text:
Get notified about updates to this publication
Page 1
ReseaRch aRticlePolyphenols are the most abundant antioxidants in human diets. They constitute an extremely heterogeneous group of compounds, with over 500 different molecules described in commonly ingested foods and drinks [1]. The estimated mean total intake of dietary polyphenols is approximately 1000 mg/day [2,3], around 100-times higher than that of carotenoid and vitamin E, and ten-times higher than vitamin C. Polyphenols are generally divided into five main groups according to their structure: phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, lignans and others (such as secoiridoids) [4,5]. They characteristically all share an aromatic ring bound to at least two hydroxyl groups. The high variability in consumption, synergism and bioavailability of polyphenols determines their health effects [6]. Numerous clinical and epidemiological studies have shown an inverse association between the risk of myocardial infarction and ingestion of polyphenol-rich food such as fruit and vegetables (F&V) and their derivatives, as well as a close relationship between cancer risk and polyphenol consumption [7–11].Nutritional biomarkers are metabolites from external components such as foods, assessed in biological samples, and they are used to determine ingestion of a particular food or food group, or nutrient or non-nutrient constituent [12]. Nutritional biomarkers have advantages in acquiring data for epidemiological and clinical studies over traditional dietary assessment tools, such as food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) [13]. While FFQs constitute a subjective methodology, biomarkers can provide a less biased and more accurate measure of specific nutritional intake. The quantification of specific polyphenol biomarkers in accessible fluids or tissues has great potential as an alternative to traditional dietary assessment techniques and provides valuable information about polyphenol intake in humans [14]. The Folin–Ciocalteu (F–C) assay is the most widely used method for the ana lysis of total polyphenol (TP) content in foods [1,15] and recently in urine samples [16]. The F–C reagents (phosphomolybdic-phosphotungstic acid reagents) reduce polyphenols in alkaline medium. A series of molybdic and tungstic oxides are formed in this redox reaction, giving a blue coloration proportional to the concentration of polyphenols, which is determined by measuring the absorbance at 765 nm [17]. However, polyphenols do not all react with the F–C reagent with the same intensity, which can lead to an underestimation of the amount of polyphenols in the sample.The F–C method can be hampered by the presence of several water-soluble substances in urine, including sugar, sulfur dioxide, aromatic amines, ascorbic and organic acids, iron(II) and nonphenolic organic substances [15]. This interference was studied by Roura et al. in their research on cocoa [16]. After a SPE clean-up procedure with a single cartridge, none of these substances were found in the eluate, thus avoiding the interference reaction with the F–C reagent.Polyphenols excreted in urine as biomarkers of total polyphenol intakeBackground: Nutritional biomarkers have several advantages in acquiring data for epidemiological and clinical studies over traditional dietary assessment tools, such as food frequency questionnaires. While food frequency questionnaires constitute a subjective methodology, biomarkers can provide a less biased and more accurate measure of specific nutritional intake. A precise estimation of polyphenol consumption requires blood or urine sample biomarkers, although their association is usually highly complex. Results: This article reviews recent research on urinary polyphenols as potential biomarkers of polyphenol intake, focusing on clinical and epidemiological studies. We also report a potentially useful methodology to assess total polyphenols in urine samples, which allows a rapid, simultaneous determination of total phenols in a large number of samples. Conclusion: This methodology can be applied in studies evaluating the utility of urinary polyphenols as markers of polyphenol intake, bioavailability and accumulation in the body. Alexander Medina-Remón1,2,3, Anna Tresserra-Rimbau1,2,3, Sara Arranz2,4, Ramón Estruch2,3,4 & Rosa M Lamuela-Raventos*1,2,31Nutrition & Food Science Department, XaRTA, Instituto de Investigaciónen Nutrición y Seguridad Alimentaria, Pharmacy School, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain 2CIBER CB06/03, Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain 3RETICS RD06/0045, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain 4Department of Internal Medicine, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain *Author for correspondence: Tel.: +34 934034843 Fax: +34 934035931 E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com 1757-6180Bioanalysis (2012) 4(22), 2705–271310.4155/BIO.12.249 © 2012 Future Science LtdFor reprint orders, please contact firstname.lastname@example.com
Page 2
The methodology used to determine TP in urine samples has been subsequently further improved for a greater recovery of TPs excreted (TPE) into urine. The present high-throughput method is rapid, simple and allows the simultaneous determination of TP in a large number of samples using 96-well microtiter plates. Its application is potentially useful in studies evaluating the utility of urinary polyphenols as markers of intake, bioavailability and accumulation of these compounds in the body.In this article, recent research on urinary polyphenols as potential biomarkers of poly-phenol intake is described, focusing on clinical and epidemiological studies.Experimental Urine samplesTo determine the bioavailability of polyphenols in intervention studies, concentration is habitually calculated via the area under the curve from multiple blood sampling over a 24-h period, or urinary excretion of polyphenol metabolites, which is generally consistent with plasma kinetic data. It is thought that, 24-h urine samples offer advantages over plasma measurements, mostly because they allow an accurate evaluation of the TP absorbed. Urine samples are mainly appropriate for polyphenols with short plasma half-lives, where plasma measurements may fail to monitor acute intake.The 24-h urinary determination is quantitative and provides a measure of the total output of polyphenol metabolites over a 24-h period. Being more robust in monitoring daily intake than a single measurement in plasma, it also offers a better index of intake, monitoring the total concentrations of small- and large-intestinal metabolites, without the necessity of taking multiple blood samples.Although metabolite quantification in 24-h urine samples may be an appropriate methodology in small-scale human intervention studies, it is not realistic in large-scale epidemiological studies, because of the problems involved in organizing the collection of 24-h urine samples from a large-study population. A midway approach could be the quantification of metabolites in spot urine samples but there is little evidence on its suitability. Additionally, urinary data can be deceptive for those polyphenols that use alternative ways of excretion, such as bile from enterohepatic circulation. Interferences from biological fluidsThe major drawback, still unresolved, in evaluating dietary polyphenol availability is the difficulty to obtain a biological sample free of any phenolic substance. Consequently, a basal concentration of phenolics is found in urine, even after imposing strict dietary controls (i.e., diets free of those phenolic compounds of interest), and following hours of fasting [18].Water accounts for approximately 95% of the total volume of urine, the remaining 5% consisting of solutes derived from cellular metabolism and outside sources such as drugs. A wide range of water-soluble compounds, including mineral salts, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, hormones, antigens, fatty acids, nucleo sides, immunoglobulins, pigments, uric acid, urea, hippuric acid and so on, are believed to be normally present in urine, although other substances, such as proteins, glucose, erythrocytes and ketones bodies, can also be found when the body's processes are not operating efficiently [19].Therefore, without the application of an SPE clean-up procedure, these water-soluble compounds may interfere with the efficiency of the F–C assay in determining TP concentration in urine. Our group recently described a rapid new method, a modified Singleton and Rossi F–C assay [19], to determine TP in complex matrices such as urine samples [20]. SPE with 96-well plate cartridges (Oasis® MAX; Waters Corporation, PA, USA) successfully avoided any interference with the F–C reagent when measuring TPE in urine, as described by Medina-Remón et al., the results being expressed as gallic acid equivalent (mg)/creatinine (g) [20].In the validation of the method, ten representative polyphenols with varying polarity were prepared in synthetic urine at different concentrations and using different cartridges [20]. The best recoveries were obtained with Oasis MAX cartridges (Table 1), which were consequently selected. These cartridges allowed acidic, basic and neutral compounds to be detected, confirmed and quantified in different fractions in biological fluids. The sensitivity and polarity range of the urinary polyphenols were enhanced and the detection and quantification limits were significantly reduced. SPE clean-up procedureBriefly, 1 ml of 98% methanol and then 1 ml of sodium acetate 50 mM pH = 7 were loaded to equilibrate the cartridges. A total of 1.2 ml Key TermsPolyphenols: This highly diverse class of secondary plant metabolites with potentially beneficial human health effects is found in a range of plant-derived foods, particularly in the skin of fruit and the epidermis of leaves.Nutritional biomarker: Biological compound that provides a clinical index of nutritional status regarding intake or metabolism of dietary constituents.96-well plate cartridges: These are used in the SPE clean-up procedure, allowing the simultaneous ana lysis of a high number of samples.Oasis® MAX: Mixed-mode anion-exchange and reversed-phase solvent from Waters Corporation (PA, USA).PREDIMED study: Large, parallel group, multicenter, controlled, randomized 5-year clinical trial aimed at assessing the effects of the Mediterranean diet on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.ReseaRch aRticle | Medina-Remón, Tresserra-Rimbau, Arranz, Estruch & Lamuela-RaventosBioanalysis (2012) 4(22)2706future science group
Page 3
of the urine samples, previously thawed on an ice bed for 3 h, were centrifuged for 10 min at 4°C, and 1 ml of supernatant was diluted with 1 ml of Milli-Q water, acidified with 34 µl of 35% hydrochloric acid and used to load the cartridges. The cartridges were cleaned with 1 ml of sodium acetate 50 mM pH = 7 containing 5% methanol, and polyphenols were eluted with 1800 µl of methanol containing 2% formic acid. For the F–C reaction, 170 µl of Milli-Q® water (Millipore Corporation, MA, USA), 5 µl of eluted fractions, 12 µl of F–C reagent and 30 µl of 20% sodium carbonate were mixed in Thermo Fisher Scientific microtiter 96-well plates (Nunc™, Roskilde, Denmark). The mixtures were incubated at room temperature in the dark for 1 h and 73 µl of Milli-Q water was added after the reaction period. The absorbance was measured at 765 nm in a UV/visible Thermo Multiskan® Spectrum spectrophotometer (Vantaa, Finland). F–C assay validationThis F–C method was validated with gallic acid and a catechin standard. To evaluate the linearity, a series of calibrators at different concentrations were prepared in synthetic urine. The LOD and LOQ were calculated to evaluate the sensitivity of the method and its accuracy, which was determined by spiking the urine matrix with five different concentrations of standards. Accuracy was estimated from the percentage SDs of added analyte concentrations recuperated from the blank matrix. The CV was calculated by dividing SD by mean concentrations, which were expressed on a percentage basis, to obtain the RSD, calculated to obtain the precision. Additionally, short-and long-term stability as well as stability after freeze–thaw cycles were evaluated in standards and urine samples [20]. Creatinine determinationFor creatinine determination, the Jaffé alkaline picrate method [21] was adapted to Thermo microtiter 96-well plates. A total of 60 µl of 1% aqueous picric acid solution was mixed with 3 µl of urine and 5 µl of 10% sodium hydroxide. The mixtures were incubated at room temperature in the dark for 15 min. After the reaction time, 232 µl of Milli-Q water was added and the absorbance was measured in the UV/visible spectrophotometer at 500 nm. Creatinine concentrations in urine samples are usually very stable and, in the absence of disease, can be used to estimate some urinary excreted substances in spot urine samples [22–24]. Study designsTwo studies were performed: a clinical trial in order to evaluate the correlation between TP determined in spot urine samples and TP intake and to develop a biomarker of TP intake; and a cross-sectional study in order to corroborate this correlation in a free-living population with 60 volunteers. Validation was based on the results of a clinical trial with different intervention periods. The clinical trial was a prospective, randomized and crossover study that enrolled 12 healthy adults (four men and eight women; age range 24–54 years old) with no previous relevant illnesses. The volunteers were randomly separated into two groups: the first one began with a high polyphenol diet (HPD) and then changed to a low polyphenol diet (LPD), each lasting 3 days, and separated by a 3-day midway period following a normal diet. The other group began with the LPD, followed by the midway period and finishing with the HPD. The volunteers were instructed by a dietician who taught them how to obtain the required polyphenols from a list of restricted or recommended foods and drinks in each of the intervention periods. The daily food intakes of the volunteers were recorded in a diary. The volunteers refrained from taking vitamin supplements and medication for 1 week before and during the study.The cross-sectional study was performed with a subsample of 60 participants, 29 men and 31 women (56–80 years old) with a BMI between 20.4 and 36.6 kg/m2 from the PREDIMED study. It was a large, parallel-group, multicenter, Table 1. Absolute recovery of ten polyphenol standards in Oasis® MAX cartridges after SPE, quantified by HPLC.PolyphenolsGallic acidIsoquercetrinQuercetinCatechinEpicatechin4-O-methylgallic acidTyrosolNaringinCaffeic acidRutinReproduced with permission from [20] © Elsevier (2012).Recovery (%; mean ± SD)100.25 ± 3.66105.13 ± 8.0795.74 ± 7.1292.52 ± 4.43108.05 ± 1.9097.87 ± 1.5298.13 ± 2.23101.16 ± 9.45101.07 ± 2.8897.66 ± 0.72Polyphenols excreted in urine as biomarkers of total polyphenol intake | ReseaRch aRticlewww.future-science.com2707future science group
Page 4
randomized, controlled 5-year clinical trial. The primary aim of the trial was to assess the effects of the traditional Mediterranean diet on a composite end point of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke, in comparison with a low-fat control diet [101].Habitual food intake at baseline was estimated using a validated 137-item FFQ [25] and the validated Spanish version of the Minnesota leisure time physical questionnaire [26]. The exclusion and inclusion criteria described by Estruch et al. were used [27]. The volunteers from this substudy were divided into tertiles of daily intake of total F&V: F&V consumption. The first tertile included those with a low ratio (less than 508.03 g/d), the second tertile those with a medium ratio (between 508.04 and 640.23 g/d) and the third tertile those with a high ratio (more than 640.24 g/d). Basal urine samples were collected, coded and stored at -80°C until ana lysis. In both studies, data on the TP content in foods and drinks (mg/g fresh matter or mg/ml liquid) were calculated according to Saura-Calixto and Goni. TP intake was calculated as the sum of all individual polyphenol intake from all food sources reported in the FFQ corresponding to eight groups: cereals, vegetables, legumes, nuts, chocolate, fruit, oils and phenolic beverages (coffee, tea, wine, beer and fruit juices) [28]. Validation of the method & SPE cartridge selectionThe ana lysis was improved and Oasis MAX 96-well cartridges were selected as the most suitable for the SPE, since they allow acidic, basic and neutral compounds to be detected, confirmed and quantified in biological samples. The LOD and LOQ were significantly reduced, and the polarity range and sensitivity of the urinary polyphenols were improved.The developed F–C and creatinine method using 96-well plates is particularly suitable for clinical and epidemiological studies in which volunteers consume a wide variety of polyphenols in their habitual diet and large batches of samples are analyzed daily. The 96-well plates allowed the use of much larger sample volumes, provided greater sensitivity and avoided troublesome sample preparation due to the more comfortable format. Compared with previous methods, it was more suitable for automated manipulation and faster, allowing the ana lysis of 96 urine samples in only 3 h, in comparison with 12.5 h in other procedures [15,16,28].The Oasis MAX cartridges used in the SPE assay increased the recovery of a high number of polyphenols, with a high selectivity and sensitivity for all polyphenols tested, and decreased the interferences previously observed in TP assays with urine samples. Results & discussionThe main assumption behind dietary bio-markers is that they are objective measures and are independent of all the biases and errors asso-ciated with study subjects and dietary assessment methods. Biomarkers of nutrient exposure have been used for many years as an alternative to traditional dietary assessment tools, offering a semiquantitative index of the exposition of individual food constituents, measured in a fluid or tissue. They constitute an attractive alternative approach to the study of polyphenols, although the relationship between dietary intake and fluid biomarker concentrations is highly complex. Thus, there are very few existing valid biomarkers of any dietary exposure beyond sodium, energy or sugar intake.Some aspects must be verified before a particular dietary component or its metabolite becomes a sensitive and accurate biomarker of exposure to a specific polyphenol. For a complete comprehension of polyphenol metabolism in human subjects, the time–response relationship between polyphenol intake and the appearance of the biomarker in biological fluids, the precise dose–response relationship between the polyphenol intake and the appearance of its biomarker in plasma or urine, as well as an understanding of the extent to which certain physiological and environmental factors affect the rate of polyphenol metabolism in these subjects. Spencer et al. established the optimal criteria for selecting potential compounds to serve as useful nutritional biomarkers: robust methodology, sensitivity, specificity and bioavailability [14].The use of biomarkers represents a valuable and independent method for the validation of self-reported intake data. Biomarkers may also be very useful in cohort studies when dietary intake has not been measured, when interesting food items are not included in dietary assessment, or when some important information are lacking.Most dietary polyphenols (75–99%) are not found in urine, and the quantities detected intact vary from one phenolic compound to another [2]. This may be due to their reduced absorption ReseaRch aRticle | Medina-Remón, Tresserra-Rimbau, Arranz, Estruch & Lamuela-RaventosBioanalysis (2012) 4(22)2708future science group
Page 5
