text:
There's No Such Thing as Precision in the Financial MarketsAugust 8, 2014 11:12 AM
Financial theory tells us that portfolio construction is about finding a group of assets with low correlations to one another in an attempt to find the highest return for a given level of risk. This is one of the main benefits of diversification – finding investments that zig while others zag.
This makes perfect sense in theory. The problem is when investors assume a false sense of precision when using the correlation statistic or any relationship for that matter. It would be much easier to forecast the future movements of the various asset classes and individual holdings within a portfolio if correlations were static, but they aren't. Correlations are dynamic.
The interplay between asset classes are always changing and evolving depending on the current economic or investment cycle. And no two cycles are ever the same (seehere) which keeps things interesting.
Looking back at the long-term historical performance of stocks and bonds shows how these relationships can change over time. Here are the annual returns for the S&P 500 and 10 year treasuries by decade through the end of 2013:
Both return series are cyclical as there were periods were both performed well, both performed poorly or only one did well. Now let's look at a fifty-fifty portfolio split between stocks and bonds over this same time frame along with the correlations from each decade and the totals:
The fifty-fifty split smoothed out the performance, but the correlation data between stocks and bonds is the interesting takeaway here. Over the entire 80+ years there was virtually no relationship between stock and bond returns (remember a correlation of zero means no relationship while -1 is perfectly negatively correlated and +1 is perfectly positively correlated).
But breaking down the performance by different periods shows that the correlation is in a constant state of flux. At times they were positively correlated. Other times they were negatively correlated. Sometimes negative correlation led to good returns while other times it led to poor returns. The same was true of the positively correlated decades.
The problem with a focus exclusively on correlation is that stocks are up on average three out of every four years. So there isn't an investment that perfectly offsets the risk and returns from stocks with similar performance. Correlations also tend to change when high returning strategies are discovered by the wider investing community.
This doesn't mean that statistics such as correlation aren't useful when considering certain strategies to implement within a portfolio. It's just that the data doesn't really mean anything unless it's put into the correct context. The best investors can do is put together a group of distinct factors in a portfolio with different expected risk and return profiles.
Derek Hernquist shared a quote from Charles Wheelan in a post a few months ago that was so good I had to use it again:
"Statistics cannot be smarter than the people who use them. And in some cases, they can make smart people do dumb things."
As with most investment tools, statistical relationships can be helpful to pay attention to, but investors must understand that they can change over time.
This post from Ben Carlson (@awealthofcs) originally appeared on A Wealth of Common Sense.
Photo: Paula Bailey
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realmagick.com The shrine of knowledge.
A selection of articles related to hemp.
Original articles from our library related to the Hemp. See Table of Contents for further available material (downloadable resources) on Hemp.
- Hemp: Correspondences
- Cannibis sativa Folk Names: Chanvre, Gallowgrass, Ganeb, Ganja, Grass, Hanf, Kif, Marijuana, Neckweede, Tekrouri, Weed Gender: Feminine Planet: Saturn Element: Water Deity: Power: Healing, Love, Visions, Meditation...
Herbalism >> Herbs dictionary H
- Cannabis indica (Indian Hemp)
- This is the Latin name for Indian hemp, the beautiful hashish-plant. So it is not surprising that this remedy picture has many elements of a so called bad trip, although homoeopathic Cannabis also may be indicated for persons who never use drugs but express...
Remedies >> Remedies C
Hemp is described in multiple online sources, as addition to our editors' articles, see section below for printable documents, Hemp books and related discussion.
Suggested Pdf Resources
- Hemp as an Agricultural Commodity - Federation Of American ...
- Feb 2, 2015 Industrial hemp is an agricultural commodity that is cultivated for use in the ... Hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa and is of the same plant ...
- www.fas.org
- Hemp: A New Crop with New Uses for North America*
- current hemp industry is making great efforts to point out that "hemp is not marijuana." Italicized, Cannabis refers to the biological name of the plant (only one ...
- www.hort.purdue.edu
- Why Industrial Hemp? - Vote Hemp
- The subject of why or whether to grow industrial hemp in the United. States is often debated yet much misunderstood. The controversy surrounding the plant ...
- www.votehemp.com
- the environmental benefits of using industrial hemp - NAIHC.org
- USING INDUSTRIAL HEMP. ABSTRACT. The widespread use of industrial hemp could result in numerous environmental benefits, including but not limited.
- www.naihc.org
- Availability of Industrial Hemp Seed - Colorado.gov
- Availability of Industrial Hemp Seed. February 2015, Colorado Department of Agriculture. Issue: There is very little industrial hemp seed in Colorado to support a ...
- www.colorado.gov
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- Lawmakers clear the way for test crops of hemp
- CARSON CITY — Marijuana's useful cousin hemp could soon be sprouting on test plots in Nevada after a legislative subcommittee gave final approval Thursday to regulations overseeing the pilot project. Robert Little, plant division administrator at the ...
- Bill would authorize research on Alabama-grown hemp
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- Crazy Mountain Brewing Tests the Waters With Hemp-Seed Beer
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- Hemp 101: What is Hemp, What's It Used for, and Why is It Illegal ...
- Jul 14, 2015 What exactly is hemp, and how is it different from the psychoactive form of cannabis that we consume medicinally and recreationally?
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- 8 things you didn't know about hemp | PBS NewsHour
- Oct 17, 2015 Although hemp and marijuana look and smell the same, the two cannabis plants are quite different.
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The Naperville Park District offers both Full Time and Part Time employment opportunities as well as Internships. Under each section, the department or facility for which there are open positions is listed below. To view the posting and apply for a position, click on the provided link below.
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text:
Attorney Carl Yates and City Administrator Dennis Pyle explained that based on three different court rulings, it appears that TIFs, unlike other taxes, have been authorized by the State Legislature to capture a portion of taxes enacted prior to the TIF coming into existence, as well as taxes passed later.
In the 1998 Village of Bel-Ridge v. Lohman case, the Missouri Court of Appeals ruled that "even special purpose taxes are included in TIF revenues unless expressly excluded by the TIF Act" under the last revisions in 1997.
Under this premise, both the Barry County "911" quarter-cent sales tax and the Lawrence County half-cent sales tax paying for the county's new Judicial Center are both subject to Monett's TIF.
According to Yates, the only exemptions written into the TIF law are for districts, such as the new Purdy Fire District. Yates does not consider Barry County's "911" operation to be a political subdivision, because it lacks the authority to condemn property or "to carry on the police powers of the state." He said there is an opinion by the Missouri Attorney General that a "911" service is not a political subdivision.
