text:
- Research
- Open Access
Solving a Hamiltonian Path Problem with a bacterial computer
- Jordan Baumgardner1,
- Karen Acker2,
- Oyinade Adefuye2, 3,
- Samuel Thomas Crowley1,
- Will DeLoache2,
- James O Dickson4,
- Lane Heard1,
- Andrew T Martens2,
- Nickolaus Morton1,
- Michelle Ritter5,
- Amber Shoecraft4, 6,
- Jessica Treece1,
- Matthew Unzicker1,
- Amanda Valencia1,
- Mike Waters2,
- AMalcolm Campbell2,
- Laurie J Heyer4,
- Jeffrey L Poet5 and
- Todd T Eckdahl1Email author
© Baumgardner et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2009
- Received: 30 March 2009
- Accepted: 24 July 2009
- Published: 24 July 2009
The Hamiltonian Path Problem asks whether there is a route in a directed graph from a beginning node to an ending node, visiting each node exactly once. The Hamiltonian Path Problem is NP complete, achieving surprising computational complexity with modest increases in size. This challenge has inspired researchers to broaden the definition of a computer. DNA computers have been developed that solve NP complete problems. Bacterial computers can be programmed by constructing genetic circuits to execute an algorithm that is responsive to the environment and whose result can be observed. Each bacterium can examine a solution to a mathematical problem and billions of them can explore billions of possible solutions. Bacterial computers can be automated, made responsive to selection, and reproduce themselves so that more processing capacity is applied to problems over time.
We programmed bacteria with a genetic circuit that enables them to evaluate all possible paths in a directed graph in order to find a Hamiltonian path. We encoded a three node directed graph as DNA segments that were autonomously shuffled randomly inside bacteria by a Hin/hixC recombination system we previously adapted from Salmonella typhimurium for use in Escherichia coli. We represented nodes in the graph as linked halves of two different genes encoding red or green fluorescent proteins. Bacterial populations displayed phenotypes that reflected random ordering of edges in the graph. Individual bacterial clones that found a Hamiltonian path reported their success by fluorescing both red and green, resulting in yellow colonies. We used DNA sequencing to verify that the yellow phenotype resulted from genotypes that represented Hamiltonian path solutions, demonstrating that our bacterial computer functioned as expected.
We successfully designed, constructed, and tested a bacterial computer capable of finding a Hamiltonian path in a three node directed graph. This proof-of-concept experiment demonstrates that bacterial computing is a new way to address NP-complete problems using the inherent advantages of genetic systems. The results of our experiments also validate synthetic biology as a valuable approach to biological engineering. We designed and constructed basic parts, devices, and systems using synthetic biology principles of standardization and abstraction.
- Directed Graph
- Synthetic Biology
- Hamiltonian Path
- Ribosome Binding Site
- Transcriptional Terminator
Contemporary mathematical challenges to computation
The serial approach that most silicon computer algorithms use is not well suited for solving NP-complete problems because the number of potential solutions that must be evaluated grows combinatorially with the size of the problem. For example, a Hamiltonian Path Problem for a directed graph on ten nodes may require as many as 10! = 3,628,800 directed paths to be evaluated. A static number of computer processors would require time proportional to this number to solve the problem. Doubling the number of nodes to 20 would increase the possible number of directed paths to 20! = 2.43 × 1018, increasing the computational time by 12 orders of magnitude. Improvement in computational capability could come from parallel processing and an increase in the number of processors working on a problem. Significant breakthroughs in this regard may be possible with the development of biological computing, because the number of processors grows through cell division.
Biological computing
In a groundbreaking experiment, Leonard Adleman demonstrated an alternative to the serial processing of silicon computers by developing a DNA computer that could carry out parallel processing in vitro to solve the HPP in Figure 1[4]. The seminal work by Adleman inspired others to develop DNA computers capable of solving mathematical problems that are intractable to serial computing [5–7].
We asked whether it would be possible to move DNA computing inside bacteria that could function as a living computer with billions of processors. Programming bacteria to compute solutions to difficult problems could offer the same advantage of parallel processing that DNA computing brings, with the following additional desirable features: (1) bacterial systems are autonomous, eliminating the need for human intervention, (2) bacterial computers can adapt to changing conditions, evolving to meet the challenges of a problem, and (3) the exponential growth of bacteria continuously increases the number of processors working on a problem.
