-talk me," Corner said with sheepish grin when informed who he victimized in the fourth quarter.
The play would turn out to be Alex Mortensen's last.
The undrafted free agent from Arkansas relieved third-stringer Patrick Ramsey. Mortensen completed his first NFL pass, a 10-yard gain to running back Rodney Ferguson for a first down.
His next pass sailed past tight end Craig Stevens and straight to Corner. Ramsey went back into the game on the next possession.
"The quarterback's a good quarterback," Corner said. "He showed poise for the most part. It's preseason. Everybody makes mistakes."
But will Corner be monitoring Chris Mortensen on ESPN in the coming days?
"I'm pretty sure I'll hear about it if something goes sideways," Corner joked.


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It'll be years before the over-priced, overdue and underperforming F-35, stealth light-attack bomber, ever shows up in Canadian air force hangars but already the supposed magic of stealth is losing its lustre to the evolution of counter-stealth technology.
Ask yourself just what did we expect the countries obviously intended as the targets of our stealth supremacy to do except to work out ways of both copying it and defeating it. We've been waving this "first strike" sword over their heads – Russia's and China's – for about 15-years now. The Americans even war-gamed a dress rehearsal of a stealth sneak (Read more…)


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Supple, lightly distressed leather and vintaged brass hardware lend a cool vintage look to a smaller belted messenger bag with a distinct utilitarian vibe.


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An exclusive first glance at Classic Hendrix, the dazzling and definitive new Jimi Hendrix photo book with text by Guitar World editor Brad Tolinski.
Ultimate Hendrix chronicles the legend's recording career
For the first time ever, Jimi Hendrix's rhythm section - drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Billy Cox - get together to discuss Jimi's legendary Woodstock performance.
Joining the Experience for the initial "Watchtower" session was Traffic guitarist Dave Mason, who, it was decided, would contribute a 12-string acoustic part.
Today's 'devastating' lick, a la "Red House", came from Jimi Hendrix's obsession with Buddy Guy.
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Printable Area
By Mama's Kitchen (Hope) on November 29, 2006
Photo by Rita~
Photo by Rita~
"We have come to adore this chicken. Part of a meal I created for RSC 8 Island Mojito Chicken and Rice With Salsa Tropicale. Here is just the chicken for those who want a simpler recipe. We use boneless skinless chicken breasts but use whatever you like. This marinade is enough for one whole chicken cut up or 8 pieces. I have included the weight just to give you an idea. Of course, it will weigh more if the pieces have bones."
Serving Size: 1 (301 g)
Servings Per Recipe: 4
"I just discovered I really dont like cumin. I put only 1 tsp in and I found it was too strong a taste for me. I didnt taste anything else in the dish. I will make it again but I think I will put just 1/4 tsp. and ajust the flavour a bit. Made for ZWT4 for the Chic Chefs."
"We thought this was just ok. I was setting myself up for what I thought would be more of a mojito taste and we couldn't taste the lime, rum, or mint over the overpowering taste of cumin. A nice idea, but I just wish the mojito flavors stood out a bit more. Sorry!"
"fabulous!! this is definitely something i will make again and again--impressive and exotic, and oh so tasty hehehe ;D next time i'll let the chicken marinade overnight"
"Fabulous!!!! Hope, I enjoyed these using dark rum, thighs with bones, that my DS grilled and when cooked I cut in pieces off the bone placed on a toasted everything rolls with fresh mozzarella, herbed sundried tomatoes and prosciutto, oh and a couple mint leaves. Yummo!"
"This was very good. The only reason I'm not giving it five stars is that my husband wasn't crazy about it (but liked it); I thought the flavor of the marinade was wonderful, and I'll definitely make it again. I did not blend the onions, but marinaded them in diced form with the chicken -- I wonder if everything was supposed to be blended? I'll try it that way next time. Thanks!"
"WOW! this is the first time i've made a recipe that wasn't previously reviewed and it turned out fantastic! The chicken was very moist, and tasted just like a mojito-very flavorful. I did not use the jalapeno pepper (as I didn't have one), and it still had enough kick from the cayenne to make it a little hot, but not overwhelmingly so. Thank you!"


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How the ADA Covers Organ Donors December 17, 2013 Jon Hyman I've written before about the need to put the 'human' back in 'human resources.' This case is a textbook example.Read More
When You Gotta Go, You Gotta Go: The Right to Workplace Bathroom Breaks September 11, 2013 Employers shouldn't be the potty police. When an employee has to go, an employee has to go. Unless an employee seems to abusing bathroom rights, let employees be.Read More


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An Arranged Marriage. . .
Makenna Dunstan has never needed a man's protection before. But when her father's failing health places the safety of the clan in her hands, she has no choice but to marry Colin McTiernay. Fearing the emotions Colin awakens within her, she finds herself succumbing too easily to his lingering kisses and warm caresses. Yet she wonders if she can truly trust this highlander who is quickly stealing her heart. . .
Ignites An Insatiable Desire.… (more)
Publisher: Zebra Books (July 01, 2008)
Format: EPUB
Page count: 400 pages
File size: 678 KB
Protection: DRM
Language: English


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Our View: There must be another way
October 12, 2011
There should not be a cell tower behind Longboat Island Chapel.
Letters to the Editor
October 12, 2011
Frustrated by false proclamations; Cell towers cause fear for health
Our View: Start with a blank sheet
October 5, 2011
There is no point ranting or scolding for the selection Monday night of David Bullock as Longboat Key's new interim town manager.
Letters to the Editor
October 5, 2011
Wireless communications antennas have evolved; Effective communication is key to doing business; Hiring Bullock was a mistake, get permanent manager now
Our View: He was good for Longboat
September 21, 2011
"He is a good man," said Longboat Key resident Michael Lendrihas as he exited Longboat Key Town Hall Monday afternoon.
- Jan
29 LBK Chamber Annual Awards Luncheon
11:30 am - 1:30 pm - Jan
30 AJC's 2015 Winter Lunch & Learn
11:30 am - 1:30 pm - Feb
8 Sarasota Music Half Marathon
7:00 am - 6:00 am - Feb
12 Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Networking Luncheon
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Key gets high five from Krauthammer
The night before he was scheduled to speak at the Ringling College Library Association Town Hall lecture, Fox News commentator and syndicated columnist Dr. Charles Krauthammer arrived late Monday night, Jan. 12, for his stay at the Inn on the Beach Resort at the Longboat Key Club. -
OSU victory a gem for Holbrook
Karen Holbrook wore red and black to the Jan. 14 Longboat Key Rotary Club meeting. -
Paul Glosser takes turning 85 in stride
Longboat Key resident Paul Glosser isn't letting his 85th birthday slow him down.


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Luck of the Irish runs out | 03.17.09 at 11:29 pm ET |
The Luck of the Irish had been on the Boston Celtics side on St. Patrick's Day. On Tuesday night, it ran out in Chicago (RECAP HERE). In spite of this loss, the Celtics have enjoyed success on March 17 over the last 10 years:
2009: Chicago Bulls 127, Boston Celtics 121
Already undermanned, the Celtics lost Leon Powe (knee) in the first half. Paul Pierce tried to keep the Celtics alive with 37 points and seven rebounds, while Rajon Rondo posted 26 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds. The Celtics, however, could not overcome injuries and foul trouble. They fell 4.5 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers for first place in the Eastern Conference.
Look ahead: The Celtics will take on the Miami Heat on Wednesday night in Boston.