City officials met with representatives of the Barry County Emergency Services Board over lunch on March 18, informing them of the situation. Mayor Jim Orr and Pyle went to the Lawrence County Commission's meeting on March 25.
Pyle said the city asked for a response and has received no word of any kind from the Barry County board. Lawrence County Presiding Commissioner Sam Goodman has called twice to say the county's legal counsel is still reviewing the matter.
Getting no response, the city began billing both bodies in April. Bills request 50 percent of the sales tax generated over the 1995 base for sales taking place inside the TIF district for both taxes.
The "911" tax, authorized by voters in June 2005, began collections the following October. The city calculated billing back to January 2006 and sent a bill for approximately $5,000 a month. The total bill at present is $208,111.43.
Lawrence County's tax, authorized by voters in February 2007, began collections the following July. Monett calculated its billing beginning in October 2007. Very little Lawrence County property falls inside either of Monett's TIF districts. Lawrence County's bill to date is a little over $22,000.
Pyle said since the billing was issued, Lawrence County has stopped payments to the TIF on its other two half-cent sales taxes as well.
TIF commissioners were asked what steps should be taken next.
"We've always tried to be consistent, upholding state statutes," said TIF Commission Chairman Mark Nelson. "It's not our discretion to waive taxes."
Yates said bondholders could in fact sue the city if collections were not made in accordance with bond covenants. Commissioners felt there was a gray area over the time when even the TIF Commission did not know additional payments were due. Nelson said waiving taxes would send a message to other taxing entities.
"We must be consistent on what we're charging," Nelson said.
|In the Bel-Ridge case, the director of the Missouri Department of Revenue was sued to send taxes to the appropriate party. If the Department of Revenue, which collects the taxes, distributed them properly, there would be no problem, Yates said. Under the TIF statute, TIF districts receive priority in tax collections and the burden of proof falls on the other taxing entities to prove they are exempt from TIF rules.
TIF commissioners discussed what problems the timing of the discovery created for both the Barry and Lawrence county entities. With budgets prepared for the year, neither were positioned to make additional payments to Monett. Pyle said the city offered to work out payment over time but again received no response. Litigation had not been mentioned.
At Yates's suggestion, commissioners agreed to send a demand letter to both entities, asking for payment. A time period of 30 days was set for a response. The director of the Department of Revenue would receive copies of the letters.
Commissioners voted unanimously to send the letters.


text:
In the early morning hours of March 1 well before dawn, anglers will begin to line the banks of Roaring River with rods and reels at the ready, hoping to catch one of the 50 or so lunkers lurking under the surface of the chilly water.
Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce volunteers will be on hand to offer fishermen a warm cup of complimentary coffee beginning at 5 a.m. Coffee, donated by Walmart, will be served and brewed under the Les Jacobs tent across from the historic CCC Lodge.
At 6:30 a.m., honored guest Jimmy Hopkins, a retired Missouri parks ranger, will fire the opening gun signaling the official start of another trout season. Hopkins retired this fall after serving for 21 years as park ranger at Roaring River. He will also be honored by receiving the first trout tag of 2011.
"We are expecting about 2,000 anglers on Opening Day," said Roaring River Park Superintendent Dusty Reid. "We'll probably have an additional 2,000 spectators."
With reservations for campsites, cabins and RV slots filling quickly, workers are spending the last few days before the opener making sure the park is at its best. Park employees have spent the winter months busily clearing trails, repairing camping accommodations, painting, refurbishing and making a multitude of park improvements.
"I'm excited every year at Opening Day," Reid said. "I'm waiting for people to show back up. Some folks haven't missed an opening in 40 or 50 years. I love hearing their stories of memories and the traditions they and their families have in connection with the park and trout opening."
Until recently, one area of concern was the river's water level. Until the recent snow melt, levels were down on the river, which could have posed a few problems with oxygenation.
According to Hatchery Manager Paul Spurgeon, the winter storm of 2011 helped restore much needed moisture to the spring-fed river that is home to approximately 265,000 trout a year.
"The fish are doing well," Spurgeon continued. "They're up to size and ready to go. We plan to release about 6,000 for Opening Day."
The Cassville Chamber will be running a weigh-in station at the CCC Lodge, giving anglers a chance to gauge the size of their catch and compete for largest fish honors.
Cassville Cash will be awarded for the largest fish in the men's and women's division. A trophy will be awarded in the youth division. Anglers can weigh their fish until noon when awards will be announced.


text: Place Virginia | Charlottesville City St. Luke's Lutheran School Today. Last updated: May 6, 2016 at 12:01 am Latest News 2 hours ago in Entertainment OPENING WEEKEND: 'Captain America: Civil War' is finally here Here's a look at some of the films set to open this weekend. 3 hours ago in Lifestyle, National Anti-hunger group uses fake app to fool, educate The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates 14 percent of Americans, or more than 17 million people, are what is called food insecure, meaning at times of the year, they are uncertain of being able to acquire enough food for their household. Like us on Facebook!


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The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) board of commissioners recently approved a 10-year operation and maintenance agreement with Clean Energy to fuel its transitioning fleet of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and paratransit vehicles.
KCATA will begin replenishing its fleet with 25 CNG buses and an estimated acquisition of 15 additional CNG buses each year thereafter until 256 CNG buses have been deployed.
"We are committed to clean air technology," said Mark Huffer, GM for KCATA. "The transition to natural gas from diesel signals the start of a new era of clean technology vehicles for not only our 16 million customers who ride every year, but for the entire Kansas City metropolitan area."
Within three years, KCATA is expected to use approximately 700,000 diesel gallon equivalents of CNG per year, which reduces greenhouse gases by 1,622 metric tons per year, the equivalent of taking 335 cars off the road per year.
Within 15 years, KCATA estimates it can displace nearly 2.5 million diesel gallons each year.
The company will transport passengers on the ramp side of the airport between all terminals serving the airline. The contract also includes preventative maintenance.
Will present Champion Bus unit at Schetky booth at the Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference and Tradeshow (formerly ALFA) in Denver May 9 to 12.
XL Link is currently measuring key performance indicators in vehicles equipped with XL3® Hybrid Electric Drive Systems for major fleets, such as the City of Boston, Yale University, AmeriPride Services and Montgomery County, Md., to name a few.
