text:
Friday, February 26, 2010
Transgender group challenges Guyana's 'cross-dressing' law
The law makes an offence of "being a man, in any public way or public place, for any improper purpose, appears in female attire, or being a woman, in any public way or public place, for any improper purpose, appears in male attire."February 20, marked the second annual commemoration of World Day of Social Justice, which recognises, in the words of United Nations General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/62/10), that "social development and social justice cannot be attained… in the absence of respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms."In his message to mark the day, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon explained that "social justice is based on the values of fairness, equality, respect for diversity, access to social protection, and the application of human rights in all spheres of life."
The day was chosen to address an act of social injustice against one of Guyana's most marginalised social groups which took place last year.Transgender persons are people whose gender identity and/or expression differs from the sex they were assigned at birth, including cross-dressers, female or male impersonators, pre-operative, post-operative or non-operative transsexuals.Trans people may define themselves as female-to-male (FtM, assigned a female biological sex at birth but who have a predominantly male gender identity) or male-to-female (MtF, assigned a male biological sex at birth but who have a predominantly female gender identity); others consider themselves as falling outside binary concepts of gender or sex.In a series of crackdowns last year, between February 6 and February 7, the Guyana police arrested a number of male-to-female transgender persons (MtF Trans) and charged them for 'cross-dressing' under the archaic Colonial section 153(1) (xlvii) statute.Unrepresented and completely unaware of their rights, the defendants were detained in police custody over the week-end and then hustled through the legal system.When they appeared before Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson on February 9, 2009, they were further ridiculed and told that they are men not women, before being fined by the learned Chief Magistrate.Seon Clarke, also known as Falatama, one of the persons arrested, said: "It was one of the most humiliating experiences of my life. I felt like I was less than human."
The motion also pleads that the Chief Magistrate was improperly influenced by irrelevant considerations, discriminated against the MtF Trans on the basis of religion, and violated a fundamental norm of Guyana as a secular state.Vigorous and wide-ranging calls within and out of Guyana for the repeal of these discriminatory laws which facilitate such injustices have been ignored by the government.Since then, SASOD has forged partnerships with human rights interests in the local and regional arenas who have been working collectively and consistently on a voluntary basis over the past year to assist this marginalised group to obtain access to justice for the atrocities endured at the instance of the law enforcement authorities.According to Joel Simpson, a senior SASOD official, the 2009 'cross-dressing' crackdowns and prosecutions provided clear illustrations of how discriminatory laws are facilitating grave human rights' abuses, in spite of the existence of an entrenched regime of human rights protection in the Guyana constitution.Leading the research initiatives to support strategic-impact, human-rights litigation in the region, Tracy Robinson of the University of the West Indies Rights Advocacy Project (U-RAP) based at the Cave Hill campus' law faculty in Barbados described the arrests and prosecutions as "an unfortunate embodiment of the patriarchal use of coercive state power for no clear or rational purpose," highlighting the need for law reform to ensure social justice and gender equity in Guyana and across the region.SASOD has mobilised support from local and regional human rights attorneys to provide representation in what amounts to a ground-breaking constitutional case.
According to Dr. Arif Bulkan, also of U-RAP and one of the Guyanese attorneys involved in the litigation, "unless the wide-ranging constitutional reforms conducted in 2001 and 2003 are to be dismissed as pure window-dressing, then the emphasis placed on non-discrimination during that process should guide the High Court to interpret the expanded equality rights generously in order to protect one of our society's most marginalised groups."Veronica Cenac, a St. Lucian attorney who serves as the human rights focal point on the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition board of governors, lauded SASOD for spearheading the case. "For way too long, we have allowed abuses against the most affected populations to go unchallenged," she said, quoting the closing words of the UN Secretary-General's message: "Lack of social justice anywhere is an affront to us all."
More from gspottt's Blog: Guyanese transpeople file a landmark constitutional motion to overturn a law against crossdressing: Caribbean GLBT law reform work begins
Peace and tolerance
Reaching Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) in the Global HIV & AIDS Epidemic
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Answer the allegations says German group at Reggae Conference
Photo by Nathaniel Stewart
'Riddim' tag team outlines gay,
Germany, Jamaican music situation
Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer
With the 2010 International Reggae Conference heading to a close last Saturday at the Assembly Hall, University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, a German tag team of reggae writers did an excellent job of analysing the situation with gays, Germany and Jamaican music.
Presenting alternately as they gave the historical, cultural and legal setting of the imbroglio in which Jamaican music has found itself, Pete Lilly and Ellen Köhlings of Riddim magazine summed up just how Jamaican music is being used by both gay rights groups and the performers themselves.
"They are looking for cheap forwards, just as the artistes performing cheap gay lyrics are looking for cheap forwards themselves," Köhlings said as she read the final segment of the hour-long presentation.
Although packing in a wealth of information, the presentation was organised and easy to follow, holding the attention of the small audience in the Assembly Hall. In the early stages, they made it clear that they are personally not homophobic, although there are those in Germany who would present them as such because of the artistes who appear in Riddim .
Lilly said, "We have to keep in mind that Jamaican culture is alien to a large percentage of our readers. In Germany, it is not accepted to express oneself negatively against any minority group onstage, especially in a violent way. This is coming from a history in which, less than 80 years ago, Jews, communists, homosexuals and Gypsies were among the minorities the Nazis slaughtered en masse. Hence, during the Student Revolution, the slogan was 'Auschwitz never again', Auschwitz being the name of a prisoner camp network in Poland run by the Nazis in which there were horrific mass murders."
The law against homosexuality was repealed in 1994, but it was made clear that homophobic sentiment does exist in Germany and the Riddim duo assessed that there seems to be a rise among the youth.
With Bob Marley's death in 1981, the German press declared reggae dead also. When Jamaican music got significant attention again, it was in the 1990s with Chaka Demus and Pliers, Shaggy and Shabba Ranks, with the German press welcoming the arrival of dancehall in the summer of 1993. It had its days in the sun and, when it disappeared from the charts, took up residence in leftist and smaller magazines.
The initial Boom Bye Bye uproar was largely confined to English-speaking countries with a significant Caribbean population. Then Jamaican music had another revival with German artistes Gentleman, Seed and Patrice as well as Sean Paul, many listeners still under the impression that it was still the 'one love' message.
Lilly and Köhlings spoke to the magazine's involvement in the issue, referring to the July 2002 story 'Burning All Illusions'. Then came the 2004 murder of Brian Williamson, which gay rights groups termed a hate crime, and the blacklist effort was on. Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel, TOK, Buju Banton, Sizzla, Capleton and Bounty Killer were the performers targeted.
Harmful Jamaican music
They broached matters of cultural imperialism and unfair expectations, going on to detail the various campaigns (Beenie Man, Sizzla and Capleton were estimated to have lost ?4 million combined at one point) at length. Now, 35 Jamaican music albums have been put on a list of Youth Harming Media, which cannot be available at any outlet that youth have access to - which is everything. CDs by Baby Cham, Vybz Kartel and Sizzla, as well as Reggae Gold and Strictly the Best - compilations are on the list, which does not contain a single American record.
Previously, the only reggae song on the Youth Harming Media Index was Peter Tosh's Legalise It , added in 1980. Currently, the state of Jamaican music in Germany is 'pretty sticky' and, without knowledge of the culture, it is impossible to take up a Jamaican CD without thinking of 'hate music'.
And while they said Riddim will do what it can to restore Jamaica's image, "Jamaica will have to take action and answer the allegations". It does not help that those allegations are made about a country where buggery is illegal and human rights organisations have detailed violence against homosexuals.
'They (gay rights groups) are looking for cheap forwards, just as the artistes performing cheap gay lyrics are looking for cheap forwards themselves."
No Immediate Legal protection for your image captured in a public place?
There is no law under our statute that can hinder anyone to capture photographs in a public place it is a very delicate area of the law, one does not have a right to ones image if it is taken in a public space without the subjects consent, the law offers no protection from having an image of a person or thing occupying that space. If the photo is used in any way to defame the subjected person(s) involved then under common law there is recourse.
At best a letter or warning of sorts from an attorney of the complainant can be sent to the photographers or the suspected individuals advising them that any use of the photos that were taken without the permission of the subjects would lead to action without any legal recourse to them. This is an option that can be reserved. In France for example members of the public have a right to their image so the photos basically could have been ordered destroyed and the relevant actions taken against the parties involved in capturing the shots.
Jamaican citizens however have the right to protection from defamation, in a common law scenario the court will have to afford protection from being viewed in a derogatory light, one is entitled to their reputation but one cannot protect a reputation that one does not have, the common law however does not allow for others to intrude in person's privacy.
So the only option in the initial stage is a warning letter through an attorney advising them accordingly that one is aware of the photos captured without consent and the possible legal actions if said photos are used to defame any of the subjected parties.
So much for rights eh?
So as it turns out there is a major loop hole here in terms of personal safety still, what if years down the road these photos turn up then one would have to use legal recourse to stop any defamatory action. The law needs to offer more protection to citizens' rights and privacy than just after the fact when my image or that of my property is captured and stored somewhere and can be drawn upon to be used without my knowledge or consent or where I can't act even under suspicion that my image is stored somewhere to have it destroyed.
This is a sad state of affairs though legally.
Peace and tolerance.
Please scroll to the relevant post that matches this entry or peruse the audioposts now hosted on GLBTQJA's NING Membership page.
Find more music like this on GLBTQ Jamaica Members' LINKUP
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Overhyped on underpants (Gleaner Letter)
A FEW days ago, some guys who were just a couple of houses away from where I live here in Kingston were arrested for 'indecent exposure'. Their common attire of exposing their underpants was the reason. Now, while I personally don't like this common fashion, I think that this stupid act of the authorities is at the core of what is wrong with our society.
Why is it that we should have a problem with how anybody decides how to express himself through his attire? What the authorities are doing is trampling on the rights of people who are expressing themselves through their outfits. What they wear is their business. They certainly are not forcing anybody to dress like them, so why the fuss?
What's so indecent?
Also, I fail to see how the charge of indecent exposure can be applied to these people. Most of them are covered from head to foot anyway. Their underpants may be exposed, but not their bodies! We all know what underpants look like anyway, so what's so indecent about seeing them?
