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We are honored to be associated with the Arthritis Foundation as a national sponsor and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the Organization to help support their ongoing efforts.
Delray Beach, FL (Vocus) November 28, 2009
XenaCare Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: XCHO), a company specializing in the marketing and retail distribution of consumer healthcare products, has announced today that is has become a national sponsor of the Arthritis Foundation at the National Proud Sponsor level.
"As one of the largest and most well-respected nonprofit organizations dedicated to arthritis research and public health education, the Arthritis Foundation is on an important mission to improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world suffering from more than 100 different types of arthritis," explained Frank Rizzo, President of XenaCare Holdings. "We are honored to be associated with the Arthritis Foundation as a national sponsor and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the Organization to help support their ongoing efforts," he added.
With the sponsorship of the Arthritis Foundation, Cobroxin may bear the Arthritis Foundation Proud Sponsor Logo on its packaging. This logo illustrates to consumers that Cobroxin is proud to support the Arthritis Foundation's efforts to help people take control of arthritis. Additionally, the Arthritis Foundation will work with XenaCare and other Proud Sponsors to help build awareness about Cobroxin through its magazine, Arthritis Today, its membership e-newsletter and on its website, Arthritis.org.
The National Proud Sponsor program represents the highest level of collaboration with the Arthritis Foundation. According to the Arthritis Foundation, Proud Sponsors provide critical support of the Foundation's key mission areas including:
- Advocacy - Local, state and national efforts to advance vital legislation.
- Research - Cutting edge, peer-reviewed research that has the greatest potential for advancement in the search for a cure.
- Public health - Information and empowering programs and services.
- Community-based outreach - Network of 42 chapter offices
Additional National Proud Sponsors include Wyeth, Abbott, Nature Made® TripleFlex™, Genentech, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Osteo Bi-Flex.
In 2009, XenaCare received the exclusive license from biotechnology company, Nutra Pharma Corporation (OTCBB: NPHC), to market and distribute Cobroxin throughout the United States. Cobroxin is clinically proven to treat moderate to severe (Stage 2) chronic pain and is currently available for sale at several retailers, including online at Cobroxin.com.
About XenaCare Holdings
XenaCare Holdings, Inc. engages in the formulation, marketing, and distribution of nutrition supplement products primarily in the United States.
In 2009, the Company received the exclusive license to market and distribute Cobroxin within the United States. Cobroxin is the first opiate and acetaminophen-free pain reliever available as an over-the-counter formulation that is clinically proven to treat moderate to severe (Stage 2) pain. The drug, which recently won the award for "Best New Product" at the Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing (ECRM) Conference held in Miami, Florida, is available as an oral spray for treating lower back pain, migraines, neck aches, shoulder pain, cramps and neuralgia and as a topical gel for treating repetitive stress, arthritis, and joint pain.
Benefits to Cobroxin include:
- All Natural
- Non-Addictive
- Non-Narcotic
- Non-Opiate
- More Potent than Morphine
- Long Lasting
The Company's additional clinical products include XenaCor, which supports the lowering of serum cholesterol, C-reactive protein, and homocysteine levels to support cardiovascular health; XenaTri for lowering triglycerides and raising HDL to support cardiovascular health; and XenaZyme Plus that increases the body's oxygen carrying capacities designed to support digestion. The Company also offers formulations for the lifestyle performance market, which consists of sports line for athletes, including the SunPill that is formulated to protect the skin when exposed to damaging ultraviolet rays.
Cautionary Note Concerning Forward Looking Statements
Except for the historical and present factual information contained herein, the matters set forth in this document, including statements regarding our plans to introduce Cobroxin into the commercial marketplace and for additional marketing campaigns are forward looking statements. Although these forward looking statements constitute our current plans, the timing, marketing channels and advertising support for the product may change. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual events or results may differ from the Company's current plans. There are many risks, uncertainties and other factors that can prevent the achievement of our goals or cause results to differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements including, without limitation, the risks described in greater detail in filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future events make it clear that any of the anticipated results expressed or implied herein will not be realized. The Company's filings may be accessed at the SEC's Edgar system at http://www.sec.gov.


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Press Release: Edinburgh musical equipment retailer Red Dog Music have unveiled their new and improved website, and to celebrate they have announced their biggest competition to date - the Red Dog Music Youtube Competition. The customer whose demo has received the most views by Tuesday 31st July, will win up to £1,000 of music equipment of their choice from the website. If customers don't yet own any of the products on the website, they're invited to come into the shop to film themselves in-store.
Full details and terms and conditions can be found at www.reddogmusic.co.uk/youtubecompetition.

subset: commoncrawl


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SMART Grant
The National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National Smart Grant): General Information
To meet the growing need for improved math and science instruction, on Feb. 8, 2006 President Bush signed into law two new student grant programs—the Academic Competitiveness Grants and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grants. Today, the U.S. Department of Education announced guidelines to make these grants available to college students in the 2006-07 academic year.
$790 million was set aside for the 2006-2007 school year for the two new federal grants, created by the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005. The SMART grant will encourage students to pursue college majors in high demand in the global economy, such as science, mathematics, technology, engineering and critical foreign languages.
The Federal SMART Grant is gifted aid for undergraduate students, who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree and who have financial need. The National SMART Grant is available for the first time for the 2006-2007 school year for full-time, third and fourth year undergraduate students who meet the requirements and it is awarded in addition to the student's Federal Pell Grant.
To be eligible for a Federal SMART Grant you must be a U.S. citizen, and a full-time college student, pursuing your first undergraduate degree in an eligible major (http://www.ifap.ed.gov/dpcletters/attachments/GEN0606A.pdf).
All students must also complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/), be eligible for a Pell Grant and demonstrate financial need. You must have a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
You can receive as much as $4,000 per year (during your third and fourth year of college). How much you receive is dependent on your total tuition bill, other financial aid you have been awarded and your financial need. You cannot receive Federal SMART Grant funds from more than one school at the same time. All annual award amounts for an academic year may be reduced if sufficient funds are not available to all eligible students in any given award year.
You will be notified by the Department of Education if it appears that you qualify for this grant. You will then need to complete an addendum to the FAFSA. Your college financial administrator can assist with this process. If you are declared eligible, your grant money will be allocated to the school and included in your financial aid package.
The Office of the Bursar will apply the Federal SMART Grant award to student fees (tuition, fees, room and board, and other institutional charges permitted by the student). Any Federal SMART Grant funds that remain after being applied to student fees will be mailed to the student by check or deposited directly into a checking or savings account of your designation.
If you believe you are eligible for the SMART Grant, the Pell Grant or other government funding, or if you would like to obtain further information about these programs and your eligibility, visit the appropriate link online:
For detailed information about the implementation of this grant, visit this link online: http://www.ifap.ed.gov/dpcletters/GEN0608.html.
For more information on eligibility visit this website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/about/ac-smart/state-programs06.html.
For more information about this grant visit this web page: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/ac-smart.html


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|This article or section needs Boilerplating.
This article or section contains lore taken from Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne, the manuals, and official bonus maps.
This was the orc grunt/messenger that was mortally wounded when helped by Rexxar during a fight. At his death, Rexxar decided to deliver the message of his last wish to Thrall during the To Tame a Land campaign of Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne.


