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BioMed Research International
Volume 2013 (2013), Article ID 572081, 7 pages
Higher Plasma Pyridoxal Phosphate Is Associated with Increased Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Critically Ill Surgical Patients
1The Intensive Care Unit, Critical Care and Respiratory Therapy, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Department of Nursing, HungKuang University, Taichung, Taiwan
2Department of Nutritional Science, Toko University, Chiayi, Taiwan
3Nutrition Section, Tung's Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
4School of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
Received 4 April 2013; Accepted 15 May 2013
Academic Editor: Stephen C. Land
Copyright © 2013 Chien-Hsiang Cheng et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Critically ill patients experience severe stress, inflammation and clinical conditions which may increase the utilization and metabolic turnover of vitamin B-6 and may further increase their oxidative stress and compromise their antioxidant capacity. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between vitamin B-6 status (plasma and erythrocyte PLP) oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacities in critically ill surgical patients. Thirty-seven patients in surgical intensive care unit of Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, were enrolled. The levels of plasma and erythrocyte PLP, serum malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, and antioxidant enzyme activities (i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase) were determined on the 1st and 7th days of admission. Plasma PLP was positively associated with the mean SOD activity level on day 1 (, ), day 7 (, ), and on changes (Δ (day 7 − day 1)) (, ) after adjusting for age, gender, and plasma C-reactive protein concentration. Higher plasma PLP could be an important contributing factor in the elevation of antioxidant enzyme activity in critically ill surgical patients.
1. Introduction
Pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP), the physiologically active coenzyme form of vitamin B-6, may play a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative stress because the vitamin has been shown to exhibit antioxidant activity that even exceeds that of vitamin C and E [1]. Vitamin B-6 can prevent the oxygen radical generation and lipid peroxidation caused by hydrogen peroxide in U937 monocytes [2], and supplementation of vitamin B-6 to folate-deficient diet with excess methionine can prevent the elevation of oxidative stress markers (i.e., serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and advanced oxidation protein products level in homocysteinemic rats [3]. Although the exact antioxidant mechanism of vitamin B-6 is not clear yet, lower vitamin B-6 status seems to compromise an individual's antioxidant capacity.
Critically ill patients are susceptible to various insults during the acute phase of illness. They might be at risk of stress and inflammation, resulting in increased catabolism. Increased free radical production and lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant capacity may occur during critical illness, the combination of which would result in multiple organ failure [4, 5]. Our previous studies [6, 7] and others [8–10] have reported lower and compromised vitamin B-6 status in hospitalized and critically ill patients. Stress, inflammation, and clinical conditions may increase the utilization and metabolic turnover of vitamin B-6 and lower its body pool. Therefore, critically ill patients might be at particularly high risk of organ failure and death in association with severe oxidative stress and lower antioxidant capacity related to compromised vitamin B-6 status. Since very little data on the relationship between vitamin B-6 status and oxidative stress responses in critically ill patients have been reported, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between vitamin B-6 status (plasma and erythrocyte PLP) and oxidative stress, antioxidant capacities in critically ill surgical patients.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Patients
An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Taichung Veterans General Hospital, a medical center in central Taiwan. All patients admitted or transferred to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) were screened for potential study participation. Only patients who were staying for >24 h and required to spend at least 7 days in the SICU were included in the final analysis. Patients were excluded if they were under 20 years, uremic, clinically unstable (i.e., systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg, mean arterial blood pressure <65 mmHg, fatal arrhythmia, or the requirement of vasopressor to maintain blood pressure), or unconscious at any point during the study. Patients were treated according to the standard therapeutic policy and continuously monitored until their discharge from the SICU. No antioxidant treatment was administered to the patients and they received nutrients including vitamin B-6 from either enteral, total parenteral, or combined (enteral plus total parenteral) nutritional support based on their physician's recommendations. Diagnoses, the severity of illness (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II score)), length of SICU and hospital stays and ventilatory dependency, SICU mortality, and 28-day mortality were obtained from patients' medical records. Patients' age, gender, height, weight, and APACHE II score on admission were recorded within 24 h of admission and again after 7 days in the SICU. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Taichung Veteran General Hospital. Informed consent was obtained from all patients or their legal relatives.
2.2. Experimental Protocol
Fasting blood samples were drawn from SICU patients by venipuncture within 24 h of admission and again after 7 days. Venous blood samples were collected in vacutainer tubes (Becton Dickinson, Rutherford, NJ, USA) containing an appropriate anticoagulant or no anticoagulant and were centrifuged to separate serum/plasma and blood cells, then analyzed immediately or stored frozen (−80°C) until analysis. Serum/plasma samples were analyzed to determine serum albumin, hemoglobin, creatinine and C-reactive protein (CRP), plasma and erythrocyte PLP, plasma homocysteine, lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde, MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and antioxidant enzyme (i.e., glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) activities.
Plasma and erythrocyte PLP were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) according to a method described by Talwar et al. [11]. The inter- and intra-assay variabilities were 2.14% () and 1.65% () for plasma PLP, 7.2% () and 7.3% () for erythrocyte PLP, respectively. A plasma PLP level ≥20 nmol/L has been suggested to be adequate vitamin B-6 status [12, 13]. Plasma homocysteine was measured by using HPLC with a modified method as described previously [14]. The inter- and intra-assay variabilities of plasma homocysteine were 5.12% () and 3.82% (), respectively. Hyperhomocysteinemia was defined as a plasma homocysteine concentration ≥15 mol/L [15]. Plasma lipid peroxidation products were measured as the levels of MDA according to a modified method described by Lapenna et al. [16]. Measurement of serum TAC level could provide an integrated index, which could be used to assess the real changes in antioxidant status in patients with severe sepsis and might lead to universally useful treatment [17, 18]. Among the methodologies used to evaluate TAC, the most widely used colorimetric method for serum and plasma samples are 2′-2′-azinobis-3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonate-based methods. Therefore, TAC was measured according to a method described by Erel [19], who developed a novel colorimetric and automated direct assay. Glutathione peroxidase catalyzes the reduction of hydroperoxides, including hydrogen peroxide, by reduced glutathione and functions to protect the cell from oxidative damage [20]. Plasma GPx levels were measured by using GPx assay kit (Cayman chemical company, Ann Arbor, MI, USA). Glutathione S-transferase is an ubiquitous multifunctional enzyme, which plays a key role in cellular detoxification [20]. Plasma GST was determined by using GST assay kit (Cayman chemical company, Ann Arbor, MI, USA). Superoxide dismutase catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, that is an important antioxidant defense in nearly all cells exposed to oxygen. Plasma SOD was determined by using SOD assay kit (Cayman chemical company, Ann Arbor, MI, USA).
2.3. Statistical Analysis
Data were analyzed using the SAS statistical software (version 9.2, Statistical Analysis System Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). A sample size of 20 subjects would allow detecting significant correlation () between plasma PLP and antioxidant enzyme activities with 80% statistical power and a two-sided level of less than 0.05. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was performed to test the normal distribution. Differences in patients' clinical outcomes and biochemical values were compared for significance using the paired -test or Wilcoxon Signed Rank test between the 1st and 7th days in the SICU. McNemar's test was used for the analysis of categorical variables. Partial Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze correlations between the mean of vitamin B-6 status and indicators of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activities in critically ill patients on day 1, day 7, and on changes (day 7 − day 1) after adjusting for age, gender, and plasma CRP concentration. Statistical results were considered statistically significant at . Values presented in the text are means standard error of mean (SE).
3. Results
Characteristics of SICU patients are shown in Table 1. Thirty-seven patients successfully completed this study. Subjects' ages ranged from 24 to 92 years, with a median age of 70.3 years. There were no significant changes in APACHE II score between the 1st and 7th days after admission. Patients' body weight significantly decreased by the 7th days after admission when compared with the value on the 1st day. The most common diagnoses were peritonitis, cholangitis, esophageal and colorectal cancer, acute gastric ulcer perforation, alcoholic cirrhosis, and sepsis.
Table 2 shows patients' plasma and erythrocyte PLP concentrations, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacities during the study period. We calculated the difference between 1st day and 7th days ( (day 7 − day 1)) values for each biochemical measurement in order to arrive at a representation of the 7-day change after admission. On the 7th days in the SICU, patients showed significant reduction in mean serum hemoglobin levels when compared with the 1st day. There was no significant difference in the levels of CRP between the 1st and 7th days in the SICU. The CRP levels on average and individually were above 0.8 mg/dL on the 1st and 7th days in the SICU, which indicates that patients were in the inflammatory phases.
No significant difference was observed in plasma PLP concentration between the 1st and 7th days in the SICU; however, mean erythrocyte PLP concentration significantly increased on the 7th days when compared to the value on the 1st day. The prevalence of deficient vitamin B-6 (plasma PLP < 20 nmol/L) in our critically ill surgical patients was 43.24% on the 1st day and decreased to 32.43% on the 7th days in the SICU. For the oxidative stress indicators, plasma homocysteine concentration significantly increased by the 7th days when compared with the value on the 1st day. The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in our SICU patients was 40.54% on the 1st day and significantly increased to 59.46% on the 7th days in the SICU. There were no significant differences in MDA level between the 1st and 7th days in the SICU. Similar findings with 2 antioxidant enzyme activities, that is, no significant differences in SOD and GPx enzyme activities, were observed between the 1st and 7th days in the SICU. However, the mean TAC and GST activity level was significantly higher on the 1st day when compared to the 7th days after admission to the SICU.
Table 3 shows the correlations between the mean of vitamin B-6 status, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacities in critically ill surgical patients on the 1st day, 7th days, and on changes (day 7 − day 1) after adjusting age, gender, and CRP levels. Plasma PLP concentration significantly correlate with erythrocyte PLP concentration in our critically ill surgical patients. After adjusting for age, gender, and CRP level, the significant correlations between plasma PLP and SOD activity were observed on the 1st (Figure 1(a)), 7th (Figure 1(b)), or changes ( (day 7 − day 1)) (Figure 1(c)). Erythrocyte PLP and plasma homocysteine concentrations did not correlate with oxidative stress indicators and antioxidant capacities after adjusting for age, gender, and CRP levels (data not shown).
4. Discussion
In the past decades, vitamin B-6 status and oxidative stress responses were mostly studied in animal models; very little data in humans have been reported. Recently, the association between higher oxidative stress and lower vitamin B-6 status has been observed in older individuals [21], which might suggest the potent antioxidant ability of vitamin B-6 in humans. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to show the relationship of vitamin B-6 status with oxidative stress and antioxidant capacities in critically ill surgical patients. It has been shown that hospitalized and critically ill patients had lower and compromised vitamin B-6 status [6–10]. Our critically ill patients did not have decreased vitamin B-6 status by the 7th days after admission when compared with the mean value of plasma and erythrocyte PLP on the 1st day; it is probably due to our patients receiving nutritional support (EN, TPN, or combined) in the SICU. However, the present study indicates a serious problem of a high prevalence of inadequate vitamin B-6 status (43.24%) in critically ill surgical patients at admission. As a consequence, inadequate vitamin B-6 status might affect critically ill patients' antioxidant defense capacity. Although the level of TAC and GST activities was significantly increased on the 7th days in the SICU, it might be contributed to medical treatment rather than the effect of vitamin B-6 status. Because Duncan et al. [22] indicated that the CRP level would affect plasma PLP concentration, we thus adjusted plasma CRP level when the relationships between vitamin B-6 status, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacities were discussed. Although disease state might be the confounder to affect the relationship of vitamin B-6 status with oxidative stress and antioxidant capacities, we did not adjust the disease severity since patients' APACHE II score did not change between the 1st day and 7th days in the SICU. We observed significantly positive associations between vitamin B-6 status (plasma PLP concentration) and antioxidant enzyme activities, measured as SOD levels, independently of plasma CRP in critically ill surgical patients. In other words, if patients could maintain higher plasma PLP concentration while they were staying in the ICU, they were more likely to have higher antioxidant activities.
The exact role which the vitamin B-6 compounds play as antioxidants is not clear yet; however, they might mediate through direct or indirect mechanism. The possible direct mechanism might be that vitamin B-6 groups of compounds have both the hydroxyl and amine groups substitution on a pyridine ring which can react with the peroxy radicals and thereby scavenge radicals and lipid peroxidation [1, 2, 23–25]. Plasma PLP serves as a coenzyme for cystathionine -synthase and cystathionine -lyase, both of which are required for the synthesis of cysteine. Cysteine synthesized by this pathway is an important contributor to glutathione synthesis. Therefore, the indirect mechanism by which vitamin B-6 compounds play the role of antioxidants might be through serving as coenzymes in the glutathione antioxidant defense system. In a recent study, the levels of total and nonenzymatic superoxide scavenger activity, SOD activities and antioxidant potential in kidney tissue of vitamin B-6 deficient rats were significantly lower than those of the control rats, whereas activities of GPx, GST, glutathione reductase, and MDA levels were significantly higher than those of the control rats [25]. We observed significantly positive associations between plasma PLP concentrations and SOD activities in our SICU patients. However, there was no association between plasma PLP and GPx and GST activities in this study, which indicates that vitamin B-6 might not mediate through glutathione antioxidant enzyme system to play an antioxidant role. However, we did not measure patients' glutathione concentration. The exact role that vitamin B-6 plays in the glutathione antioxidant defense system needs further study.
Plasma PLP is bound to serum albumin against rapid hydrolysis by alkaline phosphatase while being transported by the blood. Lower serum albumin levels (<3 g/dL; normal range: 3.5–5 g/dL) in critically ill surgical patients may thus lead to the dephosphorylation of plasma PLP into PL [26], or the redistribution of PLP from plasma to erythrocyte [9, 27–29] during systemic inflammatory response. Although we observed significantly increased erythrocyte PLP concentration on day 7, plasma PLP was significantly associated with erythrocyte PLP and the ratio of plasma PLP (nmol/L) to erythrocyte PLP (mol/g hemoglobin) was consistent with the performance of plasma PLP concentration throughout the study, suggesting that redistribution of PLP from plasma to erythrocyte may not have occurred. Rather than being involved in redistribution, PLP is probably maintained more stably in erythrocytes than in the plasma. In agreement with the study of Vasilaki et al. [29], our work showed that erythrocyte values were less sensitive to acute changes than were plasma values. This might explain why plasma PLP, but not erythrocyte PLP, was associated with SOD activity. Erythrocyte PLP was not a good indicator for reflecting oxidative stress and antioxidant defense capacity in critically ill surgical patients.
Although there was a significant relationship between plasma PLP and antioxidant enzyme activities, vitamin B-6 status did not seem to be a significant factor in the oxidative stress condition. In addition to vitamin B-6 status, our critically ill surgical patients also had a serious problem of a high prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia while they were staying in the SICU. Higher oxidative stress due to hyperhomocysteinemia through homocysteine oxidation has been observed [30–32]. Vitamin B-6 is involved in homocysteine metabolism, and vitamin B-6 deficiency may therefore cause hyperhomocysteinemia and further cause higher oxidative stress. Homocysteine is metabolized by two pathways. When methionine is in negative balance, homocysteine is remethylated to form methionine by a methionine-conserving remethylation pathway; this process requires folate as a cosubstrate and vitamin B-12 as a cofactor. When methionine is in excess, homocysteine is directed to the transsulfuration pathway, which requires PLP as a coenzyme. Therefore, plasma PLP might not have a direct relationship with plasma homocysteine concentration in the fasting state. In this study, we measured patients' fasting plasma homocysteine concentration, this might be the reason for us not observing the significant association between plasma PLP and homocysteine. However, positive but not significant correlation was observed between plasma PLP and homocysteine, it could be attributed to the statistical chance. Although our SICU patients had mean plasma homocysteine concentration >15 mol/L throughout the study period, their plasma homocysteine level was not correlated with either plasma PLP, oxidative stress indicators, or antioxidant capacities. In addition to vitamin B-6 status and homocysteine levels, other complicating factors may be related to oxidative stress condition of SICU patients.
There were strengths in this study. The evaluations were performed on the 1st and 7th days and on changes ( (day 7 − day 1)) in the SICU, so the two times evaluations rather than only baseline observation could provide clearer picture of the relationship of vitamin B-6 status with oxidative stress and antioxidant capacities in the critical care setting. In addition, we excluded patients who were taking antioxidant treatment, thus eliminating any interference of antioxidant treatment with oxidative stress and antioxidant capacities. However, there were also some limitations in this study. A larger sample size might be needed to increase the significance of the associations between plasma PLP and oxidative stress indicators. However, the recruitment of large sample population in the critical setting is a continuing challenge due to patients' or their relatives' reluctance to give consent to participate or patients' severe clinical condition. The other limitation was that we did not measure plasma and erythrocyte glutathione concentration in our SICU patients, so the association between vitamin B-6 and glutathione and glutathione-dependent enzyme activities could not be discussed.
5. Conclusions
There was a strong positive association between plasma PLP and the antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD) in critically ill surgical patients. Moreover, this significant association was independent of plasma CRP level. Our results provide more information for improving vitamin B-6 status to increase the antioxidant capacities of critically ill surgical patients.
This study was supported by Taichung Veterans General Hospital (TCVGH-994101B), Taichung, Taiwan. The authors would like to express their sincere appreciation to the subjects for their participation in this trial.
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text: TOP 10 Top 10 Cars Top 10: Fast & Furious Cars Back to Top ▲ Top 10: Fast & Furious Cars 4 1995 Volkswagen Jetta Share on Facebook Share on Twitter 0 Shares Universal Pictures The Fast and the Furious Jesse and his white V-Dub don't get a ton of time onscreen in the original movie, but we're including the Jetta for a couple reasons. First, it's one of the few European cars seen in the series. Second, it's a solid choice for enthusiasts. Without any modifications, a stock Jetta offers acceptable performance and crisp handling; both traits are easily enhanced to meet tuners' demands without as much effort or compromise as some more popular Asian and American cars. Next Page TOP 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Comments Show Comments More Like This Promoted Around the Web Special Features