2008: Boston Celtics 93, San Antonio Spurs 91
The Celtics overcame a 22-point deficit to top the Spurs and jumpstart their sweep of the Texas Triangle. Sam Cassell stepped up his game in place of Ray Allen (ankle) to contribute 17 points off the bench. Despite a scoreless evening from Kendrick Perkins, the Celtics starters outscored the Spurs starting five 67-39.
Flashback: A day later, the Celtics snapped the Houston Rockets 22-game winning streak.
2007: Boston Celtics 91, San Antonio Spurs 85
In the midst of a dismal season, the Celtics won in San Antonio for the first time in 17 years. And this wasn't the Big Three version of the Celtics. Paul Pierce (30 points) got help from Delonte West (23 points) and Al Jefferson (20 points) while Rajon Rondo added 14 rebounds. It was just the Celtics 20th win of the season.
Flashback: The Celtics had not won in San Antonio since February 14, 1990.
2006: Orlando Magic 84, Boston Celtics 77
The Celtics blew a fourth quarter lead and gave up 18 points and 13 rebounds to a then-20-year-old Dwight Howard. The Cs went cold in the final 12 minutes, shooting 3-for-23, and no one on the team made more than five field goals. They also had six shots blocked by Darko Milicic.
Flashback: Raef LaFrentz was the Celtics starting center.
2004: Boston Celtics 104, Denver Nuggets 100
Paul Pierce, Chucky Atkins, and Mark Blount combined for 68 points, 27 rebounds, and 16 assists while Walter McCarty added 17 points off the bench. Then-rookie Carmelo Anthony posted 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in his Boston debut. But the Celtics got hot from long-range (10-16 3PG) and a jumper from Pierce iced the win with less than 30 seconds to go.
Flashback: John Carroll was the interim head coach.
2000: Boston Celtics 114, Atlanta Hawks 90
Antoine Walker scored 30 points to lead the Celtics to a 24-point victory. Paul Pierce and Vitaly Potapenko scored 16 points apiece. Pierce picked five steals from Dikembe Mutombo and the Hawks.
Flashback: Less than 12,000 people attended this game in Atlanta.
1999: Boston Celtics 118, Los Angeles Clippers 84
The Celtics outshot the Clippers 57% to 37% from the field in their commanding win. Kenny Anderson led the Celtics with 21 points. Then-rookie Paul Pierce scored 12. The Celtics outrebonded the Clippers by 19 boards.
Flashback: Future Celtic Michael Olowokandi posted 17 points and eight rebounds for the Clippers.
Game Preview: Are the Bulls ready? | 03.16.09 at 11:59 pm ET |
At this point in the season, every game is critical for the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls. A win on Tuesday in Chicago would inch the Celtics closer to first place in the Eastern Conference. A victory for the Bulls could put them back in the eighth seed. Both teams are hungry for the postseason. The question is, would be Bulls be ready if they made it to the playoffs?
'Right now, no,' said Kirk Hinrich. 'We've definitely had our moments, but we need to play much more consistently and bring it every night. At times we've taken nights off and it's kind of hurt us, so we have to make everything count from here on out.'
The Bulls (30-37) lost their footing in the East when the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Celtics (50-17) on Sunday to reclaim possession of the final spot. After getting blown out by the Orlando Magic last week, the Bulls must face both the Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers in the next five days.
'[We have to] play defense and be aggressive throughout the whole game,' said Derrick Rose. '[Those teams are] real consistent in everything they do ' defense and offense. We've just got to stay a little more consistent and play hard.'
The Celtics have beat the Bulls by an average of 17 points in their first two meetings of the season. In their first game, the Celtics held the Bulls to less than 30% from the field. In their second game, Rajon Rondo dished 15 of the Celtics' 40 assists. Both games were lessons for the Bulls to learn from.
'I think every night we have to come in with a certain urgency,' said Hinrich. 'Consistently, we just need to start playing better basketball for longer stretches of time and we have to hang on. It's going to be a tight race. People are jockeying for position and we definitely want to be in there.'
An eighth seed in the playoffs would mean a match up with a team like the Celtics, Cavaliers, or Magic, who are currently vying for the top spot in the East. Veteran point guard Lindsey Hunter faced the Celtics in last season's Eastern Conference Finals as a member of the Detroit Pistons. He understands firsthand the level of competition the Bulls would be up against.
'I think the first thing that stands out with Boston and with Cleveland is clear cut ' their identity is defense,' he said. 'They totally take away what you like to do and they make you go to your second, third option. And teams that can do that on a consistent basis are teams that are tough, because that's tough to do.
'You have to really be on the same page and really be to the point where guys trust each other no matter what. And when I watch those guys play, I see it. Defensively, I see the rotations that guys aren't second guessing. And if there is a missed rotation, then guys are talking to each other and communicating. And I've been on teams like that so I know what that's like, and it takes a lot of growth to get there. It takes a lot of growth. And with a young team like ours, I definitely think we can. It just takes some time.'
The Bulls admit they will have work to do if they advance to the playoffs — 'We've still got some kinks,' said Rose. But with 15 games left to go in the regular season, they are staying optimistic about clinching a postseason berth.
'Our goal is getting the playoffs,' Hinrich said. 'I don't think anyone is thinking about next year right now. We're focused on the task at hand and just trying to get into the playoffs and see what happens.'
Celtics are caught in the middle | 03.15.09 at 3:28 pm ET |
The Boston Celtics knew securing homecourt would not be the only challenge in the second half of the season. They also have to fend off playoff-hungry teams that are staying alive one win at a time.
'Being the defending champ,' Ray Allen said prior to the All-Star Break, 'Teams are in our building thinking this in an opportunity for us to beat this team. And if we can prove that we can beat this team, we can beat anybody and we'll make it into the playoffs, and who knows from there. So we always have to be aware of what we possess.'
On Sunday afternoon, the Bucks affirmed that concern with an 86-77 win over the Celtics in Milwaukee. (RECAP HERE) With that victory, the Bucks reclaimed hold of the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference. This is not the last time the Celtics will be caught in the middle of a tug-of-war for a playoff berth.
March 17: @ Chicago Bulls (30-37)
Season: Celtics 2-0
The Celtics have not faced the Bulls since they added veterans Brad Miller and John Salmons, a move that recently helped them beat the New Orleans Hornets by 18 points. The Bulls lost hold of the eighth spot with the Bucks win over the Celtics, and there is there is no better place for them to get to take it back than on their home court. They have earned 20 of their 30 victories in Chicago, tied for sixth in home wins in the Eastern Conference.
April 1: vs. Charlotte Bobcats (28-38)
Season: Tied 1-1
In spite of their record, the Bobcats have been a thorn in the Celtics side. Last year they beat the Celtics in Boston and this season snagged an overtime win in Charlotte. Even though the Bobcats have struggled with consistency, alternating winning and losing streaks, they step up their game against the Celtics. They'll come to Boston with less than 10 games left in the regular season, an opportunity to bolster their playoff hopes.
April 8: vs. New Jersey Nets (28-37)
Season: Celtics 3-0
The Celtics blew out the Nets twice without Kendrick Perkins and beat them again in March without Kevin Garnett. While Devin Harris and Vince Carter are backcourt threats, the Celtics already know how to win without their bigs. The Nets seemed to lack any motivation on their first trip to Boston in January. With a postseason berth on the line, they will stand no chance of making a push if they show up with the same level of energy in April.