This new effort to 'clean up our morals' rings very much like ultra-church conservatism, and although I myself may not be targeted now, I am very worried. Now that this taliban-type effort is under way, where will it end? Will women who wear their skirts too short be soon arrested? What about men who wear earrings or tight pants? What about women who wear near transparent outfits? Men who braid their hair? Will they soon be arrested too?
A deafening silence
Talking about our women, I wonder if the authorities will ever clamp down on their short or transparent outfits? In our homophobic society, it seems unlikely. Is it that exposed men should be arrested but exposed women should be encouraged?
There was a time when inter-racial marriage, Rastafarians attending schools or offices and female drivers, among others, were all considered indecent. Why are these people so silent now?
Is it that as these people are no longer 'indecent' they don't mind seeing poor young males fromour ghettos arrested for this foolishness?
I am, etc.,
Michael A. Dingwall
email@example.com, February 22, 2010
International Womens Day 2010: equal rights, equal opportunities: progress for all
THE celebration of March 8 as International Women's Day (IWD) marks the increasing recognition of the struggles of women against all forms of discrimination and exploitation, and focuses on the need for equality, for national liberation, democracy, peace and progress in all countries of the world.
On International Women's Day, at the United Nations (UN) and across the world, women on all continents, often divided by national boundaries and by ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences, join in the commemoration of this significant event.
IWD derived its significance from March 8, 1908, when women needle trade workers in New York, reacting against their brutal exploitation, held a women's day demonstration to fight for the building of the needle trades union and demand the right to vote. The success of the rally led to similar rallies in other US cities and in other countries.
International Women's Day was first celebrated in Jamaica in March 1978. Since then, a number of policy and legislative changes as well as programme initiatives have been undertaken to advance the status of women. Over the years, the Bureau of Women's Affairs (BWA) has been involved in the organisation of the IWD observances and has utilised a number of fora to commemorate IWD and to provide public education and sensitisation to a wide cross-section of the Jamaican population.
Jamaica is a member of the Organisation of American States (OAS). The Inter-American Commission on Women is the arm of the OAS which is a specialised organisation for generating hemispheric policy to advance women's rights and gender equality. The commission has played a crucial role in making the participation and support of women an integral part of the priority of governments in the Americas.
This year is very significant as we focus on women's rights as human rights. This is in keeping with the OAS decision "To proclaim 2010 the Inter-American Year of Women". As a result, they have requested that governments, parliaments, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector conduct specific activities to observe the year.
In commemoration of IWD and the Inter-American Year of Women, the BWA will recognise the tangible and intangible contribution of women who have paved the way for national development. This involves working collaboratively with UN partners and other key stakeholders to intensify the efforts to ensure that there are equal rights and opportunities for women and men towards achieving progress.
-- Bureau of Women's Affairs
Bad Man Nuh F*** Batty (Masculine Men Don't F*** Ass) (The Fear of The Feminine in JA) 16.04.15
Dr Shelly Ann Weeks on Homophobia - What are we afraid of?
Former host of Dr Sexy Live on Nationwide radio and Sexologist tackles in a simplistic but to the point style homophobia and asks the poignant question of the age, What really are we as a nation afraid of?
Days later the same paper in the print edition only carried the cartoon as done by its resident cartoonist Clovis on December 11, 2013 parodying Tiana Miller transgender spokesperson for the JFLAG We Are Jamaicans Campaign and another member of the homeless MSM in New Kingston
The Reverend Father Sean Major-Campbell washes the feet of two Jamaican lesbians, Jalna Broderick (in the background), director of Quality of Citizenship Jamaica, and Rochelle (surname withheld) during an observance in celebration of Human Rights at Christ Church in Vineyard Town, St Andrew, Photos by Rudolph Brown/Photographer
also see:
When Same Gender Relationships go Bad
A JAMAICAN WOMAN was remanded to Dodds for a month today after being charged with causing serious bodily harm to her live-in female companion.
Kerreon Ishane Kelly, 25, of Barker's Road, Haggatt Hall, St Michael, was not required to plead to the charge of doing serious bodily harm to Tishana Alphonso of the same address, with intent to maim, disfigure or disable her on January 8 this year.
I was also made to understand that the alleged attacker later apologised for the vicious attack on Instagram.
She allegedly wrote: "Sometimes we let ignorancy get the best of us n we tend to do stuff we don't wanna do and then having regret ... today (Saturday), I did the most cruel thing of all my life and I just want to take a minute to just say how truly and deeply sorry I am. I never really get the seriousness of it until my fren send me a pic ... I want to make a public apology to my ex. I wouldn't wish such a evil act on anyone."
War of words between pro & anti gay activists on HIV matters .......... what hypocrisy is this?
Urgent Need to discuss sex & sexuality II
Following a cowardly decision by the Minister(try) of Education to withdraw an all important Health Family Life, HFLE Manual on sex and sexuality
also see:
Calls for Tourism Boycotts are Nonsensical at This Time
(2014 protests New York)
Calling for boycotts by overseas based Jamaican advocates who for the most part are not in touch with our present realities in a real way and do not understand the implications of such calls can only seek to make matters worse than assisting in the struggle, we must learn from, the present economic climate of austerity & tense calm makes it even more sensible that persons be cautious, will these groups assist when there is fallout?, previous experiences from such calls made in 2008 and 2009 and the near diplomatic nightmare that missed us; especially owing to the fact that many of the victims used in the public advocacy of violence were not actual homophobic cases which just makes the ethics of advocacy far less credible than it ought to be.
See more explained HERE from a previous post following the Queen Ifrica matter and how it was mishandled
Newstalk 93FM's Issues On Fire: Polygamy Should Be Legalized In Jamaica 08.04.14
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Violence and venom force gay Jamaicans to hide
a 2009 Word focus report where the history of the major explosion of homeless MSM occurred and references to the party DVD that was leaked to the bootleg market which exposed many unsuspecting patrons to the public (3:59), also the caustic remarks made by former member of Parliament in the then JLP administration.
The agencies at the time were also highlighted and the homo negative and homophobic violence met by ordinary Jamaican same gender loving men.
The late founder of the CVC, former ED of JASL and JFLAG Dr. Robert Carr was also interviewed.
At 4:42 that MSM was still homeless to 2012 but has managed to eek out a living but being ever so cautious as his face is recognizable from the exposed party DVD, he has been slowly making his way to recovery despite the very slow pace.
Thanks for your Donations
thank you for your donations via Paypal in helping to keep this blog going, my limited frontline community work, temporary shelter assistance at my home and related costs. Please continue to support me and my allies in this venture that has now become a full time activity. When I first started blogging in late 2007 it was just as a pass time to highlight GLBTQ issues in Jamaica under then JFLAG's blogspot page but now clearly there is a need for more forumatic activity which I want to continue to play my part while raising more real life issues pertinent to us.
Activities & Plans: ongoing and future
- To continue this venture towards website development with an E-zine focus
- Work with other Non Governmental organizations old and new towards similar focus and objectives
- To find common ground on issues affecting GLBTQ and straight friendly persons in Jamaica towards tolerance and harmony
- Exposing homophobic activities and suggesting corrective solutions
- To formalise GLBTQ Jamaica's activities in the long term
- Continuing discussion on issues affecting GLBTQ people in Jamaica and elsewhere
- Welcoming, examining and implemeting suggestions and ideas from you the viewing public
- Present issues on HIV/AIDS related matters in a timely and accurate manner
- Assist where possible victims of homophobic violence and abuse financially, temporary shelter(my home) and otherwise
- Track human rights issues in general with a view to support for ALL
Thanks again
Mr. H
Information & Disclaimer
Individuals who are mentioned or whose photographs appear on this site are not necessarily Homosexual, HIV positive or have AIDS.
This blog contains pictures that may be disturbing. We have taken the liberty to present these images as evidence of the numerous accounts of homophobic violence meted out to alledged gays in Jamaica.
Faces and names witheld for the victims' protection.
This blog not only watches and covers LGBTQ issues in Jamaica and elsewhere but also general human rights and current affairs where applicable.
This blog contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences.
If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials, please view labels, post list or exit.
Since HIV infection is spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics.
This blog is not designed to provide medical care, if you are ill, please seek medical advice from a licensed practioner
Thanks so much for your kind donations and thoughts.
As for some posts, they contain enclosure links to articles, blogs and or sites for your perusal, use the snapshot feature to preview by pointing the cursor at the item(s) of interest. Such item(s) have a small white dialogue box icon appearing to their top right hand side.
Recent Homophobic Incidents
CLICK HERE for related posts/labels and HERE from the gayjamaicawatch's BLOG containing information I am aware of. If you know of any such reports or incidents please contact email@example.com
What to do if you are attacked (News You Can Use)
Try to reason with the attacker: Establish communication with the person. This takes a lot of courage. However, a conversation may change the intention of an attacker.
Do not try anything foolish: If you know outmanoeuvring the attacker is impossible, do not try it.
Do not appear to be afraid: Look the attacker in the eye and demonstrate that you are not fearful.
This may have a psychological effect on the individual.
Emergency numbers
The police 119
Kingfish 811
Crime Stop 311
Steps to Take When Contronted or Arrested by Police
b) Only give name and address and no other information until a lawyer is present to assist
c) Try to be polite even if the scenario is tensed) Don't do anything to aggravate the situation
e) Every complaint lodged at a police station should be filed and a receipt produced, this is not a legal requirement but an administrative one for the police to track reports
f) Never sign to a statement other than the one produced by you in the presence of the officer(s)
g) Try to capture a recording of the exchange or incident or call someone so they can hear what occurs, place on speed dial important numbers or text someone as soon as possible
h) File a civil suit if you feel your rights have been violatedi) When making a statement to the police have all or most of the facts and details together for e.g. "a car" vs. "the car" represents two different descriptions
j) Avoid having the police writing the statement on your behalf except incases of injuries, make sure what you want to say is recorded carefully, ask for a copy if it means that you have to return for it
Alleged Gay Vice Principal Story & Securing Personal Digital Data
some angry residents reacting to the matter nearing the school
He says the images have been tampered with.
Dervon Wellington, Acting Principal of the Christiana High School in Manchester speaking to Nationwide's Abka Fitz-Henley said but the shots looked quite clear to most and not photoshopped as is being contested.
In the meantime the Chairman of the Board of Christiana High, Calvin Lyn says a meeting was being organized then in December to address an issue which he says has implications for the institution.
All in all the gentlemen involved have since relocated overseas to avoid issues but a word to the wise is sufficient secure ones personal digital materials so that they do not get leaked, or hacked or stolen and then inadvertently find themselves online.