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Latest Chrome 'experiment' goes to Oz
Google's newest interactive browser "experiment" transports you from your desk to Oz, highlighting cutting-edge browser tech along the way.
Created in conjunction with Disney and the production company Unit9 to help promote the upcoming movie, "Oz the Great and Powerful," the experiment leverages the latest in Web standards to create a browser-based experiment that previously could have been completed only with Adobe Flash.
In the experiment, called Find Your Way to Oz, you can compose music, goof around with a photo booth, and make a short movie with a zoetrope. If you survive the tornado … Read more


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Mga bro. help me i need a software reseter for my epson c45. pls
This is a discussion on Software Resetter for Epson C45 within the Software & Games (Old) forums, part of the Legacy category;
Mga bro. help me i need a software reseter for my epson c45. pls
Wala na diay sa CDR-King branches?
And dili man siguro software reseter ang tawag. I think it's ink resetter.
hmm.. kita man ko ani sa usa ka torrentsite.. pero wala lang to nako na dl.. and i forgot which site...
Hmmm, if the one you mean that shall reset the chip in an ink cartridge, i have bought one in the cd-r king before but i dont know if it is still available now. Just try to inquire there.Originally Posted by chercomengineer
chercomengineer .....tga saan po kayo? psot mo email add mo....send ko s email mo software resetter ng c45...meron akong printer n C45.....
guys thanks kaayo for your information. I got the site already that has a software resetter for epson c45 or etc. For anybodys who have a problem of their printer especially Epson for counter resetter just visit this site and download the software.
Similar Threads |


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Cookie Cutter Snowman with Scarf, Tin 3"
- Detailed Description
- Reviews
Mr. Snowman cuts a dapper cookie with his festive scarf.! Size: 3". Cutter is made with a poly resin coat over the tinplate adding a festive look and longevity to the cutter. Dishwasher Safe. Chip and Scratch Resistant. Our charming little snowmen have been hand decorated by the very talented cookie artisans at Sugar Lane Bake Shop.


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No 'permission politics' in democracy: BNP
May 20, 2013
It pushes govt for restoring CG
Taking a swipe at the government for 'restricting rallies and meetings for a month', BNP standing committee Member Abdul Moyeen Khan on Monday said his party will not accept the politics of undertaking. "BNP is a democratic party and it won't accept politics of undertaking. It can't be acceptable in a democratic country that politics will have to do taking permission," he Full article on unbconnect.com
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Indian Cauliflower Curry Stew
From Good Housekeeping
triple-tested at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute
This easy-to-make vegetarian stew owes its complex flavor to spicy, fresh ginger and traditional Indian curry powder.
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Nutritional Information
(per serving)
Calories | 360 |
Total Fat | 5g |
Saturated Fat | 1g |
Cholesterol | 1mg |
Sodium | 650mg |
Total Carbohydrate | 68g |
Dietary Fiber | 10g |
Sugars | -- |
Protein | 12g |
Calcium | -- |
James Baigrie
Serves: 8
Total Time: 50 min
U.S. | Metric | Conversion chart |
- 1 tablespoon(s) olive oil
- 3 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1.5 cup(s) brown rice
- 1 tablespoon(s) finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon(s) curry powder
- Salt
- 2.5 cup(s) vegetable broth
- 1 medium (2-pound) head cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 2 can(s) (15 to 19 ounces each) garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup(s) loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup(s) plain low-fat yogurt plus additional for serving
- In 6-quart Dutch oven, heat oil on medium-high until hot. Add carrots and onion, and cook 10 to 12 minutes or until vegetables are lightly browned and tender, stirring frequently.
- Meanwhile, prepare rice as label directs; keep warm.
- Stir ginger, curry, and 3/4 teaspoon salt into carrot mixture; cook 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add broth; cover and heat to boiling on high. Stir in cauliflower and garbanzo beans; cover and cook on medium 15 to 20 minutes longer, gently stirring every 5 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
- To serve, stir chopped cilantro and 1/4 cup yogurt into cauliflower stew. Spoon rice into serving bowls; top with stew. Serve cauliflower stew with additional yogurt to dollop on top if you like. Makes about 8 cups.
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ASIC survey results strengthen need for FoFA reforms
PUBLISHED: 31 Mar 2012 00:33:49 | UPDATED: 31 Mar 2012 05:23:46PUBLISHED: 31 Mar 2012 PRINT EDITION: 31 Mar 2012Penny Pryor
Future of financial advice (FoFA) reforms tabled in Parliament over the past fortnight should mean a better quality of financial advice for investors.
Just days after the reforms' passage, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission released its anonymous "shadow shopping" survey of financial planners, and its lacklustre results highlighted the need for improved financial advice. ASIC sought people aged 50 to 69 who were intending to seek retirement advice or who had recently sought it. The participants chose their own adviser and paid the cost of that financial advice themselves.
Of the 64 examples of retirement advice, ASIC found 58 per cent were adequate, 39 per cent were poor and only 3 per cent were good quality.
"My objective would be to have all of those plans rated as good in the future," says the chief executive of Financial Planning Association of Australia, Mark Rantall.
"But we have to go through a process to both educate financial planners and continue to get standards to that point."
It's hoped the FoFA reforms will assist in doing just that.
One of the main objectives was to remove conflicted advice structures. That refers to the practice of some financial planners recommending products to clients based on the commission they would receive from the product manufacturer.
"FoFA, generally, we think is a good thing, particularly the removal of commissions," says the Financial Ombudsman Services's ombudsman for investments, life insurance and superannuation, Alison Maynard. "We see that some inappropriate advice is apparently driven by the commissions the financial services provider is receiving."
Of the 1157 disputes on managed investment products and services Maynard received for the past financial year, 43 per cent were about advice. One of the key measures of the reforms in their draft form was to require financial planners to renew contracts with clients every two years – in other words, clients would have to "opt in" for continuing advice. This was designed to ensure clients did not continue to pay, via perpetual commissions, for advice they were not receiving.
This has been watered down in the final version of the reforms and the government has given ASIC the ability to exempt advisers if they are satisfied the adviser is signed up to a professional code that obviates the need for opting in.
Rantall welcomes these changes.
"We've always said that the engagement between the professional and their clients should be outlined in a professional code and standards rather than a heavy-handed law and it's for that reason we've never approved the opt-in," he says.
But based on its shadow shopping survey, ASIC still has strong concerns regarding the quality of financial advice. "We were disappointed to see so much advice that wasn't up to the standards we would have expected," ASIC commissioner Peter Kell says.
"Too much advice didn't adequately cover key topics such as how long a consumer's savings would last them in retirement, or the sort of issues they might face around their debt levels or their borrowings."
The regulator hopes to release guidance documents on how it uses its increased powers surrounding FoFA, and which professional codes will be accepted, before July 1 this year. When you are seeking financial advice, ask the right questions to ensure your financial planner is certified and to understand how they are being remunerated.
"We want to try and help consumers to have tools to judge advice that goes beyond whether the adviser was friendly and had a firm handshake," Kell says.
The two options are fee-for-service, where you pay a set amount per hour or visit, or a percentage of your assets as an ongoing commission.
"You must make sure that you are not going along with something you don't understand," Maynard says.
"It's not silly to ask questions. It's actually really smart to ask questions. And question and question if you're not understanding, because that is the source of a lot of the problems."
Finally, if your adviser can't explain it to you adequately, take your business elsewhere.
The Australian Financial Review
Read more
People | Peter Kell |
Topics | Politics /Federal Politics , Personal Investment, Financial Services Industry |