One truck passenger, a woman who wasn't wearing a seat belt, is in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, while the driver and the other occupants of the truck were also hospitalized with nonlife-threatening injuries, including broken legs. Ten bus passengers also were sent to hospitals, but their injuries were minor or nonlife-threatening.
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text:
March 29, 2013
EVANSTON, ILL. - Minnesota drew nine walks and stranded nine runners on base, as Northwestern recorded a 6-2 win in the opening game of a three-game weekend series at Sharon J. Drysdale Field on Friday afternoon,
Northwestern pitcher Amy Letourneau (9-7) threw the 45th no-hitter in NU softball history despite issuing the nine walks and hitting two other Minnesota players with pitches.
The Wildcats (15-12, 1-2) took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third with a two-out rally against Minnesota starter Sara Moulton (17-7).
Northwestern's second run of that inning was a hard-hit ball to third base that deflected off sophomore third baseman Kaitlyn Richardson's glove and then hit her in the face. Richardson injured her nose on the play and did not return to the game. She was replaced in the lineup by freshman Paige Palkovich.
Minnesota responded by scoring a pair of runs without a hit in the top of the third. Sophomore left fielder Erica Meyer led off the inning with a walk, and stole second base. Sophomore shortstop Tyler Walker then drew a walk, and senior catcher Kari Dorle moved the runners to second and third by executing a sacrifice bunt.
Palkovich, hitting for Richardson, followed by just missing a home run to left center, but the ball was hit deep enough to allow Meyer to score and Walker to move to third. Junior center fielder Bree Blanchette drew a walk, and ball four bounced off the catcher's mit to allow Walker to tie the game on a passed ball.
But Northwestern answered with three runs and five hits in the bottom of the third to take a 5-2 lead and knock Moulton from the game. Freshman lefty Nikki Anderson came on in relief and allowed just two hits and one earned run over the final 3.2 innings, striking out four and walking just one.
The teams resume their weekend series on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. CT.
Groenewegen Fires No-Hitter in 10-0 Win
Sara Groenewegen tossed her third no-hitter of the season and sixth of her career behind a Gophers offense that continues to roll topping Maryland 10-0 in five innings this evening.
Minnesota Set for Senior Weekend
Minnesota is hosting the Maryland Terrapins for its final home series this weekend.
Wednesday's Doubleheader Cancelled
Wednesday's doubleheader between Minnesota and North Dakota State has been cancelled.


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text:
"[G]erm granules are very dynamic and they change during development."
Review Article
Next generation organelles: Structure and role of germ granules in the germline
Article first published online: 13 NOV 2012
DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22115
© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular Reproduction and Development
Special Issue: Germ Cell Determination
Volume 80, Issue 8, pages 610–623, August 2013
Additional Information
How to Cite
Gao, M. and Arkov, A. L. (2013), Next generation organelles: Structure and role of germ granules in the germline. Mol. Reprod. Dev., 80: 610–623. doi: 10.1002/mrd.22115
Publication History
- Issue published online: 8 AUG 2013
- Article first published online: 13 NOV 2012
- Accepted manuscript online: 25 SEP 2012 02:37PM EST
- Manuscript Accepted: 14 SEP 2012
- Manuscript Received: 26 JUN 2012
Funded by
- NSF CAREER Award. Grant Number: MCB-1054962
- National Institute of General Medical Sciences. Grant Number: R15GM087661
- Abstract
- Article
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- Cited By
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- Abstract
Germ cells belong to a unique class of stem cells that gives rise to eggs and sperm, and ultimately to an entire organism after gamete fusion. In many organisms, germ cells contain electron-dense structures that are also known as nuage or germ granules. Although germ granules were discovered more than 100 years ago, their composition, structure, assembly, and function are not fully understood. Germ granules contain non-coding RNAs, mRNAs, and proteins required for germline development. Here we review recent studies that highlight the importance of several protein families in germ granule assembly and function, including germ granule inducers, which initiate the granule formation, and downstream components, such as RNA helicases and Tudor domain–Piwi protein–piRNA complexes. Assembly of these components into one granule is likely to result in a highly efficient molecular machine that ensures translational control and protects germline DNA from mutations caused by mobile genetic elements. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that different somatic cells, including stem cells and neurons, produce germ granule components that play a crucial role in stem cell maintenance and memory formation, indicating a much more diverse functional repertoire for these organelles than previously thought. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80:610–623, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
3′-untranslated region
- sDMA
symmetrically dimethylated arginine
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- Abstract
Early developmental studies suggested that the reproduction of organisms was achieved by the continuity of germ cells from one generation to the next, during which some of the germ cells took the path of differentiation to form the somatic cells while some other germ cells remain totipotent and contribute to the development of the future progeny (Nussbaum, 1880; Wilson, 1896). Subsequent investigations found evidence suggesting that, rather than the continuity of the germ cells, it was the continuity of substances passed down from the parent's germ cells to the germ cells of the progeny that ensured the heredity of the species, hence the collective term "germ plasm" to represent these substances (Weismann, 1892).
The first evidence supporting a germ plasm model came from the successful tracing of granules from the posterior pole cytoplasm of insect oocytes in one generation to the germ cells of the next generation, with the substances referred to as "germ cell determinants" (Hegner, 1914). Also, the term "chromatoid body" was introduced by early investigators to describe a germ cell organelle in mammalian spermatocytes and spermatids, based on the fact that this exhibits structure similar to chromosomes and nucleoli when examined under a light microscope (Benda, 1891; Hermann, 1889; Yokota, 2008). The employment of electron microscope techniques from the 1950s to 1970s led to a more detailed morphological description of the germ cell-specific structures: high electron density, granular or fibrous in shape, no confining membrane, frequently surrounded by small vesicles, and usually accompanied by mitochondria or associated with the nuclear envelope (Mahowald, 1962; Brokelmann, 1963; Fawcett et al., 1970; al-Mukhtar and Webb, 1971; Eddy, 1974; Russell and Frank, 1978). Therefore, the term "nuage" (meaning "cloud" in French) was also used to describe this dense material (André and Rouiller, 1956). From the 1970s, much histochemical study of nuage has been done to investigate its composition at the molecular level. Despite early discrepancies as to whether or not RNA is a component of nuage, solid evidence from RNase treatment experiments and in situ hybridization studies suggested that RNA, at some developmental stages of germ cells, is contained in nuage (Daoust and Clermont, 1955; Afzelius, 1957; Sud, 1961b; Eddy, 1970; Conway, 1971; Eddy and Ito, 1971; Mahowald, 1971; Kotaja et al., 2006). The presence of proteins in nuage was confirmed by trichloroacetic acid treatment experiments and labeled amino acid incorporation studies (Sud, 1961a, 1961b; Eddy and Ito, 1971). Later, around 1975, a series of transplantation experiments were performed to demonstrate the function of germ plasm (posterior pole cytoplasm) from Drosophila. The transplanting of intact germ plasm successfully restored the ability of UV-irradiated embryos to form germ cells (Okada et al., 1974). Furthermore, transplantation of germ plasm from the posterior pole to the anterior pole and the midventral site in Drosophila eggs resulted in the formation of germ cells at these sites (Illmensee and Mahowald, 1974, 1976).