text:
Boeing suspends work at Auburn plant after power outage
- Staff Puget Sound Business Journal
A large power outage Saturday at Boeing's fabrications division in Auburn caused the evacuation of 4,500 employees and the suspension of first and second shift operations Monday, according to The (Tacoma) News Tribune.
The outage was caused by the failure of several transformers at 4 a.m. Saturday. Company spokeswoman Cris McHugh said workers are continuing to restore power at the site.
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The Tom Sawyer's Taxi Toon Twirl train, electronically considered to be the best lost train at Disneyland
The Tom Sawyer's Taxi Toon Twirl entrance is like a walking tour inside a real-life Toontown. The train taxis are designed to look like Benny the Cud, and when you drive you can twirl them by traveling the children.
We suggest you don't try Pirate Mode
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video tours
Short North /Italian Village - New Village - Unique, colorful, stylish, new apartment community in urban downtown Columbus. Located in the Trendy Short North, we feature everything from New York Style Studios to Single Family Cottages! Apartments and Homes with every convenience. The best of intimate living for those who believe it takes a village to make a true community. all new construction means no maintenance problems. unique architectural accents reflect your individuality. it's definitely a village that's built around you. To contact New Village about availability of these newly built apartments, call (614)291-9121 or use this contact link. To see all of our available properties visit New Village Place.
Downtown - Sixty Spring Street - Living at Sixty Spring is the best way to experience Columbus, living in the heart of downtown you can explore the city by foot. Amazing 10-20' ceilings and authentic loft design with exposed concrete floors, brick walls and ductwork. Kitchens with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Amenities include: Trash Removal. Concierge service. 24-Hour Maintenance Hotline. CITYSPACE Private Security. Rooftop Terrace. One Underground Secure Parking Space, Gym Membership, Time-Warner Cable, Natural Gas, and Stackable Washer/Dryer at no extra cost. Six unique floor plans to choose from. Weekly model tours Tuesday-Sunday, call to set up an appointment (614) 827-1000 or use this contact link. Get more information here. To see our other available properties please visit Cityspace.
Grandview - Drayton Court - New 32-unit luxury apartment community, offering 1-bedroom, 1 bathroom garden apartments; 1-bedroom, 1 bathroom carriage house apartments; 2-bedroom, 2 bathroom, garden apartments; and 3-bedroom, 3 bathroom garden apartments. Each home has a one car garage with opener. Washer/dryer is provided. All units are smoke free and your pet is welcome. Call (614) 600-8007 to arrange a showing or use this contact link. To see our other available properties please visit Metropolitan Holdings.
Grandview – The Kingland Company – Specializing in studio, 1 and 2 bedrooms homes in small intimate communities in Grandview. The communities are all within a short distance to dining, shopping and entertainment options. To schedule a tour please call The Kingland Company at (614) 486-1922 or use this contact link. To see our other available properties, please visit The Kingland Company.
Italian Village – Urban Restorations – Fusion of modern architecture and historic preservation. We are a family owned and operated real estate development company that specializes in historic renovation and new infill home building as well as managing our own portfolio of rental properties. We have properties ranging in size from studios to two bedroom single family homes in the trendy Short North and Italian Village neighborhoods. For more information or to schedule a tour please call (614) 580-5272 or use this contact link. To view all of are available properties please visit Urban Restorations.
Downtown - 15 East Gay Street - An outstanding location in the heart of downtown, 15 E. Gay Street includes distinctive finishes and features. Open floor plans and soaring ceilings offer residents maximum spatial flexibility. Oversized windows for an abundance of natural light. All appliances including washer/dryer. Stainless steel island in kitchen. Track lighting and ceiling fans throughout. Access to roof terrace which includes chaise lounge chairs, table with umbrella, grill and shower. Other amenities include: central A/C, high efficiency HVAC system, cable ready, 24 hour maintenance. For more information or to schedule a showing please call (614) 227-0600 or use this contact link. To see all of our available rentals please visit The Day Companies.
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Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Pathways To Prosperity
The Tennessee Department of Education is joining a new network focused on career preparation for high school students. The Pathways to Prosperity Network is a multi-state, multi-year initiative promoting school partnerships with public and private sector leaders in Tennessee, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri and North Carolina.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Report of Party Leads to Meth Arrest in Abingdon
TBI Data: Kingsport Leads Tri-Cities in Serious Reported Crimes
Bristol, Virginia Utilities Expecting Restitution by June from Employee/Contractor Theft and Kick-Back Schemes
BVU Board Gives Preliminary Approval to 15 Percent Sewer Rate Increase
Bristol Chamber Hosting Meet the Candidates Night on Thursday
Former NASCAR Truck Series Driver Out of Johnson City Has Sentencing Delayed in Ponzi Scheme Until October
Anniversary of Deadly Tornadoes Reminder of Need for Emergency Preparedness
Trial in Murder of 78-year-old in Carter County Delayed
New Cars Destroyed in Hauler Fire on I-81
Cop Delivers Baby; Mom and Baby Doing Well
Rabid Raccoon Found in Russell County, VA
Sullivan County Leaders Host Public Budget Meeting
Unicoi BOE Interviews Finalists for Director of Schools Position
Man Faked Robbery Because He Wanted to Go to Jail
Tennessee Lawmaker: Many Feel Allowing Guns in Parks Shouldn't Be Left to City/County to Decide
Bond Revoked on Sullivan County Woman Charged with Poisoning and Shooting Husband
With Criminal Investigation Ongoing, BVU Cutting General Legal Counsel to Part Time Work
SuperTalk 92.9 WFHG is a Bristol Broadcasting Company Station
© Bristol Broadcasting Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


