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Star Tracks: Monday, May 16, 2016 42 years, 2,191 covers and 55,436 stories from PEOPLE magazine's history for you to enjoy
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- September 21, 1981
- Vol. 16
- No. 12
Bing Crosby's Son Nathaniel Wins the U.S. Amateur Golf Title and Hits the Road to Stardom
Never more so than last week. Nathaniel, in a heart-stopping finish, stormed from behind to capture the 81st U.S. Amateur golf championship, joining a pantheon of winners with names like Nicklaus and Palmer. For Nathaniel Crosby the victory fulfilled a promise he made to himself in 1977, the year his father died of a heart attack after a round of golf in Spain. Young Crosby vowed at the time that he would win a major tournament before he was 20. He beat the deadline by a month, and in spectacular style, winning six of the last 10 holes to tie his final match, then sinking a dramatic 15-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole.
Throughout the six-day tournament in San Francisco, just nine miles from the Crosby home in Hillsborough, Nathaniel's gallery included his mother, Kathryn, 48. She wore one of her late husband's jackets, altered to fit, for luck on the final day. Though Nathaniel has played in dozens of amateur tournaments, he felt extra pressure to win the big one because of the accomplishments of his illustrious family. "Look at my father and mother," he joked after the last putt had fallen. "And my sister [actress Mary Frances Crosby of Dallas] shoots J.R. on TV. Hey, I've got to win the U.S. Amateur."
Nathaniel's initiation into the mysteries of golf began when he was 4 and knee-high to a niblick. Touring pro Jack Burke Jr., his godfather and a former PGA Champion, made him a set of shortened clubs, and by the time little Nat was 11 he was playing regularly with Bing. "I had a very close relationship with him," Nathaniel recalls. "Maybe more so than the other kids because we had the same interests. Whenever we were both free, we played. He loved it and so did I."
Voted most valuable player on his Burlingame High School team, Nathaniel turned down recruiters from Stanford and Rice to enroll at the University of Miami, where he is now a junior. A political science major with no thought of going into show business ("I have absolutely no talent"), he lives alone in an apartment eight minutes from school, and spends most of his free time with girlfriend Jill Taylor. Though he describes himself jokingly as a "typical punk teenager," he comfortably maintains a B average. "It's a priority to get my college degree," he says, "but I'm going to have to talk to my coach before I decide about continuing to play on the college circuit this year."
By winning the U.S. Amateur championship, Crosby automatically qualifies for next year's U.S. Open, the British Open, the Masters and the World Series of Golf. For now, he has no intention of turning pro, but will stay on as chairman of the popular Bing Crosby National Pro-Am Tournament, a job he inherited from his father when he was only 16. "I sign the contracts and make the final decisions," says Nathaniel, who once vetoed a plan to drop amateurs from the televised final round of the tournament. "I knew the way my father felt about amateurs," he explains. "Without them, the spirit of the tournament would have been lost."
Bing, in fact, is never far from his youngest son's mind. During last week's tournament, whenever the tension was thickest, Nathaniel would nervously finger an old medallion that Bing had won in 1941 for qualifying to compete in the amateur championship. "Thinking of my father always relaxes me," Nathaniel says. "I knew he was up there and that he was with me."
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Kosher Salt
Magnification: X 75
The mineral salt has a cubic crystal shape. This grain of kosher salt is composed of many cubes stuck together. With its large surface area, it can absorb more moisture than a similar sized cubic salt crystal. This makes it ideal for curing meats, which involves absorbing blood from the raw meat.
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Why trader is buying puts in financials
Chris McKhann | [email protected]
optionMONSTER systems show that a trader bought 18,500 September 16 puts for the ask price of $0.58 this morning. The volume was more than 10 times the previous open interest, so this is a new position.
The XLF is down 0.4 percent to $17.40, bouncing off the low of the session. The exchange-traded fund hit $17.50 earlier in the session, its highest level since October 2008. Shares were below $16 at the beginning of December.
The put buying isn't tied to any trading in the underlying identified by our systems so far, though it could be a hedge on a previously established long stock position. Alternatively, it could be an outright bet looking for a pullback from these highs. (See our Education section)


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Indie Roundup reviews the past week of news from the independent film community and provides a peek at what's coming soon.
Openings. James Gandolfini is the most notable cast member in the highly-praised, acerbic political / military comedy In the Loop, which James Rocchi wrote warmly about when he saw it at Sundance. Reclusive author Jeff Daniels is pursued for advice by single mother Lauren Graham in the comedy The Answer Man. Kevin Spacey is a celebrity Shrink facing serious problems of his own. Highly-recommended thriller The Hurt Locker expands into 200 theaters.
I'm singling out Tommy Davis' very good doc One Minute to Nine, which gets a one-week run in New York and Los Angeles starting on Friday, because I saw it last year and it's stayed with me. Wendy Maldonado, single mother of four, is headed to prison, and it's not immediately apparent why. Davis tells the story of Wendy's life, so by the time you figure out the why, you're fully invested in the real-life drama and the injustices that unfold. *
Deals. Phase 4 Films acquired U.S. distribution rights to Kari Skogland's Fifty Dead Men Walking and plans an August 21 release. Ben Kingsley, Jim Sturgess, and Rose McGowan star in the controversial thriller, set in the 1980s and based on real-life events: McGowan stirred up more talk with her comments about the IRA. [indieWIRE] Fox Searchlight picked up Scott Cooper's drama Crazy Heart, starring Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell, and Robert Duvall. Release is scheduled for next spring. [Variety]
After the jump: Indie Weekend Box Office, Wild Seven and more on Babelgum, Toronto Fest's doc lineup, Adam Yauch's illness and Oscilloscope Pictures.
Box Office. (500) Days of Summer took the crown last weekend, earning a robust $30,907 per screen at 27 theaters, according to Box Office Mojo, followed by Alien Trespass ($14,405 on one screen in its 16th week), A Woman in Berlin ($12,439), and Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg ($9,166). Expanding from 60 to 94 screens, The Hurt Locker grossed $7,875 per screen, and has earned a total of $2.1 million so far.
Online / On-Demand Viewing. We noted last week that heist flick Wild Seven, with Robert Forster, Richard Roundtree, and Robert Loggia (pictured), would be available for free at Babelgum for the month. That's the first in the latest round of offerings by Babelgum and Cinetic Rights Management. Details on five more films that will make their online and mobile debuts via Babelgum can be found at indieWIRE, as well as news about Sally Potter's new film, Rage.
Festivals. The documentary lineup for the Toronto International Film Festival was unveiled this week, and A.J. Schnack of All These Wonderful Things asked fest programmer Thom Powers to comment. "Those films share another quality besides their urgency," he said in part. "They all deliver as a theatrical experience. That's a big concern at TIFF because audiences are watching docs alongside big budget fiction work and bring high expectations." Powers is a good example of a veteran programmer who understands his audience without condescending to them.
News. The world in general may know him best as a Beastie Boy, but in the indie film world Adam Yauch has earned respect as the founder of Oscilloscope Pictures. It's probably not fair to call them a "fledgling" distribution outfit anymore, since Yauch and his team have taken chances on a wonderful collection of films, especially intimate dramas and documentaries, and found modest success which allows them to keep on rolling out more films.
On Monday, Yauch announced that he has cancer of the salivary throat gland and will be undergoing treatment. The Beastie Boys' tour has been postponed, as has the release of their next album. Scott Macauley at the Filmmaker Magazine blog has the details and Yauch's video. The good news is that the cancer is very treatable. And despite Yauch's illness, Eugene Hernandez at indieWIRE reports that business at Oscilloscope will continue as usual.
Like every other fan of the man's work, Cinematical wishes Yauch a speedy recovery.
* UPDATE: I corrected Tommy Davis' name. Thanks to commenter Gamer18548 for pointing out my mistake.


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"2013 Life In Color Rebirth TOUR"
This is not just a catchy phrase to live Life In Color, this is a time to live life to the fullest. The Life In Color Rebirth 2013 is a time to reconnect with all the things in your life that brings you back to your truest feelings. The moments that you are truly alive.
In Miami, Florida (July 9, 2012) Dayglow (Life in Color), recognized as the "World's Largest Paint Party", have launched their most ambitious tour schedule to date. With massive 30 dates already on the books for the "2012 The E.N.D (Electronic Never Dies) Tour", the ambition and size of this new project is very rare to see.
As they have perfected the right combination of paint, electronic dance music and showmanship, this party promises to take it all to the next level and more. We feel that Life In Color is going to blow your mind in a way that before was never possible.
