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On the Cutting Edge of Treatment and Technology
Posted by Rob Ring, PhD, vice president of translational research for Autism Speaks
Translational research in autism converts complex scientific discoveries into real life benefits for those living with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Earlier this year, I had the privilege of organizing and moderating a translational research symposium we called "Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Genes to Targets to Treatments" at the New York Academy of Sciences. The symposium was made possible through funding from Autism Speaks. Indeed, sponsorship of meetings like this is an essential part of Autism Speaks' commitment to advancing innovative autism research.
The New York Academy symposium brought together respected experts working on translational autism research from the proverbial bench to the bedside. The day was filled with stimulating scientific discussion that helped those of us involved in this research to align our research priorities.
In this week's "Science in the City" podcast from the New York Academy (click the image below to access the podcast), you can listen in as two of the symposium's speakers offer a behind-the-scenes look at the new technologies and treatments that could redefine how we understand autism. Eric Hollander, of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, talks about using oxytocin, a brain chemical that fosters social bonding, as a potentially treatment for aspects of autism. And Timothy Roberts, of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, discusses his use of brain imaging to identify early markers of autism—such as a tell-tale delay in how a child responds to voices and other sounds.
For more information about the translational research Autism Speaks funds, please visit our Grant Search portal, where you can learn more about specific studies on technology development, biomedical interventions, and more.
We'd love your feedback. So please leave a comment and respond to our polldaddy question of the day below the podcast link. Thanks.
Click the image to hear the podcast.
Social skill in a pill?
As we learn more about the unique behaviors of different animal species and how circuits in the brain control those behaviors, we will come upon more options for treating brain-based disorders. In the case of autism spectrum disorders, a surprising potential treatment for social challenges emerged from the little-known prairie vole. The new research was published in April online in Biological Psychiatry and supported by Autism Speaks.
Prairie voles may resemble pet store hamsters, but their ordinary appearance obscures unique behavior. These voles are among the 5% of all mammals that are monogamous—that is they form a mating pair that remains for the life of the animal. Contrast this seemingly virtuous performance with a similar species—the meadow vole—that engages a much more promiscuous mating strategy. For each animal, the chosen mating strategy makes sense in terms of available mating partners and other environmental pressures. However, these mating strategies also produce consequences in terms of the animal's "social skills" and the neural circuits which serve these behaviors.
Prairie vole females, who mate for life, are relatively picky. So, when introduced to a new male, not surprisingly, female prairie voles tend to a be careful—wanting more than just a single visit before choosing her mate. This situation affords researchers an opportunity that Larry Young, Ph.D. at Emory University exploits in the partner preference task.
The partner preference task enabled researchers to dissect the social learning that occurs in voles soon after meeting. A female prairie vole is paired with a male for up to 24 hours so they can meet, but not mate. During this time, researchers can give the voles different drug compounds to manipulate this first date in various ways. From the sensory cues, to the rewarding squirts of neurotransmitter, Dr. Young and his colleagues are learning the essential ingredients for effective social learning.
The first essential ingredient is oxytocin. This well-studied hormone is involved in birth and lactation and has more recently been shown to enhance the much more subtle social perception of trust in humans. Oxytocin administration has also been shown to increase the amount of gaze to the eye region of a face in individuals with autism.
Pair bonding in the prairie vole requires oxytocin. The brain regions that bind this hormone are closely associated with areas of the brain that signal reward and the "reward neurotransmitter", dopamine. In fact, if the brain binding sites for dopamine are blocked by a competing chemical, pair bonds between prairie voles do not form. This result reveals that the reward system must actively participate for these strong social bonds to form.
Recall the very similar-looking but very differently behaving vole called the meadow vole. What creates their very different patterns of social engagement in these two species? Dr. Young and colleagues showed that the distribution of receptors for the hormone oxytocin was a primary difference between the two species of animals. In fact, female meadow voles that were made to express oxytocin receptors in a prairie vole pattern began behaving just like prairie voles with regard to mating behavior. The promiscuous voles became monogamous by changing the expression of receptors in the brain.
This background would seem to be an elaborate set up to discuss the drug that makes the difference, but the value that these animals bring to research can not be underestimated. The overt differences in behavior led to the discovery of hidden differences in brain physiology, which can be manipulated using drugs to improve the lives of humans.
Using a compound called d-cycloserine (DCS) the research team was able to enhance the cognitive processes involved in developing a partner preference in prairie voles. The changes are likely due to two factors: 1) an enhancement of the sensory cues that accompany a social interaction, which are primarily smell-based for rodents. 2) a boost of the memory of the social interaction, so that the partner will be recognized and associated with a positive encounter when they next meet. The dose of DCS matters as only a low dose—one that increases glutamate neurotransmission—elicits a bias for choosing the previously met partner over the stranger. Higher doses of DCS have a different effect on the receptor causing an overall reduction in glutamate transmission and providing no bias in the partner preference task.
What is the relevance of this to autism? Imagine if one were able to enhance the interest of social stimuli prior to a therapy session. Could the sort of compounds Dr. Young and his colleagues are investigating be beneficial when used in addition to behavioral therapy for helping individuals on the spectrum focus develop healthy patterns of social engagement? In an preliminary study published in 2004 by a different group of researchers, DCS decreased social withdrawal in individuals with ASD as measured by the Aberrant Behavior Checklist. Dr. Young and colleagues continue their research with DCS and other compounds that improve the salience of social features of an environment. We look forward to seeing more of these results translate into meaningful treatments for people as this research direction progresses.
Autism in the News – Tuesday, 01.04.11
Scientists Test 'Trust Hormone' For Autism Fight (National Public Radio)
For decades, parents of children with autism have been searching for a drug or diet to treat the disorder. Their latest hope is the hormone oxytocin. It's often called the trust hormone or the cuddle hormone. And just to be clear, it has nothing to do with the narcotic oxycontin. Read more.
Apple iPad, iPod Touch might help people with autism take steps toward independence (nj.com)
With a simple touch, Marc Rader knows what comes next in his day. The 13-year old taps the tablet computer screen, and a picture of the kitchen sink pops up, accompanied by his mother's voice. Read more.
Families Have Mixed Reactions to New Autism Insurance Mandate (Fair Grove, Mo.)
A number of Missouri children are now eligible for insurance coverage of their autism therapies. That's because a new Missouri law requires insurers to cover $40,000 a year of applied behavioral analysis for children through age 18. Read more.
With support, 'positive outcomes' possible for those with autism (Monmouth, N.J.)
Tabitha Cooper was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome on Sept. 11, 2004 at the age of 23. Her diagnosis explained a lot of the struggles she'd battled in high school. Cooper said she wasn't diagnosed when she was younger because many people thought autism was a mental disorder. Read more.
New Law Expands Services for KY Children with Autism (Frankfurt, Ky.)
The New Year brings Kentucky a new law that requires insurance companies to cover the diagnosis, treatment and therapies of children with autism. Former state representative Scott Brinkman of Louisville, who is the father of a 26-year-old son with autism, sponsored the legislation. Read more.
Autism insurance mandate begins with new year in Missouri (Jefferson City, Mo.)
Several thousand children will become eligible for insurance coverage of their autism therapies as a Missouri law takes effect Saturday. For thousands of others, their parents will continue to have to pay out of pocket or simply forgo the costly treatments. Read more.
How do we study the brain?
This is a post by staff blogger Daniel Lightfoot, Ph.D., Director of the Autism Tissue Program.
Autism is a clinically diagnosed disorder. Much of our knowledge about autism comes from direct interactions with people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), listening to parents of children on the spectrum, and conducting clinical studies. Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) studies have added to our understanding by giving us a peek at the autistic brain and structural differences that may be present. Additionally, strong efforts in genetic analysis have discovered genes of interest and regions within our DNA that may play a part in the development of ASD. Though all these efforts have taught us much about autism, we still know relatively little about the autistic brain and why its development is altered. So how do we learn more?
We must look at things directly.
Consider the following analogy. If you were told to study an office building, but could not go inside, you may find yourself walking around the structure and studying its shape. You could interact with the building by touching the stone and steel that form the building. This would be analogous to clinical and behavioral observations typically made of individuals with autism. Engineering plans, may tell you what the building is comprised of (analogous to genetics studies) and even how it is shaped on the inside—where the rooms are and how stairs, elevators and hallways connect them. This last approach would be analogous to structural MRI studies. Despite the value of each of these perspectives, none of these examinations could reveal the happenings within the building. You would know nothing about the people working within the building, what they were doing, how they interacted with each other and what their jobs may have been.
In a similar way this is how we most often study autism, by looking at the outside, taking an indirect perspective. But there are some scientists who look at things differently. They go inside the building. They study brains directly. And what some of these exceptional scientists have learned so far is quite astounding.
Studying brain tissue directly from deceased individuals, enables researchers to look microscopically at the cells within human brains, how these cells are connected with one another, how they are structured on a molecular level and what that most interesting of molecules – DNA – is doing within the cell. Studying the brain directly allows a far more thorough level of research to be conducted; enabling researches to ask and answer questions that otherwise could not have been addressed, to study the cell and molecular bases behind autism, and granting the ability to look at the fundamental underpinnings behind ASD. Scientists need to study brains from both affected and unaffected individuals in order to make informative comparisons. Without both affected and unaffected individuals to study, the brain tissue loses context and is far less instructive.
Recent breakthroughs in brain tissue research
With brain tissue, scientists can look at the many components needed to make and organize proteins within a cell for proper brain function. Investigators have explored genes that synthesize a major inhibitory transmitter (GABA) in the neural cells and found decreased activity in a special type of protein called an enzyme. In addition, other molecules that detect and bind to GABA (called receptors) are decreased in prevalence in several brain regions. Enzymes and receptors are targets for therapeutics (drug intervention) and are therefore important to understand.
A report investigating 26 brains from the Brain Atlas Project describes some of the atypical findings in the brains of individuals with autism: namely defects in the production, development and organization of new neurons in the brain. Using digital images available to researchers from the Brain Atlas Project, investigators showed that cell populations in the brain, organized in distinct patterns termed minicolumns, are more numerous in the autism brains. Scientists postulate that this increase of minicolumns results in higher sensitivity to stimuli coming into the brain, but at a cost to processing and output in the form of behaviors that characterize autism.
Brain tissue evaluation of mitochrondria reveals differences in these critical cell powerhouses. Mitochondria are responsible for producing most of the energy inside a cell. Brain tissue research has revealed defects in mitochondrial proteins important for shuttling molecules across brain cell membranes. Much like a battery, controlling the flow of molecules within different compartments of a cell is one of the key components to the energy production process and one that appears to be functioning differently in individuals with autism.
Oxytocin is a hormone with a role in social recognition, pair bonding, anxiety, and maternal behaviors. Brain tissue research provides evidence of oxytocin receptor deficiencies resulting in a lower level of effectiveness. This means that even if the hormone is produced normally, it has a reduced effect. Treatments to increase oxytocin functionality in the brain are being explored and brain research will continue to contribute to the understanding of the role of this hormone in the brain.
Scientists also use brain tissue to explore findings from other medical assessments. Analysis of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) from subjects with autism has shown immune markers of neuroinflammation. Immune activity found in cells from the brain support the concept that specialized brain cells that respond to infection or damage are active in autism brain samples.
How you can help
Unfortunately, brain tissue is exceptionally rare, thereby hindering this rigorous approach to understating autism
The Autism Tissue Program (ATP), a clinical program of Autism Speaks, is dedicated to supporting scientists worldwide in their efforts to understand autism, autism related disorders and the human brain. The ATP makes brain tissue available to as many qualified scientists as possible to advance autism research and unravel the mysteries of this and related neurological conditions. In fact, it is the only program solely dedicated to increasing and enhancing the availability of post-mortem brain tissue for basic research in autism. You can make a profound difference to all those who struggle with autism by registering as a brain tissue donor with the ATP.
A large part about why we, at the ATP, keep working is that when people with autism die, it is sometimes unexpectedly and with little to explain the cause of death. Detailed analysis of the donated tissue helps provide answers as to why death occurred and helps us learn more about these unique individuals in addition to helping researchers understand autism.
If you are the parent of a child or children with an autism spectrum disorder, are related to a person with an autism spectrum disorder, have autism yourself or are unaffected, your donation can greatly affect our progress in understanding autism. We encourage entire families to consider donations of brain tissue for research.
While in some states and countries, registration for organ donation makes the process automatic at the time of death (as on your driver's license), this is not the case for brain tissue donation. Because brain tissue is used for research and not transplantation, it is not included on most organ donation registries. Therefore, by registering with the ATP, you declare your intent to donate brain tissue as well as making your wishes known to your family in a formalized way. However, registration does not make tissue donation automatic at the time death. This final choice of donation is made by your next-of-kin, which in legal terms, is defined in this order: spouse, adult children, either parent, adult siblings, or guardian at the time of death. Should you choose to become an ATP registrant, and wish to donate your brain upon death, to the ATP in support of autism research, we encourage you to inform others of your wishes, including your immediate and extended family. Helping your friends and family learn more about the ATP and its mission will help them understand your unique choice.
For more information about the ATP and becoming a registered donor, visit our site at www.autismtissue program.org.
What is the value of combination therapies in autism?
This Top 10 Research Achievements of 2009 post comes from guest blogger Evdokia Anagnostou, M.D., a Clinician Scientist at Bloorview Research Institute and an Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics at the University of Toronto. Dr. Anagnostou leads a program of experimental therapeutics and neuroimaging in autism and is leading a series of clinical trials to study the efficacy of oxytocin, memantine, and other compounds for symptoms associated with autism.