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This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).
This study aimed to prepare titania (TiO2) nanotube (TNT) arrays grown on un-activated carbon fibers (UCFs), with the application of different TiO2 loadings based on the coating-hydrothermal process, and to evaluate their photocatalytic activity for the degradation of sub-ppm levels of aromatic pollutants (benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and o-xylene (BTEX)) using a plug-flow photocatalytic reactor. The characteristics of the prepared photocatalysts were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM),energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Spectral analysis showed that the prepared photocatalysts were closely associated with the characteristics of one-dimensional nanostructured TiO2 nanotubes for TNTUCFs and spherical shapes for TiO2-coated UCF (TUCF). The photocatalytic activities of BTEX obtained from TNTUCFs were higher than those obtained from a reference photocatalyst, TUCF). Specifically, the average degradation efficiencies of BTEX observed for TNTUCF-10 were 81%, 97%, 99%, and 99%, respectively, while those observed for TUCF were 14%, 42%, 52%, and 79%, respectively. Moreover, the photocatalytic activities obtained for TNTUCFs suggested that the degradation efficiencies of BTEX varied with changes in TiO2 loadings, allowing for the optimization of TiO2 loading. Another important finding was that input concentrations and air flow rates could be important parameters for the treatment of BTEX, which should be considered for the optimization of TNTUCFs application. Taken together, TNTUCFs can be applied to effectively degrade sub-ppm levels of gas-phase aromatic pollutants through the optimization of operational conditions.
Specific structural designs of titania (TiO2) photocatalysts can be applied to enhance TiO2 oxidation activity for the treatment of a number of environmental pollutants [
Application of nanomaterials, including one-dimensional nanostructured TNTs and TiO2 nanoparticles, for air pollutant treatments requires their combination with a supporting substrate in order to minimize their escapes from photocatalytic reactors with cleaned air. Popular supporting substrates of nano-sized photocatalysts which have been applied to air purification include granular activated carbon [
In this study, TNT arrays on UCFs (TNTUCFs) with different loadings of the TiO2 source were prepared using a coating-hydrothermal process, and their photocatalytic activities were investigated for the decomposition of aromatic pollutants at indoor air concentration levels (sub-ppm). A TiO2-coated UCF (TUCF) was also investigated as a reference photocatalyst for its surface characteristics and photocatalytic decomposition under the same photocatalytic conditions. The target chemicals were four aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and o-xylene, (BTEX)), which were selected based on their prevalence in indoor air [
TNTUCFs with different TiO2 loadings, as well as a reference TUCF photocatalyst, were characterized by SEM, EDX, TEM, and XRD analyses.
The EDX spectra of the TNTUCFs displayed peaks of C, Ti, Pt, and O atoms with different peak intensities (
The photocatalytic activity of four TNTUCFs, TUCF, and UCF were evaluated based on their ability to decompose four target compounds (BTEX).
The time-series degradation efficiencies of BTEX obtained via the representative TNTUCF-10 according to air flow rates (AFRs) are shown in
A TUCF was synthesized using a simple coating process, while TNTUCFs with different TiO2 loadings were prepared by hydrothermally treating the prepared TUCF. CF sheets (Hyundai Fiber Co., Hanam, Korea) were first washed with NaOH solution (1 M, Sigma-Adrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) and then with distilled water, after which they were dried in an oven at 110 °C. The cleaned CFs were immersed into tetrabutyl titanate (TBT, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA)-hexane (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) solution (10 vol% TBT) for 10 min and were then exposed to water-saturated air for the hydrolysis of TBT. These immersion and hydrolysis processes were repeated five times in order to obtain high TiO2 loaded CFs. The coated CF was calcined in an oven at 400 °C for 6 h to obtain TUCF. In addition, CF sheets were immersed in TBT-hexane solutions (5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5%, or 15%) to prepare TNTUCFs with different TiO2 loadings (named as TNTUCF-5, TNTUCF-7.5, TNTUCF-10, TNTUCF-12.5, or TNTUCF-15, respectively). To hydrothermally treat the coated CFs, they were rolled up and immersed into NaOH solution (10 M) in a stainless steel autoclave (170 mL) with Teflon-lined inner-walls, after which they were heated at 160 °C for 48 h. The autoclave was then cooled down to room temperature, and the hydrothermally treated samples were washed with acetic acid (0.1 M, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) and distilled water in turn, after which they were calcined in an oven at 400 °C for 6 h to obtain final products, as white powders. The characteristics of the prepared TNTUCFs and TUCF were examined using scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM, Hitachi S-4300, Tokyo, Japan), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX, Hitachi EDX-350, Tokyo, Japan), transmission electron microscopy (TEM, Hitachi H-7600, Tokyo, Japan), and X-ray diffraction (XRD, Rigaku D/max-2500 diffractometer, Rigaku, Tokyo, Japan) spectroscopy. In addition, for the calculation of band gaps of the prepared photocatalysts, UV-Vis absorption spectra were obtained for the dry pressed disk samples using a Varian CARY 5G spectrophotometer (Vrian Inc., Cary, NC, USA) in the wavelength range between 200 and 800 nm at a scanning rate of 120 nm/min.
The photocatalytic activity of the TNTUCFs, TUCF, and UCF for the degradation of aromatic VOCs were examined using a continuous-flow Pyrex tubing reactor (4.0 cm inside diameter (i.d.) and26.5 cm length), the inner wall of which was covered with each of the prepared photocatalysts. A cylindrical UV-light source (8-W fluorescent black light lamp, F8T5BL, Youngwha Lamp Co., Seoul, Korea) was inserted inside the Pyrex reactor, serving as the inside surface boundary layer of the reactor. The high-purity dried air supplied by the air cylinder was further cleaned by passing through an activated carbon filter. Humidified air was generated by passing the cleaned air through a humidification device immersed in a water bath. Standard gases were produced by mixing the humidified air with the target chemicals injected into a heated buffering Pyrex bulb via anauto-controlled syringe pump (Model Legato 100, KdScientific Inc., Holliston, MA, USA). The produced standard gases were allowed to flow into another buffering Pyrex bulb to decrease the fluctuation of input concentration fluctuation prior to being fed into the photocatalytic reactor.
The photocatalytic activity tests of the prepared photocatalysts were conducted under different operational conditions by varying air flow rates (AFRs) and input concentrations (ICs). The AFRs were adjusted to 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, or 4.0 L·min−1, while ICs were adjusted to 0.1, 0.5, 0.7, or 0.9 ppm.For each parameter test, the other parameters were fixed to their representative values: AFR,1.0 L·min−1; and IC, 0.9 ppm. The relative humidity (RH) was fixed 45%, which is within the range of comfort (40%–60%) recommended by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers. The hydraulic diameter (HD, defined as the inner diameter of the Pyrex tubing reactor minus the outside diameter of the light source) of the Pyrex reactor was 1.2 mm. The light intensity supplied by the light source was 0.4 mW·cm−2 at a distance from the light source equal to half the HD of the photocatalytic reactor. Each test was repeated three times in order to obtain more reliable results.
Measurements of gaseous chemicals were conducted both upstream and downstream of the Pyrex tubing reactor. Gas samples were collected by drawing air through a stainless steel tube (1/4 in. i.d. and 10 cm length) containing Tenax-TA adsorbent. The gaseous species collected on the Tenax-TA trap were analyzed by combining a thermal desorbing device (ATD 500, Perkin Elmer Co., Shelton, CT, USA) to a gas chromatograph (GC, Perkin Elmer Clarus 680, Shelton, CT, USA)/mass spectrometer (MS, Perkin Elmer Clarus SQ8 T, Shelton, CT, USA) equipped with a capillary column (DB-1, Agilent Co., Santa Clara, CA, USA). The trap was thermally desorbed at 250 °C for 10 min, and the gaseous species were cryofocussed at −30 °C using an internal cryo trap, after which they were rapidly heated to 250 °C and subsequently flushed to transfer the target compounds to the GC/MS system. The initial oven temperature was set to 40 °C for 5 min, and was then ramped to 230 °C at5 °C min−1 for 7 min. The gaseous species were identified based on their reaction times and mass spectra (Wiley 275 software library), while their quantification was carried out using calibration equations based on five different concentrations. The quality control program for gas measurements included blank and spiked sample traps. On each day, a blank sample was analyzed in order to examine the trap for contamination. A spiked sample was analyzed daily to validate the quantitative response of the analytical system. The method detection limits for BTEX ranged from 0.005 to0.008 ppm, depending on the chemical species.
In this study, TNTUCFs with different TiO2 loadings were prepared using a coating-hydrothermal process and their photocatalytic activities were investigated for the decomposition of sub-ppm levels of aromatic pollutants using a plug-flow photocatalytic reactor. Spectral results of the prepared photocatalysts were closely associated with the characteristics of one-dimensional nanostructured TNTs for TNTUCFs and spherical shapes for TUCF. TNTUCFs exhibited superior photocatalytic degradation of BTEX compared to that of TUCF. Moreover, the photocatalytic activities obtained from TNTUCFs suggested that the degradation efficiencies of BTEX varied with changes in TiO2 loading, allowing for the optimization of TiO2 loading. Another important finding was that ICs and AFRs could be important parameters for the treatment of sub-ppm level vapors, which should be considered for the optimum operation of TNTUCFs.
This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant fundedby the Korean government (MEST) (2011-0027916) and the Korean government (MSIP) through GCRC-SOP (No. 2011-0030013).
Wan-Kuen Jo established the research protocol and analyzed the experimental data. Joon Yeob lee performed experimental works, and Ho-Hwan Chun assisted in data analysis.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of titania nanotube arrays grown on un-activated carbon fibers (TNTUCFs) with different TiO2 loadings (TNTUCF-5, TNTUCF-7.5, TNTUCF-10, TNTUCF-12.5, TNTUCF-15) and TiO2-coated UCF (TUCF).
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of TNTUCF-10, and TUCF.
Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) of five TNTUCFs with different TiO2 loadings (TNTUCF-5, TNTUCF-7.5, TNTUCF-10, TNTUCF-12.5, TNTUCF-15) and TUCF.
X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of a representative TNTUCF (TNTUCF-10) and TUCF.
Degradation efficiencies (DE) of (
Degradation efficiencies (DE) of (
Degradation efficiencies (DE) of (


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Contacts Corporate Sponsors Location Camp/RV Vendor App Motels
Event Schedule Directions Rally Flyer Motorcycle Ministries
"Colors for the Cross"
Saturday and Sunday (September 21 and 22).....
CFC Rally, Farm Center, Dothan, AL
There will be great music by The Bentons, bike games, great speakers, including Curtis Jamison. A food concession will be in the building (headed up by the famous omelet makers of the National Rally -- Jeannie Kemper and Shirley Reynolds) -- it will be a great weekend for spiritual refreshing.
New Location: Houston County Farm Center, Dothan Al.
Speakers, Bands, Music, Bike Show, Open Mic, Bike Games
and more all to follow! Stay tuned!
contact at this moment:
Winston Reynolds firstname.lastname@example.com
phone: 1-334-797-1051
Top links on this website will open before Labor Day.
"Step Up" !!!
Hey Folks, we need your help.
The "Colors for the Cross" biker rally 2003
was the first ever put on in Dothan, Al. dedicated to lifting up Jesus
Christ with an event of this magnitude. The Colors for the Cross Rally for
2013 is back in Dothan, Al. at the Houston County Farm Center Sept 21st and
more info will be updated here. Are we a bunch of rich folk doing
this...no, we are just a bunch of bikers who love Jesus, trying to make a
difference and bring people who do not know the Lord into His Kingdom. We
can't do this alone, but we are praying ceaselessly and know that this is
all of God's will. We are not ashamed of our Christ and we are not ashamed
to ask for your help. We are just humble servants.
Everyone is Invited!
"And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet" Mt 10:14
"The Lord has done great things for us, And we are filled with Joy" Psalm 126:3
Donations Now Being Accepted for the 10th Annual 2013 CFC Bikefest!
Thank you for making Colors for the Cross possible! Kickstands up...Yes, Lord we will ride!
We Just Can't Outgive God!
Please Keep Our Troops In Your Prayers!
Colors for the Cross Archive 2003-Pres
2011 CFC Pictures Click Here
CFC Fellowship Board (click here)
In Memory of Barry Mayson - Gone Home to Jesus July 4th 2007
Founder & Evangelist -Heaven's Saints MM International
"We Will Stand" mp3
In memory of Pastor James V. DiStasio "Jimmy D"
Gone home to our Father 3-14-04, Pastor, friend, brother, father and
builder of God's Kingdom, you will be missed.
In memory of "Uncle Marvin" Founder of Cry Freedom Ministry, Co-Founder of the CFC Bikefest
and his vision of Unity and being a True Servant to Jesus Christ "we miss you brother"
In memory of Tommy "TT" Odom, friend, brother, father, husband and builder of God's Kingdom
gone home to Jesus, August 14th 2010, you will be missed dear brother.
Contacts link for CFC update soon!
Donations Being Accepted for 2013 Bikefest
"Color for the Cross" Bikefest-be A part not a-part of this event. Contact the rally coordinators, come to the next CFC meeting and let's get united in what God has originally called us to do...Luke 14: 16-24
"...so that My house may be filled...let he who has ears hear"
Please sign the CFC Guestbook!
View My
Sign My Guestbook
Make Plans Now To Attend
DONATIONS ACCEPTED For CFC 2013 ©COPYRIGHT2003COLORSFORTHECROSS email: ColorsfortheCross2013


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Location: Mississippi
About beverleydu: Before choosing one over the other, make sure you weigh the two against each other and decide what will work best for the flow www.hostingcoupons.org/host-gator-promos/ and performance of your web site. With an online one, you can generally get 10 to 15 percent off on advertised price right away. The savings that you experience will be built in to the final price. That means there will be no surprises down the road, and for many, that is a great thing. Being able to account for costs ahead of time has many advantages to both the budget and one's peace of mind and to make sure that you never lose sight of the performance of your business as that will ultimately determine your success.