In a previous study, we reconstituted the S. typhimurium Hin/hixC recombinase system for use in E. coli [8]. In addition to its potential use in controlling the order and orientation of transgenes and for modeling syntenic genome relationships, the system has proved to be a useful tool in the development of bacterial computers. Recombination by Hin recombinase results in the inversion of DNA fragments that are flanked by a pair of hixC sites [9, 10]. We demonstrated that Hin recombinase could invert either a single DNA fragment or multiple adjacent fragments in a single operation [8].
We used the Hin/hixC system to engineer living bacterial cells to calculate a solution to a variation of the Burnt Pancake Problem [8]. The problem involves sorting a set of burnt pancakes so that they all have the same orientation and are arranged in a particular order. Our biological representation of a burnt pancake was a functional DNA unit containing a promoter or a protein coding sequence, each flanked by a pair of hixC sites. We used the selectable phenotype of antibiotic resistance to identify bacteria that solved the BPP. Our results served as an important proof-of-concept that bacteria can function as parallel processors in the computation of solutions to a mathematical problem.
We sought to use our bacterial computing approach to solve a Hamiltonian Path Problem, as Adleman did with a DNA computer. With an appreciation for history, we designed a DNA-encoded version of Figure 1 to encode the HPP into DNA segments that could be inverted by Hin recombinase. To test the feasibility of solving the HPP in vivo, we designed, constructed, and tested bacteria that announced their arrival at a solution to a proof-of-concept three node HPP by producing colonies that fluoresced yellow.
Genetic encoding of the Hamiltonian Path Problem
Splitting GFP and RFP genes
Once we were convinced that our proposed in vivo DNA computer could solve a HPP, we chose a simpler three node graph for our first biological implementation of the problem. To execute our design, we needed to split two marker genes by inserting hixC sites. For each gene to be split, we had to find a site in the encoded protein where 13 specific amino acids could be inserted without destroying the function of the protein. We examined the three-dimensional structure of each protein candidate, chose a site for the insertion, built gene halves, and tested the reunited halves with the 13 amino acid insertion for protein function. We successfully inserted hixC sites into the coding sequences of both GFP and RFP without loss of fluorescence [11]. We inserted the hixC site between amino acids 157 and 158 in GFP, and between the structurally equivalent amino acids 154 and 155 in RFP. Each of the insertions extended a loop outside of the beta barrel structure of the fluorescent proteins. We also tested two hybrid constructs to ensure that they would not fluoresce. We assembled the 5' half of GFP with the 3' half of RFP and the hybrid protein did not fluoresce red or green (data not shown). Similarly, the 5' half of RFP placed upstream of the 3' half of GFP did not cause fluorescence (data not shown). In addition, none of the four half proteins fluoresced by themselves (data not shown). These results demonstrated the suitability of the GFP and RFP gene halves as parts for use in programming a bacterial computer to solve an HPP. Being able to split two genes enabled us to design a bacterial computer to solve an HPP for a three node directed graph.
Mathematical modeling of bacterial computational capacity
We also used mathematical modeling to determine how many bacteria would be needed to have high confidence that, after Hin recombination, at least one cell would contain a plasmid with a true HPP solution. For the example of the graph in Figure 1, each HPP solution would have six DNA edges in the proper order and orientation followed by the remaining eight edges in any order and orientation. Because there are 8! ways to order the eight remaining edges, and two ways to orient each one, there are 8!·28 = 10,321,920 different configurations that are solutions, one example of which is shown in Figure 2b. There is a total of 14!·214 = 1.42 × 1015 possible configurations of the edges (14! ways to order the edges, and two ways to order each one), many of which are not even valid connected paths in the graph, much less Hamiltonian paths. The probability of any one plasmid holding an HPP solution is p = (8!·28)/(14!·214). Assuming that the states of different plasmids are independent and that a sufficient number of flips has occurred to achieve a uniform distribution of the 14!·214possible configurations, the probability that at least one of m plasmids holds an HPP solution is 1-(1-p)m. From this expression, we can solve for m to find the number of plasmids needed to reach the desired probability of finding at least one solution. For example, if we wanted to be 99.9% sure of finding an HPP solution, we would need at least one billion independent, identically distributed plasmids. A billion E. coli can grow overnight in a single culture. It should be noted, however, that it may take longer than that for Hin recombination to produce a uniform distribution of all possible plasmid configurations. Since each bacterium would have at least 100 copies of the plasmid, the computational capacity of a billion cells exceeds our needs by two orders of magnitude. Because the number of processors would be increasing exponentially, the time required for a biological computer to evaluate all 14!·214 configurations is a constant multiple of log(14!·214), or approximately 14·log(14), while the time required for a conventional computer to evaluate the same number of paths would be a constant multiple of 14!·214.