Celtics-Magic Game Blog: Second Quarter | 03.08.09 at 12:39 pm ET |
At the start of the second quarter … Magic 22, Celtics 15
– The Magic have scored 16 of their first 22 points in the paint. They've done more damage in the lane than the Celtics have done on the floor, and Howard has only played six minutes.
– This could be a big game for Gabe Pruitt. With only Marbury ahead of him at the PG, Pruitt has his first shot in a while to prove himself. He has not played since February 25 against the Los Angeles Clippers. That night he was arrested for suspicion of DUI and served a team-imposed two-game suspension.
– Both teams are going heavy on the bigs. The Celtics have Kendrick Perkins and Mikki Moore going up against Dwight Howard and Marcin Gortat.
– The Celtics have scored just two points in four minutes. And the faint boos have already begun.
– There have been 18 fouls called in the first 18 minutes of the game.
– Howard's on the bench with three personal fouls. Now is the time for the Celtics to do some damage at the basket. The Cs also have an advantage with J.J. Redick guarding Ray Allen. Redick is not known for his defense.
– The Magic's deal for Rafer Alston did not get much buzz at the trade deadline but this acquisition is a difference maker in this game. Alston brings quickness to the Magic that the Celtics are having trouble stopping without Rajon Rondo.
– Pierce's dunk past Pietrus and Battie has the crowd on their feet. The harsh reality is, the Celtics are still down by nearly 20.
- At the half … Magic 51, Celtics 33
Powe knows when to put on a show | 03.06.09 at 11:54 pm ET |
The bigger the spotlight, the bigger he plays. Leon Powe does not always see major minutes, but when he is put on a national stage, he always seems to make the most of his time. Powe tries to show the world ' and his opponents ' just what he can do when given the opportunity.
'Everybody knows their on TV, but you want to play well. You want to do your best,' he said following the Celtics 105-94 win over the Cavaliers (RECAP HERE). 'I always focus every game, I prepare the same, but there's just a certain feeling when you wake up in the morning like you know you're playing a big game.'
On Friday's ESPN-televised game, Powe posted 20 points and 11 rebounds in 26 minutes. He is averaging just 6.7 points, 4.5 boards, and 16 minutes on the season. Not only was Powe aware of the implications of the game in a close Eastern Conference race, he also understood the consequences of a poor showing.
'You've got to go out there and do well,' he said. 'You don't want to do bad because you're family and people are probably going to call you, like 'What were you doing? What happened on this play?' So I try to be extra focused too and just try to make the right reads and the right plays. I think I did everything right tonight, so fortunately I did. And that was good because some nights you aren't going to make them like that.'
Of course Powe's performance wasn't driven by ego. He had no choice but to come up big for the Celtics to counter LeBron James and crew. The Celtics were already playing without forwards Kevin Garnett and Brian Scalabrine before Glen Davis was ejected for a Flagrant 2 Foul against Anderson Varejao.
'There's a lot of relying on me to go in there and try to hold the paint down and just get rebounds and just play defense and score when I got some opportunities,' he said. 'And I think I did that cause we're missing a lot of people right now so I try to just do my best.'
Powe officially introduced himself to the world during Game of the 2008 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Considering how well he plays when the spotlight is on, expect more encore performances.
Celtics-Cavs Game Blog: Second Quarter | at 8:39 pm ET |
At the start of the second quarter … Celtics 21, Cavaliers 19
– The Garden kicked off the second quarter with a trivia contest for playoff tickets, hosted by Greg Dickerson. The contest pitted a Celtics and Cavs fan against one another. Despite being spoon-fed the correct answers, the Celtics fans still got the first question wrong. Needless to say he was booed.
– On the court: Celtics – Powe/Moore/Marbury/Pierce/House … Cavs – Gibson/Williams/Szczerbiak/Hickson/Smith
– It'll be interesting to see how the Celtics bigs handle Joe Smith and J.J. Hickson. Smith has a mid-range jumper that can pull defenders out of the paint. The rookie Hickson was working on turn-around bank shots before the game.
– Mikki Moore had his first crowd-rousing moment at the Garden when he dunked through a handful of Cavs off of a Marbury pass.
– At the timeout: Celtics Karaoke courtesy of Big Baby, Ray Allen, and Leon Powe. Davis busted out into a solo performance that sounded like Simon Cowell's worst nightmare.
– Rondo was welcomed back into the game with a standing ovation. The Cavs have most of their starters back in the game looking for an offensive spark. So far they have come up cold in the second quarter. The Celtics have all five starters in the game.
– LeBron's posing after every shot like it's a game winner. He's shooting 2-for-7.
– Mo Williams has the Cavs back in this game with eight quick points. At the half … Cetlics 45, Cavs 43
Scalabrine limited until April 1 | at 8:09 pm ET |
Celtics forward Brian Scalabrine cannot participate in one-on-one drills until April 1, he said prior to Friday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the meantime he will do excercises that do not involve "bouncing," including the stationary bike and stairclimber. Scalabrine, who was diagnosed with post concussion syndrome, has not suffered from blurred vision since Tuesday. (A plus considering he said he parked Eddie House's car.) He has not played since February 19 against the Utah Jazz.
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See All the Pictures of the 2012 American Music Awards
The 2012 American Music Awards have come and gone, and what a night it was! The red carpet was alight with some of music and television's biggest stars while the stage was packed with talent. With performances by Justin Bieber, Psy, Usher, No Doubt, Carrie Underwood, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Pink, and Christina Aguilera, it was an electrifying show. Check out the hottest pics of the night, from arrivals to winners and performers!
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I guess it's just my age: each summer as wedding season rolls around I know for sure I'll be attending (perhaps even hosting!) a few bridal showers. I love bridal showers. I love that they happen during the day when the sun is shining, that they're in the summer when all the ladies can wear their pretty little dresses and nibble on cucumber sandwiches and sip fizzy drinks guiltlessly. Everything is just so simple and light and lovely.
And that includes the menu. Here's a simple picnic-style lunch menu for your homemade bridal shower.
Elderflower Sparklers
Chilled Strawberry-Rhubarb Soup
Avocado Tea Sandwiches
Couscous & Fruit Salad
Claire's Mixed Green Salad with Feta Vinaigrette
Raspberry Bars
More Recipes to Try:
Light, Easy Bridal Shower Recipes
Fresh Summer Picnic Ideas
13 Succulent Fruit Pies and Tarts
Stunning Homemade Cupcakes
Irresistible Cake Recipes
What's your favorite thing to eat at a bridal shower?
More from EatingWell:
- Deviled Eggs and More Lightened-Up Finger Food Recipes
- How to Make Homemade Picnic Fruit Bars
- 7 Diet-Saving Tips for Summer Party Season
- Get a free trial issue when you subscribe to EatingWell Magazine and sign up for our free e-newsletters!
TAGS: Penelope Wall, Food Blog
Penelope is a web producer and writer for EatingWell.com. When she's not busy geeking out at the computer, she loves cooking and trying new recipes on her friends. Some of her favorite foods are dark chocolate, coffee, apples, sweet potatoes and cheese.


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1. Birdman (2014)
R | 119 min | Comedy, Drama
A washed up actor, who once played an iconic superhero, battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career and himself in the days leading up to the opening of a Broadway play.
Writers: Alejandro González Iñárritu, Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Armando Bo | Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu | Stars: Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough
2. Arrow (2012– )
TV-14 | 42 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
Spoiled billionaire playboy Oliver Queen is missing and presumed dead when his yacht is lost at sea. He returns five years later a changed man, determined to clean up the city as a hooded vigilante armed with a bow.