through the gut barrier, their hydrolysis and/or the extensive metabolization by intestine or liver enzymes after ingestion, their excretion to the bile or their metabolization by colonic microflora [4]. Polyphenols absorptionAbsorption, tissue distribution, metabolism and urinary, as well as biliary excretion of polyphenols, are separate physiological processes that all contribute to the time-dependent plasma values and determine bioavailability. Many researchers have investigated the kinetics and extent of polyphenol absorption by measuring plasma concentrations and/or urinary excretion among adults after the ingestion of a single dose of polyphenols, provided as a pure compound, plant extract, or whole food/beverage. Since the concentrations of native and metabolic forms of polyphenols in the circulation are in the nanomolar to low micromolar range and generally symbolize a very small percentage of the quantity intake, a sensitive and reliable analytical methodology is essential for the measurement of specific metabolites as biomarkers of polyphenol intake. Furthermore, due to a lack of suitable standards of metabolic forms, they are difficult to characterize and/or quantify. Plasma metabolite concentrations observed in bioavailability and/or pharmacokinetic studies after polyphenol consumption vary greatly according to the nature of the polyphenol and the food source. The interactions between polyphenols and other food components could modify the polyphenol absorption. Therefore, the dose–response relationship between polyphenol intake and the concentration of potential biomarker in fluids may be predisposed by the chemical form of the polyphenol and the food composition [14]. The metabolic response to a given dose of a particular polyphenol-rich food could have significant inter-individual variation, especially in the case of metabolites produced by colonic microflora. Metabolite concentrations in urine and plasma are generally low, hence, the importance of collecting biofluids with the highest concentrations of these putative biomarkers. Polyphenol excretionThe advantage of nutritional biomarkers over FFQs in epidemiological and clinical studies has been shown by the significant correlations observed between urinary excretion of polyphenols and food consumption in intervention studies with specific food items [4], even though few studies have evaluated whether TP compounds can be considered as validated biomarkers of TP intake. In the clinical trial performed by our group, TP intake was positively and significantly correlated (r = 0.48, p < 0.01) with TPE in spot urine samples due to the observed relationship between polyphenol content in ingested food and recoveries in urine [20].The concentrations of TPE in spot urine after the consumption of different diets are shown in Figure 1. The median values represented in the boxplot graph show the central tendency of the quantitative data distribution, correctly described by this general index. The figure presents the changes in urinary polyphenol excretion in high, normal and LPDs. The error bars (whiskers) represent the smallest (minimum) and the largest (maximum) sample values, since the distributions do not have outliers. Horizontal lines inside the boxes are the lower and the upper quartiles, hence, the length of the box is the interquartile range of the sample.The Wilcoxon test ana lysis of related samples for each intervention period exhibited a significant difference between the urinary TPE after the HPD and LPD (p = 0.002). However, HighGallic acid equivalent (mg)/creatinine (g)6080100120NormalLowPolyphenol dietsFigure 1. Concentration of total phenolic gallic acid equivalent (mg)/creatinine (g) excreted in morning urines, after the ingestion of the high, normal and low polyphenol diets in the clinical trial. Reproduced with permission from [20] © Elsevier (2012).Polyphenols excreted in urine as biomarkers of total polyphenol intake | ReseaRch aRticlewww.future-science.com2709future science group
Page 6
when the normal diet was compared with HPDs and LPDs, a tendency to a significant difference was observed (p = 0.06). In the cross-sectional study, TPE was also a good indicator of TP consumption, as shown by the significant correlation observed between F&V or TP intake and urinary TPE determined by the F–C assay. This was corroborated by the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (r) analyses, which gave a positive significant correlation between the TPE in spot urine samples and TP intake (r = 0.257, p = 0.04), and the total F&V intake (r = 0.339, p = 0.008) (Figure 2). The correlation between TPE in spot urine and TP intake was lower than between TPE in urine and F&V intake, probably due to the translation of F&V and other polyphenol-rich foods from the FFQ into the TP intake. At the time of the study, a complete database with the polyphenol content of all foods, such as the Phenol-Explorer database [1], was not available.Several authors have reported that phenolic compounds in spot urine samples collected from free-living subjects can be used as biomarkers of specific polyphenol-rich foods: chlorogenic acid for coffee, phloretin for apple, naringenin for grapefruit and hesperetin for orange consumption [29–31]. The combination of several polyphenols (isorhamnetin + hesperetin + naringenin + kaempferol + phloretin) may be a good indicator of total fruit consumption. However, few investigations have correlated TP intake with the concentration of phenolic compounds in spot urine samples to validate their use as biomarkers of polyphenol intake.Mennen et al. studied the correlation between the consumption of polyphenol-rich foods and beverages and the concentration of 13 polyphenols and metabolites in spot urine samples in a free-living population, proposing that some polyphenols measured in spot urine samples can be used as biomarkers of polyphenol-rich food intake [30]. Krogholm et al. measured the total flavonoids excreted in urine by LC–MS to determine whether the flavonoid concentration in urine may reflect the intake of F&V [31]. They concluded that the total urinary excretion of flavonoids in 24 h may be used as a biomarker for F&V intake. Roura et al. arrived at similar conclusions, finding that the TP concentrations in urine can be correlated to the polyphenol intake from cacao drinks [16]. In their study it was possible to see the relationship between the TP intake and TPE in urine samples, measured by the F–C assay. However, in epidemiological studies, only spot urine samples and rarely 24-h urine samples are collected to investigate the potential beneficial effect of F&V on health. Epidemiological & clinical studiesDue to the extensive distribution of flavonoids in F&V, various studies have measured their value as biomarkers of F&V intake. In a controlled-dietary intervention study, urinary quercetin, flavanone, and total flavonoids were measured in 24-h urine samples by LC–MS after 6 weeks on a diet with either a low or high content of F&V or berries. Changes in F&V consumption and urinary flavonoid excretion were positively correlated [29], as was the concentration of TP metabolites in 24-h urine samples and F&V consumption, after the implementation of a basic diet supplemented with 300 or 600 g of F&V during 1 day [31].Similarly, other investigators have analyzed TP in spot urine samples as biomarkers of TP intake, using the F–C assay. Interestingly, urinary polyphenols have been inversely associated with blood pressure and positively associated with a reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease in 4003503002502001501005000 250Gallic acid equivalent (mg)/creatinine (g)500 750 1000 1250Total fruit and vegetable intake (g/day)Figure 2. Correlation between total phenolic gallic acid equivalent (mg)/creatinine (g) excreted in morning urine and total fruit and vegetables intake (g/day) in the cross-sectional study. Reproduced with permission from [20] © Elsevier (2012).ReseaRch aRticle | Medina-Remón, Tresserra-Rimbau, Arranz, Estruch & Lamuela-RaventosBioanalysis (2012) 4(22)2710future science group
Page 7
another PREDIMED substudy, which included 589 participants, 263 men aged 53–82-years old and 326 women aged 58–82-years old, free of cardiovascular disease at baseline [32].A significant positive association was obtained between normalized urine TPE expressed as gallic acid equivalent (mg)/creatinine (g) and daily intake of TP (100 mg), F&V (100 g), coffee (100 ml) and wine (100 ml) after adjusting for potential confounding factors (b = 0.116, p < 0.001; b = 0.127, p < 0.001; b = 0.414, p < 0.05; and b = 0.121, p = 0.019; respectively). The ß coefficients (standardized) obtained in this model showed that TP and F&V (b = 0.283 and b = 0.150, respectively) contributed to urinary TPE more than coffee (b = 0.141), and all of them contributed to a greater extent than wine (b = 0.120).Valls-Pedret et al. assessed urinary poly phen-ols as an objective biomarker of TP intake, and measured the associations between urinary polyphenols and cognitive scores by multiple linear regression models in 447 asymptomatic subjects at high cardiovascular risk enrolled in the PREDIMED study [33]. TP excretion in urine was independently associated with memory performance, with a continuous, dose-related effect; it was also significantly and independently associated with the immediate recall score of the Rey auditory verbal learning test and nearly significantly with the delayed recall Rey auditory verbal learning test score. Recently, Pedret et al. measured the relationship between urinary TPE and oxidative stress biomarkers in 81 healthy adults of different ages from the cross-sectional PAScual MEDicina study [34]. TP intake was quantified from 3-day dietary records using the Phenol-Explorer database, and a significant Pearson correlation was observed between daily TP intake and urinary TPE (r = 0.281, p = 0.012). In this study the standardized coefficients from a stepwise multivariate model showed that polyphenol intake from fruits is the largest contributor to TP intake; followed by vegetables, coffee and fermented beverages. Additionally, urinary TPE was inversely associated with urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (p < 0.001) and erythrocyte oxidized glutathione concentrations (p < 0.05).In the InCHIANTI study, Zamora-Ros et al. evaluated the relationship between dietary polyphenol intake and TPE, expressed by both 24-h volume and urinary creatinine normalization, in 928 participants [35]. In multiple linear models, the association between dietary TP intake estimated from validated FFQs and both transformed TPE expressions was statistically significant (partial correlation coefficient [pr] = 0.164, p < 0.001 for urinary TPE expressed by 24-h volume; pr = 0.113, p = 0.002 for urinary creatinine correction TPE; after adjusting for gender, age, BMI, physical activity, energy intake and renal function). Both urinary TPE expression models correlated with polyphenol intake, but it was concluded that the former is the more accurate biomarker.However, 24-h urine collection is not practical in large-scale epidemiological studies, being tedious for both participants and investigators. In cases where 24-h volume is not available, creatinine-corrected urinary TPE may serve as a suitable biomarker of TP dietary intake in a free-living population [20].ConclusionUrinary polyphenol ana lysis by a F–C assay, after a SPE clean-up with Oasis MAX 96-well plate cartridges, was pioneered by our group and can be considered as an accurate biomarker of polyphenol-rich food intake [36,20]. This method is simpler, cheaper and more environmentally friendly than others previously described [16].In addition, our method is especially adapted for the simultaneous ana lysis of large batches of samples; the 96-well plate system allows the use of much larger sample volumes, provides greater sensitivity, avoids troublesome sample preparation due to its more comfortable format, is more suitable for automated manipulation, and is faster than previous methods. Future perspectiveThe development of nutritional biomarkers is a highly complex procedure since the methodology must be robust, sensitive and specific, which depends also on bioavailability of compounds. However, this methodology for assessing nutritional intake has several advantages over dietary data, being more accurate, objective and reliable. Compared with the more subjective information obtained by FFQs, biomarkers provide a more precise measure of the nutritional state since they take into account both the metabolism and bioavailability of the target component.The quantification of biomarkers in spot urine samples is a good alternative to quantification in 24-h urine samples, which is not a realistic Key Termß coefficients (standardized): Regression coefficients that are obtained if the regression model is estimated with the standardized values of the dependent variable.Polyphenols excreted in urine as biomarkers of total polyphenol intake | ReseaRch aRticlewww.future-science.com2711future science group
Page 8
Executive summary The described high-throughput methodology, using 96-well microtiter plates, could potentially be used by the analytical community to detect total polyphenols in urine samples as a biomarker of total polyphenol intake. Accordingly, the measured urinary polyphenol concentration showed a better correlation with clinical data than polyphenol intake obtained by food frequency questionnaires. Urinary total polyphenols excreted expressed by 24-h volume is a more accurate biomarker of polyphenol dietary intake than by urinary creatinine normalization, although the latter is more practical in a free-living population study.ReferencesPapers of special note have been highlighted as: of interest of considerable interest1 Neveu V, Perez-Jimenez J, Vos F et al. Phenol-Explorer: an online comprehensive database on polyphenol contents in foods. Database (Oxford) 2010, bap024 (2009). The introduction of Phenol-Explorer is a major step forward in the development of databases on food constituents and the food metabolome. It is the first comprehensive web-based database on polyphenol content in foods, containing more than 37,000 original data collected from 638 scientific articles.2 Scalbert A, Williamson G. Dietary intake and bioavailability of polyphenols. J. Nutr. 130(8), S2073–S2085 (2000).3 Perez-Jimenez J, Fezeu L, Touvier M et al. Dietary intake of 337 polyphenols in French adults. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 93(6), 1220–1228 (2011).4 Manach C, Scalbert A, Morand C, Remesy C, Jimenez L. Polyphenols: food sources and bioavailability. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 79(5), 727–747 (2004). Comprehensive review on the nature and contents of the various polyphenols present in food sources and the influence of agricultural practices and industrial processes.5 Perez-Jimenez J, Neveu V, Vos F, Scalbert A. Identification of the 100 richest dietary sources of polyphenols: an application of the Phenol-Explorer database. Eur. J Clin. Nutr. 64(Suppl. 3), S112–S120 (2010).6 Feher J, Lengyel G. Nutrition and cardiovascular mortality. Orv. Hetil. 147(32), 1491–1496 (2006).7 Covas MI, Nyyssonen K, Poulsen HE et al. The effect of polyphenols in olive oil on heart disease risk factors: a randomized trial. Ann. Intern. Med. 145(5), 333–341 (2006).8 Fortes C, Forastiere F, Farchi S et al. The protective effect of the Mediterranean diet on lung cancer. Nutr. Cancer 46(1), 30–37 (2003).9 Hao HD, He LR. Mechanisms of cardiovascular protection by resveratrol. J. Med. Food 7(3), 290–298 (2004).10 Manach C, Mazur A, Scalbert A. Polyphenols and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Curr. Opin. Lipidol. 16(1), 77–84 (2005).11 Scalbert A, Manach C, Morand C, Remesy C, Jimenez L. Dietary polyphenols and the prevention of diseases. Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr. 45(4), 287–306 (2005). Excellent critical review on the antioxidant effects of polyphenols and their relevance for health as well as the experimental evidence supporting a protective role of polyphenols against the main degenerative diseases.12 Potischman N. Biologic and methodologic issues for nutritional biomarkers. J. Nutr. 133(Suppl. 3), S875–S880 (2003).13 Marshall JR. Methodologic and statistical considerations regarding use of biomarkers of nutritional exposure in epidemiology. J. Nutr. 133(Suppl. 3), S881–S887 (2003).14 Spencer JP, Abd El Mohsen MM, Minihane AM, Mathers JC. Biomarkers of the intake of dietary polyphenols: strengths, limitations and application in nutrition research. Br. J. Nutr. 99(1), 12–22 (2008).possibility in large-scale epidemiological studies due to practical issues. However, urinary data can be deceptive for polyphenols that use alternative ways of excretion, such as the bile from enterohepatic circulation. Another limitation is that the colonic microflora catalyze the breakdown of the polyphenol itself to more simple compounds, such as valerolactones or other chemical structures that are not able to further reduce the chemicals present in the F–C reagent, and the behavior of these compounds in SPE has not been studied.DisclaimerNone of the funding sources played a role in the design, collection, ana lysis and interpretation of data, in the writ-ing of the report or in the decision to submit the paper for publication.Financial & competing interests disclosureThe authors would like to express their gratitude for the financial support from CICYT (AGL2010-22319-C03) and RETICS RD06/0045 from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. The CIBERobn CB06/03 is an initiative of Instituto de Salud Carlos III. A Tresserra-Rimbau would like to thank the Instituto de Salud Carlos III for granting her a predoctoral fellowship (FI10/00265) and S Arranz would like to thank the 'Sara Borrell' postdoctoral program (CD10/00151) from Ministro de Educación, Cultura y Deporte. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.Ethical conduct of research The authors state that they have obtained appropriate insti-tutional review board approval or have followed the princi-ples outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki for all human or animal experimental investigations. In addition, for investi gations involving human subjects, informed consent has been obtained from the participants involved.ReseaRch aRticle | Medina-Remón, Tresserra-Rimbau, Arranz, Estruch & Lamuela-RaventosBioanalysis (2012) 4(22)2712future science group
Page 9
15 Singleton VL, Orthofer R, Lamuela-Raventos RM. Analysis of total phenols and other oxidation substrates and antioxidants by means of Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Meth. Enzymol. 299, 152–178 (1999). Excellent methodology for the ana lysis of total phenols and other oxidants substrates and antioxidants.16 Roura E, Andres-Lacueva C, Estruch R, Lamuela-Raventos RM. Total polyphenol intake estimated by a modified Folin–Ciocalteu assay of urine. Clin. Chem. 52(4), 749–752 (2006).17 Singleton VL, Rossi JA Jr. Colorimetry of total phenolics with phosphomolybdic-phosphotungstic acid reagents. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 16(3), 144–158 (1965).18 Miro-Casas E, Covas MI, Farre M et al. Hydroxytyrosol disposition in humans. Clin. Chem. 49(6 Pt. 1), 945–952 (2003).19 Tortora GJ, Grabowski RS. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. HarperCollins College Publishers, NY, USA, 897–898 (1993).20 Medina-Remón A, Barrionuevo-González A, Zamora-Ros R et al. Rapid Folin–Ciocalteu method using microtiter 96-well plate cartridges for solid phase extraction to assess urinary total phenolic compounds, as a biomarker of total polyphenols intake. Anal. Chim. Acta 634(1), 54–60 (2009). Excellent method to assess urinary total phenolic compounds as a biomarker of total polyphenols intake, after clean-up procedure with Oasis® MAX cartridges.21 Jaffé M. Über den niederschlag welchen pikrinsäure in normalen harn erzeugt und uber eine neue reaction des kreatinins. Hoppe-Seyler's Z. Physiol. Chem. 10(5), 391–400 (1886).22 Hodgson JM, Chan SY, Puddey IB et al. Phenolic acid metabolites as biomarkers for tea- and coffee-derived polyphenol exposure in human subjects. Br. J. Nutr. 91(2), 301–305 (2004).23 Mir S, Serdaroglu E. Quantification of hypercalciuria with the urine calcium osmolality ratio in children. Pediatr. Nephrol. 20(11), 1562–1565 (2005).24 Valianpour F, Abeling NG, Duran M, Huijmans JG, Kulik W. Quantification of free sialic acid in urine by HPLC–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry: a tool for the diagnosis of sialic acid storage disease. Clin. Chem. 50(2), 403–409 (2004).25 Martin-Moreno JM, Boyle P, Gorgojo L et al. Development and validation of a food frequency questionnaire in Spain. Int. J. Epidemiol. 22(3), 512–519 (1993).26 Elosua R, Marrugat J, Molina L, Pons S, Pujol E. Validation of the Minnesota leisure time physical activity questionnaire in Spanish men. The MARATHOM investigators. Am. J. Epidemiol. 139(12), 1197–1209 (1994).27 Estruch R, Martinez-Gonzalez MA, Corella D et al. Effects of a Mediterranean-style diet on cardiovascular risk factors: a randomized trial. Ann. Intern. Med. 145(1), 1–11 (2006). Exceptional PREDIMED study that compares the short-term effects of two Mediterranean diets versus those of a low-fat diet on intermediate markers of cardiovascular risk.28 Saura-Calixto F, Goni I. Antioxidant capacity of the Spanish Mediterranean diet. Food Chem. 94(3), 442–447 (2006).29 Nielsen SE, Freese R, Kleemola P, Mutanen M. Flavonoids in human urine as biomarkers for intake of fruits and vegetables. Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev. 11(5), 459–466 (2002).30 Mennen LI, Sapinho D, Ito H et al. Urinary flavonoids and phenolic acids as biomarkers of intake for polyphenol-rich foods. Br. J. Nutr. 96(1), 191–198 (2006).31 Krogholm KS, Haraldsdottir J, Knuthsen P, Rasmussen SE. Urinary total flavonoid excretion but not 4-pyridoic acid or potassium can be used as a biomarker for the intake of fruits and vegetables. J. Nutr. 134(2), 445–451 (2004).32 Medina-Remón A, Zamora-Ros R, Rotchés-Ribalta M et al. Total polyphenol excretion and blood pressure in subjects at high cardiovascular risk. Nutr. Metab. Cardiovasc. Dis. 21(5), 323–331 (2011).In this magnificent study the relationship between total polyphenol excretion in urine, as an objective measurement of total polyphenol intake and blood pressure, was assessed in an elderly population at high cardiovascular risk.33 Valls-Pedret C, Lamuela-Raventos RM, Medina-Remón A et al. Polyphenol-rich foods in the Mediterranean diet are associated with better cognitive function in elderly subjects at high cardiovascular risk. J. Alzheimers Dis. 29(4), 773–782 (2012).34 Pedret A, Valls RA, Fernández-Castillejo S et al. Polyphenol-rich foods exhibit DNA anti-oxidative properties and protect the glutathione system in healthy subjects. Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 56(7), 1025–1033 (2012).35 Zamora-Ros R, Rabassa M, Cherubini A et al. Comparison of 24-h volume and creatinine-corrected total urinary polyphenol as a biomarker of total dietary polyphenols in the Invecchiare InCHIANTI study. Anal. Chim. Acta 704(1–2), 110–115 (2011).Offers the reader a correlation between polyphenols dietary intake and total urinary polyphenol excretion, expressed by both 24-h volume and urinary creatinine in the InCHIANTI study.36 Medina-Remón A, Lamuela-Raventos RM. Bioana lysis young investigator: Aleander Medina-Remón. Bioana lysis 3(14), 1563–1565 (2011). Website101 PREDIMED study. www.predimed.orgPolyphenols excreted in urine as biomarkers of total polyphenol intake | ReseaRch aRticlewww.future-science.com2713future science group


