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Robert Redford plays a member of the Weather Underground in 'The Company You Keep.' The group's real-life founder, Bill Ayers, tells Marlow Stern about its radical agenda, how we provoked North Korea, and more.
In The Company You Keep, in theaters Friday, Robert Redford stars as a former member of the Weather Underground, a group of radical anti-Vietnam War protesters that bombed numerous U.S. landmarks. He's made a new life for himself as "Jim Grant," a widowed father and public policy attorney in Albany, N.Y., but the FBI has been chasing him for three decades in connection with a Michigan bank robbery that left one security guard dead. When Sharon Solarz (Susan Sarandon), another Underground member, is arrested, an ambitious young reporter (Shia LaBeouf) exposes Grant, forcing him to go on the run.
Bernardine Dohrn, former leader of the radical, anti-war movement Weather Underground, and her companion Bill Ayers are escorted by federal authorities after surrendering at Cook County Courthouse in Chicago, Ill., Dec. 3, 1989. (AP)
While the film, directed by Redford and based on a novel by Neil Gordon, is almost entirely a work of fiction, there are some parallels between Redford's character and Bill Ayers, the real-life founder of the Weather Underground who is married to another WUO member, Bernardine Dohrn—though divulging them would give away a crucial plot twist.
In an in-depth interview with The Daily Beast, Ayers opened up about the Weather Underground, whether he has any regrets about the group's actions—which included bombing the Pentagon, an NYPD precinct, and a Greenwich Village townhouse explosion that left three members dead—his relationship with President Obama, why he thinks Obama's doing an awful job in office, and much more.
Socialist Party magazine profiles abortion clinic promoted by Obama campaign
Patrick Howley
Investigative Reporter
A feminist abortion clinic that hosted a "Women for Obama" event where Obama volunteers helped with groundskeeping in a show of support for reproductive rights is profiled in the current issue of The Socialist, the official publication of the Socialist Party USA, in which a clinic official urges feminist socialists to "influence policy" and quotes a famous socialist writer.
The Emma Goldman Clinic in Iowa City, Iowa was the site of a Women for Obama event called "Iowa City Women for Obama Service Project at Emma Goldman Clinic," which was promoted on the events page of Obama's official 2012 campaign website.
"Please join women Obama supporters as we give back to those who support our reproductive rights by helping with groundskeeping at Emma Goldman Clinic. Old clothes and comfortable shoes are a must!," the Obama campaign website reads. The event was hosted by Winnie Garet, former Obama for America staffer and current field organizer for the Democratic National Committee's Organizing for America project.
National Post
DigitalGlobe / HRNK
A newly released analysis of satellite imagery paints a bleak picture of North Korea's growing gulag network.
The North's Labour Camp No. 25, which makes up part of what campaigners call "one of the worst, but least understood and reported, human rights situations in the world," appears to be in the midst of a dramatic expansion.
According to the Committee of Human Rights in North Korea, the camp grew at least 72% since 2003. The number of perimeter guard posts jumped from 20 in 2003 to 43 by 2010.
The group believes the gulag network expansion may be a response to purges in the lead up to Kim Jong-un's succession.
Direct information on North Korea's forced labour camps is hard to come by, but human rights abuses have been well-documented by defectors.
After escaping, Shin Dong-hyuk equated his experience with surviving a camp in Hitler's Germany.
"People think the Holocaust is in the past, but it is still very much a reality," Dong-hyk told Agence France-Presse. "It is still going on in North Korea."
A satellite photo of the North Korean nuclear test site in Pungye Village rele ased by the US-Korea Institute at John Hopkins University. (photo taken from the US-Korea Institute website)
Ahead of expected third nuclear test, Seoul believes Pyongyang is testing lighter and more deadly weapons
Kim Kyu-won, staff reporter
The South Korean government is under the impression that if North Korea goes ahead with its third nuclear test, it would likely use a small and lightweight nuclear warhead that could be mounted on a missile. It also appears likely that it will use highly enriched uranium instead of plutonium, which it is difficult to produce more of. Speaking before the National Assembly's national defense committee on Feb. 6, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Jung Seung-jo raised another possibility: that North Korea could begin developing a hydrogen bomb, a weapon with hundreds of times the force of an atomic bomb.
■ Testing a missile warhead?
Nuclear physicist Siegfried Hecker, who has visited North Korea on numerous occasions, told Yonhap News in a Feb. 6 interview that the chief aim of the country's nuclear test was to develop something small and lightweight. The South Korean Ministry of National Defense also has concluded that their goal is to develop something small and light enough to be mounted on a missile. A nuclear device carried by missile is the most deadly of weapons.
Adam Soclof
Hitler appointed Chancellor Jan. 30, 1933
The question as to when and to what degree news media perceived Hitler as a threat is a common one.
How did JTA track the early years of Hitler and the Nazi Party?
Perhaps JTA's earliest reference to the rise of the Nazi party was included in the October 11, 1921 "Daily Bulletins: Cable despatches from special correspondents in Europe and Palestine."
Berlin (J.T.A.) The anti-Semitic feeling in Germany which has been on the increase since the end of the war brought the problem of East-European Jews into the foreground, has served to cement together a number of political factions into a party, now definitely organized, which calls itself the German Social Party. Its platform openly urges the expulsion of East-European Jews who entered the country since 1914 and the surveillance of all others as aliens. At the foundation meeting of the party, speeches were held against the Kaiser who was attacked for being "Judaized."
Hitler was on JTA's radar as early as January 1923, ten years before he was appointed Chancellor. including threats against Jews, Americans and Brits and this item describing Hitler-instigated attacks against Jews:
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The UK Government has launched a new cyber security certification framework called "Cyber Essentials".
This is part of a continuing effort to get business to take cyber security seriously in the wake of the recent Target, ebay and other breaches. It follows the UK's 2012 initiative on "10 Steps to Cyber Security". It is backed by the American International Group Inc, British Insurance Brokers Association, the International Underwriting Association, Marsh and Swiss Re as well as the UK Government.
What does Cyber Essentials involve?
Basically, the organisation self-assesses its systems against Cyber Essentials requirements. The assessment is then independently verified. This is the low cost option.
Organisations can also be independently tested (so called "Cyber Essentials Plus"). Certification bodies will offer the test and verification searches.
Cyber Essentials concentrates on five key controls:
• Boundary firewalls and internet gateways
• Secure configuration
• Access control
• Malware protection
• Patch management.
What does this achieve?
Cyber Essentials will offer a basic level of "cyber hygiene" but will not address more advanced targeted attacks that many of the big brands have suffered recently. It isn't a comprehensive risk management programme of the sort that large organisations will be required to have in place. So all that money spent on ISO 27000 has not been wasted!
Nevertheless, Cyber Essentials aims to provide "basic protection from the most prevalent forms of threats coming from the Internet" and "cost effective basic cyber security for organisations of all sizes".
Any impact for large organisations?
Large organisations may be tempted to get the badge. It can't do any harm in dealing with consumers at a time when consumer unease about cyber security risk is increasing.
UK Government has also said that it will require all suppliers bidding for certain contracts which are assessed as "higher risk" to be Cyber Essentials certified. They say that this is likely to include ICT and personal and sensitive information handling contracts. So, many who provide services to the public sector will almost certainly need the badge.
DISCLAIMER: Because of the generality of this update, the information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on particular situations.
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They're ready to play for keeps.
After an impressive victory over Landmark Christian on Monday, the Callaway Lady Cavaliers will turn their attention to the all-important region schedule today.
Callaway will host Pepperell at 5:30 p.m. today in its first Region 5-AAA game of the season.
The Lady Cavaliers tuned up for that game with a strong showing on Monday.
Last week, Callaway was thumped by Landmark Christian 10-2, but the rematch was a different story.
The Lady Cavaliers scored four runs in the first inning to take a 4-0 lead, and they went on to claim a 7-4 victory.
The Lady Cavaliers improved to 6-4, and they've won two in a row and three out of four as they embark on their region schedule.
"We're starting to figure things out a little bit," Callaway coach Ashley Summerlin said. "We ran the bases the right way, we're pitching better, we played great defense today. We have to shore up some little things, but we're headed in the right direction."
Nothing went right in last week's game against Landmark, and Summerlin felt the performance wasn't indicative of the quality of his team.
"I knew when we lost to them we were a better team than that," Summerlin said.
The Lady Cavaliers got off to a fantastic start in Monday's game.
After pitcher Brittany Mitchell set Landmark down in the top of the first, Callaway's first four batters reached base in the bottom of the inning.
