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Research in Barrett's oesophagus, and neoplastic progression to OAC (oesophageal adenocarcinoma), is hobbled by the lack of good pre-clinical models that capture the evolutionary dynamics of Barrett's cell populations. Current models trade off tractability for realism. Computational models are perhaps the most tractable and can be used both to interpret data and to develop intuitions and hypotheses for neoplastic progression. Tissue culture models include squamous cell lines, Barrett's oesophagus cell lines and OAC cell lines, although it was recognized recently that BIC-1, SEG-1 and TE-7 are not true OAC cell lines. Some of the unrealistic aspects of the micro-environment in two-dimensional tissue culture may be overcome with the development of three-dimensional organotypic cultures of Barrett's oesophagus. The most realistic, but least tractable, model is a canine surgical model that generates reflux and leads to an intestinal metaplasia. Alternatively, rat surgical models have gained popularity and should be tested for the common genetic features of Barrett's oesophagus neoplastic progression in humans including loss of CDKN2A (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A) and TP53 (tumour protein 53), generation of aneuploidy and realistic levels of genetic diversity. This last feature will be important for studying the effects of cancer-prevention interventions. In order to study the dynamics of progression and the effects of an experimental intervention, there is a need to follow animals longitudinally, with periodic endoscopic biopsies. This is now possible and represents an exciting opportunity for the future.
- anastamosis
- Barrett's oesophagus
- cancer prevention
- disease model
- neoplastic progression
- oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Barrett's oesophagus is an intestinal metaplasia of squamous oesophageal epithelium and is important clinically because it increases the chance of progression to OAC (oesophageal adenocarcinoma) 30–125-fold compared with people without Barrett's oesophagus [1]. Injury from persistent gastroduodenal reflux is considered to be the causative agent, and treatment consists of medical therapy, aimed at lowering the frequency and acidity of reflux, and ablation. Unfortunately, even acid suppression by proton pump inhibitors does not usually induce regression of the Barrett's metaplasia [2,3], and ablative procedures often fail to both completely eliminate all of the Barrett's oesophagus tissue and to prevent recurrence of Barrett's dysplasia [4]. Furthermore, there is evidence that Barrett's oesophagus itself is an adaptation to acid reflux and may serve to protect the oesophagus from the development of life-threatening strictures and infections [5–7]. Since only 0.7% of people with Barrett's oesophagus will progress to OAC each year [8], there is a critical need to distinguish patients at high risk of progression from low-risk patients, and to develop non-toxic cancer-prevention strategies. Both of these goals would be substantially aided by the development of good pre-clinical models of Barrett's oesophagus.
Research during the last few decades has shown that neoplastic progression is not just a simple transition from normal to disease state, but a complex dynamic of clonal competition and evolution among somatic cells [9,10]. Thus cancer-prevention efforts are essentially efforts to affect and change the evolutionary dynamics of the pre-malignant cells. Because Barrett's oesophagus can be followed longitudinally with multiple samples at each time point, Barrett's oesophagus offers a unique opportunity for dissecting the evolutionary process of neoplastic progression, studying the impact of cancer-preventive interventions and extending those results to other cancers. The best pre-clinical models of Barrett's oesophagus would reproduce the evolutionary dynamics of progression and the impact of interventions.
Currently, there are no ideal pre-clinical models of Barrett's oesophagus that capture the evolutionary dynamics of neoplastic progression. Those that exist range from the most tractable models, such as computational simulations and two-dimensional tissue culture, that lack many of the significant details of the human disease in vivo, to animal models that are not physiologically similar to the human disease and require long periods of time to develop OAC. Important opportunities remain to better characterize our current pre-clinical models and to improve them.
Computational models
Computational models provide the ultimate level of control and information. Every detail of a computational model is by definition both available for observation and modification. Their main drawback is that many of the details of a biological system are not yet understood, so the representation of those details and dynamics in a computational model is in essence a hypothesis for what may be true of the biological system. In addition, representation of a biological system in a computation simulation requires the abstraction or exclusion of much of the complexity of the biology, and so the generality of the results of the models are always in question. Nevertheless, computational models have proved useful for the exploration of current theories, hypothesis generation, and the discovery of important holes in our understanding that are likely to be critical to the dynamics of the biological system. When one has to write down the details of the essential aspects of a biological system, one quickly realizes how little is known about that system.
Computational models can simulate the evolution of somatic cells over decades. We discovered that there is an important (and counterintuitive) interaction between the number of cancer genes (tumour-suppressor genes or oncogenes) that must be mutated in a single allele (dominant mutations) for the development of malignancy, and mutator lesions that increase the rate of (epi)genetic lesions [11]. The requirement of more mutations for the development of malignancy actually increased the chance of progression to malignancy, because they provided more opportunities for a mutator lesion to hitchhike on an expansion of the clone with a dominant cancer gene mutation. The generation of a large genetically unstable clone greatly increases the probability of progression in the model. This has been supported in a cohort of Barrett's oesophagus patients in which the size of a clone with p53 LOH (loss of heterozygosity), aneuploidy or tetraploidy was significantly associated with progression to OAC [12].
Recently, we used a computational model to examine the dynamics of clonal expansion and found that clones on two-dimensional surfaces, like Barrett's oesophagus, are likely to expand quadratically rather than exponentially [13]. This model fitted p53 mutant clone size data from a skin cancer mouse model better than an exponential model of clonal expansion. We also found that the shape of a clone differed depending on whether it had a proliferative fitness advantage or a survival fitness advantage. If the lesion driving the clonal expansion gave the clone a proliferative advantage over its neighbouring clones, then it tended to have a rougher, or concave, border (looked more 'invasive') than clones with a survival advantage, which produced a relatively smooth convex shape.
A variety of models have been developed to study the dynamics of cells within a crypt [14,15], which probably also apply to Barrett's oesophagus. Most of these have been used to test the implications of alternative hypotheses for stem cell dynamics and differentiation, as well as lesions that may initiate carcinogenesis with uncontrolled growth [16–21]. Earlier models of stem cell dynamics were fitted to data on the conversion of polyclonal murine intestinal crypts into monoclonal crypts as well as crypt density and were used to infer crypt life-cycle dynamics [22–24].
Tissue culture models
Squamous cell culture models
Since Barrett's oesophagus is hypothesized to originate from squamous epithelium, representative squamous cell lines could be of great value in research aimed at inducing transdifferentiation of squamous epithelium towards Barrett's oesophagus. Using EPC2 cells, an oesophageal epithelial cell line transformed with hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcription), Kong et al. [25] showed that demethylation and CDX2 (Caudal-type homeobox 2) expression induced intestinalization. A weakness of this approach is the possibility that Barrett's oesophagus does not derive from squamous cells.
Barrett's oesophagus cell culture models
Palanca-Wessels et al. [26,27] described the derivation [26] and immortalization using an hTERT transfection [27] of four Barrett's oesophagus cell lines. Three of those cell lines (CP-B, CP-C and CP-D) were derived from patients with high-grade dysplasia and exhibited lesions in both CDKN2A (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A) (p16/INK4A) and TP53 (tumour protein 53) (p53), whereas the fourth cell line (CP-A), from a patient with only metaplastic Barrett's oesophagus, also had inactivated CDKN2A, but is wild-type for TP53 [26], although it has extensive LOH on chromosome 5q, including APC (adenomatous polyposis coli). Another hTERT immortalized cell line (BAR-T) was described by Jaiswal et al. [28]. In contrast with the cell lines described by Palanca-Wessels et al. [26,27], this cell line initially showed both intact CDKN2A and TP53, and lost CDKN2A during adaptations to conditions in vitro [28]. Owing to functioning TP53, this cell line may be a good model of early Barrett's oesophagus progression.
OAC cell culture models
A number of OAC cell lines have been described over the years [29–31]. However, recent research has called into question the identity of three of the most commonly used OAC cell lines (BIC-1, SEG-1 and TE-7) [29,32]. This caused a shortage of reliable DNA-fingerprinted OAC cell lines, although FLO and OE33 appear to be true OAC cell lines. Alvarez et al. [29] described the isolation of JH-EsoAd1, a cell line derived from moderately to poorly differentiated OAC. Because DNA fingerprinting confirmed its identity, JH-EsoAd1 also holds promise for future research in OAC.
Organotypic models
One of the major drawbacks of two-dimensional tissue culture models is that they fail to represent the micro-environment of the tumour, which has been shown to be important in progression [33]. In order to mimic aspects of the tumour micro-environment, organotypic models of oesophageal keratinocytes have been developed [34,35]. In these models, the epithelial cells are cultured on top of a layer of collagen and fibroblasts, with medium being fed into the system from below. Such organotypic models have been used to study both squamous cell carcinoma [34] and Barrett's oesophagus [35] development. Stairs et al. [35] found that co-expression of c-myc and CDX1 of EPC2-hTERT cells in an organotypic model induced early Barrett's oesophagus characteristics such as KRT8 (cytokeratin 8) and MUC5 (mucin 5) expression [35]. Organotypic models offer more realistic conditions for studying neoplastic progression than two-dimensional models, and the cells can remain viable and proliferative for more than 3 weeks without passaging. However, they typically lack important aspects of the micro-environment of Barrett's oesophagus, including inflammatory cells and endothelial cells. Furthermore, they do not form into crypts, and so lack realistic stem cell and differentiation dynamics. Recent work on LGR5 (leucine-rich-repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5)-positive stem cells in colon crypts has shown that crypts can be induced to develop in a three-dimensional spheroid model [36]. This may provide an alternative approach for developing organotypic models of Barrett's oesophagus.
Animal models
The most popular animals models of Barrett's oesophagus are rat surgical models. There are also some mouse models and an older, but perhaps more physiologically realistic, canine model.
Rat models
There are a variety of rat surgical models, some involving a gastrectomy, and often an anastamosis between the jejunum or duodenum and the oesophagus [37,38]. In some cases, these models produce more Barrett's oesophagus or OAC with the addition of iron [39]. Perhaps the most promising animal model of Barrett's oesophagus is the OGDA (oesophagogastroduodenal anastamosis) model [40–42]. After 40 weeks, 25.6% of the animals develop OAC [41]. The OGDA model is particularly intriguing in that the contents of the duodenum are no longer acidic, and so this model shows that bile reflux is sufficient to generate both Barrett's oesophagus and OAC. This result questions the emphasis on acid reflux and acid suppression in the treatment of Barrett's oesophagus and the prevention of OAC.
Important future questions for the OGDA model include whether or not the genetics of Barrett's oesophagus and progression to OAC in this model match those observed in the human condition, such as the inactivation of CDKN2A (p16) and TP53 (p53), as well as the development of aneuploidy and tetraploidy [43]. The large size of the rat oesophagus and the feasibility of endoscopic biopsy in this model suggest that the OGDA rats could be followed longitudinally with serial sampling to assess the genetic of progression in this model.
Mouse models
There has been some attempt to develop mouse surgical models, similar to the rat model, including an oesophagojejunostomy model with N-methyl-N-benzylnitrosamine, which resulted in 37% of the mice developing OAC [44]. However, this model appears to be more difficult to implement than the rat model and has not been as popular.
Genetic models have often been used to study the genetic underpinnings of carcinogenesis. There are currently no commonly used genetic models of Barrett's oesophagus in mice. However, one team has reported the development of intestinal metaplasia of the oesophagus in mice defective for TSP1 (thrombospondin-1) [45]. The wide availability of tools and reagents for manipulating mouse models makes this an attractive avenue for research. Unfortunately, the apparent development of Barrett's oesophagus in the TSP1 mouse model was but one of many observed phenotypes, which did not develop in all cases and did not progress to OAC in the period of study.
Both the mouse and rat gastrointestinal tract have significant differences from the human gastrointestinal tract. In particular, rats and mice have a squamous fore-stomach which may result in different dynamics of the development of intestinal metaplasia in the oesophagus compared with humans. Furthermore, the inactivation of a gene throughout the entire organism, or even an entire organ, poorly represents the process of somatic evolution where a gene is inactivated in a single cell and whether or not that clone expands depends on the fitness effects of the inactivated gene on the clone, as well as stochastic dynamics of cell turnover in the tissue.
Dog model
One of the earliest animal models of Barrett's oesophagus was a canine model which involved surgical removal of the mucosa of the distal oesophagus as well as generation of a hiatal hernia and cardioplasty, which induced columnar epithelium after 8 weeks [37]. This is perhaps the most realistic model of Barrett's oesophagus since it is driven by reflux and wounding. Experiments with this model, leaving a barrier of squamous cells between the stomach and denuded region of the eosphagus, suggested that Barrett's oesophagus does not develop by migration of columnar gastric epithelium [46] and that islands of columnar cells seem to develop initially around submucosal glands [47]. Unfortunately, the canine model of Barrett's oesophagus seems to have fallen out of use.
The ideal model
An ideal model of Barrett's oesophagus would capture the dynamics of progression from normal squamous epithelium to OAC. This would include a transition from squamous to Barrett's oesophagus and would involve expansions of clones with lesions in CDKN2A as well as TP53 and the development of tetraploidy and aneuploidy late in progression [43]. It seems likely that inclusion of the chronic inflammation observed in the human condition will be necessary for a model to replicate the dynamics of the human disease, although this has not yet been shown. Importantly, an ideal model would allow for longitudinal sampling within the same organism so that progression to OAC could be tracked over time. In addition, the model should allow for multiple samples at any one time point so that clonal expansions could be observed. It would be helpful if progression to OAC was both reliable and rapid, although accelerated progression may be incompatible with realistic evolutionary dynamics of progression. Finally, the genetic diversity of human Barrett's oesophagus should be captured in the model so that realistic responses to interventions may be modelled. It may be the case that the OGDA rat model or the dog model may fit all (or most) of these criteria. Genetic characterization of the animal models will be important for their validation.
Major open questions
Good pre-clinical models of Barrett's oesophagus would facilitate the investigation of a host of important questions in the field. A basic question in cancer biology for any tumour is to determine the sets of (epi)genetic lesions that are both necessary and sufficient to generate a malignancy in sporadic cancers. Genome-wide analyses of longitudinal samples from the same animal or patient would facilitate the discovery of potential lesions that could then be tested by introducing them sequentially into the Barrett's oesophagus cells of an animal model. Observational studies, using genetic or epigenetic markers in multiple biopsies from each time point of a longitudinal study, could also be used to measure the frequency of clonal expansions during neoplastic progression. There is considerable disagreement in the literature over the frequency of such expansions (e.g. 1 compared with 20) [48,49], and very little data to resolve the debate. Associating particular lesions with those clonal expansions would also help to determine which of the necessary lesions in neoplastic progression increase the fitness of a clone, and which are evolutionarily neutral or deleterious. Lesions that cause clonal expansions make for good biomarkers that can be detected with few samples and can dramatically increase the probability of further progression [11,12].
Because clonal expansions dramatically increase the probability of progression to malignancy and can lead to secondary cancers, the inhibition of clonal expansions represents an attractive approach to cancer prevention. A first critical step in such efforts will be to discover the mechanism of such expansions. Does a clone expand by crypt bifurcation/budding, and, if so, do the new crypts replace their neighbours by some mechanism, or just generate more densely packed crypts? Alternatively, clones may spread by surviving the wounding effects of reflux and then repopulating the denuded regions [13,50]. In addition, local 'metastases' of stem cells within a tissue have been hypothesized to spread a clone [51].
Because neoplastic progression is a process of somatic evolution, cancer prevention is fundamentally an attempt to have an impact on and control that evolutionary process. However, the evolutionary effects of our interventions are virtually unstudied. A critical question remains what (epi)genetic lesions are selected by an intervention? That is, what (epi)genetic lesions provide a relative fitness advantage in the altered micro-environment induced by the intervention? Some of those lesions may generate resistance to the cancer-preventive intervention, and an understanding of the mechanism of that resistance should help us to identify patients unlikely to benefit from the intervention and to develop second line or multidrug cancer-prevention treatments that can overcome the evolution of resistance [9,52]. One approach to cancer prevention would be to alter the fitness of oesophageal squamous cells relative to Barrett's oesophagus cells, so that the squamous epithelium could out-compete and replace the Barrett's oesophagus tissue. This might be done by the traditional approach of reducing the fitness of Barrett's oesophagus cells below the fitness of squamous cells or by increasing the fitness of squamous cells above that of Barrett's oesophagus cells [53].
Current pre-clinical models of Barrett's oesophagus range from the most tractable and least realistic computational and tissue culture models to a set of physiologically unrealistic animal models (with the possible exception of the canine model). Some of these models show promise, but will require further genetic and epigenetic characterization to validate their utility for studying the human disease. Important opportunities remain for both improving upon current models and the development of new models of Barrett's oesophagus. Such pre-clinical models hold the promise of advancing both our knowledge and management of Barrett's oesophagus, but will only be truly effective if they are used in longitudinal studies that can characterize the somatic evolution that drives progression and the effects of cancer-preventive interventions.
This work was supported in part by the London AACR (American Association for Cancer Research) Innovator Award for Cancer Prevention and the National Institutes of Health [grant numbers R03 CA137811, P01 CA91955, P30 CA010815, R01 CA119224 and R01 CA140657].
Barrett's Metaplasia: A Biochemical Society Focused Meeting held at University of Bath, Bath, U.K., 17–18 September 2009. Organized and Edited by Mark Farrant (Bath, U.K.), Rebecca Fitzgerald (Cambridge, U.K.) and David Tosh (Bath, U.K.).
Abbreviations: CDKN2A, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A; hTERT, human telomerase reverse transcription; LOH, loss of heterozygosity; OAC, oesophageal adenocarcinoma; OGDA, oesophagogastroduodenal anastamosis; TP53, tumour protein 53; TSP1, thrombospondin-1
- © The Authors Journal compilation © 2010 Biochemical Society