text:
Wrestling: No. 1 Penn State defeats Ohio State on BTN
Big Ten wrestling fans got to see an outstanding match Friday night on the Big Ten Network.
Watch BTN live and on demand on the go via BTN2Go.com and the popular BTN2Go app. Click to learn more at BTN2Go.com.
Big Ten wrestling fans got to see an outstanding match Friday night on the Big Ten Network.
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Are you a fan of numbers? If so, this is the perfect post for you.
Let's turn the clock back one year and look at the Big Ten recruiting rankings for from 247Sports. Whose fortunes rose? Whose fell?
BTN's Shane Sparks is more than ready for Friday's nights main wrestling event. When the Big Ten wrestling schedule came out, this was the match he circled on the calendars as Penn Satte expects 16,000 fans to come see No. 1 Penn State hosts reigning national champion Ohio State. It airs live on BTN at 6 p.m. ET.
Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Could Iowa's Drew Ott get a fifth season of eligibility? Nebraska looks like it upgraded their pass coverage defense. There is QB news at Ohio State and Wisconsin. Plus, No Big Ten school inked a better collection of wideouts than Michigan State. Let's get into all of Friday's Big Ten headlines now.
Nigel Hayes put on a show in his postgame press conference following Wisconsin's 79-68 win over Ohio State.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Mariska Hargitay is Jane Mansfield's Daughter
By paul | December 16, 2008
This may be old news, but it was news to me. I just found out that Mariska Hargitay, who plays Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order SVU, is the daughter of 50's sex-symbol, Jane Mansfield. I had no idea.
Law & Order is actually one of our favorite shows.
9 Comments
I watch Law & Order every chance I get! I think it a superb show and I especially like Detective Olivia Benson's role. She is beautiful but I never knew she was Jane Mansfield's daughter until my son told me. He enjoys the show also. They need more shows like this one. Not CSI or anything like that but just plain cops and robbers :-) Just kidding, I also like CSI. Thank you Olivia!!
I don't watch Law and Order but heard Jane Mansfield's daughter was on there and wanted to take a look at her pic. She is beautiful. I have just moved to Phillipsburg, NJ and right near the street where Jane Mansfield was born and lived as a small child. Jane is buried in the next state from here, Pa…and I've heard her grave has a big pink headstone on it cause she liked pink. Heard there are still some relatives back here this way. Her daugher does resemble her. I wonder if this daugher was in the car with her on that fateful night…I know they said her kids were. God bless.
Mariska was in the car the night of the crash, but she was very young and doesn't remember anything. I think she got a scratch on her forehead or something like that, but that's her only injury.
Thank you for your comment. I wish I knew where Jane lived here in Phillipsburg, NJ as a child…cause I am right near and just would like to view the house. Thanks.
They are both beautiful women who should be admired for their brain power. It is said that Jayne Mansfield had an IQ of 163 which is well above the genius level. Such a shame she had such a tragic demise.
Thank you all for your comments. I did find out where Jane Mansfield lived here in Phillipsburg, N.J. as child through research at public libraries near my area. I have yet to visit the street where she lived and also hope to get to visit the gravesite when I can. If I do, I will try to post a photo here of the street and gravesite. Wow, she was a very intelligent woman, an IQ of 163…wow. Yes, it is tragic she died the way she did and so young too.
Mariska looks just likek her mother. Would she be willing to play the role of her mother in a true to life movie???
Law and Order SVU is my favorite show of all time. I watch it every single day. When I look through my guide I specifically look to see if it is on before I watch anything else, and If its not on I get on Netflix and watch it there!! I'm addicted to it. But I never knew that Jayne Mansfield was Mariska's mother. Big shocker to me. I just found out about 5 minutes ago when I was reading up on Mariska Hargitay ! I have been comparing pictures of Jayne and Mariska to see if they look alike… So far I don't see much of a resemblance other than them both being gorgeous.
Mariska looks just like her mother. Unfortunately she and her brothers were in the car that killed their mother and two other people and left a zig zag scar on the side of her head.
Because she was 3 when the accident happened Mariska doesn't have any memory of it.