Life In Color's DJ line-up Always Delivers
When Life In Color comes int your city, they certainly bring the worlds greatest Dj's and Performers. Megastars like; Alesso, Apollo V, Axwell, Benny Benassi, Borgore, Chuckie, Diplo, Fedde le Grand, Laidback Luke, R3hab, Steve Aoki, Sander van Doorn, Timbaland, and resident Dayglow DJ David Solano rocked the masses and created a true EDM movement that is alive and vibrant. Dayglow 2013 is definitely anticipated to become one of the hottest parties of the year, especially with almost every event last year was a sellout event. Life In Color Rebirth is looking to make big moves in 2013.
Life In Color #1 EDM Tour
Life In Color is known for anything its their ability to sell out their shows, which have totaled over 199 since their formation as Committee Entertainment. The event has also landed overseas having touched countries like Mexico, Australia, Ecuador, and Poland. The international profile of the tour just keeps expanding at an explosive rate.
In 2012 the Life In Color E.N.D (Electronic Never Dies) tour came to over twenty-five cities including Atlantic City, Boston, Boulder, Dallas, Charleston, Ft Myers, Gainesville, Kennesaw, Knoxville, Lincoln, Long Island, Louisville, Iowa City, Lubbock, Miami, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reading, Rochester, St. Louis, Tampa, Washington DC, Wilkes-Barre, and many more!
And make no mistake about it, this party IS an experience to remember. Do you ever feel like every party is always the same? Life in color ramps things up by creating a truly immersive experience. Paint cannons blast party-goers (who are always encouraged to wear white) with spectacular colors, while LED screens create a symbiotic visual effect that permeates through to every last person in the audience. Performers interact from the stage and inside the massive crowd to further enhance the interactive experience between party goer and event. At Life In Color, the lines between talent and patron are permanently blurred.
Life In Color Rebirth is truly set to become the awesome start to an exciting party! The tour will only stop at each city one a year starting in 2013, something that some cities last year saw multiple stops last year.
Buy Life In Color Merchandise
Head over to the official Life In Color merchandise shop Kotton Zoo, to pick up official shirts and other cool items from the Life In Color collection!
2013 The Rebirth Tour Dates
Feb 15 – Monterrey, MX
Feb 16 – Cancun, MX
Feb 16 – Bolder, CO
Feb 23 – Phoenix, AZ
Apr 5 – Columbus, OH
Apr 6 – Kalamazoo, MI
Apr 6 – Austin, TX
Apr 10 – Kingston, RI
Apr 12 – Albany, NY
Apr 13 – Rochester, NY
Apr 13 – Houston, Tx
Apr 14 – Worchester, MA
Apr 19 – Bloomington, IN
Apr 20 – Cincinnati, OH
Apr 26 – Athens, GA
Apr 27 – San Diego, CA
Apr 27 – Columbia, MO
May 4 – Cleveland, OH
June 1 – San Juan, PR
More updates and cities will be announced, but you can stay connected with the Life In Color Facebook Page.


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Conveniently situated close to popular Los Angeles and Southern California attractions such as Rose Bowl Stadium, Old Town Pasadena and California Institute of Technology, the Hilton Pasadena hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service within a 2-mile radius. The hotel is located 20 minutes from Bob Hope Burbank Airport (BUR) and 45 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Known as the 'City of Roses,' Pasadena, California is also home to the Rose Bowl Game and the annual Tournament of Roses Parade.
The California-style Guest Rooms at the Hilton Pasadena hotel offer lovely views of the San Gabriel Mountains or historic Old Pasadena and feature wireless high-speed internet access. Upgrade to a Deluxe Room and enjoy balcony views of the mountains or city. Spacious suites feature a parate living area and bedroom with a king-sized bed. Deluxe Suites are an ideal upgrade choice for extended business travel, as a bridal party dressing room or for guests who simply want extra room to relax.
Enjoy the California sunshine and a dip in the sparkling outdoor heated swimming pool with a whirlpool spa. Energize in the fully equipped fitness center with modern equipment. Relax with a refreshing drink or coffee in the Lobby Lounge or get a snack to go at Coffee Corner along with your favorite Starbucks coffee. Experience California dining at Trevos Restaurant with dishes created from healthy, fresh ingredients. Sample pasta, fresh seafood and decadent desserts in the sunshine on the patio.


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Increased utrophin expression is known to reduce pathology in dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscles. Transgenic over-expression of PGC-1α has been shown to increase levels of utrophin mRNA and improve the histology of mdx muscles. Other reports have shown that PGC-1α signaling can lead to increased oxidative capacity and a fast to slow fiber type shift. Given that it has been shown that slow fibers produce and maintain more utrophin than fast skeletal muscle fibers, we hypothesized that over-expression of PGC-1α in post-natal mdx mice would increase utrophin levels via a fiber type shift, resulting in more slow, oxidative fibers that are also more resistant to contraction-induced damage. To test this hypothesis, neonatal mdx mice were injected with recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) driving expression of PGC-1α. PGC-1α over-expression resulted in increased utrophin and type I myosin heavy chain expression as well as elevated mitochondrial protein expression. Muscles were shown to be more resistant to contraction-induced damage and more fatigue resistant. Sirt-1 was increased while p38 activation and NRF-1 were reduced in PGC-1α over-expressing muscle when compared to control. We also evaluated if the use a pharmacological PGC-1α pathway activator, resveratrol, could drive the same physiological changes. Resveratrol administration (100 mg/kg/day) resulted in improved fatigue resistance, but did not achieve significant increases in utrophin expression. These data suggest that the PGC-1α pathway is a potential target for therapeutic intervention in dystrophic skeletal muscle.
Citation: Selsby JT, Morine KJ, Pendrak K, Barton ER, Sweeney HL (2012) Rescue of Dystrophic Skeletal Muscle by PGC-1α Involves a Fast to Slow Fiber Type Shift in the mdx Mouse. PLoS ONE 7(1): e30063. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0030063
Editor: Denise Pires de Carvalho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Received: July 6, 2011; Accepted: December 12, 2011; Published: January 11, 2012
Copyright: © 2012 Selsby et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Funding: This work was supported by F32AR055005-01 (Dr. Selsby), the Center for Integrated Animal Genomics (Dr. Selsby) and U54AR052646-03 (Dr. Sweeney) from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
Dystrophin is a structural protein linking cytoskeletal actin to the sarcolemma through the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked, progressive muscle wasting disease caused by a non-functional dystrophin protein [1]. Clinically, this disease is normally diagnosed in the pre-school years as early developmental milestones are missed. It then progresses rapidly to wheelchair confinement by the early teen years followed by death due to respiratory or cardiac failure by the third decade. Whole muscles become progressively more fibrotic as greater numbers of fibers are lost to necrosis, impairing muscle function.
The primary functional defect resulting from dystrophin deficiency appears to be an increased susceptibility to contraction-induced rupture of the sarcolemma [2]. These sarcolemmal lesions, and possibly leaky Ca2+ channels [3], [4], increase Ca2+ influx into dystrophic fibers leading to protease activation [5], [6], [7] and free radical formation via cytosolic [8], [9], [10] and mitochondrial sources [11], [12], [13]. Excess Ca2+ is sequestered first in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) followed by the mitochondria, potentially contributing to pathologies in both organelles. Indeed, increased Ca2+ content in the SR and mitochondria has been detected in dystrophic skeletal muscle [14], [15]. Moreover, impaired ATP production and metabolic abnormalities have also been reported [16], [17].
Upregulation of the dystrophin-related protein, utrophin, is among the most promising of potential strategies for the treatment of DMD [18]. Utrophin is a structural protein that shares many similarities with dystrophin including actin and glycoprotein binding domains as well as hinge regions and spectrin-like repeats. Utrophin over-expression has been shown to rescue dystrophic skeletal muscles from dystrophin-deficient mouse [19], [20], [21] and dog models [22]. In mature skeletal muscle fibers utrophin expression is primarily limited to the nuclei at neuromuscular junctions, however, it is more widely expressed during regeneration [23]. Utrophin expression is under transcriptional [24], as well as post-transcriptional control [25], and levels of utrophin A gene expression are 3–4 fold higher in slow fiber types than in fast fibers due to both transcriptional and post-transcriptional modulation [26].
Given the apparent importance of utrophin upregulation as a therapy for DMD it is critical to establish a strategy leading to increased utrophin expression. Utrophin gene expression may be induced by a complex that associates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) and GABP via Host Cell Factor (HCF) or neuregulin, acting on the N-box domain of the utrophin gene [27], [28], [29].