A variety of different names for germline-specific, electron-dense structures have been given to describe their different morphological features, intracellular localization, and organism origin. This variation may indicate that different germ cell granules play unique roles besides their similar functions in germline development. In particular, in addition to nuage and chromatoid body, the following structures have been described: P granules in Caenorhabditis elegans, polar granules in the germ plasm of Drosophila, and intermitochondrial cement in Xenopus and mouse germ cells (Eddy, 1975; Bilinski et al., 2004; Kloc et al., 2004; Seydoux and Braun, 2006; Chuma et al., 2009). In this article, based on the structural, biochemical, and functional similarities of the germ plasm-like structures mentioned above, we will generally use the term "germ granules" when referring to them, unless otherwise specified.
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Germ granules in different organisms are composed of both RNA and protein elements (Arkov and Ramos, 2010; Voronina et al., 2011; Schisa, 2012) (Table 1) and identification and characterization of these components has pointed to some of the presumed functional roles of the granules in germline development, including translational control and protection of germline DNA from mutations caused by transposon insertions. Interestingly, it has been shown that in C. elegans, formation of maternal germ granules during embryogenesis is not essential for germline specification, but is required for complete fertility at high temperatures (Gallo et al., 2010). Therefore, in C. elegans, the assembly of maternal germ granules in developing germ cells may serve as a protection mechanism against stress.
|Germ granule type
|Proteins (function)
|RNA helicases (RNA unwinding; translational control)
|Fruit fly
|Perinuclear nuage Polar granules
|Hay et al. (1988) and Lasko and Ashburner (1990)
|Fruit fly
|Perinuclear nuage
|Johnstone et al. (2005)
|Fruit fly
|Polar granules
|Thomson et al. (2008)
|Fruit fly
|Polar granules
|Thomson et al. (2008)
|Fruit fly
|Perinuclear nuage
|Cook et al. (2004)
|GLH-1-4 proteins
|C. elegans
|P granules
|Kuznicki et al. (2000)
|C. elegans
|P granules
|Navarro et al. (2001)
|Perinuclear nuage Intermitochondrial cement
|Bilinski et al. (2004)
|Primordial germ cell perinuclear granules
|Knaut et al. (2000)
|Chromatoid body
|Toyooka et al. (2000)
|Chromatoid body
|Onohara and Yokota (2012)
|Tudor domain-containing proteins (scaffold function; transposon silencing)
|Fruit fly
|Perinuclear nuage Polar granules
|Bardsley et al. (1993)
|Fruit fly
|Perinuclear nuage
|Anand and Kai (2012)
|Fruit fly
|Perinuclear nuage
|Barbosa et al. (2007) and Lim and Kai (2007)
|Fruit fly
|Perinuclear nuage
|Patil and Kai (2010)
|Fruit fly
|Perinuclear nuage
|Liu et al. (2011)
|Fruit fly
|Perinuclear nuage
|Anand and Kai (2012) and Zhang et al. (2011)
|Brother of Yb
|Fruit fly
|Perinuclear nuage
|Handler et al. (2011)
|Tdrd1/Mtr-1, Tdrd5, Tdrd6, Tdrd7
|Intermitochondrial cement Chromatoid body
|Chuma et al. (2009), Tanaka et al. (2011), Vagin et al. (2009) and Yabuta et al. (2011)
|Chromatoid body, piP-bodies
|Aravin et al. (2009) and Shoji et al. (2009)
|Tdrd1, Tdrd7
|Primordial germ cell granules
|Huang et al. (2011) and Strasser et al. (2008)
|Piwi family proteins (transposon silencing; translational control)
|Fruit fly
|Perinuclear nuage Polar granules
|Harris and Macdonald (2001) and Thomson et al. (2008)
|Argonaute 3 (Ago3)
|Fruit fly
|Perinuclear nuage
|Brennecke et al. (2007) and Gunawardane et al. (2007)
|C. elegans
|P granules
|Batista et al. (2008) and Wang and Reinke (2008)
|Chromatoid body
|Vagin et al. (2009)
|Intermitochondrial cement Chromatoid body
|Aravin et al. (2009) and Vagin et al. (2009)
|Aravin et al. (2009)
|Primordial germ cell granules
|Houwing et al. (2007)
|Maelstrom proteins (transposon silencing)
|Fruit fly
|Perinuclear nuage
|Findley et al. (2003) and Lim and Kai (2007)
|Chromatoid body
|Costa et al. (2006) and Soper et al. (2008)
|Sm proteins (spliceosome components)
|Fruit fly
|Polar granules
|Anne (2010) and Gonsalvez et al. (2010)
|C. elegans
|P granules
|Barbee et al. (2002)
|Chromatoid body
|Chuma et al. (2003)
|Germ granule inducers (initiation of germ granule formation by recruiting downstream granule components)
|Fruit fly
|Polar granules
|Vanzo et al. (2007)
|C. elegans
|P granules
|Hanazawa et al. (2011) and Updike et al. (2011)
|Bucky Ball
|Germ plasm granules
|Bontems et al. (2009)
|RNAs (function)
|mRNAs (coding for germline proteins)
|Fruit fly
|Polar granules
|Rangan et al. (2009)
|Germinal granules Intermitochondrial cement
|Bilinski et al. (2004), Kloc et al. (2002), and Mosquera et al. (1993)
|C. elegans
|P granules
|Subramaniam and Seydoux (1999)
|C. elegans
|P granules
|Schisa et al. (2001)
|C. elegans
|P granules
|Schisa et al. (2001)
|C. elegans
|P granules
|Schisa et al. (2001)
|polar granule component
|Fruit fly
|Polar granules
|Hanyu-Nakamura et al. (2008), Nakamura et al. (1996)
|germ cell-less
|Fruit fly
|Polar granules
|Amikura et al. (2005)
|Noncoding RNAs (translation)
|Mitochondrial large and
|Fruit fly
|Polar granules
|Amikura et al. (2001)
|small ribosomal RNAs
|Germinal granules
|Kashikawa et al. (2001)
Three classes of protein components are consistently found in germ granules—RNA helicases, Tudor (Tud) domain-containing proteins, and Piwi family proteins (Table 1). In addition, many germline mRNAs as well as non-coding RNAs—for example, small Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and mitochondrial ribosomal RNAs—are present in the granules (Table 1). Furthermore, in several types of germ granules in fly, C. elegans, and zebrafish, specific proteins have been identified that start the assembly of the granules by recruiting conserved granule components, such as Vasa (Vas) or its homologs. We refer to these proteins as "germ granule inducers" (Table 1). It is remarkable that the germ granule inducers have not been evolutionarily conserved, based on their amino acid sequences, and appear to cluster by organism—for example, there are inducers that are specific to insects (Oskar), worms (PGL proteins), or vertebrates (Bucky Ball; Table 1). It will be interesting to determine if germ granule inducers can be swapped between different organisms or if their tertiary structures are similar.