text:
Icon bases Set 2 by Sanami276Watch
©2005-2016 Sanami276
They can be used as backgrounds or textures for 100x100 icons. Play with your blending modes and be creative
Love these. Thank You!
I love your works!
wow.these look great*thanks*
luv them! ♥
Thx for your work!! its awsome!!
so pretty!! I love your works
yay, these look fun!
take this, thanks >w<
Hola, I want use your texture for my id. I like alot. Thanks friend.


text:
Interested in a criminal justice career that includes corrections, court security and opportunities for specialized law enforcement assignments? The Alexandria Sheriff's Office is now recruiting for the position of Deputy Sheriff I.
Those seeking a rewarding position in the criminal justice field are encouraged to review the qualifications, benefits and selection process.
Applicants must be 21 years old and bring proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization paperwork or U.S. passport), valid driver's license, social security card and high school diploma or GED certificate.
Please check back for details about the next examination date.
Applicants with specific questions can email Human Resources Manager George Baldwin at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Find neighborhood parks?
Start a small business?
Learn about new development?
Pay my taxes or parking citation?
Find child-care provider information?
Report fraud, waste and abuse?
Speak at a City Council meeting?
Apply for a marriage license?
Find information for retired City employees?
Get information about permits?
Search property and sales data?
Find visitor information?
Find volunteer opportunities?
Obtain and review public documents and records?
Find information about parking?
Learn more about Verizon FiOS?
2003 Mill Road
Alexandria, VA 22314
Fax: 703.746.5033E-mail
Office Hours:Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Detention Center:24 Hours703.746.4099