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2 Min Read
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Actress Scarlett Johansson will make her Broadway debut starring in a revival of American playwright Arthur Miller's drama "A View from the Bridge," the show's organizers said on Monday.
Amid a growing trend of Hollywood stars appearing in Broadway plays, Johansson, 24, will appear on the Great White Way opposite actor Liev Schreiber in the drama set in 1950s America about a Brooklyn dockyard worker obsessed with his 17-year-old niece, to be played by Johansson.
Previews will begin December 28 and the show will run for 14 weeks.
Johansson's list of films include "The Horse Whisperer", "Lost in Translation" and Woody Allen's "Match Point" in 2005. She also released an album this year with U.S. singer Pete Yorn. Schreiber has already appeared on Broadway several times, including winning a Tony award, as well as in films.
Other high-profile film actor's to have appeared on Broadway this year include Jude law, Hugh Jackman, Daniel Craig, Sienna Miller and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Strong ticket sales in the 2008/2009 Broadway season have been credited to the concentration of big name stars and Broadway producers have said it is now essential to have Hollywood stars to ensure big profits in plays on Broadway.
Reporting by Christine Kearney, editing by Bob Tourtellotte


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It's nearly four years since an earthquake rocked the Italian region of Abruzzo, reducing the historical town of L'Aquila to rubble. And it's almost a year since another earthquake struck the north-east of Italy. Caritas Italy has been working side by side with the affected communities since both disasters.
The Abruzzo earthquake left almost 300 people dead and tens of thousands homeless when it struck in the middle of the night on 6th April 2009
The diocesan Caritas pitched in immediately to provide the people of Aquila with food, clothes and other essentials in the wake of the earthquake. Beyond catering to the material needs, Caritas Italy also brought spiritual comfort to the shattered communities.
Following the initial emergency when it was very much a case of ensuring that people had enough to eat and drink, had a roof over their heads and were able to keep warm in the chilly mountain environment, Caritas Italy turned its focus to rebuilding communities by providing them with homes and also spaces where they could meet and learn.
Over 35 million euro was collected in a wave of solidarity from dioceses from around Italian to help the people of Abbruzzo. Four years after the earthquake, the work is ongoing and a new centre will be opened on 4th May. It will be home to commercial and training activities and will offer a space for members of the community to gather together.
Over 10 million euros has been donated to Caritas Italy following last year's earthquake. It is money that has gone towards building 17 social centres which will help unite fractured communities.
Six such social centres will be inaugurated this April alone in various dioceses throughout the north of Italy. With spaces in which to meet and talk and listen it is hoped that communities can slowly heal after the suffering they've been through.


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I have the neurological disorder, CMT, which has left my calves very thin. I'm 37 now. I am considering getting this done, but would like to know if implants would look normal on my calves considering the CMT.
Is Calf Augmentation Worth It for CMT (Charcot Marie-tooth Disease) Sufferers?
Doctor Answers 2
Correction of thin legs with Calf Implants
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) causes loss of muscles, as you have in your calves.
Fat transfers require you to have excess fat and they absorb in time.
Given your photos, two very small soft silicone calf implants in each leg should give you a nice result - if you can accept significant but subtle improvement.
Your surgeon should discuss this with your neurologist first - to be sure every physician helping you agrees with the surgical plan.
Best wishes!
Calf implants
Consider fat transfer to the calves instead...............................................................
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.


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The new tax would produce nearly $7 million a year over the next six years, if district residents approve the tax, which must win a two-thirds vote.
Board President Bruce Swenson said the tax is needed to help the cash-strapped district, which has cut course offerings and laid off hundreds of faculty and staff positions.
Community colleges are the best and only option for many students who either did not get into four-year colleges or could not afford to attend them. In these economic times, property owners are not eager to add new taxes, but we hope they will do the right thing and approve Measure E, the parcel tax for the Foothill De Anza district.


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We're Proud To Introduce 'The Lou-rax' (Or Are We?)
Like most people, I always dreamed of being in a movie, especially a blockbuster movie. The only mistake I made was mentioning that to the creative guys on our digital team. At 5'2″ there's a natural comparison between me and an actual movie star, Danny DeVito. That comparison was not lost on the team, so, with 'The Lorax' at the top of the box office, they put those things together and got to work. Before you knew it the Lou-rax was born!
I have to admit, I laughed when I first saw it. Then the more I looked at it, the more I realized that it wasn't THAT much of a stretch! Hey, who knows, maybe they'll call me if there's a sequel. If not, then this might be as close as I get to an Academy Award!


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Since having my first child (8 years ago) I wanted a breast augmentation. I loved the size and look of my pregnancy boobies.
*Motivation: I realized that I needed to do something big for myself. I've researched breast augmentation for about 4 years and was finally ready to make the leap from research to accomplishment.
*Goal: I wanted to go from a 32 B to at least a full C. I wanted breasts that looked liked they belonged on my body. I wanted a natural look to them; my boobies, just fuller.
*Outcome: Amazing!!! I got what I wanted. I am in a 34 C-32 D bra! Only had pain for 3 days after surgery. No bruising. Scars are healing nicely. I did not expect that the healing process would be as easy as it was. I absolutely love the way I look!!! Couldn't be happier.
*I feel that, since having my surgery, I have more confidence in myself. I fit into shirts better and can now wear tops that I couldn't before. I feel like a woman now and not a teenager!


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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is warning of a potential new threat from terrorists – surgically implanted explosives. Read More
Two energy labs were taken offline following what is being called a sophisticated cyber attack. Read More
Embedded fingerprint sensors are expected to be the leading driver in the growth of biometric security for mobile phones, according to an article in Homeland Security Newswire. Read More
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said it is "unacceptable" for Chicago police officers assigned to the city's public high schools to sit in their offices and come out only after an incident occurs. Read More
The private security industry is growing rapidly around the globe and employs twice as many people as governments have police officers, according to a report. Read More
In a proposal on the city council agenda, South Ward Councilman Ras Baraka in Newark, NJ wants to mandate that eateries open after 9 p.m. hire an armed security guard for the evening hours. Read More


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Would you like to save as your currency permanently or for this visit only?
Location to Seneca Harbor Station was very convenient. The motel offered free internet, although there was NO communication as to the password. I called the 'emergency number' posted on the office door and requested the password. No one ever called me back.
Bed was dirty in the room. They gave us an upgrade but still not great.Can'tbbelieve they tried to pass off a dirty bed on us. Lighting in the room is very poor.Disappointed!
The view of the Lake was outstanding The bed was uncomfortable, we needed to put a pillow bet wend the mattress and box spring to avoid the feeling of falling out of bed. Their was hair on the walls of the shower.
It was clean, the staff were polite and responsive, the grounds were clean and neat. The beds were a little older, there was a small piece of trim missing in the bathroom. Nothing that was unacceptable.
Right in town, price was good. Bed was extremely uncomfortable despite being a memory foam mattress. I think the mattress must have been older.
Location! Clean, no frills. Small rooms.
lousy bed - walls paper thin - doors poor - no bath woken up at 8 am... walls paper thin.. no bath.. bed too small.. room very small.. room overpriced!!!
Location Room was just ok. A/c didn't fit window so large gaps in window. Carpet not vacuumed well. Towels thin and rough. Holes in blanket. No complimentary coffee in the am. No amenities whatsoever. The only good thing was the proximity to the Glen. Old, dated
Very nice staff and great location to do wine tour as well as only a 30min drive to Ithica, Ny Could hear voices and people in early morning which woke us.
Location Room was dirty, service is non existant.Problem with room smoke detrector (biping) reported to the hotel mgt with no effect.Room (s) was never vacuumed, the furnishing, including bedding are long past their prime (if they ever had one). Rating is -3
This hotel has a personality of its own, it has has a quaint attitude and coutry charm! The owner is an amazing host!! No
Weird bathroom situation....no door, just a wall separating the bed area


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|Franz Bauer | profile | all galleries >> Travel >> Italy >> Sicily - Italy >> Caltagirone - City of Ceramics in Sicily
|tree view | thumbnails | slideshow | map
Caltagirone is a town and comune in the province of Catania, on the island (and region) of Sicily, about 70 km SW of Catania. The city has been long famous for the production of pottery and terra-cotta wares. Nowadays the production is more and more oriented to artistic production of ceramics and terra-cotta sculptures. Other activities are mainly related to agriculture (production of grapes, olives, peaches).
The city's name derives from the Arabic qal'at-al-ganom ("Castle of the Genies"). It was inhabited since pre-historical times, as attested by the presence of two necropolis dating from the 2nd millennium BCE and by numerous other archaeological findings.
The city was almost completely destroyed by the severe earthquake of 1693. Many public and private buildings have then been reconstructed in Baroque style. Primarily for this reason, the city has been inserted, together with the surrounding territory in an area protected by the UNESCO World Heritage program. (from Wikipedia Lexikon)
|Rob Legeland
|04-Feb-2007 22:39