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L'Oréal Magic De-Crease Eyelid Primer
L'Oréal Magic De-Crease Eyelid Primer Reviews
L'Oreal Makes Shadow Long-Lasting and LovelyLong before I had ever heard of Urban Decay's "Primer Potion" and Too Faced's "Shadow Insurance," I was a faithful user of Ultima II's "Fade Not, Crease Not" shadow base. It worked beautifully, but it became hard to find when Ultima II sadly disappeared from the cosmetic counters of department stores. I saw L'Oreal's original "De-Crease." I was perfectly pleased with that and now have tried the...read moreir new "Magic De-Crease." It offers the same staying lengthy staying power of their other product. The nude base keeps cream, mineral, or powder shadows pigmented and in place for more than ten hours for me. I love Ultima II, Too Faced, and UD, but this is a mere $9.00 as opposed to $20.00 and more for the others. It's a win-win for women everywhere. — 4 years, 5 months agoGigiSD | 1102 reviews
This review is: Helpful | Not helpful | Inappropriate | 14 of 14 people said helpful
Ugh.This stuff is just completely awful. Don't get me wrong I'm a huge fan of drugstore makeup and products and drugstore dupes for high end products but this stuff just doesn't make the cut. It's a super thick chalky, cakey, nasty mess. It does nothing to improve the wear of my eye makeup. It's more like a thick concealer and it makes my eyelids feel like they weigh 10 pounds. Do not waste your money on this one, it's useless. — 3 years, 4 months agodaniicaliforniaa93 | 8 reviews
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Haven't had any issues yet...I have used this product a few times, and I have been satisfied with it so far. You can use this on it's own without eye liner, eye shadow, etc. It works very similar to a foundation or concealer. It has a good coverage on my dark inset eyes. When I do put eye shadow on top, it does a really good job at making the product stay. It does not let my eye shadow smudge. It also allows the color of the ...read moreshadows appear more pigmented than if the primer was not there. I am happy with this product so far. I will continue to use it, unless I find something better. — 1 year, 8 months agoXtineDanceFit | 10 reviews
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Penguin presents the unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer, Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard book one, by Rick Riordan, read by Christopher Guetig.
Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother's mysterious death, he's lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits. One day he's tracked down by an uncle he's never met - who tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god. The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday.
To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.
©2015 Rick Riordan (P)2015 Penguin Books Limited
"Norse rules"
I love the book I was more into the Greek gods but know I read this I'm a Norse nut 😃😇💗💗😍
"Very disappointing narrator"
The narrator - he is awful. My children have listened to and adored all the Percy Jackson series and the Kane Chronicles but didn't get to the end of this book. Very disappointing.
Sadly no.
Don't bother!
"Good use of Norse Mythology - Narrator is not good"
The story twists and turns as the characters move through the story line similar to the other books written by Riordan. The narrator is not good though in my opinion - reads in the style of a junior school child rather than a streetwise teenager - sorry.
Too childish rather than a homeless teenager.
"Good story, horrid narrator!"
The story is really good and interesting. The narration is awful, the book sounds like it is being read by a robot and does make me feel I won't be listening to the next book in this series! My opinion read this book don't listen to it
"I could not stop laughing"
The way it was written is just amazing. I didn't think I would like a book about heroes and what-not but I loved it
"Brilliantly charming if somewhat hard to get into "
The narrator was lively and really held my interest. His variety of voices gave a distinct personality to each character without distracting from the overall story.
Magnus's story is a little messy to begin, with plot elements that struggle to come together at first but persevere and you'll be rewarded with a rich, exciting journey of four friends that celebrate diversity and excitement.
"Good Book"
I would listen to this again as Magnus and the others are brilliantly written characters portrayed well in this audiobook. I love Magnus's narration and the audiobook format brings the characters to life in a way the page can't. Rick Riordan's books translate well to this format.
"Amazing all around."
The narrator of this book took a while to grow on me but now I absolutely admire his work and the enthusiasm he showed when reading this book. The book itself is also unbelievable and amazing with the amount of research must have gone into writing it.
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yes, because it cost me money
characters. the main characters are great
as long as he keeps weeeeell away from the Irish accent
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could have improved delivery of, what was meant to be, funny lines. and his irish accent kinda sounds across between russian, romanian and cockney london (like, dick van dyke, london accent) ..... and i think i caught a bit of scottish. ok one sencence was scottish.<br/>read the story before listening to it. love the story, recommend it to anyone who's a fan of rick riordans work.
I love the book I recommend this book to everyone who likes action and adventure books
"Great Book Terrible Narration"
Try listening to the other recent series, The Hidden Oracle. The narrator is a lot more involved and much better at character description. This one ruins the mood constantly.
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Worcester had seen victory snatched away in previous home games against Wasps and Harlequins by late scores and were forced to settle for a draw at Newcastle in similar scenes.
But this time Hill's men showed they could close a game out as a late drop goal from Andy Goode put the gloss on a crucial league win.
"We have managed to close a game out and that is a key thing for us," admitted Hill.
"We have had games here against Wasps and Harlequins that we have just lost out to, we went to Newcastle and were leading right until the end and only drew the game.
"Teams were looking at us and thinking if they could hang in there with ten minutes to go then we would crack and they would score.
"With ten minutes on the board it was a big psychological thing for us to close the game out, get that drop goal and give us a cushion.
"It was a massive step forward," he added. "The players are working very hard and the attitude is superb, we have worked really hard on the attack over the last few weeks.
"But if you keep losing by the odd point then there comes a time, if you are not careful, when suddenly those little loses by a point become a bit wider.
"To get that win will give everyone a big boost. That is what we need at this time of year, to get a win like that shows we can play well and close the game out.
"We asked the players for our best performance this season and I think we did that.
"The first half belonged to us, probably 35 minutes out of the 40, and we had a five minute spell when we had to defend hard and eventually got a turnover.
"Bath were hit by their lineout, although I thought Mark Lilley, who is probably fourth choice for them and is a prop, did well in the circumstances. That helped us a little bit."
Hill also praised the attitude of his players as they looked to adopt an attacking style and were never afraid to get hands on ball.
"We started with good ball retention and what I liked was the way we played, we didn't look jittery and everyone looked comfortable on the ball," he said.
"The forwards and backs were mixing and, although I think we have been criticised for a lack of attack, we went out with confidence.
"We didn't get the rewards until right on the stroke of half-time when Miles conquered up a superb try. We deserved to go in 10-0 up.
"We tried a different tactic tonight where we hit the ball up the middle and then straight to the backs.
"In the past we have taken the forwards on, but we decided with the runners we have got we wanted to get the ball in their hands a bit more and that worked for us."