RNA Helicases
In many animals, germ granules are very dynamic and they change during development. Since the granules are RNA–protein structures, it is likely that dynamic changes are related to the remodeling of these ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. The active remodeling of RNP structures is consistent with the presence of multiple RNA helicases in germ granules (Table 1). Germ granule RNA helicases bind to ATP and unwind double-stranded RNAs in the RNP particles, allowing them to acquire an alternative conformation (Linder and Lasko, 2006; Sengoku et al., 2006). Therefore, the helicases may be responsible for reshaping granule architecture.
The functional role of RNA helicases in germ granules has been well documented by the genetic analysis of mutations in the genes encoding the helicases in different organisms (Arkov and Ramos, 2010). In particular, Vas helicase and its homologs are crucial for germline development in many organisms (Raz, 2000; Gustafson and Wessel, 2010). In the fly, Vas is required for oogenesis and germ cell formation in the embryos (Linder and Lasko, 2006) while the mouse Vas homolog, Mvh, is necessary for spermatogenesis (Tanaka et al., 2000).
Tudor Domain Proteins
Many proteins containing Tudor (Tud) domains have been identified in germ granules from different model organisms (Table 1). The Tud domain is a small, 50–55 amino acid β-barrel module that forms a pocket lined with aromatic amino acids (forming an aromatic cage) (Chen et al., 2011; Pek et al., 2012). The aromatic cage interacts with methylated amino acids, for example, lysines or arginines, of target proteins. Many germline Tud domain-containing proteins have extended Tud domains (eTud), which consist of the Tud core β-barrel with flanking α helices and β strands that form a staphylococcal nuclease (SN)-like fold (Liu et al., 2010; Chen et al., 2011). In addition, many germ granule Tud domain-containing proteins have multiple eTud domains (e.g., fly Tud protein has 11 eTud domains) (Arkov et al., 2006; Creed et al., 2010; Chen et al., 2011). Interestingly, in the same protein, Tud domains can be found with other domains that interact with RNA, including RNA helicase domains (SpnE in fly and Tdrd9 in the mouse) (Shoji et al., 2009).
In the fly, mouse, and zebrafish, Tud domain proteins play crucial roles in germ granule assembly (Boswell and Mahowald, 1985; Chuma et al., 2006; Strasser et al., 2008; Vasileva et al., 2009). Also, fly Tud protein is essential for primordial germ cell formation (Boswell and Mahowald, 1985; Thomson and Lasko, 2004; Arkov et al., 2006) while the mouse Tud domain proteins function in spermatogenesis (Pan et al., 2005; Chuma et al., 2006; Vasileva et al., 2009).
Piwi Family Proteins
In germ granules, Tud domain-containing proteins interact with symmetrically dimethylated arginines (sDMAs) of Piwi family proteins in the fly and mammals, and these Tud–Piwi protein complexes safeguard germline genomes against retrotransposons (Nishida et al., 2009; Vagin et al., 2009; Creed et al., 2010; Kirino et al., 2010; Siomi et al., 2010; Vourekas et al., 2010). More specifically in fly and mammals, antisense piRNAs bound to Piwi proteins guide these proteins to transposon mRNAs that are then cleaved by Piwi proteins (reviewed in Thomson and Lin, 2009; Juliano et al., 2011; Pek et al., 2012). A recent study in C. elegans, however, uncovered a Piwi endonuclease-independent mechanism of piRNA-mediated silencing that depends on piRNA-induced secondary endogenous small interfering RNA (endo-siRNA) response (Bagijn et al., 2012). Therefore, while the molecular mechanism of transposon silencing may differ in different species, the requirement to protect germline DNA using piRNAs has been evolutionarily conserved.
RNA Components of Germ Granules
Germ granules have been suggested to control translation of a variety of germline mRNAs associated with the granules, including nanos (nos), polar granule component (pgc), and germ cell-less (gcl) (Mahowald, 1968; Rangan et al., 2009). Translational repression and activation of specific mRNAs have been proposed to occur in these granules at distinct time points during development since differentially translated mRNAs do not dissociate from the granules, irrespective of their translational status (Rangan et al., 2009). Furthermore, the mRNA 3′-untranslated regions (3′-UTRs) have an instructive role for both mRNA localization to germ granules and the translational status of these mRNAs. It is likely that translational activation or repression is the result of highly coordinated interplay between 3′-UTRs and specific RNA-binding proteins, including RNA helicases, in germ granules.
In addition to mRNAs, germ granules contain non-coding RNAs (Table 1). In particular, piRNAs are expected to localize to the granules since these RNAs directly associate with Piwi family proteins found in granules. Also, RNAs from the large and small subunits of mitochondrial ribosomes are germ granule components (Table 1). In the fly, there is evidence that mitochondria-type ribosomes are involved in the translation of gcl mRNA on polar granules (Amikura et al., 2005). These intriguing data suggest an exciting possibility for the important role of mitochondrial translation in the cytosol during primordial germ cell formation.
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The detailed pathway of germ granule assembly has not been fully deciphered. Therefore, we will review some of the most recent data obtained from various model organisms. These results will lead to a better understanding of the factors that determine the fate of germ granules and help to maintain their integrity.
