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There are always open computers and printing is free!
Sometimes very slow but they get the job done. The internet connection in the dorms is the worst!
I can always find a computer when I need one. We have several different labs around the campus. Our WiFi isn't the fastest, but it has improved over the years.
The computers are available most of the time, but the library can get a little crowded. The school has WiFi access, but it is often too slow for most of the students.
The computer labs at Kansas Wesleyan are nice. They are used some of the time especially before finals. Any other time, you can always find an open computer. Most students here use their own laptops to keep things saved on, which is really convenient.
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Santa Iria de Azoia Vacation Packages
Santa Iria de Azoia is close to many of Lisbon's well-known sights. Two sights that should top every visitor's list is the fascinating Vasco da Gama Tower and the ever-popular Lisbon International Exhibition Fair. If you have time, don't miss the Garcia de Orta Garden and Atlantic Pavilion.
Those interested in exhibits and shows will find plenty of unique cultural attractions in and around Santa Iria de Azoia. There are plenty of excellent destinations to take the family for a morning including Knowledge Pavilion.
Find the perfect accessory, stock up on groceries or just people-watch at nearby shopping hotspots such as the Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre.
Come see Lisbon favourites, the S.L. Benfica, do battle in the nearby SL Benfica Stadium. On match days follow the river of red and white, to the stadium, then after the final siren sounds, join local soccer lovers at a nearby pub, bar or cafe for a post-game drink.
At the end of a day taking in the sights around Santa Iria de Azoia, put up your feet and relax in one of the area's popular hotels or serviced apartments. If you're looking for a warm welcome and a good nights sleep it's hard to go past the Holiday Inn Express LISBON AIRPORT, Loures, the TRYP Lisboa Oriente Hotel, and the Hotel Tivoli Oriente.

subset: commoncrawl


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It gives you a very different perspective into the story then just reading it by your self. It gets you more interested in to the storyline.
Geeze how many times can you say the same thing. The whole plot could fit into about 20 min. I realize the whole thing is suppose to have sex, but how many times can one say 'my poor fifty'. This should have been just 1 book and not a trilogy. Ended up skipping through most of it. Do yourself a favor and read just the first one. You'll be happier.
"Not feeling it"
I'm sorry but I just don't see what's so great about these books ?! I find them akward, boring , no plot, childish, annoying. I've read all 3 this book is the worst.
"good read but....."
sometimes Anastasia is portrayed as a complete idiot. a student with a 4.0 would be more intelligent one would think.
"Never Disappointing"
Love this series....hopefully we'll have more to come shortly!!! <fingers crossed >
Can't wait to see the movie on Saturday!!
"Love this series!!"
So much more to this series than just great sex!! The characters have complex personalities that reflect the inner workings of our thoughts though not many dare to admit to them! Enjoy 😊
"Keep it Coming."
Well I couldn't really put a good answer to this book, because the Fifty Shades Series were the first books that I actually listened to on audiobooks, a friend of mine read them and told me how juicy they were, at the time I didn't have the time to read the books and my sister told me about audibles.. so here I am a new hooked customer.
I really do beleive that I like the mother of Christian in these series the best. I do like Christian only because of his interest and how dominante he is.
not sure I have a favorite scene in this book, I just liked the whole book
With this book I did want to listen to all the way through, this book was where I understood that life as Christian Grey isn't all that it has cracked up to be, that someone is after him and out to get him or his family. There is a mystery behind these books and it is starting to unravel and I am hooked on it..
"Loved this Trilogy"
Out all of the audio books I've listened to Becca Battoe is the best reading performer I've ever heard. I loved everything about her performance. Her voice is calm and soothing. I found myself looking for other books read by her regardless of the genre.
I have always stayed away from romance novels / books but this trilogy was absolutely great.


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Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 (also known as PES 2013) is an association football game.
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Platforms: PC, PS3, PS2, XBOX, Wii
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Released: September 28, 2010
About: FIFA 11 is a football video game. It is The game features 31 licensed leagues from 24 countries, as well as 39 national teams. There is a new career mode which lets you be a manager,player or a player-manager. Goalkeepers now have more urgency and better perception of where to intercept loose balls, resulting in a more responsive and powerful rushing system. Players can now play 5 vs. 5 street football, as well as the traditional 11 vs. 11. Each street player has a distinctive style of play with unique abilities to match.
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UEFA Euro 2012 is the official video game of the UEFA Euro 2012 football tournament. Unlike previous Euro games, it is a downloadable expansion pack for FIFA 12, requiring that game and internet connection. The game includes all 53 UEFA-member nations, although 24 of them are unlicens...
SSX is a snowboarding video game. In the game players take on the role of a member of a team seeking to snowboard down a variety of real-world mountains. The game features mountains from the Canadian Rockies, Alaska, Patagonia, Antarctica, the Alps, Africa, the Himalayas, Siberia, Jap...
Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 is a football video game. PES 2012's gameplay is primarily a refinement of PES 2011, with fewer big changes than the previous iteration but many smaller improvements and changes in areas such as artificial intelligence, speed, animation, and physics. Among th...
UFC Undisputed 2010 is a mixed martial arts video game. The game includes multiple changes from the previous version: Improved controls (as well as an improved career mode starting in the World Fighting Alliance.), Changes to gameplay (including usage of cage walls), Added MMA brands ...


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The 10 Most Lucrative Red-Light Cameras in Houston
Monica Fuentes
As we noted earlier this week, Houston's red-light camera cash cow money machine is up and running at full speed again, with more than 2,700 citations issued in the first six days of operation.
So everyone should be careful out there unless they want to get hit with a bothersome fine.
Especially if they're at one of these ten intersections. Records obtained by Hair Balls under an Open Records Act request show a camera-by-camera breakdown of revenue in the city since the cameras first went up in 2006. (Click here for an enlarged version of the above map.)
The ten biggest moneymakers:
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1) Southbound West Loop at San Felipe -- $33,297 2) Northbound Hillcroft at Southwest Freeway, east service road -- $33,222 3) Southbound Sam Houston Parkway at Beechnut -- $32,519 4) Southbound Southwest Freeway at Bellaire -- $26,702 5) Southbound Hollister at Northwest Freeway, east service road -- $26, 631 6) Eastbound Beechnut at Sam Houston Parkway, west service road -- $26, 455 7) Eastbound Beechnut at South Gessner -- $25,109 8) Eastbound FM 2351 at Gulf Freeway, west service road-- $23,548 9) Westbound East Freeway south service road at Normandy-- $22,370 10) Westbound Sam Houston Parkway east/north service road at Telephone -- $21,657
The city says the dollar amounts represent "revenues collected (gross amount before operating costs and 50 percent to the state)." According to that calculation, the cameras have brought in $52,839,573 since 2006.
The cameras have their good months and bad ("good" and "bad" can be defined according to your view of the program). For instance, the top revenue-producer, the camera at the West Loop and San Felipe, produced anywhere from $1,250 in August 2009 to $156 in February 2010.
The lowest in terms of revenue? Northbound Brazos at Elgin, which has brought in just $2,317 although it's been up since September 2006. Some months -- February, March and April of 2009, to be specific -- it only generated $15.
(By the way, the Houston Chronicle reports late Friday night that Mayor Annise Parker might be introducing a motion to council to turn the cameras off again.)
Here's the full report:
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UN demands a halt to Congo violence
UNITED NATIONS (AP) – The U.N. Security Council is demanding an immediate stop to the violence in eastern Congo and says it will increase sanctions against rebels who attacked the Congolese army.
The Security Council held an emergency meeting on Saturday, after M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan forces, clashed with the Congolese army following a months-long lull in the violence. U.N. attack helicopters responded by bombarding the rebels.
In its press statement, the council also asked that the rebels stop their advance toward the provincial capital of Goma.
The council also said that any attempts to "undermine" the U.N. forces' mandate, which includes protecting civilians, "will not be tolerated."
France's U.N. Ambassador Gerard Araud says "We must stop the M23" because Goma's fall "would, inevitably, become a humanitarian crisis."
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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Ratings for Dr. Kevin T. Axx
Best experience in having a root canal...oral sedation..not one bit of discomfort in give 6 stars if I could.