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"When a person looks back at a photo I took, I want it to rekindle the emotion of the moment. I want them to feel that same feeling of being in love, overjoyed, proud...confident."
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She knew exactly what I wanted and never wasted my time with homes that didn't fit my needs. She's a great communicator and really takes a personal interest in YOU! She became a friend, a true friend.
Aurianna Philavanh, Portland OR
She is a hard worker and gets things done in a timely manner, all while keeping you informed of the dealings and process. When last minute, unexpected circumstances arose that would have pushed back our closing date by weeks, she fought on our behalf for early occupancy so we could move in our scheduled time off.
Kalyn & Mat MacDonald - Portland OR
They lived up to every expectation and I am very happy with the result. First, they were easy to reach and talk to. Second, very knowledgeable and willing to get information. And third, constant advertising and price adjustments.
Denise Ashley, Colton OR
Thank you for making this a pleasant, fun, and easy process. I appreciate your hard work and compassion. He devoted all of the time I needed to helping me find the right home. His communication was prompt and excellent and he always followed up on every question and concern.
Steven White, Portland OR
They make a phenomenal team that I would recommend to anyone. As first-time buyers, we could not have been more pleased with their helpfulness, willingness to walk us through the process and attention to detail. It was such a pleasure working with you both. Thank you for the bottom of our hearts!
Katyee & Jason Cobb, Hillsboro OR
The service I received on the sale of my property was 1st rate! I would use Premiere Property Group as my only Realtor.
Don Etter, Tigard OR
Kristi and I are very happy that you sold our investment home so quickly and that we got the asking price we were expecting, even in such a buyer's market! In my 10 years of investing in real estate, I have worked with well over a dozen Realtors, and by far Premiere Property Group is the hardest working, most marketing savvy group of Realtors I have ever worked with!
Rob & Kristi Russell, Tigard OR
They have been great to work with and we consider them to be friends as well as our brokers. They are professional, attentive, and knowledgeable of the market and helped us achieve our goal of selling our home in a very short time so we can begin looking for a new home that fits our new empty-nester status.
Jeremy & Kristin Vermilyea, Tigard OR
They were always available and didn't pressure me into making a decision. Told me not just what I wanted to hear, but also what I needed to hear. They worked with me every way possible to make my first time home buying experience to result in success. They were patient, supportive, knowledgeable and made me feel that they always had my best interests as their top priority. Home buying or selling in today's current economy is stressful. I slept better at night knowing that they were on my side!
Audrey Schumacher, Tigard OR
They are very professional brokers, honest and prompt. They knew the market and always gave honest and helpful advice.
Rick & Barbara Dawes, Green Valley AZ
This was the sale of our 5th home. We have never had a realtor who did as good a job with listings, open houses, advanced warning phone calls for showings, etc. They were always very upbeat about the progress that was being made. We would never hesitate to recommend them to anyone who is trying to sell their home.
Dick & Lillian Maclan , Tigard OR
You had an immediate plan for marketing and selling our home. I've already given my neighbor your name for when they are ready to list their home. I appreciate your down-to-earth business approach. Thanks for making this fast and simple!
Stephanie, Sherwood OR
We trusted our home with you while we were away for 5 months... Always being available. We tell our friends and neighbors how satisfied we are!
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Good communication, knowledge of the market and real estate transactions. You made purchasing for a first time buyer a great experience.
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Bob & Sue McCauley, Tigard, OR
Thanks for all your hard work! In a difficult market we still were able to close and move within 60 days of listing with you. Your marketing program brought us the results we were looking for!
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Bob & Sue McCauley, Tigard O