Molly Hubbard, Jessica Perkins, Mitchell and Keshonna Terrell had consecutive singles to start the inning.
Savanna Galloway added a single later in the inning, and every player in the lineup ended up hitting.
Callaway padded its lead with two more runs in the second inning.
Hubbard was hit by a pitch leading off, and after a Perkins groundout moved Hubbard to third, Mitchell's RBI single made it 5-0.
Terrell was also hit by a pitch, and Claudia Massey singled to load the bases.
Skylar Rice then walked to drive in another run, and Callaway's lead was 6-0.
The Lady Cavaliers capped their scoring in the fourth inning.
Terrell hammered the ball to the fence for a one-out triple, and Massey followed with an RBI single, and Callaway led 7-1.
Mitchell pitched five innings to get the win, and freshman Reagan Terry and Perkins combined to pitch the final two innings.
Perkins will get the start in today's game against Pepperell.
"I've heard they're a pretty good team. We'll see," Summerlin said. "We'll have Jessica ready to go."
VOLLEYBALL: Lafayette Christian evened its record at 2-2 with a road win over Holy Ground Christian Academy on Monday.
Lafayette Christian won 25-12, 25-15 and 25-17.
"We were in great control of the entire match," Lafayette Christian head coach Rene Gomez said. "We really came out firing on all cylinders."
Mary Mae Cole had seven kills for the Lady Cougars, and Miranda Powell had six aces.
Kate Stringham and Rachel Tidwell each had five assists, and Alex Smith added four assists.
Lafayette Christian will be at home against Heirway Christian on Friday.


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Contributed hundreds of dollars plus fence materials, a freezer, a couch, medical supplies, animal food supplies, bedding, animal/pet cages, garage sale items, kitchen cabinets, etc!
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Contributed many hours of good work caring for animals, converting the trailer into a clinic, assembling enclosures, doing community outreach, coordinating volunteers, organizing events, etc!


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Mirametrix Introduces Next-Generation Eye-Tracking in Living-Room Environments
Consumer eye gaze tracking by Mirametrix is redefining how we interact with technology in the living room. New advances include gaze controlled TV and the worldâs first gaze & gesture 3D video game.
Montreal, Canada (PRWEB) October 11, 2011
Mirametrix, a specialist in consumer eye tracking technology, is redefining the way you interact with technology in your living room.
Mirametrixâ consumer eye gaze solution allows users to interact with virtual or real world objects using their eyes without the need for head-mounted equipment or expensive add-on hardware. The innovations include a remote-free, eye gaze controlled TV and gaze aware peripheral control for devices such as PVRs and stereos as well as room illumination. Integrating eye gaze with gesture tracking, Mirametrix has also created the worldâs first context aware 3D game controlled both by body gestures and eye gaze.
But this is just the beginningâ¦
âœEye tracking technology has long been restricted to niche applications such as basic research and assistive technology fields due to its traditionally expensive hardware architecture and complex setup procedure,â states Dr. Craig Hennessey, CTO & Founder of Mirametrix, âœOur technology enables affordable, non-contact, consumer eye gaze applications for the living-room environment. Our instant-setup system also allows for free-head motion, and natural body movement.We believe that consumer eye gaze technology will be the next major advancement in human-machine interaction.â
âœMirametrix consumer eye gaze technology has the potential to significantly improve media consumption and interaction with consumer devices,â explained Dr. Helge Seetzen, CEO of Mirametrix. âœImagine sitting in your living room and having the TV know who you are and what you want. You are able to select channels with the blink of an eye. The TV serves you content based on your previous visual interest, and optimizes the appearance of that content to maximize your personal viewing experience. Your kids play their favorite games with eye gaze augmenting the context of their body movements for better game control accuracy. When they are done, they switch off the TV and the game console simply by telling both to âœturn offâ while looking at each device.â
Notes to Editors:
To request interviews, or for further information, please contact
Alessandra Glavier
Press & Media Relations
TandemLaunch Technologies Inc.
Tel: +1 (438) 380.5435
Rawy Iskander
Vice President Business Development
TandemLaunch Technologies Inc.
Tel: +1 (438) 380.5435
About Mirametrix
Mirametrix is focused on bringing gaze-based human computer interaction into the consumer environment. Mirametrix aggregates intellectual property, innovators and developers from academic and industrial sources to create state-of-the-art solutions in eye tracking and related fields, including gaze based analytics, and consumer gaze applications.
Mirametrix leadership team has over a decade of experience in the field of eye tracking, with an additional 30 years of experience in related fields including perception-based video technology and image processing.
Mirametrix joined the TandemLaunch Technologies acceleration program in early 2011. The company is now based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Mirametrix sells its portable S2 Eye Tracker System internationally, with customers in academic research, market research, usability, education and game design.
About TandemLaunch Technologies Inc.
TandemLaunch Technologies, a Montreal-based company, bridges the technology transfer gap by developing early-stage multimedia university inventions into risk-reduced consumer technologies suitable for industrial commercialization. Our acceleration programs not only provide significant funding to high-potential university inventors and entrepreneurs, but also offer cost-effective business and development expertise, as well as close industry connections.
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prwebmirametrix/eyegaze/prweb8861789.htm


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Warriors coach Mark Jackson fined $25,000 by NBA
More News from Associated Press
OAKLAND, Calif. — The NBA fined Golden State coach Mark Jackson $25,000 on Thursday for making public comments in an attempt to influence the officiating in the Warriors' playoff series with Denver.
After Golden State's 107-100 loss in Game 5 at Denver on Tuesday night, Jackson said the Nuggets sent "hit men" and took "cheap shots" at point guard Stephen Curry. He repeatedly mentioned Kenneth Faried's foul in the first half, when the forward stuck out his right leg and moved his body while Curry ran through traffic.
"For two years now, I've taken pride in not ever criticizing referees – for two years. And then reading the statement by the NBA, I'm extremely thankful I am not fined for criticizing referees," Jackson said before Game 6 against the Nuggets on Thursday night.
Told the league fined him for an "attempt to influence the officiating," Jackson responded: "I don't like it, and I disagree." He declined to say whether he would appeal the fine.
Jackson, who doubles as an ordained minister, had never been fined for criticizing officials in his two years as an NBA coach. He couldn't recall being fined for criticizing officials in his 17 season as a point guard in the league, but said his team wouldn't allow all the rhetoric – or his fine – to be a distraction.
"This is an awesome time. I truly don't take it for granted," Jackson said. "I smile, $25,000 lighter, but I'm smiling."
Jackson also questioned how Denver might try to defend Curry before Wednesday's practice.
"They'll be physical again. They'll try to beat up Steph Curry. They'll try to set illegal screens. They'll try to chuck him when he goes down the lane," said Jackson, whose team took a 3-2 series lead into Game 6. "Other than that, I'm not sure what to expect out of them."
Denver Nuggets coach George Karl thought the reaction to his team's Game 5 victory sounded like a "different movie than I'm watching." Karl also said: "I'll go to any arbiter right now and show the dirty shots. They're winning."
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Color traits in animals play crucial roles in thermoregulation, photoprotection, camouflage, and visual communication, and are amenable to objective quantification and modeling. However, the extensive variation in non-melanic pigments and structural colors in squamate reptiles has been largely disregarded. Here, we used an integrated approach to investigate the morphological basis and physical mechanisms generating variation in color traits in tropical day geckos of the genus Phelsuma.
Combining histology, optics, mass spectrometry, and UV and Raman spectroscopy, we found that the extensive variation in color patterns within and among Phelsuma species is generated by complex interactions between, on the one hand, chromatophores containing yellow/red pteridine pigments and, on the other hand, iridophores producing structural color by constructive interference of light with guanine nanocrystals. More specifically, we show that 1) the hue of the vivid dorsolateral skin is modulated both by variation in geometry of structural, highly ordered narrowband reflectors, and by the presence of yellow pigments, and 2) that the reflectivity of the white belly and of dorsolateral pigmentary red marks, is increased by underlying structural disorganized broadband reflectors. Most importantly, these interactions require precise colocalization of yellow and red chromatophores with different types of iridophores, characterized by ordered and disordered nanocrystals, respectively. We validated these results through numerical simulations combining pigmentary components with a multilayer interferential optical model. Finally, we show that melanophores form dark lateral patterns but do not significantly contribute to variation in blue/green or red coloration, and that changes in the pH or redox state of pigments provide yet another source of color variation in squamates.
Precisely colocalized interacting pigmentary and structural elements generate extensive variation in lizard color patterns. Our results indicate the need to identify the developmental mechanisms responsible for the control of the size, shape, and orientation of nanocrystals, and the superposition of specific chromatophore types. This study opens up new perspectives on Phelsuma lizards as models in evolutionary developmental biology.