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Mercedes GP (formerly Brawn GP) announced today that from the 2010 season, as expected, German driver Nico Rosberg will drive for the new Mercedes team in the Formula 1 World Championship.
Nico Rosberg: "I am really happy to be a part of the Silver Arrows re-launch in 2010 as a driver for Mercedes. No other brand in Formula 1 can look back on such a long and successful tradition in motor racing. I am very proud that I will now drive for the new Mercedes team and work with Ross Brawn. I am more motivated than ever and can hardly wait to start testing with the new Silver Arrow and for the first race of the new season at Bahrain on 14 March 2010."
Ross Brawn, Team Principal: "We are delighted to welcome Nico Rosberg to our Mercedes team and are very much looking forward to working with him. Nico is a great talent, and with four years of experience in Formula 1, is a driver who will be able to make a valuable contribution to our team right from the outset. I had the pleasure of working with his father Keke during his Formula One career and it is great to see Nico following in his footsteps. 2009 was Nico's best season in Formula 1 to date and we look forward to seeing his development continue with us at Mercedes next year."
Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: "I saw Nico racing karts alongside Lewis Hamilton and later in the support programme of the DTM events – I have known him since he was a young boy. Early on it was obvious that he would make his way as a race driver and we are glad that after four years with Williams he will now be one of our drivers at Mercedes. It makes our re-start even nicer, that we have as talented and sympathetic a driver as Nico in our line-up. Nico has positive ambitions, we have positive ambitions and together we want to achieve a great deal. I am really looking forward to working with him."
Now the question is, who will be Rosberg's team mate. Nick Heidfeld, Kimi Raikkonen and even Michael Schumacher have been mentioned since Jenson Button's move to McLaren. Mercedes people may however take their time knowing that what they have is probably the best vacant seat on the grid …
More on 2010 F1 drivers – see here.
Photo: Williams/LAT


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Battle of Nicopolis (48 BC)
This article does not cite any references or sources. (October 2014) |
Battle of Nicopolis | |||||||
Part of Caesar's Pontic Campaign | |||||||
Belligerents | |||||||
Roman Republic | Kingdom of Pontus | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Gnaeus Domitius Calvinus | Pharnaces II of Pontus |
The Battle of Nicopolis was fought in December 48 BC between the army of Pharnaces II of Pontus, the son of Mithdridates VI Eupator, and a Roman army led by Gnaeus Domitius Calvinus.
After defeating Pompey the Great and the optimates at Pharsalus, Julius Caesar went to Asia Minor and then to Egypt. In Asia province he left Calvinus in command with an army including the XXXVI Legion, made up mainly of veterans from Pompey's disbanded legions. With Caesar preoccupied in Egypt and the Roman republic in the midst of civil strife, Pharnaces saw an opportunity to expand his Kingdom of the Bosphorus into his father's old Pontic empire. In 48 BC he invaded Cappadocia, Bithynia and Armenia Parva.
Calvinus concentrated his forces at Comana. These forces consisted of the Roman XXXVI Legion, and two recently levied green local legions recruited in Armenia Parva, which were armed and organised in the Roman style by King Deiotarus of Galatia. He also had local auxiliary skirmishers and cavalry from Cilicia. Despite being outnumbered by Pharnaces, Calvinus advanced toward Pontus in order to strengthen his forces with military settlers hastily recruited from Rome's Pontian colonies. Pharnaces tried to delay Calvinus by diplomatic means but, failing in this, retired to the vicinity of Nicopolis in Armenia Parva. Calvinus brought his army to within seven miles from Nicopolis and, avoiding an ambush set by Pharnaces, deployed his army. Pharnaces now retired to the city and awaited a further Roman advance.
Calvinus advanced to find Pharnaces' heavy infantry formed in deep ranks between two trenches, fronted by his skirmishers and flanked by numerous cavalry beyond the trenches. The Romans deployed the XXXVIth legion on the right wing, the force of former legionaries recruited from the Pontic colonies on the left and the recently levied legions in the center. The Roman auxiliaries formed the advance guard and what little cavalry the Romans had were put on the flanks. As Pharnaces outnumbered the Romans, Calvinus spread his army thin in order to match Pharances' deployment and avoid being outflanked. The battle began poorly for Calvinus as his levied Asiatic troops fled soon after the onset of fighting. With a large segment of his line now gone, Calvinus could not assault the enemy positions with any hope of victory and had little option but to retreat. The steadiness of his veteran legionaries saving him from complete annihilation, he oversaw a fighting withdrawal. Although the XXXVI Legion escaped with light losses, Calvinus had lost nearly two thirds of his army by the time he had fully disengaged.
A subsequent rebellion in his rear prevented Pharnaces from capitalizing on his victory, forcing him to return to deal with it. By the time the rebellion was quelled, Caesar had arrived to rectify the situation and then decisively defeated Pharnaces at the Battle of Zela.
- De Bello Alexandrino, 34-40.


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EUGENE, Ore. — The fish you ask for might not be the fish you get–that's the conclusion of a national study that just came out.
If a deal at the fish market seems a little bit fishy, it's probably because you're not getting what you paid for. But local fish market owners say they've never seen this type of fraud in Eugene.
A study released by Oceana shows about one-third of fish sold across the country is mislabeled. Most frequently cheaper fish are labeled as similar pricier ones.
One local fish market owner admits he's received mislabeled fish a handful of times, but those were accidents. Another fish market owner says his staff can tell customers what boats the fish come from, so there's no need to worry.
"We deal as much as possible directly with fishermen and the processors here on the coast, so we're pretty aware of our suppliers," said Ryan Rogers, Eugene Fisherman's Market.
Fish market owners say the best way to avoid a scam is to ask plenty of questions about the fish you're buying. Both market owners told KEZI it's easiest to tell fish apart when they're whole.


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Facebook Networking Pages:
Computers and Accessories:
At Easy as 1 2 PC I use Eset Smart Security and is the one I recommend if you are looking for a paid anti-virus/internet security suite. For free alternatives I can recommend looking into the following:


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Posted: Mar 31, 2014 7:56 AM by Hunter Robinson
Updated: Mar 31, 2014 7:56 AM
Source: WBRZ
GONZALES - Boat engines will rev for the first time this weekend at the 2014 Trinity Outdoors Disabled Adventures Inaugural Bass Classic.
Jason Bland and Bethany Bourgeois talked with John Pastorek on 2une In Monday about the event. Fishing starts this Saturday at 6:00 a.m. and lasts until check-in at 3:00 p.m. at the Cabela's in Gonzales.
The fishing tournament also features a jambalaya/pastalaya cook-off. Larry Roussel also joined JP in the kitchen to make three different kinds of the dish.
For more information on the TODA Bass Classic, watch the video or visit the TODA website.


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Absenteeism from work costs small business 793 million per annum, and the average staff member in a large firm is absent for ten days annually.
For small businesses, the figure is six days, but given the small staff involved, the knock-on effects can be more severe in smaller organisations. Cork and the south-east have the highest levels of absenteeism and back pain and stress are listed as the biggest contributors.
The national average for absenteeism is 3.5 percent, or eight days annually. In small firms, this is six days, in medium firms eight days and in large firms ten days.
The absenteeism figures are highest for call centres, at 6.1 percent, with metal and engineering work next at 5.1. Paper/printing and publishing is 2.8, while wholesale distribution and transport is 2.3 percent.
The study conducted by the Small Firms Association took place throughout Ireland and covered all sectors of Irish Business.
According to Avine McNally, Assistant Director of the Small Firms Association, the results show marked differences across sectors and regions, and show that small firms with less than 50 employees, are less likely to have workers absent on sick leave than larger firms.
In cash terms, absenteeism costs small businesses with sick pay schemes an estimated 793 million per annum, based on average earnings of 149 per day / 37,400 per annum. This takes no account of other direct costs such as the requirement to replace absent staff with other workers or overtime payments, and the cost of medical referrals; or of the indirect costs such as the effect on productivity and quality, the increased work pressure on other colleagues, and the admin time in managing absence. The overall cost in reality could be in excess of 1 billion, commented McNally.
Back pain/injury and stress are the most commonly cited problems on medical certs, stated McNally. Employers should ensure that they are fulfilling their duty of care to their employees by including manual handling and stress when conducting risk assessments as part of their review of their Health & Safety Statements.
A substantial portion of back injury can be prevented by an effective control program and ergonomic design of work tasks. Controls could include: correct training in regard to lifting techniques; reduction in the size or weight of objects being lifted; adjusting the height of pallets/shelving and the installation of mechanical aids or automated materials handling equipment.
McNally added, it is a concern that stress remains one of the high reasons for absenteeism, as aside from the employees absence, stress can lead to a less productive workforce, faulty decision-making, and ultimately the possibility of legal action being taken against the company for negligence or constructive dismissal. Firms should implement a specific policy on workplace stress. They should educate employees on stress management, while being receptive to the potential causes of stress and the early warning signs of stress. On a practical level, they should also ensure that their Employers Liability Insurance will protect them against any compensation awards that may arise from this area, commented McNally.


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This entry was posted on April 25, 2009 at 10:11 am and is filed under art, conspiracy, history, life, nature, occult, Paris, pictures, space, time, travel, weird. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Saint Denis
3 Responses to "Saint Denis"
ricki Says:
April 26, 2009 at 11:54 am |Now here's an example of how to be 100 percent ironic and 100 percent deadly serious at the same time.


