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By Staff Sgt. Gaelen LowersNovember 20, 2013
KEAUHOU, Hawaii - More than a dozen Soldiers from the 7th Engineer Dive Detachment, 130th Engineer Brigade and construction contractors from Sea Engineering Inc. conducted underwater training and repairs, Nov. 4-22, to the remaining damage to Keauhou Small Boat Harbor caused by the 2011 tsunami.
The detachment's divers perform reconnaissance, demolition, and salvage missions in underwater conditions throughout the Pacific.
The exercise, called Shallow Brown, was an opportunity for the divers to train and remain proficient on one of their wartime missions: performing port construction and the rehabilitation of waterfront facilities.
It also provided increased safety for the locals who use the harbor.
The 2011 tsunami was caused by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan and other islands throughout the Pacific, causing tens of billions of dollars in damage and an estimate of more than 13,000 casualties.
"This is a real-world mission, not just a created training scenario so we actually have priorities and objectives that must be completed," said Spc. Caleb Whisman, a second class diver. "We can't just call it a day because it's time or it's getting late. We have tasks that must be accomplished by the end of each day. We rebuilt their quay wall and pier that was seriously damaged. Because it's real-world, this really shows us what to expect and prepares us well for unfamiliar environments."
The soldiers and contractors poured a concrete jacket around exposed steel pilings and repaired the harbor's bulkhead.
"We are actually able to do real demolition and reconstruction on a facility that needs to be rehabbed, whereas we usually construct a facility, then tear it back it down," said 1st Sgt. David Chebahtah, a master diver and the detachment's senior noncommissioned officer. "With this exercise, we are really able to save valuable time and resources. Any time we can get out and do real work, it's a great opportunity for younger soldiers to learn."
Shallow Brown is just one of the many training exercises, both real world and created scenario, that the 7th Engineer Dive Detachment participates in throughout the year. These activities keep experienced divers' knowledge fresh and less experienced divers trained up for whatever mission comes their way.


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Storm of Sharks
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Preview (read now) Add to my own site Give this ebook to a friend Add to my wishlist Author's page Publisher's page
The epic Wereworld saga continues as Drew Ferran—werewolf, leader of people, and the rightful king of Lyssia—battles the evil Catlords who seek to oppress the kingdom. As the war's scope widens, Drew and his allies take the fight to the high seas. But just as many terrors await them on the water as on land, with pirates and scoundrels abounding and a host of previously-unknown werelords emerging to take sides in the war that threatens to destroy the Seven Realms. Called "Game of Thrones for the tween set," (School Library Journal), the Wereworld series hits a new high in this fifth book!
Penguin Young Readers Group; June 2013
512 pages; ISBN 9781101597422
Read online, or download in secure EPUB
Title: Storm of Sharks
Author: Curtis Jobling
512 pages; ISBN 9781101597422
Read online, or download in secure EPUB
Title: Storm of Sharks
Author: Curtis Jobling
Buy, download and read Storm of Sharks (eBook) by Curtis Jobling today!
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Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children 2011 US$ 10.99 352 pages
Stargirl 2001 US$ 7.99
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Probably the Best Hot-Girl-Riding-Mechanical-Bull Video You'll Ever See
This is sex, right?
Peyton Manning Brings the Funny in Hilarious New Gatorade Commercials
If Peyton Manning doesn't get into TV after he retires from football, it'll be a huge blow to society as a whole.
Jason Sudeikis Is Idiot Soccer Coach Ted Lasso in Hilarious Video
Americans may still be behind the rest of the world when it comes to embracing soccer. never has that been truer than in this rather funny video.
Hottest Taylor Momsen GIFs Ever
Are you ready to worship a rock goddess?
Please Remake These Horror Movies
Sometimes a great idea is cursed with poor execution. Here 11 horror movies that we feel should get remakes.
What Would Happen If Men Were Women? This Would Happen.
It's been said we live in a male-dominated world (unless you're in the studio audience for a taping of 'The View').
Deranged Man Drinks Gallon of Honey While Bees Cover His Face
There's a fine line between extreme and stupid. This guy has crossed it.
Strangers Undress Each Other In Needlessly Arousing Video
From the mind behind the popular 'First Kiss' video comes this new clip in which strangers undress each other and then hop into bed.
Hottest Megan Fox GIFs Ever
There's no denying that Megan Fox is one of the hottest young actresses around. Now that she's in GIF form, we get to see that hotness in motion.
This Bizarre First Pitch May Arouse You
The ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game is usually forgettable, unless it goes poorly. Or, if the pitch is thrown by this woman.


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Alvarado Attack Exaggerated, Rios Fight Not in Jeopardy
By Rick Reeno
Manager Henry Delgado advised BoxingScene.com that circulating information regarding an attack on junior welterweight Mike Alvarado (33-1, 23KOs) is being greatly exaggerated. Various sources in Denver told BoxingScene that Alvarado was involved in a physical altercation where one individual attempted to stab the boxer.
Delgado admits that there was a minor scuffle involving Alvarado, but the situation was squashed very quickly. The incident took place on Friday. Alvarado suffered a few minor scratches. Delgado laughed when asked to confirm if Alvarado scored a few knockouts during the altercation. The incident will in no way jeopardize the Rios rematch, says Delgado.
"Mike is fine. Nothing to worry about. Just a few scratches. He just finished a workout," Delgado told BoxingScene.com.
Alvarado is scheduled for a very anticipated HBO televised rematch with Brandon Rios on March 30th at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Rios (31-0, 23KOs) stopped Alvarado in the seventh round on an all-out war on October 13, 2012. Their match was close to securing "Fight of The Year" honors for 2012 - until Juan Manuel Marquez pulled off the unthinkable and knocked out Manny Pacquiao in the sixth round of their December scrap.
[quote=thuggery] Quote: Originally Posted by 1PunchKOPOW! Remember what Scully said? No matter what happens if you ask a promoter, trainer, manager or whoever how their fighter is doing they will always tell you they're A-Ok. I expect this to be…Comment by J-Smooth on 02-05-2013
My ni99a mile high mike bullying ni99as on da streets! Getting in knife fights like a real G!Comment by MJ223 on 02-05-2013
[B]Good to see hes fine[/B]Comment by .:: JSFD26 ::. on 02-04-2013
Remember what Scully said? No matter what happens if you ask a promoter, trainer, manager or whoever how their fighter is doing they will always tell you they're A-Ok. I expect this to be the case here. [SIZE="1"][I]Posted from Boxingscene.com…Comment by Blue Mercury on 02-03-2013
[QUOTE=Capaedia;12990693]Alvarado must've kept the fight on the outside this time.[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/179/drakehah.png[/IMG]Post a Comment - View More User Comments (9)


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RAs work with other students in the same day-to-day living situations to create a living-learning community while preserving the legal, moral, and ethical standards of the University and supporting communities. RAs report directly to a Resident Director (RD) and/or Assistant Resident Director (ARD), and assist with the total operations of a residence hall or apartment facility, which may be coed and/or multiple buildings. The RA position provides excellent opportunities for practical experiences, especially in the areas of business, sociology, psychology, education, political science and guidance. It is a part-time, live-in position with appointment on a semester basis.
RAs must balance their personal activities and academic schedule to allow sufficient time for the job. Specific responsibilities include but not limited to the following:
RA Application


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AA founder is focus in 'Bill W.,' showing at Downer
"Bill W.," a documentary about the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, is showing at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Landmark Downer Theatre, 2589 N. Downer Ave.
Unlike some such movies, "Bill W." is a warts-and-all portrait of William G. Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, using interviews, recreations and archival footage to show Wilson's personal battles, leading to the formation of the influential organization that he was never able to join himself. »Read Full Article
Day 33: Journal Communications letter to employees on blackout
Journal Communications employees received the following memo Monday, on the 33rd day of the blackout of Journal Broadcast Group stations, including WTMJ-TV (Channel 4), on Time Warner Cable.
The dispute between them is over fees the cable service pays to carry a stations' programming. Time Warner is in a similar dispute with CBS-owned stations, whose settlement will set the standard for the future, said the Hollywood Reporter. »Read Full Blog Post(23)
Milwaukee Rep's 'I Left My Heart' celebrates song more than singer
If you attend "I Left My Heart," the Milwaukee Repertory Theater's season-opening Tony Bennett revue, you won't hear a word about the man who helped liberate a concentrate camp, marched with Martin Luther King Jr. at Selma and became an outspoken opponent of the American invasion of Iraq. Nor will you hear about Bennett's two divorces or former drug addiction.
As the subtitle to the Rep's revue indicates, what co-writers David Grapes and Todd Olson (who also directs) have created is a "salute to the music of Tony Bennett," with an emphasis on the music. »Read Full Article(1)
Brian Wilson, Jeff Beck co-headlining Riverside Theater
The full-scale Beach Boys reunion may have been a short-lived occassion, but Boys' co-founder Brian Wilson is still keeping part of the old band together--and roping in a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.
Wilson, and guitar master Jeff Beck, famous for his work with the Yardbirds as well as his own accomplished solo career, are co-headlining a fall tour that will stop at the Riverside Theater Oct. 30, a venue spokesman announced Monday morning. »Read Full Article
MSOE cancels Art City radio show after one episode
Well, at least I'll be able to say, "There was that time Art City was on the radio -- once."
Last Friday at noon, we premiered our first episode of Art City on WMSE. We jumped on a newsy subject, a story on "art circles" in the Shepherd Express by James Carlson. In talking about the who-knows-who interactive graphic that attempts to map our local art community, I was joined by Jennifer Johung, a contemporary art and architecture historian and Debra Brehmer, the owner of the Portrait Society Gallery in Milwaukee. »Read Full Blog Post(4)
On Tap Today: The calm before the potato-potato-potato
They're coming (judging from the roar outside, some are already here), but before Milwaukee's a sea of orange and black for the Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary bash later this week, there's still plenty to do arouund town.