A key feature of our experimental design is the simplicity of detecting answers with phenotypes of red and green fluorescence resulting in yellow colonies. However, when our design is applied to a more complex problem such as the one presented in Figures 1 and 2, it is possible that a colony with a correct phenotype might have an incorrect genotype, resulting in a false positive. We considered the question of whether there are too many false positives to detect a true positive. Using MATLAB, we computed the number of true positives for the 14-edge graph in Figure 1 to be 10,321,920 and the number of total positives to be 168,006,848. The ratio of true positives to total positives is therefore approximately 0.06. Since all false positive solutions must have at least one more edge between the starting node and the ending node than in the true solution states, putative solutions could be screened using PCR. However, since the ratio of true to total positives gets smaller with the size of the problem, this approach becomes increasingly impractical. An alternative would be to conduct high throughput DNA sequencing of pooled putative solution plasmids.
Our mathematical modeling supported the conclusion that our experimental design could solve Hamiltonian Path Problems. As a proof-of-concept, we designed a simple directed graph with a unique Hamiltonian path and programmed a bacterial computer to find that path.
Programming a bacterial computer
Random orderings of edges in the directed graph were produced by Hin-mediated recombination in a separate experiment using each of the three starting constructs ABC, BAC, or ACB. In a given experiment, bacteria were cotransformed with 1) a plasmid conferring ampicillin resistance and containing one of the three starting constructs and 2) a plasmid encoding tetracycline resistance with a Hin recombinase expression cassette. The resulting cotransformed colonies were grown overnight for isolation of plasmids containing the Hin-exposed HPP constructs. The isolated plasmids were then used in a second round of transformation into bacteria that expressed bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase and plated on media containing only ampicillin (Figure 5). Ampicillin-resistant colonies were grown overnight to allow the T7 RNA polymerase to transcribe each plasmid in its final flipped state. Because each colony represented a single transformation event and Hin was no longer present, each colony contained isogenic plasmids and thus only one configuration of the three DNA edges. This experimental protocol was followed for each of the three starting constructs.
Verifying bacterial computer solutions to a Hamiltonian Path Problem
Once Hin recombinase reorders the DNA edges of each of the constructs, a distribution of 48 possible configurations is expected. The positive control ABC construct should convert from its yellow fluorescent starting phenotype to the red and uncolored phenotypes of unsolved arrangements. The ABC recombination plate pictured in Figure 5 matched our prediction. We assumed that the double transcriptional terminator would function in reverse orientation, so that green colonies would not be possible in the experiment. However, green colonies on the ABC recombination plate indicate that TT did not block further transcription. The ABC recombination plate also shows a number of unusually colored colonies that were not expected, which we discuss later.
The ACB starting construct was expected to undergo Hin-mediated recombination to produce a variety of configurations, including a solution that requires at least two flips. Yellow fluorescent colonies representing putative HPP solutions are visible on the ACB recombination plate. The BAC starting configuration was three flips away from the nearest solution. Several examples of yellow fluorescent colonies on the BAC recombination plate are candidates for solutions to the HPP. As with the ABC recombination plate, we found unexpected colony colors on both the ACB and BAC recombination plates.
Bacterial computer reveals novel phenotypes
We used the principles and practices of synthetic biology to design and build a bacterial computer that solved a Hamiltonian Path Problem. We successfully encoded a directed graph with three nodes and three edges into DNA and used Hin recombinase to rearrange the edges into a Hamiltonian path configuration that yielded a yellow fluorescent phenotype. We verified genotype solutions to the problem with DNA sequencing. Our engineered bacterial computer system functioned according to our expectations and solved the HPP unassisted by human intervention.