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- From 27 Thu Mar 2014 to 04 Sun May 2014 March 27, 2014 May 4, 2014 Hotel Chandler
Hearts and Lights Show
The iconic Rockettes take center stage in a dance extravagnaza that bills itself as a "love letter to New York City." The musical numbers are framed by the story of two cousins who are looking into their grandmother's past, a mission that takes them zipping from one Manhattan landmark to the next. Moving beyond their famous kick line—though there's bound to be at least one in there–Heart and Lights updates the Rockettes' choreography, adding jazz, ballet, tap and modern dance to their repertoire.
New York City Calendar of Events
Big Apple Happenings, From Broadway to Brooklyn
New York City is America's entertainment mecca. Sports, theater, music, art and fashion call the five boroughs home, and as a result, the city hosts an array of one-of-a-kind events. Make the most of your experience by attending signature New York City events: free concerts, world-class theater, adventurous live music, art gallery openings and professional sports year-round.


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Renault have announced an unchanged driver line-up for next season with Fernando Alonso signing a two-year extension for 2009 and 2010, and Nelson Piquet confirmed for a further season.
The news brings to an end speculation over the future of both drivers. Alonso had been linked to a possible move to Honda, while many had questioned whether Piquet would be retained after a difficult maiden season with the team.
"We are happy to confirm both Fernando and Nelson for next season," said the teams Managing Director, Flavio Briatore. "This gives the ING Renault F1 Team one of the most exciting driver pairings with the perfect blend of youth and experience.
Fernando's commitment for the next two seasons confirms the faith he has in the team and we are delighted to continue working with him. He has been a big asset throughout this difficult season and his leadership and talent, matched with the team's hard work and determination, have paid off with our recent performances, which have placed the ING Renault F1 Team back among the top competitors of Formula One."
Alonso returned to Renault in 2008 after a one-year hiatus with McLaren, having previously won his two world titles with the French squad in 2005 and 2006. Following a difficult start to the season, they came on strong in the latter races, with the Spaniard scoring unexpected wins in Singapore and Japan to help the team to fourth place in the constructors championship.
"I have decided to stay with the ING Renault F1 team because, as I have often repeated this season, they have always been my first choice and I feel very happy and comfortable with them, said Alonso. It's a very close-knit team with a competitive and winning mentality, and also a relaxed and warm attitude, which suits me perfectly."
"After a difficult start to the season, we have overcome our difficulties and constantly improved our performances. My back-to-back wins in Singapore and Japan, and my recent second place podium finish in Brazil, have proved how competitive we can be. In the past we have won championships together, as well as going through tough moments, but we are now determined to show that we can repeat that success together in the coming seasons."
Piquets rookie campaign with Renault featured nine retirements, but also included a podium finish in Germany and four other point-scoring finishes as his form steadily improved throughout the season.
"Obviously I am delighted to have the opportunity to race for the ING Renault F1 Team for a second year, said the Brazilian. Although I have had a tough year, I have learned a lot from my rookie season and I will aim to put that experience to good use next season. I want to thank the team for their support this year and for the trust they have shown in me for the future. I'm already excited about 2009 and looking forward to working with the team over the winter so that we can start next season strongly."
Alonso finished fifth in the 2008 driver standings on 61 points, while Piquet ended the season 12th with 19 points.