Singer-songwriter John Hiatt is back in town, for an 8 p.m. show with the Combo at the Pabst Theater. TIckets are $37.50. »Read Full Blog Post


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College campuses are very safe spaces for some.
August 29, 2016
Students deserve safe spaces on a campus because the absence of such spaces is counter to the very mission of higher education, argues Matthew Pratt Guterl.
August 26, 2016
If we are going to use taxpayer dollars for job training, we must be assured the programs will create new jobs, argues Anthony P. Carnevale.
Recent Articles
August 28, 2016 - 9:06pm
August 28, 2016 - 9:04pm
A choice -- with risks either way -- for community college students.
August 28, 2016 - 9:00pm
Why we should celebrate this Education Department experiment.
November 26, 2008
A new book considers how the brain responds to information overload. Scott McLemee thinks it's more than a distraction.
November 25, 2008
For the past two seasons I have been obsessed with the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch" and anxiously anticipated its return for a third season. I love the action, the characters and the storylines. However, it was not until recently that it dawned on me that my I enjoy the show because fishing opilio crab is not much different from modern-day enrollment work.
November 24, 2008
Ellen J. Goldberger writes that it's time to move past the customer service image for higher education. She proposes a new way to talk about what happens in academe.
November 21, 2008
There is still far too much data that we don't have about how higher education is performing, Dennis P. Jones argues.
November 20, 2008
From Iraq, Rich Morales, a Yale alum, White House fellow, and battalion commander, weighs in on the university's debate over restoring an officer training corps to its campus.
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Skip to main content
Dates: 14-16 March 2017
The London Book Fair is the global marketplace for rights negotiation and the sale and distribution of content across print, audio, TV, film and digital channels. In 2017 the Fair will move to March and take place at Olympia, West London, covering all aspects of the publishing industry.
Our exhibitors come back every year because LBF provides them with the perfect platform to engage with customers, build brand awareness and do business.
Find out more
Now moving to March, LBF is the global marketplace for rights negotiation, sale and distribution of content across print, audio, TV, film and digital channels.
LBF will be heading to China in August, hosting a new Building Inclusivity in Publishing Conference in September and taking bookings for MIP Junior in October.
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79 search results for Lucas Black
Lucas Black is back in the saddle for 'Fast and Furious 7'
Type: Article | Date: Monday, Sep 16, 2013Vote: Are you glad the 'Tokyo Drift' star is returning to the franchise?
NCIS: New Orleans
Type: Event | Date: Tuesday, Sep 30, 2014The Scott Bakula led series continues tonight.
NCIS: New Orleans
Type: Event | Date: Tuesday, Sep 23, 2014The newest flavor of the franchise begins.
'Furious 7' Trailer: Paul Walker Rides Again
Type: Article | Date: Sunday, Feb 1, 2015"Furious 7" appears to be the wildest entry yet in "Fast and the Furious" franchise.
Bill Murray, Lucas Black 'Get Low'
Type: Article | Date: Tuesday, Feb 3, 2009Robert Duvall and Sissy Spacek are already set to star
Fast & Furious 6-Movie Collection - DVD
Type: Event | Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2014The six films in the franchise, in one box set
Fast & Furious 7
Type: Event | Date: Friday, Apr 3, 2015With a delay due to Paul Walker's death, the film releases today.
Furious 7 - International Trailer #2
Type: Video | Date: Monday, Mar 16, 2015Deckard Shaw seeks revenge against Dominic Toretto and his family for the death of his brother.
Furious 7 - Extended First Look - Plane Drop
Type: Video | Date: Friday, Mar 6, 2015Deckard Shaw seeks revenge against Dominic Toretto and his family for the death of his brother.
Review: Jackie Robinson biopic '42' cut from familiar and cheesy Hollywood formula
Type: Post | Date: Thursday, Apr 11, 2013Brian Helgeland indulges some myth-making with an assist from Harrison Ford


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Dynamic Plaques - FVT Plaques
FVT Plaques is introducing new dynamic plaques to recognize police and sheriff's...
sponsored by
Mark Rivera
FBI-CJIS Security Policy Compliance Officer
Mark Rivera, Customer Retention Manager and CJIS Security Compliance Officer with Vigilant Solutions, served for sixteen years with the Maryland State Police, retiring at the rank of First Sergeant with thirteen of those years at the supervisory and command level. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Management from The Johns Hopkins University and Secret clearance through the FBI, Baltimore.
Omaha (Neb.) Police officers fatally shot a 31-year-old man who used one of his 3-year-old twins as a shield while pointing a shotgun at responding officers.
Chief Todd Schmaderer provided additional details of the Jan. 1 officer-involved shooting at a Wednesday press conference and released dash-cam stills from the incident.
Police responded to the home of Tyrone Bell early Tuesday, following a 911 call from the home. Bell's girlfriend reported he had a shotgun, reports KETV.
Bell threatened officers who first arrived at the scene and made suicidal statements. Hostage negotiators convinced Bell to release his daughter. He then exited the home with his son in one arm while brandishing a shotgun.
Bell returned inside the residence. At 6:20 a.m., Bell left the home and pointed a shotgun and rifle at officers, who fatally shot him. The children were unhurt.
Bell had a criminal history dating back 15 years and was mentally ill when he confronted officers, reports the Omaha World Herald.
[email protected] @ 1/3/2013 6:30 PM
Hm. Criminal history back 15 years and yet somehow he has guns? Real man, using his kids as cover more then once. Good riddance to bad garbage. Glade everyone else went home safe.
Steve @ 1/4/2013 7:50 AM
Another incident of a mentally ill subject acquiring a firearm and using it in a violent manor. In this case it was evidently suicide by cop. My question is; will the issue of how mentally ill subjects are acquiring weapons be investigated thoroughly and if charges are taken will the court system take that opportunity to make an example of whoever provided the weapons. And by example I don't mean a "slap on the wrist". Bet the news media won't stick with this one long enough to get some answers. They don't want these incidents to stop anyway, they'd lose a story.


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Veolia Water Technologies Deutschland GmbH
Lueckenweg 5
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Phone: +49 (0)5141/803-0
Fax: +49 (0)5141/803-100
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A new backwash water reclamation system saves up to 200m3 of raw water per day thus saving the environment and reducing raw water costs and waste water discharge costs.
PepsiCo Germany's operating costs oriented product water treatment at the site in Rodgau complies to high internal standards for design, hygiene and quality whilst operating fully automatically.
Our service portfolio includes installation, validation, maintenance and repairs, amongst others.
Together with our international sister companies from the Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies group, we are present in 57 countries and are able to provide a high level of service quality.Learn more
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Resource efficiency is the key to sustainable growth.Learn more
Trade Fair for Production and Marketing of Drinks
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for your visit at Eurosatory Paris.
--> Our highlight: Mobile Drinking Water Plant Berkefeld M6
World's leading trade fair for water, sewage, waste and raw materials management
Hall A3.137/236


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"In the Jewbilee spirit, the exhibition's inviting atmosphere resembled a Shabbat kiddush on a Tuesday." The Jewish Week
"All in all it was a warm and easy going atmosphere and I can't wait to come back again next year." NYC Attendee
"We built this festival around conversation. We want our attendees to be able to ask questions and engage with our exhibitors. We don't want this to be arms out, fill my glass with your oldest, smoothest, most expensive whisky." Jason Johnstone-Yellin, Whisky Jewbilee Co-Organizer


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Skip to comments.The Catholic Church's Vatileaks scandal: A guide
Posted on 08/12/2012 8:09:46 AM PDT by Alex Murphy
What is the scandal about?
A steady stream of leaked documents since the beginning of the year has revealed the Holy See to be an unholy nest of conspiracies, backstabbing, and ambition. "Vatileaks," as the scandal has been dubbed, has smashed the Vatican's code of silence to reveal a long-standing tradition of bitter rivalries and corruption. The leaks point to at least three shadowy, interlocking plots: an anonymous campaign to undermine Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican secretary of state and Pope Benedict XVI's top deputy; a struggle over the future of the Vatican bank; and an effort by Italian cardinals to gain more influence over the choice of Benedict's successor. "This is a power struggle," said Notre Dame theology professor Lawrence Cunningham. "People are leaking information to the press to discredit one person or another."
Who is doing the leaking?
The sole official suspect is the pope's butler, Paolo Gabriele, 46, who was arrested in May after he was found with stolen papal documents; held for months in a small cell at the Vatican, he was granted house arrest last week. His lawyer insists Gabriele acted alone, but the leaks have continued since his detention. The real culprits are suspected to be disgruntled prelates inside the Vatican bureaucracy, or Curia, who view Bertone as an obstacle to church reform. The 77-year-old cardinal, a longtime ally of the current pope, has consolidated his power by promoting former associates from his native region of Piedmont to influential posts; they now include the governor of the Vatican City State, the head of the Vatican treasury, and the Holy See's top bank regulator. There are growing rumors that the health of the 85-year-old Benedict is failing, feeding suspicion that Bertone's ultimate goal is to gain control over the next papal conclave the meeting of the College of Cardinals that selects the pope.
What role does money play?
Charges of financial impropriety figure prominently in the scandal. Though Catholic priests take a vow of poverty, the Vatican presides over a closely held $6 billion empire, including the troubled Vatican bank, known as the Institute for Works of Religion, or IOR. Some of the first leaks early this year were confidential letters from an archbishop to Pope Benedict warning of "corruption and abuse of power" in Vatican finances, including millions of dollars in padded contracts. Bertone ordered the archbishop silenced and removed from his post, but the day after the pope's butler was arrested, the IOR's president appointed in 2009 to clean it up after decades of allegations of money-laundering and infiltration by the Mafia and Italian Freemasons was summarily fired amid charges of negligence. The bank's latest efforts at transparency have so far failed to meet the expectations of European banking officials, who last month gave it failing marks in seven critical areas, including measures to combat the financing of terrorism.