Development of therapeutic strategies designed to offset mitochondrial dysfunction experienced in dystrophic skeletal muscle is also a high priority. Through a PGC-1α/ERRα/NRF-1/MTFa pathway, PGC-1α can also drive oxidative gene expression, potentially aiding damaged mitochondria and supporting ATP production [28], [30], [31], [32], [33]. Regulation of these divergent PGC-1α pathways appears to be phosphorylation dependent where unphosphorylated PGC-1α may favor induction of oxidative genes and MAPK p38 phosphorylation of PGC-1α and/or GABP drives fate toward slow gene expression [27]. It was previously shown that dystrophin-deficient mice with transgenic PGC-1α over-expression had reduced muscle injury in both sedentary and exercised conditions [27]. Many of these effects can be attributed to increased utrophin expression and increased oxidative capacity [27]. Despite this early success, it must be recognized that there may be significant therapeutic benefits during pre-natal development that would not be translatable to human populations [34], [35]. Consequently, there is a need to determine the extent to which PGC-1α over-expression following birth will attenuate the dystrophic phenotype.
Further, PGC-1α is activated by a number of upstream pathways including activation of Sirt-1 and AMPK. Sirt-1 activation increases PGC-1α activity through deacetylation and may be activated through resveratrol exposure [36], [37], [38]. Therefore resveratrol, or more potent Sirt-1 activators [39], may provide a pharmacological means to increase PGC-1α signaling in both mdx mice and eventually in DMD patients. Accordingly, we also examined the potential of resveratrol to mimic the effects of PGC-1α over-expression.
PGC-1α expression was found to be on average 12-fold higher in treated limbs when compared to control, with a range of 9.6–14.5 fold increase (Figure 1). Over-expression was due to exogenous PGC-1α produced by our vector, as confirmed using PCR primers against the 3′ UTR from our viral construct.
Six weeks following PGC-1α gene delivery total (PGC-1α) and viral (V-PGC-1α) expression was increased in treated limbs compared to untreated limbs (n = 6/group). * indicates p<0.05.
Muscle function (4 and 6 week old animals)
On the whole, muscle masses were reduced in the limbs over-expressing PGC-1α compared to control injected limbs at both four and six weeks (Table 1). At four weeks of age the TA, EDL, and gastrocnemius were reduced approximately 10%, 10%, 26%, respectively (p<0.05), and the soleus was similar between groups. At six weeks the masses of the TA, EDL, gastrocnemius, and soleus were reduced by approximately 20%, 15%, 27%, and 12%, respectively (p<0.05).
The EDL and soleus were further examined for muscle function. Due to the reduction in muscle mass, there was a corresponding reduction in muscle CSA in both the soleus and EDL at four and six weeks (Table 2). Despite the reductions in muscle mass and CSA, tetanic force was similar for both muscles at four weeks and at six weeks. Thus, despite their smaller size, muscles over-expressing PGC-1α were able to maintain force comparable, if not greater than control muscles. Finally, PGC-1α over-expression caused a 12% increase in specific tension in the six week EDL.
To determine the extent to which PGC-1α improved resistance to contraction induced injury, muscles underwent a series of five lengthening contractions. Forces were scaled to the maximal force generated during the first contraction. PGC-1α over-expression allowed a maintenance of 30–40% (p<0.05) greater force output during each contraction in the EDL (Figure 2). PGC-1α over-expression failed to improve resistance to contraction induced injury in the soleus (Figure S1). In order to determine the extent to which increasing PGC-1α would improve fatigue resistance, an endurance challenge was given to the muscles. Muscles were sub-maximally stimulated every second for ten minutes. The relative force generated during the final contraction was approximately 65% greater in the soleus (p<0.05) and 34% greater in the EDL (p<0.05) from six week old muscles over-expressing PGC-1α compared to control limbs (Figure 3). This pattern was also observed in the soleus taken from four week old animals (Figure S2). Importantly, muscle mass was not well correlated with fatigue resistance indicating changes observed are the result of improved physiology, not better oxygen diffusion in smaller muscles (Figure S3). Finally, PGC-1α over-expression reduced damage and centralized nucleation (indicator of ongoing degeneration/regeneration) in soleus muscles (Figure 4). Fiber area distribution was similar between groups (Figure S4).
PGC-1α over-expressing limbs were better able to maintain force during lengthening contractions when compared to control limbs (n = 13/group). Data from age matched C57 animals is included for reference purposes. * indicates p<0.05. Con – contraction.
Muscle fatigue curves in the soleus (n = 6/group) and EDL (n = 7/group) (A) during 10 minutes of a fatigue protocol where muscles are contracted every second for 10 minutes. Force of the final contraction (B) was significantly higher in the soleus and EDL muscles over-expressing PGC-1α when compared to control muscle. * indicates p<0.05.
10× micrographs of six week old soleus muscles following H and E staining (A and B). (C) The total areas of necrotic, H&E negative, or regenerating cells were quantified and is expressed as a percent of the total soleus area. In addition, laminin was detected with a fluorescently labeled antibody (not shown) in order to determine central nucleation. (D) PGC-1α caused a reduction in central nucleation. N = 5/group; * indicates p<0.05.
Protein expression (6 week old animals)
As the overall condition and function of muscles over-expressing PGC-1α was improved, we sought to determine the extent to which PGC-1α over-expression induced expression of utrophin and other proteins related to slow muscle. In order to maximize data produced from these animals, Western blots were performed in gastrocnemius with limited confirmation in the soleus. Western blot analysis revealed that utrophin expression was increased two fold in the gastrocnemius (p<0.05; Figure 5) and approximately 17% in the soleus (Figure S5; p<0.05) in response to PGC-1α over-expression. To confirm that the increase in utrophin was due to an absolute increase in protein, the membrane protein spectrin and the regulatory protein troponin were evaluated. In both cases, they were similar between groups indicating that the increase in utrophin is due to protein accumulation rather than merely a reflection of smaller fibers with increased surface area to volume ratios.
Slow genes are shown in black (utrophin – A, slow myosin heavy chain – B) oxidative genes are shown in gray (cytochrome C – C, uncoupling protein-1 – D, complex IV subunit IV – E, myoglobin – F, Hsp 60 – G), pathway genes are shown in white (Sirt-1 – H, nuclear respiratory factor -1 – I, p38 – J, phospho-p38 – K), and controls have diagonal lines (Actin – L, Troponin – M, Spectrin – N). Relative change compared to control limbs (n = 6/group) (O). * indicates p<0.05 compared to control limbs.
Slow myosin heavy chain was increased by three fold in PGC-1α over-expressing muscle compared to control (Figure 5). We confirmed these data by quantifying the fiber type switch occurring in the soleus through histological determination of type I and type II fibers (Figure 6). Consistent with the Western blot analysis, an increase in the total number and relative number of type I staining fibers was detected as well as a corresponding decrease in type II fibers.
Histological sections of soleus (10×) were exposed to an antibody against the slow isoform of myosin heavy chain (A). A C57 (healthy) section is included as reference (Left). The control limb (middle) shows moderate type I content. The corresponding injected limb (Right) clearly has an elevation in type I content. In serial sections, we also evaluated type II myosin heavy chain content (B). A C57 (healthy) section is included for reference (Left). The control limb (middle) shows high levels of type II expression. PGC-1α caused a reduced expression of type II fibers (Right). The absolute fiber numbers from each section expressing type I and II fibers were counted and recorded (C). PGC-1α caused a shift toward type I fibers and away from type II fibers. These were then made relative to total fiber number (D). Once again, a type I shift is observed. N = 9/group; * indicates p<0.05.
PGC-1α has also been implicated in mitochondrial biogenesis. As it was apparent that muscles were more fatigue resistant we assessed several oxidative and mitochondrial markers. Cytochrome C, complex IV subunit IV, myoglobin, and UCP-1 were increased between 40% and 2.5 fold (p<0.05) in PGC-1α over-expressing muscles while Hsp 60 remained unchanged when compared to control limbs (Figure 5).
Finally, we made initial determinations of several PGC-1α pathway activity regulators. Upstream activator Sirt-1 was increased 2.25 fold, however, an alternative activator, phospho-p38, was reduced by 33% in treated limbs when compared to control limbs with p38 similar between groups (Figure 5). Finally, NRF-1 was decreased by 50% in PGC-1α over-expressing muscle when compared to control muscle.
6 mo animals
Six months following injection of a virus causing expression of PGC-1α into the subxyphoid region, diaphragm function was assessed. As diaphragm strips may vary by size, we report only specific tension. Specific tension was similar between treated and untreated animals (Figure S6). PGC-1α over-expression improved resistance to contraction induced injury by 20–40% in contractions 3–5 (p<0.05; con 4 – p = 0.08; Figure 7), however fatigue resistance was similar between groups (Figure 7). Fibrosis was also similar between groups (Figure S7), though, there appeared to be a non-significant trend toward type I fiber expression in muscle over-expressing PGC-1α compared to control (data not shown).