Keywords:Physics of biology; Structural colors; Pigmentary colors; Color patterns; Iridophores; Chromatophores; Reptiles; Lizards; Phelsuma
Vertebrate skin coloration provides a promising model system for exploring the link between genotypes and phenotypes in an ecological and phylogenetic framework. Indeed, color traits play crucial roles in thermoregulation, photoprotection, camouflage, and visual communication [1-4], and can vary extensively among and within species and populations. Moreover, colors and color patterns are amenable to objective quantification and modeling, providing an opportunity for integrated analyses of phenotypic variation. In particular, non-mammalian vertebrates, for example, squamates (lizards and snakes), exhibit a broad range of pigmentary and structural colors, generated by different types of chromatophores. In addition to melanophores, which produce black/brown melanins, squamates develop xanthophores and erythrophores, containing yellow and red pigments, respectively. These pigments are typically either pteridines, which are synthesized in situ from guanosine triphosphate, or carotenoids, which are metabolized from food in the liver and transported to skin via the circulatory system [5,6]. Squamates additionally possess iridophores, which do not contain any pigment but generate structural coloration through interference of light waves with transparent guanine nanocrystals [7-9]. The spatial arrangement of all these cell types generates a broad range of colors and color patterns.
Despite such a high potential for complexity and diversity, lizards and snakes remain relatively under-represented in evolutionary developmental studies in general [10], and in analyses of color-pattern evolution in particular (for example, in comparison with other vertebrates or insects) [3,4,11,12]. Although chromatophores have been described in some squamates [8,9,13-16], and their melanin pathway has been associated with adaptive color variation [17,18], few data are available on the mechanisms that generate extensive variation in non-melanic pigments and structural colors in this lineage. The presence of such a variety of colors in squamates makes them appropriate models for investigating the essentially unknown genetic, developmental, and physical mechanisms generating a diversity of phenotypes through interactions between different types of chromatophores.
Here, we used an integrated approach that combines histology, Raman and UV spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS), optics, and numerical simulations to investigate the morphological basis and the physical mechanisms generating variation in color traits in five representative tropical day gecko species of the genus Phelsuma. More specifically, we show that 1) the reflectivity of the white belly, and of the dorsal pigmentary red spots and stripes, is increased by underlying, structurally disorganized broadband reflectors, whereas 2) the hue of the vivid dorsolateral background coloration is generated by structural, highly ordered narrowband reflectors, and is modulated both by the photonic crystal geometry and by a layer of yellow pigments. Most importantly, we show that these interactions require precise colocalization of red and yellow pigment cells with iridophores characterized by different organizations of nanocrystals.
Results and discussion
Tropical day geckos of the genus Phelsuma provide excellent models to study the morphological basis of color-pattern variation. Most of the approximately 45 currently recognized species [19,20] are characterized by an off-white ventral and a vivid dorsolateral coloration, with a blue/green background and red (sometimes brownish) spots or stripes on the back (Figure 1a). This vibrant and contrasting color scheme is likely to be involved in mate recognition and/or camouflage [1,2], and is highly variable within and among species. Not only can the background color differ substantially among individuals (as, for example, in Phelsuma grandis; Figure 1b, bottom panels), but also the size, shape and intensity of the red dorsal markings. In addition, several species, including Phelsuma klemmeri, Phelsuma quadriocellata and Phelsuma lineata, have lateral black/brown spots or stripes, and a few, such as P. klemmeri lack red markings and exhibit a blue/brown background (Figure 1b, top panel).
Figure 1. Color and pattern variation in the genus Phelsuma. (a) Currently recognized species [19,20] with corresponding ranges of background coloration (indicated by filled squares), varying from gray/brown to yellow/green to turquoise-blue, and dorsal and lateral patterns (indicated for illustration on Phelsuma lineata with an arrow and an arrowhead, respectively). Empty shapes indicate absence of the corresponding color or pattern. Dorsal patterns vary in both color (typically different shades of red) and shape (spots, stripes, and transverse bars). Lateral patterns appear as spots (sometimes surrounded by a blue ring) or broad stripes. Species indicated in bold were used in this study. (b) Skin samples represent variation found across the genus. The skin on the belly (shown here for Phelsuma grandis, lowest panel) is off-white in the majority of species.
The skin organization in Phelsuma geckos (Figure 2a) resembles that of other lizards [9]: chromatophores are absent from the thin epidermis, but are abundant in the thick dermal layer, which contains, from top to bottom, yellow xanthophores or red erythrophores (present in green and red skin respectively), iridophores containing nanocrystals, and dark-brown melanophores. Here, we report on the chemical and optical analyses of pigments and guanine crystals, and provide a multilayer optical model that describes the interactions among different types of pigmentary and structural chromatophores generating a variety of skin colors in Phelsuma geckos.
Figure 2. Pigmentary and structural colorations in Phelsuma geckos. (a) Semi-thin cross-sections of skins of different colors. Two types of melanophores are indicated (arrows and arrowheads, respectively), and iridophores are outlined with dashed lines. Ep, epidermis; X, xanthophores; Er, erythrophores. Bar = 10 μm. (b) Pteridin pigments were removed with NH4OH (here in Phelsuma grandis, individual number 3), revealing the remaining structural color produced by the iridophores. Bar = 0.2 mm. (c) Red pigments in dorsal markings of Phelsuma quadriocellata and Phelsuma lineata can change color when the pH of the Ringer solution is lowered or when an oxidant (NaNO2) is added, respectively. Bar = 0.2 mm. (d) Representative electron micrographs of iridophores in skin of different colors. Bar = 1 μm. Note the highly disordered guanine crystals in the white and red skin. (e) Mechanical pressure and dehydration (here applied to the green skin of P. grandis, individual number 2 after removal of the yellow pigment) lead to a blue shift of structural green (for supplementary movies, see Additional file 3; see Additional file 4).
Melanophores generate dark lateral spots and stripes
The skin of all geckos studied here, regardless of color, contains two types of melanophores (Figure 2a): small light-brown cells that, when associated with iridophores, form 'dermal chromatophore units' [21], and large dark-brown cells at the base of the dermis. The former are dendritic cells with processes extending through the layer of iridophores for translocation of melanin granules in response to hormones, resulting in darkening of the skin [9,22]. For example, the melanophore processes cover the iridophores in the dorsal skin of P. klemmeri, giving it a light-brown appearance. Moreover, in dark-brown lateral spots and stripes of P. klemmeri, P. quadriocellata, and P. lineata, small melanophores are abundant on top of iridophores, that is, in the layer typically occupied by xanthophores or erythrophores in other parts of the body (Figure 2a). In P. lineata, melanophores are found in combination with red erythrophores in the red-brown regions of the lateral stripes. Hence, in addition to their likely involvement in darkening of the skin, the small melanophores form dark lateral spots/stripes in some Phelsuma geckos, whereas the larger and darker melanophores might protect the deeper layers from harmful UV radiation [22]. However, the homogeneous distribution of these two types of chromatophores in the skin of any color suggests that neither of them substantially contribute to color variation in Phelsuma geckos.
Pteridins contribute to red and green colors of dorsolateral skin
We could dissolve in NH4OH (but not in acetone) both the red and yellow pigments, found respectively in red-skin erythrophores and green-skin xanthophores (Figure 2b). This indicates that both pigments belong to the pteridine class rather than to the carotenoid class [23,24]. We confirmed these findings by Raman spectroscopy and UV spectroscopy/MS (see Additional file 1). The Raman spectra (see Additional file 1: Figure S1) of both yellow xanthophores and red erythrophores in P. quadriocellata, P. lineata, and P. laticauda are similar to that of xanthopterin [25], a known pigment in squamates [15]. Conversely, although the Raman spectrum of yellow xanthophores in P. grandis also indicates xanthopterin, the spectrum obtained for the red erythrophores in this species is significantly different, suggesting the presence of other molecules.
Additional file 1. Pigment analyses. Results of Raman and UV/mass spectroscopy on pigments.
Format: PDF Size: 455KB Download file
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We then performed UV chromatography/MS on pigments extracted from the red and green skin of P. quadriocellata, P. lineata, and P. grandis, and compared their spectra with those of available pteridin standards. We confirmed the presence of xanthopterin in the yellow chromatophores of P. grandis, and in both the yellow and red chromatophores of P. lineata. We also identified biopterin in the yellow and red chromatophores of P. quadriocellata and in the red chromatophores of P. grandis, and identified sepiapterin in the yellow chromatophores of P. grandis. Finally, we found three unidentified molecules (probably pterins, based on their UV absorption spectra (see Additional file 1: Figure S2)) in all three species. It is, however, unclear which components contribute most substantially to the final pigmentary colors of the skin.