How has the Vatican reacted?
Angrily and defensively. Critics say the Holy See has been far more vigorous in investigating the leaks than the patterns of corruption and influence-peddling they allege. Bertone accused journalists of "pretending to be Dan Brown," author of The Da Vinci Code, and decried "a will to create division that comes from the devil." But he also hired Fox News' Rome correspondent, Greg Burke, as a "senior communications adviser" to handle damage control.
What damage has been done?
The Vatican has been left looking like a den of snakes. One leaked memo charged the ousted Vatican bank president with "psychopathological dysfunction"; other documents allege that Bertone conspired to force the editor of a Catholic newspaper to resign by falsely accusing him of a homosexual affair. Among the tawdry financial misdeeds detailed was the overpayment of $350,000 for a Nativity crèche. The Italian media also revealed that a mafioso was buried in a basilica among popes and cardinals after his widow made a substantial donation to the church. There were even details of Bertone's unseemly friendship with disgraced former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
Has the pope's reputation been harmed?
The revelations have made it clear that Benedict, who was once expected to bring German efficiency to his role, is not actively managing the Vatican. "He's a solitary scholar and he's not interested in the bureaucracy," said Chester Gillis, a theology professor at Georgetown University. Critics say Benedict has been ill served by Bertone, whom they blame for the pope's 2006 speech suggesting Islam is inherently violent, and for lifting the excommunication of a renegade bishop who denies the Holocaust. The Vatileaks scandal coming on the heels of the sex-abuse scandal, which many critics say Benedict handled defensively and poorly is further evidence of "a tin-ear papacy," said Christopher Bellitto, a church historian at Kean University. "This all seems to be a power game that matters only to the power players. It seems to be a church hierarchy further distancing itself from the people in the pews."
A history of secrets
The Vatileaks scandal is just the latest chapter in a long history of Vatican intrigue. In 1958, Pope Pius XII's doctor snapped pictures of the prelate on his deathbed and tried to sell them to gossip magazines; in 1982, Roberto Calvi, known as "God's Banker" for his close ties to the Vatican, was found hanging from London's Blackfriars Bridge, a murder that remains unsolved. But even those lurid episodes pale before the transgressions of Renaissance popes, who bribed their way into office, kept mistresses, and appointed relatives to high church positions. Pope Sixtus IV built the Sistine Chapel, but appointed six of his nephews cardinals. One of them, Julius II, patron to Michelangelo and Raphael, raised a fortune by selling indulgences or exemptions from eternal punishment for sinners. The practice so shocked Martin Luther that he broke with Rome and launched the Protestant Reformation.
....One leaked memo charged the ousted Vatican bank president with "psychopathological dysfunction"; other documents allege that Bertone conspired to force the editor of a Catholic newspaper to resign by falsely accusing him of a homosexual affair. Among the tawdry financial misdeeds detailed was the overpayment of $350,000 for a Nativity crèche. The Italian media also revealed that a mafioso was buried in a basilica among popes and cardinals after his widow made a substantial donation to the church. There were even details of Bertone's unseemly friendship with disgraced former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.... The revelations have made it clear that Benedict, who was once expected to bring German efficiency to his role, is not actively managing the Vatican....
....The Vatileaks scandal is just the latest chapter in a long history of Vatican intrigue. In 1958, Pope Pius XII's doctor snapped pictures of the prelate on his deathbed and tried to sell them to gossip magazines; in 1982, Roberto Calvi, known as "God's Banker" for his close ties to the Vatican, was found hanging from London's Blackfriars Bridge, a murder that remains unsolved. But even those lurid episodes pale before the transgressions of Renaissance popes, who bribed their way into office, kept mistresses, and appointed relatives to high church positions. Pope Sixtus IV built the Sistine Chapel, but appointed six of his nephews cardinals. One of them, Julius II, patron to Michelangelo and Raphael, raised a fortune by selling indulgences or exemptions from eternal punishment for sinners. The practice so shocked Martin Luther that he broke with Rome and launched the Protestant Reformation.
"You are Peter, and on this rock I shall build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Jesus Christ 33 AD
The Anti Christ spirit has been alive and well, and rebellious, since Lucifer in Heaven, along with his band of like minded merry makers, leaving the Godhead forever to form their own power and nefarious interpretations cast out by I AM from Heaven, free to a point to tempt man to do the same.
Then along came Judas, again breaking from the inside, betraying God in Christ Jesus, for silver.
Power and silver.
This proximity to God in His Church, where He is found in form and substance, is exactly where Satan will always want to stir, as his power is increased. The Catholic Church must be slandered and mortally wounded by her enemies on the ground and in the air. The Church shall be greatly wounded. She shall not be mortally wounded, but a remnant refined as silver.
From the 12 that Jesus chose he was doubted, denied and betrayed, yet there are some that are both incredulous and delighted when it is found that His Church is still comprised of flawed human beings. Pray for them.
Peace be to you
Thank you, dear friend of the Holy Eucharist, Christ Jesus Himself, in perfect form and substance, beloved Real Presence. Thanksgiving forever and all praise and glory to our God, Emanuel, with us.
And Peace be with you on this glorious day.
Here it is :
1 John 4
On Denying the Incarnation
4 Dear friends, Do Believe Every Spirit, but Test the Spirits to see Whether they are From God, because many False prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can RECOGNIZE the Spirit of God: Every spirit that ACKNOWLEDGES that Jesus Christ has come IN the FLESH(HUMAN) is from God, 3 but every spirit that DOES NOT acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
The Church does 1JOHN 4:2 as PROOF that CHRIST as Single Divinity became man through a human Mother every time We recite the NICENE CREED on Every Sunday Mass service.
And private prayers in the Rosary(Apostles Creed ) and especially Magnified in the Divine Mercy Chaplet sent by Christ for the End Times as told by Sister Faustina.
Here is the Sunday Confession demand by the Holy Spirit as Proof :
In the Fall of 2011 the Pope historically changed the Confession to the personal pronoun of I instead of the We. This fulfilled the specified and enhanced1John 4 requirement for all then it did before. See The beginning of my profile on 1John4 importance about the woman who could not declare it.
I believe in one God the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through Him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
He came down from heaven.
(at the following words, up to and including and became man, all bow)
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,< and became man.
For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate, He suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead.
His kingdom will have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets;
And in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen
If you can recite and believe in a single Divinity became man which is Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord you have the Holy Spirit in You. This is no matter what church as long as you fill this requirement ( 1John4). Especially If you believe this in the personal pronoun since being a Catholic Christian by confessing every Sunday Mass the Nicene Creed you always had the Holy Spirit. If you left the Catholic church and went to another 1John4 type church you did not get The Holy Spirit from that Church first in your Life. You had it from the beginning in the Catholic Mass confession of Faith.
This is still intact in our Church for two thousand years.
Let us never forget this standard test by St John the Apostle who Christ Appointed. ............1John4: 2 "This is how you can RECOGNIZE the Spirit of God: Every spirit that ACKNOWLEDGES that Jesus Christ has come IN the FLESH(HUMAN) is from God, 3 but every spirit that DOES NOT acknowledge Jesus is not from God"
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in...Read More[Read More]
2 John Chapter 1 7 For many deceivers are gone forth into the world, even they that confess not that Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist...Read More[Read More]
Romans Chapter 10
9 because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved:..Read More[Read More]
10 for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation...Read More
2 Corinthians Chapter 9
13 seeing that through the proving of you by this ministration they glorify God for the obedience of your confession unto the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution unto them and unto all;..Read More[Read More]
Philippians Chapter 2
11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the...Read More[Read More]
1 Timothy Chapter 6
12 Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses...Read More[Read More]
13 I charge thee in the sight of God, who giveth life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good confession;..Read More[Read More]
Hebrews Chapter 3
1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, even Jesus;..Read More[Read More
Hebrews Chapter 4
14 Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession...Read More[Read More]
Hebrews Chapter 10
23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised:..Read More[Read More]
Amen. I believe is the translated "Credo" which has an enhanced meaning beyond believe. It also means "I trust". It makes this an exercise in Faith, not just a profession of belief.
Peace be with you.
Now a true example of 1John4 in action.
I have told this true experience before but this should never be taken lightly. My friends wife is into tarot reading. On the way to helping him move from an upstate rental house she was playing with the tarot cards. I prayed before hand about going because I knowing of her " new age" practices. While she was in the back of the car she decides to read me. My eyes are turned up. I declare do not read me. Please! She decides no I am already doing it. Well! I plead the blood of Christ over her. " I cover the Blood of Christ to make it null and void. " I did it loud but firm.
As I am doing this a car is out of control from the ramp on the Ny state Thruway coming right towards us. It goes on the grass then comes toward us. I am calm because of my prayers that morning. The Holy Spirit has me boldly speaking the blood of Christ over the car. It straightens out into the lane finally after swerving.
My friends wife is also into spellcasting. So later under the Holy Spirit 's leading I had to confront her at the house.
He thought it was harmless until I told him she can not repeat the Apostles Creed. I challenged her and she could not repeat it. She could not say the long form nicene creed or just directly that Divinity became man1 john4. She says there are many Gods like from an unseen force. She had contortions.
He flipped his wig. I gave him a exorcism St benedict cloth. She falls down when he takes it out of his wallet. I am not kidding. We are definitely leading and racing to the end.
Just remember we are in some weird unholy times. Pray more and more for others and guidence. Beware. Do deep beautiful heart felt contrition prayers before you even step out the door. I really believe I would of been dead on the Ny state thruway without God's daily Guidance.
Praise Jesus and Hail Mary as the Angel declared!!
The One true Church, and how to recognize it.
Use this guideline as a measure...
*It was founded by Jesus Christ Himself in Mt 16:18.
*It would be built on Simon Peter, Mt 16:18.