Neonatal mdx mice were injected in the sub-xyphiod region in order to cause diaphragmatic infection and sacrificed 6 mo later. Diaphragms over-expressing PGC-1α were more resistant to contraction induced injury (n = 4 Con; n = 7 PGC-1α) (A; Contraction 4 – p = 0.08), however, fatigue resistance was similar between groups (n = 7/group) (B). * indicates p<0.05.
To determine if an orally available Sirt-1 activator could cause similar benefits to dystrophic muscle, one month old mdx mice were fed diets containing 0 mg/kg/day, 100 mg/kg/day or 400 mg/kg/day resveratrol. Eight weeks of 100 mg/kg/day resveratrol feeding reduced body weights with a corresponding reduction in muscle mass, in similar fashion to virally induced PGC-1α (Table 3). Animals fed a diet containing 100 mg/kg/day resveratrol demonstrated increased fatigue resistance in the soleus (Figure 8), however failed to increase resistance to injury in the soleus or EDL (Figure 9). Further, elevated oxidative or slow proteins could not be detected, though utrophin expression tended to be increased in resveratrol treated animals (p = 0.13; data not shown).
One month old mdx mice were fed a diet containing 100 mg/kg/day resveratrol or control diet for eight weeks. Resveratrol feeding increased fatigue resistance in the soleus (A) and force generated during the final contraction (B ) was higher in treated animals when compared to control. n = 8 Con; n = 6 Res; * indicates p<0.05.
Feeding a diet containing 100 mg/kg/day resveratrol for eight weeks did not improve resistance to contraction induced injury in (A) the EDL (n = 8 Con; n = 6 Res) or (B) the soleus (n = 8/group) when compared to control.
Due to the high mortality rate of the 400 mg/kg/day resveratrol group limited data was collected. Body weight and muscle mass of the soleus, gastrocnemius, TA, and EDL were similar between groups. Of potential concern was that relative heart weight was increased slightly in treated animals compared to control (4.4±0.17 mg/g Con; 5.0±0.07 mg/g; p<0.05). Muscle function in the EDL was similar between treated and control animals. In the soleus tetanic force was 25% greater (p<0.05) in treated animals compared to control (164±40 mN Control; 216±1.2 mN Resveratrol) and specific tension was increased 33% (p<0.05) in treated animals compared to control (10.3±1.2 N/cm2 Control; 15.4±1.52 N/cm2).
Pharmacological agents to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy have advanced little since the late 1970s when steroid use appeared [40]. More recently an array of strategies has been proposed targeting various components of the disease [6], [7], [18], [41], [42], [43], [44]. Utrophin over-expression has repeatedly been used in animal models as an effective means of rescuing dystrophic skeletal muscle, though a practical method of human implementation has not yet been developed [18]. While it has been shown that transgenic PGC-1α over-expression would increase utrophin expression in dystrophic skeletal muscles of the mdx mouse [27], this has not been shown in the case of postnatal upregulation, which is of potential therapeutic significance. In addition, developmental abnormalities have been reported in dystrophin deficient muscle [34], [35] that could be potentially aided by transgenic PGC-1α over-expression. Hence, it is critical to establish that PGC-1α over-expression following uterine development will reduce disease severity.
These data represent the first evidence that activation of the PGC-1α pathway in post-natal dystrophic (mdx) mice will induce expression of proteins associated with the slow gene program. Consistent with what had been shown in dystrophic skeletal muscle taken from transgenic animals over-expressing PGC-1α [27], utrophin expression was elevated in treated limb muscles. Further, the increase in utrophin expression occurred in muscle with fewer centralized nuclei meaning increased utrophin expression in treated limbs was over and above that seen resulting from typical regeneration-mediated utrophin expression [23]. We also established that type I MHC is over-expressed, indicating a shift from fast-twitch (type II) to slow-twitch (type I) fibers. In healthy and dystrophic muscle Type I fibers have greater utrophin expression than type II fibers [26], [45]. Further supporting a type I shift was a reduction in muscle mass, though corresponding reductions in muscle fiber cross sectional area were not detected likely due to the high variability of fiber size in this study.
Muscle from limbs over-expressing PGC-1α was better able to maintain force production during a fatigue protocol when compared to control muscle reflecting an improved endurance capacity. Accordingly, expression of the mitochondrial proteins cytochrome C, UCP-1, and complex IV (subunit IV) as well as myoglobin were increased in PGC-1α over-expressing limbs compared to control limbs. Given the improved endurance capacity and increased expression of oxidative proteins, it is likely that the cells are more capable of ATP production and may also indicate an increased mitochondrial number or volume. Speculatively, aside from an increased platform to produce ATP, increased mitochondrial volume is likely beneficial to dystrophic muscle as a secondary well for Ca2+ sequestering [12], [14] potentially limiting the contributions of calpains [5], [6], [46] and free radicals [8], [9], [10] to disease-related muscle injury. Further, as a consequence of increased mitochondrial volume we would hypothesize that there is less Ca2+/mitochondrion leading to less mitochondrial dysfunction throughout the cell providing an additional means for increased ATP production. The metabolic aspect of dystrophin-deficiency is an important consideration as it appears very early in disease progression [47], [48] and may represent a primary mechanism of disease pathology.
In addition to measuring slow and oxidative protein expression we also assessed PGC-1α pathway changes as a result of PGC-1α over-expression. Interestingly, Sirt-1 expression was increased in treated muscle when compared to control despite being upstream of PGC-1α. Sirt-1 is a deacetylase that acts on PGC-1α to increase its activity [36], [37], [38]. It seems likely that Sirt-1 activity could lead to either oxidative or slow gene activation. In contrast, phosphorylated p38 and NRF-1 content were reduced in PGC-1α over-expressing muscle. Long-term reduction in NRF-1 expression may help to explain the observation that resistance to fatigue is similar in treated and control 6 mo old diaphragms. It is possible that this observation is an attempt to decrease signaling through the PGC-1α pathway in the face of massive PGC-1α over-expression and that NRF-1 and phosphorylation of PGC-1α by p38 represent points of regulation. Alternatively, reduced phospho-p38 expression may also indicate that cells from treated limbs are under less stress than cells from control limbs [49], [50].
For the potential benefits of PGC-1α to be evaluated in human DMD patients, a pharmacological approach must be identified. Previous studies using resveratrol to activate Sirt-1 (a PGC-1α activator) demonstrated increased oxidative gene expression [36], [51]. Activation of this pathway has protected mice against diabetes related pathologies as well as helped to prevent obesity [36], [51]. Thus, in an independent experiment, mdx mice were fed 100 mg/kg resveratrol or control diet for two months. Supplementation of the diet with resveratrol resulted in improved fatigue resistance and reduced muscle weights, which is consistent with observations made in comparing PGC-1α over-expressing limbs to control limbs. It did not, however, improve resistance to contraction-induced injury though tended to increase utrophin content. Thus, resveratrol mimicked some, but not all, changes associated PGC-1α pathway activation suggesting that either an alternative dose of resveratrol or more potent Sirt-1 activator [39] should be evaluated.
An alternative approach is to provide orally available PPAR agonists. Indeed, a PPAR agonist was recently used to increase utrophin expression and reduce eccentric muscle injury in mdx mice [52]. Caution should be taken with use of these drugs, however, as PPAR agonists known as thiazolidinediones have recently been linked to heart disease [53], [54], [55] and cancer [56]. Related, our initial study design called for an mdx group to be supplemented with 400 mg/kg/day, however, despite early replacement of lost animals, only three animals reached the end of the eight week dosing regimen indicating potential toxicity with this drug. Given though the success of other investigations at this dose it may point to a source dependent effect rather than an effect of the resveratrol dose, per se.
In summary, activation of the PGC-1α pathway could lead to dystrophic muscles that are more resistant to contraction induced damage and fatigue. Further, we demonstrated that the basis of improved muscle function likely involves a shift to slower fiber types with concomitant increases in utrophin expression. In the dystrophic skeletal muscles of humans with DMD, type II fibers have been shown to undergo degeneration before slow fiber types, providing evidence in humans of the protective effects of the slow gene program, and likely increased utrophin levels [57]. Moreover, it has been shown that variability in disease severity in DMD boys is linked to differences in utrophin expression levels [58]. It is reasonable to suggest that this may reflect differences in the percentage of slow vs. fast fibers among individual DMD patients. If so, then the approach of shifting human DMD muscles toward an increased slow-twitch fiber profile may indeed provide therapeutic benefit. However, the degree of benefit seen in the mdx mouse is likely to be much greater since it begins with higher fast fiber type content than humans. Future studies will attempt to ascertain how much benefit is tied to the possible fiber type shift and the impact on both slow and fast-twitch muscles needs to be differentially evaluated.