text:
Health Concern On Your Mind?
See what your medical symptoms could mean, and learn about possible conditions.Get Started
Drugs & Supplements
Get information and reviews on prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Search by name or medical condition.
Having trouble identifying your pills?
Enter the shape, color, or imprint of your prescription or OTC drug. Our pill identification tool will display pictures that you can compare to your pill.Get Started
Save your medicine, check interactions, sign up for FDA alerts, create family profiles and more.Get Started
Talk to health experts and other people like you in WebMD's Communities. It's a safe forum where you can create or participate in support groups and discussions about health topics that interest you.
Read expert perspectives on popular health topics.
Connect with people like you, and get expert guidance on living a healthy life.
Got a health question? Get answers provided by leading organizations, doctors, and experts.Get Answers
Sign up to receive WebMD's award-winning content delivered to your inbox.Sign Up
Dr. Sarah A. Lewis graduated from the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine in 2000. She works in Cincinnati, OH and 1 other location and specializes in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Dr. Lewis is affiliated with Bethesda North Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital and Select Specialty Hospital.
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Medical School: Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine; Graduated 2000
*This physician has multiple office locations. See Office Information for details.
4805 Montgomery Rd Ste 154
Norwood, OH 45212
4805 Montgomery Rd Ste 154
Norwood, OH 45212
3333 Burnet Ave M/L 4000
Cincinnati, OH 45229
5275 Winneste Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45232
5275 Winneste Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45232


text:
Rated 4.2 out of 5 by 517 reviewers.
Rated 4 out of 5 by ohkid in Napa Clean Hotel near Napa city December 27, 2013
Rated 3 out of 5 by LenL Poor front desk service Arrived at the hotel at 1 AM. No one greeted us to valet the car so had to self park the car on the street. Upon check-in the front desk did not mention the car valet service , nor the wi fi in the room. Used the gym the next morning and it was awful. Very small with too many guests on top of each other in the gym. Upon check out I asked why I was charged an amenity fee of $20 per room (had two rooms). Front desk said it was for free valet parking, free wi fi in the room and for the gym facility. I informed the front desk that valet service was not available when we checked in, no one told us about the wi fi or the $20 amenity fee. After providing feedback about the small gym the front desk explained it is a temporary facility while the hotel is renovating the main gym. In conclusion I was charged $40 for amenities I did not use or for a gym that was awful for the size of the hotel and the many guests using the gym. December 23, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by CynthiaD Westin Weekend in Napa Everything was top notch at the Westin Verasa. From the gentleman who opened my car door, to the front desk staff, to the beautiful room. We enjoyed our stay and look forward to our next visit. Also...being an SPG member has it's rewards. Thank you for the room upgrade and the cocktail! December 17, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by kwestlouisville Great to have a Westin in Napa! Beautiful hotel conveniently located in old downtown area. Easy to get from Napa to Sonoma. Very friendly helpful staff. Happy hour wine tasting nice. Do not let them ship your wine though! Even though I left specific instructions, they gave the wine to another shipping company! Don't have it yet...... December 16, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by love2wine Bedding for hide bed Bedding for hide a bed needs to be reviewed. The comforter given was not in very good condition and thank goodness my son brought his own blanket. December 16, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by oblehoo12com Stay at Westin We had a very good stay at The Westin Napa. Excellent food and when we had a problem with thermostat , we had service with in minutes. The only exception was that Saturday Dec. 7 we left the room 9:30 AM and came back at 3:00 PM and the Room Service had not been done. Respectfully Yours P. Roble Jr. December 9, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Carina22 Great price and location for high end hotel Great location next to Oxbow Market, lots of variety of food and drink. Also easy walk into downtown Napa where there are tons of restaurants as well as a nice walk along the river. The pool is very nice and well heated and the jacuzzi is extra large. We also got an excellent price for our king suite with balcony and kitchen. December 5, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by Lucca Great dog friendly hotel & staff and walking distance to some restaurants Great place to stay especially if you like to take your dog with you. Location is right in front of the river and a walk path as well as nice walk to some restaurants. Pool and hot tub were also very nice. Hearing a sound of Napa wine train passing by was also sweet. December 1, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by JMF1947 Room To Rails THE choice in conjunction with the Napa Wine Train experience. Upscale room décor and amenities. Tasty menu and wine tasting daily. Request top floor room facing the train station for total room to rail emersion. November 30, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by PJK80 Great room Using my Starpoints, the upgraded room was beyond expectations. November 30, 2013
Rated 2 out of 5 by Traveler78 Disappointed I had high hopes for this hotel, but unfortunately it did not live up to our expectations. First, the door to our bathroom was a sliding door with no latch that continued to slide open due to the slant of the hotel. This was a major annoyance, since we literally could not close the bathroom door. Secondly, the hotel was loud-- both with kids in the halls in the morning, and a strange pulsing noise we heard all night from our room. November 30, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by Jackie2701 Great room Overall my stay was very pleasant. The room was fantastic and the grounds were beautiful. November 25, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by VRoses Mr. Always an excellent stay. November 20, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by ruthiw A real gem This Westin is a step above many others. Great location! Attentive staff from the second one arrives. The staff tripped over each other to be certain that we had the best experience possible. I would never stay anywhere else in Napa again. November 18, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Ngala01 Classy accommodation in Napa Valley Great location in Napa and within walking distance of great restaurants, tasting rooms and bars. Staff are very attentive and professional in every department. Very good value for money when compared to other high end hotels in the Napa area. Room comfort is superb with quality items - shampoo, filter coffee, Ipod docking station and more. November 15, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by tagliacozzimd Great Hotel in Downtown Napa I enjoyed my recent stay. The room was very spacious. The shower head was truly heavenly!!! The room was equipped with a mini-kitchen (stovetop, microwave, refrigerator, pot and pans, kitchen utensil etc). It has a good sized pool, long enough for lap swimming and an oversized hot tub/spa. Service was excellent. November 13, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by wheresduy Great location in Napa I completed a wonderful stay this past weekend in November. As an SPG plat, I was upgraded to a suite which was spectacular: very spacious, clean, and could have easily accommodated a small family. I'll be sure to bring my family next chance I get. The restaurant is a nice, dark, and sexy space. The chef's table didn't have the best view of the chefs actually working, though the extra attention given to us dining can be something you enjoy. Service was great, and I'd highly recommend eating here even if you don't stay. The manager was also very quick to call me the very next day after I sent him an email about a reservation issue. VERY impressed with managers who care, and also very appreciative it wasn't some assistant who did the outreach. I'll be back. Tip: SPG plats get complimentary valet, as well as a $10 reduction in resort fee. November 13, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by Bj75 Great overall Other than the shower door not staying closed completely and having an extra charge on the bill from the hotel bar (which the staff is looking-in to), I would say this stay was great and each departments' staff was excellent. I would especially like to thank each and everyone of the valet team... They were amazing in every way! Our car was pulled to the drive in 5 minutes or less every time! November 11, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Kackalack Love Napa and Verasa! Hotel is beautiful, the staff was so warm and welcoming. The rooms were large, cozy, and clean. The nightly happy hour was a nice touch in the lobby, especially on Monday night with the roll in TV for football :) Location was fabulous, we used the free shuttle which was super convienient and the driver was great with his suggestions on dining in the town. Would highly reccomend this hotel to anybody traveling to napa or even sonoma! November 11, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by alli13 disappointed Enjoyed our stay & room, but disappointed with "nickel&dime" experience. 2 ex:bought a $15 glass of wine & there was "service charge" of $2.50! No incentive to leave a tip. Coffee to go in lobby was $3 per cup. Most hotels don't charge. Doesn't cost the hotel much to make guests feel like they are getting special treatment. These small add ons create a sense of being taken advantage of. We were also surprised at dirty carpet in halls& scuffs on walls, chipped paint... November 10, 2013
Rated 3 out of 5 by PRBBC This hotel was not what we expect from Westin The location was good. Very close to downtown for restaurants, etc. It was the first Westin we stayed at that we weren't upgraded. We checked in on a Tuesday not a weekend. Surprising. Numerous interruptions in the middle of the night. Obnoxious wedding party. The air conditioner in the room was too loud. Stains in the carpet in the room. Felt like anything we wanted was some kind of up charge. November 7, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by MLNapa Great location near downtown Napa The location of this hotel was fabulous. We walked to great downtown restaurants for dinner, and a delicious nearby bakery for breakfast. The BEST restaurant of all is actually at the hotel -- La Toque. Make sure not to miss this exceptional food and wining/dining experience! Grounds are beautiful and everybody at the hotel tries to be helpful. November 4, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by iwdlover Enjoyed the stay Staff was very friendly and helpful. Internet signal was too weak at times! October 29, 2013
Rated 3 out of 5 by AzMax Staff need customer service training Desk staff just don't have a customer-friendly approach. On Wednesday they promised me a newspaper delivery to my room Thursday morning. It didn't happen. I went to the front desk to complain and asked for a delivery Friday morning. None. When I went to the front desk on Friday to request a late check-out, the desk clerk waited on the woman ahead of me, then told me to wait, be patient, while she worked on her computer, finally, after a few minutes, asking what I wanted. Just not the way I am used to be treated as a Platinum Starwood member at Ws and Sheratons and Westins. The hotel is clean and lovely, but the staff need further training on being customer friendly. October 28, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by History28 A perfect stay in Napa We never had a chance to stay here before as our trips to Napa usually just involved a day trip from San Francisco. So we were excited to stay and we were delighted to enjoy all this hotel has to offer. Here are some tips: 1) ask to stay in the back of the hotel in order to enjoy the beautiful views; 2) the platinum amenity continental breakfast is outstanding--one of the best we have had anywhere; and 3, it is an easy walk into downtown where you can choose from several restaurants. When we return to Napa/Sonoma, we will make sure we stay overnight to enjoy more of this Westin! October 28, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by Atlantaweekendoct2013 Great staff... except for the Bar Everyone at this hotel is friendly and very accommodating, except at the bar! Hotel desk staff was awesome!! Our shuttle driver, Eugene, was awesome as well! The bartendar - Garth - he could use some customer service training. Not only did he "mock" me while I was sitting right in front of him at the bar, but he decided not to wait on us and sent a manager over instead. We let the manager know we decided not to order due to Garth's attiitude. We notified the front desk and they said they would ensure we received good service. so we went to the patio and basically they brought us water and ignored us the rest of the time we were there; however they did wait on the other 2 women who were sitting on the patio. we reported this to the manager at front desk as well. they were very appologetic and advised us that the bar at this hotel is not Westin managed but a 3rd party. I hope they don't treat the majority of your SPG guests this way! October 28, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Robber Par excellance Westin excellence in all aspects. October 22, 2013
Rated 2 out of 5 by full59 Not a great experience. When we checked in were told they over booked the hotel so they downgraded our 2 rooms we had reserved. They did give us a $100 credit for the downgrade but it is not what we reserved. Also, at breakfast in the dining area we waited over 15 minutes before we had to go ask the hostess to send a waitress over to our table. The next morning we decided to not wait for terrible service and purchased breakfast to go - the hotel charged an automatic tip of 15% on our purchase which was self serve coffee and picking up yogurt out of a bin. We have stayed in many different Westins and always have been pleased but we would not recommend this Westin hotel. October 21, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by Phil1950 Well Run Facility We stayed at the Verasa as part of a wedding party. The location was excellent for walking to downtown Napa. The rooms were clean and facilities well maintained. The staff was very friendly inclduing a personal visit from manager shortly after arrival to assure that everything was OK. Nice and quiet and relaxing. Accomodated my wife's request for a fruit smoothie one afternoon even though it wasn't on the "menu". We attended a weding brunch on Sunday at the hotel which was very well organized. October 21, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by Maui42 Great facility, minor issues Overall an excellent stay, with helpful friendly staff and great location. The covered valet parking and workout facilities are nice. The free WiFi didn't work well in our location in the hotel, room 3095. Also the TV didn't receive channel 2 and 3 clearly. Something wrong with the digital signal. October 18, 2013