Stars: Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, David Ramsey, Susanna Thompson
3. John Wick (2014)
R | 101 min | Action, Thriller
An ex-hitman comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters that took everything from him.
Writer: Derek Kolstad | Directors: Chad Stahelski, David Leitch | Stars: Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen, Willem Dafoe
4. Interstellar (2014)
PG-13 | 169 min | Adventure, Sci-Fi
A team of explorers travel through a wormhole in an attempt to ensure humanity's survival.
Writers: Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan | Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Mackenzie Foy
5. Taken 3 (2014)
PG-13 | 109 min | Action, Thriller
Ex-government operative Bryan Mills is accused of a ruthless murder he never committed or witnessed. As he is tracked and pursued, Mills brings out his particular set of skills to find the true killer and clear his name.
Writers: Luc Besson, Robert Mark Kamen | Director: Olivier Megaton | Stars: Liam Neeson, Forest Whitaker, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen
6. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
PG-13 | 121 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
A group of intergalactic criminals are forced to work together to stop a fanatical warrior from taking control of the universe.
Writers: James Gunn, Nicole Perlman, Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning | Director: James Gunn | Stars: Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana
7. Big Hero 6 (2014)
PG | 102 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
The special bond that develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax, and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes.
Writers: Jordan Roberts, Daniel Gerson, Robert L. Baird, Duncan Rouleau, Steven T. Seagle, Paul Briggs, Joseph Mateo | Directors: Don Hall, Chris Williams | Stars: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung, T.J. Miller
8. The Maze Runner (2014)
PG-13 | 113 min | Action, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they're all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow "runners" for a shot at escape.
Writers: Noah Oppenheim, Grant Pierce Myers, T.S. Nowlin, James Dashner | Director: Wes Ball | Stars: Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter, Thomas Brodie-Sangster
9. The Equalizer (2014)
R | 132 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
A man believes he has put his mysterious past behind him and has dedicated himself to beginning a new, quiet life. But when he meets a young girl under the control of ultra-violent Russian gangsters, he can't stand idly by - he has to help her.
Writers: Richard Wenk, Michael Sloan, Richard Lindheim | Director: Antoine Fuqua | Stars: Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Harbour
10. The Interview (II) (2014)
R | 112 min | Action, Comedy
Dave Skylark and producer Aaron Rapoport run the celebrity tabloid show "Skylark Tonight." When they land an interview with a surprise fan, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, they are recruited by the CIA to turn their trip to Pyongyang into an assassination mission.
Writers: Dan Sterling, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg | Directors: Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen | Stars: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Randall Park, Lizzy Caplan
11. Divergent (2014)
PG-13 | 139 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
In a world divided by factions based on virtues, Tris learns she's Divergent and won't fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysterious Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it's too late.
Writers: Veronica Roth, Evan Daugherty, Vanessa Taylor | Director: Neil Burger | Stars: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Kate Winslet, Jai Courtney
12. A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014)
R | 114 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Private investigator Matthew Scudder is hired by a drug kingpin to find out who kidnapped and murdered his wife.
Writers: Scott Frank, Lawrence Block | Director: Scott Frank | Stars: Liam Neeson, Dan Stevens, David Harbour, Boyd Holbrook
13. Predestination (2014)
R | 97 min | Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
The life of a time-traveling Temporal Agent. On his final assignment, he must pursue the one criminal that has eluded him throughout time.
Writers: Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig, Robert A. Heinlein | Directors: Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig | Stars: Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook, Noah Taylor, Madeleine West
14. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
PG-13 | 131 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
The X-Men send Wolverine to the past in a desperate effort to change history and prevent an event that results in doom for both humans and mutants.
Writers: Simon Kinberg, Jane Goldman, Matthew Vaughn | Director: Bryan Singer | Stars: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy
15. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)
PG-13 | 101 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
When a kingpin threatens New York City, a group of mutated turtle warriors must emerge from the shadows to protect their home.
Writers: Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, Evan Daugherty, Peter Laird, Kevin Eastman | Director: Jonathan Liebesman | Stars: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, William Fichtner, Noel Fisher
16. The Dark Knight (2008)
PG-13 | 152 min | Action, Crime, Drama
When the menace known as the Joker wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, the caped crusader must come to terms with one of the greatest psychological tests of his ability to fight injustice.
Writers: Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan, David S. Goyer, Bob Kane | Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine
17. The Guest (I) (2014)
R | 99 min | Action, Mystery, Thriller
A soldier introduces himself to the Peterson family, claiming to be a friend of their son who died in action. After the young man is welcomed into their home, a series of accidental deaths seem to be connected to his presence.
Writer: Simon Barrett | Director: Adam Wingard | Stars: Dan Stevens, Sheila Kelley, Maika Monroe, Joel David Moore
18. The Hunger Games (2012)
PG-13 | 142 min | Adventure, Sci-Fi
Katniss Everdeen voluntarily takes her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to compete.
Writers: Gary Ross, Suzanne Collins, Billy Ray | Director: Gary Ross | Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Stanley Tucci
19. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
PG-13 | 165 min | Action, Thriller
When Bane, a former member of the League of Shadows, plans to continue the work of Ra's al Ghul, the Dark Knight is forced to return after an eight year absence to stop him.
Writers: Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan, David S. Goyer, Bob Kane | Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman
20. The Avengers (2012)
PG-13 | 143 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Earth's mightiest heroes must come together and learn to fight as a team if they are to stop the mischievous Loki and his alien army from enslaving humanity.
Writers: Joss Whedon, Zak Penn | Director: Joss Whedon | Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner
21. Django Unchained (2012)
R | 165 min | Western
With the help of a German bounty hunter, a freed slave sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner.
Writer: Quentin Tarantino | Director: Quentin Tarantino | Stars: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington
22. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
PG-13 | 130 min | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
Ten years after a pandemic disease, apes who have survived it are drawn into battle with a group of human survivors.
Writers: Mark Bomback, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Pierre Boulle | Director: Matt Reeves | Stars: Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Andy Serkis, Kodi Smit-McPhee
23. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
R | 153 min | Adventure, Drama, War
In Nazi-occupied France during World War II, a plan to assassinate Nazi leaders by a group of Jewish U.S. soldiers coincides with a theatre owner's vengeful plans for the same.
Writer: Quentin Tarantino | Directors: Quentin Tarantino, Eli Roth | Stars: Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Eli Roth, Mélanie Laurent
24. Lone Survivor (2013)
R | 121 min | Action, Biography, Drama
Marcus Luttrell and his team set out on a mission to capture or kill notorious Taliban leader Ahmad Shah, in late June 2005. Marcus and his team are left to fight for their lives in one of the most valiant efforts of modern warfare.
Writers: Peter Berg, Marcus Luttrell, Patrick Robinson | Director: Peter Berg | Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster
25. Inception (2010)
PG-13 | 148 min | Action, Mystery, Sci-Fi
A thief who steals corporate secrets through use of dream-sharing technology is given the inverse task of planting an idea into the mind of a CEO.
Writer: Christopher Nolan | Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Ken Watanabe
26. Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
PG-13 | 165 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Autobots must escape sight from a bounty hunter who takes control of the human serendipity: Unexpectedly, Optimus Prime and his remaining gang turn to a mechanic and his daughter for help.
Writer: Ehren Kruger | Director: Michael Bay | Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor, Stanley Tucci
27. The Expendables 3 (2014)
PG-13 | 126 min | Action, Adventure, Thriller
Barney augments his team with new blood for a personal battle: to take down Conrad Stonebanks, the Expendables co-founder and notorious arms trader who is hell bent on wiping out Barney and every single one of his associates.