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- Home /
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- Valentines Day /
- DIY Chocolate Heart Cupcake To...
DIY Chocolate Heart Cupcake Topper & Wrapper
This cupcake idea is sure to win your Valentine's favor! Whether you make your own batch of cupcakes or take a shortcut with a favorite bakery's recipe, you can dress up your sweet treat for any special someone.
This cupcake idea is sure to win your Valentine's favor! Whether you make your own batch of cupcakes or take a shortcut with a favorite bakery's recipe, you can dress up your sweet treat for any special someone.
We crafted this clever cupcake for Valentine's Day, but you can certainly use the idea all year round when you're looking for a treat to gift a loved one.
The idea behind this cupcake is to keep it simple, yet sweet. We made a richly textured brown cupcake wrapper out of cardstock and laced a bright red ribbon through it. A chocolate heart embellishes this cupcake and makes an elegant and romantic presentation - doesn't it just shout, "won't you be mine"?
Feel free to shake things up with a different color pattern. You can work with any color cardstock and coordinating ribbon. Plus, you can also use different color chocolates to add even more pops of color to your batch of hearts.
To make the wrapper, you can free sketch a template or just download our template . Once you print, cut that out to trace on whatever cardstock you're using and outline on there, then cut.
We chose to work with a rich brown scrapbook paper and then ran it through a crimper for a textured look. It's not the typical wrapper expected on Valentine's day, but is richly romantacized with the red ribbon and coordinating chocolate heart.
Once you've cut the wrapper out, secure the ends of the wrapper to fit the cupcake and staple or adhere with a strong 2-sided tape. Do this without actually wrapping the cupcake!
Next, with a sharp knife, like our X-acto, make evenly spaced slits around the wrapper and then weave the ribbon through it, tying both ends in a bow at the front of the wrapper.
Slip the cupcake into the wrapper, and add a chocolate heart to the top and you have a lovely presentation for a Valentine's Party.
The chocolate hearts are as simple to make as well. Just melt some semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in 20 second intervals to avoid burning.
Then, when they're melted, spoon the melted chocolate in heart shapes onto a wax paper lined pan. We free-handed our hearts, but you can spoon your chocolate into piping bags and use that to shape your hearts.
Refrigerate the hearts until they are completely set up, then use to embellish the top of your cupcakes!
Jennifer Kelly Geddes has hosted Christmas cookie swaps, New Year's open houses, Thanksgiving for 22, and all manner of dinner parties in her Manhattan and Ghent, NY homes.Read More »


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Nothing revives the senses more than inhaling the sweet, sunny aroma of citrus blossoms and fruits. And you don't need to have a California or Florida address to do so—anyone can grow citrus trees indoors. There's a wide selection from which to choose, including many dwarf hybrids bred specifically for indoor culture. All they require is a sunny window, an appropriate pot, fertile soil and some simple TLC.
You'll be rewarded with attractive and productive plants with leathery green leaves, pretty blossoms and colorful fruit. Citrus trees can often blossom and fruit at the same time, making them especially prized as houseplants. And while you won't get a huge harvest, what you do produce will be a visual and tasty treat.
Citrus limon 'Meyer Improved'
Give them a proper planting
Citrus plants need air at the root zone, so choose porous pots or tubs—unglazed clay or terra cotta, cedar or redwood—with drain holes. The pot diameter and depth should be about one-third to one-half the height of the plant to give the roots plenty of room in all directions. If you have a 24-inch-high plant, for example, it should be planted in an 8- to 12-inch pot.Prepare a soil mixture of equal parts light, well-drained commercial potting soil and clean, coarse sand. Add ¼ cup of bone meal per gallon of soil mixture to give new plants a boost.
Pot plants as soon as you receive them; then prepare to be patient. It can take six to nine months for lemons and limes to go from flowering to harvest on 3-year-old trees. Other citrus varieties can take up to 12 months.
Lime 'Bearss Seedless'
Provide a good environment
All citrus plants need sun, preferably 8 to 12 hours daily, to stay healthy and productive. Place the plant in a south or southwest window with unobstructed light for best exposure. Because citrus plants grow more slowly in the winter, they can tolerate slightly lower light conditions during that season. Where natural lighting isn't available, use artificial lighting.
Keep soil moist but not soggy with regular, deep watering. Citrus plants thrive in a rich, acidic soil, so fertilize three times during the growing season—March, June and September—with a fertilizer formulated for citrus. Withhold the fertilizer over the winter, and take care not to overfeed as citrus plants burn easily from too much feeding.
Citrus thrive at temperatures between 55°F and 85°F; don't let temperatures go below 50°F. As warm days arrive in the spring and the danger of frost passes, gradually acclimate citrus plants to an outdoor deck or terrace (just as you would harden off a seedling) where they'll ultimately be in full sun. In the fall, as cool weather approaches but before frost arrives, move the plants back indoors.
Make the move in stages—first for about a week in shade outdoors, then to a cool, bright window with a southern exposure. Sudden changes in light, temperature and humidity can harm or even kill citrus.
During the winter, heated rooms may need additional humidity. Place potted plants on pebbles in water-filled saucers to improve air flow and humidity. You can also mist the foliage with water to help increase humidity.
Pollinate and prune
While outdoor plants are pollinated by insects, indoor citrus plants must be hand-pollinated to produce flowers and fruit. To do this, use a small clean paintbrush or cotton swab, making sure to transfer some of the pollen from the anthers to the pistils (see illustration, above).
Under the right growing conditions, your plants will grow rapidly, so it's important to prune them lightly to maintain their attractive shape. The best time to do this is in the winter when their growth has slowed. You should also repot plants every other year to give roots adequate room.
Keep them healthy
Citrus plants are susceptible to a few common houseplant maladies. Keep watch for brown scale or white citrus scale. Both can be controlled with commercially formulated insecticidal soap spray. If spider mites or mealy bugs appear, give the plants a cleansing shower with a hose or in a bathtub.
Leaf drop or the failure to flower or fruit usually results from extreme changes in light or temperature conditions or improper watering. Don't throw out the plants, however. Attending to their needs often brings them back from the brink.
Grapefruit 'Dwarf Redblush'
8 citrus to try
Look for these citrus plants at your local garden center in the spring or buy them year-round from mail-order companies. If you purchase mail-order plants, keep in mind that they're typically smaller and, therefore, might take longer to bear fruit.
Choose dwarf varieties when they're available to keep pruning chores to a minimum.
Buddha's hand citron (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis, shown above): Resembling a cluster of fingers, this fruit is prized for its thick, fragrant rind that makes a flavorful zest. Its inner white pith isn't bitter like most citrus, and its fruits have little flesh or juice.
Calamondin (x Citrofortunella microcarpa): Its bright orange, walnut-size fruits are like tart and tangy tangerines. Lush, dark green leaves and fragrant, white blossoms make this a superb houseplant.
Dancy mandarin (Citrus reticulate 'Dancy'): Like other mandarins, this dwarf variety doesn't need as much heat to ripen as true oranges.
Grapefruit 'Dwarf Redblush' (Citrus x paradise 'Dwarf Redblush', above): This newer dwarf variety produces fewer seeds and has a richer blush-red color than previous cultivars. Fruit lasts well on the tree with ripening starting in winter and continuing through spring.
Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix): This plant's unique, double-lobed leaves and the rind of its fruit are often used in Thai cooking. The juice from the fruit is excellent in limeade and tea.
Lime 'Bearss Seedless' (Citrus aurantifolia 'Bearss Seedless' also 'Dwarf Bearss Seedless'): This densely branched variety produces large, juicy fruit from winter to early spring.
Meyer lemon (Citrus meyeri 'Meyer' or Citrus limon 'Meyer Improved'): Meyer lemons, long touted by chefs and gourmets, are a little sweeter, a bit more fragrant and less acidic than other lemons. Meyer lemon plants are prolific and easy to maintain as houseplants—the best choice for gardeners just starting to grow indoor citrus fruits.
Nagami kumquat (Fortunella margarita, square photo at top of story): True kumquats are oblong and somewhat tart, but these fruits are nearly round and perfectly sweet.
sources | Citrus Trees Online, Lakeway, TX, citrustreesonline.com; Clifton's Flower & Garden Center, 888-209-4356, Porterville, CA, buyplantsonline.com; Four Winds Growers, Winters, CA, 877-449-4637, fourwindsgrowers.com; Logee's Greenhouses, Danielson, CT, 888-330-8038, logees.com; Monrovia, Azusa, CA, monrovia.com; White Flower Farm, Litchfield, CT, 800-503-9624, whiteflowerfarm.com; Willis Orchard Co., Cartersville, GA, 866-586-6283,willisorchards.com.
Weldon Burge is a garden writer in Newark, Delaware. Photos by Bill Johnson, Josh McCullough, Monrovia, Mark Turner and White Flower Farm. Illustration by Elara Tanguy.
Citrus limon 'Meyer Improved': Meyer Lemon flowers aren't just beautiful. They're deliciously fragrant!


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While we welcome and encourage outright gifts, planned gifts offer additional ways to support the University and provide very specific tax advantages. Every planned gift helps the University carry out its mission of excellence and service in education.
Your estate gift ensures that your voice and values, your legacy, will remain at the University of Montevallo. Please contact University Advancement at 205-665-6215 or Scott Dillard at 205-665-6221 for more information.