text:
Fellowship of the Hoof Rescue and Training
We offer beginner western riding lesson in our indoor arena all year.
We are starting up a new rescue.Donations please.Thankyou very much.
We raise all around show quality miniature horses. We also rescue on a time-to-time basis. Pictured is National Champion Sire: SG Little Blue…
Living Legends Equestrian Center is nestled on Crowley's Ridge between Marmaduke and Lafe in Northeast Arkansas, we have a wonderful 60 acre farm…
raise twh walking ponies and some spotted twhs
We are focus on Quarterhorses and Thoroughbreds.
Horsecountry, -1


text:
Buenos Aires CineTwitter Stats
@gobaires_cine - Tracking since May 16, 2012
Cine, películas, festivales. Todo lo que pasa en Buenos Aires pasa x @gobaires y sus canales. Seguilos a todos desde http://t.co/EMg5GqID36
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires Cine Tweets
@gobaires_cine has posted 0 tweets in the last 30 days, which translates to an average of 0.0 tweets per day.
Buenos Aires Cine Followers
@gobaires_cine has 8,140 followers.
This account is #767,481 in the worldwide rank of the most popular Twitter users.
Buenos Aires Cine Following
@gobaires_cine is following 102 Twitter accounts.
Last month this account followed 14 users.
Buenos Aires Cine Predictions & Milestones
@gobaires_cine will hit 8,076 followers in the next 3 months, and 7,880 in one year.
You are on Buenos Aires Cine's Twitter stats page
We track these Twitter stats since May 16, 2012 . You can see how many followers Buenos Aires Cine lost or gained and what the prediction is for tomorrow or the next 15 days, together with all kinds of other stats like rank compared to all Twitter users, tweets etc.
Why don't you give it a try and compare Buenos Aires Cine to yourself ? Or if you are Buenos Aires Cine get even more feature rich & up-to-date stats with Premium & Pro Twitter Stats.
Twitter Counter is the #1 Twitter stats site powered by Twitter. It all started in June 12, 2008 and we grew rather rapidly because of our Twitter Counter badge. The button is a nice small image that shows your visitors how many followers you have on Twitter. Within a year the button was on many many blogs around the world and we displayed more than 100 million buttons in one month. We track follower stats for over 180 million users now.


text:
Lure of Destiny
The Realm of Victorian Horror
Orrorsh is gas-lit streets bordering a dense, nearly impenetrable jungle. Nightmare servants create horrors, some that defy description, others that live next door.
The Victorian soldiers have come, bringing with them the holy orders of the Saccellum to defend the world from the horrors that crossed a bridge of their making. They hope that they can deat the creatures of the Gaunt Man, and perhaps then salve their conscience.


text:
Bear Creek Lodge
Telluride, Colorado
Located near the world-famous Telluride Ski Resort, Bear Creek Lodge offers easy access to all the activities the Telluride area offers, along with a luxurious and relaxing environment. Set among breathtaking views, you will experience an unforgettable vacation with outstanding guest services and amenities such as ski/in-ski/out, three hot tubs, heated pool, fitness room, steam room and sauna, in-house massage, game room, heated garage and afternoon reception with wine and appetizers.
Ranging in size from one- to four-bedrooms, each residence is decorated with warm mountain décor and has full gourmet kitchen, jetted tub(s), plush robes, mountain views, washer/dryer, and gas fireplace.
Telluride is an all-season getaway, where you can enjoy rafting, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing , mountain biking, and golf in the summer or skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling and heli-skiing in the winter. With something for everyone, your vacation at Bear Creek Lodge is sure to create memories of a lifetime for your family, friends, or group.
ReviewsNo reviews available yet for Bear Creek Lodge
- Concierge
- Copying Services
- Elevator
- Fax Services
- Game Room
- Health Club
- Laundry Room
- Outdoor Pool
- Sauna
- Spa Services
- Swimming
- Whirlpool/Hot Tub
- Biking
- Downhill Skiing
- Fishing
- Golf
- Grocery Store
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Mountain
- River
- Shopping Area
- Ski School
- Snowboarding
135 San Joaquin Road
Telluride, Colorado 81435
- Resort
- Resort cluster
Add a posting
No rentals available for Bear Creek Lodge. Sign up to be notified of changes.
Add a posting
No resales available for Bear Creek Lodge. Sign up to be notified of changes.
View all timeshares for rent and sale by creating a free account!
- View Timeshare Rentals (0)
- View Timeshare Resales (0)
- About the Resort
- See Resort Amenities
- Read All Resort Reviews (0)
- View Resort Location
- Discuss This Resort


text:
At "Il Borgo" I found what I was looking for : relax, peace , good food in a typical tuscan landscape. il Borgo is close to the coast and beaches ( 5/10 minutes drive downhill ) but far enough to be quieter and cooler (yes, in July/august you can feel the chill at night !!! wow !) than any accomodation... More
Top-rated Attractions Nearby
Top-rated Restaurants Nearby


text:
Awesome post! What type of cable organizer are you using in the picture with your charger cables? I really need to get some of those
Printable View
Awesome post! What type of cable organizer are you using in the picture with your charger cables? I really need to get some of those
Strapeez - Unruly cables are no match for these handy straps - TOM BIHN
Thanks Taminca!
Will the Q kit fit in the side pockets of the S19?
Awesome. Thanks!
I took my just-arrived Aubergine Q-Kit to the Farmers Market this morning (holding bills, coins, IDs and keys) clipped to an o-ring in my large UV Dyneema Shop Bag. It was a perfect partnership! I had intended for this Q-Kit to hold photo stuff and be clipped to my photo-gear dedicated Aubergine SA, but the UV Shop Bag has called "Dibs!" on it. I will need to order another Aubergine Q-Kit so my SA will not feel slighted. Oh dear...what about my OTHER Shop Bags? Hmm...Kiwi for the Wasabi Dyneema, Cayenne for Iberian, Black for Black Dyneema, Steel for Steel Dyneema, Navy for Nordic, Coyote for Solar?
LOL and so the enabler becomes the enable? That is only fair, don't you think ;-)
Oh i totally understand that. And what fun it is keeping them happy, isn't it?
Hmm, glad I found this part of the forums. I missed the Q Kit the other day when I placed my first order. Wanted to get my order in for the Smart Alec.
These look perfect for storing smaller emergency items in my car during winter commutes.
Gives me a reason to place another order. But multiples of these may be the way to go.
I picked up one of these at the store today, and I'm already regretting not getting more than one. So cute, so useful.
Oh, yes, and Matthew was very friendly today :) I also saw some other lucky people picking out quite a nice supply of bags.
I just ordered 4 of these (and a few other items). Thanks again, enablers!