Root canal, three roots, Dr. Axx is very knowledgeable, he was honest upfront about difficulty due to curved roots. Staff answered all questions. Less than one hour in and out. I kept my tooth. Amount is irrelevant, all providers and insurance companies prices vary wildly.
I had to wait 55 minutes for my appointment. Dr. Axx was not able to help me due to a problem with my tooth, yet charged me $320.00 out of pocket. The staff said insurance wouldn't cover an incompleter procedure. I felt like I got ripped off. He should of completed enough of the procedure so the insurance would pay. What he charged was almost as much as a rootcanal, yet I didn't get the rootcanal. Seems wrong.
Experience was painless and very comfortable. Dr Axx and his staff were very attentive to my needs and were very patient with the anxiety I have when I need a root canal. I have recommended him to everyone!
Very professional office with experienced doctors and staff.
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Bloomberg News November 20, 2012
Best Buy Co. founder Richard Schulze is working with three private-equity firms, including Cerberus Capital Management LP, on a takeover of the electronics chain as his deadline to review the company's finances nears, said people familiar with the matter.
Schulze has said nothing since August. All the quotes are from 'people involved'. It means rumors based on... rumors.
Schulze is silent, while his acts are shouting - no buyout. He insisted on urgency in August, then got lost for 3 month, and now is 'reportedly' going to request one more month of 'extension'. No any official statement so far, only rumors from 'people involved'. Looks like the guy is just playing the old game - hedge you stake and let whatever happen later.


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Cyclic strain-mediated regulation of endothelial matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression and activity
Objective: To investigate the role of cyclic strain in controlling matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression and activity in endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro. Methods: A Flexercell® Tension Plus™ FX-4000T™ system was used to apply a physiological level of equibiaxial cyclic strain (0–10% strain, 60 cycles/min, 0–24 h, cardiac waveform) to bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs). Cells and conditioned media were harvested for analysis of MMP-2/9 expression and activity (pro and active) using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting and zymography techniques. Results: Cyclic strain significantly increased MMP-2 expression and activity force- and time-dependently. Pretreatment with Giα-protein inhibitors, pertussis toxin (PTX) and NF023, transient expression of inhibitory mutants of Giα-subunits, or pretreatment with RGD peptides to block RGD-dependent integrin signaling failed to attenuate strain-induced increases in MMP-2 expression in BAECs. In contrast, inhibition of Gβγ-signaling with βArk-ct or tyrosine kinase blockade with genistein reduced strain-induced MMP-2 expression while concomitantly inhibiting strain-induced p38 and ERK activity in these cells. Pretreatment with PD169316 and PD98059 to selectively inhibit p38 and ERK activity, respectively, also resulted in a significant inhibition of the strain-induced MMP-2 response. Finally, inhibition of the adaptor protein, Shc, (via Shc-SH2 transfection) resulted in a significant decrease in strain-induced MMP-2 activity concomitant with a reduction in ERK activity in BAECs. Conclusion: Cyclic strain stimulates MMP-2 expression, in part, by stimulating both p38- and ERK-dependent pathways through activation of Gβγ and tyrosine kinase in BAECs.
- Endothelial matrix metalloproteinase
- Cyclic strain-mediated regulation
This article is referred to in the Editorial by P. Lacolley (pages 577–579) in this issue.
1. Introduction
Vascular remodeling underlies the pathogenesis of major cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and restenosis [1,2]. The role of specialized extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has become the subject of intense recent interest in relation to physiological and pathological vascular remodeling [3,4]. MMPs are zinc-dependent proteases that cleave ECM (e.g., collagen, laminin, fibronectin) as well as non-matrix substrates (e.g., growth factors, receptors) [5]. Experimental evidence suggests that the major drivers of vascular remodeling, namely hemodynamics, injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress, regulate MMP expression and activity [3,4,6–10]. In addition, non-specific MMP inhibition seems to oppose remodeling [11,12]. Indeed, an emerging concept is that MMP-related genetic variations may contribute to heterogeneity in the presentation and natural history of atherosclerosis [13–15].
Various in vivo animal models highlight the importance of hemodynamic forces in modulating MMP expression and function [16,17]. Elevation of transmural pressure in porcine arteries ex vivo induced MMP-2/9 matrix-degrading activities [18], suggesting that MMPs may also be involved in early vascular remodeling associated with hypertension. Changes in the hemodynamic environment are thought to be of major importance in the failure of saphenous vein grafts [19]. Investigation of potential MMP involvement has shown upregulation of MMP-2/9 production after transposition of porcine saphenous veins in the carotid artery position [19]. Ex vivo comparison of human saphenous vein grafts in simulated arterial vs. venous conditions indicated that arterial conditions stimulate MMP expression and activation [19]. Finally, several studies using various cell lines revealed that hemodynamic forces could both stimulate [20–22] and inhibit [23–25] MMP expression and activity in vitro.
Cyclic circumferential strain, the repetitive pulsatile distention of the arterial wall, is closely linked to vascular disease, although the signal transduction pathways by which cyclic strain elicits functional and structural responses are only now being elucidated [26–28]. Considering the close association between MMP-2/9 function and vascular remodelling, we hypothesize that chronic cyclic strain of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) modulates expression/function of these MMPs through specific signaling pathways. In this study, we subsequently report on the regulation by cyclic strain of MMP-2 in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs). Our data indicates that cyclic strain promotes a significant increase in MMP-2 expression and activity. Moreover, we demonstrate that strain stimulates MMP-2 expression, in part by stimulating both p38- and ERK-dependent pathways through activation of Gβγ and tyrosine kinase in these cells.
2. Methods
All materials, unless otherwise indicated, were supplied by Sigma-Aldrich (Poole, UK) and were of the highest purity commercially available.
2.1. Cell culture and cyclic strain
BAECs (Corriell Cell Repository, Camden, NJ) were cultured in RPMI 1640 media supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and antibiotics (50 U/ml penicillin, 50 μg/ml streptomycin). Cells (P5–P15) were grown in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2/95% air at 37 °C. For cyclic strain studies, BAECs were seeded into 6-well Bioflex® plates (Dunn Labortechnik, Germany) at 6 × 105 cells/well. Bioflex® plates contain a pronectin-coated silicon membrane bottom which enables precise deformation of cultured cells by microprocessor-controlled vacuum [29]. When cells reached confluency, media was removed and replaced with serum-free media and the cells exposed to cyclic strain. A Flexercell® Tension Plus™ FX-4000T™ system (Flexcell International Corp. Hillsborough, NC) was used to apply physiological equibiaxial cyclic strain (0–10% strain, 60 cycles/min, 0–24 h, cardiac waveform). For inhibitor studies, BAECs were placed in serum-free media containing pharmacological agents (Calbiochem, San Diego, CA) to attenuate specific signalling pathways prior to strain; protein tyrosine kinase (50 μM genistein), Gi-protein (100 ng/ml pertussis toxin (PTX) or 10 μM NF023) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (10 μM PD98059 or PD169316). Cells were subsequently exposed to 0% or 5% cyclic strain for 24 h. Media and cells were harvested post-strain and cells placed in ice-cold lysis buffer (as previously described [33]) and subjected to ultrasonication. All samples were stored at −80 °C. Protein concentration was measured by the method of Bradford [30] with BSA as a standard (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA).
2.2. Lactate dehydrogenase assay
Enzymatic activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a well-known marker for cellular damage, was monitored in both cells and media as described [31].
2.3. Western blotting
Prior to Western blotting, conditioned media samples were concentrated 10-fold by centrifugal filtration (10 kDa cutoff). Both lysate and conditioned media samples were subsequently resolved by 10% SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions according to the method of Laemmli [32]. Gels were electroblotted and immunostained as previously described [33]. Primary antisera: 1:200 anti-MMP-2 polyclonal IgG (Chemicon, Temecula, CA). Secondary antisera: 1:1000–1:10,000 HRP-conjugated IgG (Amersham Biosciences). For quantitative comparisons between bands, scanning densitometry was performed using a Kodak 1D image analysis software system (Scientific Imaging Systems, Rochester, NY). Bands were identified based on molecular weight and co-migration with known MMP standards (Chemicon). Total protein/well was used for normalization. Membranes were routinely stained with Ponceau S to normalize for protein loading/transfer.