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Mike Hailwood Documentary - "An Ordinary Hero"
BT Sport are showing a new 90 minute documentary about Mike Hailwood called "An Ordinary Hero" on 26th March 2014 @ 21:30
Mike Hailwood - THE EXHIBIT - by David Hailwood
A lovely jesture from one of Mike's fans
We recently had an email from John Hatton, one of Mike's fans, which read .....
"As a great fan of Mike and having met him a number of times at races I was thrilled to see a special one off display at the forth coming show in London. At the peak of his racing days I made up two scrap books with dozens of cuttings from magazines, papers etc all focused on Mikes incredible achievements. I would love to donate these to the museum."
John met up with Dave Hailwood at the London MCN Motorcycle show in February 2014 and presented Dave with the scrap books.
John says "I met up with David and I attach a picture of me handing over the scrap books. David allowed me to sit on one of the bikes, and memories of Mike racing flooded back, it has been a very special moment for me. I hope you like the scrap books?"
We certainly did ... thanks John!!
We have now learned that the rider who was sadly killed in an accident on Sunday morning was Mr Neil Christian. He had joined a small group including Dave Hailwood, riding up from Hertfordshire to Birmingham to join the 'Memorial Run' and through no fault of his own, died at the scene.
As I understand it, they had not got very far when on a short stretch of dual carriageway, a car joined the road via a slip road, crossed straight into the fast lane and collided with Neil's bike knocking him into the Armco barrier, then swerved back across both lanes ending up in a ditch. The driver had to cut out of the car but survived. Another female rider was almost hit but luckily managed to brake in time. Dave was some distance behind and not involved.
Dave has since spoken to Mrs Christian and offered our sincere condolences. Mrs Christian told him that, "Neil died doing what he loved most".
The funeral will be next Thursday 31st March and we send our deepest sympathy to Neil's family and understand completely what you are going through.
God bless. Pauline Hailwood
The 2011 Mike Hailwood Memorial Run
"Mike's fans never cease to amaze me, and yesterday was no exception. The fine weather saw around five hundred biker's gather in Birmingham, to mark the 30th Anniversary of the death of Mike Hailwood and his daughter Michelle by taking part in the motorcycle run to the church at Tanworth-in-Arden Warks, where they are laid to rest."
Photo by Anth Andrews/Heidi Bennifer
"I had travelled up early by car to Tanworth with my six-year-old grandson Mike, and was pleased to see that there were many riders already gathering on the village green and around the church. I had arranged to meet up with Carol Steer the ex-secretary of Ruckleigh School, Solihull, which was the school that Michelle and Dave had attended at the time Michelle was killed. Carol had with her the current headmistress Mrs Barbara Forster, who informed me that since Michelle died, they have annually awarded a "Michelle Hailwood prize for Art" on their Prize Giving Day. Michelle had enjoyed art, and I was so very pleased and touched to hear that she is being remembered in this way. She is often forgotten in the shadow of her father, so this means a lot to me, and I would like to give my sincere thanks to Ruckleigh School for honouring Michelle's memory.
It was wonderful when the main procession of bikes arrived in the village, streaming in on some truly beautiful bikes old and new, with many of the riders wearing " Hailwood" helmets and jackets. I expect the villager's weren't quite so impressed, and my apologies to them for any inconvenience; but little Mike and I loved seeing and hearing all the bikes arrive.
There was a sparkling Honda '6' replica at the church entrance as a reminder of Mike's five World Championship wins riding a Honda. I don't know to whom it belonged, but many thanks for bringing it along."
"The church was full and the short service included a tribute from Ken Sprayson the well known and highly respected welding specialist, who had worked on Mike's bikes many times. And also from John Peters, an ex-Dunlop friend who also does a wonderful job in taking care of Mike and Michelle's grave. Living much nearer to Tanworth than me, he likes to do it, and he gives me peace of mind to know that it is well cared for, so my sincerest thanks to John for that.
After the service we were led to the graveside for the final prayers by highland bagpiper Frank Menzies-Hearn playing the pipes. Frank is also a Mike fan, and I would like to thank him for adding this lovely touch to the event.
It was wonderful to see old friends and the incredible loyalty of Mike's fans. Thank you for all your stories, photos and pieces of memorabilia that you brought along to show me. I know that I speak for Mike too when I say how much your loyalty is appreciated, you are all amazing. Also a special thanks to Ted and Norma for your very kind gift, I'm sorry I don't have your contact details to write and thank you personally.
ITV4 filmed some of the proceedings and interviewed me as part of a documentary which is being made about the TT, so presumably it will be shown sometime in June.
My final thanks go to Jon Price, the organiser of the event. Without a police escort this year, it can't have been easy getting 500 or so bikes organised through the streets of Birmingham and out to Tanworth, so very well done Jon and many thanks to you for all your work.
When I took little Mike home to his mum and dad, he told them, " it's been a very special day for us" and indeed it was, but very sadly it was overshadowed by the tragic accident of a rider who had set out to join the run with a small group including Dave Hailwood, riding up from Hertfordshire. The accident was so severe that afterwards, none of the group felt able to continue and went home. We will make a further statement when we have more details and have spoken with the family concerned. Needless to say our thoughts are with them. Dave would like to send his apologies for not being there yesterday, but hopes that you understand."
My very best wishes to you all. Pauline Hailwood
Photo by Robert Deloyde
The Mike Hailwood Memorial Run - revised time
PLEASE NOTE - revised time is now 11.45am at Bracebridge Street B6 4PF and not 11.30am.
THE MIKE HAILWOOD MEMORIAL RUN SUNDAY MARCH 20th 2011
500 Riders expected.
REVISED MH RUN START TIME 11.45am at Bracebridge Street B6 4PF
To: TANWORTH IN ARDEN, WARWICKSHIRE St Mary Magdalene : Tanworth Green, East side, Tanworth-in-Arden, West Midlands, B94 5AL
This years run (2011) will start slightly later at 11.45am so as to ensure we do not interfere with the previous service and the congregation leaving the church and village.
Last year there were lots of complaints about West Midland's Police insistence in driving down the dual carriageway between Maypole and Portway at speeds between 15 - 30 mph.
We also have a new route this year that will completely avoid Moseley and Kings Heath and give everyone a much easier and enjoyable riding experience. (No, its not down the motorway!)
Pauline & David Hailwood will be with us this year. Pauline is going straight to the church and David will join us at Bracebridge Street and ride in the procession. Ken Sprayson and John Peters will talk about Mike at the church service which will be around 30 minutes long.
Please remember that Tanworth in Arden is a very small village with extremely limited parking around the village centre , PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON OR AROUND THE VILLAGE GREEN, we have exclusive use of the school car par at the rear of the church. The procession will arrive in convoy in the village, please follow the marshals instructions and proceed past the village green & church to the school car park.
Can I ask everyone to enter and leave the village with an appropriate speed and noise level.
Jon Price - organiser See http://madeinbirmingham.org/hailwood.htm
The Mike Hailwood Memorial Run Sunday March 20th, 11.30 am 11.45 am from The former Norton factory, Bracebridge Street, Birmingham.
This years run is a very special one with both Pauline and David Hailwood attending, there will also be a short service at St Mary Magdalen's church at Tanworth in Arden where Ken Sprayson will speak about his memories of Mike.
Can I ask you all to make a big effort this year, which marks the 30th anniversary of Mike's death and also of course of his daughter Michelle.
It's important that this great man is not forgotten and this memorial run is one of the ways we can ensure that Mike's memory is kept alive. Please do publicise the event with your friends and at your club or any way you can. We had 400 riders last year so lets see if we can better that this year. There will be off road parking at the school again and there is plenty to do in the area afterwards, the National Motorcycle Museum is close by too.
We will probably have a Police escort, government cuts willing! Also there is talk of a new route through Cotteridge but don't hold your breathe!
See http://madeinbirmingham.org/hailwood.htm
We thank CAROLE NASH INSURANCE for sponsoring this event.
David Hailwood Leaves Hailwood Motorcycle Restorations
I have stepped down from my position with Hailwood Motorcycle Restorations to pursue another opportunity in the motorcycle industry. I took the position in early 2008,and have enjoyed working with the company's vendors and customers. Initially, it was with great pride and great satisfaction to see the Hailwood name associated with this new venture. Due to a change in circumstances, I want to alert friends and family - as well as vendors and customers of HMR -- that the Hailwood family is no longer associated with HMR. After a brief transition period, the Hailwood name, and associated trademarks, shall be discontinued from use. As a former goodwill ambassador for the company -- and employee -- I wish the new owners god's speed. For HMR's vendors and customers, I wish to make it clear that neither I, nor any other member of the Hailwood Family, shall be responsible for any of HMR's obligations.
For Love of the Sport. -- Dave Hailwood - August 2009
An Audience with David Hailwood at the Manx Museum
Motorbike enthusiasts and racing fans will get the chance to meet and pose questions to the son of TT racing legend Mike Hailwood at "An Audience with David Hailwood" in the Manx Museum Lecture Theatre at 2pm on Saturday 30th May. Admission is free.
David will talk about his father's racing career and his own life-long interest in motorcycles. Members of the audience will be invited to pose questions to David during the one hour session.
Matthew Richardson, Curator: Social History for Manx National Heritage said:
"Mike Hailwood, arguably the greatest ever British motorcycle racer, raced on the Isle of Man between 1958 and 1967 – some of his finest moments were as a factory rider for Honda, including the Honda's first ever TT win in 1961, and the famous diamond jubilee TT of 1967 when he battled for the Senior TT title with Italian Giacomo Agostini. "In 1978, when Hailwood spectacularly returned to the TT, he reportedly drew an extra 50,000 fans to the Island." TT visitors can also see the 1961 TT winning machine, on loan from the National Motor Museum, and other Hailwood memorabilia as part of the exhibition 'Honda – The Golden Age' in the Manx Museum temporary exhibition gallery. The exhibition will be open to the public from 30th May to 5th September 2009. Admission to the Manx Museum is free.
To coincide with this spectacular new exhibition, Manx National Heritage and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company are launching a competition for visitors to win a trip to TT 2010 for 2 riders and 2 motorcycles. The competition will run for the duration of the exhibition. Entry forms will be available from the Isle of Man Steam Packet, The Isle of Man Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas and all Story of Mann heritage sites. For a chance to win, fill in an entry form and hand it in at any Story of Mann heritage site.
NCR - Mike Hailwood TT Replica Unveiled
Pauline & Dave Hailwood and NCR are extremely pleased to announce the new NCR Mike Hailwood TT replica motorcycle.
Pauline and Dave were the proud guests of Michele Poggipolini CEO of the Bologna based NCR factory at the unveiling of the new machine at the EICMA motorcycle exhibition in Milan, Italy on Tuesday 4th November.
They had been given a preview by Mr Poggipolini, his family and team, in Bologna prior to the exhibition and were overwhelmed at the design, and extremely high quality of this fabulous new bike. The sight of it brought tears to Pauline's eyes and she and Dave agreed that this beautiful machine was the most perfect tribute to Mike that they could have hoped for.
Whilst retaining reminders of the original Isle of Man TT winning 1978 NCR/Ducati, this new machine has the very latest technology including the suspension that will be used in next years Moto GP bikes. As NCR are specialists in high quality metals, manufacturing parts for Ferrari F1 and Aerospace, much of the bike is made from Titanium making it extremely light but extremely strong.
This new masterpiece doesn't come cheap, but what do you expect for such perfection? For more information and photos please visit: www.ncrfactory.com
Pauline and Dave would like to send our sincere thanks to Michele Poggipolini, Joe Ippoliti and the rest of the NCR family and team our sincerest thanks and best wishes.
John Maris
Last Saturday (11th October), on his way back from a Mike Hailwood Lodge meeting at which he was elected to serve as Worshipful Master next year, John was in a collision with another motorcyclist, and sadly he was killed outright. John had been approaching a right hand bend with a van coming from the opposite direction, as it got close to John, two motorcyclists overtook it on the wrong side of the road and one of them hit John. It's thought that John saw it coming and tried to stop, but he was unable to avoid the oncoming bike. It had been John's idea to form a motorcyclist Lodge, and he was to have taken part in a 100 mile ride on a moped on Sunday along with another brother, Bob Pearce, who completed the run and raised about two hundred pounds for the TT Riders Association. Sponsorship money that John had previously collected will be added to that raised by Bob, and forwarded by the Lodge. John's widow, Joan, has asked for donations at the funeral to go to the TT Riders Association as John would have wished. The Hailwood family send our sincerest condolences to Joan and their family, and to Michael Adams and the bothers of the Mike Hailwood Lodge. For more information about the Mike Hailwood Lodge visit www.mikehailwoodlodge9839.co.uk
For more information about Bike Safe, road safety program please www.bikesafe.co.uk
Silverstone celebrates 60th Anniversary in style
Those attending the recent Bennett's British Superbike Championship round at the popular Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire, were treated to a spectacular Parade Lap of some of the most iconic machinery ridden by former champions and legends of motorcycle racing history.
Some of those famous riders were Ron Haslam riding a 350cc 4 cylinder Honda, Stuart Graham on a 1960s Matchless G50, Trevor Nation on a 1980s KR 500 Kawasaki, Steve Plater on a 1978 650cc Suzuki RG500, Tony Rutter on a 1983 Ducati 750 F1, Niall MacKenzie on a 1991 Yamaha YZR 500 GP, and John Chapman rode a 500cc 4 cylinder Honda, to name but a few.
Our own Dave Hailwood, representing his father Mike, rode a 350cc 4cyl Honda, and also assisted the organizers in bringing some of the riders and machinery together for this special event.
Much more historic machinery spanning a variety of categories and championships was also on public display, and the BSB racing was extremely exciting, with Shane Byrne on his Airwaves Ducati, clinching the 2008 Championship. So there was plenty to please and interest the fans on and off the track and everyone agreed that it was a fantastic day.
We would like to send our own congratulations and thanks to Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Ltd., and all at Silverstone, and look forward to the next exciting 60 years !!
Photo by Carole McLatchie Photography – and Silverstone Circuits Limited.
Dave Hailwood at WSB Brands Hatch
Dave Hailwood can be seen a lot more around the UK circuits now he has moved back to the UK.
Dave poses behind 500cc Honda-4 Replica.
Dave and Mike Jnr.
Dave with the 500cc Honda-4 Replica owned by Ron Mullin. Photo by Clive Challinor.
Dave Hailwood Initiated as a Mason
Dave Hailwood was initiated into the "Mike Hailwood Masonic Lodge" No 9839 on Saturday 6th September 2008 by Michael Adams who is the Founding Secretary and Worshipful Master.
The ceremony was held in Rugby, Warwickshire at the premises of the newly consecrated Lodge and attended by more than 80 other members who came from all over the country, the Isle of Man and one who gave greetings from Japan.
Dave found it hard to remain composed when he saw how many people had arrived and couldn't believe how far people had come for the event. He said, "I came to realise that a great honour such as this only comes once in a life time and I am proud to be a part of it. I had to breathe very deeply on a number of occasions and was truly touched by the sincerity of everybody. I would like to thank you all for your devotion to my father and his memory, surely he would have been humbled by your kindness and generosity."
Dave had been rather nervous as to what the ceremony might involve, but all went well and although it was a very emotional experience for him it was also a very enjoyable day and one that he will never forget. Michael Adams said " It was especially nice for me, having known Mike and ridden at the same time, to be able to initiate his son into the Lodge named after his father."
Dave and I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Michael Adams and the other Masons for your kindness to Dave and also your continued loyalty to Mike's memory.
Pauline Hailwood
Pauline and David Hailwood will be visiting the TT.
Find out more
NEW Ducati T-Shirt
The Ducati owner's club have just launched a new official Mike Hailwood T-Shirt commemorating the achievements throughout his racing career.
David initiated into Hailwood Lodge
We are proud to announce that the Mike Hailwood Masonic Lodge No. 9839 is now official.
Over 150 Masons attended the Consecration at Birmingham on Friday to see a superb ceremony performed by the Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Michael J. Price C.B.E.
David Hailwood, Mike's son has been invited to join the new Lodge, and said, "I feel very shocked and humbled but I'm extremely proud to accept this honour." He will be the first Initiate to the Lodge in September.
Mike Hailwood™ Kiddimoto launched
Pauline and David Hailwood launch the new Mike Hailwood™ Kiddimoto children's wooden motorcycle at the Centenary TT 2007.
Rain Stops TT 2007 ride
The bad weather on the first day's racing of this years Isle of Man TT Centenary meeting, meant that the Lap of Honour had to be postphoned until Tuesday afternoon.
Pauline Hailwood had been invited to start the Lap, and representing his father, Dave Hailwood was to have ridden Mike's 1978 TT winning Ducati, prepared by Steve Wynne.
Unfortunately, the new schedule coincided with Pauline and Dave's flights leaving the Island. The organisers tried to change the flights, but were unable to get them off the Island as everything was fully booked. There was a suggestion of finding a private plane to take them back to the mainland, and re-scheduling their flights back to Spain, but it all sounded rather expensive and a lot of trouble for everyone.
So very reluctantly, Pauline and Dave decided that they would have to keep to their original flights and miss the Lap of Honour.
Both were very disappointed, but would like to congratulate and thank the organisers, Paul Phillips and his team, who had an enormous task in trying to keep everything going as smoothly as possible, and also keeping everyone happy. They were very helpful, did an excellent job, and must surely be pleased that the event went as well as it did.
Next year is the 30th anniversary of Mike´s fairytale win in the 1978 TT, so hopefully Pauline and Dave will be back on the Island again, and Dave will get his ride.
TT 2007 Centenary Collection released
The Isle of Man Post Office have just released details of their 2007 TT Centenary Collection which included Stamps and Coins featuring Mike Hailwood.
Pauline Hailwood says "I am delighted to endorse the TT 2007 Centenary Collection, partly because my husband Mike Hailwood has been honoured with inclusion, and also because this is such an interesting and beautifully compiled collection.
I am proud to feature the collection on www.mikethebike.com and have already placed my order for these unique collectors items, as they are without doubt the most comprehensive commemoration of a century of Isle of Man TT racing".
Hailwood goes Hollywood Hollywood is to turn Mike Hailwood's life story into a movie. The producer of the Oscar winning film Capote – Michael Ohoven - is bringing the story to the big screen. Written by Paul Pender it chronicles the heroic life of the 9 times world champion and features what is being promoted as one of the "most emotional moments of 20th century sport" – Hailwood's victorious Isle of Man TT comeback. Paul Pender's credits include the Pierce Brosnan movie EVELYN, BROTHER CADFAEL with Sir Derek Jacobi, and the first draft of NACHO LIBRE, the current Jack Black movie.
The New Mike Hailwood Mike and Pauline Hailwood's grandson, Michael David Hailwood Beltran was born in Malaga Spain on the 27th January 2005 to Gloria Beltran and Dave Hailwood.
See the first public photographs