The last decade has been fairly productive when it comes to research in psychopharmacology. Large scale multicenter studies have been conducted and more than one medication has shown benefit for the treatment of symptoms associated with autism. Still, our approach to pharmacology research has been relatively limited. We have examined the similarities between symptoms associated with autism and symptoms in other disorders, assumed that similar symptoms across disorders have similar neurobiology, and "borrowed" medications from other disorders with "overlapping " symptoms to test in autism. The approach has been somewhat successful. We now have evidence from large multisite studies to support the efficacy of some atypical antipsychotics for irritability and aggression (risperidone (1) and aripiprazole (2)), and stimulants for the treatment of ADHD-like symptoms (3). This approach also has its limitations. An example may be the failure of large multisite studies to show effectiveness for the treatment of repetitive behaviors for serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Although much remains to be explored and many questions still remain, one cannot help but wonder whether it is time for a paradigm shift in the way we approach pharmacology research. There are plenty of approaches that still remain to be tested in this population. Firstly, we have not yet done truly translational work. In other words we have not yet used the findings from genetics/ animal models/ pathology to develop treatments based on the neurobiology of autism itself, as it is revealing itself to us over the past few years. Secondly, we have not addressed what we really do in real life which is combine medications with psychosocial interventions. In fact, we have no data to date that any of the medications we use actually treat autism. Medications do not teach skills. It is the psychosocial interventions that treat autism. What we attempt to do with medications for the most part, is to enhance learning from such interventions either indirectly by reducing behaviors that interfere with learning ( e.g. irritability, aggression, hyperactivity, repetitive behaviors) or by directly facilitating learning processes (potential examples in trials: memantine, oxytocin). The question remains whether the combination of medications with psychoeducational treatment is favorable compared to medications alone or the psychoeducational treatment alone. Previous studies in other neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD, (4) have taught us that when the effect of medication is large, it may be hard to show additional benefit from psychosocial interventions. As such both comparisons: combination treatment vs. medication, and combination treatment vs. psychosocial intervention are worth exploring.
Recently, the RUPP group published the first randomized controlled trial that tested the combination of a medication with a parent training curriculum based on ABA principles for the treatment of irritability/aggression (link to Top 10 story on combination therapy) (5). This was a 24 week randomized trial of combination treatment vs. medication only (risperidone/aripiprazole alone). 124 children ages 4-13 with frequent aggression, self injury and tantrums were recruited. The primary outcome measure was a modified for autism version of the Home Situations Questionnaire (HSQ), a 20 item questionnaire aimed to measure non compliance in every day circumstances. Secondary measures included the Aberrant Behavior checklist, the Clinical Global Impressions measure and the Children Yale Brown Obsessive – Compulsive Scale-PDD version. The parent intervention consisted of 11 sessions with a certified therapist, three additional optional sessions and up to 3 booster session for a total of up to 17 sessions, lasting 60-90 min and delivered individually to the families. The curriculum included teaching on visual schedules, positive reinforcement, compliance, functional communication and adaptive skills. The sessions were fairly individualized to the child's level and needs. The medication was risperidone dosed by weight and was switched to aripiprazole by week 8 if the risperidone was ineffective. The study reported that combination treatment was more effective than medication alone as measured by the HSQ, irritability hyperactivity and stereotyped speech as measured by the ABC. They also reported that the mean dose of medication required in the combination group was less than that required in the medication alone group (1.98 mg/d vs. 2.26 mg / day respectively).
In summary, combination treatment was more effective at improving everyday outcomes than medication treatment alone. This Top 10 paper provides initial evidence that such trials are feasible and worth exploring. The authors argued that this study aimed at a different outcome (real life situation improvement) than the original risperidone studies, and as such, suggests that integrated trials can be successful when the outcome measure for the medication is somewhat different than that for the psychosocial intervention / combination treatment. In fact, as previously discussed, it makes sense that generalizability of the medication effect is accomplished by parent training given that the medication itself is not likely to teach the child or the family any skills. The question still remains in the blogger's mind whether the effects of combination treatment should be tested against intensive parent training alone. Although I agree with the authors that the effect size of the risperidone is large, these medications are associated with a relatively unfavorable side effect profile and it would be of great interest to learn how much of the effect size observed with the combination treatment can be achieved by using parent training alone, given that decisions on the using a medication are not solely based on the efficacy profile of medications. Such studies may have implications for systems delivery and the generalization of results may be more difficult given the differential insurance coverage for medications vs. psychosocial interventions, but may have significant impact in the way we treat children with autism
The study is very important as it is the first such trial in autism and highlights the need for integrated medication/psychosocial intervention trials. Future studies will likely focus on integrated treatments targeting both decrease of maladaptive behaviors as well as skills acquisition.
1. Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology Autism Network. Risperidone in children with autism and serious behavior problems. N Engl J Med. 2002;347:314Y321.
2. Owen R, Sikich L, Marcus RN, Corey-Lisle P, Manos G, McQuade RD, Carson WH, Findling RL. Aripiprazole in the treatment of irritability in children and adolescents with autistic disorder. Pediatrics. 2009 Dec;124(6):1533-40.
3. Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology Autism Network. Randomized, controlled, crossover trial of methylphenidate in pervasive developmental disorders with hyperactivity. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005 Nov;62(11):1266-74.
4. MTA Cooperative Group. National Institute of Mental Health Multimodal Treatment Study of ADHD follow-up: 24-month outcomes of treatment strategies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Pediatrics. 2004 Apr;113(4):754-61.
5. Aman MG, McDougle CJ, Scahill L, Handen B, Arnold LE, Johnson C, Stigler KA, Bearss K, Butter E, Swiezy NB, Sukhodolsky DD, Ramadan Y, Pozdol SL, Nikolov R, Lecavalier L, Kohn AE, Koenig K, Hollway JA, Korzekwa P, Gavaletz A, Mulick JA, Hall KL, Dziura J, Ritz L, Trollinger S, Yu S, Vitiello B, Wagner A; the Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology Autism Network. Medication and Parent Training in Children With Pervasive Developmental Disorders and Serious Behavior Problems: Results From a Randomized Clinical Trial. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2009 Oct 23. [Epub ahead of print]
Many journeys to the same location – methods that 21st century scientists are using to identify genes that cause autism
We have asked several scientists who gave presentations at the April 10-11 DAN! conference in Baltimore to share their research and perspectives from the meeting with you here on the blog. The following piece is from Dr. Simon G. Gregory, Ph.D. Dr. Gregory is an Associate Professor in the Center for Human Genetics, Duke University Medical Center His primary area of research involves identifying the complex genetic factors that give rise to cardiovascular disease and multiple sclerosis, Dr. Gregory's group is also applying high-resolution genomic arrays to the discovery of chromosomal abnormalities and identification of epigenetic factors associated with autism.
For decades scientists have relied on traditional genetic approaches to identify genes that contribute to the development of autism. These approaches have included collecting extended, multi-generation families that contain one or more individuals with autism. Once a sufficient number of these families have been collected, hundreds of DNA markers that can highlight differences between us all at a genetic level (a bit similar to DNA fingerprinting used in CSI) are used to identify a region of the genome is linked with the disorder in the families. More recently, higher resolution technologies that benefitted from the completion of the human genome project have been developed to allow us to look at hundreds of thousands of markers simultaneously. This approach differs from the family-based approach in that it uses thousands of unrelated cases and age/sex/ethnicity matched controls. Together, both approaches have been successful in identifying genes, or at least regions of our chromosomes, that play a role in the development of autism. However, we know that many more genes will likely contribute to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and that not all mechanisms that disrupt the normal function of a gene will be based on a single DNA mutation or a variant present in the general population.
My group at the Duke Center for Human Genetics recently embarked on a journey to identify autism genes using an approach that looks at chromosome content, and yet we reached an interesting finding using another technique that doesn't rely on the sequence of our DNA. For many years it has been known that ASDs can be caused by loss (deletion) or gain (duplication) of chromosomes. These genomic rearrangements can be large or small and some have been shown to cluster in particular regions of the genome, for example on the long arm of chromosome 15 (15q11-13). Our journey began by assessing the genomic content of 119 unrelated autistic children from families that we had collected over a number of years. We used genomic microarrays (microscope slides with printed content spanning our genome) to identify novel or common regions of deletion or duplication within one autistic child from each family. Although we identified a handful of novel regions and confirmed dozens of rearrangements that have increasingly been shown to exist within the 'normal' population, we decided to focus on a single deletion in one individual. The deletion, which contained five genes, sparked our interest because one of the genes, the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), had been previously implicated in autism. Previous studies using the traditional genetic approaches (mentioned above) had shown that OXTR was genetically associated with autism, other studies had shown that levels of oxytocin (a neurotransmitter that the receptor binds to OXTR) is important for pro-social behavior and that a knock-out of the receptor in mice can affect this behavior, and very recent studies have tested the supplementation of oxytocin in adults with autism.
After identifying the deletion in the one affected child we screened his family to see if it was novel and causative of his autism, or if he inherited the deletion from his parents. Somewhat disappointingly, his mother also had the deletion, but interestingly she had self reported obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) for which OXTR has also been implicated. Although we could have stopped the journey at this point, we decided try a different approach. Previous studies have shown that OXTR is controlled in the liver by a chemical group (methyl –CH3) that sits on top of the DNA but which doesn't change its sequence (click here for more information on epigenetic changes as they relate to autism). The phenomena of DNA methylation is a normal mechanism by which our cells silence parts of the genome that they don't want to be active (mainly repeat and retro-viral sequences) but they also use it as a switch to turn on or turn off genes for protein production. Significant in our journey was that the child with autism who had the OXTR deletion also had an affected brother. This is significant because when we assessed the methylation status of the whole family we noticed that the affected brother has very high levels of methylation in five different CG bases (among the A's C's G's and T's of our genome where the methyl group resides) in a 1,600 base pair window that had previously been identified as being methylated in the liver OXTR.
Differential methylation isn't a novel finding as a possible cause of autism. Previous studies in Rett syndrome, which has ASD like symptoms, have shown that mutations in the methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene not only contributes to the development of Rett syndrome but that these mutations affect the normal functioning of the gene which regulates the expression of other genes by altering their DNA methylation state. Additionally, imprinting (the silencing of a maternal or paternal copy of a chromosome by DNA methylation) has also been established as the basis for the development of Angelman and Prader-Willi syndromes that, again, have ASD like symptoms. Our next step was to validate the observation that increased methylation of OXTR in the affected brother may be a causal mechanism of autism. We expanded our analysis to include evaluation of the methylation status of OXTR in the peripheral blood of 20 controls and 20 individuals with autism, and in a second dataset of the post-mortem samples of temporal cortex tissue (a center for language and learning) in eight controls and eight children with autism. In both datasets we were pleased to see that the individuals with autism had higher levels of methylation than the controls. We next measured the level of gene expression of OXTR because we would expect that increased DNA methylation would result in decreased gene expression – which it did in a very small number of samples that we could test.
So you're asking yourself, how, if all these other studies had pointed to OXTR being implicated in autism, is this discovery significant? Well, we hope that we have found a unique autism-associated DNA methylation signature in a receptor for a neurotransmitter that is important in social cognition in autism. The next more exciting journey will be to substantiate what we have found in a larger number of samples and to establish if oxytocin treatment can help
Autism in the News – Wednesday, 2.17.10
Autism: Oxytocin Improves Social Behavior of Patients, French Study Finds (Science Daily)
Autism is a disease characterized by difficulties in communicating effectively with other people and developing social relationships. A team led by Angela Sirigu at the Centre de Neuroscience Cognitive (CNRS) has shown that the inhalation of oxytocin, a hormone known to promote mother-infant bonds and social relationships, significantly improved the abilities of autistic patients to interact with other individuals. Read more.
Turning Pointe raising funds to build autism academy (Chicago, Ill.)
Like most parents, Randy and Kim Wolf want the best for their son Jack. They want to give him opportunities to succeed, both academically and socially. Read more.
Special education funding falls short, Toronto board says (Canada)
Despite a drop in enrolment, Toronto's public school board says it has more special education students than ever — and inadequate funding from the province to provide programming for them. Read more.
Immigrants struggle with declining health (Canada)
Some healthy people who immigrate to Canada find their health deteriorating after their arrival — an issue immigrant communities are struggling to understand and address. Read more.
Missouri House endorses bill mandating autism insurance (Jefferson City, Mo.)
A mandate for insurers to cover treatment for autistic children has cleared an important hurdle in the Missouri House. Read more.
Colo. recognizes people with disabilities (Denver, Colo.)
Today, hundreds of individuals with disabilities, family members, direct-support professionals and other service providers will descend upon the capital in Denver. Read more.
Autism Treatment Coverage Bill Passes VA Senate (Richmond, Va.)
The Senate has overwhelmingly passed legislation that would mandate coverage for an effective treatment for small children who have autism. Read more.
Coffee shop becomes home for mentally disabled children (Vietnam)
Tam became speechless trying to talk about her indescribable joy the first time she saw her grandson, suffering from Down's syndrome, carry a tray of drinks to a customer and not forgetting to say "please have a drink, uncle." Read more.
Race/walk to benefit UF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (Gainesville, Fla.)
The third annual STAR 5K Race/Walk benefitting the University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities will be held Saturday. Read more.
Autism camp offered April 9 – 11, registration ends March 2 (Boone, N.C.)
Crinkleroot Retreat, a free respite day camp to be held April 9-11, is recruiting campers ages 8 – 14 with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The retreat will be held in Valle Crucis at Camp Broadstone and is staffed by trained Appalachian State University volunteers. Read more.
Autistic adults pose challenge (Ariz.)
Several of Arizona's leading real-estate groups have tackled a growing national housing problem in a new report, Opening Doors: A Discussion of Residential Options for Adults Living With Autism and Related Disorders. Read more.
All for Animals Sets Up "Cuddles Fund" (Santa Barbara, Calif.)
When Bonnie Crowe received a Shih Tzu puppy from The Miracle Run Autism Foundation in 2008 as a therapy dog for her then 9-year-old autistic son, Jakob, she hoped things were finally turning around for her family. After all, the Agoura Hills resident had weathered Jakob's autism diagnosis when he was two, she has a younger daughter with ADD and her husband was laid off from his job over a year ago… Read more.
Luke Faint paints up a storm (Australia)
Budding artist Luke Faint has picked up an art award in his first competition since taking up painting a year ago. Read more.
Autistic boy's family wins fight to keep car (UK)
A Lincoln family who faced losing the only mode of transport for their autistic son have won a battle to keep their car. Read more.
Braddock father isn't autistic, judge rules (Alleghany County, Penn.)
An Allegheny County judge Tuesday determined a Braddock man accused of abandoning his toddler daughter to die in freezing temperatures is not autistic, clearing the way for prosecutors to seek the death penalty against him. Read more.
Colby ready to fly (Australia)
If you've seen a young boy whizzing past you on a bike with a huge smile plastered on his face, it could have been Colby Matthews. Read more.