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|Gaia Gestri
Post Doc
My main research and scientific interests are focused on the developmental biology of eye formation. In particular, I am fascinated by the mechanisms that transform the anterior neural ectoderm into an optic vesicle and then into a differentiated eye. During my PhD in Giuseppina Barsacchi's laboratory (University of Pisa, Italy), I took advantage of Xenopus laevis as an experimental system to investigate the role of genes involved in the early eye field specification. Our results elucidated some of the pathways and mechanisms involved in eye specification. Specifically, we showed that the combined expression of seven transcription factors is sufficient to induce an ectopic eye in a region that, under normal conditions, is incompetent to generate neural tissue. Among these factors, we studied the function of Xsix3 and Xrx1 in detail. Our basic research contributed to the understanding of the aetiology of human patients suffering from impaired eye formation and vision as a result of six3 and chx10 haplo-insufficiency.
Eye specification is the first of many events important for eye development. One of the last events required for the formation of an eye is closure of the choroid fissure. The choroid fissure is a transient opening on the ventral side of the optic cup through which blood vessels enter and retinal axons leave the developing eye (see figure below). If the choroid fissure fails to close, then a condition termed coloboma results. Although colobomas are one of the most common hereditary eye malformations, their genetic bases and cellular aetiology remain elusive.
As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Telethon fellowship and Wellcome Trust funding) in Steve Wilson's laboratory in London, I'm using the zebrafish as a model system to focus on the morphogenesis of the choroid fissure to identify the genes and cell biological events that regulate this process.
Below is a cartoon showing the closure of the choroid fissure. (yellow: lens; maroon: neural retina; green: periocular mesenchymal cells; blue: retinal pigmented epithelium and optic stalk; black: extracellular space)
To address how the choroid fissure closes, I am investigating the following questions:
1) What are the main steps of choroid fissure closure? Is there similarity between this process and other epithelial fusions (e.g., dorsal closure in Drosophila and wound healing)?
2) Is the choroid fissure fusion a real fusion or just a zippering?
3) What is the polarity of the cells that mediate fusion? Is this an example of apical or basal surfaces fusing?
4) What is the role of the neural crest in regulating the morphogenesis of the eye and choroid fissure closure?
5) Which genes encode proteins that participate directly in choroid fissure closure? Which signalling pathways regulate this process?
For these studies, I am collaborating with Guiseppe Lupo, Brian Link and Nicky Ragge.
Leonardo E. Valdivia, Dayna B. Lamb, Wilson Horner, Claudia Wierzbicki, Amanuel Tafessu, Audrey M. Williams, Gaia Gestri, Anna M. Krasnow, Terra S. Vleeshouwer-Neumann, McKenzie Givens, Rodrigo M. Young, Lisa M. Lawrence, Heather L. Stickney, Thomas A. Hawkins, Quenten P. Schwarz, Florencia Cavodeassi, Stephen W. Wilson, Kara L. Cerveny (2016)
Antagonism between Gdf6a and retinoic acid pathways controls timing of retinal neurogenesis and growth of the eye in zebrafish.
Bazin-Lopez N, Valdivia LE, Wilson SW, Gestri G (2015)
Watching eyes take shape
Fantin A, Lampropoulou A, Gestri G, Raimondi C, Senatore V, Zachary I, Ruhrberg C. (2015)
NRP1 Regulates CDC42 Activation to Promote Filopodia Formation in Endothelial Tip Cells.
Miesfeld JB, Gestri G, Clark BS, Flinn MA, Poole RJ, Bader JR, Besharse JC, Wilson SW, Link BA. (2015)
Yap and Taz regulate retinal pigment epithelial cell fate.
Cardozo MJ, Sánchez-Arrones L, Sandonis A, Sánchez-Camacho C, Gestri G, Wilson SW, Guerrero I, Bovolenta P. (2014)
Cdon acts as a Hedgehog decoy receptor during proximal-distal patterning of the optic vesicle.
Hüsken U, Stickney HL, Gestri G, Bianco IH, Faro A, Young RM, Roussigne M, Hawkins TA, Beretta CA, Brinkmann I, Paolini A, Jacinto R, Albadri S, Dreosti E, Tsalavouta M, Schwarz Q, Cavodeassi F, Barth AK, Wen L, Zhang B, Blader P, Yaksi E, Poggi L, Zigman M, Lin S, Wilson SW, Carl M. (2014)
Tcf7l2 is required for left-right asymmetric differentiation of habenular neurons.
Chiavacci E, Dolfi L, Verduci L, Meghini F, Gestri G, Evangelista AM, Wilson SW, Cremisi F, Pitto L (2012)
MicroRNA 218 Mediates the Effects of Tbx5a Over-Expression on Zebrafish Heart Development.
Gestri G, Link BA, Neuhauss SC. (2012)
The visual system of zebrafish and its use to model human ocular diseases.
Andreazzoli M, Gestri G, Landi E, D'Orsi B, Barilari M, Iervolino A, Vitiello M, Wilson SW, Dente L. (2012)
Kidins220/ARMS interacts with Pdzrn3, a protein containing multiple binding domains.
Lupo G, Gestri G, O'Brien M, Denton RM, Chandraratna RA, Ley SV,
Harris WA, Wilson SW. (2011)
Retinoic acid receptor signaling regulates choroid fissure closure through independent mechanisms in the ventral optic cup and periocular mesenchyme
Luciana Dente, Gaia Gestri, Michael Tsang, Tetsuhiro Kudoh, S. W. Wilson, Igor B. Dawid and Massimiliano Andreazzoli (2011)
Cloning and developmental expression of zebrafish pdzrn3
Fantin A, Vieira JM, Gestri G, Denti L, Schwarz Q, Prykhozhij S, Peri F, Wilson SW, Ruhrberg C (2010)
Tissue macrophages act as cellular chaperones for vascular anastomosis downstream of VEGF-mediated endothelial tip cell induction
Markus Tschopp, Masanari Takamiya, Kara L. Cerveny, Gaia Gestri, Oliver Biehlmaier, Stephen W. Wilson, Uwe Strähle, Stephan C. F. Neuhauss (2010)
Funduscopy in Adult Zebrafish and Its Application to Isolate Mutant Strains with Ocular Defects
McMahon (*), C., Gestri, G. (*), Wilson, S.W. and Link, B.A. (2009)
Lmx1b is essential for survival of periocular mesenchymal cells and influences Fgf-mediated retinal patterning in zebrafish.
Gestri G, Osborne RJ, Wyatt AW, Gerrelli D, Gribble S, Stewart H,
Fryer A, Bunyan DJ, Prescott K, Collin JR, Fitzgerald T, Robinson D,
Carter NP, Wilson SW, Ragge NK. (2009)
Reduced TFAP2A function causes variable optic fissure closure and retinal defects and sensitizes eye development to mutations in other morphogenetic regulators.
Gestri,G., Carl,M., Appolloni,I., Wilson,S.W., Barsacchi,G., Andreazzoli,M. (2005)
Six3 functions in anterior neural plate specification by promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting Bmp4 expression.
Casarosa S., Amato M.A., Andreazzoli M., Gestri G., Barsacchi G. and Cremisi F. (2003)
Xrx1 controls proliferation and multipotency of retina progenitors.
Andreazzoli M., Gestri G., Cremisi F., Casarosa S., Dawid I.B., Barsacchi G. (2003)
Xrx1 controls proliferation and neurogenesis in Xenopus anterior neural plate.
Zuber M.E., Gestri G., Viczian A.S., Barsacchi G., Harris W.A. (2003)
Specification of the vertebrate eye field is regulated by a hierarchy of transcription factors expressed in the anterior neural plate.
Liu Y, Lupo G, Marchitiello A, Gestri G, He R, Banfi S, Barsacchi G (2001)
Expression of the Xvax2 gene demarcates presumptive ventral telencephalon and specific visual structures in Xenopus laevis.
Lupo G., Andreazzoli M., Gestri G., Liu Y., He R-Q, Barsacchi G. (2000)
Homeobox genes in the genetic of eye development.
Andreazzoli M., Gestri G., Angeloni D., Menna E., Barsacchi G. (1999)
Role of Xrx1 in Xenopus eye and brain development.