Writers: Sylvester Stallone, Creighton Rothenberger, Katrin Benedikt, Dave Callaham | Director: Patrick Hughes | Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Antonio Banderas
28. Let's Be Cops (2014)
R | 104 min | Comedy
Two struggling pals dress as police officers for a costume party and become neighborhood sensations. But when these newly-minted "heroes" get tangled in a real life web of mobsters and dirty detectives, they must put their fake badges on the line.
Writers: Luke Greenfield, Nicholas Thomas | Director: Luke Greenfield | Stars: Jake Johnson, Damon Wayans Jr., Rob Riggle, Nina Dobrev
29. Taken 2 (2012)
PG-13 | 92 min | Action, Thriller
In Istanbul, retired CIA operative Bryan Mills and his wife are taken hostage by the father of a kidnapper Mills killed while rescuing his daughter.
Writers: Luc Besson, Robert Mark Kamen | Director: Olivier Megaton | Stars: Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen, Maggie Grace, Leland Orser
30. 22 Jump Street (2014)
R | 112 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
After making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt and Jenko when they go deep undercover at a local college.
Writers: Michael Bacall, Oren Uziel, Rodney Rothman, Jonah Hill, Patrick Hasburgh, Stephen J. Cannell | Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller | Stars: Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Ice Cube, Nick Offerman
31. Neighbors (I) (2014)
R | 97 min | Comedy
After they are forced to live next to a fraternity house, a couple with a newborn baby do whatever they can to take them down.
Writers: Andrew J. Cohen, Brendan O'Brien | Director: Nicholas Stoller | Stars: Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, Zac Efron, Lisa Kudrow
32. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
PG-13 | 124 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Steve Rogers, a rejected military soldier transforms into Captain America after taking a dose of a "Super-Soldier serum". But being Captain America comes at a price if he attempts to take down a war monger and a terrorist organization.
Writers: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely, Joe Simon, Jack Kirby | Director: Joe Johnston | Stars: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Samuel L. Jackson, Hayley Atwell
33. Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014)
R | 102 min | Crime, Thriller
Some of Sin City's most hard-boiled citizens cross paths with a few of its more reviled inhabitants.
Writer: Frank Miller | Directors: Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez | Stars: Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, Josh Brolin, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
34. Noah (2014)
PG-13 | 138 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
A man is chosen by his world's creator to undertake a momentous mission before an apocalyptic flood cleanses the world.
Writers: Darren Aronofsky, Ari Handel | Director: Darren Aronofsky | Stars: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins, Emma Watson
35. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
Not Rated | 129 min | Drama
Atticus Finch, a lawyer in the Depression-era South, defends a black man against an undeserved rape charge, and his kids against prejudice.
Writers: Harper Lee, Horton Foote | Director: Robert Mulligan | Stars: Gregory Peck, John Megna, Frank Overton, Rosemary Murphy
36. Spartacus: War of the Damned (2010–2013)
TV-MA | 55 min | Action, Adventure, Biography
Watch the story of history's greatest gladiator unfold with graphic violence and explicit sex. This is Spartacus.
Creator: Steven S. DeKnight | Stars: Andy Whitfield, Lucy Lawless, Manu Bennett, Daniel Feuerriegel
37. The Matrix (1999)
R | 136 min | Action, Sci-Fi
A computer hacker learns from mysterious rebels about the true nature of his reality and his role in the war against its controllers.
Writers: Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski | Directors: Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski | Stars: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
38. Batman Begins (2005)
PG-13 | 140 min | Action, Adventure
After training with his mentor, Batman begins his war on crime to free the crime-ridden Gotham City from corruption that the Scarecrow and the League of Shadows have cast upon it.
Writers: Bob Kane, David S. Goyer, Christopher Nolan | Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Ken Watanabe, Liam Neeson
39. Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014)
PG-13 | 105 min | Action, Mystery, Thriller
Jack Ryan, as a young covert CIA analyst, uncovers a Russian plot to crash the U.S. economy with a terrorist attack.
Writers: Adam Cozad, David Koepp, Tom Clancy | Director: Kenneth Branagh | Stars: Chris Pine, Kevin Costner, Keira Knightley, Kenneth Branagh
40. Man of Steel (2013)
PG-13 | 143 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Clark Kent, one of the last of an extinguished race disguised as an unremarkable human, is forced to reveal his identity when Earth is invaded by an army of survivors who threaten to bring the planet to the brink of destruction.
Writers: David S. Goyer, Christopher Nolan, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster | Director: Zack Snyder | Stars: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Diane Lane
41. The Departed (2006)
R | 151 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
An undercover state cop who has infiltrated an Irish gang and a mole in the police force working for the same mob race to track down and identify each other before being exposed to the enemy, after both sides realize their outfit has a rat.
Writers: William Monahan, Alan Mak, Felix Chong | Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg
42. Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
PG-13 | 132 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction.
Writers: Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Damon Lindelof, Gene Roddenberry | Director: J.J. Abrams | Stars: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Benedict Cumberbatch
43. The Sweeney (2012)
R | 112 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A hardened detective in the Flying Squad of London's Metropolitan police. Based on the '70s UK TV show.
Writers: Nick Love, John Hodge, Ian Kennedy Martin | Director: Nick Love | Stars: Ray Winstone, Ben Drew, Hayley Atwell, Steven Mackintosh
44. A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014)
R | 116 min | Comedy, Western
As a cowardly farmer begins to fall for the mysterious new woman in town, he must put his new-found courage to the test when her husband, a notorious gun-slinger, announces his arrival.
Writers: Seth MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin, Wellesley Wild | Director: Seth MacFarlane | Stars: Seth MacFarlane, Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson, Amanda Seyfried
45. The November Man (2014)
R | 108 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
An ex-CIA operative is brought back in on a very personal mission and finds himself pitted against his former pupil in a deadly game involving high level CIA officials and the Russian president-elect.
Writers: Michael Finch, Karl Gajdusek, Bill Granger | Director: Roger Donaldson | Stars: Pierce Brosnan, Luke Bracey, Olga Kurylenko, Bill Smitrovich
46. Fast & Furious 6 (2013)
PG-13 | 130 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
Hobbs has Dominic and Brian reassemble their crew to take down a team of mercenaries: Dominic unexpectedly gets convoluted also facing his presumed deceased girlfriend, Letty.
Writers: Chris Morgan, Gary Scott Thompson | Director: Justin Lin | Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez
47. Gangs of New York (2002)
R | 167 min | Crime, Drama, History
In 1863, Amsterdam Vallon returns to the Five Points area of New York City seeking revenge against Bill the Butcher, his father's killer.
Writers: Jay Cocks, Steven Zaillian, Kenneth Lonergan | Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Daniel Day-Lewis, Jim Broadbent
48. Big Fish (2003)
PG-13 | 125 min | Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
A son tries to learn more about his dying father by reliving stories and myths he told about his life.
Writers: Daniel Wallace, John August | Director: Tim Burton | Stars: Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange
49. X-Men: First Class (2011)
PG-13 | 132 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
In 1962, the United States government enlists the help of Mutants with superhuman abilities to stop a malicious dictator who is determined to start world war III.
Writers: Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz, Jane Goldman, Matthew Vaughn, Sheldon Turner, Bryan Singer | Director: Matthew Vaughn | Stars: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Kevin Bacon
50. Snatch. (2000)
R | 102 min | Comedy, Crime
Unscrupulous boxing promoters, violent bookmakers, a Russian gangster, incompetent amateur robbers, and supposedly Jewish jewelers fight to track down a priceless stolen diamond.