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Medical Panel - Diabetes
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Dr. John Ball - GP Fairview Park Medical Centre
Dr. Anna Clarke - Diabetes Federation of Ireland
Gerald Kean
Diabetes - What is it?
A condition in which the body either does not produce enough, or does not properly respond to, insulin a hormone produced in the pancreas.
Type 1:-
Type One diabetes is a condition where the body does not produce ANY insulin. It is a condition from birth, and the patient has no control over getting it.
Type 1 suffers generally have to inject insulin into themselves every day.
Type 2:-
Type 2 diabetes develops when the beta-cells in the pancreas start to become inefficient and produce too little insulin for the body's needs.
The cells in the body may become less responsive to insulin. In this case, even though you may still be making some insulin, it cannot do its job properly.
Anyone can suffer with Type 2, generally developed in adulthood.
What happens with Type 2?
The blood sugar rises after eating. Before you had diabetes, insulin was released into your blood and flowed together with the sugar to your body's cells. Insulin acts like a key. It opens doors in the muscle cell walls, enabling sugar from your blood to get into the cell to produce energy. This lowers the blood sugar to its normal level again.
Risk Factors?
Family History
Increasing Age
Overweight BMI 25+
Physically Inactive
People mainly at risk tend to be over forty and overweight.
Going to the toilet more often
Frequently feeling thirsty
These are symptoms that are hard for someone to notice because it happens over a period of time and they may not realize.
How to diagnose:-
The doctor has to do a test for diabetes. It is a test that costs extra, (so this is something that the federation are trying to address) so it is up to an individual to request it if they are with their doctor.
Alternatively it can be done in a pharmacy.
Also a doctor will carry out:
Blood test
Cholesterol test
Blood pressure
How to prevent it?
Lose weight
Eat less saturated fats
Cut out processed food.
If diagnosed how is it treated?
The patient will have to do all of the above, and is put on medication.
In some cases they will have to inject insulin daily, but not all.
Sugar cravings:
People with low insulin will feel the need for sugar, and will feel quite sick. This is not an excuse for them to eat sugar because it will make the problem worse.
This is a normal side effect.
Diabetes while pregnant:-
During pregnancy, hormones counteract insulin production.
Women who are 2- 3 stone overweight are mostly at risk.
It generally goes away once the baby is born.
Most women with diabetes during pregnancy will more than likely develop the condition when they get older (once they start to put on weight etc), because they have shown to have low resistance.
These women are tested once a year.
Dr. John Ball
What are the symptoms of type 1 and who normally gets it?
Type 1 tends to come on in younger people and can even occur in young children. It tends to have a more dramatic onset than type 2 and people can present with vomiting, weight loss; sudden onset of going to the toilet a lot and drinking a lot of fluids.
Patients may be weak and just feeling poorly when it comes on.
Type 2:-
What are the symptoms?
This can be more subtle with symptoms such as fatigue being the most common. It may have no symptoms at all.
Weight loss can also be a presenting feature. As it progresses the symptoms such as polydypsia (drinking excess fluids) and polyuria (urinating alot) occur. Sometimes we pick it up in someone who is getting a lot of infections and unfortunately sometimes the first we realise about it is when the complications such as heart/kidney or eye disease occur.
How do you test if someone has diabetes?
A simple blood test can confirm Diabetes / preferably the patient should be fasting for this test.
Are the vast majority of diabetes sufferers aware that they have the condition?
No some studies have suggested that half of people may have type 2 Diabetes without realising.
Do you see an increase of type 2 suffers in recent years?
Unfortunately it is on the increase along with obesity sedentary lifestyles and increasing age.
What do you usually recommend for someone who is diagnosed?
If it is Type 2 we give them information / start some medications to prevent some of the complications and possibly bring their sugar levels down .
Initially it is mainly about education on how to prevent the complications of diabetes and monitor their own levels.
We would then arrange follow up care with the hospital but a lot of the care can be shared between GPs and the hospital.
Can children be at risk of getting diabetes?
Up until now more common for Type1 but unfortunately western societies are seeing a rapid rise in type 2 Diabetes.
How is it controlled?
. Diet and lifestyle changes to start with.
. Medications also play a role in bringing sugar levels to normal and preventing complications.
. People need to pay special attention to things like footwear and get eye check-ups also and blood pressure becomes very important to control.
Additional Information:
T4DI is seeking the co-operation of individuals, groups and organisations in hosting a tea break in places like their home, club, church hall, or workplace, whenever it suits them in February 2010.
Last year 160 hosts held tea mornings catering for between 5 -300 people helping raise awareness about diabetes among over 6,600 people while raising a total of €40,00 for the Diabetes Federation.
One host who held an event in their workplace in 2009 said "I gave two 8/9 minute talks, emphasising the importance of exercise and the importance of getting blood sugars checked in the over 40 age group. Approximately 150 people attended my talks, with many coming to me after to say that they finally understood diabetes was and the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes".
There are currently 200,000 people with diabetes in Ireland and at least 50,000 of those are undiagnosed. There are a further 100,000 people with pre-diabetes, many of whom will develop diabetes in the next 5-10 years. With the predicted increase in diabetes in Ireland, raising awareness of diabetes among our family, friends and colleagues is essential as earlier diagnosis of diabetes will see earlier treatment and better management of a person's condition in the longer term.
"If you are a person living with diabetes, you have a wealth of knowledge on your condition and through this initiative we are asking you to share this knowledge and improve the health of your family and friends. Remember, you have the information,share it," said Kieran O'Leary
Individuals and groups who sign up to the event will receive an organiser's pack with:
. Materials to help promote their event
. Fact sheets on diabetes
. Healthy eating and physical activity tips
. Ideas on how to have fun and raise funds.
To register for this vital event phone 1850 909 909 or e-mail email@example.com with your name, address, a day time contact phone number and approx. how many guests you hope will attend.
Splenda Proudly Supporting Tea For Diabetes Ireland 2010
Fact File:
According to experts, babies with excessive weight (more than 4 kg) are more at risk of developing diabetes and certain types of cancer as adults, in addition to complications that may occur at birth.
Intensive lifestyle changes, aimed at modest weight loss, reduce the rate of developing type 2 diabetes by 34% over 10 years in people at high risk for the condition, a new study has found(according to Washington university study).
A major pilot screening study on diabetes among VHI customers has shown that 64%, or almost two in every three people tested, were at risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Contact Details/Information:
Dr. John Ball
Raheny Family Practice located in Raheny Village
Fairview Park Medical Centre located in Fairview close to the Clontarf Road Dart Station
Fairview Tel: 01 8336568 Fax 01 8186222
For more info on Diabetes:
Diabetes Federation of Ireland
76 Lower Gardiner Street
Dublin 1
Tel: 01 836 3022
Fax: 01 836 5182
Helpline: 1850 909 909
Email: email@example.com
Regional Offices


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Unbeaten in four months, three-time defending champion Novak Djokovic has firmed as Australian Open favourite after being handed the kindest draw of the big guns.
While world No.1 Rafael Nadal was thrown into a first-round showdown with unseeded dangerman Bernard Tomic and Andy Murray and Roger Federer were slated to clash in the quarter-finals, Djokovic was handed a much more straightforward path to the business end of the tournament.
The Serb opens against Slovakia's world No.90 Lukas Lacko and is drawn to meet 15th seed Fabio Fognini - who withdrew injured from this week's Sydney International - in the fourth round.
Djokovic's first serious test is likely to come in the quarter-finals against eighth seed Stanislas Wawrinka, the in-form Swiss who took the four-time Open champion to 12-10 in the fifth set of a fourth-round classic in Melbourne last year.
The world No.2 is seeded to run into Spanish world No.3 David Ferrer in the semi-finals.
He admits he fared well at Friday's draw but is refusing to take anything for granted.
"Of course it's good if you don't have the best guys in your quarter," Djokovic said.
"Regardless of the draw, the potential opponents that I have in later rounds, I need to direct my attention to my next opponent.
"There are plenty of players who are able to win the Australian Open this year or any other grand slam title. That's what makes this era of men's tennis very interesting."
Djokovic has arrived in Australia on the back of a 24-match winning streak and hasn't tasted defeat since losing the US Open final to Nadal.
"Winning over 20 matches in a row in last two months, (I have) great confidence for the start of the season," Djokovic said.
Following the lead of Murray, who appointed Ivan Lendl as coach before the 2012 Australian summer, Djokovic has Lendl's contemporary Boris Becker in his camp this year, while Federer has turned to Stefan Edberg.
"It's great to see other legends of tennis coming to help," he said.
"It's an honour to have Becker alongside all other team members.
"He understands very well our sport and this situation - grand slams. He has the champion's mentality."
Presuming Nadal sees off Tomic, one of the most feared unseeded opponents in the 128-man draw, he will meet either Australian teenager Thanasi Kokkinakis or Dutchman Igor Sijsling in the second round.
The Spaniard is projected to face Frenchman Gael Monfils in the third round and Japanese 16th seed Kei Nishikori or resurgent former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt in the last 16.
World No.5 Juan Martin del Potro is seeded to meet Nadal in the quarter-finals, with Murray or Federer likely to be waiting in the semis.
Murray, who hasn't played a competitive match since undergoing back surgery after the US Open, has the most arduous draw of the frontline contenders.
Opening against Japan's world No.112 Go Soeda, the Wimbledon champion will probably need to beat Federer, Nadal and Djokovic in successive matches to hoist the trophy.
Seeded sixth this year, four-time champion Federer plays Australian wildcard James Duckworth in the first round with his first big challenge expected to come against French 10th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the fourth round.