Remarkably, although pigment compositions differ substantially between P. lineata and P. quadriocellata, the pigment compositions of xanthophores and erythrophores are identical within a species (see Additional file 1: Figure S2a), strongly suggesting that the actual in vivo colors of these chromatophores (red or yellow) are determined by some other factors, such as the pH of the cellular environment of the pigment (as is the case for plant anthocyanins [26]) or the redox state of the pigment molecules (as has been shown for ommochromes in dragonflies [27]). Supporting this hypothesis, the red color of dorsal skin changed to yellow when we lowered the pH of, or added an oxidant (NaNO2) to, the skin of P. quadriocellata or P. lineata, respectively (Figure 2c). Even though the exact in vivo processes generating variation in the pH or redox states are unknown, these results indicate that these mechanisms provide an additional source of color variation in squamates.
Ordered multilayer interference reflectors generate structural blue or green
In all regions of the body, irrespective of its color, the skin of Phelsuma geckos contains iridophores, with guanine nanocrystals, either well-organized in parallel layers (in the light-brown dorsal skin of P. klemmeri and in the green/blue skin of all other species), or highly disorganized (in the white and red skin of all animals examined here) (Figure 2d). Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, we measured the orientation of crystals relative to the skin surface, and computed the full-width half maximum (FWHM) of the Gaussian distribution of crystal orientation, and the ratio between the amplitude A of the Gaussian curve and the amplitude y0 of the background generated by randomly oriented crystals (see Methods; see Additional file 2: Figure S3d). The A/y0 ratio represents the relative amount of crystals oriented parallel to the skin surface and varies from zero (when A = 0 in a purely random system) to infinity (when A is high and y0 is close to zero in a perfectly ordered system). Table 1 shows that blue/green skin is characterized by a narrower angular distribution of nanocrystals and a higher A/y0 ratio than white or red skin. This indicates that the ordered nanocrystals generate an intense narrowband structural blue or green color through a multilayer interference mechanism. This result is consistent with the pigment-removal experiments (Figure 2b) discussed above, revealing the structural blue color of iridophores that are typically covered by the yellow pigmentary color of xanthophores in the green skin of some P. grandis individuals. Note that crystal spacing (hence, structural color) varies both among and within individuals (Table 1).
Additional file 2. Optical model. Description of the optical model used to simulate skin colors.
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Table 1. Geometric parameters of guanine crystals in Phelsuma species
To further test experimentally if the multilayer is responsible for the structural color component of blue/green skin in Phelsuma, we applied mechanical or osmotic pressure to modify the distance between the guanine nanocrystal layers and therefore induce changes in structural coloration [16]. We found that mechanical pressure or dehydration applied to de-pigmented green skin (hence, exhibiting structural green) resulted in a shift to structural dark blue (Figure 2e; see Additional files 3 and 4: supplementary movies). Note that complete dehydration made the layer of iridophores transparent, revealing the underlying melanophores (Figure 2e), because a severe decrease in crystal spacing either obliterates coherent interferences (that is, the entire stack of crystals behaves as a single block of guanine), or causes a shift in the reflectivity peak beyond the optical visible range, that is, below 390 nm.
Additional file 3. Movie of mechanical pressure in Phelsuma species. Real-time movie showing how pressure manually applied with tweezers locally modified the structural color, and how the relaxation process drove the skin back to its original color. Note that the yellow pigments had been removed before the experiment.
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Additional file 4. Movie of osmotic pressure in Phelsuma species. Accelerated movie (×16) showing the effect of dehydration (in air) and rehydration on the structural color generated by iridophores. Note that the yellow pigments had been removed before the experiment.
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Optical simulations of ordered multilayer interference match the reflectivities and colors produced by iridophores
We used a multilayer model (Methods; see Additional file 2) to simulate the reflectivity and colors produced by organized crystals using parameters such as crystal height (that is, thickness) and spacing between crystal layers, estimated from TEM images collected for a selection of green and blue skin samples (Table 1; see Additional file 2: Table S3). The measured and modeled reflectivities of four skin samples, covering the range of structural colors seen in the Phelsuma individuals studied here, are shown (Figure 3a). Although we did not have TEM data available for the sample of P. grandis number 4, its color was similar to that of the P. grandis number 1 neck sample. In addition, we compared the RGB (red, green, blue) colors predicted by the model to color pictures of all samples after pigment removal (see Additional file 2: Table S3). Overall, the reflectivities and the RGB colors predicted by our model were similar, but not always identical, to those perceived on the animals. This small discrepancy can be explained by, for instance, changes in cytoplasm osmolarity (and hence, the spacing between crystal layers) during skin preparation for TEM [14-16]. In addition, we found high reflectivity in the UV spectrum (Figure 3a), which might be produced by a series of mechanisms such as coherent scattering on arrays of collagen fibers in the dermis [28] or incoherent scattering [29] on, for example, melanosomes or guanine crystals.
Figure 3. Experimental and modeled reflectivities of Phelsuma skin. (a) Measured skin reflectivities (solid lines) after removal of pigments (skin colors varied from deep-blue to yellowish-green) compared with modeled reflectivities (dashed lines) based on crystal size and spacing (Table 1). For Phelsuma grandis number 4, the crystal geometry parameters were taken from the P. grandis number 1 neck sample that exhibited a similar structural color. Note that the UV peaks in the measured reflectivities are probably caused by scattering on melanosomes, on iridophore crystals, or on dermal collagen fibers. (b) Normalized reflectivity of green skin before and after yellow pigment removal (green and blue solid lines, respectively). Modeled multilayer responses for a crystal size of 70 nm and a spacing of 30 nm (assuming a standard deviation of 13 nm) are also shown with (dashed green line) and without (dashed blue line) a 3 μm thick pigment layer on top. The direct product of structural blue reflectivity with normalized yellow pigment transmittance (orange dotted line) generates the plain red line, confirming the mechanism of structural color filtering by the top pigment layer. (c) Reflectivity measured on P. grandis white skin (black line) and on red skin before (red solid line) and after (red dashed line) red pigment removal. Reflectivity intensities of ordered and disordered iridophores are comparable.
The collaborative interplay between the structural and pigment components is illustrated (Figure 3b); we measured the reflectivity of green skin before and after yellow pigment removal (green and blue solid lines, respectively). The modeled reflectivity for an arbitrarily chosen crystal size (70 nm) and spacing (mean = 30 nm, SD = 13 nm), shown as dashed blue line, closely resembles the measured reflectivity of green skin after pigment removal. When a 3 μm yellow pigment layer is included in the model, the resultant reflectivity (Figure 3b, dashed green line) is a good match to the measured reflectivity of green skin before pigment removal. A similar reflectivity distribution (red line) was obtained as the direct product of the blue line with the measured normalized transmittance of the yellow pigment (orange dashed line). Hence, the green color of the skin is due to the structure-based blue reflection filtered by the yellow-transmitting pigment.
Optical systems based on multilayer interference usually show a spectral shift in reflectivity as the angle of the incident light changes [30]. This angular dependence is determined by the refractive indices of the alternating layers, and the ratio between the optical paths at different angles (that is, path length × the refractive index of the medium) [31,32]. Under very particular combinations of the refractive indices and thicknesses of its two components, a multilayer reflector can exhibit greatly reduced angular dependence [33]. Only one of these conditions is met in Phelsuma geckos: the optical paths in low (ncdc) and high (ngdg) index layers are close, making the multilayer a narrowband optimal reflector as a result of the collaborative effects of crystal and spacing interferences. However, the iridescence in Phelsuma skin is much weaker than that predicted by the model (see Additional file 5: Figure S5a) because of another reason, namely, the variable orientation of iridophores in the skin reduces or annihilates iridescence by averaging the contributions from different cells (see Additional file 5: Figure S5b).
Additional file 5. Angular dependence. Angular dependence of the multilayer reflectivity in green skin of Phelsuma grandis.