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Cives Steel Company made its case for a property tax exemption before Bonneville County commissioners Tuesday.
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The Douglas County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Forest Service and Tahoe Douglas Fire Department are investigating several small brush fires in the Lake Tahoe Basin as potential arsons.
In the last two weeks, four small brush fires have been started near hiking trails in the Stateline and Zephyr Cove, Nevada areas.
Because of the nature of the fires, they are believed to have been started by the same person or people, Sgt. Pat Brooks said in a press statement.
Douglas County Secret Witness is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible.
Anyone with information about fires or suspicious people in the areas of Kingsbury Middle School in Lake Village or Rabe Meadow off Kahle Drive or any other hiking trails is asked to call Investigator J. Schemenauer at 775-782-5126 or Douglas County Secret Witness at 775-782 7463.


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7 Ways to Reach Gen X Investors
According to a recent MFS study, Generation X investors (aged 46 and younger) with $100,000 or more in investable assets are not being reached effectively by the financial adviser community…
From Financial Planning:
About 53% of younger respondents said they felt the cost of a financial advisor was not worth it, and they did not want to pay for it. Others, 33%, said they did not need a financial advisor, but would rely on themselves or a family member for guidance, and 22% of respondents cited a lack of trust in financial advisors.
Not good. You could even say Reality Bites.
Fortunately for readers, I'm in the solutions business. I also missed the Gen X cutoff by 1 year, so I'm as close to qualified as you're gonna get. Here are 7 back-of-the-napkin ideas for financial advisers looking to reach Gen X clients:
1. Write financial advice column for Slacker Quarterly
2. Prospect at The Gap
3. Ironically buy commercial time during Mr Belvedere reruns
4. Morningstar Style Box Rubik's Cubes
5. Make potential clients a mixtape
6. Spice up the pitch with Schoolhouse Rock references
7. Five words: Chief Investment Strategist Martha Quinn
Just spitballin' here, I'm open to suggestions!