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Company Description (as filed with the SEC)
Our legal and commercial name is Macrocure Ltd. We were formed as a company in Israel on January 14, 2008. We are a biotechnology company focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing novel cell therapy products to address unmet needs in the treatment of chronic and other hard-to-heal wounds. In August 2014, we completed our IPO, pursuant to which we sold 5.35 million ordinary shares for aggregate gross proceeds (before underwriting discounts, commissions and expenses) of $53.5 million. Upon the consummation of our IPO, our ordinary shares began trading on the NASDAQ Global Market, under the symbol "MCUR". We are subject to the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law, 5759-1999. Our corporate headquarters are located at 25 Hasivim Street, Petach Tikva 4959383, Israel. ... More ...
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Annual EPS Est: | $-2.15 |
Quarterly EPS Est: | -0.38 |
PEG Ratio: | -.23 |
Mean Recommendation: |
1 |


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5.5 hours of labor 5 min of pushing and we finally got to meet our beautiful baby girl yesterday at 2:02 pm, 19 3/4 inches long and 8 pounds even.... Pics to follow later! Good luck to all the mommys waiting on their little ones :)
Our little Ava is here!!!
Comments (4)
Posted 08/03/2011
Proud Navy Wife & Mommy to 4 Princesses....DD(14), DD(10), DD(7) & DD(5)... Our Little Prince Arrived 8-13-11
Posted 08/03/2011
congrats, we want to see the photos!!!
* G-I-U-lia (* V *)
TAKE A MOMENT for BABY RYLEIGH: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/Reaching-Ryleigh-Medical-Expense-Fundraiser/40909
What's on your mind?
Create a new postYour growing child
Your 3 1/2-year-old: Starting chores
Three-year-olds are eager helpers. Everything -- even household chores -- looks like fun. Read More


text: Search results Listings are for East Coast. For local listings, Enter zip code or Sign in Go Display: All Results TV Shows Movies Actors Directors Only show HD Only show new episodes We found the following shows with actor/director: "Brooklyn Mclinn" in the next 14 days. Rules of Engagement Next episode: Little Bummer Boy Fri 5/8 2:00 AM 101 WPIX (Cbl) 30 minutes TV-14 Russell borrows a holiday gift concept from Adam; Audrey tries to make people laugh. View in TV Listings 1-Click Record 1-Click Season Pass Record with options


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Omniture Client Care Salary
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McClatchy fears some clubs could face bankruptcy
Updated: January 28, 2005, 7:55 PM ET
Associated Press
PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh's Kevin McClatchy lashed out at other baseball owners Friday for a return of free-agent spending that he fears may steer some clubs close to bankruptcy.
McClatchy, the Pirates' managing general partner, warned of a growing division between big-payroll and small-market clubs that could lead to contentious owners meetings and a much harder stance during the next labor negotiations. The current labor deal with players runs until December 2006.
"I don't know what ...
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- Bowden: Cardinals, Nationals the NL's best
- Blengino: Why Donaldson will win MVP award
- Petriello: Criticism of O's offseason is unjust
- Olney: More 2015 breakthrough candidates
- Karabell: Fantasy players to target
- Karabell: Fantasy Do Not Draft list
- Law: Top 100 MLB prospects


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Tap Here to view the Mobile Optimized TFLN
I wish there was an iPhone app to help you with your shitty personality.
I may not go down in history, but i will definitely go down on your little sister.
The first sip always goes straight to my vagina.
Do you ever make guys send you dick pictures just cause it's hilarious?
I just saw at least a dozen senior citizens on roller blades. way to drunk for this.
You know there's only so much I can do with a great personality.
Blacked out at the beach and unblacked out at a piano bar singing Tiny Dancer.
yeah, but the first step is admitting you have a problem, the next step is kidnapping him
You had me sold at "fucking you down the slide"
When I come over I'm bringing "Socky" the Alcoholism Prevention puppet, today he is going to tell you boys about his FAVORITE word---its called "moderation"
Wow, nothing is more special than changing the channel and seeing the guy who groped you on Saturday night...
So question, would you consider it morally wrong to grind up Cialas and put it in ones cocktail? Then I get what I want and he doesn't have to be embarrassed and he can win the mental game with himself? I'm only thinking of him...
I can't tell if I have the Pizza Hut shits or beer shits
i really need to shower, but i don't want to take off my bra and lose my cleavage. the struggle
Shroomed with my best friend'a dad at his wife's surprise birthday party so you can say I have experience in the field
Follow @tfln


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I did grow older and bigger, but I never grew up!
Yes, I am. Sometimes I don't act it.
I agree.
I may not act like one all the time..but ...yes
I guess so
Legally I am, but I try not to act like it.
I am an adult... heeheeheeheeheeheehee.
Maybe.... o_O
Unfortunately, yes.
a lot of the time
Yes I am really 39 years old, but I want to be done being an adult. Its really no fun at all! :-{
Legally, yes. When making decisions which affect others... yes. When driving, operating machinery and sharp knives... yes. At play time.... who knows! mx:))
I always thought so but then my wife keeps telling me I act like a child. What's a kid supposed to do?
I have been one for over 20 years
yes. why?
physically yes mentally not happening...lol
Technically, yes. But,,,my daughter tells everyone that I'm her..."teenager." Why? Because I like smokin' hot men. Here's to her: 0_o
I have been told I`m a five foot seven year old. ;-p
Hmmm.............I'm going to say yes.
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Intermatic Offers Extended Life Electronic Photo Controls
Intermatic launched three new Electronic Photo Controls that have been designed to meet the longer life expectancies of LEDs.
The new products feature 10-, 15- and 20-year life expectancies. The product is compatible with LEDs and other lighting applications that use electronic ballasts and drivers.
The Electronic Photo Controls are appropriate for open space lighting applications such as street and roadway lighting, parking lots, and parks and playgrounds as well as common spaces and architectural lighting
Intermatic's Electronic Photo Controls line includes:
1) ELC4536 – the Standard Electronic Photo Control compatible with a 2 amp electronic ballast;
2) EK4536 – the Select Grade Electronic Photo Control compatible with a 6 amp electronic ballast;
3) LED4536SC – the Specifier Grade Electronic Photo Control compatible with an 8 amp electronic ballast.
All of Intermatic's Electronic Photo Controls carry the UL or CSA seal of certification. As a measure of performance, Intermatic adopted NEMA 410 for evaluating compatibility with electronic ballasts and used the NEMA 410 methodology for testing in its corporate laboratory.
- NAEM 2015 EHS and Sustainability Software Buyers Guide
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- Smart Companies Utilize Integrated Energy Solutions


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Buzz! Junior: Jungle Party Screenshots for PS2
On: PS2The first in the new range of junior quiz titles from Sony.
Review Verdict Read Review
8Out of 10
Back to game infoLatest Articles for Buzz! Junior: Jungle Party
Sony: We haven't fallen behind in social gaming
Worldwide Studios boss admits to irritation when media focuses on Guitar Hero and Rock Band.
Top 10: Family Games
VideoGamer.com's essential Christmas and New Year's buyer's guide.
Marvel Heroes 2015: Developer Q&A
David Brevik, CEO at Gazillion Entertainment, tells all about this superhero MMO. Why is it free to play, what's changed since it launched, and Marvel's involvement in the game.
Promoted post by Gazillion Entertainment.Sony is bringing a Buzz! to the classroom
School-friendly version of PS2 buzzer controlled quiz sensation to be unveiled at trade show.
UK Video Game Chart: EA claims top three spots
Publishing juggernaut EA starts the year with a bang, claiming the top three places in the All Formats Chart.


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Video: Proposed Hospital Meetings Law Drawing Criticism from Administrators
Administrators feel requirements not equal for public and private medical centers
Administrators feel requirements not equal for public and private medical centers
The 21st annual Mississippi Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship State Conference is being held at the Trotter Convention Center.
Fake IRS agents have targeted more than 366,000 people with harassing phone calls demanding payments and threatening jail as part of a huge nationwide...
Tupelo Regional Airport's carrier averaging 13 passengers a day
An outgoing member of the Federal Reserve Board says the nation's economy is on firm ground for manageable and sustainable growth.
The murder suspect accused of killing a deputy U.S. marshal in a shootout died Wednesday, an official with a Louisiana coroner's office said.
American Education Advantage places students in select private schools in Mississippi and Oregon
Market Street Festival is right around the corner
Mississippi could become the third state to sign onto a plan for a nationwide constitutional convention to force the federal government to balance its...