Writer: Guy Ritchie | Director: Guy Ritchie | Stars: Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, Benicio Del Toro, Dennis Farina


text:
My great-grandfathers' name was Fredrick Robert Stephan. According to my father he had a brother named Carl. Please let me know if your grandfather went by Albert or Carl.
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Former Essence Editor-in-Chief Angela Burt Murray launches CocoaFab.com, a celebrity news site that covers urban pop culture.
Nationwide, state-run nursing homes and residential care facilities have the second-highest rate of occupational injuries.
Verchele Wiggins knows a thing or two about branding. In 2007, she became the v.p. of global brand communications for the Holiday Inn.
The U.S. EEOC has found that retailer Wet Seal Inc. discriminated against a former African-American store manager.
Thinking about the future can be scary, but the time to future-proof your career is now.
When Susan Akkad took an internship at Estée Lauder when she was 21, she probably never imagined she would one day be the Senior Vice President, Local and Cultural Relevancy at The Estée Lauder Companies. Her goal is to identify and expand business opportunities to increase relevancy to Black and Brown markets globally. The Network Journal got to chat with her.
Don't let a fear of public speaking impede your business goals. Instead, follow these tips to communicate with confidence.
Your 30-second elevator pitch can be the key that will bring your career or your business to a whole new level. Make it count!


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Publications (110)381.83 Total impact
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ABSTRACT: Compstatin peptides are complement inhibitors that bind and inhibit cleavage of complement C3. Peptide binding is enhanced by hydrophobic interactions, however poor solubility promotes aggregation in aqueous environments. We have designed new compstatin peptides derived from the W4A9 sequence (Ac-ICVWQDWGAHRCT-NH2, cyclized between C2 and C12), based on structural, computational, and experimental studies. Furthermore, we developed and utilized a computational framework for the design of peptides containing non- natural amino acids. These new compstatin peptides contain polar N-terminal extensions and non-natural amino acid substitutions at positions 4 and 9. Peptides with alpha-modified non- natural alanine analogs at position 9, as well as peptides containing only N-terminal polar extensions, exhibited similar activity compared to W4A9, as quantified via ELISA, hemolytic, and cell-based assays, and showed improved solubility, as measured by UV absorbance and reverse-phase HPLC experiments. Due to their potency and solubility, these peptides are promising candidates for therapeutic development in numerous complement-mediated diseases.Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 12/2014; · 5.48 Impact Factor - [Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The C3d:CR2(SCR1-2) interaction plays an important role in bridging innate and adaptive immunity, leading to enhanced antibody production at sites of complement activation. Over the past decade, there has been much debate over the binding mode of this interaction. An initial cocrystal structure (PDB: 1GHQ) was published in 2001, in which the only interactions observed were between the SCR2 domain of CR2 and a side-face of C3d whereas a cocrystal structure (PDB: 3OED) published in 2011 showed both the SCR1 and SCR2 domains of CR2 interacting with an acidic patch on the concave surface of C3d. The initial 1GHQ structure is at odds with the majority of existing biochemical data and the publication of the 3OED structure renewed uncertainty regarding the physiological relevance of 1GHQ, suggesting that crystallization may have been influenced by the presence of zinc acetate in the crystallization process. In our study, we used a variety of computational approaches to gain insight into the binding mode between C3d and CR2 and demonstrate that the binding site at the acidic patch (3OED) is electrostatically more favorable, exhibits better structural and dissociative stability, specifically at the SCR1 domain, and has higher binding affinity than the 1GHQ binding mode. We also observe that nonphysiological zinc ions enhance the formation of the C3d:CR2 complex at the side face of C3d (1GHQ) through increases in electrostatic favorability, intermolecular interactions, dissociative character and overall energetic favorability. These results provide a theoretical basis for the association of C3d:CR2 at the acidic cavity of C3d and provide an explanation for binding of CR2 at the side face of C3d in the presence of nonphysiological zinc ions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Molecular Immunology 11/2014; · 3.00 Impact Factor -
Dataset: EJP supplementary data
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ABSTRACT: The complement cascade is a highly sophisticated network of proteins that are well regulated and directed in response to invading pathogens or tissue injury. Complement C3a and C5a are key mediators produced by this cascade, and their dysregulation has been linked to a plethora of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Consequently, this has stimulated interest in the development of ligands for the receptors for these complement peptides, C3a receptor, and C5a1 (C5aR/CD88). In this study we used computational methods to design novel C5a1 receptor ligands. However, functional screening in human monocyte-derived macrophages using the xCELLigence label-free platform demonstrated altered specificity of our ligands. No agonist/antagonist activity was observed at C5a1, but we instead saw that the ligands were able to partially agonize the closely related complement receptor C3a receptor. This was verified in the presence of C3a receptor antagonist SB 290157 and in a stable cell line expressing either C5a1 or C3a receptor alone. C3a agonism has been suggested to be a potential treatment of acute neutrophil-driven traumatic pathologies, and may have great potential as a therapeutic avenue in this arena.European Journal of Pharmacology 10/2014; · 2.68 Impact Factor - [Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The complement system surveillance in the host is effective in controlling viral propagation. Consequently, to subvert this effector mechanism, viruses have developed a series of adaptations. One among these is encoding mimics of host regulators of complement activation (RCA) which help viruses to avoid being labeled as 'foreign' and protect them from complement-mediated neutralization and complement-enhanced antiviral adaptive immunity. In this review, we provide an overview on the structure, function and evolution of viral RCA proteins.Molecular Immunology. 10/2014; 61(2):89–99. - [Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The complement system surveillance in the host is effective in controlling viral propagation. Consequently, to subvert this effector mechanism, viruses have developed a series of adaptations. One among these is encoding mimics of host regulators of complement activation (RCA) which help viruses to avoid being labeled as 'foreign' and protect them from complement-mediated neutralization and complement-enhanced antiviral adaptive immunity. In this review, we provide an overview on the structure, function and evolution of viral RCA proteins.Molecular Immunology 06/2014; · 3.00 Impact Factor -
Conference Paper: The role of AlgX carbohydrate-binding module during alginate biosynthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: SAME SAME Cell and Molecular Biology section/symposium Oral/poster presentation Student The role of AlgX carbohydrate-binding module during alginate biosynthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Cystic fibrosis is a chronic, progressive, and often fatal genetic inherited disease caused by mutations in the gene that encodes the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Alginate or mucoid encapsulated Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the causative agent of respiratory insufficiency and failure in patients with cystic fibrosis. We have previously reported that AlgX is a protein required for alginate biosynthesis. Recently, AlgX has been reported to play a role in the modification of alginate through acetylation. In this study, we show that the absence of AlgX resulted in the loss of mucoidy due to the degradation of nascent alginate by the alginate lyase, AlgL. Using computational molecular docking studies and alginate affinity assay, we show that AlgX binds alginate via the carbohydrate-binding module located in the C-terminal region. Alanine mutations of the predicted amino acid residues that interact with alginate suggest that K338, R370, T372, and R380 are important for alginate binding. Alginate rescue assay by in trans expression of mutant AlgX in a chromosomal algX deleted P. aeruginosa mutant confirms the importance of these amino acid residues during alginate biosynthesis. In summary, these studies suggest that AlgX protects the alginate polymers from AlgL degradation, binds alginate via the carbohydrate-binding module, and is conceivably located in the biosynthetic scaffold serving as an appendage to the alginate acetylation machinery. In conclusion, AlgX binds alginate via the