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Melissa & Doug
Boys: Sticker Pad & Coloring Pad Bundle
- Color:
- multi
- 1
- 2
Description: Habitats Reusable Sticker Pad
Visit a farm, a prehistoric landscape, a desert oasis, a jungle, or the deep blue sea, all in this interactive sticker book! The glossy, full-color backgrounds are ready to be filled with over 150 stickers: Stick a dinosaur by the prehistoric pond and a shark in the ocean - or mix them up and make silly scenes! The easy-to-peel vinyl stickers can be lifted off and repositioned again and again, so kids can follow their imaginations fearlessly.
Picture Frame Pad
Here is a pad of fancy frames just waiting for your artwork! Printed on our premium-quality paper, you may use markers, crayons, or pencils to create landscapes, portraits or masterpieces straight from your imagination! Four each of twelve different frame designs to suit every style and mood.
Complete the Picture Pad
Heavy weight premium paper pad has 12 different scenes for you to complete with crayons, markers or pencils. With four copies of each scene, you can give your imagination free rein and try a variety of materials and designs for hours of creative play!
Jumbo Multi-Theme Coloring Pad
This oversized coloring book features outlines on one side of the page, blank space on the other - so your child's masterpiece won't smudge! The 11 x 14 in paper is premium white bond, and the pages tear out cleanly to allow more than one child to color simultaneously and for proud display once completed! Fifty favorite themes, including animals, sports and vehicles are just waiting for the imagination of your artist to color.
Make-a-Face Crazy Characters Stickers Pad
These popular Make-a-Face sticker activity pad gets a wacky makeover in Crazy Characters Make-a-Face. Over 160 stickers add silly, heroic, disgusting, scary or even extraterrestrial personality to 20 background pages. Kids will love filling in the faces to create sensational characters in this hilarious arts-and-crafts activity!
Blue Sticker Collections
Over 500 stickers are compiled in one giant sticker book. Each page is packed with stickers to illustrate favorite topics including dinosaurs, construction, outer space and many more. Create a picture or tell a story with these favorite themed stickers.
- Encourages artistic expression and fine motor skills
- Recommended for ages: 3 and up
Material: Sticker & Coloring Pad
Brand: Melissa & Doug
Origin: Imported


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The girlfriend of the late artist Thomas Kinkade -- recently described by Kinkade's brother as a "good person, a sweet person" -- is now being portrayed by lawyers for the artist's estate as a ruthless gold digger out to "tear down" Kinkade's reputation and do irreparable harm to his widow and children.
Kinkade's company, Windermere Holdings, acting as a trustee and executor of the Kinkade Family Trust, is seeking to keep Amy Pinto-Walsh quiet, claiming in court documents that she broke the rules of a confidentiality agreement she signed last year by talking to reporters the morning Kinkade was found dead in his Monte Sereno home and threatening to reveal Kinkade's business and personal secrets.
"This threat is not just a mean-spirited act of betrayal, but a calculated attempt to garner money and fame at the expense of the grieving Kinkade family, including his wife and four daughters," according to a request for a restraining order filed by the holding company.
On April 16, Judge Patricia Lucas granted a 15-day restraining order against Pinto-Walsh, ruling that there are "extreme circumstances" to issue the order even though she apparently hadn't been served notice of the proceeding.
Pinto-Walsh did not return calls Tuesday. But Kinkade's brother, Patrick, a university professor in Texas, said he was surprised to hear about the restraining order. He said he just had a pleasant phone conversation with Pinto-Walsh on Sunday evening and was also close to Kinkade's widow, Nanette, with whom Kinkade was estranged.
"Amy was Thom's girlfriend," Patrick Kinkade said last week. "They enjoyed each other immensely. She's a good person, a sweet person. She cared about Thom."
The morning of April 6, Pinto-Walsh had called 911 about 11:15 a.m., telling dispatchers that Kinkade, 54, had been drinking all night and wasn't breathing. She later told reporters that she was with him when he died and that he had a heart condition.
"He died in his sleep, very happy, in the house he built, with the paintings he loved and the woman he loved," Pinto-Walsh told this newspaper three days after Kinkade's death -- the same day Windermere filed an initial request for a restraining order against her. The documents also dispute the date of Kinkade's death, stating that Kinkade died the night of April 5, not the next morning. The coroner is still investigating the cause of death.
In the confidentiality agreement Pinto-Walsh signed in February 2011, she was referred to as his companion and personal assistant who was privy to "trade secrets," including Kinkade's painting techniques and "use of computer technology in painting."
Kinkade was known as the "Painter of Light" for his storybook images of cottages with candlelit windows, stone bridges and lamp posts. He was one of the best-known artists in the country and made millions of dollars by selling not his originals, but scores of reproductions that had been touched up with brush strokes by craftsmen at his Morgan Hill factory.
Art aficionados criticized Kinkade's work as tacky, but legions of fans adored it, including his paintings with Christian themes. One former Kinkade executive called his work "a 20-second vacation" for fans who liked to imagine themselves in Kinkade's bucolic scenes.
The life Kinkade lived behind the security gate of his Monte Sereno estate, however, was anything but serene -- and what damage Pinto-Walsh could cause to Kinkade's reputation that Kinkade didn't already cause to himself is unclear.
Not only had Kinkade and his wife of 30 years separated two years ago, but his relationship with Pinto-Walsh appeared volatile as well, according to court documents.
Although he was a generous philanthropist and contributed to many local causes -- he even bought a homeless man's paintings -- his bouts with alcoholism gave him a reputation in downtown Los Gatos over the past couple of years as an occasionally belligerent drunk.
Pinto-Walsh, 48, began dating Kinkade 18 months ago and moved into his estate on Ridgecrest Avenue. On her LinkedIn page, she describes herself as a senior business-development manager at a local consulting firm.
In 2010, Kinkade was arrested in Carmel on suspicion of drunken driving and ever since was accompanied around town by an armed bodyguard who doubled as his driver.
It's that bodyguard, Dean Baker, who said in court documents that Kinkade's family had reason to fear Pinto-Walsh. Baker, who traveled with Kinkade and his girlfriend on numerous vacations in the U.S. and abroad, said that Pinto-Walsh was prone to "impulsive and erratic" behavior.
"On one occasion Pinto-Walsh made a threat to Mr. Kinkade along the lines of 'I will tear you down,' " Baker said in his declaration filed April 8. "I would expect Pinto-Walsh to disclose confidential information."
A close friend of the Kinkade family, Linda Raasch -- who along with her husband, Ken, are godparents to the Kinkade children -- is equally concerned. The morning of Kinkade's death, she went to the Monte Sereno home and was surprised that Pinto-Walsh had gathered family photos and memorabilia that she planned to share with the media, according to Raasch's declaration in the court file.
"I told her they are private and confidential and would cause great emotional distress" if released to the public. But Pinto-Walsh, Raasch said, was "unmoved by my entreaties."