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Yves has completed online and offline ID verification.
Yves and his family stayed in my apartment last week for 4 days. He was a nice man to have to deal with and left my apt clean and nothing was broken. all in all I have had a good experience with Yves and I would recommend his to stay at your place in the future! Peter.


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VIEWS: 254 PAGES: 3 CATEGORY: Personal Finance POSTED ON: 7/19/2010
Project Risk Assessment Template document sample
NASA Systems Engineering Award 2008 SAE Aero Design Competition Project Risk Management Slides • The first slide, Project Risk Definitions, is a reference intended to provide instructions and definitions related to risk management. The slide is based on a risk assessment of the NASA SOFIA aircraft. This slide will help your team define and evaluate your risks. • The second slide, Example Project Risk Management Matrix, is an example of what your team should create and submit as item IX in the PRR/PDR document. NASA Systems Engineering Award 2008 SAE Aero Design Competition Project Risk Definitions DEFINITIONS: RISK MANAGEMENT: An organized, systematic decision-making process that efficiently identifies risks, assesses or analyzes risks, and effectively reduces or eliminates risks to achieving program goals. RISK: A Program "Risk" is any circumstance or situation that poses a threat to: crew or observatory safety, Program controlled cost, Program controlled SOFIA Risk Matrix schedule, or major mission objectives, and for which an acceptable resolution is deemed unlikely without a focused management effort. 5 What is the likelihood the situation or circumstance will happen? P R 4 Level Probability Probability . . . or—the current process . . . O (Safety) B P Near Certain Likely to occur cannot prevent this event, no alternate A R 5 immediately 80–100% (X > 10-1 ) approaches or processes are available. B 3 O I B Probably will cannot prevent this event, but a different L LEGEND A Highly Likely 4 occur in time I 2 B 60–80% (10-1> X > 10-2 ) approach or process might. I T High - L Likely May occur may prevent this event, but additional Y Implement new I 3 in time 40–60% (10-2> X > 10-3 ) actions will be required. 1 T process(es) or change Y Unlikely to 2 Low Likelihood occur is usually sufficient to prevent this type baseline plan(s) 20–40% (10-3> X > 10-6 ) of event. 1 2 3 4 5 Med - CONSEQUENCES (SEVERITY) Not Likely Improbable to Aggressively manage; 1 occur (10-6> X) is sufficient to prevent this event. 0–20% consider alternative process Given the event occurs, what is the magnitude of the impact to the SOFIA Program? . . . Low - Monitor Level 1 2 3 4 5 Technical Minimal or No Mod. Reduction, Mod. Reduction, Major Reduction, But Unacceptable, No C Same Approach But Workarounds Workarounds Available Alternatives Exist o Impact n Retained Available s e Schedule Minimal or Additional Activities Level 2 Milestone Slip Level 2 Milestone Slip of >1 Cannot Achieve q No Impact Required. Able to of < 1 Month. Month, or Program Critical Major Program u Meet Need Dates Path Impacted Team Budget Milestone e Increase n Individual System Individual System Budget Individual System Budget >15% Individual System Budget c Cost Minimal or Budget Increase Increase between 5%-10% Increase of >10% or Increase of >15% or e no Impact Program Budget Increase s of <5% or Program Budget Program Budget Increase Increase of >2% of >5% of >10% NOTE: Technical includes everything that is not cost and schedule: e.g., safety, operations, quality of science, programmatic, etc. NASA Systems Engineering Award 2008 SAE Aero Design Competition Example Project Risk Management Matrix Rank & Risk Appr Trend ID oach Risk Title 5 1 DFRC-34 R Landing Gear Door System L Failure I 4 1 3 2 DFRC-12 M Sched Integration problems K structure vs. avionics E Cost growth for engine 4 3 DFRC-07 W L 3 2 components I 6 5 4 DFRC-24 A Quality Control Resources H insufficient O 2 8 7 DFRC-01 Avionics software behind 5 W O schedule D DFRC-11 Payload Capacity & Volume 1 6 R Trade-offs design issues 1 2 3 4 5 7 DFRC-04 R Limited Flight Envelope, due to technical issues CONSEQUENCES 8 DFRC-02 R More flight testing may be required for Soft V&V Criticality L x C Trend Approach High Decreasing (Improving) M - Mitigate Increasing (Worsening) W - Watch Med Unchanged A - Accept Low New Since Last Period R - Research


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Android 4.0.4 approved for Verizon's Galaxy Nexus
Verizon has approved a new software update for their Samsung Galaxy Nexus and looks to be deploying the release immediately. A support page for the handset has gone live and details what is found in the IMM76K Android 4.0.4 update as well as how to download and install said file. This isn't a major release and really doesn't add a ton of functionality to the handset however it should clear up some of the problems you might experience from time to time.We've heard from some of you that the update is available now so be sure to check your Galaxy Nexus.
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Sprint tweaks prepaid with new plans and devices
Sprint on Friday relaunched its own prepaid service, Sprint Prepaid. Formerly known as Sprint As You Go this is not to be confused with the Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile
PrivacyStar Users Hit 100,000 Reports to the FTC!
PrivacyStar, an Android app and service that allows subscribers to report and block telemarketers and debt collectors who violate consumer protection laws, hit a record milestone this week for reports filed with the FTC. Users of the service made their 100,000th report to the Federal Trade Commission, helping the FTC to crack down on the almost 20% of said callers who could care less about the "no-call list" or federal protection laws for consumers.
3 Comments
Its about damn time! Just got my OTA update! Instantly doubled my signal strength! So far,so good!!


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Infrastructure Architect Jobs in Yorkshire |
Jobs 1 to 2 of 2Infrastructure Architect - Virtualisation / Cloud / Storage / Network
Leeds, West Yorkshire -
4it Recruitment Ltd
The successful Infrastructure Architect will possess extensive architectural experience within large scale, fast paced and dynamic organisations along with in depth technical knowledge covering Server, Virtualisation, Storage, Networks and Load Balancing... In depth technical knowledge covering: Server (HP BladeSystem), Virtualisation (VMWare ESX), Storage Area Networks, Network Attached Storage (EMC/IBM/...
Salary: £Excellent Salary + Benefits
Posted: 5 days ago
Infrastructure Architect
West Yorkshire -
Uniting Ambition
Duration: 6 Months. Rate: £500pd - £550pd... We are looking for an Infrastructure Architect to play a lead role in the delivery of projects and programmes driving the IT strategic change... Experience Required for the Infrastructure Architect: Previous experience working with ePos systems, Till systems or Self Service Terminals. Advanced experience...
Rate: £500pd - £550pd
Posted: 6 hours ago


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NWAR: Trench Warfare
Detective Nwar gets his hands dirty for a political campaign.
4.42 / 5.00 2,905 ViewsOne day I just had a strange thought. I said to myself, "What would it be like if Eskimo Bob an Sonic were combined?" Update: I gave this movie a lil graphics boost, enjoy.
HA HA HA HA HA HA!!! That is hilarious with sonic burping after a chili dog and the "You destroyed my igloo" part and the beginning. Good job! ;)
Sonic looks like rayman!!!!!
Or...even better, Sonic looks like Eskimo Bob!
I loved it! The most funny parts: Sonic: You destroyed my igloo! im gonna make you pay! Sonic: BBBBUUUUUURRRRRPPP!! End teller: DEND! Keep it up,man!!
Yes, I do have a magnificant belching talent...why do I feel sad now...
Nice One
Sonic Mixed Up With Eskimo Bob.I Love Sonic & Eskimo Bob.Episode is the Wrath of Knuckles Though
"im gettin outta here"
that was so funny make more of that stuff
More Eskimo Sonic you say?
I feel a bit nauseous...ugh...