carbohydrate-binding module and is required for alginate biosynthesis and modification. Abstract contains 236/250 wordsAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science, Riverside, CA; 06/2014 - [Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: SUMOylation, one of the most important protein post-translational modifications, plays critical roles in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. SENP (Sentrin/SUMO-specific protease), a family of SUMO-specific proteases, is responsible for the processing of pre-SUMO and removal of SUMO from conjugated substrates. SUMO4, the latest discovered member in the SUMO family, has been found as a type 1 diabetes susceptibility gene and its maturation is not understood so far. Despite the 14 amino acid differences between pre-SUMO4 and SUMO2, pre-SUMO4 is not processed by SENP2 but pre-SUMO2 does. A novel interdisciplinary approach involving computational modeling and a FRET-based protease assay was taken to engineer pre-SUMO4 as a substrate of SENP2. Given the difference in net charge between pre-SUMO4 and pre-SUMO2, the computational framework analysis of electrostatic similarities of proteins was applied to determine the contribution of each ionizable amino acid in a model of SENP2-(pre-SUMO4) binding, and to propose pre-SUMO4 mutations. The specificities of the SENP2 toward different pre-SUMO4 mutants were determined using a quantitative FRET assay by characterizing the catalytic efficiencies (kcat/KM). A single amino acid mutation made pre-SUMO4 amenable to SENP2 processing and a combination of two amino acid mutations made it highly accessible as SENP2 substrate. The combination of the two approaches provides a powerful protein engineering tool for future SUMOylation studies.Protein Engineering Design and Selection 04/2014; 27(4):117-26. · 2.32 Impact Factor - [Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Staphylococcus aureus expresses numerous virulence factors that aid in immune evasion. The four-domain staphylococcal immunoglobulin binding (Sbi) protein interacts with complement component 3 (C3) and its thioester domain (C3d)-containing fragments. Recent structural data suggested two possible modes of binding of Sbi domain IV (Sbi-IV) to C3d, but the physiological binding mode remains unclear. We used a computational approach to provide insight into the C3d-Sbi-IV interaction. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that the first binding mode (PDB code 2WY8) is more robust than the second (PDB code 2WY7), with more persistent polar and nonpolar interactions, as well as conserved interfacial solvent accessible surface area. Brownian dynamics and steered MD simulations revealed that the first binding mode has faster association kinetics and maintains more stable intermolecular interactions compared to the second binding mode. In light of available experimental and structural data, our data confirm that the first binding mode represents Sbi-IV interaction with C3d (and C3) in a physiological context. Although the second binding mode is inherently less stable, we suggest a possible physiological role. Both binding sites may serve as a template for structure-based design of novel complement therapeutics.Biophysical Journal 03/2014; 106(5):1164-1173. · 3.83 Impact Factor - [Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The complement protein C5a acts by primarily binding and activating the G-protein coupled C5a receptor C5aR (CD88), and is implicated in many inflammatory diseases. The cyclic hexapeptide PMX53 (sequence Ace-Phe-[Orn-Pro-dCha-Trp-Arg]) is a full C5aR antagonist of nanomolar potency, and is widely used to study C5aR function in disease.BMC Biophysics 01/2014; 7:5. · 2.18 Impact Factor - [Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: We have used a novel human retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cell-based model that mimics drusen biogenesis and the pathobiology of age-related macular degeneration to evaluate the efficacy of newly designed peptide inhibitors of the complement system. The peptides belong to the compstatin family and, compared to existing compstatin analogs, have been optimized to promote binding to their target, complement protein C3, and to enhance solubility by improving their polarity/hydrophobicity ratios. Based on analysis of molecular dynamics simulation data of peptide-C3 complexes, novel binding features were designed by introducing intermolecular salt bridge-forming arginines at the N-terminus and at position -1 of N-terminal dipeptide extensions. Our study demonstrates that the RPE cell assay has discriminatory capability for measuring the efficacy and potency of inhibitory peptides in a macular disease environment.Experimental Eye Research 08/2013; · 3.02 Impact Factor - [Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Despite its sequence variability and structural flexibility, the V3 loop of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 is capable of recognizing cell-bound co-receptors CCR5 and CXCR4 and infecting cells. Viral selection of CCR5 is associated with the early stages of infection, and transition to selection of CXCR4 indicates disease progression. We have developed a predictive statistical model for co-receptor selectivity that uses the discrete property of net charge and the binary co-receptor preference markers of the N6X7[T/S]8X9 glycosylation motif and 11/24/25 positive amino acid rule. The model is based on analysis of 2,054 V3 loop sequences from patient data and allows us to infer the most likely state of the disease from physicochemical characteristics of the sequences. The performance of the model is comparable to established sequence-based predictive methods, and may be used in combination with other methods as a supportive diagnostic for co-receptor selection. This model may be used for personalized medical decisions in administering co-receptor-specific therapies.AIDS research and human retroviruses 06/2013; · 2.18 Impact Factor - Molecular Immunology 01/2013; 53(s 1–2):173–174. · 3.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The interaction between complement fragment C3d and complement receptor 2 (CR2) is a key aspect of complement immune system activation, and is a component in a link between innate and adaptive immunities. The complement immune system is an ancient mechanism for defense, and can be found in species that have been on Earth for the last 600 million years. However, the link between the complement system and adaptive immunity, which is formed through the association of the B-cell co-receptor complex, including the C3d-CR2 interaction, is a much more recent adaptation. Human C3d and CR2 have net charges of -1 and +7 respectively, and are believed to have evolved favoring the role of electrostatics in their functions. To investigate the role of electrostatics in the function and evolution of human C3d and CR2, we have applied electrostatic similarity methods to identify regions of evolutionarily conserved electrostatic potential based on 24 homologues of complement C3d and 4 homologues of CR2. We also examine the effects of structural perturbation, as introduced through molecular dynamics and mutations, on spatial distributions of electrostatic potential to identify perturbation resistant regions, generated by so-called electrostatic "hot-spots". Distributions of electrostatic similarity based on families of perturbed structures illustrate the presence of electrostatic "hot-spots" at the two functional sites of C3d, while the surface of CR2 lacks electrostatic "hot-spots" despite its excessively positive nature. We propose that the electrostatic "hot-spots" of C3d have evolved to optimize its dual-functionality (covalently attaching to pathogen surfaces and interaction with CR2), which are both necessary for the formation B-cell co-receptor complexes. Comparison of the perturbation resistance of the electrostatic character of the homologues of C3d suggests that there was an emergence of a new role of electrostatics, and a transition in the function of C3d, after the divergence of jawless fish.PLoS Computational Biology 12/2012; 8(12):e1002840. · 4.83 Impact Factor - [Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The V3 loop of the glycoprotein 120 (gp120) is a contact point for cell entry of HIV-1 leading to infection. Despite sequence variability and lack of specific structure, the highly flexible V3 loop possesses a well-defined role in recognizing and selecting cell-bound coreceptors CCR5 and CXCR4 through a mechanism of charge complementarity. We have performed two independent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to gain insights into the dynamic character of two V3 loops with slightly different sequences, but significantly different starting crystallographic structures. We have identified highly populated trajectory-specific salt bridges between oppositely charged stem residues Arg9 and Glu25 or Asp29. The two trajectories share nearly identical correlated motions within the simulations, despite their different overall structures. High occupancy salt bridges play a key role in the major cross-correlated motions in both trajectories, and may be responsible for transient structural stability in preparation for coreceptor binding. In addition, the two V3 loops visit conformations with similarities in spatial distributions of electrostatic