Germ Granule Assembly in the Drosophila Oocytes' Germ Plasm
Drosophila germ granule assembly in the posterior germ plasm occurs through a series of hierarchical events that center at the transport of oskar (osk) mRNA to the posterior pole of the oocyte (Ephrussi et al., 1991; Kim-Ha et al., 1991). A recent study has identified an osk gene in insect species beyond flies and other dipterans and concluded that the evolutionary origin of osk in insects has been correlated with the appearance of the germ plasm (Lynch et al., 2011).
The correct localization of osk mRNA relies on the organization and reorganization of microtubules in the egg chamber during early oogenesis (Steinhauer and Kalderon, 2006). In stage 2–6 oocytes, microtubules expand their plus-ends into the nurse cells via the ring canals and group their minus-ends in the oocyte, with the microtubule organizing center (MTOC) positioned to the posterior cortex of the oocyte, directing the transport of maternal mRNAs (e.g., grk mRNA) synthesized by nurse cells to the posterior pole of the transcriptionally inactive oocyte (Theurkauf et al., 1992; Saunders and Cohen, 1999; Grieder et al., 2000). After stage 6, these germline microtubules undergo rearrangement triggered by signaling between the oocyte and follicle cells adjacent to the posterior pole of the oocyte. This rearrangement results in the disassembly of the posterior MTOC and the subsequent appearance of microtubules from the entire oocyte cortex, pointing their plus-ends towards the center of the oocyte (Cha et al., 2001, 2002; Steinhauer and Kalderon, 2006). At stages 8–9, the posterior cortical microtubules are disassembled, followed by the microtubule plus-ends reorientation towards the posterior pole (Cha et al., 2002; Dollar et al., 2002). Consequently, osk mRNA begins to accumulate at the posterior pole via Kinesin I-dependent transport, dictating the location of germ plasm formation (Ephrussi and Lehmann, 1992; Brendza et al., 2000). Interestingly, instead of moving in "one-way traffic," osk mRNA exhibits a "random walk" in all directions with a weak bias towards the posterior pole (Zimyanin et al., 2008). The enrichment of microtubule plus-ends has been suggested to lead to the translational de-repression of osk mRNA (Becalska and Gavis, 2010). The resulting Osk protein then initiates germ plasm assembly by recruiting other germ plasm components (e.g., Vas and Tud) to the posterior pole. In particular, the direct interaction between Osk and Vas has been experimentally verified and recognized as an initial step in germ plasm assembly (Breitwieser et al., 1996).
Although the mechanisms governing the reorganization of microtubule cytoskeleton during mid-oogenesis remain unclear, recent research on Bazooka (Baz), the Drosophila homolog of Par-3 (abnormal embryonic PARtitioning of cytoplasm-3), revealed a novel role for Baz in regulating oocyte microtubule polarity (Becalska and Gavis, 2010). Baz localizes to the anterior and lateral cortex, and is excluded from the posterior pole (Benton and St Johnston, 2003; Becalska and Gavis, 2010). Therefore, Baz might exert its influence by controlling microtubule polarity to ensure microtubule plus-ends reaching to posterior, thereby restricting Osk-induced germ plasm assembly at the posterior pole (Becalska and Gavis, 2010) (Fig. 1).
Germ Plasm Assembly in Zebrafish
The germ plasm in oocytes of vertebrate animals is found in a cellular structure called the Balbiani body (Heasman et al., 1984; Mahowald, 2001; Kloc et al., 2004; Pepling et al., 2007; Strome and Lehmann, 2007; Marlow and Mullins, 2008). Although the assembly machinery of the Balbiani body germ plasm has not been fully elucidated, recent research on the Balbiani body in zebrafish identified the bucky ball (buc) gene as a key germ plasm inducer that governs germ plasm assembly in the Balbiani body (Marlow and Mullins, 2008; Bontems et al., 2009). The buc mutant was identified by its defect in germ plasm localization and polarity (Dosch et al., 2004; Marlow and Mullins, 2008). Furthermore, key germ plasm markers such as dazl (Maegawa et al., 1999), vas (Olsen et al., 1997), and nos mRNA (Koprunner et al., 2001) fail to localize to the Balbiani body in the buc mutant (Bontems et al., 2009). Despite very limited functional domain information from bioinformatics approaches, Buc protein has been shown to initially localize to the Balbiani body then gradually to the vegetal pole in the oocyte, where it is proposed to recruit the downstream germ plasm mRNA of dazl, vas, and nos (Bontems et al., 2009) (Fig. 2). The competence of Buc to form germ plasm is further supported by the induction of additional, but ectopic, germ cells upon Buc overexpression in the embryo; thus, the hypothesized mechanism is that Buc aggregates germ plasm components already present in the early embryo and prevents their degradation during embryogenesis (Bontems et al., 2009).
P granule Assembly in C. elegans
Similar to fly and zebrafish, germ granule assembly in C. elegans is directed by worm-specific PGL (P-GranuLe abnormality) proteins, which are responsible for the recruitment of the downstream germ plasm components (Updike et al., 2011). Recent research revealed critical roles of PGL proteins and germ line helicase (GLH) proteins (Vas homologs) in the assembly of the granules. In the absence of other germline-specific factors, PGL-1 (Kawasaki et al., 1998) and PGL-3 (Kawasaki et al., 2004) proteins are able to self-associate to form germ granule-like aggregates via their N-terminal, self-interacting domains (Hanazawa et al., 2011). Also, the PGL proteins' C-terminal RGG boxes act as RNA-binding domains that incorporate RNAs and RNPs into the germ granules (Godin and Varani, 2007; Hanazawa et al., 2011) (Fig. 3).
Worm GLH-1, GLH-2, and GLH-4 proteins contain N-terminal phenylalanine-glycine (FG) repeat domains, which are likely to interact to establish a hydrophobic network of filaments that mimic the role of FG repeats in nuclear pore complex (NPC) proteins (Ribbeck and Gorlich, 2002; Patel et al., 2007; Updike et al., 2011). Work done on GLH proteins revealed that GLH-1 and GLH-3 cannot form granules by themselves unless additional FG domains are inserted or PGL-1 is present. These results support the idea that granules can form only after reaching a local FG-repeat concentration threshold, which in turn is provided by the nucleating effect of self-aggregating PGL-1 (Ribbeck and Gorlich, 2002; Pappu et al., 2008; Hanazawa et al., 2011; Updike et al., 2011). Furthermore, GLH-1 has been suggested to retain the perinuclear localization of PGL proteins and to help lower the saturation point of free PGL proteins in the germline, thereby favoring subsequent granule assembly. These data demonstrate the interplay between GLH and PGL proteins in maintaining the granule structure (Brangwynne et al., 2009; Hanazawa et al., 2011; Updike et al., 2011).