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Church Scholarship Promise
The Church Scholarship Promise (CSP) program allows local churches to develop unique financial partnerships with Covenant College to benefit students from their congregations.
All church giving to Covenant's annual fund, the Covenant Fund, benefits students. This fund supports student scholarships, faculty salaries, student clubs, academic departments, athletic programs, special programs such as the Chalmers Center, and other ongoing operational costs. The Covenant Fund helps keep the total cost of tuition down. In the 2013-2014 academic year, this fund contributed over $1,000,000 in Church Scholarship Promise grants to Covenant students.
Churches give to the Covenant Fund as a means of partnering with the College to prepare young Christians—through a rigorous and biblically informed academic and co-curricular program—for lives committed to the person of Christ, to the truths of His scripture, and to service in His kingdom in a broad array of callings.
Any church that gives to the Covenant Fund at the rate of $10 per communicant member qualifies all students* from its congregation for a Church Scholarship Promise grant of 12.8%+ of full-time tuition upon enrollment at Covenant. Students will continue to receive a CSP grant at this level throughout their enrollment at Covenant as long as their church continues to give to Covenant at the same level.
* Students who have already been enrolled at Covenant before fall 2010 will receive Church Scholarship Promise grants according to the guidelines in place when they enrolled. Students must also be a communicant member of their participating church.
+ 12.8% of tuition applies to the tuition rate of a student's entering year and will remain at this level throughout a student's enrollment and is applicable to students entering Covenant fall 2010 and beyond.
How the Program Works
Churches must make unrestricted gifts to the Covenant Fund at the $10 per communicant member level within the course of a calendar year (by December 31) to make their students eligible for the CSP benefit in the following academic year. There is no limit on the number of students from a congregation who may receive a CSP grant.
A church's giving level is determined by examining church membership in comparison to the church's giving to the Covenant Fund throughout the calendar year. Updated membership numbers are collected every other year. For example, the level at which your church qualifies for CSP grants for the 2015-2016 academic year is determined by total Covenant Fund gifts in 2014 divided by membership. Church eligibility is evaluated annually and students' awards will be adjusted accordingly.
Churches that give at the $10 per member level qualify their students for a grant equal to 12.8% of full-time tuition. Giving at the $20 per member level qualifies students for 12.8% of full-time tuition plus $500, the $30 per member level qualifies students for 12.8% of full-time tuition plus $1,000, and the $40 per member level qualifies students for 12.8% of full-time tuition plus $1,500.
Gifts given by individuals directly to the College do not count toward a church's giving total. However, gifts given by individuals through their local church to the Covenant Fund do count toward that church's giving total.
Children of overseas missionaries may receive the minimum award if any church on their list of supporting churches is a participating church.
Beginning with the fall 2010 incoming class, dependent children of teaching elders who serve as full-time senior, associate, or assistant pastors at churches that participate in the CSP program for five or more consecutive years will receive a financial aid package worth at least 50% of tuition. This financial aid package includes scholarship and grant funds from all sources. Applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements.
Students from participating congregations are also eligible to apply for a competitive Church Involvement Scholarship. One $13,000 scholarship will be given to a student who applies and is chosen as a semi-finalist to participate in Covenant College's Scholarship Weekend. During Scholarship Weekend, Church Involvement Scholarship semi-finalists will participate in two sets of interviews with Covenant College admissions representatives, PCA pastors from the Tennessee Valley Presbytery, and a representative from the PCA's Women in the Church program. Candidates will be assessed on their understanding of the role of the local church and their own church involvement. The Church Involvement Scholarship is renewable with a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
Students must be a member in good standing of the qualifying church by December 31 of the year upon which eligibility is based.
Students must meet all financial aid and admissions deadlines, and must submit a Covenant College application for aid form each year. Additional financial aid forms are needed to apply for other scholarship/grant programs. This information may be obtained at covenant.edu/financialaid, or by contacting the Financial Aid Office at 706.419.1126.
Students must be in good academic standing.
Students who join a church in the Chattanooga area after enrolling at Covenant will have their CSP eligibility based on the Covenant Fund giving of the church in which they had membership before joining a local church. Exceptions are made for students whose families have moved and established residency in the Chattanooga area.


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Australia to Decide on ADM's $2.8 Billion GrainCorp Takeover by Dec 17
Archer Daniels Midland will find out whether it has received approval from Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board for its planned 3 billion Australian dollar (US$2.8 billion) acquisition of GrainCorp in about two months, the nation's treasurer said Friday.
Joe Hockey, who oversees FIRB, said in a statement Friday that he signed an order extending the time period in which a decision would be made, setting a deadline of Dec. 17.
"The government welcomes foreign investment because of the benefits that it provides to the Australian economy," Mr. Hockey said in the statement. "Australia's foreign investment review framework allows the government to examine foreign investment applications on a case-by-case basis to ensure they are not contrary to Australia's national interest."
He described GrainCorp, which has grain processing, storage, transport and marketing operations across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland states, as a "significant Australian company."
GrainCorp shares closed Friday at A$12.35 a share, a 6.4% discount to the A$13.20 that shareholders will receive under ADM's offer. The deal has already received clearance from regulators including the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the European Commission. The Ministry of Commerce of the Government of the People's Republic of China, known as Mofcom, is yet to pass its judgment on the deal. GrainCorp owns a bulk liquid port terminal in Shanghai.
Sizable deals that have been blocked by Australia's FIRB include Singapore Exchange proposed A$8.4 billion takeover of ASX in 2011 and a decade earlier, Royal Dutch Shell PLC was prevented from buying Woodside Petroleum for A$10 billion.


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Iowa Senate Democrats launched a series of committee hearings Monday to underscore their disagreement with Gov. Terry Branstad over a new state budget.
But it was a Republican lawmaker's remarks to five student leaders from the state's university system that created the most controversy.
Sen. Shawn Hamerlinck, R-Dixon, patiently listened to the student leaders explain how state spending cuts were making college less affordable for students because of rising tuition rates at the same time that class sizes have been increasing and programs have been reduced.
When they were finished, Hamerlinck offered them his own lecture.
"I do not like it when students actually come here and lobby me for funds. That's just my opinion. I want to wish you guys the best. I want you to go home and graduate. But this political fear, leave the circus to us, OK? " he said.
Hamerlinck then proceeded to thank the student leaders for coming, and he said it was a good thing that they had carefully prepared their remarks. "But actually spending your time worrying about what we're doing up here, I don't want you to do that. Go back home. Thanks guys," he said.
The student leaders included Spencer Walrath, president of the University of Northern Iowa student government; Jared Knight, vice president of the student body at Iowa State University; Eliot Higgins, president of the University of Iowa student government; Dr. Lyndsay Harshman, a medical school graduate from the University of Iowa who is past president of the Council of Graduate & Professional Students; and Michael Appel, a University of Iowa Law School student who is vice president of the Executive Council of Graduate & Professional Students.
None of the student leaders respondedly publicly to Hamerlinck, although Harshman talked with him privately afterward. But Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, who is an economics professor at Iowa State University, said he was shocked by Hamerlinck's remarks.
"Sen. Hamerlinck's comments are disrespectful and insulting," Quirmbach said. The last time any senator made such inappropriate remarks was in 2005 when former Sen. Mark Zieman, a Postville Republican, described public employees as "bottom feeders with their hands out," Quirmbach said.
Sen. Brian Schoenjahn, D-Arlington, who chaired Monday's forum, issued a statement commending the students for being active citizens engaged in their community. "Shame on Senator Hamerlinck for telling them to 'Go home' instead of listening," he said.
Hamerlinck defended his remarks, saying the students were being inappropriately used by Senate Democrats in an effort to create a political wedge. "At the end of the day, the Senate has to decide how big the state budget is, and parading students in here for political theatre moves that practice backwards," he said.
Sen. Steve Kettering, R-Lake View, agreed with Hamerlinck, saying, "This was set up as a show to parade folks who are looking to spend additional taxpayer dollars." The problem is that no one spoke on Monday in support of Iowa taxpayers, who voted last November in support of fiscal responsibility, he added.
The Senate panel met most of the day on Monday on education budget issues. Other speakers included Board of Regents President David Miles, Des Moines School Board member Dick Murphy, Des Moines Area Community College President Rob Denson and a host of others.
Senate Republicans participated in Monday's hearing, but they emphasized their proposed state budget of $5.99 billion was a responsible plan that will not create a draconian impact on education programs. Other Senate hearings are scheduled daily through Friday on health and human services, economic growth, administration and regulation, and agriculture and natural resources.
Sen. Schoenjahn said education is the biggest stumbling block on a new state budget. Democrats favor a 2 percent in basic state aid to public schools next year, while Republicans support zero percent. Democrats also want to spend more than Republicans on pre-school programs, community colleges, and state universities.
Gov. Terry Branstad said Monday that while Democrats contend the state will finish the fiscal year on June 30 with a $1 billion budget surplus, he maintains there is no money available for new state spending. The resources that remain in the state's cash reserve and economic emergency fund are needed for true emergencies and to provide cash flow to operate state government, he said.


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Happy Holiday's
From Saltmarsh
Salt Marsh is sad to say Del Moody our bass is going to sell his home in Cheasapeake, and will be leaving the Hampton Roads Area. If you are looking for a real nice home on the water call Dale because this home will probably sell quickly.757-513-7595
Because of Dale's leaving we will be taking some time off, to see what happens in the future. We appreciate all the support that everyone has given to Salt Marsh Bluegrass.
Robbie Lockard
Will Snow
Larry Heath
Del Moody
The original Salt Marsh performed from 1996 to 2005 around the Tidewater Virginia area. The band reformed in 2009 and continues to play for local and regional audiences.
Best Bluegrass Music in the Tidewater Va.
Based out of Poquoson Va.
Robbie Lockard who Plays guitar, and sings lead with heart and soul.
Will Snow on Mandolin
Larry Heath on Banjo
Del Moody on Bass
Are you thinking about having a party, picnic, or any other type of get together, Saltmarsh is the band to call for some good times and good music. We are currently looking for some places to play in the future. So don't hesitate call, email, text or tell a friend, Saltmarsh Bluegrass is the band for your next event!
Visit us on Facebook Saltmarsh Bluegrass
Don't forget this date!!
Come see us!
Robbie Lockard 757-868-7264
Will Snow 757-788-9751


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"Lake Superior, Cascade River" (1995)
"Lake Superior, Cascade River," 1995
Gelatin-silver print
Image size: 47 x 58 3/4 inches
Frame size: 60 x 71 inches
Edition of 5
Courtesy the artist and The Pace Gallery, New York
"Memory and replica. Photography is a system of saving memories. It's a time machine, in a way...to preserve the memory, to preserve time."
- Hiroshi Sugimoto


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Since peaking in 2008, hedge funds have struggled. Now, as belts and regulations tighten, their millionaire managers are jumping ship
In late 2007, only months before the global crisis hit, a young hedge-fund manager walked into a bonus meeting.
This was the most important day of the year. On offer was a share of $200 million, the 20 per cent cut taken by his Mayfair-based hedge fund for generating $1 billion profit that year.
"Strangely, I wasn't nervous. I went in and the chief executive's got a piece of paper and he passes it to me and he says well done," Jamie remembers. "My bonus that year was an eight-figure number [more than $10 million]. I was only 27. It


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-- Diana Kohnle
(HealthDay News) -- Stress is an unavoidable part of life, even
for young children. But parents can take steps to help children
learn to deal with it in a healthy way.
The Nemours Foundation lists these suggestions for helping kids
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.