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Dungeons part 2--
Both Willie and Pitt-look alike (he looks like Pitt, his wife looks like Pitt) don't want to ruin their pretty faces and so they put their choice MEAT in the dungeons, tie them up, torture them if they dare rebel, torture anyone who dares to cross them by smiling at a joke, etc...and then they SCREW them. What cowards, huh? That's not all. See, when they tire of them, they KILL them. WHY? Do you think they want people knowing that they're a couple of sex-offending FAGGOTS? The very fairy mob boss strikes again. I'd say it's very safe to say that the mob boss is part of our CIA.
These dungeons are all over IdaHo. I'm sure they have them anywhere this bunch are buying property and selling slaves. I'm not sure how they got started, but my guess would be "For the sake of our nation" experiments on children, then for "The sake of the nation" they would sell them. "We'll just use ether on them and no harm done" CIA's normal outlook. Then it's "well, we may as well put these bums to good use." So they start grabbing the homeless and putting them into their dungeons. Then it's "This one is rotten anyway. He's been in prison half his life." Then it's "well, this person is a loner over here, she looks good. We'll use her for porn" Then it's "This person has fantastically good ideas that will make billions. We'll disable her to do anything but be our brain for years and years and years" She's just a welfare bum in anyones eyes now. Then it's "This one in the dungeon is causing too many problems, we'll have to murder him" Then it's "we can get paid for selling these slaves to the wealthy. This money will double as a blackmail should we have any touble" Then it's "We can make snuff flicks. Who will help them? Our slave owners are already killing them." Then it's "we'll have to hire some more people for our business. This one is thriving" Then it's "We need to start our own business here. We'll create a humongous network to feed our business" Pretty soon it is ALL OVER AMerica and NO-ONE will do a DAMN thing about it because they have let it go for years and years and years. And it's good business. Sex-offenders are like cockroaches and warm weather in the slums in America.
First off Pitt in the bible means dungeon/hell. What a co-incidence. Everyone picks their own stage name in the business. The CIA used to always call themselves The Company. This is documented in literature and co-incides with training. (Cameron Hooker case 1985) The CIA must not leave a paper trail in anything they do as the so called enemy would then have the power to trace their whereabouts. The Cia has specific banks they do their money laundering in throughout the world. The CIA are the underworld of the world.
This network of theirs that ETHERED me for years, to the point of my lungs, kidneys and body being completely destroyed (my memory also, but not as badly as they hoped for.), uses like i wrote, an ether based drug. These drugs not only produce a state of sleep but also second as sort of a truth serum from what an expert told me. (This bunch must have a LOT of people blackmailed.)
I have had brilliant ideas for my entire pre/and adult life. Someone in Tehema Co. caught wind of this during the time of the Colleen Stan/Cameron Hooker case and that was enough to start stealing my mind. They used a combination drug, and God knows what else prior to the ETHERing. The reason i am so sure that the government is behind these atrocities is because 1) The entire local governments jump in to persecute. 2) I met one of them in a bar (first time out for 7 years) and my brain was fried for at least 2 months after he gave me something that "helped" me remember every idea i had had for the last seven years. They were REALLY trying to get me drunk that night. (which i did!) 3) He was a partner of another man that later i investigated after my 2 years old son was molested and the county attacked ME instead of them, when i told them who was smuggling in explosives and trading them for kid-porn. 4) Several people spoke of things including this man buying off customs. One did paperwork and said to me "He said he could buy customs cheaper than paying taxes." and he did. 5) Another said the crates they always burned before, were being taken elsewhere, and "no smoking" around them 6) Another said "They would make everyone get out before reaching for the cylinders of the tractor motors. 7) The main man hung out at a auto shop that was later busted for kid porn, which was NOT in the papers. (I found out from sister-in-law of cop later) The workers of this man all turned out to be sex-offenders. The guy was a strict "Morman" And THAT'S how i know the CIA was involved. There was much more, but this is sufficient.
Oh. I forgot. Another guy Willie, that was buddy with this bunch told me his cousin by marraige "John" is in the CIA. He was the same guy who was at the bar, who worked with the main shop owner and was called "Brad." There you have it. There is still more, but that IS sufficient.
This was over 20 years ago. The CIA bunch has been on my ass since the Cameron bunch. This network loves to rub in what they are getting away with. They are probably THE most sadistic out of any of the networks, they use the word of God to help torture their victims (taking away God the way they've taken EVERYTHING from their victims, they use trackers, listening devices, and CIA mind control as a means to clue members in on your whereabouts for more torture and theft.
This is the CIA and their mind control experiments. In the name of God, the good of mankind, one for all, etc....As long as you'll buy it when they finally get caught, that'll be the name of the game. As long as they have the thousands upon thousands of government and physicians involved, they'll play.
This gang is deadly. God has become false hope, and along with torturing me in the great huge dungeon, America, there are still those dungeons in IdaHo and elsewhere, I'm sure, where they are torturing innocent people to death for fun. All you need to be is connected and/or wealthy.
They started ethering me severely when i moved to the state of Oregon in the small town of Huntington. It took some time to figure it out.
I'd wake up with my shower wet, my toothebrush out, smelling throw-up, blood on the bedsheets, bruises on head, toothe knocked out, car up on curb, and small items moved around or missing. The items moved were to create paranoia.
They were stealing my old coins that were my grandfathers, my wheat pennies, my music and song lyrics, my poetry, and EVERYTHING else they could steal from me. I found a blue flat diamond that went missing. Then the only blue crystals on the rock where i found it all went missing.
This was before i had ANY idea what was going on besides someone was getting into my house.
They deserve to die.
I found out later the main man there in Huntington was a guy named Jerry. He intoduced me to a guy named John that had a business. He said he knew him only through his shop. What a liar. I moved into his house by his shop that needed lots and lots of work and things got worse. I was already feeling paranoid about the windows etc... so made triple sure they had locks. The windows started opening on the wrong side like magic among other things.
To make a long long story short, there were many people involved. Jerry P. for one. Dave R. who i believe got his ether from Jerry (he tried to kill me), Steve O., Ron who was Mais nephew, Mai, and hubby Jerry, Irene and Bill, and Willie H. and a guy who looks like Brad Pitt.
These were the MAIN players. There were others. I hope i got those names right.
The feds have them all not that it has done ONE bit of good.
Now let me explain how I think it started in Huntington. I think Dave R. may have been a sick-*uck. He knows that Jerry is in the mob. His ex wife who he sees on weekends although she is married, is a huge and lucky gambler. He asks jerry a favor. The neighbors catch wind of what is going on. As they have no morals themselves, they join in. (I remember bits and pieces) The women were extremely jealous of me and the men liked me. I looked good for my age. (they use drugs/poison that severely ages you FAST so you wont be recognized in the PORN they do while your under their drugs.) After they joined in a time or two, Ron gets his Aunt by marraige Mai to come in on it. She is ALSO a gambler that has lost ALOT and knows very shady characters. Jerry and Mai bring John in on it. I had people tell me they saw John leaving my house. I said "no way. I've never met him outside his work." They said the same about Dave. Both people that mentioned them were also involved. Testing the waters? I had dreams the same time this was going on. As i have always had dreams that came true in round about ways (since Colleen Stan/Cameron Hooker gang/ cover for using mind control and stealing) it was just more confusing when i'd dream i threw up and then smelled throw-up the next day and stuff like that. I mentioned to Dave that A.M. that i had a dream i was throwing up and he was really mean making me clean it up when i was sick. He gave me a very strange look. The shower was wet. It was summer in the desert.
If there is one thing the CIA does, that's cover their asses. I mean layer upon layer upon layer. They are the worlds filth. My lungs started acting up. According to records, they are all sex-offenders. Every male involved.
Mai knows fellows involved in porno. Her hubby tells me all about this at a much later date. Irene also has Italian family involved in porno. Bill is her love. They are two of a kind. Irene is i believe, Jerrys sister, and also Bills. Jerry said before his sister is "crazy".
After Johns house where i know they were doing porn and selling me out, I ended up in Emmett.
Ron tells me one day that John is his Aunts friend. I had no clue who she was at this time. She said one day they sat in the office and talked all day and he said he never met her. There is too much said (like above CIA smuggling) that i KNOW the main players. I know how they hooked up. After i leave Johns rental, Irene and her lover gets ahold of me, by this time my lungs are going real bad and i'm having major swelling in my legs. I left the state.
I came back to IdaHo but in Mountain Home. I figured i was far enough away to be out of reach of these people. I ended up at a motel that i found out later was Jerry P's friend. It started again. These guys fried my looks and lungs completely using poison constantly. Willie and his Pitt looking friend are in the area where it was Payette area prior to this time. They ethered me non-stop and stole every single last thing i wrote, sang, found that was worth anything, etc...NON-STOP. They tore up my vehicles, stole what they could off of them, poisoned severely, and sold me to guys who wanted to fuck someone while they were out under drugs. They abused my animals.
I remember the dungeons. I REMEMBER the dungeons.
Willie was an ex many years ago. He stole from me from the start and dumped my cats off, killed my dogs, abused me, was with the kiddie abusers/CIA in tehema co. His dad died from COPD within a year after Willie started "helping" him. I was very ignorant when i met Willie. He packed a bible and i thought he was the cutest, nicest person i could have possibly hooked up with. HAH. Just like hooking up with a serial killer that everyone loves.
His friend he hangs around with, and who also knew John, (and looks like pitt) was involved in the dungeons. They are the hookins to the CIA.
NO-ONE and i mean NO-ONE has bothered to look into any of this.
How did i end up in one house after another where the vultures were waiting for me? How did all these people know each other and i did not know until it was too late? CIA mind control experiments. There you have it. There are many documented cases of them using ether alone.
Here is a very short bio of each person involved.
Jerry P--Rumors have it that he gives homeless people rides or takes them camping and they are never seen again. I heard this from more than one person. He also is known to be in a mob. He also has his own gang that "steals" for him and scouts places out for him. He is very bright. IQ 180. He can move into the shadows and disappear better than anyone i have ever seen. I caught him following me a couple of times.
Mai S.--Her father was said to be president of S. vietnam and left her millions. She told me that she had a friend die at a dr.office when she went with her. There were details. Type of illness,etc...can't remember now. So, when she told me a second time about a friend i questioned the difference. That was another friend. Not too long after she told me these things, she wanted me to let her go with me to my Dr. appt. NO WAY. Apparently both were injected with the wrong meds and died in front of her. Her hubby told me she had cut a couple of people to death while working for America in S. Vietnam. She's a brown belt. Before i knew this she was wanting me to fight her and have bets taken. Bitch. I told her i was too messed up to fight. She was serious. I thought she was just the nicest until i got to know her.
Dave Robinson---I'm not sure of him but he had a mean streak. This lady that was staying at his house said that twice she only had one beer and couldn't figure out how she got in bed etc..., She said he was going to my house at midnight all pissed off at me.I said "No way." I wasn't letting anyone in at night. She said "bullshit because i saw him". Dave came home one time when he was supposed to be with his wife in another town. he said i could stay and do laundry. He tried to kill me that night. I remember. He had me drugged and sitting up against the heater by the bathroom in the hallway. I barfed, he made me clean it and brush my teethe. I don't remember all but remember enough to know he wanted me dead. I believe if they ever tried to get prints he would have had a record. He did say they thought he raped someone in L.A. All involved in this gang are serial killers and/or sex-offenders.
I remember waking because Bear yelped. I was going to get up but he said "it's me" He touched my face, i said stop (we were NOT having sex) and that's the last i remember.
My dogs kept me alive that night. I woke up and couldn't figure out why they were both lieing on top of me and i was really really cold. Neither did, usually. Dave usually called his first night home. I didn't hear from him. My mind was gone for a couple of weeks. No consentration, etc..
John-- John the business man. He sold me out. There is NO doubt in my mind. This is when i first started remembering the dungeons. But they weren't IN dungeons they came from a dungeon at this point. I believe some were used for porn. I remember ones face being completely ruined and scars all over his body. One did not have a tongue.
I have REPEATEDLY tried to get someone to look into this and they will NOT.
I remember John from Huntington but had to figure it out later. He liked raping the butthole and this is why blood all over the sheets. He has a slave as they call them. He is the hookup to Pitt and Willie. He was also very nice on the surface. He used a jerking off motion speaking to me, but looking directly at teenage boys he was giving something to. Jerry told me he likes to go to Brazil and get hookers. Let me think real hard. I dreamed before this that the slave was at one time a kid from Brazil and he had him since childhood. The dreams get mixed up. It's hard to tell who is who. If you want female, you don't usually have to go clear to Brazil? (By the way, this is where the shop owner of the CIA smuggling ring ran off to after all was said and done.) Johns business is in Payette as is the house i lived in. He lives elsewhere.
Willie H.--Willie is a serial killer i heard from several family members. He raped his sisters along with most of his other brothers help when they were teenagers. They put dildos in their bodies, etc...Tied them up. I believe now that he has killed many people. My a-frame came loose after a fight, my lug nuts were so loose another time i had to get a new wheel, he tore up cars, killed dogs, dumped off my cats, among a few things he did. Others have also said he put sand in their tractors, poisoned their plants, etc...This guy is a chicken shit of all chickenshits. Aside from those manning the dungeons. One is he, Willie.
Who i remember from the dungeons themselves was Willie H. and The Pitt-looker. I don't recall his name. Maybe Brad.
The dungeons are mainly in Mountain Home area, but as i said they are quite likely elsewhere. What do i remember?
A guy with blue eyes and completely abused and unrecognizable. A guy telling me that he was busted for a quarter gram of crank and ended up there, bought out of the prison system, People in a group that were very dirty and very careful what they said. They tried to tell me to shut-up a few times. A girls face burned. Groups of people having orgasims while they tortured humans, Someone telling me they're going to teach me a lesson, John coming to my rescue. Blood on cement floors. A baby being tortured, worshipping Satan, buying humans, the very very wealthy having shows. The guy that is Pitt-like always threatening, kicking, punching in the head, etc, because someone smiled or coughed or laughed when i cracked a joke, etc... John punching women in the head and killing them. That was his M.O. Me, crying and begging them not to torture/kill someone. Screwing animals. Screwing youngsters. The vermin playing the victim and the victim being made to play the vermin. The CIA has layers and layers and layers and layers of covers.
They were getting their rocks off knowing how much it was bothering me and i could do nothing.
I think that if there is a God, a true one, that it is about time he do something for people like myself and those in these dungeons. Some were begging for it to be their turn to die.
This was not your typical dreaming. They always left a calling card. Always.