An iterative approach to synthetic biology is to examine a natural system, deconstruct it into component parts and devices, design and build an engineered system that performs new functions or tests hypotheses about the natural system, and evaluate the behavior of the engineered system. It should not be surprising that attempts to engineer biology produce results that are not easily explained without further research. But ignoring unexpected behavior would be a lost opportunity to advance our understanding of nature. Rather, the unpredictability of engineered biological systems should return synthetic biologists to another iteration of examination, deconstruction, design, and testing. The unexplained behavior of our system was a good example of the dual benefits of synthetic biology. In addition to engineering a bacterial computer to solve the HPP, our work provided unanticipated opportunities for further investigation of the mechanism by which Hin recombinase functions in vivo and the means by which a complex population of plasmids is maintained in our bacterial computer.
Hin-mediated recombination non-equilibrium
A test of whether or not Hin recombinase has achieved equilibrium in our experiments is to compare the predicted and observed frequencies of colony phenotypes. For the three node directed graph, there are 3!·23 = 48 possible configurations of the three DNA edges. At equilibrium, each of these is expected to occur at a frequency of 1/48. As a result of observing green fluorescent colonies, we will assume for the purpose of this analysis that the double terminator did not function in reverse orientation in our experiments. With this assumption, only the configuration C'AB results in green fluorescence, so colonies with this phenotype are expected at a rate of 1/48, or about 2%. However, green colonies appear at less than this rate in all the experiments. Yellow fluorescence can be produced only by the two configurations ABC and ABC', yielding a rate of 2/48, or about 4%. However, yellow fluorescent colonies predominate in the ABC experiment and are less common than 4% in ACB and BAC experiments. Red fluorescence requires either a configuration with C in the first position or one with A in the first position but not forward B in the second position. There are 14 configurations that satisfy these criteria so the expected frequency of red fluorescent colonies is 14/48, or about 29%. However, red fluorescence is the dominant color on ACB plates and is rare on the ABC and BAC plates. Configurations with A', B, or B' in the first position or with C' followed by any combination except AB will yield no fluorescence. There are 31 configurations that meet these criteria, so the expected frequency is 31/48, or about 65%. However, uncolored colonies dominate the BAC plate and do not approach this expected rate on ABC and ACB plates. Overall, these results show that each experiment retained a greater frequency of original colony color than was predicted at equilibrium. This supports the conclusion that Hin recombinase had not reached equilibrium. These results are in agreement with the conclusion of our previous study that Hin recombinase flipping had not reached equilibrium after 11 hours, perhaps because we chose to omit the Recombination Enhancer element [8].
We have considered possible explanations for the observed Hin-mediated recombination non-equilibrium. Lim et al. reported that Hin recombinase requires negative supercoiling in its substrate plasmid, and that recombination removes two negative supercoils during a reaction [14]. The supercoiling density has been reported to be 8–12 supercoils per plasmid [15], and if new supercoils were not introduced until DNA replication, then perhaps Hin recombinase can perform only 4–6 reactions with each plasmid per generation. Although our mathematical modeling revealed that equilibrium was achieved in 20 reactions, perhaps replication of plasmids early in the experiment increased the frequency of starting configurations to levels that could not be achieved by configurations that require more recombination reactions. In other words, the starting configurations might produce a type of founder effect that was still visible on the final recombination plates and not accounted for in our mathematical model.
Scaling Hamiltonian Path Problems
Proposed split genes for solving increasingly larger Hamiltonian Path Problems
Directed Graph
Split Genes
3 nodes
4 nodes
GFP, RFP, β-Gal
5 nodes
GFP, RFP, β-Gal, Chl
6 nodes
GFP, RFP, β-Gal, Chl, Kan
7 nodes
GFP, RFP, β-Gal, Chl, Kan, Eryth
N nodes
N-1 Split Genes
As described earlier, one in every 138,378,240 of the possible configurations of the edges of the graph in Figure 1 is a Hamiltonian path. Since this is roughly the number of plasmids in a typical experiment, finding a solution would require a more efficient screening mechanism. We could increase the probability of finding a true HPP solution if we enhanced Hin recombinase function by adding the Recombination Enhancer [16] or if antibiotic selection were used at time points prior to the end of the experiment. If even larger graphs were to be addressed, selection for partial solutions would be necessary and the problem might have to be divided into stages. For example, bacteria that had successfully solved the first half of the graph could be assigned a higher fitness than those that had failed to reach this milestone. In this way, directed evolution could be used to guide the population of bacterial processors toward a final solution.