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Abbott Laboratories, which split into two companies this year, reported third-quarter profit that beat analysts' estimates on increased demand for its diagnostic tests.
The company also raised its quarterly dividend by more than half, to 22 cents a share from 14 cents. Earnings excluding one- time items of 55 cents a share beat by 4 cents the average of 20 analysts' estimates compiled by Bloomberg.
Revenue increased 2 percent to $5.37 billion from a year earlier, the Abbott Park, Illinois-based company said in a statement today. The diagnostics area rose 11 percent, outperforming company expectations, Abbott said. Abbott was able to grab more diagnostics business especially in infectious disease testing, said Jeff Windau, an analyst at Edward Jones & Co. in St. Louis.
"All three diagnostics segments � core lab, molecular and point of care � they have all had good growth," Windau said. "It's broad-based."
The company reiterated its 2013 earnings forecast of $1.98 to $2.04 a share. Profit from continuing operations more than doubled to $773 million, or 49 cents a share, from $339 million, or 21 cents, a year earlier, the company said.
Abbott shares rose 4.5 percent to $35.22 at 9:44 a.m. New York time. The stock had gained 7.6 percent this year through yesterday.
The drug business was split off into a new company, AbbVie Inc., based in North Chicago, Ill., on Jan. 1. Abbott retained the original company's medical devices, nutritional products, diagnostic tests and generic drugs. AbbVie, which will report earnings on Oct. 25, kept the brand name drugs, including the best-selling Humira for rheumatoid arthritis.
Abbott's third-quarter net income fell 50 percent to $966 million from a year earlier, when the company hadn't yet divided in two.


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Momspit No Rinse Cleanser for Hands & Face
This is an amazing product. There isn't a mother anywhere that hasn't used her own saliva to clean your child's face! This just makes that wonderful dissolver known as "mom spit" available to anyone who can pump foam - now even Dad's can use MomSpit! I received 3 different scents which are wonderful, lemon and white tea fig and green tea unscented


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Today, U2 was announced as one of the performers at the 51st annual Grammy Awards, airing Feb. 8 on CBS.
That's great. I love U2. However, a quick scan of the nominations shows that U2, a perennial Grammy favorite, is not up for any Grammys on Feb. 8 because the Irish band didn't release anything during the Oct. 1, 2008-Sept. 30, 2009 eligibility period.
And therein lies the rub. Not only is U2 playing the show, but the rumor is they are opening it. With a new album coming March 3, the timing is perfect for them, but their appearance shows just what a delicate dance NARAS (the body that puts on the Grammys) must negotiate between trying to earn high ratings and staying true to honoring the current slate of nominees.
Last year's ratings were the third lowest in the history of the show (it still drew more than 17 million viewers, so that's hardly anything to sneeze at) and the Grammys, like almost all awards show, are reexamining what they need to do to boost ratings without completely selling out.
This year will be the third year that the Grammys have "My Grammy Moment"-a contest that fans can enter that allows them to perform with an act (one lucky winner sang with Justin Timberlake two years ago). This year, people could make their own video singing along to Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl." Winners will be voted on online; the top three videos will be shown on the Grammys (I imagine as a backdrop during Perry's performance). It's cheesy and it skirts a line to me, but I don't blame the Grammys for trying to bring in a younger audience.
The Grammys also tried a new move this year by announcing the nominations via a prime-time concert instead of the usual, early morning press conference. The Dec. 3 special, also on CBS, came in fourth in its time slot, but still drew seven million viewers. As the show's co-executive producer, Ken Ehrlich, told me, "that's seven million more people than might have known about the nominations otherwise."
And yes, whether it's the Grammys or the Oscars or the Golden Globes or the American Music Awards, there is the simple fact that these shows are about ratings, but they're about more than that too-The Grammys and the Oscars, especially, are the high-water mark of excellence in peer-voted awards. There is something to be said for the pure art of it. I know all shows on broadcast television now live and die by how many 18-34-year olds tune in (which is ridiculous, by the way), but I have to believe there's still a place for 17 million people to watch-even if U2 isn't on the bill.
In addition to U2, there's the usual strong, diverse slate of entertainers-the rest of whom are actually up for Grammys this year. So far, four of the five nominees in the album of the year will perform: Coldplay, Lil Wayne, Radiohead, and Alison Krauss and Robert Plant. (Ne-Yo is the only one missing and artists are still being added). Other performers include Kid Rock, Rihanna, Kenny Chesney, Jennifer Hudson, Jonas Bros., Paul McCartney, T.I. and Timberlake, Carrie Underwood and Jay-Z and Kanye West, who will joint T.I. and Lil Wayne in a performance of "Swagga Like Us."


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I am not otherwise heavy, but my breast size is very big, bulky and heavy. Is there a particular way (exercise or other) to reduce breast size without resulting to surgery?
Featuring Content From:
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text: 71 photos $599,000 172 acres Boles, AR 72926 - Scott County AR - Scott 172 acres +/- REDUCED! Access- Hwy 71 & Smokehouse Rd Hunting-deer, turkey, bear, squirrel and great fishing Improvements:Approx 1 mile of frontage on Fourche River, 50-acre pasture land, Rent house approx 1800 sq ft 3bd 2ba 2 car garage, Home 1440 sq ft, 2 bd 2 1/2 ba-like new home, 40X70 barn plus open shed. Comments-Here is a chance to own a home or camp on the Fourche River in NW Ark. It is a year round property with great hunting, fishing and plenty of open ground to ride and play on. It adjoins the National forest with endless roads for riding or hunting. The river offers great fishing for small mouth bass, largemouth bass as well as other species. This property offers one of the finest views of the mountains as well as a beautiful c Jerry Brown Brown Realty Co


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Top China Stories from WSJ: Bird Flu Fears, Xi on 'Hot Spots,' Wanda
Your daily round-up of the best of the Journal's China coverage:
Avian-Flu Concerns Grow: China announced a sixth death from a new bird flu strain while authorities carried out the slaughter of all poultry at a Shanghai market where the virus was detected in pigeons being sold for meat. (Free)
China Fund Chief Raps U.S.: The U.S. is telling China's $500 billion sovereign-wealth fund to "go away," according to the fund's top executive, in the latest sign of strained investment ties between the world's two largest economies. (Free)
China's Leader Warns on 'Hot Spots': Chinese President Xi Jinping acknowledged Asian "frictions" and "hot spots" in a speech to regional business and political leaders amid mounting alarm over North Korea and territorial disputes. (Subscriber Content)
Confidence Ebbs in Tycoon's Deals: Liu Han, who threw lifelines to mining firms in Australia and the U.S., is locked up in China, accused of helping a brother evade arrest. Since then, mining deals that Mr. Liu has pledged to support have come under doubt. (Subscriber Content)
China Mogul in Talks for Cinemas: China's Dalian Wanda is holding talks to purchase a European movie-theater chain, just months after grabbing a chunk of the U.S. market. (Subscriber Content)