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Incoherent scattering by disorganized crystals enhances the reflectivity of red dorsal and white ventral skin
Guanine crystals in iridophores of green and blue skin are well-organized, and therefore contribute extensively to the final background color of Phelsuma lizards. Remarkably, iridophores are also abundant in both the white ventral skin and red dorsal markings, but these cells are characterized by crystals with mostly random orientations and broad size distribution (Figure 2d; Table 1). This gives rise, as in some insects and fish [34-39], to incoherent scattering. In other words, in contrast to iridophores in blue/green skin, which generate a narrowband distribution of reflected frequencies, iridophores in white and red skin form broadband reflectors with overall reflectivity of similar intensity to that measured on coherently scattering structures (Figure 3c). Hence, these cells with disorganized guanine crystals not only produce the white color of the belly, but also significantly enhance the reflectivity, and therefore the visibility, of the red pigmentary patterns on the back. In the absence of iridophores, the red spots would appear less bright because much of the incident light would be absorbed by the underlying tissues. The mechanisms responsible for the distribution of ordered versus disordered crystals and for this spectacular colocalization of pigment cells with a particular type of iridophores are unknown.
Variation in skin coloration is explained by both structural and pigmentary components
Variation in background coloration and dorsolateral patterns in Phelsuma geckos (Figure 1) can be generated by changes in pigmentary and structural components. For example, variation in the intensity of the red dorsal patterns can be caused by differences in the density of erythrophores in the top dermal layer and/or in concentrations of red pigment in these cells. The color variation obtained from a simulated red pigment layer of variable thickness (0.1 to 4 μm) on a fully reflecting background was a good match to the variation in intensity of the red markings seen among species or individuals (Figure 4a). Similarly, different densities of xanthophores and/or concentrations of yellow pigment, in combination with structural colors produced by iridophores, can lead to variation from blue to green. For example, the background skin color of P. grandis individual number 1 (Figure 4b) varies from a greenish-blue to yellowish-green depending on the area of the body involved. This variation is explained by an increase of about 10% in spacing between guanine crystals (96.0 nm in the back skin versus 104.7 nm in the neck skin; Table 1). The colors of these two different zones on the skin (Figure 4b) are in agreement with the predictions of our optical model (Figure 4c). Note that similar variation in skin color could also be due to modification of the thickness or density of the yellow pigment layer without any change in the structural component (Figure 4d).
Figure 4. Colors simulated with the multilayer model. (a) Red colors simulated with varying thickness (0.1 to 4 μm) of a red pigment layer on top of a white reflector and comparison to red markings of different animals. (b)Phelsuma grandis individual number 1. (c) Simulated colors produced by a 7 μm yellow pigment layer on top of a multilayer interference reflector with varying spacing (40 to 105 nm) between layers of crystals 80 nm thick. Double arrows indicate the spacing measured between crystal layers on the dorsal and neck skin of the individual. (d) Simulated colors produced with varying thicknesses (0 to 7 μm) of a yellow pigment layer on top of a blue reflector.
Extensive variation in background coloration, and in dorsal and lateral color patterns, is present within and among species of the genus Phelsuma (Figure 1). Our analyses indicate that this variation is generated by a combination of features associated with pigmentary and structural color chromatophores (as previously reported in birds [40,41]). The black lateral spots and stripes found in some species, and the light-brown background coloration of P. klemmeri, are due to melanophores occupying the upper layers of the dermis. Blue skin color is solely due to iridophores with well-organized guanine nanocrystals (that is, narrowband multilayer interference reflectors), whereas green skin is produced, depending on the species and the individual, either by structural green or by the interaction of structural blue with yellow pigments (xanthophores). Dorsal marks are formed by red erythrophores, the reflectivity of which is enhanced by iridophores with disorganized crystals (that is, broadband reflectors producing incoherent scattering). In addition, the hue produced by erythrophore and xanthophore pigments is pH-dependent or redox-dependent in some species. Most importantly, we show that the color patterns of Phelsuma always require precise colocalization of different sets of interacting pigmentary and structural elements. For example, yellow and red chromatophores are associated with iridophores with ordered and disordered nanocrystals, respectively. This indicates the need to identify the developmental mechanisms responsible for the superposition of specific chromatophore types, opening up new perspectives for Phelsuma lizards as model organisms in evolutionary developmental biology.
We also show that the exact combination of parameters producing a given color is difficult to predict without experimental estimation of parameter values (such as, through electron-microscopy and spectroscopy analyses). Hence, exploring the genetic and developmental bases of phenotypic variation in ecologically important color traits in squamate reptiles will require integration of the structural and pigmentary color components and their interactions. The fact that red/yellow coloration in Phelsuma is based on pteridines, the synthesis of which is controlled by enzymes that have been well studied in model organisms [42], readily suggests candidate genes for this pigmentary aspect of color variation. Furthermore, although guanine crystal formation in iridophores is poorly understood, and the genetic determinants of variation in size, shape, and orientation of nanocrystals are virtually unknown, several enzymes associated with aberrant iridophore phenotypes [43,44] are candidates for variation in structural coloration in Phelsuma.
Maintenance of, and experiments on, animals were approved by the Geneva Canton ethical regulation authority (authorization 1008/3421/1R) and performed in accordance with Swiss law.
Animals and phylogenetic mapping
Adult P. klemmeri (n = 1), P. quadriocellata (n = 1), P. lineata (n = 2), P. laticauda (n = 1), and P. grandis (n = 5) were obtained from the pet market or bred in our laboratory. On the phylogenetic tree of the genus Phelsuma[19,20], we mapped (Figure 1a) the presence or absence of the following phenotypic characters (based on previous reports and our own observations [20,45-50]): 1) dorsolateral background coloration; 2) red/brown dorsal pattern; and 3) black/brown lateral pattern. Most Phelsuma geckos exhibit a vivid dorsolateral coloration, with a background typically of one or more colors (for example, bright green, yellow, or turquoise-blue, but sometimes dull gray or brown). Almost all species have distinct dorsal marks consisting of red to brown spots and stripes of various shapes. In addition, some species have black/brown lateral stripes or spots.
Skin histology and TEM
Skin samples were placed in Ringer's solution for microscopy observation. Cross-sections of 14 to 16 μm were prepared from skin embedded in optimum cutting temperature compound on a Leica (Wetzlar, Germany) CM1850 cryostat. For TEM, skin pieces of approximately 1 cm2 in size were fixed overnight at 4°C in 2% glutaraldehyde and 4% paraformaldehyde in 0.05 mol/L sodium cacodylate buffer (pH 7.4), rinsed with 0.1 mol/L cold sodium cacodylate, and fixed for 1.5 hours on ice in the same buffer with the addition of 1% osmium tetraoxide. Samples were then rinsed in water, stained with 1% uranyl acetate for 2 hours, gradually dehydrated in ethanol, rinsed three times in propylene oxide, incubated overnight in 1:1 propylene oxide/resin, and finally embedded in epoxy resin (Epon). Semi-thin (1 to 2 μm) and ultra-thin (80 to 90 nm) cross-sections were cut with a diamond knife on a Leica UCT microtome. Semi-thin sections were examined under a light microscope. Ultra-thin sections were placed on formavar-coated grids, and viewed with a Tecnai™ G2 Sphera (FEI) TEM at 120 kV to visualize intact guanine crystals, because post-staining inevitably results in loss of crystals [13]. The grids were then post-stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate, and viewed with the TEM again (in this case, spaces that were occupied by crystals appear white).
Optical modeling of skin reflectivity and color
For each individual, 10 to 20 TEM images of stained sections of iridophores of white, red, and green skin were collected at low (×1,500) magnification, and 20 to 30 images of unstained sections were collected at high (×25,000) magnification for green/blue skin. To analyze the size and orientation of crystals relative to skin surface, white 'holes' (corresponding to guanine crystals dissolved by uranyl acetate/lead citrate during post-staining) on low magnification images were fitted with ellipses (in JMicroVision [51]), whose geometric parameters (length, height, and orientation of major axis) were computed subsequently.
The Gaussian distribution of crystal orientation was calculated as:
where yo is the intersection of the curve with the y-axis (that is, the background level of randomly oriented crystals); A is the amplitude of the Gaussian curve; θ is the angle of the smallest axis of the ellipse relative to the normal to the skin surface; θc is the central value of the distribution, and is equal to 0; and w, the standard deviation, is related to the FWHM of the Gaussian curve, defined as
The A/y0 ratio varies from zero (when A = 0 in a purely random system) to infinity (when A is high and y0 is close to zero in a perfectly ordered system) as schematically illustrated (see Additional file 2: Figure S3d).
For optical modeling in blue/green skin, the thickness of crystals and the spacing between well-aligned crystal layers were measured on images of unstained sections taken at ×25,000 magnification (Table 1; see Additional file 2: Table S3). These values were used in a multilayer model (see Additional file 2) that simulates the reflectivity and color produced by alternating layers of guanine crystals and cytoplasm, each with a different thickness and refractive index [14,52,53].