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Law Report: Student who lost placement could not claim benefit
A student attending a sandwich course did not become eligible for income support if, during the semester of the course when she was on industrial placement, the firm employing her ceased to do so and she was then in receipt of neither pay nor a student grant.
The Court of Appeal by a majority (Lord Justice Waller dissenting) dismissed an appeal by Hilary Mary Diana Driver against the decision of the Social Security Commissioner, on 8 December 1994, that the appellant did not qualify for income support on 5 November 1991 because she was then a student within the meaning of the relevant regulations.
Nathalie Lieven (Richard Poynter, Crouch End) for the appellant; Rabinder Singh (Treasury Solicitor) for the respondent.
Lord Justice McCowan said that in September 1989 the appellant began a full time sandwich course in interior design at the Polytechnic of North London. The course was for seven semesters, finishing in February 1993. Semester 5, between September 1991 and February 1992 had to be spent on industrial placement.
In September 1991 the appellant began an industrial placement with a firm of architects but in October 1991 the firm ended her placement because of financial difficulties caused by the recession. The appellant then had no source of income because she was in receipt of neither pay nor her student grant.
She applied for income support but was refused on the ground that she was a student attending a full-time course of study. The Social Security Appeal Tribunal agreed and on 8 December 1994 the Commissioner upheld that decision.
On 14 February 1995 the Court of Appeal decided, in Chief Adjudication Officer v Clarke and Faul (Law Report, 15 February 1995), that a student who withdrew from his course during an intercalated period was eligible for income support. Following that decision, the present appellant was granted leave to appeal.
At the material time, reg 10(1)(h) of the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987 provided that a claimant was not to be treated as available for employment (and therefore eligible for income support) if he was a student during a period of study. By reg 2(1), "student" had the meaning prescribed by reg 61, namely:
a person aged 19 or over but under pensionable age who is attending a full time course of study at an educational establishment; and for the purposes of this definition:
(a) a person who has started on such a course shall be treated as attend-
ing it throughout any period of
term or vacation within it until the last day of the course or such earlier date as he abandons it or is dismissed from it;
(b) a person on a sandwich course shall be treated as attending a full time course of advanced education or, as the case may be, of study.
The appellant accepted that she had not abandoned or been dismissed from the course, but argued that she should be treated in the same way as the applicants in the Clarke and Faul case, who were held not to be "students" within the meaning of the regulations during the intercalated periods when their attendance at their courses had been suspended. There were certain unnamed periods in a course which were neither term nor vacation and these, it was said, were the equivalent of the intercalated year relied on in Clarke and Faul.
His Lordship did not agree. The difference in the facts was crucial. The intercalated year could not be equated with the unnamed periods relied on here.
The regulation clearly stated that a person who had started on such a course should be treated as attending it throughout any term or vacation within it until the end of the course.
His Lordship quite understood Hoffmann LJ in Clarke and Faul saying one could not sensibly have periods of term or vacation within the course "when the students are not attending the course at all" or Glidewell LJ that the intercalated year "cannot fairly be described as a period of either term or vacation within the course".
But in this case his Lordship had no problem in concluding that in semester 5, when the appellant was on a sandwich course, she was to be treated as attending a course of study and accordingly ineligible for income support.
- 1 Migrant crisis: Greek soldier saved 20 people singlehandedly off Rhodes beach
- 2 Sofyen Belamouadden murder: The inside story of a crime that horrified Britain
- 3 UK weather: Britain braced for snow as arctic air mass moves in
- 4 Aaron and Melissa Klein: Oregon anti-gay bakers ordered to pay $135,000 after refusing to make cake for same-sex wedding
- 5 'Isis' schoolgirls: Missing British teenager tweets picture of her Syrian takeaway
Migrant crisis: Greek soldier saved 20 people singlehandedly off Rhodes beach
Ian Brady: Moors murderer announces his support for Ukip and the SNP
Aaron and Melissa Klein: Oregon anti-gay bakers ordered to pay $135,000 after refusing to make cake for same-sex wedding
UK weather: Britain braced for snow as arctic air mass moves in
Power of Nepal earthquake was equivalent to 20 huge atomic bombs
General Election 2015: Chuka Umunna on the benefits of immigration, humility – and his leader Ed Miliband
The sickening truth about food banks that the Tories don't want you to know
Migrant boat disaster: Ukip candidate mocks victims in sickening Twitter post
Nigel Farage wants the BBC to stop making programmes like Doctor Who, Strictly Come Dancing, and Top Gear
Global warming: Scientists say temperatures could rise by 6C by 2100 and call for action ahead of UN meeting in Paris
General Election 2015: Britain would become a 'communist dictatorship' under Ed Miliband and Nicola Sturgeon, claims wife of Michael Gove
Framing Fashion with Oliver Proudlock
Watch the first video in our new series for tips on new trends and London's style scene.
Back to nature
Check out our insider's tour of Menorca's beaches, from the accessible to the remote.
Win up to £15K to bring your idea to life
The Evening Standard has teamed with Born to find the next big innovation. Find out how you can win £15K to bring your idea to life...
The battle of Hallam
The hotly contested Sheffield seat has the most educated voters in the country. Will they show their displeasure at the Lib Dems' tuition fee u-turn by ousting Nick Clegg?
Win £125 of glasses with Specsavers
The Evening Standard have teamed up with Specsavers to offer readers the chance to win stylish frames and sunglasses to boost your spring look.
There's more to New York than just business
We've teamed up with Hilton Garden Inn to give away a fantastic 5 night trip to New York
It's always a good time to visit Barbados
Discover Barbados with this amazing promotion from Brilliant Barbados, giving visitors more than ever before.
Discover Tobago for FREE!!
We are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a seven night self-catering holiday for two. What are you waiting for? Enter now.
Voting Clever
Detailed polls show where certain seats can be won – or lost – by the power of the student vote. Those who use the polls strategically could really make a difference, writes Lucy Hodges
Health professionals create a design for life
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B The Author(s), 2010
Published Online: 9 April 2010DOI: 10.1007/s11307-010-0322-0
Mol Imaging Biol (2011) 13:3Y9
Labeling Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
with Fluorescent Contrast Agents: the Biological
Sophie E. Boddington,1Elizabeth J. Sutton,1,2Tobias D. Henning,1,3
Alexander J. Nedopil,1Barbara Sennino,4Anne Kim,5and Heike E. Daldrup-Link1
1Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
2Department of Radiology, Mt. Auburn Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
3Department of Radiology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
4Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
5Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
Purpose: This study aims to determine the effect of human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC)
labeling with the fluorescent dye DiD and the iron oxide nanoparticle ferucarbotran on
Procedures: hMSCs were labeled with DiD alone or with DiD and ferucarbotran (DiD/
ferucarbotran). hMSCs underwent confocal microscopy, optical imaging (OI), and magnetic
resonance (MR) imaging. Chondrogenesis was induced by transforming growth factor-b and
confirmed by histopathology and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production. Data of labeled and
unlabeled hMSCs were compared with a t test.
Results: Cellular uptake of DiD and ferucarbotran was confirmed with confocal microscopy. DiD
labeling caused a significant fluorescence on OI, and ferucarbotran labeling caused a significant
T2* effect on MR images. Compared to nonlabeled controls, progenies of labeled MSCs
exhibited similar chondrocyte morphology after chondrogenic differentiation, but the labeled cells
demonstrated significantly reduced GAG production (pG0.05).
Conclusion: DiD and DiD/ferucarbotran labeling of hMSC does not interfere with cell viability or
morphologic differentiation into chondrocytes, but labeled cells exhibit significantly less GAG
production compared to unlabeled cells.
Key words: Optical imaging, Magnetic resonance imaging, Molecular imaging, Cell labeling,
Mesenchymal stem cell, Superparamagnetic iron oxide, DiD, Differentiation, Contrast agent
regenerating structural damage to articular cartilage a
particularly challenging problem. Stem cell transplants
artilage lacks self-regeneration capacity, which makes
provide a potentially curative therapeutic option. However,
there are many obstacles related to stem cell-mediated
cartilage regeneration such as (a) achieving successful stem
cell retention at the implantation site, (b) differentiation of
the transplanted stem cells into chondrocytes, and (c)
regeneration of hyaline cartilage instead of fibrous cartilage
A noninvasive imaging technique for long-term in vivo
detection of transplanted stem cells would significantly
enhance our ability to identify factors that lead to cartilage
Correspondence to: Sophie E. Boddington; e-mail: Sophie.Boddington@
Page 2
regeneration and functional improvement of arthritic joints.
Classical methods to monitor stem cell transplants have
relied on postmortem histopathological analyses, which