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Tuesday, 19 June 2012
030: I love ONES and ZEROS!
17 comments:
Congratulations and double congratulations Fleur!!! And, thank you :) May you have many many more visitors and knitterly fun :)ReplyDelete
Congratulations to you, and thank you so very much! I'm so inspired by all these lovely blogs. You guys are my people. :)ReplyDelete
Congratulations on reaching 100 followers. And for getting the lovely award. :) xxReplyDelete
Many congrats on getting 100 followers! Here's to the next 100!!! lol xReplyDelete
Hi, thanks for stoppping by my blog, congrats on 100 followers! xxxReplyDelete
Thank you for the nomination, Fleur, I feel very honoured! xReplyDelete
Ooh, congratulations Fleur!..That's wonderful and so many page views too in such a short time...I'm not surprised of course, it's always lovely to visit you!ReplyDelete
Hope you are having a lovely week,
Susan x
Your blog always makes for a happy visit so i am in no way surprised x congratulations!ReplyDelete
It is lovely to learn more about you, i have never visited japan but would absolutely love to, one of my close friends is Japanese and i can totally vouch for them being so sweet and kind.
thank you so much for passing the award my way...i am very touched....thank you x
love jooles x
Well done on having 100 followers! You have a lovely blog so I'm not surprised. Rachel xReplyDelete
Congratulations Fleur, this award, and here's to next 100 followers! And thank you so much for giving me this award, I'll blog my answers as soon as possible!ReplyDelete
Have a wonderful, sunny Midsummer and many happy greetings from Finland!
Congratulations on the award, Fleur. I really enjoy your blog and try to get to it everyday. Have a wonderful weekend.ReplyDelete
Hugest congratulations on those 1s and 0s. Very well deserved :DReplyDelete
Congratulation on yr award... I just found yr blog... I love yr projects. So fun!ReplyDelete
Congratulations on your 100 followers and your blog award.ReplyDelete
I enjoyed reading your post.
Most of all I love the photo of your poppy. It is a lovely one!
Congratulations on reaching 100 followers and on your first award - so well deserved!!!ReplyDelete
Gill xx
Congratulations on your 100 followers and on your award too!! Well done! It was nice to read more about you too.ReplyDelete
Have a lovely week.
Helen x
Congrats on reaching 100 followers!! That's amazing. And way to go on the award too -- well deserved! :)ReplyDelete


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In response to the letter by Del Denny, I am afraid his reasoning is unlikely, to say the least. Of the 20 states with the highest per capita incomes, 18 voted for Obama. Of the bottom 20 states by per capita income, all but one voted for Romney. Of the top 10 states by education level, all went for Obama. Of the bottom 10 states by education, 9 went for Romney.
There is a clear pattern here. States with better educated voters voted for Obama. States with better economies voted for Obama. Poor, ignorant states went the other way.
Steven Fox
Via CortezJournal.com


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A resolution seeking more money for a Newport transit station and agreements to share costs and maintenance of a major road and drainage project in Cottage Grove were approved Tuesday by the Washington County Board of Commissioners.
Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution seeking $405,000 from the county's share of Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) funds and a $45,000 match from the county Regional Railroad Authority to finish development of the Newport Transit Station on the long-vacant Knox Lumber site new Interstate 494.
In separate votes, commissioners approved a cost-sharing agreements with the South Washington Watershed District and city of Cottage Grove, a maintenance agreement with the city awarded the bid on the $7.7 million repaving, intersection re-alignment and drainage project on Keats Avenue South, 70th Street South and Military Trail in Cottage Grove.
Department of Public Works Director Don Theisen said the proposed Newport Transit Center project would demolish the vacant Knox building and replace it with a smaller transit center and 200-stall parking lot off Maxwell Avenue. Once completed, the county would be left with six undeveloped acres it would sell to a private developer, he added.
Preliminary estimates indicate those remaining undeveloped acres could be worth an estimated $600,000 to $1.2 million, Theisen said.
Theisen said the Knox Lumber site location makes it ideal for a transit center since it is near major highways and adjacent to a railroad corridor.
"Just about every transit mode can be served in the future with the center," he said.
The Newport project also improves a long-vacant area of the city, according to Theisen.
"This is one of the gateways to the county. One of the first things you see is a blighted building," he said.
The CTIB board is expected to approve the Newport grant at its meeting today, Theisen said. The WCRRA will be asked to approve the request and the county's 10 percent match May 7.
Approval of the series of agreements to share costs and maintenance related to the CSAH 19-20-22 project and awarding of the project to Valley Paving Inc., sets in motion $7.7 million in work to re-align two intersections within one-eighth of a mile of each other and a major SWWD drainage project, according to WCPW Transportation Manager Cory Slagle.
"With this project, we're going to consolidate two intersections into one roundabout," he said. "Most of the work will be completed this year and the roads will be opened later in the year."
Slagle said the roundabout will be at Keats and a relocated section of 70th Street South. Part of the Military Trail intersection with Keats Avenue will be closed, turned into a cul de sac serving a nearby residential area and turned over to the city of Cottage Grove.
Along with the roadwork, the SWWD will install a 72-inch diameter drain line in county right-of-way along the relocated section of 70th Street, Slagle said.
A temporary bypass will also be constructed at the Keats Avenue-70th Street roundabout site to keep Keats Avenue open during construction, Slagle said.
Bids on the project were well under the engineer's original estimate of more than $12 million. Slagle attributed the difference in the bids and estimate to the SWWD project which involved some work not done on other county projects. He added that all the bids came in close to Valley Paving's low bid.
Work is expected to start next month, with the bulk of the project finished this fall, Slagle said. Remaining cleanup work will be finished spring 2014.


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Boing Boing reader Michael Cobra writes,
You wrote about a video I made of my son's Deadmau5 costume last year. I wanted share another project I'm involved with: my band King Loses Crown just released our first single but this tip is for the video that accompanies the single. It was directed by Jim Mitchell, who is best know for his work as VFX director on the Harry Potter films, Sleepy Hollow, Jurassic Park III etc. Take a look, it's an astonishingly high end video from a 100% independent San Francisco band!


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Not so fast, said Block. In a response published as a press release, he insisted he had the right entity after all. There on the business license, for example, was the signature of the chairman of Orient Paper, Liu Zhenyong. Two regular contributors to TheStreet's sites, Eric Jackson and Rick Pearson, have countered Block's attacks on the company. Jackson and Pearson provide commentary to TheStreet as guest contributors, like Op-Ed columnists in major newspapers. TheStreet also published Muddy Waters' commentary. Both Pearson and Block participated in a tour of Orient Paper's production facilities about a year ago, and Pearson later posted a video of the tour. The two sides interpreted what they saw very differently. Pearson's most recent commentary published by TheStreet explains that he is still long the stock. Jackson has said he no longer owns Orient Paper shares, but continues to believe that Block's charges are false. In an attempt to clear its name, the company launched an internal probe of its books under the auspices of its legal counsel, Loeb & Loeb, a firm that has represented many Chinese reverse-merger companies. Loeb hired a Big Four accountancy, Deloitte & Touch, to assist in an investigation of Block's allegations. On Nov. 29, the company announced that the investigation had produced a positive report, finding no evidence of fraud. "Let me make it clear. Deloitte was camped out at their offices for three months!" says Crocker Coulson, Orient Paper's investor-relations representative. Coulson often takes warrants to buy stock in the Chinese companies he represents as payment for his services, though he holds no stake in ONP, he says. "There are almost no Chinese companies that could withstand that level of scrutiny." Still the crossfire goes on. "This is a self-serving whitewash," says Larry Rosen, referring to Orient Paper's announcement on the outcome of its investigation. Rosen is a New York lawyer who has built a business as a class-action attorney specializing in shareholder suits against Chinese small-cap companies hit by steep stock-price declines and attendant controversy. He has filed a suit against Orient Paper. "But we'll see," Rosen went on. "I've been proven wrong before. Occasionally it happens. But personally I don't think this press release is worth the bytes it's written with."
Muddy Waters says it stands by its original report. In many ways, the fracas over Orient Paper is typical of recent controversy in the world of small-cap Chinese stocks, where integrity sometimes seems to be a moving target and analysts can view the same set of facts and draw opposite conclusions. Longs argue that a good many of the accounting mistakes that have raised havoc for investors were in fact innocent errors, not deliberate misstatements. They say that Chinese executives have recently improved their skills in the area of financial reporting and are now much better able to meet the standards of the U.S. capital markets. Still, Chinese companies listed in the U.S. tend to have corporate structures reminiscent of Russia's nested dolls, with operating subsidiaries inside holding companies inside holding companies. In that kind of environment, the accounting can get complicated. Often, the thing that you've bought shares in is a so-called variable-interest entity, or VIE -- which means shareholders own a stake in a contract with the management of the business in China, not a stake in the actual business. Be careful there. Experienced securities lawyers caution that small-cap Chinese companies have an uneven record in regard to such contracts. Novice investors will want to bear in mind that experienced Wall Street operators are normally "selling their own book." In other words, trying to talk others into buying or selling something they themselves have already bought or sold. In the case of the shorts, they frequently sell borrowed shares before attacking a company, hoping that public attacks will bring down the price and allow them to replace the borrowed shares on the cheap. Short sellers say they perform a public service when they out fraudulent Chinese companies. They say the longs are at best naive and at worst complicit in foisting shoddy companies upon unsuspecting retail investors in the U.S. The longs call the shorts predatory manipulators. They charge that the shorts cynically orchestrate "short attacks" to manufacture doubt and torpedo the shares of legitimate companies. They say the shorts have unfairly tarred the entire China sector -- and many solid, growing companies -- with research that is sloppy at best. Investors will be wise to take commentary from either side with a grain of salt. Finally, be prepared for turbulence. Orient Paper may prove to be the growth company its backers claim it is, but the stock is still down 30% since the short attacks began. Investors in China need to be ready to ride out that kind of storm. Eric Jackson, the contributor to TheStreet who originally liked Orient Paper, says that individual investors are not well-positioned to understand China-based stocks. "I'm lucky. I have people on the ground in China. I can go places and find out information," Jackson said. "But what can a retail investor do? They're really relying on the word of the auditor. I think there are auditors ... basically signing off on whatever numbers the company gives them, just to get a fee. And hoping to get referral business from other Chinese companies." Jackson said he would advise the average investor to stay away from the RTOs. "If I were giving advice to a friend of mine, I would say avoid it," Jackson said. "I would say: You're not smart enough to sort through what's really going on, so it's probably not worth the risk." Speaking on behalf of their company, the researchers at Muddy Waters suggested that investors looking at China-based small caps should pay particular attention to assets listed on a company's balance sheet. Where revenues are being fabricated, a company will frequently inflate assets to support the revenue claims, sometimes to a degree that gives a fraud away, the researchers said. "Finally," the Muddy Waters researchers said, "if it seems too good to be true, it probably is, even in China." -- Reported by Scott Eden in New York >To contact the writer of this article, click here: Scott Eden. >To follow the writer on Twitter, go to http://twitter.com/ScottEden. >To submit a news tip, send an email to: firstname.lastname@example.com.