*It would be defended by GOD Himself, Mt 16:18-19.
*It would have authority given by Jesus Christ, Mt 16:19,18:17-18.
*It would be guided by the Holy Spirit who will dwell within it, Jn 14:15-17, Act 15:28,16:6.
*It would be one and undivided, Mk 3:24-25.
*It would have one fold and one shepherd, Jn 10:16.
*It would have Priests, Bishops, and Deacons, 1Tim 3:1-13.
*It must have the Holy Eucharist celebration, Jn 6:42-70, Act 2:42.
*It must be found in all nations, Mt 28:19.
*It must be found in all centuries, Mt 28:20.
*Jesus Christ said He would be with His Church every day, in every year, until the end of the world, Mt 28:20. (This means no gaps in time.)
What a testimony!
May we all be endowed with the Holy Spirit in similar ways.
....If you can recite [the Nicene Creed] and believe in a single Divinity became man (which is Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord) you have the Holy Spirit in You. This is no matter what church as long as you fill this requirement....
....being a Catholic Christian (by confessing every Sunday Mass the Nicene Creed) you always had the Holy Spirit. If you left the Catholic church and went to another 1John4 type church you did not get The Holy Spirit from that Church first in your Life. You had it from the beginning in the Catholic Mass confession of Faith....
Summarizing your post for the lurkers.
We are all endowed with the Holy Spirit when we are in Christ(1John4). Praying in All Things.
Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
1John4: 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in... .
Let Go and Let God!
I will be praying for You!
Eternal Father, we offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for all my relations, friends and enemies, for the poor, the sick, and those in tribulation, and for all those for whom Thou willest I should pray, or knowest that I ought to pray.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Blessed and praised forevermore be Jesus Who hath saved us by His Precious Blood!
John, I think your monitor may need cleaning.
Okay Alex. I know what I posted. It was question. I got it. You always keep it short and vague. You like to copy and paste what was originally posted from others then a short original cute sentence. It is getting old. Never a full explanation of meaning of what you posted in proper detail. We are praying for you!
The "proper detail" is usually found in the full article. The "copy and paste" is called excerpting, for those who need encouragement to read the full article. I keep it "short and vague" so as to avoid needless editorializing, which often distracts FReepers from focusing on the article.
But if you really want to discuss the poster and not the post, why not start a thread with me as your topic? It's been done several times before, believe me. And I can honestly say that it's never turned out well for the FReepers who did it. But feel free to try - maybe yours will be different!
I only wish and pray you the best.
May Christ Bless You and Keep you!
Freeper Cheers!
I only wish and pray you the best.
May Christ Bless You and Keep you!
Freeper Cheers!
Believe me, John when I say that one day, when we're all in Heaven, that I fully intend to locate every Catholic FReeper who's ever held a grudge against me and answer for my current behavior, to their hearts' content. They won't have to seek me out - I'll come find them.
Believe me also, when I say that a lot of people will continue to be disappointed until that day.
In heacen there is total peace. No one who is impure is allowed to enter. That's why there is a Purgatory. That's why there is a hell in case the person dies in the state of mortal sin.
I totally doubt that revenge is present in heaven.
No one disagrees on this spiritual fact...right? God has always wanted Christians to believe the same. Let go of other misunderstandings, objections about Catholicism and pray for the faith to believe in the Real Presence. There are some Catholics, more than "some" these days who doubt too. Do not be one of them, Catholic or Protestant still.
Sharing, a vision about the unity of Christians.
Mark Mallett is a Catholic evangelist, a singer songwriter from Canada. His friend, a priest, Father Kyle.
+ + +
Protestants, Catholics and the Coming Wedding
~The Third Petal~
January 31, 2006
..."This unity, however, goes beyond merely recognizing that we are brothers and sisters. St. Paul speaks of being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing (Phil 2:2). It is a unity of love and truth.
How will the unity of Christians be achieved? What Father Kyle and I experienced in our souls was perhaps a taste of it. Somehow, there will be an illumination in which believers and non-believers alike will experience the reality of Jesus, alive. It will be an infusion of love, mercy, and wisdoma last chance for a wayward world. This is nothing new; many of the Saints foretold such an event as well as the Blessed Virgin Mary in alleged apparitions around the world. What is new, perhaps, is that many Christians believe it is IMMINENT.
The Eucharistic Center
The Eucharist, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, will become the center of unity. It is Christs body, as Scripture says: This is my body . this is my blood. And we are His Body. Therefore, Christian unity is intimately tied to the Holy Eucharist:
Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. (1 Cor 10:17)
Now, this might take some Protestant readers aback as most of them do not believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharistor as Jesus put it:
my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. (John 6:55)
But I saw in my minds eye the day coming when Pentecostals and Evangelicals will be PUSHING Catholics aside TO GET TO THE FRONT OF THE CHURCH to get to JESUS, there, in the Eucharist. And they will dance; they will dance around the altar the way DAVID danced around the Ark while stunned Catholics look on in wonder. (The image I saw was of the Eucharist in the monstrancethe container which holds the Host during Adorationand Christians worshiping with great JOY and ACKNOWLEDGMENT of Christ among us [Mt 28:20].)
The Eucharist and the unity of Christians. Before the greatness of this mystery St. Augustine exclaims, "O sacrament of devotion! O sign of unity! O bond of charity!" The more painful the experience of the divisions in the Church which break the common participation in the table of the Lord, the more urgent are our prayers to the Lord that the time of complete unity among all who believe in him may return. CCC, 1398
But lest we fall into the sin of triumphalism, we must also recognize that our Protestant brethren will also bring their gifts to the Church. We have already seen a foreshadowing of this recently in the great conversions of Protestant theologians who brought and continue to bring with them into the Catholic faith not only thousands of converts, but new insights, fresh zeal, and infectious passion (Scott Hahn, Steve Wood, Jeff Cavins and others come to mind).
But there will be other gifts. If the Catholic Church is rich in spirituality and Tradition, Protestants are rich in the spirit of evangelism and discipleship."...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


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CHUCK BALDWIN: If Americans Lose Semi-Auto Guns, TYRANNY Will Engulf the World
"The semi-automatic rifle is the tool that is most capable of defending our citizenry against a tyrannical government. Everybody understands that. The 2nd Amendment was never about hunting, it was never about target shooting. It was about being able to resist tyrannical government."
Part II:


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This abandoned house still stands, but some more of the windows have been smashed since last time I recorded it just a year or so ago. gigapan.com/gigapans/135264 Can't say as well for the church however...it's gone. The parsonage burned last year, but now the main church is gone too, along with the garage....
- Planar panorama abandoned Balya Pb-Zn-sulfide mining site East West seen from southernmost part by Hans (Johannes Jozefus Petrus) Zijlstra
The southernmost part of the abandoned Balya Pb-Zn-sulfide mining site is characterized by deposits of tailings that have partly been excavated and recycled. The area could be cleaned and used for construction of a new disposal site for mining waste.
- Abandoned Balya Pb Zn sulfide mining site NS panorama of center part seen from the east by Hans (Johannes Jozefus Petrus) Zijlstra
Panorama towards the west while standing on old caramic waste. In fron the blakc smelter slag that is covered by flotation tailings waste. In the distance the ruins of the 19th century 'French' ore processing plant and ore concentration plant uphill.
The Haliköy mine (Izmir, Turkey) produced 2000 tons of mercury by roasting or calcining at 600 oC rocks excavated from the underground mine that contained the mercury sulphide mineral cinnabar. The evaporated mercury was condensed in flasks, the sulfur oxide gasses were let off into the atmosphere and the burnt-out ro...


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Meet an Irving police officer at Java Me Up
–ICTN's Profiles show looks at Steve and Cindy Porter, owners of Porter's Army Navy Store, a longtime Irving institution. The program airs at 5:30 p.m. today on Time Warner Channel 16 and Verizon Channel 30.
–The Irving Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd., and Cimarron Recreation Center, 201 Red River Trail, (subbing for Valley Ranch Library which is closed for expansion), will hold story time at 7 p.m. today. Free. (The Valley Ranch Library should reopen by March 1.)
–Java Me Up Cafe at the Valley Ranch Library is also closed for renovations but only until Jan. 13. The owner reports a surprise awaits customers when the cafe reopens. Can't wait!
Marie Raym of The Burb posts today on her Facebook page about Java Me Up, which she says is "one of the best kept secrets in town."
She writes:
"Java owner, Patricia Ward, has 20 years in the food and beverage biz (even as patisserie chef for the Four Seasons) and has learned a thing or about people's tastes. She understands that coffee and tea are staples in many people's daily life…Not only is Java me Up the coolest café this side of town, but it's a hot spot for media and celebrities. You may run into a professional team owner, a Dallas Cowboy, a local politician or most likely, a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader. The Dallas Morning News has also featured Java Me Up. Fox Channel 4 and NBC Channel 5 have taped in the cafe several times, and shows such as Making the Team – Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and HDTV's home show have all had cameras rolling there."
The cafe adjoins the Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Call 972-409-6838.
Here's some Irving City Council news from Neighborsgo editor Gloria Hernandez:
At its Sept. 19 meeting, the Irving City Council unanimously approved to its extend lease agreement with Java Me Up at the Valley Ranch Library and to waive nonprofit Irving Cares' annual lease.
Java Me Up's contract, which expires Sept. 30, will be extended to Sept. 30, 2016 with an option for three additional years. The city receives two percent of the coffee shop's total taxable sales, with a minimum monthly payment of $300 or maximum of $1,500. During renovations later this year, the city will replace the kitchen flooring, upgrade plumbing and add furniture and a shade structure for the outside patio area.
The city will waive Irving Cares' $25,000 annual lease at the city-owned Human Services Building, 440 S. Nursery Road, so the nonprofit can fund $25,000 in safety and service updates to the building. The city will provide $10,000 in materials and in-kind services through the Capital Improvement Program to complete the $35,000 renovations.