Animal treatments
All animals procedures were done in accordance with the guiding principles of animal use established by the American Physiological Society and were approved the IACUC at the University of Pennsylvania (protocol number 801770). In order to test our hypotheses, neonatal mdx mice from our colony were injected with adeno-associated virus (AAV) pseudotype 2/6 expressing mouse PGC-1α. To inject pups, a technique called cryosedation was used. Briefly, pups were placed on ice with a thin plastic barrier until they could be handled without excessive movement, allowing accurate and precise injection [59]. In one investigation, mice were injected with 1×1011 gc delivered in 50 ul to the lower right hind limb with a depth of approximately 1 mm while contralateral limbs were injected with an equal volume of saline [44], [60], [61]. This technique is effective for achieving transgene expression in the soleus, gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and extensor digitorum longus. Mice were sacrificed at four and six weeks of age. For long-term studies, neonatal mice were injected with virus as above in the subxyphoid region in order to infect the diaphragm or given a sham injection and sacrificed at six months of age [44], [62].
In an independent study designed to determine the extent to which an orally available Sirt-1 activator could mimic the effects of virally mediated PGC-1α over-expression, one month old male mdx mice were fed either a control diet (AIN-93; Bioserv) or a diet containing 100 mg/kg/day of resveratrol (Sigma) for eight weeks. We also included a group of animals that was given 400 mg/kg/day resveratrol. Only 3 treated animals in this group survived the eight week study period, despite early efforts to replace several lost animals, hence only limited data was collected.
To prepare virus, PGC-1α cDNA was amplified from mouse skeletal muscle mRNA using primers that added restriction sites at the 5′ and 3′ ends. The restriction sites allowed the PGC-1α transgene to be inserted into an expression vector developed at the Vector Core at the University of Pennsylvania designed to express PGC-1α under control of the constitutive chicken beta actin promoter with CMV enhancer. After confirming the sequence of the insert and inverted terminal repeats (ITR) in the plasmid it was amplified for viral preparation. Vectors were produced according to the previously described pseudotyping protocol by the Vector Core at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia [63]. Briefly, recombinant AAV genomes containing AAV2 ITR's were packaged by triple transfection of 293 cells with a cis-plasmid containing the PGC-1α transgene, an adenovirus helper plasmid, and a chimeric trans-plasmid containing the AAV2 rep gene fused to the capsid gene of the AAV6 serotype. AAV6 has been previously shown to successfully deliver transgenes into skeletal muscle [64].
Muscle function
Upon animal sacrifice, muscle mechanics testing was performed on muscles removed from the mice at the Physiological Assessment Core of the Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Center at the University of Pennsylvania. All animals were given an injection of a ketamine/xylazine cocktail to induce a surgical level of anesthesia. Limb muscles or diaphragms were removed as appropriate, weighed, and contractile function was performed according to standard techniques [6], [44], [62], [65], [66]. Briefly, function was determined with an Aurora dual mode lever system (Ontario, Canada) interfaced with a Dell Dimension 2400 desk top computer and controlled with DMC software (version 3.2). Muscles were placed in oxygenated Ringers solution such that the proximal and distal tendons were attached to clamps. One end was connected to a force transducer and the other to an anchor. Bilateral electrodes were placed longitudinally adjacent to the muscle to create a field upon stimulation. Optimum length (Lo) was determined using standard techniques followed by supramaximal stimulation (EDL – 120 Hz, Sol – 100 Hz, diaphragm – 100 Hz) in order to achieve tetanic contractions. Each muscle performed three 500 msec tetanic contractions at Lo with five minutes between each trial. Cross sectional area (CSA) and specific tension were estimated using standard equations and constants [67]. Some EDL muscles, solei, and one diaphragm strip were given a series of five lengthening contractions in order to determine resistance to damage (80 Hz for 500 msec followed by 200 msec at 110% Lo). Other EDL muscles, solei and one diaphragm strip were stimulated for once per second for 10 minutes (200 µsec pulse, 100 Hz, 330 msec duration) in order to determine resistance to fatigue.
Muscles were removed, weighed, and frozen in melting isopentane. Ten micrometer histological sections were cut at −30°C with a Leica CM3000 cryostat (Bannockburn, IL). Hematoxylin and eosin staining were accomplished according to standard techniques. Immunohistochemistry was performed as follows: tissues were washed in PBS for 10 minutes and blocked by covering each section with 5% BSA for 15 minutes. Sections were then incubated overnight at 4°C in primary antibody (MHCs, Nova Castra, New Castle, UK; Laminin, Neomarkers, Fremont, CA) at a dilution of 1∶100 in 5% BSA. They were then washed three times in PBS and incubated with secondary antibody at a dilution of 1∶200 in 5% BSA for one hour in the dark. Sections were washed three times for ten minutes in PBS and the coverslip mounted with Vectashield with DAPI. In order to determine the extent to which central nucleation was altered by our intervention the total number of cells in a cross section was determined (approximately 1,000 cells). Next, muscle cells containing a centralized nucleus were counted. Data is expressed as the percent of total muscle cells counted with a centralized nucleus. To measure the cross sectional area of muscle fibers the cross sectional area of each muscle fiber in a section was measured using calibrated Openlab software. The cross sectional area of each fiber was recorded then assigned to a size range (binning). The mean percentage of fibers within a bin was determined for each size range for both untreated and treated limbs.
Selected muscles were also removed, weighed and frozen in liquid nitrogen for biochemical analysis. Western blotting was done as previously described with minor modifications [68]. Muscle was powdered on dry ice and lysed using lysis buffer at a 1∶10 dilution [6]. Protein concentration was determined by the method of Biuret. Following dilution of whole homogenate to 2.5 mg/ml in reducing buffer, 25 µg protein was loaded into 4–20% gradient gels and separated vertically by molecular weight. Transfer was accomplished by using the I-blot system from Invitrogen (Carlsbad, CA). Primary antibodies were used as described below in 1% milk dissolved in 0.1% Tween-20 buffered TBS overnight at 4°C. Primary antibodies were used as follows: utrophin 1∶100 (Vector – Burlingame, CA), cytochrome C 1∶1000 (Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA), TnI 1∶1000 (Santa Cruz), Hsp 60 1∶1000 (Abcam – Cambridge, MA), MHCs 1∶1000 (Nova Castra), Sirt-1 1∶1000 (Millipore – Bedford, MA), phospho-p38 1∶1000 (Cell Signaling Technology – Boston, MA), p38 1∶1000 (Cell Signaling Technology), UCP-1 1∶100 (Abcam), Complex IV subunit IV 1∶2500 (Mitosciences – Eugene, OR), NRF-1 1∶000 (Abcam), myoglobin 1∶500 (Santa Cruz), actin 1∶2000 (Neomarkers), and spectrin 1∶1000 (Novacastra). Secondary antibodies were incubated for one hour at room temperature at 2× primary dilution such that an antibody used at 1∶1000 for primary antibody would receive a 1∶2000 dilution of secondary in 1% milk dissolved in TTBS. Blots were exposed to SuperSignal (Thermo Scientific, Rockford, IL) for 3–4 minutes and emitted light captured with film. Following development, blots were quantified using Kodak software (Rochester, NY) with the automated band find function, where possible, in order to remove researcher bias. Further, beta-actin was quantified and used as a loading control to assure equal amounts of protein were loaded for each sample. Actin did not differ between groups for any gel run indicating consistent loading.
RNA was isolated according to standard techniques. Briefly, muscle was powdered over dry ice and homogenized with Trizol. Following centrifugation and extraction with chloroform, RNA was precipitated with isopropanol. The RNA pellet was resuspended in nuclease free water. rtPCR was performed to convert RNA to cDNA, and then qPCR was used to assess gene expression. Two sets of primers were designed to distinguish between total and exogenous PGC-1α. The first, which measured total PGC-1α, was designed internally within the gene. The second set, which was used to determine viral expression of PGC-1α, was directed against the viral 3′ UTR.
Data collected as part of PGC-1α gene transfer studies, where control and treated limbs are found within the same animal, were compared using a paired T-test. Data collected as part of resveratrol supplementation studies were compared using a T-test. Resistance to fatigue was determined by comparing force generated during the final contraction. Significance was determined a priori at p<0.05. Data are presented as means ± SEM unless otherwise noted.
Supporting Information
Figure S1.
PGC-1α over-expression fails to improve resistance to contraction induced injury in the soleus. Six weeks following viral injection of a virus driving PGC-1α, treated solei had a similar resistance to contraction induced injury as control muscle. n = 7/group.
Figure S2.
Resistance to fatigue is improved with PGC-1α gene transfer. Four weeks following injection of virus driving PGC-1α, soleus muscles were more resistant to fatigue than control. The fatigue curve (A) was significantly different from control and the force generated during the final contraction (B) was higher in PGC-1α over-expressing muscle when compared to control. N = 7/group; * indicates p<0.05.
Figure S3.