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China's State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) Thursday denied press reports that it was investigating or planned to investigate Microsoft for anti-competitive behavior , saying the office doesn't even handle such cases.
"The [State Intellectual Property] Office believes these reports are not real. The Office is authorized by the relevant government agencies to investigate and research domestic piracy issues. ... The Office has never undertaken any market monopoly investigation, and has no plan to do so," SIPO said in a statement on its Web site.
On Wednesday, the Shanghai Securities News reported that SIPO would begin investigating Microsoft for monopolistic practices after the August 1 promulgation of a new intellectual property legal code, citing unnamed sources.
Agence France-Presse reported that a SIPO representative, who gave only her surname, Sun, confirmed an investigation was underway.
Microsoft on Wednesday said it was unaware of an investigation by Chinese authorities , and added a new statement on Thursday.
"We fully support China's efforts to establish an environment conducive to promoting fair competition and we believe we are in compliance with Chinese law," Microsoft said by e-mail.


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Côte de la Guinguette rankings
Difficulty ranking world: 9476 (all)
Ranking Belgium: 275 (all)
Ranking Ardennes: 265(all)
Difficulty score: 27.08 what?
Côte de la Guinguette ratings
(rate it)
The Côte de la Guinguette is situated in Luxembourg (BE). This climb belongs to the Ardennes.
Starting from Dampicourt,
the Côte de la Guinguette ascent is 1.05 km long. Over this distance, you climb 93 heightmeters.
The average percentage thus is 8.9 %.
Look for other sides to climb the Côte de la Guinguette.
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Onkyo TX-NR1000 Digital Surround Receiver
The M1A1/M1A2 Abrams main battle tank. It's 32 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 8 feet high. It weighs 69 tons. Its gas-turbine engine generates 1,500 horsepower and propels it at 42 miles per hour. The crew of four is fully protected against nuclear, biological, and chemical hazards. A round from its Rheinmetall 120-mm smoothbore cannon can destroy reinforced concrete up to 8 feet thick. The Abrams is the armored fist of the U.S. military as well as that of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Australia. It's considered the best battle tank in the world.
To my knowledge, Onkyo does not manufacture tanks. Instead, it makes the TX-NR1000. This THX Ultra2-certified surround beast is 17 inches wide, about 9 inches high, and 19 inches deep. It weighs 73 pounds. Its seven amplifier channels can each generate up to 150 watts. It provides all the current THX, Dolby, and DTS processing modes. It bristles with high-tech interfaces, including HDMI, i.Link (a.k.a. FireWire or IEEE 1394), RS-232, and Ethernet. As you'd expect, it's built like a you-know-what. And it is undoubtedly one of the best receivers in the world.
But the TX-NR1000 is something the Abrams tank is not: future proof. While all military hardware will one day be destined for the scrap heap, the TX-NR1000 is, literally, built to last. Its most innovative feature is its modular construction, which makes it hardware-upgradable. Take a look at the photo of the receiver's backside. You'll see the faceplates of removable modules that contain key input/output interfaces.
Much like PC Cards that plug into a computer, these modules can be pulled and replaced with other modules, including those for future interfaces that might not be invented yet, or perhaps source devices or processors that add new capabilities. For example, by early next year Onkyo expects to release new modules for adding digital HD Radio and XM satellite radio reception. (Release dates and prices have not been announced.) Internal software to support new modules or surround modes can also be downloaded and stored via the receiver's RS-232 terminal.
Onkyo currently offers 12 different modules, all of which come loaded in the TX-NR1000. They accommodate all the traditional audio and video inputs and outputs, the digital interfaces mentioned earlier (more on those in a moment), and an FM tuner module. Given how quickly digital connection standards evolve these days, this kind of protection from obsolescence is one of the best features a manufacturer can deliver.
KEY FEATURES Of course, there are plenty of other amazing details here, all spelled in this monster's 151-page instruction manual. Space prevents me from describing all of them (see the short list above). But start with, by my count, 42 listening modes, most of which can be tweaked to your personal taste. Then add in three-zone multiroom capability, with the option to power Zone 2 with the back surround amplifiers, which lets you do a home theater in one room and stereo in another without an external amplifier. Onkyo has also taken the traditional speaker A/B switch to a new level, providing two full sets of speaker outputs for all seven amplifier channels - you can set up two 7.1-channel systems in different rooms and flip from one to the other.


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On the other hand, what response would we expect Cinquanta to make?
Critics: Hey, Ottavio, you're a scum bag, why don't you kill yourself?"
Cinquanta: "You make some good points. I'll take it up with the Council."
On the other hand, what response would we expect Cinquanta to make?
Critics: Hey, Ottavio, you're a scum bag, why don't you kill yourself?"
Cinquanta: "You make some good points. I'll take it up with the Council."
What does it matter what his response is? If he were a good leader, and the sport were clean and successful, he wouldn't be receiving these questions and protests in the first place.
Such a hypocrisy when even a slight hint against certain minorities results in a big outcry. While judging the whole nation is quite normal. Well, what am I doing here, anyway?....
Sam if it makes you feel any better it goes both ways! Some people can't even criticize the Sochi farce without being labeled Russian-haters, even when it's not true. I was one of the few Sotnikova proponents here pre-Olympics, and was quite sad that the entire Olympic experience got ruined by the figure skating scandal. Before the rigged results ruined everything for me, I was enjoying the games and the ceremonies. Now that's all gone, unfortunately.
I don't think many skaters or coaches would want a return to 6.0.
Skaters & their coaches get so much more detailed marking & feedback under the protocol sheets in the new system compared to the old one. While there are problems with it, and while there is inflation and bias, it at least can be examined in the protocols - element by element, and level by level.
If I like any particular skater, then it doesn't have to do with his/her nationality. You think I am anti-Russians? Look at my ava.
I was just saying: I am against the idea of "throwing out all the Russians" even though I am not pro-Russian.
Wow, throw out Russia? Let's throw out one of the few places where figure skating still matters! That's really going to help the sport's popularity! (And I can only shake my head if anyone believes a) only Russians cheat b) throwing out Russia would fix a darn thing).
EDIT: @Mathman--the problem is, if FS becomes too audience-unfriendly, it might die. (I'm not saying this will happen because of COP--just making the point that skaters and coaches probably prefer their sport having more exposure rather than less. Better to be the controversial silver medalist in a big sport than the gold medalist in some unknown sport.)


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This is the official Samsung GALAXY Gio User Guide in English provided from the manufacturer. If you are looking for detailed technical specifications, please see our Specs page.
Samsung GALAXY Gio is a mid-range Android 2.2 offering which has a 3.2" 320x480 pixels displa, and it has the same 800MHz chipset of the Galaxy Ace. Other features include a 3MP camera, Wi-Fi, GPS, microSD card slot and FM radio.


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A RAPIST smashed his head against a glass screen and shouted "Kill me, kill me now!" after hearing a jury's verdict.
Xiangwei Li was one of two Chinese students convicted of raping an 18-year-old Chinese student after a drinking game.
After the verdict at Bournemouth Crown Court yesterday, he shouted "No" and "Please" to the jury.
He grabbed a glass panel and repeatedly head-butted it before being restrained and led to the cells with help from the police officer in the case and six security guards.
He later returned to the court in a calmer state after the jury had been sent home.
Li, 27, of Richmond Hill, Bournemouth, and co-defendant Ho Lau, 20, of Garfield Avenue, Bournemouth, were both business students at Bournemouth University.
They were convicted of the rape after a re-trial and were told to expect lengthy jail terms when they are sentenced on February 29.
The tearful victim told the court that she recalled waking twice during her ordeal to discover she was being raped, first by one of the defendants and then by the other.
"They ruthlessly exploited the situation to their advantage," said prosecutor Ian Fenny.
She was also a student and is now back in China.
Det Con Jack Longhurst, the officer in the case, said: "My admiration for her is incredible - she went through the hard process of giving evidence not once, but twice.
"That she has got some justice will be fantastic news for her.
"This was a heinous crime committed on a lady who was very drunk and unable to give consent."
Li, whose girlfriend was in court throughout the trial, asked for his bail to be extended so he could put his affairs in order and mentally prepare for prison, but it was refused.
Ho asked the same, and his defence said he had not told his parents about the case, but bail was also refused.