The manner in which the complexity of NP-complete problems such as the HPP grows is combinatorial with respect to linear increases in their size. This makes finding solutions to such problems a formidable challenge to computation. The success of our experiments to program a bacterial computer to solve a three node HPP represents an important step in the development of bacterial computers that can address this challenge. We have established that bacterial computers can function as a culture of exponentially growing cells that can evaluate an exponentially increasing number of solutions to an NP complete mathematical problem and determine which of them is correct.
The successful design and construction of a system that enables bacterial computing also validates the experimental approach inherent in synthetic biology. We used new and existing modular parts from the Registry of Standard Biological Parts [17] and connected them using a standard assembly method [18]. We used the principle of abstraction to manage the complexity of our designs and to simplify our thinking about the parts, devices, and systems of our project. The HPP bacterial computer builds upon our previous work and upon the work of others in synthetic biology [19–21]. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this work was that undergraduates conducted every aspect of the design, modeling, construction, testing, and data analysis.
Construction of HPP parts and devices
Materials used in molecular cloning procedures were as follows. Plasmid preparations were conducted using either the Zippy Plasmid Miniprep Kit from Zymo Research or the QIAprep Spin Miniprep Kit from Qiagen. Gel fragment purifications were performed with either the Zymo Research Zymoclean DNA Recovery Kit or the Qiagen QiaExII polyacrylamide gel purification kit. Competent E. coli JM109 or T7 Express I q competent cells were purchased from New England Biolabs. Transformants were plated on LB media or grown in LB broth containing 100 ug/ml amplicillin, or 50 ug/ml tetracycline, or both. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was conducted using 7% or 12% acrylamide in TBE buffer and agarose gel percentages ranged from 1% to 3% agarose in TAE buffer.
We designed and built all the basic parts used in our experiments as BioBrick compatible parts and submitted them to the Registry of Standard Biological Parts [17]. Key basic parts and their Registry numbers are: 5' RFP (BBa_I715022), 3' RFP (BBa_ I715023), 5' GFP (BBa_I715019), and 3' GFP (BBa_I715020). All basic parts were DNA sequence verified. The basic parts hixC (BBa_J44000), Hin LVA (BBa_J31001) were used from our previous experiments [8]. The parts were assembled by the BioBrick standard assembly method [18] yielding intermediates and devices that were also submitted to the Registry. Important intermediate and devices constructed are: Edge A (BBa_S03755), Edge B (BBa_S03783), Edge C (BBa_S03784), ABC HPP construct (BBa_I715042), ACB HPP construct (BBa_I715043), and BAC HPP construct (BBa_I715044). We previously built the Hin-LVA expression cassette (BBa_S03536) [8].
After construction of the A, B, and C DNA edges, DNA sequencing was performed to verify that they were correct. These intermediates were combined to produce the three HPP constructs ABC, ACB and BAC, which were also sequence verified. The HPP constructs were then cloned downstream of the bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase promoter, an RBS element, and the 5' half of RFP. The Hin recombination expression cassette was used as previously constructed [8]. It included the lactose promoter, RBS, the coding sequence for Hin recombinase with a LVA degradation tag, and a double transcription terminator. The cassette was cloned into plasmid pSB3T5, which contains a tetracycline resistance gene and an origin of replication that allowed it to be maintained alongside the replication origin of the pSB1A3 plasmids used for the HPP constructs.
Splitting genes
In order to split genes by insertion of hixC sites, we developed an online tool for primer design [22]. The software requires input of the coding sequence for the gene to be split and the point in the sequence where it is to occur. Since the hixC site is 26 bp and the BioBrick scar is 6 bp on each side of it, the insert needed to be 38 bp. This is not a multiple of 3 and therefore disrupts the reading frame after the insertion. Since choosing the 39th base will result in either glutamate or aspartate and can slightly modify the melting point of the primers, the software allows this choice to be made. The output is a PCR primer pair for the 5' and 3' gene halves. We used this tool to generate primers for the GFP and RFP genes that we wished to split. The resulting primers were used in PCR with cloned GFP and RFP genes as templates. The resulting DNA was cloned into the plasmid vector pSB1A3 and used for transformation. Putative clones were sequenced in order to choose clones with no mutations.