2.4. MAPK/p38 activity
MAPK/p38 activity was determined by measuring phosphorylated ERK-1/2 and p38 expression in cell lysates following SDS-PAGE. Antiphospho-ERK-1/2 and antiphospho-p38 primary polyclonal antibodies (1:500) (Calbiochem) were used as described above.
2.5. In-gel zymography
Following experimentation, cells and conditioned media were collected and media samples centrifuged at 5000 × g for 5 min to remove cells. Conditioned media (equal volume) and cellular lysates (equal protein) were subsequently mixed with loading buffer. Pro-MMP-2 and MMP-2 activity levels were determined by gelatin zymography, combined with scanning densitometry, as previously described [34]. Bands were identified using gelatinase standards (Chemicon). Total protein/well was used for normalization.
2.6. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
Extraction of total BAEC mRNA and subsequent monitoring of mRNA expression was performed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as previously described [33]. Genes monitored were MMP-2 (N=35 cycles) and glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH, included for normalization, N=22 cycles). Primer pairs (MWG Biotech, UK) used were (i) MMP-2(534bp): 5′-gtggcaaccccgacgtgg-3′ (For), 5′-gcagggctgtccgtcgg-3′ (Rev), and (ii) GAPDH(341bp): 5′-tcctgcaccaccaactgctt-3′ (For), 5′-tgcttcaccaccttcttgat-3′ (Rev). PCR reaction products were analysed by agarose gel electrophoresis with scanning densitometry.
2.7. Transfection studies
For transient transfection, dominant negative plasmids were used to selectively ablate Giα (i.e., Giα1-G202T, Giα2-G203T and Giα3-G202T, Guthrie cDNA Resource Centre, Sayre, PA) and Shc (i.e., Shc-SH2, Professor John Shyy, UC Riverside) signalling pathways [35,36]. Transfection of βArk-ct (a selective Gβγ scavenger) was also used to attenuate Gβγ signalling [35]. LipofectAMINE™ Reagent (Invitrogen) was employed throughout (protocol as defined by manufacturer). Following recovery, transfected BAECs were seeded into Bioflex® plates (8 × 105 cells/cm2) for straining experiments. Transfection efficiency was routinely monitored by co-transfection with either LacZ or green fluorescent protein (GFP). Western blotting also confirmed over-expression of transfected genes. Mock transfections were included in all experiments.
2.8. Statistical analysis
Results are expressed as mean±S.E.M. Experimental points were performed in triplicate with a minimum of three independent experiments (n=3). Statistical comparisons between groups of normalized densitometric data were performed using both unpaired Student's t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. A value of P≤0.05 was significant.
3. Results
3.1. Cyclic strain increases pro-MMP-2 and MMP-2 expression and activity in BAECs
The effects of cyclic strain on MMP expression in BAECs were determined by measuring MMP-2/9 levels (pro and active) in cell lysates and conditioned media. Cyclic strain (5%) stimulated BAECs to preferentially secrete pro-MMP-2 and MMP-2 in conditioned media (Fig. 1a–b) without any significant release of pro-MMP-9 or MMP-9 (data not shown). Western blotting subsequently confirmed the strain-dependent increase in MMP-2 protein in conditioned media (Fig. 1d). Moreover, cyclic strain increased pro-MMP-2 activity in cell lysates (Fig. 1c) in addition to MMP-2 mRNA levels (Fig. 1e). The changes in pro-MMP-2 activity and MMP-2 protein expression (both monitored in conditioned media) were force- and time-dependent with significant increases observed after 8 h and at 2.5% strain, respectively (Fig. 2a–b). Similar results were also observed for pro-MMP-2 activity in lysates (data not shown). No increase in LDH release was observed following cyclic strain (up to 10%) indicating that strain was not inducing cellular injury. For all subsequent studies, strain-dependent effects on pro-MMP-2 and MMP-2 were monitored in BAEC-conditioned media, unless otherwise indicated.
3.2. Cyclic strain-mediated changes in pro-MMP-2 and MMP-2 are Giα-protein-independent
In order to determine the involvement of Giα-subunits in the strain-induced modulation of MMP-2, BAECs were initially pretreated for 4 h with pertussis toxin (PTX) or NF023 before exposure to cyclic strain (5%) for a further 24 h in the absence or presence of inhibitor. Pretreatment with either inhibitor had no significant effect on strain-induced increases in either pro-MMP-2 activity or MMP-2 protein expression (both monitored in conditioned media) (Fig. 3a—data shown for PTX only).
To allow for a more definitive evaluation of the role of Gi-proteins in mediating these effects, selective inhibition of Giα(1–3) subunits by transfection of Giα-specific dominant negative mutants prior to strain was performed [35]. Transfection efficiencies of up to 50% were attained, as demonstrated by GFP/LacZ cotransfections (data not shown). Enhanced expression of specific Giα mutants was achieved in the absence of any effect on other Giα-proteins (data not shown). Furthermore, overexpression of Giα mutants failed to alter basal levels or cyclic strain-induced increases in either pro-MMP-2 activity (Fig. 3b) or MMP-2/pro-MMP-2 protein expression (data not shown) as compared to mock transfectants.
3.3. Cyclic strain-mediated changes in pro-MMP-2 and MMP-2 are Gβγ-dependent
In order to examine the possible role of Gβγ subunits in strain-mediated regulation of MMP-2, BAECs were transfected with βArk-ct, a Gβγ-sequestering agent [35]. Transfection with βArk-ct resulted in a minor decrease in basal pro-MMP-2 activity levels in conditioned media. Following 5% strain however, levels of pro-MMP-2 activity were reduced by 83±3% as compared to mock transfectants (Fig. 3c, upper gel). A similar result was also observed for pro-MMP-2 in cell lysates (Fig. 3c, lower gel).
3.4. Cyclic strain increases ERK and p38 activity in a Giα-independent, Gβγ-dependent manner
As strain-induced pathways appear to involve Ras and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) [37,38], the effect of cyclic strain on MAPK activity was subsequently examined in BAECs by determining phospho-ERK-1/2 and phospho-p38 activity. Exposure to cyclic strain (5%, 24 h) resulted in a significant increase in phospho-ERK-1/2 activity without affecting total ERK-1/2 protein expression (Fig. 4a, upper gel, 1.7±0.13-fold in combined levels of pp-ERK-1/2). However, over-expression of Giα(1–3) dominant negative mutants (data not shown) or βArk-ct (Fig. 4b, left histogram), failed to significantly alter strain-induced phospho-ERK-1/2 levels in these cells as compared to mock-transfectants. In parallel studies, cyclic strain significantly increased phospho-p38 activity without affecting total p38 expression (Fig. 4a, lower gel). Moreover, transfection with βArk-ct significantly decreased the strain-induced phospho-p38 activity as compared to mock-transfectants (Fig. 4b, right histogram). We also noted an increase in phospho-p38 activity under non-strained conditions following βArk-ct transfection (relative to mock), although this was statistically insignificant.
3.5. Cyclic strain increases pro-MMP-2 and MMP-2 in a MAPK-dependent manner
As cyclic strain increased both phospho-ERK and -p38 activity in BAECs, the effect of pharmacological inhibition of ERK and p38 activity on strain-induced changes in MMP-2 expression was determined. BAECs were exposed to cyclic strain (5%, 24 h) in the absence or presence of PD98059 and PD169316, specific inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) and p38 kinase, respectively [39,40]. Both inhibitors significantly attenuated strain-induced increases in pro-MMP-2 activity (conditioned media) (Fig. 5a, upper gel). In parallel studies, PD98059 and PD169316 significantly decreased strain-induced increases in MMP-2 protein expression (conditioned media) by 64±17% and 57±8%, respectively (Fig. 5a, lower gel).