To account for the contribution of pigments to skin reflectivity and hue, a top layer of pigment with variable thickness and wavelength-dependent absorption was included in the model. The optical transmission of the pigments measured on skin cryosections was fitted to a Drude-Lorentz model and included in the multilayer (see Additional file 2). As the intensity of light reflected coherently by organized photonic structures is much more intense (reflectivity can be close to 1) than that reflected by incoherent scattering, the latter was not taken into account.
Pigment chemical analysis
To determine pigment composition in xanthophores and erythrophores, skin samples were treated with 100% acetone and 30% NH4OH, known to dissolve carotenoids and pteridins, respectively [23,24]. MS was performed on pteridin standards (neopterin, isoxanthopterin, xanthopterin, pterin, 6-biopterin and sepiapterin) and on extracted pigments by UHPLC/DAD/ESI-QTOF (Agilent Technologies 1290 Infinity, ESI-QTOF model G6530A). A Poroshell C8 analytical column (100 × 3.0 mm internal diameter; particle size 2.7 μm) was used for the separation. The column oven temperature was set at 40°C. The binary mobile phase consisted of 0.4% acetic acid in water (solvent A) and acetonitrile (solvent B), and the flow rate was set to 0.5 ml/min. UV/visible spectra were recorded between 190 to 600 nm, and the injection volume was 1 μl. Mass spectra were acquired in positive and negative mode using electrospray ionization with nitrogen as the nebulizing gas, and recorded for the range of m/z 50 to 1700. Drying gas flow was 10 l/min, with a fragmentation voltage of 120 V, drying gas temperature of 300°C, nebulizer pressure of 40 psi, and capillary voltage of 3500 V. Compounds were identified with MassHunter Qualitative Analysis Software (Agilent Technologies) by analysis of their UV and high-resolution MS spectra (see Additional file 1).
Raman spectroscopy was performed on cryosections of red and green/yellow skin. This non-invasive technique [54] determines the chemical structure of a target molecule by measuring the energy shift of an incident laser light after its interaction with the molecule. The bespoke micro-Raman system was composed of a half-meter focal length spectrometer coupled to a nitrogen-cooled Princeton CCD detector. The excitation source was an argon laser with a wavelength of 514.5 nm. The full collection of Raman spectra on different pigments is shown (see Additional file 1).
Optical measurements
For extended UV reflectivity measurements (300 to 800 nm), a probe (QR400-7-VIS/BX; Ocean Optics) was connected to the scanning Xenon source of a spectroscopic Woollam ellipsometer with silicon diode as detector. Lock-in detection was used for ambient light noise reduction. For monitoring color change in real time (see Additional files 3 and 4, movies) and for imaging of the skin samples (see Additional file 2: Table S3), a Thorlab color CCD camera was mounted on a Leica M125 stereo microscope with a high field depth. With CCD, a systematic underestimate of RGB numbers of about 5% (that is, darker colors) was seen, but the color balance was rendered correctly. During the mechanical pressure and dehydration experiments, skin color was measured in situ, and compared with simulations in which the distance between the crystals was the only adjusted parameter.
Competing interests
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Authors' contributions
MCM conceived and supervised the whole study; SVS performed phylogenetic mapping, pigment extraction, and TEM.; SVS and JT performed the color analyses; JT and DvdM performed the numerical simulations; and MCM, SVS, and JT wrote the manuscript. All authors commented on the manuscript and approved the final version.
We thank Adrien Debry for technical assistance in captive breeding/animal handling; Elise Schubert for assistance in micro-colorimetry setup and color analyses; and Floriant Bellvert and Anne-Emmanuelle Hay-de Bettignies for assistance in mass spectrometry. Comments from two anonymous reviewers allowed us to improve the manuscript significantly. This work was supported by grants from the University of Geneva (Switzerland), the Swiss National Science Foundation (FNSNF, Sinergia grant CRSII3_132430 and grant 31003A_125060), the SystemsX.ch initiative (project EpiPhysX), the Georges and Antoine Claraz Foundation, and the Ernst and Lucie Schmidheiny Foundation.
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Glaw F, Vences M: A field guide to the amphibians and reptiles of Madagascar. 3rd edition. Vences & Glaw Verlag: Cologne; 2007.
Henkel F-W, Schmidt W: Amphibians and reptiles of Madagascar and the Mascarene, Seychelles, and Comoro Islands. Florida: Krieger Publishing Company; 2000.
Schönecker P: Geckos of Madagascar, the Seychelles, Comoros and Mascarene islands. Chimaira: Frankfurt am Main; 2008.
The comprehensive site to Phelsuma's.
http://www.phelsumaweb.nl webcite
The Phelsuma Information Platform by Emmanuel Van Heygen.
http://www.phelsuma.org webcite
The Greg & Leann's leaping lizards day geckos.
http://www.daygecko.com webcite
JMicroVision: Image analysis toolbox for measuring and quantifying components of high-definition images. Version 1.2.2.
http://www.jmicrovision.com webcite
Clark LB: Electronic spectra of crystalline 9-ethylguanine and guanine hydrochloride.
J Am Chem Soc 1977, 99:3934-3938. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
Land MF: A multilayer interference reflector in the eye of the scallop, Pecten maximus.
Carey PR: Raman spectroscopy, the sleeping giant in structural biology, awakes.
J Biol Chem 1999, 274:26625-26628. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text


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Youn can help column for Sunday
United Way end note and United Way topper
Items for Agencies
Boys and Girls Club is in need of a carpet cleaner and a vacuum cleaner. Call Tonya at 812-425-2311.
Wesselman's Nature Preserve needs a 4x4 Gator. Call 812-479-0771.
Ronald McDonald House Charities needs pantry items, cleaning supplies, disposable gloves and large trash bags, coffee, gift cards and other items found on website wish list: www.rmhevansville.org or by calling 812-402-7642.
Items for clients
AIDS Resource Group has clients who need of the following items: dinnerware, flatware, pots and pans and thermometers for refrigerators and freezers. Call 812-421-0059.
Chemo Buddies is an organization that offers comfort to those going through chemotherapy. They need: fresh fruit, caps, hats, new fleece blankets or quilts, game books, trial size lotions and hand sanitizers, candy, pens, small notebooks or journals, spiritual items, pocket tissues, and iTunes gift cards. Meals for patients may also be provided. Call 812-456-1386 or www.mychemobuddies.org.
Patchwork Central needs regular coffee, to go cups, creamer and sugar for their morning clients. Call Dee or Shawn at 812-424-4735.
Volunteer Opportunities
Vanderburgh County CASA is hosting an informational session on Monday from 5 to 6 p.m. Training begins in fall for the upcoming year. Volunteers greatly needed who are interested in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate. Call Christine Lutz at 812-424-5825.
4C PlaySpaces needs responsible and reliable volunteers to give a helping hand to homeless families with children at PlaySpaces set up in shelters around the city. Warm and caring adults who wish to help these children relax, trust and play again are welcome to apply. A three-hour orientation is required. Contact Ginny Smith at 4C at 812-423-4008 or go to www.child-care.org to download application.
Albion Fellows Bacon Center needs volunteers to assist in providing on-call crisis response to domestic violence and sexual assault clients and to provide assistance in our shelter program. Call Leslie James at 812-422-9372.
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No matter what he did or said, those were people whom he considered friends and even at one time, roommates. Remember, the deceptive nature of backstabbing can build into their obsession, and altering perception in life. You have to be able to decipher those fake smiles and each jealous glance. Transgender's are in between both worlds and sexual ideologies because they know who they are, even if the world is unfaltering with their perception. The world perceives them by their sexual organs they were born with, and that is not the idea behind Trans Men or women.
Some perceive the altering of your sex unacceptable, but at the end of the day it is your life and you deserve to have a chance for happiness, and these murdered and unmentioned, they belonged to someone and was loved and is dearly missed. Someone decided to play God, and brutally murdered someone who loved and even shared possible friendly connections with them. The police usually give up on finding murders of prostitutes,runaways, or LGBT Youth that were living a "high risk life. "They are not doing anything anymore gross than what happens at any strip club. You can't condemn homosexuality, but be fine with immorality.
WE in our society pick what laws we won't to follow in our Holy Grail, but ignore the sins that we ourselves are committing. but someone knows something. Sadly, most police and hatemongers blame them for their deaths. These lives were important, and it doesn't matter who they slept with, it mattered that someone assumed their life was not important because of emotionally and a attraction. These lives matter, and I think it is a double standard in our hip hip culture. Men will hang with lesbian studs, but will shun gay men. That needs to change in this industry.