Hin-mediated recombination of HPP constructs
ABC, ACB, and BAC starting constructs were used to transform T7 Express I q competent cells. These cells express the bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase needed for expression of the HPP node genes. The transformants were plated on LB with ampicillin. After overnight incubation at 37°C, the plates were allowed to incubate at room temperature for an additional two days in order for fluorescence to develop. Pictures of these control plates were then taken for use in Figure 5.
Exposure of ABC, ACB, and BAC starting configurations to Hin recombinase was accomplished by cotransformation of JM109 cells with pSB1A3 plasmids containing the three constructs and a pSB3T5 plasmid containing the Hin expression cassette. The cotransformants were plated onto LB agar with ampicillin and tetracycline. Colonies were then pooled and grown in LB media overnight. Plasmid DNA was purified from each of the three recombination cultures and used to transform T7Express I q competent cells. The transformants were plated on LB agar with ampicillin only so that the Hin expression plasmid would be lost and no further recombination would occur. The resulting plates were photodocumented for use in Figure 5.
Verification of HPP solutions by DNA sequencing
Selected colonies from the ABC, ACB, and BAC recombination plates were used for plasmid preparations. The plasmids were subjected to DNA sequencing using three primers. Primer RFP1 has the sequence 5' CGGAAGGTTTCAAATGGGAACGTG 3' and binds to the 5' RFP gene fragment that precedes each of the HPP constructs. Primer GFP2 has the sequence 5' TACCTGTCCACACAATCTGCCCTT 3' and binds to the 3' GFP coding sequence, which can occur in any of the three positions or in either orientation in a given HPP clone. Finally, we used primer G00101 (5' ATTACCGCCTTTGAGTGAGC 3'), which binds in reverse orientation to plasmid DNA downstream of the HPP constructs. All sequencing reactions were performed by the Clemson University Genomics Institute.
We wish to thank the iGEM founders, organizers, and community for providing a supportive environment for conducting synthetic biology research with undergraduates. Thanks to Dr. K. Haynes for helpful manuscript comments on the submitted manuscript and to two anonymous reviewers for substantive remarks that improved the manuscript. Support is gratefully acknowledged from NSF UBM grant DMS 0733955 to Missouri Western State University and DMS 0733952 to Davidson College, HHMI grants 52005120 and 52006292 to Davidson College, and the James G. Martin Genomics Program. JB, TC, LH, MR, JT, MU, and AV were supported by the Missouri Western State University Summer Research Institute and Student Excellence Fund. WD, AS, and OA were supported by the Davidson Research Initiative. JOD and ATM were supported by HHMI. AMC, LJH, and TTE are members of GCAT, the Genome Consortium for Active Teaching [23].
Authors' Affiliations
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By Deborah Bennett, Senior Editor November 13, 2009 9:17 am
Check out this behind the scenes look at the shooting of Rihanna's album packaging for 'Rated R'.
Thanks to her official website, we can now see some exclusive behind the scenes footage from the sexy shoot with famed photographer Ellen von Unwerth. Rihanna teases the camera in several daring outfits with a few special guests, like nude mannequins and a black cat, who tries to scratch her up at one point!
RiRi may want to rethink her profession, she would make an amazing model!
Take a look:
Check out RiRi below:
Also On 105.9 Kiss-FM:
comments – add yours


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Baby Boomers Primed to Benefit from REALTOR® University's Master of Real Estate Degree
Experienced REALTORS® are among the industry's most valued professional assets. Not only do these individuals bring a wealth of knowledge to buyers and sellers, but they also recognize the value continued education can bring to their careers.
According to an Ezine Articles® report, Baby Boomers (people born 1946-1964) in particular have been enrolling in vocational courses for years to keep pace with an ever-changing workplace. Most middle-age workers feel retraining and continuing education helps seasoned professionals maintain and build upon their market value. It also better ensures professional skills will not become obsolete.
Given the median age of REALTORS® is 57, Baby Boomers are primed to drive significant demand for continuing educational skills in the real estate industry. REALTOR® University is among the first places agents should look into for professional development courses or an advanced Master of Real Estate (MRE) degree.