3.6. Cyclic strain stimulates pro-MMP-2 activity in an RGD-independent manner
Integrins play an important role in transducing mechanical stimuli into intracellular signals [41,42]. We examined the effects of integrin inhibition using synthetic linear (H–Arg–Asp–Gly–OH) and cyclic (cyclo-Arg–Gly–Asp–D–Phe–Val) RGD peptides (Bachem, UK) [43] on strain-induced changes in MMP-2 expression and activity. Pretreatment of cells with either peptide (0.5 mM) failed to significantly inhibit strain-induced increases in pro-MMP-2 activity in conditioned media (Fig. 6—data shown for linear RGD peptide only).
3.7. Cyclic strain stimulates pro-MMP-2 and MMP-2 in a tyrosine kinase-dependent manner
Since activation of ERK-1/2 and p38 is involved in strain-induced increases in pro-MMP-2 and MMP-2 in BAECs (see Fig. 5), we investigated the upstream signaling mechanism(s) that lead to strain-mediated activation of these MAPKs (see Fig. 4). Protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) phosphorylation is central to many signal transduction events [44]. Recent evidence suggests that PTK may mediate cellular responses through multiple intracellular signaling pathways including the Shc/Grb2/Sos/MAPK pathway [45,46]. We subsequently examined the role of PTK phosphorylation and the Shc/MAPK pathway on strain-induced changes in pro-MMP-2 and MMP-2. To determine if PTK plays a role in the activation of ERK and MMP-2, BAECs were preincubated with 50 μM genistein (a selective PTK inhibitor) prior to strain (5%, 24 h). Genistein caused a significant reduction in strain-induced phospho-ERK-2 (but not phospho-ERK-1) activity (Fig. 7a). Moreover, genistein significantly attenuated strain-induced pro-MMP-2 activity (in conditioned media) without any significant effect on baseline unstrained levels (Fig. 7b).
The adaptor protein Shc may play an important role in linking activated PTKs to downstream targets [45,46]. Indeed, Shc has previously been shown to activate the ERK pathway via tyrosine kinase Grb2/Sos signaling complexes [47]. To test whether Shc mediates strain-induced changes in MMP-2, BAECs were transfected with Shc-SH2 to ablate endogenous Shc activity [47] (over-expression confirmed by Western blot using anti-Shc monoclonal IgG from Transduction Laboratories, Lexington, KY). This led to a significant reduction in strain-induced increases in phospho-ERK-1 activity, and even more profoundly with phospho-ERK-2 activity (Fig. 7c, lower gel, 88±11% reduction in combined levels of pp-ERK-1/2). These reductions were concomitant with significant decreases in both basal and strain-induced increases in pro-MMP-2 activity in media (Fig. 7c, upper gel). A similar inhibition by Shc-SH2 of strain-induced increases in MMP-2 protein expression (as monitored in media) was also observed (data not shown).
4. Discussion
Structural adaptation of the vasculature occurs in response to both physiological and pathological changes in blood pressure and flow [1,2]. ECM components must be degraded and resynthesized to facilitate remodeling [3–5]. Of key interest therefore is whether changes in the vessel hemodynamic environment can regulate expression and function of matrix-degrading endothelial MMPs. We demonstrate that cyclic strain increases BAEC MMP-2 activity and expression in a force- and time-dependent manner, mediated through both Gβγ/p38- and PTK/Shc/MAPK-dependent pathways.
Unlike vascular SMCs, only a few studies have reported on the effects of cyclic strain on vascular ECs. Cyclic strain-mediated regulation of membrane type-1 MMP (MT1-MMP) in ECs has been reported [22,48]. A recent study by Wang et al. [49] also focuses closely on this issue. Unlike the present paper, this study employs a sinusoidal waveform cell-stretch paradigm ranging from 0% to 20% strain. These workers report time- and stretch-dependent increases for pro-MMP-2 activity and MMP-2 protein expression (observed only at the upper strain threshold) using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which were of relatively similar magnitude to those seen here. This may reflect differences between the cell types (BAEC vs. HUVEC) and/or stretching paradigm (cardiac vs. sinusoidal) used.
A complex control of endothelial MT1-MMP expression in response to distinct hemodynamic stimuli, comprising modulation of specific transcription factor expression (early growth response gene product-1, Egr-1) and post-translational modification (serine phosphorylation of Sp1) suggests highly coordinated hemodynamic regulation of MMP expression [22,23,48]. Moreover, arteries incubated under pressure displayed significant increases in MMP-2 (but not MMP-9) expression and activity while simultaneously degrading elastin, suggesting that both MMP-2 expression and matrix degradation are locally enhanced at sites of higher transmural pressures [21,50]. Our in vitro study demonstrates that cyclic strain promotes MMP-2 production in vascular ECs, reinforcing the importance of local hemodynamic environment in controlling MMP expression and function in vivo.
The in vivo mechanisms that stimulate vascular cell production/activation of MMPs remain unclear. Cytokines, intimal injury, hemodynamic forces, and other factors leading remodeling are thought most responsible [3,4]. In the current study, under serum-depleted conditions, the predominant gelatinase isoform released from BAECs following strain was MMP-2 (although under serum conditions, MMP-9 was also strain-dependently increased; unpublished observation). To elucidate the signaling mechanisms involved in strain-mediated modulation of MMP-2, we initially focussed on Gi-protein pathways. Previous studies have demonstrated rapid, dose-dependent Gi-protein activation in HUVECs by cyclic uniaxial strain [51]. Moreover, PTX-sensitive G-proteins have been implicated in MMP activation and function in several cell types [52]. However, in the current study, selective ablation of individual Giα-protein subunits with dominant negative mutants or blockade of Giα-signaling with PTX/NF023 had no effect on strain-induced increases in pro-MMP-2/MMP-2, suggesting lack of any significant involvement of Giα-signaling in transduction of these events. Interestingly, strain-mediated increases in pro-MMP-2/MMP-2 were significantly attenuated by βArk-ct, implicating Gβγ-pathways in mechanotransduction of these events. Recent studies suggest that shear-induced Ras activation is mediated through Gβγ-signaling in human vascular ECs [53], implying that Gβγ activation of the Ras/ERK pathway could putatively mediate the strain-induced MMP-2 responses observed here. However, this seems unlikely as the inhibitory effect of βArk-ct was independent of changes in downstream ERK activity. In contrast, cyclic strain increased BAEC phospho-p38 activity, and selective inhibition of p38 activity with PD169316 significantly reduced strain-induced changes in pro-MMP-2 and MMP-2. Since inhibition of Gβγ functionality with βArk-ct inhibited strain-induced phospho-p38, this suggests that the involvement of Gβγ-signaling in strain-mediated regulation of MMP-2, occurs in part, via a p38-dependent pathway.
Previously, two distinct, complementary signaling mechanisms mediating MMP induction have been reported: activating protein-1 (AP-1)-dependent transcriptional activation via the ERK-1/2 pathway and AP-1-independent enhancement via p38α MAPK by mRNA stabilization [54]. As p38 inhibition attenuates strain-induced MMP-2 responses in BAECs, it is possible that Gβγ-signaling impacts on stress activated protein kinase/c-jun N-terminal kinase (SAPKs/JNKs) and p38 pathways in these cells. The recent findings of Wang et al. [49] are noteworthy in this regard as they demonstrate that JNK inhibition attenuates strain-induced MMP-2 expression in HUVECs. While SAPKs/JNKs and p38 are also activated by Gβγ-subunits in a pathway (in myofibroblasts) involving RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42, Rho kinase inhibition did not attenuate MMP-2 activity or expression [55]. In addition, since PTKs are important regulators of MMPs [56] and are regulated by Gβγ-subunits [57], it is possible that Gβγ-signaling also affects BAEC PTK activity. Moreover, an effect of Gβγ-subunits on MT1-MMP and TIMP-2, both involved in MMP-2 activation [3–5], cannot be ruled out in these events. Further work will be required to delineate the precise mechanism of p38/Gβγ-dependent activation of pro-MMP-2 and MMP-2 in BAECs following cyclic strain.