Perfect example, If we are having a family dinner, my cousins are outside laughing and talking to my dad and uncles. My gay male cousins are in the kitchen with us,and that is how it usually is on every holiday. That is where they feel the most accepted.
So, why can't a gay man go to the club with straight urban men?
Two lesbians could ride along to the club with you, and you would take them to get a Big Mac, and Thot Juice.
You know who you are?
How is that fair or balancing in any rationality?
What part of the Bible, are ya'll reading?
Related articles


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I have the same problem as the original poster. I unplugged the smoke detector and there is still a beeping coming from the ceiling. I've replaced all batteries, I've replaced the beeping detector and still it beeps. I guess I will check the attic to see if there is a detector up there.
- Forum >
- Electrical & Lighting >
- Please help with hard-wired smoke detector issue...
We are currently having the same issue as the original poster as well... now the chirping is every three hours like clockwork and lasts for half and hour. Driving us crazy. The alarm that is still chirping is not even attached to the wall anymore, its as if the wires are chirping! Not possible it seems but that's whats happening...
MSOMAHA, did you figure out the source of the annoying chirping yet? Did you try shutting off the power to see if it continued? I agree with the other poster, there has to be another source emitting that beeping sound. Another detector, or anything that may beep when the battery is low. My grandmother had a similar problem once and we searched her home high and low several times trying to find out what was beeping once about every five minutes. I finally opened a kitchen drawer and found her old cellphone there which she had never turned off. It was beeping because of the low battery. We couldn't believe it. Good luck!
Im having this issue with a battery operated detector. Replaced it with a new unit and the new one is chirping three times once every half hour in the middle of the night. How can it be happening with a new unit with new batteries and why only when i am sleeping?
i am having same issue. i took the detector away and put it in the garage when it was originally connected in the hallway of our living room. STILL BEEPS! there is no smoke detector and Fn thing still beeps somewhere up in the ceiling. its very annoying.
Ok I have the same issue in the open hallway near the back door. I have determined that it is temperature related. If I leave the heating on then the chirping stops or during the summer if we have a colder night the chirping starts up again. I guess this detector is more sensitive than most( poor thing) and its position also has an effect.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Same issues with chirping Firex alarms. It's been going on for 8 years in our vacation/rental home. I finally put in wireless detectors that are connected to our alarm monitoring. One by one, I've disconnected and removed batteries from the firex models. I did the last 4 today after one went off and I couldn't get it to stop. But after I have disconnected them all and removed batteries, one keeps chirping?? I ant figure out how ? Or how to get it to stop
omg its happening here too! The hard wired one in the master bedroom, no less. I also think it is temp related, as ours does it during the night when it's cooler. If I turn off the air conditioning it seems to stop after awhile, once the temp comes up a bit. I'm ready to take a sledge hammer to the thing, and sleep has become a luxury.
I have a hardwired system. The one in the bedroom started chirping every 40 seconds. There are 4 detectors upstairs and one in the downstairs hall. Green lights were blinking on all. I replaced all batteries and the master bedroom one still chirps. Green lights not blinking any more. I removed it from the ceiling and turned the circuit breaker off. It still chirps. The fire dept said they have come across similar situations. I am calling an electrician in the morning. Will likely have hardwired system removed and go to strictly battery ones where I can at least throw out one if it becomes defective.
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January 21, 97
Vol. 12 , No. 05
View Entire Issue (Vol. 12 , No. 05)
The Economic Payoff to Education
Is going to college really worth the money? This is the question that Princeton economist Orley Ashenfelter '64 attempts to answer as he investigates the correlation between education level and income. As an educator, he would prefer to think that individuals pursue learning because they enjoy it. However, since the answer also has to do with the limits on our resources, the role of education as an investment also needs to be addressed.
Ashenfelter's creative approach to the study of higher education and earning ability relies heavily on data collected from twins and other closely related individuals. The economist enjoys working with tough quantitative problems that do not necessarily have ready solutions.
Ashenfelter is the first member of his family to go to college. He came to CMC on a scholarship from the Rohr Corporation. Although he was originally interested in engineering, he soon fell in love with economics. CMC economist Orme Phelps lured him into the teaching profession by telling him that, as an academic, he would be able to speak his mind. "Don't expect to hear straight answers on Wall Street. Academic economists don't usually have a vested interest in the information they hand out in the classroom. Of course, once an academic economist has been hired by a politician or a law firm, watch out!"
Except for time spent studying and teaching in England and working in the Department of Labor, Ashenfelter has been at Princeton University since he graduated from Claremont Men's College in 1964.
Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum
Claremont McKenna College
385 E. Eighth Street
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 621-8244
Fax: (909) 621-8579
Email: email@example.com
Campus Location
385 E. Eighth Street
Claremont, CA 91711


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In the Pilots N Paws program, pets from overwhelmed kill shelters hitch a flight to communities where they will be adopted. Pilot Jeff Bennett recently flew his 1,000th animal.
In the Pilots N Paws program, pets from overwhelmed kill shelters hitch a flight to communities where they will be adopted. Pilot Jeff Bennett recently flew his 1,000th animal.
Read more: Adoptable pets, News & Issues, Pets, Videos, Videos, animal rescue
Spent years doing the same thing... only on commercial aircraft and there is NO better feeling!
great man thanks for sharing :)
God bless pilots and paws - may the pilots who donate their time and planes have a very blessed and happy life. may the pups who are the travelers have the same!
Oh, how awesome they are. Thank-You, for your time and help
Pilots N Paws is a wonderful organization. I'm a volunteer driver and have only transported 1 dog to a pilot but it was a great experience. I waited until the plane took off and it was fun to watch it leave.
My hat is off to the pilots who volunteer their time, plane, and gas to help the animals. I know that it's a very costly outing for them.
I am a volunteer driver for Pilots N Paws and that is a great bunch of people!! Sometimes we have a pilot coming in, but still need a driver or two to take the dogs or cats to their next pickup spot! So, if anyone s interested in helping, we could always use more pilots and drivers!
This is wonderful news. Thank you for all you do.
Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/airborne-rescue-pets-fly-to-freedom.html#ixzz1zNlbJs9x
God bless Jeff and Pilots n Paws and all the folks who adopt all rescued dogs! Thank you all
Seriously, these guys should live forever. They are truly good people. They do this out of the goodness of their hearts and generosity of their souls. All people should be this wonderful.
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.
Cameron F. I totally agree with you. You said just exactly what I going to say. Thank you.
Absolutely Beautiful . . . . .
Excellent post! I've explored these sites and they are amazing! Such a shame I don't live in the US,…
Not so for everyone. Guess it depends on your situation, if you lost your job, live in a crappy cond…
There is only one reason to ditch bacon. Pigs are tortured to provide it.


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Summer Camp 2015
Little Stars Shine! (ages 4-5)
For ages 4 & 5, by September 1, 2015. Introduces theatre, acting and music in a welcoming environment. Focuses on stage presence, projection and listening through a collaborative process. Each session will conclude with a performance on the Vero Voce stage!
Session 1 Little Stars! [VV002A-Little Stars (1)]
$395 • Monday, 6/8 – Friday, 6/26 • 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Performance: Saturday, 6/27 at 10:30 a.m
COMEDY. Adapted from the play Make Believe by A. A. Milne. The King and Queen are eager to decide who will marry their daughter since her suitors, who have rather hearty appetites, are eating them out of castle and kingdom. The suitors include the snobby Yellow Prince, who doesn't like to get his hands dirty; the Blue Prince, who likes to stare into space; and the Red Prince, who is phony and condescending. To find the suitor with the kindest heart, the King and Queen decide to test them by having the Queen disguise herself as a beggar and ask each suitor for a crust of bread. However, unbeknownst to her parents, the Princess has proposed marriage to the "oh so very slow and uncomprehending but entirely adorable" Woodcutter. The Princess and Woodcutter overhear the King and Queen's plans and concoct a scheme in which the Woodcutter will prove to have the kindest heart with the help of three pieces of dreadfully dry, moldy bread. Delightfully wacky characters take center stage in this hilarious play!
Session 2 Little Stars! [VV002B-Little Starts (2)]
$395 • Monday, 7/6 – Friday, 7/24 • 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Performance: Saturday, 7/25 at 10:00 a.m.
FARCE/SPOOF. Greetings elves, witches, dwarves, and magical beasts to this week's episode of "Happily Ever After's Top Chef," where fairytale guests prepare an array of mouthwateringly marvelous morsels. This week's gastronomic "geniuses" include Rumpelstiltskin, who tries to spin straw into pie; a big bad wolf, who wants to share his recipe for "grandma in a blanket"; and the Three Bears, who attempt to get the temperature of their porridge just right. There are even guest appearances by Prince Charming, Puss in Boots, the Pied Piper, a princess who is allergic to everything, a hyperactive gingerbread boy, a witch, and even an evil stepmother! Audiences of all ages will enjoy this fun show.