Muscle mass and fatigue resistance were poorly correlated. The percent of initial force from fatigue curves was plotted against muscle mass in order to determine the extent to which muscle size may impact fatigue data. As four and six week old mdx hind limb muscle are physiologically distinct and treated and control limbs are physiologically distinct they were fitted independently. R2 and corresponding p-values were as follows: 4 wk mdx – 0.006, p<0.86; 4 wk mdx-PGC-1α – 0.055, p<0.61; 6 wk mdx – 0.07, p<0.61; 6 wk mdx-PGC-1α – 0.42, p<0.15.
Figure S4.
Fiber area distribution in the soleus 6 wks following gene transfer. The percent of fibers within a given cross sectional area range was determined for treated and untreated soleus muscles (approximately 1,000 fibers/muscle). Fiber area distribution was similar between groups. n = 5/group.
Figure S5.
Protein expression in the soleus 6 wks following gene transfer. Representative Western blots from the soleus (A) were quantified and generally support the notion of increased utrophin (B) and expression of oxidative proteins (C and D). n = 9/group; * indicates P<0.05.
Figure S6.
Specific tension in the diaphragm six months following gene transfer. Six months of PGC-1α over-expression (n = 7) did not improve the specific tension in diaphragm strips compared to control muscle (n = 8).
Figure S7.
Fiber and Fibrotic area in the diaphragm. Six months following PGC-1α over-expression, fibrotic area and fiber area were similar between treated and untreated animals (n = 6/group).
Author Contributions
Conceived and designed the experiments: JTS ERB HLS. Performed the experiments: JTS KJM KP. Analyzed the data: JTS KJM ERB KP HLS. Contributed reagents/materials/analysis tools: ERB HLS. Wrote the paper: JTS HLS. Critical evaluation of manuscript: KJM ERB KP.
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- 64. Yin H, Lu Q, Wood M (2008) Effective exon skipping and restoration of dystrophin expression by peptide nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotides in mdx mice. Mol Ther 16: 38–45.
- 65. Barton ER, Morris L, Kawana M, Bish LT, Toursel T (2005) Systemic administration of L-arginine benefits mdx skeletal muscle function. Muscle Nerve 32: 751–760.
- 66. Morine KJ, Bish LT, Selsby JT, Gazzara JA, Pendrak K, et al. (2010) Activin IIB receptor blockade attenuates dystrophic pathology in a mouse model of duchenne muscular dystrophy. Muscle Nerve 42: 722–730.
- 67. Brooks SV, Faulkner JA (1988) Contractile properties of skeletal muscles from young, adult and aged mice. J Physiol 404: 71–82.
- 68. Selsby JT, Dodd SL (2005) Heat treatment reduces oxidative stress and protects muscle mass during immobilization. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 289: R134–139.


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Low Fat Pita Chips
Total Time
Prep 5 mins
Cook 15 mins
These are delicious, and very low in fat! I've served these with all sorts of dips, salsas, or hummus, and they always disappear-even before all the store bought chips or crackers. Feel free to experiment with the different spices shaken over the tops. Cumin is great for Mexican dips, but the Garlic Powder works really well too. Cayene pepper might be nice too if you like things a bit more spicy!
Ingredients Nutrition
- 5 (6 inch) whole wheat pita bread
- olive oil flavored cooking spray
- 3⁄4 teaspoon ground cumin (your choice) or 3⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder (your choice) or 3⁄4 teaspoon onion powder (your choice)
- salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Cut each pita into 8 pieces, and then separate the pita"halves" to make 16 triangles per pita.
- Spray baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray.
- Arrange chips in a single layer on the baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- I usually need two baking sheets to fit all the chips in one single layer.
- Sprinkle each tray with half of either the cumin, garlic powder, OR onion powder, depending on your preference.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake until chips are crisp, about 10-15 minutes.
- The pita chips can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for several days.
Most Helpful
What a treat! I sprinkled cinnamon and sugar over the top. Not as healthy but delicious and great for a comfort food.
These are so delicious and easy! I made them with just salt... I like something simple to go with my homemade hummus. :) Thank you for posting the recipe!
Perfection! I've had difficulty with chips getting too hard in the past, but this baking temperature and time is right on. I used coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper - they are awesome. Thanks!


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Open Forum: Experience-plus
To the residents of the City of Winchester: My name is Leonard Bauserman. I am your Democratic candidate for City Sheriff. I announced my candidacy April 20.
In that announcement, I stated the…
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text:
My little guys LOVE surprises of all kinds! Whenever we want to get them excited about an activity or something we are going to do all we need to include is the word 'Surprise' to get their hearts full of anticipation. We began creating Foil Surprise Balls for car trips, airplane trips, trips to the park, and other outings as a Great Fine-Motor Skill {in disguise} as a Surprise Snack.
Foil 'Surprise' Balls are such a fun treat, and can be made ahead by parents for a 'complete surprise' or prepared by kids and parents together. We love to make a few, toss them into a large Ziploc bag, and then let each boy select their own when it is time for a snack. They love the anticipation of what they will select or find inside. I love that a small healthy snack can be thrown into the mix and then appreciated much more than if I would offer it by itself!
Today I am sharing this activity over at Kid's Activities Blog!


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Hi! My name is MYSTERY
I am Domestic Longhair from HARBOR CITY, CA
Nicknames: REE-REE,MYST
Age: 13 years old
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Coat: long haired
Education: I love the new wood floor, I skate on it a lot, but I forget that Mom closes the balcony door and I skate into to it!
My favorite tricks and treats are: yep I don't do want I am told not to do and cat nip
Where I hang out: on top on our friend's cage; he is a Ferret name Monkee!
My favorite grubs: fish and more fish
My pet peeves: My younger brother Nee Chee; he thinks he is so cool!
What I love about my owners: She loves me and all my faults
My cat hobbies: tease the crap out of my older sisters oh and claw up my human Mom's couch purrrr !
Pet motto: I am cool!
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text:
8 Personal Financial software for Linux
Usually I'm not so precise and methodical and so I've never used a program of this type to keep track of my expenses, but the other day I wondered if Linux had some software in this category, and I was amazed by the variety and quality of software available for our beloved Penguin.
So here's a roundup of the software in this category.
The first software in this roundup must be GnuCah, this is one of the most famous software in this category and is known also by people that don't use these software(like me).
Comments are closed.
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Fred Whitacre is a man of many talents.
He is an AP senior English teacher and broadcasting instructor at Warren G. Harding High School, runs the Warren Student Communication Network (WSCN TV) and is a robotics team adviser. The Girard resident also is a musician, playing in both Kitchen Knife Conspiracy and White Cadillac.
But with all of those demands on his time, Whitacre needed to discipline himself to write his own music. To accomplish this mission, he created the website FridayNightTracks.com, which is devoted to his music and designed to connect with other musicians.
Article Photos
Special to the Tribune Chronicle
Girard musician Fred Whitacre showcases his own music and the work of others on the website FridayNightTracks.com.
"It started with a challenge for myself - I wanted to write, record and mix one song per week for an entire year," he said. "I knew it would be tough to find time every week, but I set my mind to trying it, and so far, so good. I've posted one song per week on FridayNightTracks.com.
"Immediately, I wanted to get other musicians in the area who like to try experimental solo stuff on board. The webpage is a place for my own personal creative outlet and a place to connect with other musicians in the area. I am not trying to make money off of it, I just want this to be a method for other artists to spread their message."
Whitacre has written some powerful originals, including "Love You Like I Love You," "Gave A Mile" and "The Walls." He also has recorded some classic covers such as Lou Reed's "Perfect Day" and "You Light Up My Life," the '70s Debby Boone hit written by Joe Brooks. Other local musicians who have recorded tracks for the site include Jason West from the band The Champions of All Time and Miller from the Youngstown band Alias X.
"I would love to start doing a monthly podcast which features only artists and music from the site. This is another way to spread the word. As someone who teaches radio and TV broadcasting, I am quite comfortable in that element," Whitacre said.
Right now it's more about getting as many musicians as he can to record a track a week. Whitacre seeks to promote his music, as well as showcasing the introspective sides of various musicians and musical peers.
"I would like to have 10, 12 guys who can record one tune a week and give it to me to post on the site," he said. "Then we can share the links and get some listens. The site is an opportunity to get people to hear your stuff."
Friday Night Tracks grew out of an earlier idea started by Whitacre and some of his musical friends.
"A few years ago, several friends in the area started a group called Friday By Five," Whitacre said. "It was a group of six or seven of us. The group included musicians who have played in multiple bands in Youngstown including Dave Biscella, Jason West, Brian and Jake Johnson, Kevin Sturdevant, Ric Panning and Matt Liller. I didn't have a studio set up at home yet, so I did what I could. I didn't make it every Friday - no one did - but we got a song on there almost every week. It was cool just to listen to what each of us was doing."