would not be clinically applicable. Novel noninvasive
multimodality imaging approaches would be readily clin-
ically applicable and could combine high sensitivity (as
provided by optical imaging techniques) with direct
cartilage depiction (as provided by magnetic resonance
(MR) imaging) for high-resolution stem cell tracking in
real time [2].
In order to track stem cells and/or their progenies in
cartilage defects with a combined OI and MR imaging
approach, the cells have to be labeled with markers that can
be detected with either technique. Exogenous markers have
the advantage of being easy to apply, while not being
associated with genetic modifications of the labeled cells.
However, it has been recently discussed, controversially, if
cellular contrast agent markers may inhibit chondrogenesis
of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) [3, 4]. Thus, the
purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hMSC
labeling with the fluorescent dye DiD and the iron oxide
nanoparticle ferucarbotran on chondrogenesis.
Materials and Methods
Cell Culture
After institutional approval and donor consent, primary hMSCs
were aspirated from bone marrow (BM) in the iliac crest of a 20-
year-old male patient with no known bone marrow pathology, who
was admitted to our institution for trauma surgery. BM cells were
plated and incubated for 12 h. Nonadherent cells were removed and
remaining cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle
medium (DMEM) high glucose media (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA,
USA) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS; Hyclone,
Logan, UT, USA) and 1% penicillin–streptomycin at 37°C in a
humidified 5% CO2atmosphere. The culture media were changed
every third day. The cells were passaged upon reaching 90%
confluency and either redistributed to new culture flasks or used for
experiments. All experiments were performed between passages
8–12 to optimize chondrogenic potential and avoid senescence.
Three groups were investigated: nonlabeled hMSCs [1], hMSCs
labeled with the fluorescent dye DiD [2], and hMSCs labeled with
the MR contrast agent ferucarbotran in addition to the fluorescent
dye DiD (DiD/ferucarbotran) [3].
Cell Labeling Procedure
1. DiD (C67H103CIN2O3S: vibrant cell labeling solution, Molecular Probes,
Eugene, OR, USA) is a lipophilic, carbocyanine near-infrared (NIR)
fluorochrome with a molecular weight of 1,052 DA and excitation/
emission maximum of 644/665 nm. Samples of 1.0×106hMSC were
incubated with 5 µl of DiD in 1 ml of serum-free media for 20 min and
then washed three times with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) by
2. Ferucarbotran (Resovist: Bayer Schering AG, Berlin, Germany) consists
of carboxydextran-coated superparamagnetic particles of iron oxides
(SPIOs). Ferucarbotran is characterized by a mean diameter of 60 nm, a
net negative charge, as well as r1 and r2 relaxivities of 25 and 151 mM−1
s−1, respectively [5]. Samples of 1.0×106hMSC were incubated with
ferucarbotran (100 μg Fe/ml serum-free high-glucose DMEM) for 2 h.
Then, 10% FBS was added and cells were incubated for an additional
12 h. The cells were carefully washed three times with PBS (pH7.4) by
sedimentation (5 min, 400 rcf, 25°C). The ferucarbotran-labeled cell
pellet was resuspended and labeled with DiD as described above. A
serial dilution was prepared of DiD/ferucarbotran-labeled hMSCs and
nonlabeled controls with decreasing cell numbers for subsequent MR and
OI. Following each labeling procedure, the cells were counted using a
hemocytometer (Neugebauer Chamber), and cell viability was tested by
the trypan blue exclusion assay (Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA).
Representative samples of labeled hMSC and unlabeled controls, prior to
differentiation, were imaged using a Zeiss-LSM 510 confocal micro-
scope (Carl Zeiss MicroImaging, Inc., Thornwood, NY, USA) to confirm
labeling and localization. All hMSC samples were mounted with
Vectashield containing 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI; Vector
Laboratories, Burlingame, CA, USA). Ferucarbotran-labeled samples
were also stained with antidextran fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC;
Stem Cell Technologies, Tukwila, WA, USA) for iron localization.
In vitro imaging studies of hMSCs and chondrogenic cell pellets
were performed with a 1.5-T MR scanner (Signa EXCITE HD; GE
Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI, USA). The chondrogenic pellets
were imaged in polypropylene tubes and were immersed in a water
bath (20°C) to diminish susceptibility artifacts. The samples were
scanned with a circularly polarized quadrature knee coil (Clinical
MR Solutions, Brookfield, WI, USA). Axial sequences were
obtained using a T2*-weighted GE sequence (TR 500, multiple
TE 28.8:14.4:7.2:3.7 ms, BW 15.63 Hz, FOV12, matrix 256×196,
NEX 1, alpha 30).
Images of hMSCs and chondrogenic pellets were acquired and
analyzed using Living Image 2.5 software (Xenogen, Alameda,
CA, USA) integrated with Igorpro (Wavemetrics, Lake Oswego,
OR, USA). The optical imager is an integrated fluorescence system
(400–900 nm) that is composed of a light-tight specimen chamber
(dark box) and a 0.5-in. charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. To
minimize electronic background and maximize sensitivity, the CCD
camera is thermoelectrically cooled to −70°C. Prior to acquiring the
fluorescence-based optical images, gray scale images (i.e., a regular
photograph) were acquired using unfiltered light from the excitation
source, which were later fused with fluorescence images using IVIS
software. All in vitro samples underwent OI using Cy5.5 filter
preset (excitation filter passband 615–665 nm, emission filter
passband 695–770 nm, background filter passband 580–610 nm)
to match the absorption and emission characteristics of the labeling
fluorophore, and unfiltered light from the excitation source was
used for the photograph. Specifically, while DiD exhibits its
maximum emission intensity at about 665 nm, the emission
spectrum extends to about 800 nm with about half of the emitted
photon flux at wavelengths longer than 695 nm, which allows them
to be captured by the imaging system using the Cy5.5 filter set.
The IVIS system has implemented a subtraction method to
minimize the effect of residual background signal and autofluor-
escence that may be detected during fluorescent imaging. This
subtraction method is executed by first acquiring an image with
4 S.E. Boddington et al.: Labeling Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Fluorescent Contrast Agents: the Biological Impact
Page 3
the primary excitation filter, which is then followed by acquiring
another image with the background excitation filter. The back-
ground noise can then be subtracted. A detailed description of the
imaging system is provided by Troy et al. [5]. Consistent
illumination parameters were used for all NIR fluorescent
acquisitions. Normalized images are obtained by dividing the
fluorescent image by a reference illumination image, and thus,
images are unitless. The resulting "normalized" image displays
each pixel in the unit of "average efficiency" which represents the
fractional ratio of fluorescent emitted photons per incident
excitation photon (Xenogen, Alameda, CA, USA). For in vitro
image analysis, regions-of-interest were defined as the circular
area of the pellet.
Chondrogenic Differentiation
For each experimental group, four samples of 2.5×105hMSCs (n=4
DiD,n=4 DiD/ferucarbotran,andn=4unlabeledcontrolhMSC)were
suspended in 0.5 ml of complete chondrogenic media (Chondrogenic
manufacturer's protocol (Lonza Group Ltd., Switzerland) containing
10 ng/ml recombinant transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3. The
aliquot was transferred to 15 ml polypropylene culture tubes (VWR,
pelleted micromass and subsequently incubated at 37°C in a
humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2. The media were changed every
2 days and the culture ended after 14 days.
Glycosaminoglycan Quantification
The absorbant assay, dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB), was used to
assess the total glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content in the differ-
entiation samples [6]. After the 14-day culture, each pellet was
suspended in 0.5 ml 1× TE buffer, and the corresponding cumulative
chondrogenic induction medium was homogenized for comparison to
standard curves of chondroitin sulfate following the addition of
250 µl DMMB solution (21 mg DMMB, 5 ml absolute ethanol, and
2 g sodium formate; pH3.5). Average total GAG content and relative
GAG content were calculated for each triplicate sample.
Histopathologic Evaluation of Chondrogenic
The chondrogenic pellets were removed from test tubes, placed
in 10% neutral buffered formalin, and then encapsulated in
HistoGel (both Richard-Allan Scientific, Kalamazoo, MI, USA).
The specimens were paraffin-embedded, sectioned into 5-µm
transverse slices, and stained with Alcian blue (stains acid
mucopolysaccharides and glycosaminoglycans) and safranin-O
Statistical Analysis
Imaging data and GAG data were displayed as means and standard
deviations (SD). Data of labeled and unlabeled cells were tested for
significant differences with a Student's t test. Statistical signifi-
cance was assigned for p valuesG0.05.
Cell Labeling Procedure
1. hMSC labeling with DiD: The trypan blue test revealed
a cell viability of 97%±3% before and 96%±3% after
the labeling procedure, which was not significantly
different (p90.05). Confocal microscopy demonstrated
that unlabeled hMSC showed no fluorescence (Fig. 1a)
while there was uptake of DiD within the hMSC
(Fig. 1b).
2. hMSC labeling with DiD/ferucarbotran: The trypan blue
test revealed a cell viability of 96%±3% before and
95%±3% after the labeling procedure, which is not sig-
nificantly different (p90.05). Confocal microscopy demon-
strated the internalization of ferucarbotran in the cytoplasm
of the cell (Fig. 1c).
Fig. 1. High-power (×40) confocal microscopy of a unlabeled control, b DiD-labeled hMSCs, and c DiD/ferucarbotran-labeled
hMSCs stained with antidextran FITC stain. The nuclei of all hMSC have been counterstained with DAPI (blue channel). There
was significant uptake of both contrast agents within the hMSC (b, c).