The Dallas Morning News is focusing on neighborhoods and analyzing yearlong data to find the best places in several categories. The latest category is best neighborhoods for urban dwellers. The top spot went to Far North Dallas near the Galleria, with Valley Ranch coming in second.
DMN reporter Marc Ramirez writes that Valley Ranch ranks high because of its well-groomed neighborhoods, parks, trails and proximity to Las Colinas, home to many businesses.
Ramirez stopped in at Java Me Up, a popular coffee shop that's adjacent to the Valley Ranch Library. He talked to cafe owner Patricia Ward, a former Four Seasons chef who serves homemade treats as well as coffee. Her cafe is a bustling neighborhood hangout.
Ramirez also talked to resident Seshu Madabushi, who said he likes Valley Ranch because so much is in walking distance. The area is also home to many Indians and a slew of delicious Indian restaurants.
To read more his article, click here.
I've visited Java Me Up a few times and was always impressed with its choice of items, the quality of its fare and its loyal following. I didn't realize the small cafe just turned five years old. I interviewed owners Patricia Ward and Scott Bowditch to get an update on their popular cafe. Here's my story:
Java Me Up is tucked next to the lobby of the Valley Ranch Library in Irving, and business is booming at the cozy coffee shop, according to owners Patricia Ward and Scott Bowditch.
Most library coffee shops are struggling. The one at the Allen Public Library recently closed. Frisco lost its library coffee shop. In Carrollton, one small library café survived while another one closed. And Dallas doesn't even have any in its libraries.
But Java Me Up has been thriving since it opened in 2007.
Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce president Chris Wallace goes there almost every weekend.
"It is a quaint, eclectic, neighborhood environment," Wallace said. "It has excellent homemade food and pastries, gourmet coffees and teas — and they know your name."
Ward's forte is pastries.
"Working in bakeries and candy shops in Hawaii started it all," she said.
Talent and timing helped her quickly move up the culinary ranks. She landed a job as a pastry chef at the Four Seasons in Hualalai, Hawaii, and then at the Four Seasons Resort and Club at Las Colinas.
After five years at the Four Seasons in Irving, Ward left to start Java Me Up. But she didn't know much about coffee. That's where Bowditch comes in.
"He introduced me to the coffee and beverage side," Ward said about her boyfriend, who is from Seattle.
Irving leases the space to them. The only restriction is the shop has to be open during library hours.
As the couple became familiar with their diverse clientele, they adjusted their menu accordingly.
Since north Irving has a large population of Indian Americans, "we added masala tea," Ward said. "And some said it was as good as at home."
Sandwiches are served on Hawaiian sweetbread. Empanadas, banana bread and chicken salad sandwiches are customer favorites.
The food isn't the only draw. When the weather is nice, there is often entertainment on an outdoor patio that overlooks a river walk.
Ward and Bowditch said they get plenty of regulars, including those who work just up north at Cowboys headquarters. The café also has garnered attention from television networks. HGTV filmed part of an episode there for realty reality TV show My First Place. Country Music Television used the café's patio for its Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders show.
An added perk is that patrons can take food inside the library.
Ward recently started offering free, monthly Global Gourmet classes. This month's program, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, will feature a chef from Razzoo's Cajun Café. In December, the class will be about making a croque-en-bouche.
Java Me Up seems as if it's poised for continued success; on a recent Saturday, every table was packed and a line of patrons stood at the counter. The owners admit they'd like more space.
"We've really outgrown our seams," Bowditch said. "We are asking about renovating our space and infrastructure."
Check out what happens when the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders visit Java Me Up, a coffee shop located at the Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail.


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on December 10, 2013 - 12:01 AM
I used to think there was no contest, that Martin Luther King was the greatest history-making figure of my lifetime.
But, as the life and recent death of Nelson Mandela have shown me, that may be as much American chauvinism as anything else – the unavoidable reality of the '50s and '60s civil rights struggle in America coinciding with my childhood and adolescence. They were happening at the time of life when I was learning moral values; they were among the most important moral certainties I learned.
When King had already become a giant figure in America, Mandela was still unknown to me. In 1963, the nonviolent Martin Luther King led the historic march on Washington. In that same year, gun-toting revolutionary Nelson Mandela was sentenced to a life in prison.
But then that ignorance was my problem on this side of the pond – and no doubt most of my fellow Americans too.
Before them both was their most important model – Mahatma Ghandi, whom I had to learn about long after the fact.
The idea of some sort of contest in my head to determine who is greater between King and Mandela would, no doubt, have struck them both as ludicrous. But it's one of those idle speculations that just seem to occur to people who have tried to pay serious attention to everything that's happened in the world since they've been alive.
King's and Mandela's lives were, early on, roughly parallel, even to the point of a bus boycott protesting segregation. The difference was that nonviolent King, in the most powerful country on earth, came from local struggles while Mandela, came from national ones in a small African country whose apartheid still, somewhat incredibly after World War II, promulgated blatant racism as a national policy.
And then came that one act that will probably always remain difficult for us infinitely lesser mortals to wrap our heads around: That after 27 years of imprisonment by the South African government, Nelson Mandela forgave his oppressors and enemies and became his country's president by ensuring the assimilation of all, even the white minority.
It's certainly what we can imagine King doing. But it's a fate King never had to suffer. His jailings were brief. And then another, vastly more violent martyrdom, came first.
It's the American way. Or so it seemed in the chaotic '60's.
I've just seen Justin Chadwick's hagiographic and sentimental but powerful film "Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom." It won't open in Buffalo until Christmas Day and I'll be reviewing it that week.
But one obvious thing that needs to be said about this startling movie year 2013 is how spectacular have been its films about both the heroism and the inhuman brutality in the history of race. To have Lee Daniels' "The Butler," Steve McQueen's "12 Years a Slave," Ryan Coogler's debut feature "The Fruitvale Station," and now Chadwick's "Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom" all in one year is amazing.
And before those films there was "The Help," a story about race and class in America that had lain fallow and waited for decades to be told.
The easy thing, of course, is to say it's an unavoidable consequence of living in Obama's America, that is the first America with a black president with all that entails. (Such as a black family in the White House.)
But I'd say something else which I know is infinitely more debatable but has to be thrown on the table for any rational discussion of the last four decades of American history: Maybe all of this is the logical fallout not just of a post-racial Western world but of a post-Oprah America.
True, she's not the figure she once was. Her abdication from her syndicated hegemony was more of a setback to her than anyone thought – especially her.
But a lot of people have long argued that without Oprah Winfrey and her Chicago zeitgeist shapers, there would have been no presidency for Sen. Obama of Illinois, the former community organizer from Chicago. By the same token, I don't think you can overstate how massively powerful that hour of syndicated television was among its audience.
Nothing like it had ever happened before in the annals of American influence. Oprah universalized her race every day. She not only normalized it to the white American majority, she dwarfed everyone in the TV landscape around her.
In the wake of her power, the world of movies couldn't help but respond eventually to all sorts of black powers behind-the-scenes – particularly the black writers, producers and directors who are able to to make films their way with the complete support of the Anglo-American Entertainment Industrial Complex.
Chadwick, the director of "Mandela" is white, but McQueen is black, as is Ryan Coogler, director of "The Fruitvale Station" and Lee Daniels, director of "The Butler."
The wildest show in all of prime-time network television – and the one that is the first dramatic show to star a black woman since "Get Christy Love" – is Shonda Rhimes' "Scandal," whose plot has blown itself to smithereens so many times since it began that the once smugly superior phrase "jumping the shark" no longer has any meaning.
What "Scandal" has proved in prime time is that you can fill any hour you jolly well please with wall-to-wall sharks and allow writers to require actors to turn into high-jumpers over them. And all you've done is established The Weekly Series as Improv.
That's what Rhimes has done. Apparently, when you originally come from far outside the usual precincts – Did I mention that Rhimes is the daughter of academics from, yes, Chicago? – you're perfectly happy making up the rules for TV show writing as you go along.
Call it a post-Oprah world. It is a commonplace that TV shows and movies by black people and starring black people are now for everyone.
And none of them need white heroes and heroines at the center dispensing largesse either.
It's all gone now – not just the world of "Birth of a Nation" and "Gone With the Wind" but the world of "The Defiant Ones" and "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and "Shaft" too.
The old histories need to be told in new ways. And new history needs to be made. And it's all become great to watch.
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|Apply | Register | Check Email | Use Online Tools
|About Delta
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Transition to College:
Attending college for the first time can be exciting, stressful, and unsettling for most students—often more so for those requiring academic accommodations. Students are not only entering a new, larger environment but must also learn to navigate campus services while assuming greater personal responsibility for academic success. Significant differences exist between K-12 and community colleges when it comes to serving students with disabilities. The information below describes what students may expect as they transition to college.
The transition from high school to community college can be exciting and a bit confusing for the student with a disability. There are many new procedures and rules to learn. There are also significant differences between the assistance and accommodations the student received in high school under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and the services and accommodations the student may receive at the community college under Section 504 and The ADA. As a result, Delta College DSPS has created a summer bridge program called Transition for Academic Success is Key (TASK) to help students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their academic pursuits at Delta College.
TASK is summer bridge program designed for students who learn differently. It is a two-week learning community designed to assist 25 students as they transition from high school to college. The intensive orientation provided through TASK will help students build the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully achieve their academic goals at Delta College.Students will enroll in two one-unit courses: Learning Skills 72: Transition for Academic Success and Guidance 19: Introduction to College. Courses are scheduled to meet Monday through Thursday, June 6th--16th, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm; no Friday classes. Students with an IEP, 504 Plan, and/or Psych Evaluation are eligible to participate. Priority consideration will be given to five students from each of the following high school districts: Stockton, Lincoln, Lodi, Manteca, and Tracy. Students from other districts may be considered. Applications are currently CLOSED.