Whitacre said that having the webpage is a vehicle to encourage and force himself to complete a track a week.
"Honestly, creative people get bogged down with adulthood. You are silenced by responsibilities and work. So you have to force yourself to have time. After about four or five months, the Friday By Five idea was done. I knew I'd come back to that concept again," Whitacre said.


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I really enjoyed this course although you do need to have a business idea in your mind to do the course and get the most out of it.
The course covers all you need to know to initially get a business off the ground. The legal side and the monetary side, the resources you will need and just about everything. I love planning and that is why I enjoyed the course, really glad I took it.
I dropped out of the business idea but still managed a grade 3 pass.
Christine Maloney
Course starting: October 2014
Review posted: June 2015
Well structured course - easy to follow, clear guidelines for setting up a new business venture. Good quality written materials as you would expect from the OU.
Disappointingly poor tutor guidance and support however - which is unusual for the OU in my experience. Very little encouragement to participate in our tutor group TGF, resulting in most students having to resort to the overall module forum to ask questions relating to topics covered by the workbooks.
Responses from our own tutor were too slow (or non-existent) meaning that in the run up to the EMA, questions were being posted to him that remained unanswered on the TGF until the deadline was actually upon us.
Ultimately I felt that the fee for the programme was purely for the written notes and most certainly not for any tutor support. I expect better from the OU.
Course starting: November 2013
Review posted: June 2014
The course materials - and the underpinning assessment, moderation and quality assurance process - encourage students to be self-directed learners who adopt an independent and innovative approach to exploring new business ventures. As a result, the B322 tutor role may vary slightly from other modules. We will seek to make this clearer to prospective students.
The Tutor Group Forum is an interactive resource for students to seek peer feedback and support. Participation is not obligatory and some students may not be comfortable sharing their new business ideas in a public domain – so participation levels can vary.
B322 is a unique course that guides a student through the process of determining the likely success (or otherwise) of a particular 'business' venture (I use 'business' like this because their idea may be a social enterprise, not simply something to generate a profit, etc.). The course covers the creation, marketing, financing, etc. of the idea, which can involve a lot of thought and research as a result depending on the idea itself in a methodical, but logical, manner.
The course material is very well written and the OU tutors, as ever, were both informative and accessible. Divided into two main blocks, there is not much reading to do (it is not that type of module) but many 'prompts' to help you maintain the thought processes and reflect on your progress, together with many useful online exercises that will form part of the 'R&D' process that students need to do well with both the TMAs and the (largely summative) EMA.
It definitely helps to have an idea of either a product and/or service as soon as possible, preferably before you begin the course. I did not, hence struggled initially, especially being somewhat surrounded by (seemingly) older and more experienced business people. Also, you may find yourself having to 'adapt' your idea along the way to satisfy some of the application methods of the course. However, it is genuinely pleasing to witness the culmination of your hard work (and believe me, it will be hard!), especially if you believe it to be an idea worthy of progressing.
B322 counted as the final module of my BSc (Hons) Open degree and obtaining a grade 2 pass in it allowed me to achieve a First Class in my degree overall, which I was very happy with as one might imagine, therefore I will always remember B322 with great fondness as I sweated (at times almost literally, due to the frustrating nature of it!). Either way, it is an enjoyable, but challenging, course, for which the OU should be congratulated for in developing.
Course starting: November 2012
Review posted: February 2014
A very interesting and practical course. Unlike other modules I have studied in working towards my BA Business Studies this taught effectively how to prepare a persuasive business plan. It was limited in terms of the amount of reading and theory to digest which was a welcome change.
Although my business was only an idea that I would not necessarily pursue the course provided the tools that would be applicable for future plans.
Highly recommended course for putting theory into practice.
Heather Longden
Course starting: November 2012
Review posted: November 2013
I really did enjoy this course, it's a great way to see if your business model will be marketable and a winner. The EMA was basically a business plan and a collaboration of all your previous work throughout the module.
My biggest gripe with the course is the feedback from the EMA, I didn't get much and my mark was lower than I hoped but then this is in line with the way the OU provide feedback for your final assignments.
Overall, I think this course is workable but suggest that you have a product or service in mind before starting.
Course starting: November 2012
Review posted: September 2013
I did find this course enjoyable. On other courses I have done I have found it can be very difficult to get good marks on your EMA, this course really brings every TMA together into the EMA with some critical reflection.
I found the pace of this course and the content covered to be very good. It helped to pull together knowledge from previous and current courses I am studying.
James Hardingham
Course starting: November 2012
Review posted: September 2013
As a business owner with plans to launch other businesses, I found that this course to a bit like a 'business start up buddy'. Everything contained within it helped to build an honest picture.
For months I had been working on an idea, but the course tasks and assignments gave me the real facts - that it wasn't profitable. Everyone should conduct financial projections and research their business ideas in full before progressing.
Assignments were challenging, yet rewarding.
Excellent course and has given me solid information to progress other ideas.
Christina Giliberti
Course starting: November 2011
Review posted: March 2013
This was an easy enough course even though I have jumped up from Level 1. I think I could have managed another 30-credit module with this.
If you have a business idea it gives you the tools and a structure to assess it. Do make sure, that you don't over complicate your idea and/or you choose something you are interested in, as it will bite you back.
Half of the workload is doing research about your idea and the TMAs build on each other and the EMA is the consolidation of your TMAs, so it is worth putting the effort in so the EMA will then be quite easy.
The tutor gave me good feedback, which gave me good pointers on how to build on my idea and TMAs. Overall I'm happy.
Course starting: November 2011
Review posted: July 2012
A good all round course that allows you to explore a new business venture or idea from initial concept through to marketing and possible launch.
However I found the structure of the TMAs and ECA to be very repetitive, in the 2009/10 presentation each TMA starts with a 500ish word question broken into four parts and then a 2000ish word report to be addressed to "an interested investor" with the ECA being exactly the same format and question.
Like many students the business idea we had and developed through the course did not require investment (in my case internet design based) meaning that of the total marks available for the course 60% related to investor reports. This meant the majority of study time was spent on inventing things to go into reports to non existent investors that were not required.
The ECA was primarily a copy and paste job from the previous 3 TMAs as it covers exactly the same material (including the investors report ) yet again
In summary if you have a business concept that you envisage completing as a sole trader without external investment think twice about this course, if on the other hand you are going for global domination in your project it will stand you in good stead
In its favour the course is well laid out and follows a natural progression through the blocks making for a good L3 course to study
Clinton Dale Hogben
Course starting: November 2009
Review posted: June 2010
I found this course to be pretty tough to me as it was Level 3 and I had only studied Level 1 courses up to that time.
I found myself surrounded by 30+ aged people with experience in business while I was only 22 and looking to start my own venture for the first time.
Even if I struggled and managed to get just a very tight pass, the result is that now I am getting a living from my online travel consultancy specialized in New Zealand, which is the idea I developed in the course, so I'm pretty sure the course helped me specially in getting focused in what had to be done.
If you enjoy a real challenge, then it's a great course to take if you are young and have no experience. Else, you should probably wait to take it at another time in your life and you'll find it a lot easier.
Daniel Alonso
Course starting: November 2008
Review posted: August 2009
This was an interesting course and has been a significant help in putting a business idea together so that it can be put into action in 2010/11. The TMAs were difficult to get my head around at first, with each building on the previous one so it seemed like a lot of repetition was needed. The ECA (at least there was no exam) was about 50% summary of the 3 TMAs and 50% new thinking.
There seemes to be a lot of emphasis on explaining how the idea was innovative or enterpreneurial, which does not always fit with a business idea.
The main advantage is that it has led to a much greater business idea and the confidence that it can be done (as long as I can earn a profit of £100 on a wet Tuesday in November!).
I would recommend this course to anyone who is starting up a business or looking to develop business knowledge, but would have doubts about how easy it would be to do as a purely academic course as there is a major (or total) emphasis on the business idea, and without that focus it would be difficult to develop ideas properly. That said, there were significant comments on the forums about the couse seeming too academic at times.
Finally, a major disappointment was not getting the ECA back with comments on it. A lot of work went into it and it would be useful to see tutor and examiner comments on the final thoughts about the feasibility of the enterprise.
Gwyn Philip Griffies Moses
Course starting: November 2008
Review posted: July 2009
B322 Developing Entrepreneurial Ideas is an unusual course in that it enables students to immediately apply the theories and concepts described to a real world business. Students need to have their own business idea that they want to focus on for the duration of the course. They explore the idea in depth, looking at what is good about the idea, what the barriers to success might be and then use B322 to fully explore how they will overcome the barriers. By the end of B322, in addition to hopefully gaining another 30 points towards a degree, students will have a much clearer idea as to whether their business idea can succeed.