Starlets Shine! (Grades 1-3)
For students entering Grades 1–3 in Fall 2015. All experience levels welcome. Provides students with a production experience specially, tailored for their age group focusing on character development and teamwork. Each session will conclude with a performance on the Vero Voce stage!
Session 1 Starlets Shine! [VV003A-Starlets(1)]
$495• Monday, 6/15 – Friday, 7/10 • 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Performances: Saturday, 7/11 at 10:30 a.m.
COMEDY. Hear ye! Hear ye! Prince Allistair must marry within one year or forfeit his claim to the throne. In addition, he must find a princess who is able to host large dinners with elegance and flair, instruct servants in a firm manner, and look glorious in a crown! With time running out, Prince Allistair and his faithful servant venture forth to find the perfect princess bride. However, it doesn't take long before Prince Allistair finds himself accosted by a bevy of enthusiastic husband-hunting princesses including the long-winded Princess Brighid and the overly amorous Princess Betina. Then there's Princess Purdy, who has an obnoxious laugh; Princess Edina, who makes everyone shudder; and Princess Petula, who is so concerned with her posture that she refuses to sit down. Discouraged, Prince Allistair is about to give up when he accidentally encounters Anabella, an independent-minded orphan and expert archer who doesn't need a man to protect her. Prince Allistair falls madly in love with the feisty orphan, but the only problem is that Anabella has no way to prove she is a princess. Eager to marry off their son, the King and Queen give Anabella a rather unusual test to see if she is indeed a princess. Audiences will laugh and cheer their way to a fun-filled ending.
Session 2 Starlets Shine! [VV003B-Starlets (2)]
THE GARDEN (Musical)
$495 • Monday, 7/13 – Friday, 8/7 • 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Performances: Saturday, 8/8 at 10:30 a.m
In search of a new home, Lenora the ladybug comes across a beautiful garden. But Bennie, the bean plant, and Special, the rose, tell poor Lenora to bug off and go live in a nearby English garden. Rejected, Lenora ventures off to find a new home. But in the meantime, some rascally aphids invade the garden and begin chewing up all the plants. Can Bennie and Special, with the help of the other garden insects, convince Lenora to come back and scare away the aphids before the garden is destroyed? Not only does this play have an important message about accepting others, but it is a fun way for children to learn about photosynthesis and ecology.
Starshine! (Grades 4-8)
For students entering Grades 4–8 in Fall 2015. All experience levels welcome. Provides students with full production experience from audition to final performance. Each session will conclude with a performance on the Vero Voce stage!
Session 1 Stars shine! [VV004A-Starshine (1)]
A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, KIDS (Musical)
$595 • Monday, 6/8 – Friday, 6/26 • 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Performances: Friday, 6/26 at 6:30 pm
Book and Lyrics by Willie Reale
Music by Robert Reale
Based on the books by Arnold Lobel
Based on the books by Arnold Lobel
Adapted from the three-time TONY-nominated Broadway hit comes A Year With Frog And Toad KIDS. Based on Arnold Lobel's well-loved books and featuring a hummable score by Robert and Willie Reale, this whimsical show follows two great friends -- the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad -- through four, fun-filled seasons.
Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding, and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make believe, all charm, A Year With Frog And Toad KIDS tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons.
Session 2 Stars shine! [VV004B-Starshine (2)]
THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER (Play)
$595 • Monday, 7/6 – Friday, 7/24 • 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Performances: Saturday, 7/25 at 11:30 am
Based on the 1882 novel by Mark Twain. On the same day two boys are born: the pauper Tom and prince Edward. As a kid, Tom sneaks into the palace garden and meets the prince. They change clothes with each other but the guards discover them and throw out the prince, since they are almost identical. Nobody believe them when they try to tell the truth. Soon after, the old king dies and the prince will inherit the throne. The evil earl of Hertford attempts to murder the prince to gain power for himself.
Summer camps require a 50% deposit (per session) to secure your student's place. Remaining balance is due three weeks prior to the start of each camp session.
No refunds will be made after each camp session or workshop begins.
High School Advanced Audition Workshop [VV006-HS Adv Audition Workshop]
For students entering Grades 9–12 in Fall 2015. This two-week intensive actor program offers specialty instruction including Scene prep, industry information, etc. Each student will leave this workshop with a printed headshot, completed resume and information on how to succeed in the business of theatre! Workshop concludes with a performance on the Vero Voce stage.
$245 • Monday–Thursday 7/20 – 7/31 • 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Performance: 7/31 at 7:30 p.m.
High School Summer camp requires full payment at the time of registration.
No refunds will be made after each camp session or workshop begins.
Additional Care
Additional Care for LITTLE STARS SHINE!, STARLETS SHINE! and STARS SHINE! campers. To be arranged after registration in camp. Vero Voce reserves the right to cancel up until 2 weeks prior to each session if Before Care, After Care or Extended Care drop below the minimum enrollment.
Before Care 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. $25/week
After Care 12:00 – 3:30 p.m. $80/week
Extended Care 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. $45/week


text:
AIDS rise imperils MDG targets of PH, warns UN
MANILA, Philippines—The United Nations (UN) warned on Friday that the Philippines was not on target to meet its Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of stopping the spread of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in the country.
Marking World AIDS Day, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) said the Philippines was one of only nine countries where the number of new HIV infections were increasing by more than 25 percent.
It said that Philippines was also one of only three countries in the Asia Pacific Region that "is now categorized as having an expanding (HIV) epidemic."
Worse, the coverage of HIV prevention programs among Filipino males who have sex with other males (MSM)—the sector where most of the new infections are being detected—is "below 25 percent, compared to other countries whose program coverage is more than 75 percent."
"The United Nations in the Philippines notes these trends with increasing concern, as the timeline for the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals in 2015 draws near,"
UNAIDS said in a statement.
"The United Nations Country Team in the Philippines recognizes that MDG 6, specifically to halt and reverse the spread of HIV by 2015, is among the MDGs least likely to be attained," it added.
The United Nations Childrens Fund (Unicef) is "also concerned" that a third of new HIV infections in the country are reported among young people aged 15-24 years, "mostly from key populations, namely males who have sex with other males, people who inject drugs and people engaged in sex work."
"Young people and adolescents access HIV testing facilities much less than their older counterparts. Key populations may get pregnant or may have female partners who get pregnant, with the risk of transmitting HIV to the baby, UNAIDS said.
"By definition, an AIDS-free generation depends on protecting the youngest and most vulnerable from HIV infection," Unicef Executive Director Anthony Lake said.
UNAIDS added that "much more needs to be done" to halt and reverse the further spread of HIV, specifically "among key populations who have been least reached, such as those that are young or pregnant."
The Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry showed that there were 316 new cases in September with 54 percent of them coming from the National Capital Region (NCR).
"This was 25 percent higher compared to the same period last year. Most of the cases (96 percent) were males. The median age was 28 years (age range: 16-70 years). The 20-29 year (57 percent) age-group had the most number of cases," the DOH said.
It said 312 of the new HIV cases were infected through sexual contact while only four cases were due to injecting illegal drugs.
"Males having sex with other males (82 percent) were the predominant type of sexual transmission (and) most (97 percent) of the cases were still asymptomatic at the time of reporting," the DOH said.
It added that that 2,466 new HIV cases had been reported this year, with 126 of them being reported as full-blown AIDS cases. 98 percent of these AIDS cases were acquired through sexual contact.
No funds vs AIDS
Health Secretary Enrique Ona admitted that the government did not have enough funds to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS.
"That's true. We really have a deficiency… In almost all of our health needs, we have deficiencies. I wish I could have all the money to fight HIV-AIDS," Ona said.
But Ona quickly added that the government was doing its best with the finite resources it had to stop the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
"We need a very aggressive program. However, more important is the strategy we should use and the data we will use. Our law is very, very strict with regards to privacy (of people with HIV)," Ona said.
"Another fact is 70 percent of HIV (cases) are spread because of men having sex with men. So, our strategy should be modified in such a way that the vulnerable are informed while making sure privacy is maintained. And we are doing that now," he added.
However, the Network to Stop AIDS-Philippines (NSAP) said the government should put its money where its mouth is. It added that there was an annual funding gap of P548 million in the efforts to stop the spread of HIV in the Philippines.
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