In the K-12 system:
1. The student is covered by Individuals with Disability Education Act.
8. Personal services are provided.
In the Community College system:
I. The student is covered by Title 5 Section 504 and ADA. The education is a priviledge not a right.
View differences between K-12 systems and college systems in PowerPoint or chart format.
CLICK HERE to view the Spring 2016 DSPS Program & Services Powerpoint Presentation.
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Publications (40)
- [Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: Rationale: Severe asthma is characterized by airway inflammatory responses associated with aberrant metabolism of arachidonic acid. Lipoxins (LX) are arachidonate-derived pro-resolving mediators that are decreased in severe asthma, yet mechanisms for defective LX biosynthesis and a means to increase LXs in severe asthma remain to be established. Objective: To determine if oxidative stress and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) activity are linked to decreased LX biosynthesis in severe asthma. Methods: Aliquots of blood, sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were obtained from asthma subjects for mediator determination. Select samples were exposed to t-butyl-hydroperoxide or sEH inhibitor (sEHI) prior to activation. Peripheral blood leukocyte-platelet aggregates were monitored by flow cytometry, and bronchial contraction was determined with cytokine-treated human lung sections. Measurements and Main Results: 8-isoprostane levels in sputum supernatants were inversely related to LXA4 in severe asthma (r=-0.55, p=0.03) and t-butyl-hydroperoxide decreased LXA4 and 15-epi-LXA4 biosynthesis by peripheral blood leukocytes. LXA4 and 15-epi-LXA4 levels were inversely related to sEH activity in sputum supernatants and sEHIs significantly increased 14,15-EET and 15-epi-LXA4 generation by severe asthma whole blood and BALF cells. The abundance of peripheral blood leukocyte-platelet aggregates was related to asthma severity. In a concentration-dependent manner, LXs significantly inhibited platelet-activating factor induced increases in leukocyte-platelet aggregates (70.8% inhibition (LXA4 100nM), 78.3% inhibition (15-epi-LXA4 100 nM)) and 15-epi-LXA4 markedly inhibited TNF-alpha-induced increases in bronchial contraction. Conclusions: Lipoxin levels were decreased by oxidative stress and sEH activity. Inhibitors of sEH increased LXs that mediated anti-phlogistic actions, suggesting a new therapeutic approach for severe asthma. Clinical trial registration available at www.clinicaltrials.gov, ID NCT00595114.
- [Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: Tiotropium has activity as an asthma controller. However, predictors of a positive response to tiotropium have not been described. We sought to describe individual and differential responses of asthmatic patients to salmeterol and tiotropium when added to an inhaled corticosteroid, as well as predictors of a positive clinical response. Data from the double-blind, 3-way, crossover National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Asthma Clinical Research Network's Tiotropium Bromide as an Alternative to Increased Inhaled Glucocorticoid in Patients Inadequately Controlled on a Lower Dose of Inhaled Corticosteroid (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00565266) trial were analyzed for individual and differential treatment responses to salmeterol and tiotropium and predictors of a positive response to the end points FEV1, morning peak expiratory flow (PEF), and asthma control days (ACDs). Although approximately equal numbers of patients showed a differential response to salmeterol and tiotropium in terms of morning PEF (n = 90 and 78, respectively) and ACDs (n = 49 and 53, respectively), more showed a differential response to tiotropium for FEV1 (n = 104) than salmeterol (n = 62). An acute response to a short-acting bronchodilator, especially albuterol, predicted a positive clinical response to tiotropium for FEV1 (odds ratio, 4.08; 95% CI, 2.00-8.31; P < .001) and morning PEF (odds ratio, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.12-4.01; P = 0.021), as did a decreased FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1 response increased 0.39% of baseline for every 1% decrease in FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio). Higher cholinergic tone was also a predictor, whereas ethnicity, sex, atopy, IgE level, sputum eosinophil count, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide, asthma duration, and body mass index were not. Although these results require confirmation, predictors of a positive clinical response to tiotropium include a positive response to albuterol and airway obstruction, factors that could help identify appropriate patients for this therapy.
Dataset: Chen AJRCCM 2009 180 533 ODS
Article: Comparison of Physician-, Biomarker-, and Symptom-Based Strategies for Adjustment of Inhaled Corticosteroid Therapy in Adults With Asthma The BASALT Randomized Controlled Trial[Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: No consensus exists for adjusting inhaled corticosteroid therapy in patients with asthma. Approaches include adjustment at outpatient visits guided by physician assessment of asthma control (symptoms, rescue therapy, pulmonary function), based on exhaled nitric oxide, or on a day-to-day basis guided by symptoms. To determine if adjustment of inhaled corticosteroid therapy based on exhaled nitric oxide or day-to-day symptoms is superior to guideline-informed, physician assessment-based adjustment in preventing treatment failure in adults with mild to moderate asthma. A randomized, parallel, 3-group, placebo-controlled, multiply-blinded trial of 342 adults with mild to moderate asthma controlled by low-dose inhaled corticosteroid therapy (n = 114 assigned to physician assessment-based adjustment [101 completed], n = 115 to biomarker-based [exhaled nitric oxide] adjustment [92 completed], and n = 113 to symptom-based adjustment [97 completed]), the Best Adjustment Strategy for Asthma in the Long Term (BASALT) trial was conducted by the Asthma Clinical Research Network at 10 academic medical centers in the United States for 9 months between June 2007 and July 2010. For physician assessment-based adjustment and biomarker-based (exhaled nitric oxide) adjustment, the dose of inhaled corticosteroids was adjusted every 6 weeks; for symptom-based adjustment, inhaled corticosteroids were taken with each albuterol rescue use. The primary outcome was time to treatment failure. There were no significant differences in time to treatment failure. The 9-month Kaplan-Meier failure rates were 22% (97.5% CI, 14%-33%; 24 events) for physician assessment-based adjustment, 20% (97.5% CI, 13%-30%; 21 events) for biomarker-based adjustment, and 15% (97.5% CI, 9%-25%; 16 events) for symptom-based adjustment. The hazard ratio for physician assessment-based adjustment vs biomarker-based adjustment was 1.2 (97.5% CI, 0.6-2.3). The hazard ratio for physician assessment-based adjustment vs symptom-based adjustment was 1.6 (97.5% CI, 0.8-3.3). Among adults with mild to moderate persistent asthma controlled with low-dose inhaled corticosteroid therapy, the use of either biomarker-based or symptom-based adjustment of inhaled corticosteroids was not superior to physician assessment-based adjustment of inhaled corticosteroids in time to treatment failure. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00495157.
- [Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: Cilia are specialized organelles that extend from the cell surface into the local environment. Cilia of the airway epithelia are motile to provide mucociliary clearance. On other cells, solitary cilia are specialized to detect chemical or mechanosensory signals. Sensory proteins in motile cilia have recently been identified that detect fluid flow, bitter taste and sex hormones. The relationship of these sensory functions in motile cilia to disease is now being revealed. An example are the polycystin-1 and polycystin-2 proteins that function as a flow sensor in kidney cilia and are mutated in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). These polycystins are also expressed in motile cilia, potentially operating as sensors in the lung. Computed tomography studies from patients with ADPKD reveal evidence of bronchiectasis, suggesting polycystins are important in lung function. The motile cilia expression of this protein complex, as well as sensory channel TRPV4, bitter taste and sex hormones receptors, indicate that the cilia is wired to interpret environmental cues. Defective signaling of sensory proteins may result in a ciliopathy that includes lung disease.
- [Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: PCR studies have demonstrated evidence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae in the lower airways of patients with asthma. To test the hypothesis that clarithromycin would improve asthma control in individuals with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma that was not well controlled despite treatment with low-dose inhaled corticosteroids. Adults with an Asthma Control Questionnaire score ≥1.5 after a 4-week period of treatment with fluticasone propionate were entered into a PCR-stratified randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the effect of 16 weeks of either clarithromycin or placebo, added to fluticasone, on asthma control in individuals with or without lower airway PCR evidence of M pneumoniae or C pneumoniae. A total of 92 participants were randomized. Twelve (13%) subjects demonstrated PCR evidence of M pneumoniae or C pneumoniae in endobronchial biopsies; 80 were PCR-negative for both organisms. In PCR-positive participants, clarithromycin yielded a 0.4 ± 0.4 unit improvement in the Asthma Control Questionnaire score, with a 0.1 ± 0.3 unit improvement in those allocated to placebo. This between-group difference of 0.3 ± 0.5 (P = .6) was neither clinically nor statistically significant. In PCR-negative participants, a nonsignificant between-group difference of 0.2 ± 0.2 units (P = .3) was observed. Clarithromycin did not improve lung function or airway inflammation but did improve airway hyperresponsiveness, increasing the methacholine PC(20) by 1.2 ± 0.5 doubling doses (P = .02) in the study population. Adding clarithromycin to fluticasone in adults with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma that was suboptimally controlled by low-dose inhaled corticosteroids alone did not further improve asthma control. Although there was an improvement in airway hyperresponsiveness with clarithromycin, this benefit was not accompanied by improvements in other secondary outcomes.
- [Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: Long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) therapy improves symptoms in patients whose asthma is poorly controlled by an inhaled glucocorticoid alone. Alternative treatments for adults with uncontrolled asthma are needed. In a three-way, double-blind, triple-dummy crossover trial involving 210 patients with asthma, we evaluated the addition of tiotropium bromide (a long-acting anticholinergic agent approved for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease but not asthma) to an inhaled glucocorticoid, as compared with a doubling of the dose of the inhaled glucocorticoid (primary superiority comparison) or the addition of the LABA salmeterol (secondary noninferiority comparison). The use of tiotropium resulted in a superior primary outcome, as compared with a doubling of the dose of an inhaled glucocorticoid, as assessed by measuring the morning peak expiratory flow (PEF), with a mean difference of 25.8 liters per minute (P<0.001) and superiority in most secondary outcomes, including evening PEF, with a difference of 35.3 liters per minute (P<0.001); the proportion of asthma-control days, with a difference of 0.079 (P=0.01); the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) before bronchodilation, with a difference of 0.10 liters (P=0.004); and daily symptom scores, with a difference of -0.11 points (P<0.001). The addition of tiotropium was also noninferior to the addition of salmeterol for all assessed outcomes and increased the prebronchodilator FEV1 more than did salmeterol, with a difference of 0.11 liters (P=0.003). When added to an inhaled glucocorticoid, tiotropium improved symptoms and lung function in patients with inadequately controlled asthma. Its effects appeared to be equivalent to those with the addition of salmeterol. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00565266.).