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The new system will make the experience of submitting an application more straightforward and will expanded reporting and collaboration capabilities for GIF and for our partners.
To facilitate this migration, the GIF application window will be temporarily closed from Friday, September 16 through Monday, September 19.
We hear you! In our efforts to improve our customer service to our community of applicants and investees, we have been gathering some feedback to understand what innovators value when interacting with potential funders like the Global Innovation Fund. This blog summarises the key messages we have heard from innovators, and explains how we are striving to action this feedback.
A few weeks ago, the Financial Times led with a story about the breakthrough innovations springing up from technology start-ups across the African continent. In the article, entitled Smart Africa, the author likens the mobile phone to the steam train in 19th century Europe. He quotes veteran Africa investor Miles Morland, "what the Great Western Railway was to Victorian England, the mobile networks are to Africa". The opportunity is clear.
Since opening for business in the end of September 2015, we have received over 2,000 applications and have reviewed 98% of them. We have seen some very promising applications, and they have common threads. The most promising ones propose approaches that clearly have the potential to be better than existing development practice, they have or will obtain hard evidence of their impact, they have a stellar team, and they have credible plans to reach millions of people living on less than $5 a day.
Straight to your inbox


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How to get started with a YMCA Personal Trainer:
Step One: Visit the Member
Service desk at the Peninsula Family YMCA to complete the Personal Training Interest form and purchase personal training sessions.
Step Two - A YMCA Personal Trainer will review your information and will then contact you to schedule your first personal training session.
Meet our Trainers:
*Available to Members only.
Janice Allen
The Peninsula Y is a valuable resource to our community providing an array of programs and opportunities for every age level. It is a privilege to serve as a instructor and personal trainer and assist members in attaining their goals, to reach their full potential of fitness and vitality. My educational background is in Fine Arts, I also have degrees in childhood education. I have a masters degree and PHD in human resources which includes resolutions of strife between individuals and the administration. I teach classes at the Y in Pilates, 50/50 a combo yoga/pilates class and body balance which combines pilates and strength exercises. In all of my classes there is an emphasis on core strength, stability and body alignment. I have certification from the Y organization as well as national certification in advanced personal training through NCSF (National Council of Strength and Fitness). My intention is to develop a personal training program to suit each individual's unique needs and goals. I wish to achieve the highest level of fitness, self esteem and confidence for every client. I want you to look forward to your workout! Physical activity not only improves strength and stamina of the physical body it also improves your emotional outlook and gives you a more positive and upbeat perception of life. I will help you to attain the results you have been looking for and a body that you will be proud of. I look forward to working with you.
|Pilates/ core emphasis, flexibility/body alignment / posture, overall strength and stamina development
Sarah Vaaler
I am very passionate about fitness, health and wellness. I get so much joy out of sharing my experiences with my clients and students and seeing them grow, progress and feel confidant and proud of themselves. I graduated from The Virginia School of the Arts, spent summers training with the Richmond Ballet, Nutmeg Conservatory, Houston Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and many others, I was an apprentice with The Pennsylvania Academy, became certified in the Vaganova syllabus of Ballet under Mr. John White and attend The Glenda Brown Choreography Project for two summers. For the past 10 years I have taught adults and children of all ages. I danced professionally with Nashville Ballet, Louisville Ballet, City Dance Ensemble, performed at the Kennedy Center, The Philadelphia Museum of Art andspent a New Years Eve performing in Niagara Falls. Before moving to San Diego I danced with Gehring Dance Theatre in NYC and I was in charge of the Ballet department at Northern Valley Dance Academy and also taught Ballet and Jazz at Inspira Performing Arts. I currently dance with Dark Horse Dance Productions and teach at Step It Up Studios in Chula Vista.I began my career as a Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor at Washington Sports clubs in 2006. In 2008 I transferred to New York Sports Clubs where I was a Personal Trainer as well as teaching Ballet, Hip Hop and Cardio Sculpting.Before coming to the YMCA I was a Personal Trainer at Signature Fitness in New Jersey and taught Ballet, Hip Hop and Cardio Dance Party for 2 years.Being a part of YMCA family has been such a positive experience for me. I look forward to bringing that positive energy to my current and future clients and students.
Patrick Oberg
|Patrick was born and raised here in Point Loma, and attended both PLHS and SDSU. He played both football and basketball through high school as well as testing the collegiate football ranks for two years. Having always been interested in the human body, he decided to study kinesiology, receiving his Bachelors of Science, in May of 2011 with an emphasis on Fitness, Nutrition, and Health. He has been working in the fitness industry for two years, but has been involved in fitness, working out, and sports for many. His goal in training is to provide a fun and effective way to improve the overall quality of life for all of my clients, helping them realize their full potential while reaching their goals and making their activities of daily living easier. He has worked with individuals looking to lose weight, striving to gain muscle mass, improve their balance, increase abdominal strength, as well as clients looking for sport specific training.
John Squire
John grew up in England and from an early age loved playing sports. He began playing soccer at a young age and was training to play professionally. He still enjoys playing indoor soccer today. John has always enjoyed the fitness training aspect of playing sports and continued over the years to be fitness oriented. Four years ago he had the opportunity to move to the USA and pursue a career in the fitness field. Shortly after arriving he attained his ACE Certification in Personal Training and looked to gain employment at a gym. He was fortunate enough to work for a charity organization, where he worked closely with Physiotherapists providing fitness training for elderly clients, people of all ages recovering from severe injuries and clients with long term medical conditions. This involved improvisation and finding alternative techniques to achieve fitness goals to accommodate for the limitations of his clients. John loves meeting new people and helping them achieve their fitness goals, whether the goal is to strengthen muscle, burn fat, gain more flexibility or just a desire to lead a healthier lifestyle. He has a great sense of humor and brings to this his clients so they can see that exercise and being healthy is not a chore, but can be a positive part of life.
|Assisted stretching, older adults, postural assessments, motivational techniques, stability ball training
Marion Ostosh
Marion has a love for the ocean that translates into a passion spanning two decades of working with people in the water. She uses the pool to help clients, children to adults, become swimmers and those with arthritis, multiple sclerosis and pre/post knee or hip surgery achieve health and wellness in a place where they can exercise safely. Marion has been teaching Water Group Exercise Classes for 17 years, Aquatic Personal Training for 5, and has been with the Peninsula Family YMCA for 8 years. She holds the following certifications: Aquatic Fitness Professional through the Aquatic Exercise Association, Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program Instructor (20+ years), Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (20+ years). With these certifications she can help you overcome water fears to become a proficient swimmer or improve current swimming skills, find exercises that accommodate any challenges her clients face helping them find success and health in the water. Marion strives to meet the needs of each individual client, creating a program just for you. She specializes in arthritis, multiple sclerosis, pre/post knee or hip surgery training, and open water safety.


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American Express card members can get a $2 statement credit for $10 in purchases at Burger King through November 30, 2011, via the Facebook Link, Like, Love program.
Just spend $10 or more at Burger King in 1 purchase with your registered American Express card to receive a $2 statement credit.
Check out this Burger King American Express Discount on the American Express Facebook page for the Link, Like, Love program.
To be eligible to receive a $2 statement credit, you must click the "Confirm" button via Link, Like, Love and use your linked American Express Card account to make a single purchase of $10 or more at Burger King.
Learn more about using American Express Link, Like, Love to get coupon-free discounts at a variety of merchants when you use your American Express card.
Burger King AMEX Statement Credit Details
There is a limit of 1 statement credit per card member.
Statement credits are generally issued within 2 to 3 business days after your qualifying purchase, but they may take up to 2 billing periods to post to your account.
Take advantage of this Burger King discount when you use your American Express card.


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sp_syspolicy_set_config_history_retention (Transact-SQL)
Specifies the number of days to keep policy evaluation history for Policy-Based Management.
You must run sp_syspolicy_set_config_history_retention in the context of the msdb system database.
If value is set to 0, the history will not be automatically removed.
To view the current value for history retention, run the following query:
SELECT current_value FROM msdb.dbo.syspolicy_configuration WHERE name = 'HistoryRetentionInDays'
Requires membership in the PolicyAdministratorRole fixed database role.
|Security Note
Possible elevation of credentials: Users in the PolicyAdministratorRole role can create server triggers and schedule policy executions that can affect the operation of the instance of the Database Engine. For example, users in the PolicyAdministratorRole role can create a policy that can prevent most objects from being created in the Database Engine. Because of this possible elevation of credentials, the PolicyAdministratorRole role should be granted only to users who are trusted with controlling the configuration of the Database Engine.
The following example sets the policy evaluation history retention to 28 days.
EXEC msdb.dbo.sp_syspolicy_set_config_history_retention @value = 28; GO