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Mansfield V Dag Red at One Call Stadium : Match Preview
Mansfield V Dag & Red - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.
Stags numbers boosted
Anthony Howell and Kieran Murtagh could both return from injury for Mansfield when Dagenham visit the One Call Stadium.
Howell, primarily a midfielder, missed last weekend's home draw with Portsmouth through injury. Murtagh has yet to feature for the first team this season due to a knee problem but the midfielder came through 90 minutes of a behind-closed-doors friendly this week.
Stags boss Paul Cox said: "I don't know if [Saturday's game] may come a little bit too early for him, but Keiran got through a game this week. He did well, but we may still have to check on him before the weekend."
Ian Deakin remains the only injury absentee. Goalkeeper Deakin suffered a dislocated shoulder during the warm-up against Exeter and could be out for around another three weeks.
Zavon Hines is pushing to make his first start for Dagenham.
Hines made his debut off the bench at half-time in last weekend's clash against Newport and duly changed the game as the Daggers hit back to claim a 1-1 draw.
Manager Wayne Burnett must now decide whether he starts at Field Mill, where Dagenham recorded their first-ever away win in the Football League in 2007.
Fit-again centre-back Luke Wilkinson is also pushing for a starting berth but will find it tough to dislodge either Scott Doe or Brian Saah, while the returning Matt Saunders is hoping for a place on the bench.
Sponsored links
Related Mansfield Town News


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Do you ever stop to wonder how you got where you are? The Q&A a Day Journal shows you what was going through your head each day�for five years of your life. Simply turn to today�s date, answer the question at the top of the page, and when you finish the journal, start over. As you return to the daily questions again over the years, you�ll notice how your answers change (or don�t)! With questions that are sometimes provocative (�On a scale of one to ten, how happy are you?�), occasionally quirky (�What can you smell right now?�), and inevitably interesting (�If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?�), this classically designed journal�embellished with beautiful details�is the perfect gift for anyone embarking on a new phase of life.
I love the idea of having a 5 yr journal of sorts. Some of the questions posed on each page are outdated (for instance, what was the last movie you rented?) My only concern is if this book can REALLY hold up to 5 yrs of daily entries. Binding is not THAT sturdy from the feel of it. But I'm going to give it a shot. Great gift idea for anyone who has a lot going on and may find joy in documenting their state of mind from year to year.
Writer daughter very happy with
My granddaughter is using the journal so it seems to be serving its purpose.
I've had a lot of fun opening up to the date and discovering what today's question is. I'm always telling myself I need to journal, so I can remember all the memories later... but never get around to it. This gives me little snippets to look back on and remember, without taking me forever to write it out. I love it! The design is crisp and clean, and I love the cover as well. Looking forward to writing in this for the next few years!
This item will be delivered to you via USPS Trackable Media Mail or UPS Mail Innovations and will take from 2 days to 3 weeks from the time the item leaves our warehouse. *
Items must be returned in new or unused condition and contain all original materials included with the shipment. More details
FINAL SALE EXCLUSION: Items marked as FINAL SALE are not returnable unless the problem you experience is the result of our error.
* For your protection, all orders are screened for security purposes. If your order is selected for review, our Loss Prevention Team may contact you by phone or email. There may be a two business day delay to process your order.
** Most Oversize orders are delivered within 1-4 weeks. Some orders may take 6 weeks to be delivered.