text:
With 1.7 million freelancers, we'll match you with the perfect talent.
The client has made the following changes to the job.
Job awarded.
Client prefers freelancers from:
You are still able to submit a proposal for this job.
The client prefers freelancers from
a different location.
I have created a new internet store selling a variety of different types of racks and storage units. We have high quality products and a great looking website. I need a professional press release announcing the new store. I also have a compelling personal story that I would like to have turned into an article to release as a human interest/pr piece.
If this works out then I would consider permanently hiring the author(s) to write multiple articles and blog submissions each week.
Sign in or Register to see more


text:
I can't wait to see who has a new costume next issue!
The legend lives! Captain America steps out of the ice and into the Modern Era, helping the Avengers against enemies alien and Atlantean!
I can't wait to see who has a new costume next issue!
Again this original version is just so much better, with the Avengers being the first human beings who Cap sees when he wakes up. They are kind of like his family now. That's what I'm missing so much in the MCU version of the Avengers where they are randomly put together by Fury and have to get along.
On a side note: Namor is a great character. :-)
#4 - 3/10/1964: ***; read 10/3/2014; The legend lives! Captain America steps out of the ice and into the Modern Era, helping the Avengers against enemies alien and Atlantean!; Captain America details how Bucky Barnes died; Cap had been frozen 20 years; guest: Rick Jones; a continuation of the battle with Sub-Mariner from last issue; reference to AAA; Captain America becomes a member of the Avengers; Rick Jones becomes Cap's assistant
The Wasp ducks out of the final battle to take a dump. No, really.
No, she leaves to talcum powder her face & make sure she doesn't sweat. During a battle!
A classic...although most people would be astonished, by learning Captain Americas return was in a story, where a broccoli-alien was blackmailed to turn the Avengers into stone.
Also: You have to love Namors moodswings. "That shows once more, I have to work alone." Three panels later: "Thank god, I'm not alone anymore!"
Yes, I was astonished. soooooo many random alien invaders/visitors in the early days. wonder if they ever stop making references to the year or are we to presume that the marvel universe takes place in the 60s and 70s? just throws me off when they say WWII was twenty years ago.
@kgoetz144 At first they tried to let the time pass in real life: That's why Peter graduated somewhat quickly and so many villains served their term in just a couple of issues. They switched to a slower passing of time eventually, and it got slower ever since...it's kinda difficult to find the balance between "making it realistic" and "reality is killing our characters". I mean, if you let them age realiustically, the children of Reed and Susan Richards should be in their fourties! And Spider-Man would be 65 or older.


text:
AdBlock blows! Please disable the add-on to ensure you get the most out of Tube8's features and functionality. Read about why you shouldn't use AdBlock. Close
Add to Favorite List:
Create a new folder:
Next »
White guy tugs big black cock
Recognize a pornstar in this video?
Help make pornstars easier to find on Tube8 by telling us who is in this video.
Thanks! The pornstar names will be added to this video when enough users submit the same names.
You must enter a pornstar name that already exists in our database.
- Category: Ebony
- Views: 8,031
- Added: 5 years ago
- Description: White guy tugs the big black cock of a guy he just met in the park
- Tags: gay, gays, gaysex, interracial, blowjob
- Pornstars: Add Pornstar
- Favorite by: 8
- Report This Video
Video Comments
All Video Comments (1)


text:
Hendon fight-back to overcome Hillingdon
Hendon staged a second-half fight back to secure a 42-27 bonus point win against Hillingdon Abbots in Herts/Middlesex Two.
Hendon had made a bright start with Harry Charles going over and Mike Evans-Jones adding the conversion.
But Abbots responded and scored two penalties and ran in three tries before the interval. Evans-Jones did score two penalties for Hendon but they trailed 27-13 at the interval.
Hendon were much improved after the break and Charles and Judah Simpson went over with Evans-Jones adding a conversion.
Mike Fawcett crashed through to put Hendon ahead, Evans-Jones again added the extras, and further tries from Ger O'Donoghue and Simpson completed a fine comeback.
Promoted Stories
Hendon fight-back to overcome Hillingdon Abbots in Herts/Middlesex Two
Get in you Dons! Great fight back! Keep it up!
Get in you Dons! Great fight back! Keep it up!


text:
Want to take my wife on a short three day getaway. Would like for her to see a Bald Eagle and have a romantic view of the mountains, ccean, or lake. Any suggestions?
There's one place that stands above all the other nationwide for viewing bald eagles. That's the Klamath Basin region of Southern Oregon. While late winter is the prime time to see them, you stand a good chance during other times of the year. Here is a great story in the Mail Tribune about viewing bald eagles in the region. Contact the folks at Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge for more specifics. As far as inspiring landscapes, the region has plenty of lakes and mountains. The ocean is many hours' drive away. You could fly to Klamath Falls by way of Portland or San Francisco on United Airlines.
Have something to add What's Your Answer?
Share your thoughts Answers From Other People
Jack Delaney says…
I would recommend Loon Lake Lodge & RV Resort (http://www.loonlakerv.com/) on Oregon Coast's scenic Loon Lake. They have a lakeside house that overlooks the lake and smaller cabin rentals and yurts. Loon Lake is just outside of Reedsport.
Other questions about Southern Oregon
- Can I visit Crater Lake in June?
- We live in Northern CA and are looking to go visit a town in Oregon that has nice scenery, shopping, quaint hotels, things to do but not too long of a driving distance since we are looking at a long weekend away – possibly over Thanksgiving. What do you recommend?
- Hi, I live in San Francisco and would like to plan a 3-day road trip with my son, who is 18. We wanted to see the Crater Lake but found out it is closed for the winter. Can you please suggest an April destination that is driveable from Northern California, offers nature, hikes? – Oksana W.
About Ask Oregon Expert Sarah Lemon
Sarah Lemon is a writer and editor for the Mail Tribune newspaper in Medford, Ore. The Tribune's food editor, Sarah covers Southern Oregon's unique, up-and-coming food scene in the weekly section, A la Carte, and on her blog, The Whole Dish. She also produces stories on a wide variety of topics from the outdoors, health and fitness to entertainment, the home and gardening for the Tribune and associated publications.


text:
AdBlock blows! Please disable the add-on to ensure you get the most out of Tube8's features and functionality. Read about why you shouldn't use AdBlock. Close
Add to Favorite List:
Create a new folder:
Next »
Tiny Russian Teen Get Naked
Recognize a pornstar in this video?
Help make pornstars easier to find on Tube8 by telling us who is in this video.
Thanks! The pornstar names will be added to this video when enough users submit the same names.
You must enter a pornstar name that already exists in our database.
- Category: Teen
- Views: 30,668
- Added: 5 years ago
- Description: Amazing 18 year old starts this homemade webcam striptease video in her panties and topless then takes off her thong to reveal the prettiest pussy you will ever see on a barely legal college freshman WOW
- Tags: teen, webcam, naked, strip, striptease, homemade, amateu
- Pornstars: Add Pornstar
- Favorite by: 24
- Report This Video
Video Comments
All Video Comments (0)