MMP activity and expression is consistently attenuated following MEK inhibition suggesting that ERK may regulate strain-induced changes in MMP-2 in BAECs [3–5,58]. In this regard, pharmacological inhibition with specific ERK inhibitors significantly attenuated the strain-induced changes in pro-MMP-2/MMP-2 expression and activity observed. Integrins may serve as mechanosensors in vascular ECs, subsequently leading to ERK or p38 activation. Indeed, shear stress causes integrin-Shc association and recruitment of the Grb2/Sos signaling complex that then leads to ERK activation [45,47]. In the current study, strain-induced changes in pro-MMP-2 activity were unaffected following integrin blockade with either linear or cyclic RGD peptides. This rules out the possibility that RGD-dependent integrins mediate these events, although it is noteworthy that RGD peptides were found to inhibit strain-induced EC tube formation and migration (unpublished observation). As cyclic strain has been shown to effect the expression/localization of several different integrin subtypes [59], it is possible that an RGD-independent integrin(s) may mediate these strain-induced events through association with the Shc signaling pathway.
Tyrosine kinases have been implicated in hemodynamically induced changes in EC function. Shear stress has been shown to induce a rapid, transient tyrosine phosphorylation of Flk-1 and its concomitant association with Shc [45,47], while cyclic strain has been shown to activate proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 [61] and epidermal growth factor receptor [62]. Moreover, Shc is implicated in signaling via many different types of receptors, including integrins and tyrosine kinases [45,47,60] and its involvement in ERK activation has been established [63]. Our findings are in agreement with studies demonstrating that stretch-induced increases in ERK activity were attenuated by PTK inhibition [64]. Our data further demonstrate that selective inhibition of Shc signaling significantly attenuated strain-induced pro-MMP-2 and MMP-2 increases in BAECs, while concomitantly inhibiting phospho-ERK activity. As ERK inhibition attenuates strain-induced MMP-2 responses, it is likely that PTK/Shc is responsible, in part, for mediating these events. These data confirm the potential importance of PTKs in force-mediated regulation of MMP-2 in BAECs via PTK/Shc/ERK association.
In conclusion, our data demonstrate that cyclic strain stimulates MMP-2 activity and expression in BAECs. Moreover, we show for the first time that strain-induced MMP-2 responses are independent of Giα-protein activation but dependent on Gβγ/p38- and PTK/Shc/ERK interactions in these cells. It is subsequently tempting to speculate that strain-induced changes in endothelial MAPK signaling may functionally regulate endothelial phenotype in vivo by modulating MMP production. In this regard, our future goal is to extend these investigations to in vivo and ex vivo animal models of cyclic strain, as cultured cells are not necessarily the most representative model of the physiological situation.
This research was supported by grants from the Wellcome Trust (PAC, YAB), Health Research Board of Ireland (PAC, PMC), National Institutes of Health (DK09227, HL59696 and AA-12610, EMR), Dublin City University Educational Trust (PMC) and the American Heart Association (JPC). We thank Drs. Dermot Walls and Brendan O'Connor for critical comments.
Time for primary review 32 days
- Copyright © 2004, European Society of Cardiology
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Check out the events this fri, sat & sun with Torrington PAL. https://t.co/hEP8eWSO3z
Our local hometown bank focused on building our community and making a difference for children. Northwest Community Bank is the proud sponsor of our Basketball In house recreational leagues which work with over 650 students this year-- encouraging them, mentoring them through the guidance of great local community leaders, educators and law enforcement. Visit Northwest Community Banks website today to see how their team spirit influences our community everyday!


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Hit the rails for a messy, fun-filled ride!
Clickity-Clack, Thomas is back in exciting, engine-packed adventures! Thomas and his friends are preparing for the Railway Inspector's visit to Knapford Station. But when the coal trucks crash, covering Gordon in soot, can Thomas take charge and help straighten out the mess? Find out as Thomas charges full steam ahead into fun!
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- Added Apr 28 2011
- Production Year 2011
- Empire SKU 1573461
- UPC Code 884487110328
- Studio Lions Gate Films
- Packaging Keep
- Number of Discs 1
- Disc SS-DL
Thomas' Track Trivia Game
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Acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard is urging Australians to holiday at home to counter an expected drop in international visitors in 2009.
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Influential jazz trumpeter Freddie Hubbard has died in Los Angeles aged 70, US media reports said Monday.
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Farmers in southern Western Australia are facing poor returns with falling prices and rain hampering this year's harvest.
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LHMU national secretary Louise Tarrant says the ABC Learning saga shows the industry can no longer be ignored by policymakers.
Trading on the Australian sharemarket has flattened out after losses in the first hour.
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Mezangers Vacation Packages
Mezangers is situated about 140 miles (225 kilometers) west of Paris, the national capital.
Traveling through this popular part of France is about discovering new things, so be sure to rent a vehicle and uncover some of the other fabulous towns and cities dotted around Mezangers. Pay a visit to the Church of St Peter - St Paul and Claude Chappe Museum in and around Brulon, roughly 18 miles (29 kilometers) to the northwest of Mezangers.
Around 30 miles (48 kilometers) to the southeast of Mezangers is Le Mans, an important regional city home to Papea Park, Bugatti Circuit and Palace of Congress and Culture. If you're still looking for things to do in the city centre, it's worth investigating MM Arena, Abbaye de l'Epau and Musee de Tesse before you return to Mezangers.
If you are after things to do inside, you can't beat Pays de la Loire's excellent history museums. These are ideal places to soak up some of the local lore and culture and pick up a souvenir or two. For a glimpse into the religious side of Mezangers, why not spend a little time at the region's churches.
There can be times when one of the most effective ways to get a feel for a place is by tapping into the expertise of locals. The Pays de la Loire offers some very informative winery tours, guided nature walks and city walking tours.
When it's time to leave this special part of the world, say a fond Au revoir / À bientôt (farewell) to the characters you have met and the landscapes you've seen.
Accommodation in Mezangers
There isn't a massive selection of hotel rooms in Mezangers, so check out the current information and deals on Expedia's Mezangers lodging page.


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Live Tweet With Us (And Say Farewell To Cristina!) During Tonight's "Grey's Anatomy" Season Finale
The tears will come, my friends, and they will be plentiful. Tonight marks the Season 10 finale of "Grey's Anatomy," and I, for one, am dreading saying goodbye to Cristina Yang. The show has had some pretty memorable exits from fan favorites like George, Izzy, Lexie, Denny (OMG tears for days) and Mark to name… More »


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A lot of fans have been follwing the Seattle Seahawks since day one (1976), never missing out on a single game. I can't claim to have been a fan that long, but there are plenty of you out there that can. However, how many of you can claim that your undying devotion to the team saved our beloved Seahawks in their darkest hour?
In 1996, then-owner of the Seahawks, Ken Behring unceremoniously divorced the Seahawks from the Pacific Northwest and tried to set up shop in southern California. Obviously it didn't take, but what a shock to learn that our beloved Seattle Seahawks might have become the Anaheim Seahawks.
Lifelong fan Mark Collins started a grassroots group called, "Save Our Seahawks" in late 1995 after he decided that the multiple rumors probably weren't a coincidence. In an interview with Scout.com back in 2005, Collins said it all began after a Raiders game in December:
"The day after the Raiders game in the Kingdome (we kicked their butts by the way) on December 17, 1995. I was watching the 11:00 pm news and once again, there was another rumor that Ken was moving the team to California. I had had enough. I instantly sat down and wrote Behring a letter letting him know that I was forming 'Save Our Seahawks' and that I vowed to be his worst nightmare and never let him move the Seahawks out of Seattle. Actually, he was faxed the third draft because my lawyer made me clean up the first two. I also sent copies to all the media in the Seattle area.
I went to a friend of mine, Dean Olsby, who owned The Little Red Hen restaurant by Greenlake in Seattle and talked him into teaming up with me. We put a donation jar at the bar. Most people thought I was crazy, but some did throw a few dollars in the jar just to shut me up.
It wasn't until some six weeks later (February 2, 1996) when Ken made his move and my life changed forever."
S.O.S was intended to rally together the fans, gain donations for the cause and gain public attention to stop Behring. This proved difficult as this was a low point in Seahawks history and the group became a full-time volunteer job for Collins. At this time the Seahawks ticket sales were way down and they were fourth place in fan-interest, coming in behind the college Huskies team.