Article: Detection of respiratory viruses and the associated chemokine responses in serious acute respiratory illness[Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: A specific diagnosis of a lower respiratory viral infection is often difficult despite frequent clinical suspicion. This low diagnostic yield may be improved by use of sensitive detection methods and biomarkers. The prevalence, clinical predictors and inflammatory mediator profile of respiratory viral infection in serious acute respiratory illness were investigated. Sequential bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids from all patients hospitalised with acute respiratory illness over 12 months (n=283) were tested for the presence of 17 respiratory viruses by multiplex PCR assay and for newly discovered respiratory viruses (bocavirus, WU and KI polyomaviruses) by single-target PCR. BAL samples also underwent conventional testing (direct immunoflorescence and viral culture) for respiratory virus at the clinician's discretion. 27 inflammatory mediators were measured in a subset of the patients (n=64) using a multiplex immunoassay. 39 respiratory viruses were detected in 37 (13.1% of total) patients by molecular testing, including rhinovirus (n=13), influenza virus (n=8), respiratory syncytial virus (n=6), human metapneumovirus (n=3), coronavirus NL63 (n=2), parainfluenza virus (n=2), adenovirus (n=1) and newly discovered viruses (n=4). Molecular methods were 3.8-fold more sensitive than conventional methods. Clinical characteristics alone were insufficient to separate patients with and without respiratory virus. The presence of respiratory virus was associated with increased levels of interferon gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) (p<0.001) and eotaxin-1 (p=0.017) in BAL. Respiratory viruses can be found in patients with serious acute respiratory illness by use of PCR assays more frequently than previously appreciated. IP-10 may be a useful biomarker for respiratory viral infection.
- [Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: Viral bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization in young infants. It is associated with the development of childhood asthma and contributes to morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Currently no therapies effectively attenuate inflammation during the acute viral infection, or prevent the risk of post-viral asthma. We hypothesized that early treatment of a paramyxoviral bronchiolitis with azithromycin would attenuate acute and chronic airway inflammation. Mice were inoculated with parainfluenza type 1, Sendai Virus (SeV), and treated daily with PBS or azithromycin for 7 days post-inoculation. On day 8 and 21 we assessed airway inflammation in lung tissue, and quantified immune cells and inflammatory mediators in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Compared to treatment with PBS, azithromycin significantly attenuated post-viral weight loss. During the peak of acute inflammation (day 8), azithromycin decreased total leukocyte accumulation in the lung tissue and BAL, with the largest fold-reduction in BAL neutrophils. This decreased inflammation was independent of changes in viral load. Azithromycin significantly attenuated the concentration of BAL inflammatory mediators and enhanced resolution of chronic airway inflammation evident by decreased BAL inflammatory mediators on day 21. In this mouse model of paramyxoviral bronchiolitis, azithromycin attenuated acute and chronic airway inflammation. These findings demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects of azithromycin that are not related to anti-viral activity. Our findings support the rationale for future prospective randomized clinical trials that will evaluate the effects of macrolides on acute viral bronchiolitis and their long-term consequences.
Article: Azithromycin is associated with increased survival in lung transplant recipients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome[Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: Previous studies have suggested that azithromycin improves lung function in lung transplant recipients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). However, these studies did not include a non-treated BOS control cohort or perform survival analysis. This study was undertaken to estimate the effect of azithromycin treatment on survival in lung transplant recipients with BOS. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of consecutive lung transplant recipients who developed BOS between 1999 and 2007. An association between azithromycin treatment and death was assessed using univariate and multivariate time-dependent Cox regression analysis. Of the 178 recipients who developed BOS in our study, 78 did so after 2003 and were treated with azithromycin. The azithromycin-treated and untreated cohorts had similar baseline characteristics. Univariate analysis demonstrated that azithromycin treatment was associated with a survival advantage and this beneficial treatment effect was more pronounced when treatment was initiated during BOS Stage 1. Multivariate analysis demonstrated azithromycin treatment during BOS Stage 1 (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.23, p = 0.01) and absolute forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) at the time of BOS Stage 1 (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.52, p = 0.003) were both associated with a decreased risk of death. In lung transplant recipients with BOS Stage 1, azithromycin treatment initiated before BOS Stage 2 was independently associated with a significant reduction in the risk of death. This finding supports the need for a randomized, controlled trial to confirm the impact of azithromycin on survival in lung transplant recipients.
Article: Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection induces il12rb1 splicing to generate a novel IL-12R 1 isoform that enhances DC migration
Article: Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection induces il12rb1 splicing to generate a novel IL-12Rβ1 isoform that enhances DC migration[Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: RNA splicing is an increasingly recognized regulator of immunity. Here, we demonstrate that after Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (mRNA) il12rb1 is spliced by dendritic cells (DCs) to form an alternative (mRNA) il12rb1Deltatm that encodes the protein IL-12Rbeta1DeltaTM. Compared with IL-12Rbeta1, IL-12Rbeta1DeltaTM contains an altered C-terminal sequence and lacks a transmembrane domain. Expression of IL-12Rbeta1DeltaTM occurs in CD11c(+) cells in the lungs during M. tuberculosis infection. Selective reconstitution of il12rb1(-/-) DCs with (mRNA) il12rb1 and/or (mRNA) il12rb1Deltatm demonstrates that IL-12Rbeta1DeltaTM augments IL-12Rbeta1-dependent DC migration and activation of M. tuberculosis-specific T cells. It cannot mediate these activities independently of IL12Rbeta1. We hypothesize that M. tuberculosis-exposed DCs express IL-12Rbeta1DeltaTM to enhance IL-12Rbeta1-dependent migration and promote M. tuberculosis-specific T cell activation. IL-12Rbeta1DeltaTM thus represents a novel positive-regulator of IL12Rbeta1-dependent DC function and of the immune response to M. tuberculosis.
Article: Entry of Burkholderia organisms into respiratory epithelium: CFTR, microfilament and microtubule dependence[Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: The pathogenesis of infection with Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) organisms may be linked to its capacity to invade respiratory epithelium. An antibiotic exclusion assay was used to study B. dolosa AU4459 and B. cenocepacia J2315 invasion into wild-type (WT) and CFTR-deficient respiratory epithelial cells. Inhibitors were used to evaluate Bcc invasion dependency on host microtubule (mt) and microfilament (mf) systems. B. dolosa entered WT-CFTR cells with 5-fold greater efficiency than CFTR deficient cells (25% vs 5%, respectively). Invasion dropped to <0.5% after either mf or mt inhibition. B. cenocepacia entered WT (0.05%) and CFTR-deficient cells (0.07%) with similarly low efficiencies, which significantly decreased with either mf or mt inhibition (0.008% and 0.002%, respectively). B. dolosa and B. cenocepacia enter respiratory epithelial cells in a mf and mt dependent fashion. Mutated CFTR leads to less internalization of B. dolosa, but not B. cenocepacia.
Article: Effect of β2-adrenergic receptor polymorphism on response to longacting β2 agonist in asthma (LARGE trial): a genotype-stratified, randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover trial[Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: Some studies suggest that patients with asthma who are homozygous for arginine at the 16th amino acid position of the beta2-adrenergic receptor (B16 Arg/Arg) benefit less from treatment with longacting beta2 agonists and inhaled corticosteroids than do those homozygous for glycine (B16 Gly/Gly). We investigated whether there is a genotype-specific response to treatment with a longacting beta2 agonist in combination with inhaled corticosteroid. In this multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, adult patients with moderate asthma were enrolled in pairs matched for forced expiratory volume in 1 s and ethnic origin, according to whether they had the B16 Arg/Arg (n=42) or B16 Gly/Gly (n=45) genotype. Individuals in a matched pair were randomly assigned by computer-generated randomisation sequence to receive inhaled longacting beta2 agonist (salmeterol 50 microg twice a day) or placebo given in a double-blind, crossover design for two 18-week periods. Open-label inhaled corticosteroid (hydrofluoroalkane beclometasone 240 microg twice a day) was given to all participants during the treatment periods. The primary endpoint was morning peak expiratory flow (PEF). Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00200967. After 18 weeks of treatment, mean morning PEF in Arg/Arg participants was 21.4 L/min (95% CI 11.8-31.1) higher when participants were assigned to receive salmeterol than when assigned to receive placebo (p<0.0001). In Gly/Gly participants, morning PEF was 21.5 L/min (11.0-32.1) higher when participants were assigned to receive salmeterol than when assigned to receive placebo (p<0.0001). The improvement in PEF did not differ between genotypes (difference [Arg/Arg-Gly/Gly] -0.1, -14.4 to 14.2; p=0.99). In Gly/Gly participants, methacholine PC20 (20% reduction in forced expiratory volume in 1 s; a prespecified secondary outcome) was 2.4 times higher when participants were assigned to salmeterol than when assigned to placebo (p<0.0001). Responsiveness to methacholine did not differ between salmeterol and placebo in Arg/Arg participants (p=0.87). The 2.5 times higher genotype-specific difference in responsiveness to methacholine was significant (1.32 doubling dose difference between genotypes, 0.43-2.21, p=0.0038). Seven Arg/Arg participants (placebo, n=5; salmeterol, n=2) and six Gly/Gly participants (placebo, n=3; salmeterol, n=3) had an asthma exacerbation. Five serious adverse events were reported, one each during the pre-match and run-in phases on open-label inhaled corticosteroid, two during double-blind treatment with salmeterol/inhaled corticosteroid, and one during double-blind treatment with placebo/inhaled corticosteroid. None of the serious events was asthma-related or related to study drugs or procedures. In asthma patients with B16 Arg/Arg and B16 Gly/Gly genotypes, combination treatment with salmeterol and inhaled corticosteroid improved airway function when compared with inhaled corticosteroid therapy alone. These findings suggest that patients should continue to be treated with longacting beta2 agonists plus moderate-dose inhaled corticosteroids irrespective of B16 genotype. Further investigation is needed to establish the importance of the genotype-specific difference in responsiveness to methacholine. National Institutes of Health.