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A section of the Piccadilly Line closed in January 2005 while a junction was built to connect the rail link to the new terminal five building.
Passengers can now travel via Tube from Hatton Cross to terminal 4.
Mike Challis, of London Underground, said it was an important milestone in the project to extend the line to terminal 5.
Station upgrade
He said: "I'd like to thank... passengers for their patience during the essential 20-month closure.
"The construction work now completed means we are one step closer to a brand new Tube line for a brand new terminal by 2008."
In order to join up the Piccadilly Line with the T5 extension a new rail junction has been built west of terminals 1,2,3, where the new Piccadilly Line tunnels would join the existing Heathrow loop.
During the 20-month closure the terminal 4 station has been upgraded with extra security and a new customer announcement system.
Most Popular Now | 56,514 people are reading stories on the site right now.";


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Aug 9, 2012 - By Christina George, Staff WriterFirefighters continue to make progress on the Sheep Park wildfire that's been burning since Monday near Jeffrey City.
"As of last night, containment was at 90 percent," Sara Beckwith, public affairs specialist for the Bureau of Land Management Wind River/Bighorn Basin District, said Thursday morning. "They made a lot of good headway on the fire yesterday, and today they will be releasing some of the resources."
The wildfire is burning nine miles southeast of Jeffrey City between Highway 287/789 and Interstate 80 on BLM land. Beckwith said the blaze has scorched an estimated 528 acres since lightning started it Monday evening. She said sagebrush, grass and timber fueled the fire.
Fire activity has included running, torching and short-range spot fires. Resources from the BLM's Wind River/Bighorn Basin District, Fremont County, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, National Park Service and Wyoming State Forestry are fighting the blaze.
Dispatched resources include engines from the BLM, Forest Service and Fremont County, hand crews, an initial attack squad, three interagency Hotshot crews, three helicopters, single-engine air tankers and air attack. In all, about 150 people are working on the fire.
"They were able to mop up the entire perimeter of the fire so it is not growing," Beckwith said. "But people will probably see smoke from the interior of the fire for a few days."
Smoke from the fire has been visible in Riverton, Lander and the surrounding area for several days.
When the fire started, Beckwith said private cabins, the historic Sparhawk Cabin and various communication site towers were threatened. On Thursday, she said she was unsure if the structures were still in danger.
Known hazards include mine shafts, gas and oil lines and hydrogen sulfide.
With firefighters continuing to gain control of the fire, Beckwith said personnel and equipment are leaving the site.
"Yesterday, the Type 1 helicopter was released, and today some of the engines and crews are being released."
Beckwith said it is hard to say when containment will reach 100 percent, but it will likely be within a few days.
"The BLM appreciates the cooperation received from county and state coordinators and federal agencies involved in helping us make significant progress towards containing the fire," BLM Lander assistant field manager Rube Vigil said in a news release. "In these types of conditions, it was important to attack the fire aggressively to prevent it from spreading into heavy fuels at the top of the mountain."
Outdoor recreationists are urged to use caution or avoid the area entirely since fire behavior can change suddenly and fire spread is unpredictable if high winds develop.
Dubois blaze
Another wildfire was reported Wednesday evening 22 miles west of Dubois in the Long Creek area.
According to the Fremont County Sheriff's Office dispatch log, a call was received at 5:57 p.m. on Wednesday concerning a grass fire off Highway 26 on a Forest Service road.
Shoshone National Forest officials in a news release said the Dubois Volunteer Fire Department and U.S. Forest Service responded to the fire. Resources were able to keep the fire to 1/10th of an acre before suppressing it.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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Thomson Holidays Blog http://thomsonholidays.blogs.com/my_weblog/ Welcome to Thomson.co.uk web blog, here you will find all the lastest information from the UK's number one holiday company including deals, top tips and general holiday blogs. en-US 2007-10-19T11:57:40+01:00 Ratatouille http://thomsonholidays.blogs.com/my_weblog/2007/10/ratatouille.html Film fans of all ages will appreciate this witty creation from the makers of Finding Nemo and Cars. The star of Pixar and Walt Disney's new flick, Ratatouille, is Remy - a young rat who moves to the streets of...
Film fans of all ages will appreciate this witty creation from the makers of Finding Nemo and Cars. The star of Pixar and Walt Disney's new flick, Ratatouille, is Remy - a young rat who moves to the streets of Paris. Upon making an unusual alliance with one of the staff of an impressive restaurant, the unlikely pair set about on a culinary adventure, with much laughter on the way. Visit www.ratatouille.com for more details on the film.

For details on embarking on your own Parisian adventure, visit our guide to France's stunning capital.
 thomson.co.uk 2007-10-19T11:57:40+01:00 Sablon Nights http://thomsonholidays.blogs.com/my_weblog/2007/10/sablon-nights.html How does this grab you - you're picked up by horse and carriage and driven through the streets of Brussels, past some of the city's best spots and sights, before being dropped at the antique quarter for the annual Sablon...
How does this grab you - you're picked up by horse and carriage and driven through the streets of Brussels, past some of the city's best spots and sights, before being dropped at the antique quarter for the annual Sablon Nights festival. The event starts on 29th November until 1st December, where you'll get the chance to browse the city's collection of antique shops and stalls, mingle to your heart's content and sample some sumptuous freebies, from wine and champagne to chocolate.

For more details on this event, visit the Sablon Nights website at www.sablon.org. For more details on visiting Brussels, visit our Thomson Cities destination guide.
 thomson.co.uk 2007-10-15T09:51:48+01:00 Top Places to Party http://thomsonholidays.blogs.com/my_weblog/2007/10/top-places-to-p.html If you're feeling a little down-in-the-dumps lately, the chances are it is our good old English weather that is to blame. So if you fancy hotting things up a bit, and you're after a bit of liveliness into the bargain,...
If you're feeling a little down-in-the-dumps lately, the chances are it is our good old English weather that is to blame. So if you fancy hotting things up a bit, and you're after a bit of liveliness into the bargain, then check out our Top Places to Party around Europe.

From Ibiza to Malta, Bulgaria to Valencia, our guide gives you the best night-spots for that much-deserved break. Go on, you know you want to... Top Places to Party
 thomson.co.uk 2007-10-14T06:00:00+01:00 Ski-daddle off this winter with Thomsonfly http://thomsonholidays.blogs.com/my_weblog/2007/10/ski-daddle-off-.html Are you pining for the pistes? Can't wait to hit the snow? Then why not get your skis on and head to one of these excellent winter destinations served by Thomsonfly… Salzburg from £22.99 one-way... Located on the banks of...
Are you pining for the pistes? Can't wait to hit the snow? Then why not get your skis on and head to one of these excellent winter destinations served by Thomsonfly…

Salzburg from £22.99 one-way... Located on the banks of the Salzach River with a stunning alpine peak backdrop, Salzburg offers the ultimate ski break destination. With over 30 ski resorts within one hour of Salzburg, and a range of accommodation and ski packages available on www.thomsonfly.com it has never been easier to build your own break. Up to 17 flights per week depart from Manchester, Bournemouth, Coventry, Doncaster Sheffield and London Gatwick. Flights from Bournemouth, Doncaster Sheffield and London Gatwick commence in December.

Grenoble from £27.99 one-way... Surrounded by the Alps' Dauphine region, and with Isere, Savoie and Haute-Savoie ski regions within easy reach, many of Grenoble's ski slopes are situated on the glacier, worth a trip in its own right. From Savoie's La Plagne resort, which is ideal for beginners, to Val Thorens snowboarding heaven, Grenoble offers an excellent base from which to explore the slopes. Flights departing from Bournemouth and Coventry start from 22nd December 2007.

Geneva from £22.99 one-way... Considered by many to be the Rolls Royce of European skiing, Switzerland offers many top quality ski resorts and Geneva has the added benefit of a beautiful setting next to the Lake. The attractive area between Geneva and Mont Blanc includes four charming traditional resorts - Morillon, Samoëns, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval and Les Carroz - and the more modern resort of Flaine. Up to 5 flights per week depart from Doncaster Sheffield, starting from 13th December 2007.

During the flight booking process at www.thomsonfly.com you can also pre-book meals, travel insurance, seating and baggage options, plus other special service requests. Skis and snowboards must be pre-booked onto flights at a cost £15 each way and are carried in the aircraft's hold. This can be done in the booking process as the flight is being booked. Transfers, accommodation, airport parking and foreign exchange can also be booked on the 'travel extras' section of the website. To book flights visit www.thomsonfly.com.
 thomson.co.uk 2007-10-13T06:00:00+01:00 Dreaming of where to go next... http://thomsonholidays.blogs.com/my_weblog/2007/10/dreaming-of-whe.html If you need a little relaxing break from your day, then take a look at this fabulous collection of travel photos on YouTube. It's 4 minutes 46 seconds of bliss with a lovely soundtrack. Why not try to name some...
If you need a little relaxing break from your day, then take a look at this fabulous collection of travel photos on YouTube. It's 4 minutes 46 seconds of bliss with a lovely soundtrack. Why not try to name some of the places in the photos too? I'm sure I saw a couple of pics from Western Australia...