Hiring a lawyer to be ready for the anticipated announcement, Collins set in motion a lawsuit the day that Behring declared a move of the Seahawks out of Seattle. The Seahawks did spend a week down in California, caught in limbo while the S.O.S movement quickly gained media attention and the NFL stepped in. With a $500,000 fine threat to Behring to bring back the Hawks, the team turned around and returned north.
There were negotiations and Paul Allen was sought out as a potential new owner to buy the team from Behring. Allen ended up taking on the Seahawks in 1997 after his family convinced him to do it as a fan more than a financial investment. Under the agreement that a new stadium (Qwest) would be built, the Seahawks were home to stay.
"Save Our Seahawks" finally got their official plaque of recognition for all their hard work in 2009.
In February of this year, a fellow fan gifted a 40-yard-line Super Bowl ticket to Collins as a gesture of appreciation for his long ago role in helping save our Seahawks, who would not have made it to MetLife Stadium without him.
Repeating won't be easy – Seattle has one of the toughest schedules in 2014.
Make sure you follow @cover32_Sea and @cover32_NFL on Twitter for all the latest breaking news, columns, blogs and features from the Seahawks and the entire NFL. You can also find us on Facebook and Pinterest.


text: Not a hotel but a condo complex, on the beach. It seems that Jan the original site Manager has moved on. A new management team, contact will be readied over the summer off season, ready for the fall 2016 rush. A great spot to rent a condo on the Caribbean beach with all needs supplied, Two or three bedrooms, full... 更多


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Pictures speak louder than words. But how can you use diagrams to help you? This free course, Systems diagramming, looks at how diagrams can be used to represent information and ideas about complex situations. You will learn how to read, draw and present diagrams to help illustrate how ideas or processes are connected.
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About Kona Grill - The Woodlands
Kona Grill offers diners freshly prepared food, personalized service, and a warm contemporary ambiance that creates an exceptional, yet affordable dining experience. The diverse menu includes a wide variety of mainstream American dishes, as well as a variety of entrees and appetizers with an international influence. Specialties include Baked Sea Bass in a miso-sake marinade, Filets, Almond Crusted Pork Tenderloin, and Kona Grill's signature dish - Macadamia Nut Chicken. Kona Grill also features an award-winning sushi menu containing all of the traditional favorites plus several unique dishes created by talented sushi chefs.
Dining Style:
Casual Dining
Contemporary American, Sushi
Hours of Operation:
Mon - Thurs: 11a-10p
Fri - Sat: 11a-11p
Sun: 11a-10p
Cross Street:
Lake Robbins & Woodloch Forest Drive
Dress Code:
Casual Dress
Price Range:
$30 and under
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Phone Number:
(281) 466-4061
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Kona Grill - The Woodlands Ratings and Reviews
Good meal but not great . Menu does have ...
Good meal but not great . Menu does have options for almost all tastes . I really liked the sushi and sashimi but a bit disappointed in the fish of the day (snapper) entree.
Beer list is limited and boring and expected a bit more
I went with my family for Houston Restau ...
I went with my family for Houston Restaurant Week, and would not recommend this. The food was horrible and tasted like it was warmed up frozen food from Costco. I have heard the original menu is OK. Do not go to Houston Restaurant Week!
We get to Kona Grill, no valet & it's ra ...
We get to Kona Grill, no valet & it's raining... I've been craving Chicken Satay for weeks but they were out of the chicken satay...I ordered a sushi roll & the waiter asked - soup or salad with that? I said oh really, so soup or salad comes with the sushi roll? Oh yes ma'am. The salad was teeniny, maybe 2 tablespoons. The coconut macadamia shrimp roll wrapped in soy paper was delicious, however. I was happy that they carried Conundrum white by the glass, but it was overpriced at $13.50 a glass. We ordered a creme brûlée to share - there was no crunchy top - it was more like a pudding...then on top of that, we were charged $7 for my salad AND the waiter claimed he never told me it comes with my roll.
I probably would not come back here for dinner, but would come for happy hour.
What I have enjoyed on past visits: 1)The outdoor dining patio 2)the reverse happy hour/later dining hours 3(all day Sunday happy hour 4)the sushi rolls
We went on a Tuesday night and the crowd ...
We went on a Tuesday night and the crowd was really light...unlike many other popular restaurants in Houston, typically. I know Kona has been at this location for a few years, so am assuming their weekend business is much more vibrant based on their location and perceived rent. Anyway, the service was very slow, which is the primary reason for my rating. Also, I've never had jalapeno slices served on top of sashimi before...definitely not on Japanese sashimi. If you're not fond of jalapenos, be sure to ask the server to leave them off when you order sashimi. Probably won't return unless it's with a group that wants to go there. There are several other sushi establishments in The Woodlands with comparable prices and equal or better sushi...and much better service.
Kona Grill is a beautiful restaurant. O ...
Kona Grill is a beautiful restaurant. Our server was new and it showed, since she did not know wine or most of the sushi rolls. We came for the sushi and were very disappointed in the extremely small portions for the high price. As avid sushi lovers, we know when we are not getting our money's worth. I can't say the same for other menu items, but I hope it's much better. With that said, I might return due to how nice the atmosphere is but would never order the sushi again!
This was a disappointing evening. Servic ...
This was a disappointing evening. Service was terrible: a long wait to receive menus for everyone at the table followed by another long wait for four drinks. We had ordered three waters and a Sprite. Friends later joined us and the service got worse. I ordered an appetizer (lettuce wraps), a house side salad, and the fresh fish. House side salad came out first, followed immediately by my appetizer. Before I was finished, my entree was served. It was not a pleasant experience with multiple courses sitting in front of me.
A friend of mine ordered pork tenderloin medium-well. It was served rare and she requested it be sent back to the kitchen. It eventually came back well done (close enough).
After what seemed like rushing us out of the restaurant, we then waited 25 minutes for the check plus another 5 minutes for my credit card to be returned. Paying to leave should be the easiest and most efficient process in a restaurant. $110 for two adults and two kids plus an additional fee for parking more than two hours did not make for a pleasant evening with such poor service.
The Woodlands has plenty of great restaurants; tonight in my experience, this was not one of them.
Made a reservation online for my mother' ...
Made a reservation online for my mother's birthday, was roughly 10 mins late due to parking. Was greeted by a friendly face and immediately sat. Quickly greeted by our waitress and was asked if we were first timers(I was), our waitress gave suggestions based on what we liked. Ended up ordering sushi and an appetizer. Overall the food was great for the price,the ambiance was intimate, the only complaint I had was that our waitress didn't check back in with us as often as I felt she should. I needed a refill for about 45 mins and finally got one when we were leaving and it wasn't to go.
Great Pre-Concert Dinner Location
My family (5) ate here prior to a concert at The Pavilion. We were greeted and seated promptly. Appetizers (lettuce wraps and artichoke dip) were both excellent. Everyone selected a different main course (sea bass, pizza, oriental salad, hamburger) and thought their meal was delicious. Our server, LIbby, was attentive but not over-bearing.
We'll definitely return.
Really bad service, long time to take th ...
Really bad service, long time to take the order, long time to serve, then they bring everything at the same time including the deserts!!!! And then they were in a hurry because they close and want us to be out of there!!!! Bad, bad, bad!!!
Visiting The Woodlands for Ironman Texas ...
Visiting The Woodlands for Ironman Texas event. The staff was friendly and welcoming and the service was exellent! The ambiance was lively and the restuarant was hopping on this night!! Everything we ordered was very good. We started with the pot stickers and the chicken satay, followed by sushi voodoo roll and checkerboard roll. Delicious!! The Miso-Sake Seabass with fired rice was very very good!! And, the best part of the evening for a dessert lover like me was the the three layer Carrot Cake!!!
Bad night for cooks and bartenders?.