potentials, despite their inherent flexibility, which may play a role in coreceptor recognition. It is plausible that cooperativity between overall electrostatic potential, charged residue interactions, and correlated motions could be associated with a coreceptor selection and binding.PLoS ONE 11/2012; 7(11):e49925. · 3.53 Impact Factor - Immunobiology 11/2012; 217(11):1171-1172. · 3.18 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Targeting the complement component 3a receptor (C3aR) with selective agonists or antagonists is believed to be a viable therapeutic option for several diseases such as stroke, heart attack, reperfusion injuries, and rheumatoid arthritis. We designed a number of agonists, partial agonists, and antagonists of C3aR using our two-stage de novo protein design framework. Of the peptides tested using a degranulation assay in C3aR-transfected rat basophilic leukemia cells, two were prominent agonists (EC(50) values of 25.3 and 66.2 nM) and two others were partial agonists (IC(50) values of 15.4 and 26.1 nM). Further testing of these lead compounds in a calcium flux assay in U937 cells yielded similar results although with reduced potencies compared to transfected cells. The partial agonists also displayed full antagonist activity when tested in a C3aR inhibition assay. In addition, the electrostatic potential profile was shown to potentially discriminate between full agonists and partial agonists.Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 04/2012; 55(9):4159-68. · 5.48 Impact Factor - [Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: We report the computational and rational design of new generations of potential peptide-based inhibitors of the complement protein C3 from the compstatin family. The binding efficacy of the peptides is tested by extensive molecular dynamics-based structural and physicochemical analysis, using 32 atomic detail trajectories in explicit water for 22 peptides bound to human, rat or mouse target protein C3, with a total of 257 ns. The criteria for the new design are: (i) optimization for C3 affinity and for the balance between hydrophobicity and polarity to improve solubility compared to known compstatin analogs; and (ii) development of dual specificity, human-rat/mouse C3 inhibitors, which could be used in animal disease models. Three of the new analogs are analyzed in more detail as they possess strong and novel binding characteristics and are promising candidates for further optimization. This work paves the way for the development of an improved therapeutic for age-related macular degeneration, and other complement system-mediated diseases, compared to known compstatin variants.Chemical Biology & Drug Design 01/2012; 79(5):703-18. · 2.51 Impact Factor - [Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The V3 loop of the glycoprotein gp120 of HIV-1 plays an important role in viral entry into cells by utilizing as coreceptor CCR5 or CXCR4, and is implicated in the phenotypic tropisms of HIV viruses. It has been hypothesized that the interaction between the V3 loop and CCR5 or CXCR4 is mediated by electrostatics. We have performed hierarchical clustering analysis of the spatial distributions of electrostatic potentials and charges of V3 loop structures containing consensus sequences of HIV-1 subtypes. Although the majority of consensus sequences have a net charge of +3, the spatial distribution of their electrostatic potentials and charges may be a discriminating factor for binding and infectivity. This is demonstrated by the formation of several small subclusters, within major clusters, which indicates common origin but distinct spatial details of electrostatic properties. Some of this information may be present, in a coarse manner, in clustering of sequences, but the spatial details are largely lost. We show the effect of ionic strength on clustering of electrostatic potentials, information that is not present in clustering of charges or sequences. We also make correlations between clustering of electrostatic potentials and net charge, coreceptor selectivity, global prevalence, and geographic distribution. Finally, we interpret coreceptor selectivity based on the N6X7T8|S8X9 sequence glycosylation motif, the specific positive charge location according to the 11/24/25 rule, and the overall charge and electrostatic potential distribution. We propose that in addition to the sequence and the net charge of the V3 loop of each subtype, the spatial distributions of electrostatic potentials and charges may also be important factors for receptor recognition and binding and subsequent viral entry into cells. This implies that the overall electrostatic potential is responsible for long-range recognition of the V3 loop with coreceptors CCR5/CXCR4, whereas the charge distribution contributes to the specific short-range interactions responsible for the formation of the bound complex. We also propose a scheme for coreceptor selectivity based on the sequence glycosylation motif, the 11/24/25 rule, and net charge.BMC Biophysics 01/2012; 5:3. · 2.18 Impact Factor - Biophysical Journal 01/2012; 102(3):64-. · 3.83 Impact Factor
Publication Stats
2k | Citations | |
381.83 | Total Impact Points | |
Top Journals
University of California, Riverside
- • Department of Bioengineering
- • Center for Bioengineering Research
- • Department of Botany and Plant Sciences
- • Department of Chemistry
- • Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Riverside, California, United States
University of Cyprus
- Department of Physics
Nicosia, Nicosia District, Cyprus
Princeton University
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Princeton, New Jersey, United States
National Centre For Cell Science, Pune
Poona, Mahārāshtra, India
CSU Mentor
Long Beach, California, United States -
Keck Graduate Institute
Claremont, California, United States
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Ashburn, Virginia, United States
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Philadelphia, PA, United States
University of Pennsylvania
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Philadelphia, PA, United States
University of California, San Diego
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
San Diego, CA, United States
Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute
La Jolla, California, United States
The Scripps Research Institute
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology
La Jolla, CA, United States
Northeastern University
- Department of Physics
Boston, MA, United States
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- Department of Biochemistry
Urbana, IL, United States


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Aruban prosecutors to appeal order to compensate detainee
Published: Wednesday, August 9, 2006 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, August 8, 2006 at 11:00 p.m.
ORANJESTAD, Aruba | Aruban prosecutors said Tuesday they will appeal an order to compensate a man detained in the disappearance of missing Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway.
A judge on the Dutch Caribbean island ruled on July 28 that the prosecutors office should pay $30,190 to Paulus van der Sloot, a former justice official in Aruba who was detained in the case for three days, for defamation and legal fees.
The public prosecutors office does not agree with the amount granted, since this is much higher than usual," a spokeswoman said.
Van der Sloot, a Dutch national, was arrested June 23, 2005, in the disappearance of Holloway, a then 18-year-old from Mountain Brook, Ala., who vanished a month earlier on the final night of her high school graduation trip to the island.
Holloway was last seen leaving a bar with the officials son, Joran van der Sloot, and two Surinamese brothers.
Joran van der Sloot and the brothers were detained in her disappearance and later released after a court ruled there was not enough evidence to hold them.
At the time of his arrest, authorities said they suspected Paulus van der Sloot of assisting his son, but he was released three days later and was also never charged in the case.
Van der Sloot now works for a law firm on the island that represented his son. His attorney, Arie Swaen, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.
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UPDATE: BMO Capital Markets Raises PT to $55 on PDC Energy on Asset Success, Inventory Update
BMO Capital Markets maintained PDC Energy (NASDAQ: PDCE) with an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $42.00 to $55.00.
BMO Capital Markets commented, "Based on PDC's horizontal Niobrara and Codell success, and its recent inventory update in which it provided probable and possible locations, we view the stock as meaningfully undervalued. Our after-tax NAV analysis derives a fair valuation of $49 per share using BMO's price deck and $57 per share at the NYMEX strip. The majority of our valuation is based on the horizontal Niobrara and Codell and gives full credit for probable locations, but no credit for possibles, or "A" or "C" bench resource potential."
PDC Energy closed at $41.17 on Tuesday.
Latest Ratings for PDCE
Date | Firm | Action | From | To |
Dec 2014 | Howard Weil | Upgrades | Sector Outperform | Focus Stock |
Dec 2014 | Credit Suisse | Maintains | Outperform | |
Nov 2014 | MLV & Co. | Maintains | Buy |
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