It is a fantastic course to tutor as every TMA is unique (makes marking fun). It is great to see a student's idea become focussed and even better when an idea is good enough to actually launch as a real business.
Success stories as a result of B322 are sought out by the OU, so if you succeed come back and tell us about it.
Sue Curd
Review posted: January 2009
Each of the views expressed above is an individual's very particular response, largely unedited, and should be viewed with that in mind. Since modules are subject to regular updating, some of the issues identified may have already been addressed. In some instances the faculty may have provided a response to a comment. If you have a query about a particular module, please contact your Regional Centre.
The figures below are taken from a survey of students who sat the exam/completed the end-of-module assessment for the October 2014 presentation of B322. The survey was carried out in 2015.
62 students (a response rate of 27%) responded to the survey covering what they thought of 10 aspects of the module.
Please note that if the percentage of students who responded to this module survey is below 30% and/or the number of responses is below 23 it means that only a small proportion of students provided feedback and their views as shown here may not be fully representative of all students who studied the module.
See this page for the full text of questions and more information about the survey.
|Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of this module
|Overall, I am satisfied with my study experience
|The module provided good value for money
|I was satisfied with the support provided by my tutor/study adviser on this module
|Overall, I was satisfied with the teaching materials provided on this module
|The learning outcomes of the module were clearly stated
|I would recommend this module to other students
|The module met my expectations
|I enjoyed studying this module
|Overall, I was able to keep up with the workload on this module
To send us reviews on modules you have studied with us, please click the sign in button below.


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The Detroit Lions have extraordinary needs at receiver and cornerback this offseason, and now likely will acquire a safety as well after cutting one-half of their starting tandem in Louis Delmas.
Most draft prognosticators believe Detroit will target either a receiver or corner with the 10th overall pick in May's draft, with plenty of good options on the board. Mike Evans, Darqueze Dennard and Justin Gilbert have become trendy picks among the early wave of mock drafts.
There is a clear mandate among MLive readers that the Lions should select Dennard, the outstanding corner from Michigan State. (Though that could have something to do with local allegiances as well.)
Now with the NFL combine just a couple days away, draft experts are starting to release their first round of positional rankings, which could give some perspective into who Detroit will target at those positions of need.
We've included recently released rankings from NFL Network's Mike Mayock, NFL Network's Bucky Brooks and ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.
It's unlikely the Lions would select a safety so high -- Kiper has none being selected in the top 15 of his latest mock -- but they're included here because Detroit certainly will be adding one either through free agency or the draft.
Mike Mayock
1. Sammy Watkins, Clemson
2. Marqise Lee, USC
3. Mike Evans, Texas A&M
4. Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State
5. Jarvis Landry, LSU
Bucky Brooks
1. Sammy Watkins, Clemson
2. Marqise Lee, USC
3. Odell Beckham Jr., LSU
4. Mike Evans, Texas A&M
5. Allen Robinson, Penn State
Mel Kiper Jr.
1. Sammy Watkins, Clemson
2. Marqise Lee, USC
3. Mike Evans, Texas A&M
4. Odell Beckham Jr., LSU
5. Brandin Cooks, Oregon State
6. Davante Adams, Fresno State
7. Jarvis Landry, LSU
8. Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State
9. Robert Herron, Wyoming
10. Josh Huff, Oregon
Mike Mayock
1. Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
2. Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State
3. Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech
4. Jason Verrett, TCU
5. Bradley Roby, Ohio State
Bucky Brooks
1. Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State
2. Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
3. Jason Verrett, TCU
4. Bradley Roby, Ohio State
5. Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State
Mel Kiper Jr.
1. Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State
2. Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
3. Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State
4. Jason Verrett, TCU
5. Marcus Roberson, Florida
6. Bradley Roby, Ohio State
7. Keith McGill, Utah
8. Loucheiz Purifoy, Florida
9. Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech
10. Bashaud Breeland, Clemson
Mike Mayock
1. Calvin Pryor, Louisville
2. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama
3. Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State
4. Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois
5. Deone Bucannon, Washington State
Bucky Brooks
1. Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama
2. Calvin Pryor, Louisville
3. Dion Bailey, USC
4. Deone Bucannon, Washington State
5. Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois
Mel Kiper Jr.
1. Calvin Pryor, Louisville
2. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama
3. Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois
4. Deone Bucannon, Washington State
5. Dion Bailey, USC
6. Antone Exum, Virginia Tech
7. Terrence Brooks, Florida State
8. Ahmad Dixon, Baylor
9. Marqueston Huff, Wyoming
10. Ty Zimmerman, Kansas State


text: Black Scale moves forward with the development of its cut-and-sew program for Fall 2011, surely its most extensive season to date. Featuring everything from knits to headwear, accessories and outerwear, the upcoming line is sure to please the Black Scale enthusiasts and streetwear fans alike. Offered above is a short piece featuring Black Scale designer Rob G. as he introduces various new pieces from San Francisco-based brand at Agenda.


text:
When iOS 8 was announced, we could find only a handful of new features that had their counterparts on Apple TV. One of them was the peer-to-peer AirPlay capability which could transform your Apple TV into an anywhere-streaming device rather than being confined to the connected indoors.
9to5Mac reports that Apple has informed its official retail stores, authorized resellers and Apple Care employees that a small number of 3rd generation Apple TVs have WiFi issues:
Apple has determined that a very small number of Apple TV (3rd generation) products might experience one of these Wi-Fi related connectivity issues:
- Cannot locate network
- Unable to join network
- Dropped or intermittent connection
Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) will replace affected products up to two years from the original date of purchase free of charge.


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Nuy is an established winery, founded in the 1960s and intended to produce quality wines. It is one of the smallest wine cellars running as a co-operative in South Africa, but still manages to produce excellent award winning wines that have attracted admiration on a local, national and international level. The basis of its success lies in its traditional style of winemaking, looking back to the Old World to find ways of bringing the true nature of the grape to the surface of the wine, and allowing the flavours to speak for themselves. This works particularly well with the traditional single-varietal and blended wines.
There is no real consensus on where the Nuy name comes from, with some thinking that it is a contraction of the Snuy river, and others suggesting that it must be an attempt at translating a Hottentot, Korana, or Bushman word. Because there is no one outstanding reason for the name, it must remain a mystery. That it is important to the history of the site cannot be overstated, and the fact that it is now the name of a memorable wine cellar surely means that it will have a long future as well as a significant past.
The Nuy wine farm can be found in the Western Cape of South Africa, close to the Langeberg Mountains, ensuring that the rainfall into the valley is low. The area is cooled down regularly thanks to snowfall on the Mountain range above, and some cool breezes from the Atlantic Ocean, allowing the estate to create big, well fruited grapes that produce vibrant and flavoursome wines. This is the cause of their successful reputation as wine growers, but the reports of their success in producing high standards of wine are what ensure that the Nuy name continues to be connected to wines of quality.
The wine makers are very aware of the responsibility which rests upon their shoulders, and they have many years of experience to ensure that each bottle of a variety is consistently similar in taste, aroma and body, so that the Nuy farm wines are consistent and full of character no matter what their vintage. The Nuy winery is also deliberately small, in order to ensure that while the production is small, the values behind that production are retained in every bottle of wine. The Wine makers themselves have travelled the world, and have experience of wine making in diverse countries such as America, Australia, France and Germany. This shows that they have the experience and training necessary to run a small but top quality wine farm like Nuy.
The wines made by the farm are also treated with particular care, with every wine matured for long periods, between a year and a half and two years. The wines produced range from the exquisite whites of the Sauvignon Blanc or the Colombard to the Chant de Nuit, which combines a number of different grapes to produce a fruity, delicate wine with plenty of flavour and a lingering but gentle after-taste.


text:
Volunteer goes to N.J. to help storm victims
November 25, 2012
TIOGA — Emmett Clark went to Atlantic City, N.J., but it wasn't to have a good time. Clark spent the last two weeks assisting Superstorm Sandy's victims as a volunteer with the American Red Cross....
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Top Definition
The act of poor masturbation which results in a failure or inability to complete the act to obtain an orgasm.
I already masturbated five times to the Golden Girls season three DVD and on my sixth time I failasturbated so I called it a night.
od uživatele Lawofdiminishingmasturbation 17. březen 2009
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Can you define these popular missing words?


text: Hassan Adams deal + Salary cap + Signings from elsewhere + Las Vegas By Zarar Siddiqi Jul 9, 2008 Good morning. Hassan Adams signed a 2-year deal with the Raptors on Tuesday. Terms aren't disclosed but I'm thinking its Jamario Moon Year 1 money which was around half a million per year. A nice chunk of change just to warm a bench, or at least I'm hoping he's going to warm a bench while… Read more »