Tonic flat in a G & T, switched to a martini and it was weak, son had a London mule and said it was weak. Appetizer of lettuce wraps could have used cleaner lettuce, calamari was ok. Kona Chop salad (marked as a specialty) was warm lettuce and chopped chicken without any dressing? No one of the four of us liked what they picked. Hope it was an off-night for the cooks and bartenders, Waiter was ok, the place is kind of cute, but I doubt I will go back.
The overall experience was great. We had ...
The overall experience was great. We had the shrimp and lobster sushi as a starter. It was a wonderful combination of flavored. We each had fish. The fish was well prepared. The proportions were perfect! We ended with a dessert that was very tasty. The server was great, providing recommendations throughout the evening. We will be back.
I did not know that if you make a reserv ...
I did not know that if you make a reservation through here, you will be seated in the dining area even though I specified on the requests to be seated outside for happy hour. The server then told us that happy hour doesn't extend inside and we'd have to get up and move outside. I guess we have to try happy hour another time. Overall, the service and food was great!
Amazing food, great service and ambiance.
We chose Kona Grill for the celebration of our 48th wedding anniversary. Had never been before and were not disappointed at all. The ambience, the decor, and the energy in the restaurant was great. The flavors in the food that we ordered woke our palettes and was different from similar dishes we had tasted in other restaurants. Simply delicious! The service that night couldn't have been better; i.e. very attentive and met all our requests, and then some. Can't wait to go again.
Dinner - Monday night
It was very quiet, maybe 3 other tables were occupied. The service was good but the food was adequate at best. Our last visit we really enjoyed, it was busy and the food was good. Maybe Monday night wasn't the best night to go. The waitress was excellent but the food was uninspiring. I had the signature steak "Hawain Rib eye" which was very average. I could have cooked it in my backyard. The sushi was nice as was the Pad Thai. There was nothing wrong with it, it just wasn't memorable. We will return maybe on a busier night.
Outdoor dining at Kona Grill
We dined outdoors on a rare cool evening on September 1st. Had the Chilean Sea Bass that is not listed on the menu. You have to ask for it. It comes with crab on top and asparagus and rice as sides. Highly recommend it. The butter cake and ice cream was also a very good dessert.
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Any discussion of toxic masculinity, or the ways in which brotherhood in all its forms can get twisted, is likely to be muted by second-guessing…
Any discussion of toxic masculinity, or the ways in which brotherhood in all its forms can get twisted, is likely to be muted by second-guessing…
At 140 minutes, Kim sometimes loses the rhythm of his spy thriller, but he's such a confident filmmaker—and his leading man such a magnetic presence—that…
Roger Ebert on James Ivory's "Howards End".
"The Ballad of Narayama" is a Japanese film of great beauty and elegant artifice, telling a story of startling cruelty. What a space it opens…
Ken Loach's "I, Daniel Blake" wins the Palme d'Or at the 69th Cannes Film Festival.
Barbara Scharres on the cats of Cannes 2016.
An article about the upcoming premiere of Issa Rae's HBO series, "Insecure," in Chicago.
An article about dancing for charity and joy in the Dancing With the Giordano Stars on October 6 in Chicago
A comparison between the recent version of "Ben-Hur" and the classic 1959 version by William Wyler.
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"Life Itself" wins an Emmy Award for Outstanding Editing.
History of kids cursing onscreen; Capturing the process of dying; Interviewing Dorothy Arzner; A charming hostelry; Jerry and Dean meet again.
More moviegoers see films on video in some form than ever before -- whether streaming on demand, cable or satellite, instant download services, DVD or Blu-ray. Even high-profile pictures become available to home viewers before or at the same time as their theatrical release. Reviewing them is a job for... The Demanders!
● Jackboots on Whitehall (DVD/VOD/Digital cable July 26)● American Grindhouse (DVD/Hulu July 26)
by Steven Boone
The animated comedy "Jackboots on Whitehall" does its best to tweak every British stiff-upper-lip stereotype ever perpetuated in film and popular culture since World War II. This satire employs puppet animation techniques familiar from "Team America: World Police" and classic George Pal puppetoons, but with exquisite production design more akin to Wes Anderson's stop-motion "Fantastic Mr. Fox." Instead of marionettes or stop-motion, however, filmmakers Edward and Rory McHenry employ animatronic dolls enhanced with CGI.
The period detail in this account of Hitler's alt-reality occupation of London is stunning: a convincing re-creation of Whitehall, the road whose major landmarks comprise the seat of British government; the airship Hindenburg, which, in this reality, never blew up and now serves as a Nazi attack vehicle; Hadrian's Wall and the hills of Scotland; vintage fighter planes, palaces, tanks, luxury cars... Equally meticulous is the costuming, from Winston Churchill's pinstriped suit to the Raj soldiers' blue turbans.
While the McHenry brothers' puppets aren't articulated beyond some binary limb and neck movements, they are sculpted with such expressive character it's easy to suspend disbelief. Exuberant character voices help. Timothy Spall as a gruff Churchill, Alan Cumming as a fey Hitler and Tom Wilkinson as a simpering Goebbels play it lip-smackingly broad. Richard E. Grant portrays a tightly wound priest so perpetually furious that its possible he gave his entire performance through clenched teeth. Ewan McGregor lends the unlikely farm boy hero some warmth. Along the way, some downright filthy jokes fly by almost subliminally, under kids' radar (including a visual joke last seen in "Boogie Nights"). In fact, so much of the humor is adult, whether in raunchiness or complexity, that Jackboots on Whitehall is less a family film than one for liberal parents and their precocious teens. The DVD includes a fascinating behind-the-scenes documentary that details just how much love went into this handcrafted epic.
"American Grindhouse" covers the history of American exploitation films in the manner of a good basic cable documentary, giving us all the major highlights at a rapid clip without settling for too long on any one thread. It feels comprehensive, even if a seminal title like Russ Meyer's "Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!" flashes by in the rush to cover it all.
A platoon of expert commentators includes some of the greatest -- and "greatest" -- exploitation directors, like Jack Hill ("Switchblade Sisters"), Larry Cohen, William Lustig ("Maniac"), Fred Olen Ray and Herschell Gordon Lewis ("Blood Feast"). The sharpest insights come from more mainstream directors who either started out in or devoured exploitation movies as young fans, like Jonathan Kaplan ("Truck Turner"), Joe Dante ("Piranha"), Lewis Teague ("Cujo") and John Landis (whose incisive readings of the genre and its various subgenres qualify him as a film critic or professor). Female voices are in relative short supply, but film critic Kim Morgan and indie director Allison Anders are on hand to provide some perspective on a genre that often exploits women above all. Morgan insists that women clamor for T&A just as much as men do.
The film gives particularly short shrift to the blaxploitation era, and yet treats it with greater respect than most other strands of exploitation filmmaking chronicled here. The fact that black exploitation films trafficked in roughly the same amount of sex, drugs and taboo imagery that its predecessors indulged seems less important to Drenner than the opportunity it gave black artists to finally express themselves on film. He presents "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song" and "Superfly" as virtual civil rights triumphs. He has a point, but in a documentary that doesn't shy away from nudity or violence, it seems a peculiar departure.
Still, "American Grindhouse" is bursting with priceless footage, such as a filmed presentation by Will Hays, the puritanical Hollywood censor whose Hays Code sent viewers who craved sex and violence turning to independent filmmakers -- the first great wave of exploitation filmmakers. Mousy and virginal-looking, Hays is like Dennis Kucinich minus a personality. He seems so fragile and humorless, as if he'd indicate his objection to a code infraction by fainting. The film also vividly describes the carny-like travelling filmmaker-distributors known in the 1930's as The Forty Thieves. These hucksters set up screenings in whatever stray theaters in the heartland that pre-antitrust Hollywood did not control.
The grindhouse specialties that spun out of this tradition in the ensuing four decades includes "educational" films (about taboo subjects that provided an excuse to show breasts or blood), juvenile delinquent films, biker films, teen sexploitation, women in prison flicks, gore, schlock and at least one "Nazis versus Jesus action-thriller," "The Tormentors" (1971). "American Grindhouse" samples them all in a swift, always eventful rundown.
Steven Boone is a film film critic, filmmaker and video vandal based in New York City. He champions big ideas and small budgets at Big Media Vandalism, writes about essential films at Keyframe and Press Play, and about his experiences with homelessness at Capital.