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Grown Ups 2
- Studio: Columbia Pictures
- Release Date: Jul 12, 2013
Critic Reviews
- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
For Sandler, it's not just when he grew up. It's the garden of idiotic innocence, something that, in Grown Ups 2, he is helping to keep alive.
Like its predecessor, Grown Ups 2 is proudly retrograde, both in its relentless deluge of toilet humour and the way it bear-hugs some good old-fashioned conservative values.
A movie of fools, by fools, for fools, Grown Ups 2 is easily forgotten, which isn't as bad a feature as you'd think.
You know what you're going to get, and that is, indeed, what Sandler delivers. It's juvenile, it's obvious and it's crass. But with Sandler at the helm, at least it's as easy to like as it is to forget.
Grown Ups 2 offers a bittersweet paean to childhood and youth and their inevitable loss. Take the case of Adam Sandler. Didn't he use to be funny?
An average Adam Sandler comedy, which, sadly, means it's a below-average comedy — because whatever comedic fire and bursts of genuinely inspired humor Sandler once possessed have long ago burnt out.
It's another pointless romp through Sandlerland — where the women are buxom, the kids have catch-phrases and the jokes are below average.
The original film also featured Rob Schneider. I can't quite believe I'm saying this, but his presence is sorely missed here.
As Roger Ebert noted in his review of "Grown Ups," they are "well-meaning people you don't want to see again any time real soon." My guess is we won't.
The temptation arises to say something nice about Grown Ups 2 just because it doesn't cause injury. But no, it's a bad movie, too, just old-school bad, the kind that's merely lousy and not an occasion for migraines or night sweats.
It's bad enough to make you look askance at Salma Hayek, Maria Bello, and Maya Rudolph, all of whom deserve a chance to do something funny other than pose as wives exuding various degrees of sexiness.
A few decent one-liners notwithstanding, the movie comes off as willfully uninspired.
This is pap, plain and simple: scattered raunch-lite devoid of emotional resonance. At best, it sells itself on the spectacle of a TV show's cast reunion — and even then it disappoints.
In the first five minutes, a deer walks into the star's bedroom and urinates on his face. It's all downhill from there.
It's hard to imagine another comedy coming along this year that is this abrasive and free of laughs. It's like everyone involved intentionally tried to create a horrible movie.
Throughout, gags are cartoonishly broad and afforded so little time for setup and delivery we seem to be watching less a story than a catalog of tossed-out material.
Lazy and stupid and unwilling to put forth the effort needed to distinguish itself even from a mediocre Internet video, it all amounts to a forgettable, slapdash bit of comedic nothingness.
Largely free of Sandler's usual schmaltz and lame romance, it's pure plotless, grotesque high jinks, bizarre and inept in a way that's fascinating without ever being all that funny.
The movie lurches from one gross-out scene to another, flipping the bird at continuity and logic. It honestly seems as if Sandler and his team descended on a random suburb, halfheartedly improvising and moving on when they got bored.
The obvious amount of hard work that went into this out-of-touch sequel is partly what makes it so irritating.
The Land of Lazy can crown a new king because with Grown Ups 2 Adam Sandler has officially nabbed the throne.
The film is so slight that it feels less like a proper sequel to Grown Ups than a failed television spin-off that inexplicably cast Sandler and the gang in the lead roles instead of their low-budget television equivalents.
Among the slackest, laziest, least movie-like movies released by a major studio in the last decade, Grown Ups 2 is perhaps the closest Hollywood has yet come to making "Ow! My Balls!" seem like a plausible future project.
Basically, it's a film made for brainless grunts who like to hang out all day making sub-literate jokes about boobs and gays while watching the game. No wonder the first movie was such a success.
Awards & Rankings
User Score
Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 329 Ratings
User score distribution:
Positive: 19 out of 107
Mixed: 18 out of 107
Negative: 70 out of 107
Jul 12, 2013There is clever shock value and forced shock value. For 100 minutes Grown Ups 2 assaults you with some of the most tasteless, gross, andThere is clever shock value and forced shock value. For 100 minutes Grown Ups 2 assaults you with some of the most tasteless, gross, and insulting comedy known to mankind. The bar has been set so low for this franchise that I am actually scared to see even trailers for the inevitable third film. Mark my words; Grown Ups 2 is so insufferably awful it will win Razzie awards. Good luck searching for a worse comedy in 2013.… Full Review »
Jul 19, 2013This movie is awful and lazy, even by Adam Sandler standards. It's just pretentious how bad his films are now because he knows people will payThis movie is awful and lazy, even by Adam Sandler standards. It's just pretentious how bad his films are now because he knows people will pay to see any of his crap. People were laughing throughout this and look if you like Sandler movies then more power to you. Just know you're sense of humor isn't too intelligent and Sandler thinks you're an idiot.… Full Review »
Jul 13, 2013This movie was horrible on so many levels, from all the gay and pee jokes, to the objectifying of women and awful acting. This movie is not aThis movie was horrible on so many levels, from all the gay and pee jokes, to the objectifying of women and awful acting. This movie is not a comedy,it is a hot, steaming pile of crap... which would be a WHOLE lot funnier than this nonsense. If you feel like dropping your IQ over 100 points, this is the movie for you. The fact that this movie and the first one makes money goes to show how bored people are.… Full Review »


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Manifestos of Jewish concerns have been produced aimed at assisting candidates standing for election to the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in May.
The documents were created by the Board of Deputies and the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities, and Jewish representative councils in Wales and Northern Ireland.
A campaign to commemorate the birth of Chaim Herzog in Belfast has been launched in the city - two years after a memorial to the former Israeli president was removed following attacks.
Israel's new ambassador to Ireland has presented his credentials to the country's president.
Ze'ev Boker, 57, met President Michael Higgins yesterday.
Mr Boker, who was raised in an Israeli kibbutz, has served as a diplomat since 1987.
Dublin's Irish Jewish Museum, which has been under threat of closure, has secured a stay of execution from the trust that owns its premises.
An Irish-born, left-leaning academic who is not Jewish is not most people's idea of a high-ranking Israel advocate. But, as chairman of the Anglo-Israel Association, Lord Bew is working at the forefront of building bilateral relations between the two nations.
Leaders of the Irish Jewish community have welcomed news that the Israeli ambassador will, for the first time, speak about links between the Shoah and Israel at Ireland's national Holocaust Memorial Day next month.
The campaign of antisemitic abuse against Ireland's most senior Jewish politician has intensified with images of Nazi soldiers, swastikas and a package of white powder sent to his home.
Justice Minister Alan Shatter's Jewish background, support for Israel and even domestic reform policies have been used as excuses for antisemitic insults.
A council in Ireland has honoured the figure regarded as "the most important Jewish woman in Irish history" by opening a bridge in her name.
Kilkenny City Borough Council was due to unveil the Lady Desart pedestrian bridge this week as a tribute to philanthropist Ellen Odette Bischoffsheim — known in Ireland as the Countess of Desart after her marriage to a local peer.
An Irish television channel has admitted it "was not correct" in its coverage of Ariel Sharon, after reporting that the former Israeli prime minister led the Sabra and Shatila massacre in Beirut in 1982.
Israeli students are expected to travel to Ireland to challenge a teachers union's academic boycott.
The initiative, planned by the Northern Ireland Friends of Israel (Nifi) group, follows the Teachers Union of Ireland vote in April to boycott all collaboration with Israel.


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David Lloyd Leisure has signed an exclusive UK and Ireland deal with the US company behind Orangetheory® Fitness to launch the revolutionary interval group training programme at its David Lloyd Studio high street concept in a health and fitness industry first.
Orangetheory, which has been taking the US by storm, is a fun and effective workout for up to 24 adults, of all ages and ability, designed to help achieve personal fitness goals. Each unique 60-minute session comprises intervals of cardiovascular and strength training, producing a huge metabolic increase and burning up to an average of 900 calories per session - with extra calorie burn for up to 36 hours after each workout.
The programme features three components - treadmills, rowing machines and weight training blocks - with sessions set to upbeat music and using heart rate monitors to track performance and optimise cardio and resistance training. Benefits include weight loss, improved fitness, increased stamina and muscle endurance.
Europe's premier health, sports and leisure group will unveil Orangetheory at its new David Lloyd Studio in Islington, opening August 19, with plans to roll out nationwide.
About David Lloyd Studio
David Lloyd Studio provides clients with David Lloyd Leisure's internationally renowned expertise in high street locations on a non-membership basis, with flexible payment options offered.
Two studios, providing personal training, group training, David Lloyd Leisure's Lose & Shape Up weight loss programme, exercise classes, running clubs and physiotherapy, have opened in Putney, south-west London, and Winchester, Hampshire since 2012.
David Lloyd Studio – Orangetheory group training in Islington will offer clients flexible payments – blocks of 10 sessions or pay monthly. Services will include Lose & Shape Up, a 12-week specialist course, featuring group training and nutritional guidance, to help clients lose weight and tone muscles via a 'whole body' approach.
For further information, go to www.davidlloyd.co.uk/islington.