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Yesterday Codecademy announced $10 million in their second round of venture funding (a big chunk of that from Richard Branson). But notice who's mentioned in the small list of accomplished students. Yes that's us,"Juliet Waters and her son Ben." That's a list of four students out of an estimated global wide sign up of seven million. So, yes, we are proud.
I haven't been blogging as much lately because I'm deep into Human Computer Interaction, a free five week online course given by Stanford through Coursera, another high quality free education startup. There I'm designing my first web/app and getting rigorously vetted by my online peers. But I'm still keeping up with my Code Year. More than ever, I'm going to need all that JavaScript to get it functional.
If that weren't keeping me busy enough, last night I went to a first meeting of organizers of Montreal's inaugural Mini Maker Faire, which will be at the Olympic Stadium August 25-26.
One day soon, I will come up for air and describe my exploits in HCI and Maker Culture in more detail.
But for now if I've discovered one thing it's this:
Learn to code and you may never have a free minute again for the rest of your life.
But I had a lot of free minutes back when I was an underemployed writer. Seriously, a lot. And I spent most of them worrying about money. So I can handle frantic for a year.
One day I'll make it back to New Mexico. Everyone keeps telling me that the mini maker faire will be empty because they'll all be at Burning Man. I'm really not sure what I'm getting myself into here.
Research Team Lead
Herbal Incense


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ESPN Smokeshow Reporter Pranked Into Smashing Her Hotel Room Window with a Toilet Seat
The Smoking Gun – In a move straight out of the Pranknet playbook, an ESPN reporter early this morning was convinced by an unknown caller to her hotel to break out her room's windows because the building was purportedly on fire. According to a Gainesville Police Department report, ESPNU reporter Elizabeth Moreau was in her room at a Hilton Garden Inn when a male caller advised "that the hotel was on fire." The man first directed Moreau, 27, to "lay towels down at the bottom of her front door to prevent smoke from entering her room." The caller then directed Moreau to use the toilet lid cover to break out the window. "She then went to the window and used it to break out the window. The window was broken and the toilet lid broke upon falling to the ground outside," police reported… The ruse is a classic tactic employed by individuals affiliated with Pranknet, the online group of hooligans exposed last year by TSG. Pranknet members frequently called hotels and asked for random room numbers. When a guest picked up–usually in the early morning hours–they would try to convince them that the hotel was on fire or had suffered a dangerous rupture in a gas line. The goal was to have the panicked guest break windows or trigger the sprinkler system. And sometimes both. As TSG previously reported, Pranknet's founder, Tariq Malik, last year distributed to certain followers lengthy target lists containing the locations and phone numbers of hundreds of Hilton Garden Inns in the U.S.. The chain was a favorite of Malik & Co. because callers could be patched through to a room without having to know the name of its occupant.
I have to confess, this is the first I've heard of Pranknet. And I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around what they're doing. I guess they're a more sophisticated version of The Pranksters from "30 Rock," is that about right? But The Pranksters do clever stuff like leave out a box of donuts with a mouse in it. Their shenanigans are cheeky and fun; Pranknet's shenanigans are cruel and tragic. I mean, is this all they do? Call up random strangers and fool them into smashing hotel windows with toilet seats? It all seems like a lot of work for not much of a payoff to me. You've got a reasonably cute ESPN U reporter in her hotel room on the line. You can't… I don't know… trick her into renting in-room porn or standing in front of the window naked? Something… anything worth the time and effort? I'm not the greatest practical joker in the world, but it seems to me like Tariq Malik is running a real phony-pizza-delivery operation here.
PS. Erin Andrews is probably pissed that this happened to another ESPN cupcake and not her.


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So, so, so. The other project I'm working on has it's own little page up over at www.worldsend-thecomic.com. There you'll find some concept stuff, info about the book, and, the World's End Working Blog. This is where Keating, J-Rod, and Myself are hoping to portray exactyl what it's like to make a comic, from conceptian to final publishing. So, go by, bookmark, and keep an eye out. We'll be putting up most everything we do, as we do it.
Monthly Archives: January 2006
Noel Fantasizes About Me a Bit Too Much, I Think…
Bill Burr
Added Some New Stuff on the Side There
There's a little RSS feed of my last.fm thing, so you can see what i'm listening to, and I added a del.ico.us blog roll.
Thinking about mounting a redesign of the blog, but I've been swamped just trying to keep up with the three new projects, my freelancing work, and trying to figure out what happens with the rest of my life. So I need a nice distraction, I suppose, I just don't know that I can afford the time to do it.
Also of note, I started getting art in on my other new project with an artist y'all should know and love. I'll announce it officially once we're more than a few pages in (hate to jinx things). It's been shown to the brain trust, and everyone's pretty ecstatic about it. It's a much more sophisticated action piece than Western Tales of Terror, while still being considerably more accessible than Elk's Run. It's even got a clearly descriptive title that's not quite so on the nose. I do listen to Warren Ellis' advice afterall.
Elk's Run 6 is going into lettering as soon as Keating finishes colors (which should be any day now) and issue 7 is at least half penciled if not more at this point. It's my favorite of the bunch, and makes getting through the script for issue 8 (le grande finale') tremendously daunting. So much so that I've managed to start (and script) three other projects rather than work on it. This week is it though. I'm putting the son of a bitch to bed, and moving on whole heartedly, and with joy to the next projects.
Is this format strange?
Got quite a bit of feedback (although you wouldn't know with how none of you bastards post in the comments) on Punk (as seen below), even had a few publishers sniff around. That's good. It'll be nice to have something come out that a large cross section of people will actually be interested in that I also enjoy writing. Like I said before, doing it feels like it makes my brain stretch, and that's a good thing.
Being that tonight is my night off (I have transcriptions, a job interview, and Elk's Run 8 to do this weekend), I watched The Jacket (beautifully shot, well acted, hell, even pretty well scripted, and yet… eh. The endng's just not there,) 12 Monkeys (after The Jacket I figured I'd watched the clone, might as well watch the masterpiece it liberally takes from as well), and the first half of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I can't remember what I said about it when it originally came out (it's somewhere in the archives here), in watching it for what is my third time (twice in the theater, dammit), it's finally gotten to the 'Alright, this movie doesn't work anymore' phase for me. Which is a shame. I've listened to the radio show, read the books, watched the BBC show, and played the video game constantly throughout my life. And they never get old. The movie… eh… They softened it too much in the wit and fury departments, and inflated the zany and quirky to a point where it eclipses the other more important aspects of the film. Yes. The Lemon Juice helmet is a funny addition… but, we've got a main character who's reduced to being a babbling idiot for the sake of it. Just hurts the overall movie when all of your protaganists are bumbling idiots except for the one character who seems to get kidnapped constantly.
Anyways, go read the book. It's worth it.
Now, to bed I go.
Coming Soon
Written by me, Art by Kody Chamberlain
Script's all set, and Kody's commencing art.
Still figuring out our publishing plan, and any interested publisher folks, can e-mail me at email@example.com.
Dr.'s Apptmt w. View
We got many votes…
The Boondocks
So, after much goading, I finally sat down and watched a few episodes of The Boondocks. It's pretty goddamn great. I think it's a bit more inventive than the comic strip, and the characters seem to really come alive when you see them in an extended dose. They really extended the basic feel of the characters, totally preserving what makes the strip work, and expounded upon it. They manage to be political, topical, and extremely fucking funny.
There's something unsettling with the anime style art work, but, overall, I really think it works perfectly. It even has the creepy anime style pacing which makes it have this sort of distant feel that really drives the comedy home. It's almost a meta-theatrical style device commenting on the show being so African-American Centric, while being programmed around shows for white twenty-somethings.
Aside from all that, it's really just fantastcally done.
Lo-Fi Interview Me.
Lo-Fi Magazine has a big ol' interview with me in the issue that just came out. If you've never heard of Lo-Fi, you're missing out. Think of it as Wizard meets Maxim, minus the fanboy bullshit and naked chicks. It's really and truly excellently done.
So, go and check it out. You're local comics retailer should be able to order it for you.


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Article brought to you by: Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)More than 27 million live as slaves in 21st Century
By Catholic Online
August 3rd, 2010 Catholic Online (www.catholic.org) According to Kevin Bales, co-founder of the organization called Free the Slaves, 27 million people live in slavery in the world today. Speaking at the Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED) 2010 conference, Bales says that figure, according to the National Geographic, is "more slaves today than were seized from Africa in four centuries of the trans-Atlantic slave trade." LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - "Think about this for a minute and let it sink in. It's not a joke. Civil wars and ethnic conflicts create destitution that turns to desperation, which is easily exploited by underworld criminals looking to make a healthy profit off human chattel. The enormity, grotesqueness and audacity of this problem elicit in me a single, visceral response: Oh my God," online journalist Katherine Gustafson writes. "Oh my God, at least 14,500 slaves are trafficked into the US each year. Oh my god, the average cost for a slave, taking the entire globe into account, is a paltry $90. Oh my god, slaves may well have prepared the restaurant meal I ate last week or picked the produce I bought on my last trip to the grocery store or cleaned my hotel room on my last vacation," Gustafson adds. An ugly story, but one with a silver lining, activist Bales says. Slavery can't compete with the free enterprise system and as such sows the seeds of its own destruction. "The price of human beings has plummeted. Slaves go for as little as $5 in India and you can secure one for a mere $3,000 in the U.S. As Bales puts it, people are now like 'Styrofoam cups. You use them then throw them away.' The good news hidden in this depressing sentiment is this: The contemporary slave trade is not all that profitable, putting it, in Bales' words, 'on the precipice of its own extinction.'" It's estimated that the world's slaves could be freed for $10.8 billion, which is a small price when once it is considered about the enormous suffering it would end. However, simply buying slaves' freedom is not an option. As Ruchira Gupta, another anti-slavery activist points out; their empowerment is as much a factor of their freedom as their physical emancipation. If everyone could do their part, it's estimated that human slavery could be eradicated in the world in 25 years. Article brought to you by: Catholic Online (www.catholic.org) |