So grab a cup of tea, sit back and enjoy...

<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yyjU1_nfTpk" width="425" height="350" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed>

Original URL of video page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyjU1_nfTpk
 thomson.co.uk 2007-10-12T06:00:00+01:00


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In interview with Ridge, CNN's Meserve ignored his 2005 admission that Bush administration pressured him to raise threat levels
Research ››› ››› JOSH KALVEN
CNN correspondent Jeanne Meserve interviewed Tom Ridge, former secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), about the department's decision not to raise the national threat level following Osama bin Laden's recent warning of future attacks against the United States. However, Meserve failed to ask Ridge an obvious question about his 2005 admission that, while head of the DHS, he had regularly been pressured by the Bush administration to raise the threat level even though he did not believe that the intelligence warranted it.
On the January 20 edition of CNN's Your World Today, homeland security correspondent Jeanne Meserve interviewed Tom Ridge, former secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as part of a report on the DHS' decision not to raise the national threat level following Osama bin Laden's recent warning of future attacks against the United States. Meserve aired Ridge's opinion that the threat level should not be raised "based solely on the [bin Laden] tape." But, while interviewing Ridge about the threat-level decisions, Meserve failed to raise an obvious issue with Ridge: In May 2005, Ridge told an audience at a Washington, D.C., forum that while head of DHS, he had regularly been pressured by Bush administration officials to raise the threat level even though he did not believe that intelligence warranted it.
In her report, Meserve noted that the primary reason cited by U.S. officials for not raising the threat level is that "there is no intelligence indicating an attack plan is in motion." She went on to air clips from separate interviews with Ridge and deputy national security adviser J.D. Crouch, both of whom agreed that the bin Laden tape did not require any change in the level:
MESERVE: Counterterrorism officials say there is no plan to raise the national threat level at this time because there is no intelligence indicating an attack plan is in motion. And they have seen no upsurge in so-called chatter.
CROUCH: We're probably not going to be changing the security level simply because we don't see in this particular document a particular threat. It's a general threat.
MESERVE: Six times, specific, credible intelligence triggered boosts in the threat level. The seventh time, last summer, it was hiked as precaution after the London train bombings, but only for transit. It has never been raised solely because of a tape from Osama bin Laden. And it shouldn't be this time, according to the man who created the system.
RIDGE: Based solely on the tape, absolutely not. It's not news that we're a target. It's not news that he would say publicly that they continue to plan for attacks in the United States.
But Meserve ignored that Ridge himself has previously called into question whether those six decisions to boost the threat level were, in fact, justified by the intelligence available at the time. At a May 10, 2005, forum in Washington, D.C., Ridge said he wanted to "debunk the myth" that he had been responsible for repeatedly raising the threat level during his tenure at DHS, according to a USA Today article posted online that day:
The Bush administration periodically put the USA on high alert for terrorist attacks even though then-Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge argued there was only flimsy evidence to justify raising the threat level, Ridge now says.
Ridge, who resigned Feb. 1, said Tuesday that he often disagreed with administration officials who wanted to elevate the threat level to orange, or "high" risk of terrorist attack, but was overruled.
Ridge said he wanted to "debunk the myth" that his agency was responsible for repeatedly raising the alert under a color-coded system he unveiled in 2002.
"More often than not we were the least inclined to raise it," Ridge told reporters. "Sometimes we disagreed with the intelligence assessment. Sometimes we thought even if the intelligence was good, you don't necessarily put the country on (alert). ... There were times when some people were really aggressive about raising it, and we said, 'For that?' "
The White House immediately "dismissed" Ridge's allegations, according to a May 12, 2005, Chicago Tribune article:
White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Wednesday that threat-level decisions are based on recommendations from a high-level council that gathers information about potential terrorism. When Ridge was in office, he was on the council with other key administration officials.
McClellan dismissed the notion that the White House pressured the council into higher levels of security.
"No one suggested that," he said.
Although clearly relevant to her examination of the decision-making process behind the threat level, Meserve made no mention of Ridge's 2005 comments and apparently did not ask him about them.
Further, in asserting that "specific credible intelligence triggered" the previous boosts in the threat level, Meserve ignored the fact that the information has in some cases been found to be years old and out-of-date. On August 1, 2004 -- shortly after the Democratic National Convention had concluded -- DHS raised the alert level for financial institutions in New York and Washington, citing "unusually specific" intelligence. But days later, it came to light that the information that led to the warning was actually "three or four years old," according to an August 3, 2004, New York Times article.
Such revelations have led some to speculate that political motivations may lie behind the terror alerts. On the October 6, 2005, edition of MSNBC's Countdown, host Keith Olbermann documented 13 "coincidences" -- instances characterized by "a political downturn for the administration, followed by a 'terror event' -- a change in alert status, an arrest, a warning."
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|Deviant Art
Some very powerful imagery! We're right there with her, empathizing all the way. Who is it that hurt her? Why? You don't need to answer the questions, because that longing for more is exactly what leads the reader into wanting to help. We feel her physical pain and a brief glimpse into something deeper with "I don't want to look at my face anymore". We aren't asking for clarification about the scene or any technical aspect. She lives and breathes. Well done.
My critique is more along the lines of editing. This poem needs a stronger opening. Experiment with shifting the lines around. For example, starting with "Why didn't I take off my makeup before I went to bed?" Followed by "I've been sobbing...", then the second stanza, then the closing. Think in terms of painting the picture in a way that draws the reader in and maintains flow all the way to the last line.
In future pieces, try to explore different types of pain. She's hurting, looking away from the mirror. But is she angry? Humiliated? Guilty? There are so many ways to emote an victim of abuse, and each one will make the reader have an opinion about what she should do - in effect, making her story continue in their minds.
Good job!


text:
The last time I'd posted, was September of last year, and what a different world we were living in! I'd spent so much time on our school's musical, and getting swept up in the 24 hour news tornado, enjoying the holidays and spending time with my family, I wasn't making time for my blog, site or personal projects. I'd even started revamping my website, but I got quite a bit of work at the same time. Why does it work out that way? I'm not complaining, certainly, but I'm not great at getting back into my own groove after an assignment. My bad. I didn't even have time to make a New Year's Goal, yet I'd committed to the 100 Day Project… I have four drawings done. Four. Everyone else is on like day 28. So hello May, it's nice to see you again, I hope you can motivate me to keep my commitments and follow through on things! I'm not going to pile fifty photos on this post of what I've been up to since the fall (feel free to check out my Instagram), but I will put this little drawing from exactly two months ago, and going forward, will make more time to post. Also, folks have asked about my textures, so I will be making some available, gratis, in the upcoming months.
Creative Self
You Know What Cooler Nights Mean…Creative Self, Illustration, Lettering
We Made This…Creative Self, Making
My husband and I made this gate. We'd needed a new gate for years, our old one was falling apart, the hinges were barely hanging on, and we'd thought it had had enough of our Midwest winters and that we wouldn't get through the next one. Having one huge project in one summer is a lot on anyone's plate, let alone two! We'd built the new garden at the beginning of the season, and this gate was finishing out the summer. I won't go into all the details about what we'd done, but feel free to ask me any specific questions in the comments!
Getting the 12′ posts set was one of the hardest things on this project, primarily because we had to take out the old posts. What a bear!
After building the gate frame for both sides and fence pickets sandwiched in the middle, my husband installed the insert. There's a template, but it's a little confusing, and it asked for a 9/16″ drill bit, which is odd. Just ask for 1/2″! Still, that's the size you need… ; )
The pergola for the top was actually easier than it looks, but there is a lot of measuring and cutting. We wanted to keep the end cuts simple. Easy for me, because I didn't get up on the ladder. Thankful the Mr. had no problem with it!
We decided to only replace the fence on one side…
And, to have a ninebark on the other side, between the post and the house. From a design perspective, I wanted a softer edge instead of a fence on both sides of the gate. With such heavy wood taking up two thirds of the space, we needed something to give the eye a rest, and to incorporate the structure into the yard. We didn't want it to look like a fortress! ; )
Our house number is the next project, stained glass mosaic. You can bet I'll be posting those pix too!
What I Did On My Summer VacationCreative Self, Curiosities, Illustration
May the 4th (Star Wars pun not intended) was the last piece I'd posted before our summer vacation started at the end of May. Our district is done before Memorial Day, and they had their first day back yesterday. We spent a lot of days reading (naturally we did the Summer Program through the library), evenings at the bookstore,
cooked, vacationed (along the way I'd met up with one of my clients, and quick FYI, this was rootbeer, from Sprecher's),
saw some barn quilts, took in some fireworks,
We really enjoyed Stranger Things and cannot WAIT for the second season! Speaking of stranger things, our older son has been writing for an online magazine, at 14, about comics, film and television (everything he loves). I can't believe it, we're so proud of him!
canned, knitted (some for a hospital, some for friends and fam), sewed (some for RARE Science, some for friends and fam).
Drew, a lot,
celebrated birthdays, cooked some more, attended the county faire,
and just all around have had a lovely summer! We are looking forward to Autumn though, with all its fab color, crisp nights, sunny days, and again with more of the cooking. I've heard there's a pumpkin shortage coming, but each year we're overwhelmed with them, I think being the number one producer and exporter of pumpkins skews our perspective a bit!
I did make a video of the process and progress of our garden, from May to present. The beds will also be "hoop houses" so we need to still attach more pipe to the sides, get the smaller pipes for the hoops, and I need to make the covers…
Music is Ghosts 'n Goblins by Thiaz Itch under Creative Commons. Hope you've all enjoyed your summer, will post more soon!
a : )
Cute Lil Oil Cloth Art Bag!Creative Self, Making, Print & Patternwork
Happy Friday!
I wanted to share this cute lil art bag I'd made for a very dear friend (a very late birthday prez), from oil cloth, grosgrain, and a jean jacket (I save all my denim)! I love making things for my friends. They're each so unique, that I like to give something showing them how much I appreciate that they're in my life, and a gift that no one else would have. The stone fruit fabrics were part of a theme as I'd sent a little cookbook using stonefruit for the seasons in pies and galettes. I tried to make the pom zipper pull to match the dotted grosgrain at the bottom. Hope all her pencils fit!