Article: Interleukin 12 Stimulates IFN- -Mediated Inhibition of Tumor-Induced Regulatory T-Cell Proliferation and Enhances Tumor Clearance[Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: To define the factors that modulate regulatory T (Treg) cells in the tumor setting, we cocultured various tumor cells with either purified Treg cells, or with unfractionated splenocytes. We found that Treg expansion occurred only with unfractionated splenocytes, suggesting that accessory cells and/or factors produced by them play an essential role in tumor-induced Treg expansion. We performed gene expression profiling on tumor-associated Treg cells to identify candidate signaling molecules and studied their effects on tumor-induced Treg expansion. We inadvertently discovered that interleukin (IL)-12 treatment blocked Treg expansion in an IL-12 receptor-dependent fashion. Additional studies showed that IL-12 acts by stimulating IFN-gamma mediated inhibition of Treg cell proliferation, which may partially account for the antitumor effects of IL-12. Furthermore, IL-12 treatment was found to decrease IL-2 production, which may lead to IFN-gamma-independent inhibition of Treg cells, as IL-2 is required for their survival and expansion. Mechanistic studies revealed that IFN-gamma signaling directly causes cell cycle arrest in Treg cells. This study shows that an IL-12-IFN-gamma axis can suppress tumor-induced Treg proliferation. This mechanism may counteract the ability of Treg cells to promote tumor growth in vivo.
Article: Impact of Hydrogel Nanoparticle Size and Functionalization on In Vivo Behavior for Lung Imaging and Therapeutics[Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: Polymer chemistry offers the possibility of synthesizing multifunctional nanoparticles which incorporate moieties that enhance diagnostic and therapeutic targeting of cargo delivery to the lung. However, since rules for predicting particle behavior following modification are not well-defined, it is essential that probes for tracking fate in vivo are also included. Accordingly, we designed polyacrylamide-based hydrogel particles of differing sizes, functionalized with a nona-arginine cell-penetrating peptide (Arg(9)), and labeled with imaging components to assess lung retention and cellular uptake after intratracheal administration. Radiolabeled microparticles (1-5 microm diameter) and nanoparticles (20-40 nm diameter) without and with Arg(9) showed diffuse airspace distribution by positron emission tomography imaging. Biodistribution studies revealed that particle clearance and extrapulmonary distribution was, in part, size dependent. Microparticles were rapidly cleared by mucociliary routes but, unexpectedly, also through the circulation. In contrast, nanoparticles had prolonged lung retention enhanced by Arg(9) and were significantly restricted to the lung. For all particle types, uptake was predominant in alveolar macrophages and, to a lesser extent, lung epithelial cells. In general, particles did not induce local inflammatory responses, with the exception of microparticles bearing Arg(9). Whereas microparticles may be advantageous for short-term applications, nanosized particles constitute an efficient high-retention and non-inflammatory vehicle for the delivery of diagnostic imaging agents and therapeutics to lung airspaces and alveolar macrophages that can be enhanced by Arg(9). Importantly, our results show that minor particle modifications may significantly impact in vivo behavior within the complex environments of the lung, underscoring the need for animal modeling.
Article: Interleukin-17 Is Required for T Helper 1 Cell Immunity and Host Resistance to the Intracellular Pathogen Francisella tularensis[Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: The importance of T helper type 1 (Th1) cell immunity in host resistance to the intracellular bacterium Francisella tularensis is well established. However, the relative roles of interleukin (IL)-12-Th1 and IL-23-Th17 cell responses in immunity to F. tularensis have not been studied. The IL-23-Th17 cell pathway is critical for protective immunity against extracellular bacterial infections. In contrast, the IL-23-Th17 cell pathway is dispensable for protection against intracellular pathogens such as Mycobacteria. Here we show that the IL-23-Th17 pathway regulates the IL-12-Th1 cell pathway and was required for protective immunity against F.tularensis live vaccine strain. We show that IL-17A, but not IL-17F or IL-22, induced IL-12 production in dendritic cells and mediated Th1 responses. Furthermore, we show that IL-17A also induced IL-12 and interferon-gamma production in macrophages and mediated bacterial killing. Together, these findings illustrate a biological function for IL-17A in regulating IL-12-Th1 cell immunity and host responses to an intracellular pathogen.
Article: Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia induce distinct host responses[Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: Pathogens that cause pneumonia may be treated in a targeted fashion by antibiotics, but if this therapy fails, then treatment involves only nonspecific supportive measures, independent of the inciting infection. The purpose of this study was to determine whether host response is similar after disparate infections with similar mortalities. Prospective, randomized controlled study. Animal laboratory in a university medical center. Pneumonia was induced in FVB/N mice by either Streptococcus pneumoniae or two different concentrations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from septic animals was assayed by a microarray immunoassay measuring 18 inflammatory mediators at multiple time points. The host response was dependent on the causative organism as well as kinetics of mortality, but the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses were independent of inoculum concentration or degree of bacteremia. Pneumonia caused by different concentrations of the same bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, also yielded distinct inflammatory responses; however, inflammatory mediator expression did not directly track the severity of infection. For all infections, the host response was compartmentalized, with markedly different concentrations of inflammatory mediators in the systemic circulation and the lungs. Hierarchical clustering analysis resulted in the identification of five distinct clusters of the host response to bacterial infection. Principal components analysis correlated pulmonary macrophage inflammatory peptide-2 and interleukin-10 with progression of infection, whereas elevated plasma tumor necrosis factor sr2 and macrophage chemotactic peptide-1 were indicative of fulminant disease with >90% mortality within 48 hrs. Septic mice have distinct local and systemic responses to Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia. Targeting specific host inflammatory responses induced by distinct bacterial infections could represent a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of sepsis.
Article: [ 18 F]Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography for Lung Antiinflammatory Response Evaluation[Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: Few noninvasive biomarkers for pulmonary inflammation are currently available that can assess the lung-specific response to antiinflammatory treatments. Positron emission tomography with [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET) is a promising new method that can be used to quantify pulmonary neutrophilic inflammation. To evaluate the ability of FDG-PET to measure the pulmonary antiinflammatory effects of hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) and recombinant human activated protein C (rhAPC) in a human model of experimentally-induced lung inflammation. Eighteen healthy volunteers were randomized to receive placebo, lovastatin, or rhAPC before intrabronchial segmental endotoxin challenge. FDG-PET imaging was performed before and after endotoxin instillation. The rate of [(18)F]FDG uptake was calculated as the influx constant K(i) by Patlak graphical analysis. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed to determine leukocyte concentrations for correlation with the PET imaging results. There was a statistically significant decrease in K(i) in the lovastatin-treated group that was not seen in the placebo-treated group, suggesting attenuation of inflammation by lovastatin treatment despite a small decrease in BAL total leukocyte and neutrophil counts that was not statistically significant. No significant decrease in K(i) was observed in the rhAPC-treated group, correlating with a lack of change in BAL parameters and indicating no significant antiinflammatory effect with rhAPC. Conclusions: FDG-PET imaging is a sensitive method for quantifying the lung-specific response to antiinflammatory therapies and may serve as an attractive platform for assessing the efficacy of novel antiinflammatory therapies at early phases in the drug development process. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00741013).
Article: Azithromycin Attenuates Airway Inflammation in a Noninfectious Mouse Model of Allergic Asthma[Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: Definitive conclusions regarding the antiinflammatory effects of macrolide antibiotics for treatment of asthma are difficult to formulate since their beneficial effects may be related to their antimicrobial action. We hypothesized that azithromycin possesses distinct antiinflammatory properties and tested this assumption in a noninfectious mouse model of allergic asthma. To induce allergic airway inflammation, 7-week-old BALB/cJ mice underwent intraperitoneal ovalbumin sensitization on days 0 and 7 followed by an intranasal challenge on day 14. Mice were treated with azithromycin or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution on days 13 through 16. On day 17, airway inflammation was assessed by quantifying leukocytes in the airway, expression of multiple inflammatory mediators in the BAL fluid, and mucous cell metaplasia. In a separate set of experiments, azithromycin or PBS solution treatment were initiated after the ovalbumin challenge. Each experiment was repeated 3 times (a total of 9 to 11 mice in each group). Compared to treatment with PBS solution, azithromycin attenuated the ovalbumin-dependent airway inflammation. We observed a decrease in total leukocytes in the lung tissue and BAL fluid. In addition, azithromycin attenuated the expression of cytokines (eg, interleukin [IL]-13 and IL-5) and chemokines (eg, CCL2, CCL3, and CCL4) in the BAL fluid and abrogated the extent of mucous cell metaplasia. Similar antiinflammatory effects were observed when azithromycin treatment was initiated after the ovalbumin challenge. In this noninfectious mouse model of allergic asthma, azithromycin attenuated allergic airway inflammation. These findings demonstrate an antiinflammatory effect of azithromycin and suggest azithromycin may have beneficial effects in treating noninfectious airway inflammatory diseases, including asthma.
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Washington University in St. Louis
Saint Louis, MO, United States
- • Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care
- • Department of Cell Biology and Physiology
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology
Duke UniversityDurham, North Carolina, United States