text:
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco are pleased to announce that the de Young Museum will be the first North American venue to present "Girl with a Pearl Earring: Dutch Paintings from the Mauritshuis," a selection of paintings from the Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis, The Hague on Jan. 26.
The de Young will host 35 paintings from the collection, including the renowned "Girl with a Pearl Earring" by Johannes Vermeer, "The Goldfinch" by Carel Fabritius, and four works by Rembrandt van Rijn.
Highlighting the spectacular artistic achievements of the Dutch Golden Age, these works reflect the culture of artistic, economic and technological innovation that allowed the Netherlands to prosper in the 17th century.
At the center of this exhibition is one of the world's most famous paintings, Vermeer's masterpiece, "Girl with a Pearl Earring."
This work, sometimes called "the Dutch Mona Lisa," is one of only 36 known paintings by the artist and rarely travels outside the Netherlands. Though little is known about Vermeer's life, the quiet grace and virtuoso technique evident in his paintings, and in particular his rendering of light, have placed him among the most important artists of the 17th century.
Many of the details of his technique can only be appreciated through close examination of the painting surface, such as the few tiny brushstrokes that indicate the reflection on the pearl, and the broader, more expressive painting of her ultramarine and yellow turban.
During the Dutch Golden Age, a significant shift occurred in both the technique of painting and in subject matter, particularly as secular subjects began to replace religious themes.
Portraiture focused increasingly on ordinary people, like the man depicted in Rembrandt van Rijn's "Portrait of an Elderly Man." The sitter seems not to be posed, but presented in a matter-of-fact way that differs from the idealized formality of traditional portraiture.
"The hierarchical social structure in other European countries no longer monopolized art production in the Netherlands," said Dr. Lynn Orr, curator in charge of European art at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. "As the middle class prospered, an unprecedented market for portraiture developed. Successful individuals, married couples, and civic leaders wanted likenesses to pass on to posterity."
Like the more relaxed approach to portraiture, the paintings known as genre scenes also mirrored life as it was actually lived in the Netherlands.
These often depicted some aspect of everyday life, like informal musical performances or simple domestic activities. Jan Steen's painting "The Oyster Eater" is an example of telling a story using a domestic setting. Lavish detail is used to depict the space, furnishings and costume. However, as is often the case with Dutch paintings, something more is going on: the young woman looks out to the viewer with a coy glance that is open to interpretation. Is her meal simply interrupted or does she also invite us to join her in eating oysters — the food of seduction?
The Dutch were proud of the commercial success and technological achievements that supported the Netherlands' thriving economy during the 17th century, including the massive engineering projects that allowed the country to reclaim large areas of land from the sea.
Landscapes like "View of a Lake with Sailing Ships" by Salomon van Ruysdael can be read as descriptions of the Dutch countryside, but they also often reference technological innovations. Here Ruysdael includes ships designed specifically to navigate the shallow waterways of the Netherlands, as well as the windmill and portage equipment in the distance.
Taken as a whole, this exhibition reflects the political, economic, technological and cultural accomplishments of an extraordinary society.
"The Fine Arts Museums are thrilled to have this rare opportunity to share these works from the Mauritshuis," said Orr. "The brilliant flowering of the Dutch school exemplified in these paintings was a unique achievement and the works continue to intrigue and delight to this day."
About the Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis
This prestigious Dutch museum, which has not lent a large body of works from its holdings in nearly 30 years, is undergoing an extensive two-year renovation and expansion that makes this opportunity possible.
Following two stops at Japanese institutions, the exhibition debuts in the United States at the de Young Museum, then travels to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta in the summer of 2013.
A smaller selection will be on view at The Frick Collection in New York in October 2013. Emilie Gordenker, director of the Mauritshuis, commented, "We are delighted to have three excellent museums as partners for our U.S. tour. This agreement allows us to present our collection on both the west and east coasts of the United States, in large as well as more intimate venues."
Housed in a magnificent 17th-century city palace, the museum is celebrated for its masterpieces from the Dutch and Flemish Golden Age, including paintings by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Steen, Hals and Rubens.
The works on permanent display provide a magnificent panorama of Dutch and Flemish art of the 15th to 17th centuries; from Flemish primitives to sunlit landscapes, from biblical characters to meticulous still lifes, and from calm interiors to humorous genre scenes.
The core holdings of the Mauritshuis were acquired by Stadholder William V, Prince of Orange-Nassau (1748–1806), whose son, King William I (1772–1843), presented them to the Dutch nation in 1816. Consisting of nearly 300 works in 1822, the holdings of the Mauritshuis have grown to approximately 800 paintings.
Exhibition catalogue
The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue, "Girl with a Pearl Earring: Dutch Paintings from the Mauritshuis," published by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco in collaboration with the Mauritshuis, The Hague.
The volume guides readers through the highlights of the museum's magnificent collection and features 35 masterpieces of portraiture, landscape, genre painting, history painting, and still life, each accompanied by text illuminating its context and significance.
Curatorial essays provide an overview of the extraordinary world of the 17th-century Dutch Republic, explore the history and future of the Mauritshuis building and collection, offer an in-depth look at "Girl with a Pearl Earring," and chronicle fascinating conservation treatments and technical research undertaken by the museum on behalf of its treasures. It is hardcover with 144 pages and a cost of $34.95/$31.46 members.
It is available in the museum stores or online at shop.famsf.org.
Exhibition organization
This exhibition is organized by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco with gratitude for exceptional loans from the collection of the Mauritshuis, The Hague. Major Patrons are Penny and James George Coulter, Cynthia Fry Gunn and John A. Gunn, J. Burgess and Elizabeth B. Jamieson; Benefactors are The Selz Foundation Inc. and The Richard C. von Hess Foundation; Sponsors are Phoebe Cowles and Robert Girard and Supporters of the exhibition are Greta R. Pofcher and The Netherland-America FoundationMedia.
The exhibition will run from Jan.26 to June 2 at the de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.
Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and closed Mondays. Admission cost is $25 adults; $22 seniors; $21 college students with ID; $15 youths 6 to 17. (These prices include general admission.) Members and children 5 and under are free. General admission is free the first Tuesday of every month.
Tickets can be purchased on the de Young's Website deyoungmuseum.org. All online tickets include a $1 handling charge.


text:
Feb 11 2013, 2:28pm CST | by Luigi Lugmayr
Alyssa Milano's dog has died.
The 40-year-old actress was left devastated after her beloved pet passed away following a battle with cancer.
She tweeted: "Rest in peace, my beautiful Diesel. I hope you're playing Frisbee at the dog park in the sky. I love you forever."
Alyssa - who has a 17-month-old son Milo with her husband David Bugliari - previously took to the micro blogging site to share her concerns about Diesel's health.
Early in January she wrote: "My dog Diesel is sick. They think it could be liver failure. Please keep him in your prayers. (Thank you.)"
However, she was given bad news about his condition a few week later and tweeted: "My Diesel has cancer. I'm heartbroken."
Alyssa isn't the only celebrity to lose a beloved pet recently.
Spice Girls singer Emma Bunton was left distraught after her beloved chocolate Labrador Phoebe - which went missing during a walk in north London- was discovered dead.
She wrote on Twitter: "To all the amazing people who supported us at this horrible time our precious phoebe has been found and its terrible news, we are devastated (sic)"
Source: Bang Showbiz
Luigi Lugmayr
Luigi is the founding Chief Editor of I4U News and brings over 15 years experience in the technology field to the ever evolving and exciting world of gadgets. He started I4U News back in 2000 and evolved it into vibrant technology magazine.
Luigi can be contacted directly at firstname.lastname@example.com. Luigi posts regularly on LuigiMe.com about his experience running I4U.
blog comments powered by Disqus


text:
Closing Soon Saloon
3056 N. 68th St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Best Of
Frogs in gumball machines, potted plants on tables, and men with colorful bandannas are some of the eccentric visual elements on display at this decidedly eclectic Scottsdale gin joint. This neighborhood tavern has lasted more than 25 years, serving up spirits and suds from a storefront wedged between a laundromat and taco shop. The walking-distance locals are as diverse as the jukebox playlist, which ranges from Frank Sinatra and ABBA to a-ha and Zeppelin. Drinkers suck down bargain booze while Scotty the barkeep lines the empties on the bar, keeps watch over the quarter game (drop a coin into a jug of water -- if it lands in the shot glass at the bottom, your next drink is discounted) and doles out raffle tickets for the "Cash for Customers" game, in which the winning number means more green and another night of strange times at the Closing Soon Saloon.
Get the Things to Do Newsletter
Sign up for our weekly guide to events in Phoenix, and never be bored again. With suggestions for every day of the week, our recommendations will keep you busy on any budget.
Related Stories (1)
5 Best Places for Day Drinking in Scottsdale
2 years ago by Laura Hahnefeld
Shine, our annual pocket guide to all things Scottsdale, is out. And this year, local artist Luster Kaboom is taking readers on an illustrated ride through the city's best spots for food, drink, art, and entertainment. Here, in no p...


text:
Beach Bungalow 8
Megan Arquette of beachbungalow8.blogspot.com shows that in California the name Arquette is not limited to famous thespians. Her husband, one of those acting Arquettes, is also known as the "go-to guy" for property rentals in the Hollywood entertainment industry, as his equally industrious wife has taken on both interior design and blogging. Megan Arquette's fame came when she literally took a page out of her friend, Victoria Smith's, playbook and created a blog of her own. Established last year, Arquette's blog is inspired by Smith's sfgirlbybay blogspot about which Megan claims there exists no sense of competition, "at least none that I am aware of." In fact, in the bold new world of blogging, there is more of an esprit de corps than competitiveness. Having started her blog from the vantage point of her interior design company, "Bungalow" (founded in 2005 with partner Allison Sutherland), Arquette has a multi-layered view for her blog. Beachbunglow8 may have started off as an interior designer's inner musings, but it has become known for Arquette's unique feature, "room thought pieces" or "Object Lessons."
Other Bloggers often seem amused by Arquette's original blog themes, especially Object Lesson where she finds a typical household object and creates a room around it. Recently, the post featured a coffee can from which Arquette designed a complete vignette. Arquette says, "I created a whole room around that coffee can, and some of my bloggers sent me me-ssages that were like, 'What the heck…?' but for me it's thinking outside the box. Taking a coffee can and creating a whole mise en scene, I then zip to the pages of 1stdibs.com, and think, 'Now if I start with this coffee can, what else would be cool in this room?'" The results from her ordinary Object Lesson projects are inspiringly fresh and anything but ordinary.
Arquette says, "I am an interior designer by trade, but at the end of a long work day, I still find things that inspire me…radically different things, in fact." To begin shifting gears to write beachbungalow8, Arquette takes off her interior designer's hat — which she describes as best likened to a velvet Napoleonic tri-corner adorned with a long peasant tail feather – and dons her rugged blogging cap — with a pair of heavy duty design goggles.
This mental exercise is her prerequisite for preparation to voyeuristically traverse the landscape of interior design—and then to write about it.
Arquette explains, "My client at the moment is a jeweler who wants me to take her 1970's office space and transform it into a jewel box… a boutique." Hmm…obviously a couturier's atelier off the Rue St. Honoré comes to mind, but given the acoustic tile ceilings and vertical plastic blinds of the office, this is going to take a massive ret-hinking, but Arquette has discovered Vanessa de Vargas whose expertise of employing vintage furnishings to a project will surely glam up the jeweler's digs. Arquette says, "This design re-do is a perfect exam-ple of the intersection of my design work and my blog." Her pieces such as terrific Louis chairs that are coated in groovy paint colors are completely re–imagined — says, Arquette, "I might blog about the whole process."
The Daughter of an architect father who worked with Mies van der Rohe and a writer mother, is used to an organic design sensibility. She laughingly recalls her teenage angst when her mother would invite her young friends to have a seat in the "womb" chair. Arquette says, "Now I call my parents up and ask 'Are you still using that womb chair?'"
Her childhood home that was crammed with Mid-Century wonders, that at one time she thought were plainly "weird," are now more than ever, admired – and to no one greater than she.
With her husband, Nicholas, and daughters, Delilah and Charlotte, Arquette great-ly enjoys her own Los Angeles beach bungalow as the perfect retreat for their otherwise hectic lives. It's is not only acting that gets the Arquettes noticed.