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Located within a mile (2 km) of Westfield Promenade Shopping Mall, Best Western Woodland Hills Inn is within 2 miles (3 km) of Westfield Topanga. This 3-star motel welcomes guests with 64 rooms and conveniences like an outdoor pool, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking. J. Paul Getty Museum and University of California Los Angeles are also within a 30-minute drive of this Woodland Hills motel.
Free breakfast is included with your stay.
The 64 rooms are air-conditioned and have an array of amenities, including microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers. Guests can enjoy cable TV and stay connected with free WiFi and wired Internet. Beds are dressed in premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Free weekday newspapers, free local calls, and ironing boards are other standard amenities.
Property features
At Best Western Woodland Hills Inn, guests have access to an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and coffee in a common area. You can take advantage of free parking if you drive. The 24-hour front desk has multilingual staff ready to assist with sightseeing, directions, and local dining recommendations. This motel also has a picnic area.
- Free breakfast
- Free WiFi in rooms and public areas
- Free parking
- Outdoor pool
Best Western Woodland Hills Inn21830 Ventura Blvd. Woodland Hills CA 91364
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Located on Ventura Boulevard in the Los Angeles district of Woodland Hills, this Mediterranean boutique-style inn is in the heart of the Warner Center business park, and is five miles from Topanga State Park. Universal Studios Hollywood is 11 miles from the hotel.
Guests of Best Western Woodland Hills Inn have access to an outdoor swimming pool and spa tub, complimentary parking, and 24-hour reception desk.
- Outdoor pool
- Free breakfast
- Total number of rooms - 64
- 24-hour front desk
- Multilingual staff
- Picnic area
- Coffee/tea in common areas
- Number of floors - 2
- Free self parking
- Free WiFi
Family Friendly Amenities
- Outdoor pool
- Free Wi-Fi
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi , Free wired high-speed Internet
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Free self parking
Room Amenities
- Premium TV channels
- Access via exterior corridors
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Air conditioning
- Free weekday newspaper
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Coffee/tea maker
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Shower/tub combination
- Cable TV service
- Iron/ironing board
- Daily housekeeping
- Free local calls
- Desk
- Premium bedding
- Private bathroom
- Free WiFi
- Free wired high-speed Internet
Where to Eat
A complimentary Continental breakfast is provided each morning for guests of Best Western Woodland Hills Inn.
This inn does not have any restaurants but there are several dining options in the surrounding Los Angeles area.
Nearby restaurants include:
Jerry's Famous Deli
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
Cheesecake Factory
PF Chang's
Hotel Policies
Check-in time ends at midnight
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Check-out time is 11 AM
Payment types
- Pets not allowed (service dogs only)
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
Only service animals are allowed
No rollaway/extra beds available
No cribs (infant beds) available
Hotel Name
- Best Western Inn Woodland Hills
- Best Western Woodland Hills
- Best Western Woodland Hills Inn
- Woodland Hills Best Western


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The Diary of Anne Frank: Powerful Adaptation at Renton Civic Theatre
* Additional fees apply. No coupon or promo codes necessary to enjoy the displayed discount price.
The last date listed for The Diary of Anne Frank was Saturday April 27, 2013 / 8:00pm (Doors Open at 7:30pm).
Currently at Renton Civic Theatre
Jekyll & Hyde The Musical: Based on the Timeless Two-Faced Thriller
- Full Price:
- $25
- Our Price:
- Sold Out
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the iconic split personalities at the center of Robert Louis Stevenson's… More
Venue Details
Reviews & Ratings
Featured review from caellen
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This is authentic community theatre. Some of the performances were quite good (especially the girl in the title role), but others were somewhat wooden (particularly the gentile landlord). The set made an interesting use of space and portrayed well what the Franks' crowded quarters were like. This is such an important story that it merits being staged over and over again.
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My wife and i both enjoyed the show. The acting was good the story was interesting. We loved it from start to finish.
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For a local production, they did a great job, especially Anne and her father. The play was a little too long, but it sparked some great post-play discussion with the kids.
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I felt the characters were very well cast in their respective roles. And the setting was well designed ---it was a complex staging challenge.


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Mission Complete: Rosetta says farewell with comet crash-landing
By Victoria Bryan BERLIN (Reuters) - The Rosetta spacecraft ended its historic mission on Friday, crashing on the surface of the dusty, icy comet it has spent 12 years chasing in a hunt that has provided insight into the early days of the solar system and captured the public's imagination. Scientists in the European Space Agency control center in Darmstadt, Germany, clapped and hugged as confirmation of the end of the mission came at 1119 GMT. Rosetta completed its free-fall descent at the speed of a sedate walk, joining the probe Philae, which landed on the comet in November 2014 in what was considered a remarkable feat of precision space travel.
Fri, 30 Sep 2016 08:41:38 -0400
Billionaire Elon Musk outlines plans for humans to colonize Mars
By Irene Klotz GUADALAJARA, Mexico (Reuters) - SpaceX is developing a massive rocket and capsule to transport large numbers of people and cargo to Mars with the ultimate goal of colonizing the planet, company chief and tech billionaire Elon Musk said on Tuesday. Musk outlined his plans for the Mars rocket, capable of carrying 100 passengers plus cargo per voyage, even as SpaceX is still investigating why a different rocket carrying a $200 million Israeli satellite blew up on a launch pad in Florida earlier this month. SpaceX intends to fly to Mars about every 26 months when Earth and Mars are favorably aligned.
Wed, 28 Sep 2016 03:19:14 -0400
Scientists fix fractures with 3D-printed synthetic bone
By Kate Kelland LONDON (Reuters) - Scientists in the United States have successfully treated broken spines and skulls in animals using 3D-printed synthetic bone, opening the possibility of future personalized bone implants for humans to fix dental, spinal other bone injuries. Unlike real bone grafts, the synthetic material - called hyper-elastic bone - is able to regenerate bone without the need for added growth factors, is flexible and strong, and can be easily and rapidly deployed in the operating room. Giving details in a teleconference, the scientists said the results of their animal trials - published on Wednesday in the Science Translational Medicine journal - were "quite astounding".
Thu, 29 Sep 2016 02:50:30 -0400
Hubble spots evidence of water plumes on Jupiter's moon Europa
Astronomers on Monday said they have spotted evidence of water vapor plumes rising from Jupiter's moon Europa, a finding that might make it easier to learn whether life exists in the warm, salty ocean hidden beneath its icy surface. The apparent plumes detected by the Hubble Space Telescope shoot about 125 miles (200 km) above Europa's surface before, presumably, raining material back down onto the moon's surface, NASA said. Europa, considered one of the most promising candidates for life in the solar system beyond Earth, boasts a global ocean with twice as much water as in all of Earth's seas hidden under a layer of extremely cold and hard ice of unknown thickness.
Mon, 26 Sep 2016 15:44:51 -0400
Scientists find new fat clues in faeces
By Kate Kelland LONDON (Reuters) - Scientists in Britain have found a new link between the diversity of bacteria in human poo - the human fecal microbiome - and levels of harmful types of body fat. In research that may help explain why excessive weight problems and obesity tend to run in families, the scientists said high levels of visceral fat - which is linked to risks of chronic disease - were linked to having a relatively small range of bacteria in faeces. People with a high diversity of bacteria in their faeces had lower levels of visceral fat, according to the study published on Monday in the journal Genome Biology.
Mon, 26 Sep 2016 07:32:04 -0400
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text:
HONOLULU (AP) — PBS Hawaii is selling a plot of land in Waikiki for $3.5 million.
The public television station says proceeds from the sale will go toward building it a new home off Nimitz Highway.
The 28,000 square-foot Kalakaua Avenue property is being sold to developer MW Group. The company plans to use it to build an assisted living facility for seniors.
PBS Hawaii had planned to build a new home on the property when it bought the land for $2.4 million ten years ago. But technology issues prevented that from happening.
It now plans to build a new station on Sand Island Access Road.
PBS Hawaii said Friday it's raised $22 million of the $30 million it needs to build the new facility.