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Meet the Iconics: KyraMeet the Iconics: Kyra Monday, July 30, 2007The priests of Sarenrae lead double lives. Known to her faithful as the Dawnflower, the Healing Flame, and the Everlight, she teaches temperance and patience in all things. Compassion and peace are her greatest virtues, and if enemies of the faith can be redeemed, they should be. Yet there are those who have no interest in redemption, who glory in slaughter and death. From the remorseless evil of the undead and fiends to the cruelties born in the...
Tags: Clerics Iconics Kyra Meet the Iconics Portraits Wayne Reynolds
MagnimarMagnimar Friday, July 27, 2007Making its grand debut in Pathfinder #2, I hereby give you Magnimar—City of Monuments. ... 1The Irespan ... 2Alabaster District ... 3Marble District ... 4Bridgeward ... 5The Capital District ... 6Naos ... 7Vista ... 8Grand Arch ... 9The Arvensoar ... 10The Bazaar of Sails ... 11Dockway ... 12The Rubble ... 13Keystone ... 14The Marches ... 15Beacon's Point ... 16Rag's End ... 17Silver Shore ... 18Kyver's Islet ... 19Ordellia ... For a more detailed view,...
Tags: Magnimar Maps Rise of the Runelords
Elemental Mysteries, Part 2Elemental Mysteries, Part 2 Thursday, July 26, 2007The four elements—air, earth, fire and water—have fascinated man for thousands of years. Yet, there are still many mysteries that have yet to be solved. Elements of Power—the next set in the GameMastery Item Card line—is due to release next month, and if you can solve some of the mysteries of the elements, you might just score a free deck. ... One elemental mystery will be presented each week. Answer it correctly and...
Tags: Cards GameMastery Vincent Dutrait
Kicking Down The DoorKicking Down The Door Wednesday, July 25, 2007That more people don't know the name C. L. Moore is one of the biggest tragedies in science fiction and fantasy. This October, Planet Stories plans to do everything we can to change that. ... First published in Weird Tales in 1934, Catherine Lucille Moore was writing science fiction and fantasy in a time where female authors were rare across the board, and practically unheard of in genre fiction. Abbreviating her name to hide her gender, Moore...
Tags: Black God's Kiss C. L. Moore Henry Kuttner Jirel of Joiry Planet Stories
Gold, Land, and Title!Gold, Land, and Title! Tuesday, July 24, 2007Those are the rewards promised to those who conquer the Bloodsworn Vale. In just a few weeks, you might be able to claim those prizes. ... Since we are getting pretty close to the release of this module, we realized we have yet to show off a map of this large, untamed wilderness. To avoid spoilers, the map is untagged (and might just make for a good player handout, if you're thinking of downloading it). That said, there are a couple of points of...
Tags: Bloodsworn Vale Maps Pathfinder Modules
Meet the Iconics: MerisielMeet the Iconics: Merisiel Monday, July 23, 2007The elves have a name for elven children unfortunate enough to be born and raised in human society—the Forlorn. In a few rare cases, these foundlings or orphaned elves find loving homes with humans, although the fact that, over the course of their childhood, one-time playmates become their effective guardians and foster parents results in a strangely skewed sense of the self. Most Forlorn aren't as fortunate—they live on the streets...
Tags: Elves Iconics Meet the Iconics Merisiel Portraits Rogues Wayne Reynolds
Wandering MonsterWandering Monster Friday, July 20, 2007Finally, the entire run of Downer, Kyle Hunter's magnificent adventure epic from the pages of Dungeon, is being collected in one place! Well, two actually. Collected in two full-color trade paperback volumes, of which Wandering Monster is the first, Hunter's dark and witty comic chronicles the adventures of Downer Tarantula, renegade drow, and his band of misfit friends as they attempt to keep a powerful relic known as the ulolock out of the clutches of...
Tags: Kyle Stanley Hunter
Elemental Mysteries, Part 1Elemental Mysteries, Part 1 Thursday, July 19, 2007The four elements, air, earth, fire and water, have fascinated man for thousands of years. Yet, there are still many mysteries that have yet to be solved. Elements of Power—the next set in the GameMastery Item Card line—is due to release next month, and if you can solve some of the mysteries of the elements, you might just score a free deck. ... One elemental mystery will be presented each week. Answer it correctly and get entered...
Tags: Cards GameMastery Vincent Dutrait
City of the BeastCity of the Beast Wednesday, July 18, 2007As the second book to be released by Planet Stories, City of the Beast couldn't be more perfect for the line. First off, you've got Michael Moorcock, arguably one of the most important sword and sorcery authors of all time, the man who created the original fantasy anti-hero, Elric of Melniboné, and popularized such concepts as the multiverse. Now add in the fact that City of the Beast, the first in Moorcock's Kane of Old Mars trilogy, sends...
Tags: Andrew Hou City of the Beast Kane of Old Mars Michael Moorcock Planet Stories
Origins Wrap-UpOrigins Wrap-Up Tuesday, July 17, 2007Another Origins Game Expo has come and gone, and what a great time it was! We Paizo folk were there in force, with the largest booth taking up the center of the exhibit hall. Thousands of fans stopped by to check us out and pick up some of our newest products. Many got their shiny new copies of GameMastery Module D1: Crown of the Kobold King, signed by none other than author Nicolas Logue himself. We sold enough of the new GameMastery Item Cards: Dragon's...
Tags: Conventions
ENnies Voting Open!ENnies Voting Open! Monday, July 16, 2007Voting for the coveted ENnies awards, presented each year at GenCon Indy for excellence in the RPG field, is now open to the public! Voters need not be members of EN World—merely visit http://www.ennieawards.com/voting.html to cast your lot and make your opinion known. This year, Paizo has been nominated in a number of different categories, including: ... Best Miniature Product—Flip-Mat: Tavern ... Best Regalia—Art of Dragon ... Best...
Tags: Community Conventions
The New KidsThe New Kids Friday, July 13, 2007 Readers who've had a chance to check out D1: Crown of the Kobold King have doubtless noticed the pre-generated characters at the back. But whereas Valeros and Seoni both had pictures... we didn't have illustrations for our human cleric of Sarenrae, Kyra, or our stabby short-tempered elven rogue, Merisiel. Look for each of these two to get their own Meet the Iconics entries in our blog in a few weeks, but for now, these awesome sketches from Wayne Reynolds...
Tags: Clerics Iconics Kyra Merisiel Portraits Rogues Wayne Reynolds
Sean Signs OnSean Signs On Thursday, July 12, 2007The Rise of the Runelords Player's Guide reveals the twenty core deities of our new campaign setting, including their alignments, portfolios, domains granted, and favored weapons—everything a player needs to know to create a cleric character. Yet there's much more to each of our deities than just this. ... Starting with Pathfinder #2, we'll be presenting detailed write-ups of all twenty core deities. Fans of the Core Beliefs articles that have been running...
Tags: Ben Wootten Gods and Magic Portraits Rise of the Runelords
Stonehenge Trailer ReleasedStonehenge Trailer Released Wednesday, July 11, 2007Yes, you read that correctly—there's now a Stonehenge trailer. As in, movie trailer. Our partners in charge of translating the game into Spanish and French have created two new top-quality websites promoting it, both of which include a flash introduction using art from the game that makes Stonehenge seem... well, brush off those high school Spanish and French dictionaries and see for yourself. (Or just sit back and watch the pretty...
Tags: Stonehenge Titanic Games
Conquering the ValeConquering the Vale Tuesday, July 10, 2007There are a lot of things I like about dragons. They're iconic, they fly, they have breath weapons, they're deadly in melee, and they're incredibly intelligent (for the most part). Unfortunately, this usually puts them in the role of boss monster or lone combatant. Fighting against a host of dragons either feels a bit out of place or is reserved for very high-level characters. True dragons are also kind of a pain to generate, unlike other monsters....
Tags: Bloodsworn Vale Dragons Monsters
Paizo at Origins Tuesday, July 3, 2007Origins is here, and Paizo's...Paizo at Origins Tuesday, July 3, 2007Origins is here, and Paizo's right in the thick of it! From July 5th through July 8th in Columbus, OH, swing by the con and experience all the action, including: ... Pathfinder Preview Games ... Curious about Rise of the Runelords? Sign up to run through one of six two-hour preview roleplaying sessions, GMed by Erik Mona, Jason Bulmahn, and all-star Runelords authors Nicolas Logue and Greg Vaughn. Or just stop by the booth to chat with all of them, plus...
Tags: Conventions
The Pathfinder JournalThe Pathfinder Journal Monday, July 2, 2007When we first came up with the outline for a typical volume of Pathfinder, there were several key things we wanted to make sure made it into every book. There had to be an adventure, of course, and several supporting articles giving background material that specifically expanded the adventure. There had to be an introduction that gave people a look behind the scenes, pregenerated characters, and numerous new monsters that could be easily dropped into...
Tags: Eando Kline Pathfinder Journal
Any way for a Bard to gain a Special Familiar,
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Horror Adventures,
If a character wields two heavy shields, can he take them off on his own?,
Flavor vs Gameplay,
Paizo Blog: The Last Pathfinder's Journal,
Ending the Meta of 'Aiding-Another',
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Bestiary 6 (PFRPG) Hardcover,
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Beginner Box GM Kit (OGL) PDF,
Oh Marvel, you really are terrible now.,
Ascetic Style Question,
[PbP Gameday V] 7-00 The Sky Key Solution (Tier 1-2) - GM Red - Gameplay thread,
The Reaping Stone (Cassomir) Table 2,
DM Immortal's Blood Red Roses: A Skull & Shackles Campaign (Gameplay),
Claws and Veils,
[PFS 7-00] Gameday 5: The Sky Key Solution [Tier 3-4],
For The Glory of Icathia Discussion,
[PFS / Shifty] We b4 Goblins! (Reta's Rippers),
GM Fuzzfoot's #7 Among the Living (Standard) Tier 1-7,
GM Black Powder Chocobo's PbP Gameday V Gameplay,
GM SpiderBeard's Second Darkness,
Paizo Announces Bestiary 6 for Pathfinder Roleplaying Game,
Four Paizo Employees Among Gen Con's Industry Insider Featured Presenters,
Vampire Hunter D: Message from Mars Comes to the World of Pathfinder,
Paizo Announces Hundreds of Pathfinder Events and Activities for Gen Con 2016,
Pathfinder's Mischievous Goblins Return to Wreak Havoc on Free RPG Day in New We B4 Goblins Module,