S.E. Boddington et al.: Labeling Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Fluorescent Contrast Agents: the Biological Impact 5
Page 4
Optical Imaging and MR Imaging
1. Unlabeled hMSC did not show a significant fluorescent
signal on OI images and showed a signal similar to
culture medium on T2-weighted MR images immediately
following labeling (Fig. 2a, b).
2. DiD-labeled hMSC showed a significantly stronger
fluorescence with OI compared to unlabeled controls
(pG0.05; Fig. 3a, b). The unlabeled control was used as
the baseline sample and was normalized to zero. A
fluorescent signal remained detectable throughout the
differentiation culture, up to 14 days (Fig. 3b). The mean
total fluorescent intensity of the DiD-labeled hMSCs
(measured in units of efficiency) was 4.51E−07 with a
standard deviation of 2.19E−05. The T2*-signal on MR
images of DiD-labeled hMSC and unlabeled controls was
not significantly different (p90.05; Fig. 3a, b).
3. DiD/ferucarbotran-labeled hMSC also showed a signifi-
cantly stronger fluorescence with OI compared to
unlabeled controls immediately following labeling
(Fig. 2a), and this remained detectable following differ-
entiation for up to 14 days (Fig. 3c). The unlabeled
control was used as the baseline sample and was nor-
malized to zero. The mean total fluorescent intensity of
the DiD/ferucarbotran-labeled hMSC (measured in units
of efficiency) following differentiation was 1.25E−06
with a standard deviation of 6.13E−05. In addition, DiD/
ferucarbotran-labeled cells demonstrated a significantly
decreased T2*-signal compared to unlabeled controls on
MR images (Figs. 2b and 3a, c).
Chondrogenic Differentiation
1. Histologic analysis of the unlabeled cell pellets at 14 days
after TGF-b induced successful differentiation supported
by positive stains for Alcian blue and safranin-O (Fig. 4).
The average total GAG content of the unlabeled control
was 23.31 (SD 6.30; Fig. 5).
2. The DiD-labeled pellet also revealed cells with similar
architecture to that of the control supported by positive
stains for Alcian blue and safranin-O (Fig. 4; Table 1).
The average total GAG content of the DiD-labeled
sample was 14.20 (SD 2.33). The relative GAG content
Fig. 3. Optical images (upper row) and MR images (lower
row) of a, nonlabeled control pellet, b DiD-labeled pellet, and
c DiD/ferucarbotran-labeled pellet. A representative color
scale is provided which displays the fluorescence intensity
above a certain threshold. All labeled pellets demonstrate a
significant fluorescent signal on OI for the given threshold (b,
c). The fluorescence signal is not homogenously distributed
on the optical images due to the fact that the cells were
centrifuged prior to imaging which caused the pellet to stick
to one side. T2*-weighted MR images of DiD/ferucarbotran-
labeled pellets demonstrate a significant decrease in signal
(c). The MR signal seen in the lower row of c shows a
blooming effect compared to the corresponding OI, which is
caused by an extended range susceptibility effect of the
magnetic particles within the cells.
Fig. 2. A serial dilution was prepared of DiD/ferucarbotran-labeled hMSCs and unlabeled controls with decreasing cell
numbers. a OI signal of DiD/ferucarbotran-labeled hMSCs (units in efficiency) and nonlabeled controls showed increased
fluorescent signal with increased cell numbers. b MR images of DiD/ferucarbotran-labeled hMSCs demonstrated a significantly
decreased T2*-signal with increasing cell number.
6 S.E. Boddington et al.: Labeling Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Fluorescent Contrast Agents: the Biological Impact
Page 5
of the DiD-labeled sample compared to the unlabeled
control was 0.54 (SD 0.09). Total and relative GAG
production of DiD-labeled hMSC was significantly reduced
compared to unlabeled controls (pG0.05; Fig. 5).
3. DiD/ferucarbotran-labeled samples showed similar chon-
drogenic differentiation to that of the control with positive
stains for Alcian blue and safranin-O (Fig. 4; Table 1).
The average total GAG content of the DiD/ferucarbotran-
labeled pellets was 17.53 (SD 2.91). The relative GAG
content was 0.75 (SD 0.12; Fig. 5). Compared to the
control, DiD/ferucarbotran-labeled hMSC exhibited a
significant inhibition in GAG production (pG0.05).
Our study demonstrates that hMSCs can be effectively
labeled by simple incubation with DiD and DiD/ferucarbo-
tran for depiction with OI and MR, without impairing the
cells viability or proliferation. However, while histopatho-
logical evaluation of both unlabeled and labeled cells
demonstrated differentiation into chondrocytes of similar
morphology, labeled cells exhibited significantly less GAG
production. Thus, our data suggest that the applied fluo-
rescent and iron oxide contrast agent label do not interfere
with morphological cell characteristics but may impair cell
Our data are in accordance with studies by Bulte and
colleagues and Henning and colleagues, who recently
described a dose-dependent inhibition of chondrogenesis
with the SPIO based iron oxide labels ferumoxides and
ferucarbotran [3, 4].
Fig. 4. Alcian blue stains of chondrogenic pellets: 1a unlabeled control, 1b DiD labeled, and 1c DiD/ferucarbotran labeled.
1a–c Stained positive (blue stain of the intracellular and extracellular matrix). Safranin-O stains of chondrogenic pellets: 2a
unlabeled control, 2b DiD labeled, and 2c DiD/ferucarbotran labeled. Chondrocytes are visible in all samples with the
morphology of 2b and 2c similar to control. Iron can be visualized in 1c and 2c.
Fig. 5. Average total and relative GAG content of exoge-
nously labeled chondrogenic pellets and controls: Data are
displayed as means of triplicate samples with standard
S.E. Boddington et al.: Labeling Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Fluorescent Contrast Agents: the Biological Impact 7
Page 6
Other authors reported a decline in cell proliferation after
labeling neurons with Gd-based contrast agents [7], a
diminished self-repair of mesenchymal stem cells after
ferumoxides labeling [8] and a decreased function of natural
killer cells after labeling with FeCl3 [9].
On the other hand, these same cells need iron for their
metabolism and normal development [10, 11]. Iron has a
fundamental role in many metabolic processes, including
electron transport, deoxyribonucleotide synthesis, oxygen
transport, and many essential redox reactions involving
hemoproteins [10]. Iron oxide nanoparticles are in fact
appealing as contrast agents for cell labeling since two
preparations are already FDA-approved (ferumoxides and
ferumoxytol) and since their cellular uptake and intracellular
metabolism have been extensively investigated in patients
[12–14]. Likewise, labeling with fluorochromes has been
reported to interfere with cell functions. For example, the
fluorochrome calcein acetomethylester impaired the migra-
tion capacity of monocytes [15, 16]. Conversely, other
authors reported an unimpaired function of DiD-labeled
natural killer cells [17].
A major challenge of cellular imaging is to develop
optimized cell-labeling techniques, which provide a com-
promise between the minimal possible concentration for
sensitive cell detection, and maximal possible concen-
tration that does not impair cell function. Our data showed
significantly less impairment in GAG production for
chondrocytes labeled with DiD/ferucarbotran as opposed
to cells labeled with DiD alone. A possible explanation
for this observation may be a decreased uptake of DiD
after prelabeling with ferucarbotran. These data support
the theory of Bulte et al. that inhibition of chondro-
genesis by contrast agent labeling is dose dependent [3].
In addition, DiD integrates into the cell membrane and
may interfere with the cell–cell contact needed for
chondrogenesis [18].
We recognize several limitations to our study: Firstly, we
examined stem cell differentiation in vitro; differentiation
processes are more complex in vivo and have to be re-
evaluated in this context. Secondly, we focused our inves-
tigations on the fluorescent dye DiD and the iron oxide
contrast agent ferucarbotran. Further studies have to inves-
tigate the effect of other fluorescent dyes and other MR
contrast agents on stem cell differentiation. Lastly, we
examined human mesenchymal stem cells; other stem cell
types may be more or less sensitive to contrast agent labeling.
DiD/ferucarbotran labeling is appealing for monitoring stem
cell transplants with "multimodality" imaging in order to
integrate the high sensitivity provided by OI with the
anatomical details provided by MR. Our data demonstrate that
labeling with DiD and DiD/ferucarbotran enabled noninvasive
long-term visualization of MSC and their progenies with OI
and MRI but lead to inhibition of GAG production of labeled
cells compared to controls. Thus, careful optimizations of
labeling techniques are necessary in order to avoid interference
with the cellular process that should be monitored.
Acknowledgements. This work was supported by a grant from the National
Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (grant no. NIH
Open Access. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any non-
commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the
original author(s) and source are credited.
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Table 1. Pathologic analysis of chondrogenic pellets
MorphologyDifferentiation Safranin-OAlcian blue Iron content Cell death
Double level
Cartilage cells
Cartilage cells
Cartilage cells
Not significant
Pathologic analysis of chondrogenic pellets after staining with safranin-O and Alcian blue
0 no differentiation, 1 slight differentiation, 2 differentiation like control
8 S.E. Boddington et al.: Labeling Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Fluorescent Contrast Agents: the Biological Impact
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11. Richardson DR, Ponka P (1997) The molecular mechanisms of the
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in MR imaging. Eur Radiol 11:2319–2331
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S.E. Boddington et al.: Labeling Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Fluorescent Contrast Agents: the Biological Impact 9


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