Recent research on the physical nature of P granules in C. elegans provided significant insight on the shaping of germ granules. It was shown that the P granules behave like liquid droplets, bearing a viscosity roughly 1,000× that of water (similar to the viscosity of glycerol) and a very small surface tension value, which is typical for macromolecular liquids. These liquid droplet-like physical properties enable asymmetric cytoplasmic distribution of P granules by dissolution from the anterior and condensation towards the posterior in C. elegans embryos (Brangwynne et al., 2009).
The Role of Tudor and Piwi Proteins in Germ Granule Assembly
The presence of scaffold factors during the assembly of germ granules has been reported in different organisms, for example, Tud domain-containing proteins in the fly, zebrafish, and mouse (Arkov et al., 2006; Vasileva et al., 2009; Huang et al., 2011). As outlined above, Tud domain-containing proteins frequently have multiple Tud domains (Chen et al., 2011). In particular, the fly Tud protein plays an important role in germ granules by binding to sDMAs of the Piwi protein Aubergine (Aub) (Nishida et al., 2009; Kirino et al., 2010). The co-crystallization of heterologously expressed Tud domain 11 of the Tud protein and sDMA-containing Aub peptide revealed the recognition nature of the sDMA ligand by an asparagine-gated aromatic cage (Liu et al., 2010). Considering the fact that multiple Tud domains contribute to the binding between Tud and Aub (Creed et al., 2010), and that Piwi proteins tend to contain multiple sDMA motifs (Kirino et al., 2009, 2010), it has been proposed that Tud-domain proteins have a scaffold function whereby the Tud domains serve as docking platforms for the assembly of macromolecules during germ granule formation (Arkov et al., 2006; Chen et al., 2011) (Fig. 4).
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Germ granule components are not restricted to the germline. The most studied non-germline nuage-like structures are the chromatoid bodies in planarian neoblasts, a special population of somatic stem cells responsible for the animal's regeneration and homeostasis (Newmark and Sanchez Alvarado, 2000, 2002). Several conserved germ granule components have been confirmed in the neoblasts' chromatoid bodies, namely CBC-1, the DEAD box RNA helicase (Yoshida-Kashikawa et al., 2007); SmB, the small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) core protein (Fernandez-Taboada et al., 2010); and Spoltud, the Tud homolog (Solana et al., 2009). Also, SMEDWI-3, an sDMA-containing Piwi protein, is very likely another chromatoid body component (Rouhana et al., 2012). In addition, other Piwi proteins including SMEDWI-1 and SMEDWI-2, piRNA-like RNA populations, and protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) are found in neoblasts (Reddien et al., 2005; Palakodeti et al., 2008; Rouhana et al., 2012), reminiscent of the Piwi–piRNA–Tud germ granule assembly mechanism discussed above (Rouhana et al., 2012).
Notably, there is rising focus on the novel role of Piwi–piRNA complexes in non-germline cells, especially in neurons. In mice, for example, a particular piRNA and Miwi protein has been shown to colocalize in hippocampal neurons, controlling dendritic spine morphogenesis (Lee et al., 2011). Furthermore, in neurons of Aplysia, specific piRNAs associate with Piwi, and the piRNA–Piwi complex down-regulates expression of CREB2, which is a memory repressor (Rajasethupathy et al., 2012). Tdrd7, a Tud domain-containing protein component of the chromatoid body in mouse testis, is also expressed in lens fiber cells and tdrd7 loss-of-function mutation results in cataract as well as glaucoma (Lachke et al., 2011).
The assembly and maintenance mechanism of the germ granule-like RNPs in somatic cells is intriguing. Recent work on the cell-free formation of RNP granules provided convincing evidence supporting a prion-like mechanism of assembly. In particular, it was shown that a specific chemical, isoxazole, when added to cell lysates of different origins, is able to trigger the formation of RNP precipitates highly enriched in RNA-binding proteins and associated mRNAs commonly found in other RNA granules. Furthermore, the protein constituents in the precipitates contained low complexity (LC) sequences and RNA-binding domains responsible for the reversible, cell-free formation of amyloid-like fiber aggregates and the recognition of the 3′-UTRs of their target mRNAs, respectively. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that the cell-free RNPs employ a prion-like assembly mechanism that might also be the general principle guiding the assembly of similar subcellular, non-membrane bound RNA granules (Han et al., 2012; Kato et al., 2012) (Fig. 5). An intensely studied example of mRNA binding protein that exhibits prion-like properties is the neuronal isoform of Aplysia cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein (CPEB). Earlier studies on Aplysia CPEB in yeast cells demonstrated that its N-terminal prion-like domain (PrD) contributes to self-multimerization, self-sustainability, and transmissibility, all of which are canonical characteristics of prion-like proteins (Si et al., 2003; Alberti et al., 2009). Contrary to the prion-like RNP assembly paradigm discussed above, the aggregated conformational state of CPEB, rather than its monomeric state, binds to its target mRNA (Si et al., 2003). Subsequent studies of Aplysia CPEB in neuron cells and its Drosophila homolog, Orb2, further showed that multimerization of CPEB/Orb2 in the nervous system is regulated by specific stimuli, confirming their conserved roles in long-term synaptic facilitation (Si et al., 2010). Another phenomenon supporting the prion-like RNP assembly mechanism is that a cytoplasmic population of the prion protein (cyPrP) expressed in neurons induces the formation of an RNA organelle (PrP-RNP) that shares significant similarities with chromatoid bodies from the germline, including their RNA and protein components, clustering with mitochondria, dependence on microtubule network for assembly, and proximity to nuclear pore complexes (Beaudoin et al., 2009).
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Germ granules from different organisms are highly dynamic and complex RNP structures. While multiple granule components have been discovered, the complete granule composition is still far from being understood. Future research should result in a more comprehensive list of germ granule components, as well as providing insight into how the composition of the granules changes during development in different organisms and how these changes contribute to germline development.