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One of the oldest competitive sports has become the newest sport at Lindenwood University—trap and skeet shooting.
LU officials announced recently that the school will field men's and women's trap and skeet teams beginning in the fall. The team will compete for the time being at Busch Wildlife before a permanent facility is constructed.
The team will be coached by Joe Steenbergen, a criminal justice professor at Lindenwood and a former St. Charles police officer. He will be assisted by Don Rayfield, retired from Proctor and Gamble and a longtime shooting professional in St. Louis, and retired Master Sergeant Terry Russell, who will coordinate ROTC involvement with the program.
"We are already getting inquiries from all over Missouri and in the west," said Steenbergen. "There is a lot of interest. Many colleges have teams, but they don't have the scholarships to offer like we do at Lindenwood. It really is a great opportunity for shooters."
Steenbergen said the team will compete in the Association of College Unions International, which was founded in 1914 and is one of the oldest intercollegiate educational organizations in the country.
Lindenwood University is seeking qualified students who are interested in competing against some of the best shooters in the country. Anyone interested in the Lindenwood shooting program may explore scholarship opportunities by called Steenbergen at 636-949-4729.
Joe Steenbergen
Lindenwood University
|1827 - Lindenwood University • 209 S. Kingshighway • St. Charles, MO 63301
|Switchboard (636) 949-2000
Undergraduate Admissions (636) 949-4949
Evening & Graduate Admissions (636) 949-4933


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Self-reliance and sustainability in the 21st century.
By Adam Lafferty
tractor, tractor safety, farm safety, National Safety Month, Kubota Tractor Corporation
The Kubota Tractor Corporation continues to spread awareness of the importance of farm equipment safety. June is the National Safety Council's Safety Month, and in honor of this, Kubota has issued a press release reminding operators to make farm safety a priority.
According to a National Agriculture Tractor Safety Initiative study, the use of Kubota's Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS), combined with a seat belt, is 98 percent effective in preventing tractor-related injuries and deaths. Kubota has made the ROPS and seat belt combination standard on all of their equipment since 1985, and they also have a program through which owners of older Kubota models can get their equipment retrofitted with these features for a special price. (See Kubota's website for more information.) The company estimates that they have installed more than 11,500 ROPS retrofits to date.
"The best advice for operators relative to ROPS and seat belts is to put 'em on, keep 'em on," says Greg Embury, vice president of sales and marketing at Kubota. "National Safety Month provides us with an important reminder to use the safety features on equipment consistently and to pay close attention to all safety practices before using tractors, lawn and garden equipment, construction equipment and utility vehicles, too."
Kubota also sponsors the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day educational program which provides safety education and training for children year-round. Kubota's website has more information about this as well as its "Ten Commandments of Tractor Safety", a downloadable coloring book and a safety podcast.
"Safety should be top-of-mind for people who have been operating equipment for years, as well as those just learning," says Embury.
Photo: Kubota
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Mohamed Bin Hammam Banned For Life From Soccer Over Bribery
Mohamed Bin Hammam, a former candidate for the presidency of international soccer's governing body, was banned for life from soccer Saturday by the organization's ethics committee after being found guilty of attempting to bribe for votes.
Hammam, who led the Asian Football Confederation, was suspended in the waning days of the June 1 election after the bribery scheme was revealed by Chuck Blazer, the only U.S. member of the executive committee of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, who serves as the general secretary of the North American, Caribbean and Central American regional soccer body.
Blazer told investigators that Hammam arranged for FIFA Vice President Jack Warner to bribe 25 officials at the Caribbean Football Union with $40,000 each in brown bags in exchange for their votes for Hammam for president.
As a result of the revelations about the scheme, Hammam withdrew from the race and incumbent FIFA President Joseph "Sepp" Blatter won re-election unopposed. Warner, who was also suspended at the same time as Hammam, resigned rather than face charges and was exonerated by FIFA upon his exit.
"The decision in regard to punishment was made in keeping with the declared policy of the committee to show zero tolerance toward unethical behavior," said Petrus Damaseb, the deputy chairman of FIFA's ethics committee who announced Hamman's life ban at a press conference on Saturday.
Hammam is the highest-level official to be banned by the sport. A report last month by FIFA had found "compelling evidence" that he bribed for votes.
He fought back against the conviction, with his lawyer vowing to take any legal methods of appeal available to him. Though he didn't appear at the hearing, Hammam had a five-member legal team representing him there.
"The FIFA ethics committee has apparently based its decision upon so called 'circumstantial' evidence which our case has clearly demonstrated was bogus and founded on lies told by a senior FIFA official," said a statement from Hammam's lawyer.
Hammam has maintained his innocence throughout, going so far as saying he'd rather die than appear before Louis Freeh, a former director of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation appointed by Blatter to probe the bribery allegations.
"Although the FIFA charges have never been made clear to me before the hearing took place, now I have been convicted of offering bribes for votes. I have never done that and this is why I will do whatever that is necessary to clear my name," Hammam said in a statement published Monday on his website.
The Freeh-led probe also got some pushback from several of the Caribbean officials who allegedly took the money, saying it was a U.S. conspiracy. Others, including the Bahamanian official Fred Lunn, handed over photos of the money in front of the brown bag in which he allegedly received it.
Blazer welcomed the ban on Hammam, saying it's "a very good day" for soccer and praising the code of ethics at FIFA imposed five years ago. He was also rebuked by the FIFA ethics committee on Saturday for comments he made May 30 about Caribbean officials, in which he suggested they were under investigation when that wasn't true.
In addition to Hammam, two Caribbean Football Union officials were banned from soccer for a year over bribery allegations.


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Republican gubernatorial nominee Bob Beauprez on Tuesday named Douglas County Commissioner Jill Repella as his running mate and the team set out the next day along with his three former primary foes on a "unity tour" of the Front Range.
"Honestly, friends, I think this is the strongest Republican ticket that we've seen in over a decade," state GOP Chairman Ryan Call told a packed Republican campaign office in Lakewood on Wednesday afternoon, introducing Beauprez and Repella on the tour's fourth stop of the day.
"We are united in a purpose," a beaming Beauprez said. "And that is making this state great again."
Former U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo, the candidate who came in second in last week's primary, noted that Colorado rarely unseats incumbent governors but told the crowd that he sensed the state was ready to deny Gov. John Hickenlooper a second term.
"Something different is happening right now," Tancredo said. "That is, for the first time in a long time, I've had the feeling that something was keeping us from doing our best in the Republican Party in Colorado, but now the wind is at our back, for a change. And that's happening because we have so much enthusiasm built around this campaign and this candidate."
Also this week, the first publicly released poll conducted in the governor's race after the primary showed Beauprez and Democratic incumbent John Hickenlooper dead even, each with 44 percent support. The Rasmussen Reports survey of likely voters, conducted on June 25 and 26, showed that 4 percent of voters preferred another candidate and 8 percent were undecided. The poll had a margin of error of plus-or-minus 4 points. (Earlier polling has shown Hickenlooper with wide leads over likely Republican challengers, including Beauprez.)
Jefferson County, proclaimed Secretary of State Scott Gessler, who ran third in the primary, is "a swinging county in a swinging state." Beauprez will win the governorship if Republicans deliver Jefferson County, said Gessler, who called Beauprez a "good man."
Former State Senate Minority Leader Mike Kopp, who came in fourth, said he was fully committed to helping Beauprez win in November.
"The journey doesn't end if you lose in a primary, the job is winning in the general," Kopp said.
The tour also included stops in Pueblo, El Paso, Arapahoe, Adams, Larimer and Weld counties. Republican attorney general nominee Cynthia Coffman and secretary of state nominee Wayne Williams were along for many of the stops, as were congressional, legislative and county-level candidates.
While the show of unity among the former primary rivals elicited applause from the several hundred Republicans at the Lakewood stop, it was Beauprez' introduction of his running mate that brought the biggest cheers.
"As a commissioner," Repella said, "I have brought forth policies and practices and created a culture in Douglas County where we support the success of businesses coming into our community — they bring value to our citizens, they bring jobs," she said, noting that the county was ranked the second-fastest county in the nation for job growth last year. "It wasn't by chance," she added.
Repella, a fifth-generation Coloradan and single mother of three who lives in Highlands Ranch, is serving her second term on the Douglas County Commission. She was a member of the county's school board for three years and was on the planning commission before that. She holds a master's degree in executive leadership from the University of Denver and is a graduate of Colorado State University.
Tuesday was the deadline for Beauprez to designate a lieutenant governor candidate, which the law requires be accomplished within seven days of the primary. His campaign said state Sen. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Denver CEO Diedra Garcia were among those vetted for the post but that Repella was the candidate's first choice.
In fundraising reports due Tuesday, Hickenlooper reported that his campaign has $3,115,617 in total contributions and has $579,268 on hand after sinking $1.38 million into reservations for ad time in the fall. Beauprez, who only got into the race in early March, the day before precinct caucuses, reported raising a total of $351,585 and had $34,920 on hand after loaning his campaign $527,000.
If the GOP ticket wins in November, Repella would be the fifth woman elected lieutenant governor in Colorado and the second Republican woman. (Democrat Nancy Dick was Dick Lamm's lieutenant governor for his second and third terms; Democrat Gail Schoettler held the post during Roy Romer's third term; Republican Bill Owens picked Jane Norton as his running mate for his second term; Barbara O'Brien was Democrat Bill Ritter's second-in-command during his single term.)
Kopp was the only GOP candidate to pick a potential lieutenant governor before primary votes were counted, tapping former Pueblo City Councilwoman Vera Ortegon, a Colombia-born microbiologist, a week after balloting had started in the all-mail election.
State Democrats weren't impressed with the unity tour.
"Bob Beauprez talks about unity but has spent the last eight years spewing divisive rhetoric and right wing vitriol," said Colorado Democratic Party executive director Jennifer Koch. "From his claims that 70 percent of African American pregnancies end in abortions, to calling immigration reform a 'cleansing' process, Congressman Beauprez is full of platitudes but short on Colorado common sense."
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See the July 4 print edition for full photo coverage.