Several germ granule inducers, which initiate the assembly of some types of granules, have been discovered, including Osk, PGL proteins, and Buc (Table 1). It is remarkable that even though these proteins recruit similar downstream granule components (e.g., Vas or Vas homologs), they differ by primary amino acid sequences and are specific to particular groups of organisms. Structural analysis of germ granule inducers and their interacting partners will shed light on the early steps of the granule assembly, and may reveal exciting structural similarities in different granule inducers.
Recent studies have highlighted the consistent presence of RNA helicases, Tud domain-containing proteins, and Piwi–piRNA complexes in germ granules from different organisms as well as the role of Tud–Piwi–piRNA complexes in the protection of germline DNA from transposons (Table 1). In addition, details of molecular recognition of Piwi proteins' sDMAs by Tud domains in germ granules have been a focus of intense and exciting research. Since germ granules frequently contain proteins with multiple Tud domains, which interact with Piwi proteins, it will be important to determine the stoichiometry and structure of such a Tud-Piwi complex. The structural analysis should provide insights into the architecture of this crucial component of germ granules, and may explain the functional significance of Tud–Piwi interaction.
Recent discoveries of germ granule components in somatic cells, including stem cells and neurons, are exciting indications that these granule components might assemble in different cells and that these assemblies play important roles in stem cell maintenance and memory formation. It will be interesting to determine if granule components in different cell contexts follow the same rules of assembly, and to explore the functional significance of building a germ-like granule in somatic cells.
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We thank all members of Arkov laboratory and Chris Trzepacz for critical reading of the manuscript. Work in the A.L.A. laboratory is supported by NSF CAREER award # MCB-1054962 and by NIH grant award R15GM087661 from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.
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EA releases Tiger Woods PGA Tour for iPhone, iPod touch
Electronic Arts has released Tiger Woods PGA Tour, its latest game for the iPhone and iPod touch. Tiger lets players create their own golfer, or control a number of professionals, including Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam, Vijay Singh, Natalie Gulbis, and Retief Goosen, using a touch-n-drag Swing Meter to perform shots. The game features seven different 3D courses, including Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, TPC Sawgrass, and Doral, play-by-play commentary, realistic sound effects, and in-flight spin control. Tiger Woods PGA Tour is available now from the App Store and sells for $10.
For more information on Tiger Woods PGA Tour, see our full review.
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With a file size of 159MB, I'll have to wait to find some Wi-Fi to download it.
Posted by Charles Starrett on April 30, 2009 at 1:00 PM (CDT)
Been waiting for this one for a while. Just got down playing it. Gotta say so far i love it. You can do top spin after your shot that rocks.
Posted by Charles Starrett on April 30, 2009 at 7:53 PM (CDT)
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Posted by Charles Starrett on May 1, 2009 at 8:53 AM (CDT)
I'll have to download when I get home.
When you close the app does it remember which hole you're on or do you have to complete a round?
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It allows you to save at any point
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1-10 of 196
RVC baseball: Evansville holds off host Whitewater
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The Trojans picked up a 2-1 victory Thursday in a battle of Rock Valley Conference softball frontrunners
Beloit Turner maintains unbeated baseball record
The Trojans got a combined one-hitter from Hunter Martindale and Sam Behm and took advantage of six Edgerton errors in an 8-0 Rock Valley Conference win.
Janesville soccer teams lose to Rock Valley foes
Craig lost 5-4 to Whitewater and Parker lost 4-1 to Evansville on Tuesday
Palmyra-Eagle overcomes slow start at Parkview
The Panthers beat the Vikings 12-8 in Rock Valley baseball Tuesday
Turner edges Evansville in 34-run softball game
Trinity Fry blasted a go-ahead grand slam in the bottom of the sixth inning, and Turner topped visiting Evansville 18-16 in a back-and-forth Rock Valley Conference crossover game that featured 28 hits, 15 strikeouts and 17 walks.
Dedication brings Alec Fruin player of year honor
San'Trell Payton (Janesville Craig), Jake Berhorst (Lake Geneva Badger), Kyle Rutkowski (Evansville) and Brennen Banks (Evansville) fill out The Gazette's all-area boys basketball squad.
Whippet good: Smith-Traore stands above competition
Named a unanimous Division 3 first-team all-state selection by the coaches, Whitewater High's Myriama Smith-Traore is The Gazette's player of the year after helping guide the Whippets to a 22-2 record and undefeated Rock Valley North Conference season.
Coaches name local trio to all-state teams
Delaney Schoenenberger, Kylie Moe and Myriama Smith-Traore were named to the first team in their respective divisions on the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association's all-state selections.
Evansville, East Troy set for sectional rubber match
The Rock Valley North Conference rivals each won regional finals Saturday night
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Matt Shifman has been on
the Horse Racing Nation staff since 2011 and currently serves as Assistant Editor. Matt covers Aqueduct, Belmont Park,
Monmouth Park, and Saratoga in his two HRN blogs Racing at the Jersey Shore and New York State of Racing.
Matt's articles and tweets
frequently appear in the America's Best Racing weekly Notebook. In 2012 he
became a voter in the NTRA weekly polls for the Top Thoroughbred and Top
The best way to get to
know Matt is to check out some of his favorite articles from the past couple
Edison: the Travels of a Million Dollar Colt
A Kentucky Derby Field with Just 14 Horses
What is the Best Kentucky Derby Running Style?
2013 Breeders' Cup Distaff: Risk and Reward
The AndyScoggin Award Winners
Saratoga Time Machine -- the Year 1972
John Velazquez Made His Point in the Met Mile
The Top 10 Gray Horses of All-Time
The Loss of Autism Awareness
World Autism Awareness Day
Draw a Line Through It
You may also know Matt by
his Twitter, Facebook, and HRN screen name, AndyScoggin.
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With a little over a month to go before the $10 mi...
I agree with the voting consensus on most of the 2...
In 2015 there were 25 thoroughbreds that won over...
Last year I crafted the winning Mint Julep while d...
Several weeks ago, I was chatting online with my p...
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Christmas has finally arrived for thoroughbred hor...
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Elizabeth and James
'Marilyn' Faux Shearling & Coated Trim Jacket
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HideDetails & Care
A classic baseball jacket is reinvented in nubby faux shearling with a roomy shape, dropped shoulders and leather-like fabric sleeves.
- 23" length (size Medium).
- Front snap closure.
- Angled welt pockets.
- Stretch lining.
- Polyester faux shearling; sleeves and trim are cotton/nylon; dry clean.
- By Elizabeth and James; imported.
- via C.
'Marilyn' Faux Shearling & Coated Trim Jacket
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