Master of Real Estate (MRE) Degree
REALTOR® University's MRE Program is specifically for professionals seeking to differentiate themselves as vested real estate experts. The curriculum caters specifically to the needs of real estate professionals on a day-to-day basis and the opportunities available to them.
This specialized program offers five concentrations, including: Asset & Property Management; Association Management; Residential Sales, Marketing and Management; Appraisal and Valuation Services and Commercial Real Estate Investment and Analysis. Each concentration offers a series of core course focus. All MRE program courses are offered online to address busy professionals around the world.
REALTOR® University Open House
One great way to learn more about REALTOR® University is to participate in the school's Virtual Open House at 11 a.m. CDT on Thursday, April 3. Learn firsthand what the Master of Real Estate program is all about and how you can apply the curriculum to your day-to-day career. A current student and professor will be on the webinar to provide details about what typical coursework is like. Register for the REALTOR® University Open House Webinar.
If you are unable to make the webinar event, please contact the REALTOR® University admissions advisor for more details about the program. Phone 855/786-6546, option 1 or email firstname.lastname@example.com. You can also click here for more details about applications.
Regardless if you are new to the industry or a seasoned veteran, there are always areas where you can update and improve your skills. REALTOR® University brings you a comprehensive set of NAR-approved educational resources geared toward the development of real estate professionals. Those who take advantage of this resource will not only find themselves in compliance with NAR continuing-education requirements; they will also bring heightened value to clients in a way that drives increased listings and sales.


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Monday, 10 August 2015
My first Sneaky peek from the SU Holiday catalogue - welcome to Wonderland!
I enjoyed being inspired by the last Mojo Monday sketch so much that I've decided to do it again! But this time Im making it extra special by combining it with my very first sneak peek at new Holiday Catalogue products! My first box of goodies arrived today and I decided to crack open a few of my favourites and use them to recreate the sketch. This set is called Wonderland and I think I might have fallen just a little bit in love with it! The gold embossed vellum behind is part of the matching Wonderland suite... isn't it lovely??
If you like what you see.... come along to my new Holiday Catalogue Launch! There will be creations to make, lots of products on display, prizes, launch-only specials and a very special BUY ONE GET ONE FREE from my retired products.
Numbers are limited so don't delay in booking your spot.
The launch will be held on SUNDAY 30TH AUGUST AT 1.30PM. Cost is $20, and you'll go home with several beautiful handmade projects made with all-new products. Prepayment is preferred where possible to secure your spot. This launch will be held at my home on the Central Coast, address supplied on booking.
Click HERE to book your spot!
In the meantime enjoy my Mojo Monday sketch... Don't forget you cant order these products yet as they are not yet released, so the first chance you'll get to play with them will be the launch! Here is the sketch below that inspired me for today's design:
PS.. For those wondering how the BOGOF sale will work.. you will be able to use the price of the retiring goodies to receive CREDIT against new catalogue products! Please note that there will be items in my retiring stash previously not out on display. But I will only be doing this on the day of the launch.. it will not be an ongoing special.
3 comments:
- Lynn Hoyt said...
Love your take on the sketch. Really enjoyed seeing the new vellum and the glimmer paper is so pretty here.
- 11 August 2015 at 00:32
- Stamp4Joy said...
Such a beautiful card, I absolutely love it!
- 11 August 2015 at 05:22
- Julee (Vervegirl) said...
This is just sensational. Seriously beautiful. Thanks for playing along with Mojo Monday!
- 17 August 2015 at 04:43
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With more than 20 years of working experience within The Human Capital industry, RPO Global is the only comprehensive provider of HR specific services to companies across Asia and Europe.
We can provide a very long list of sub sections to describe the 3 main services we offer, however we like to keep it simple. As a client you communicate on your desired service and outcome and we cater to that need using the right combination of our 3 service areas;
For us the word no is an answer too. We will never engage in a project where we don't have the required experience, and will happily find and select the right vendor for you instead.


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BRUCE Springsteen is the anti-Madonna – no diva latecoming on his watch. Bang on 6.45pm, the E Streetview camera was switched on, and then, with a pithy "hello Glasgow, what a beautiful day", it was straight down to business, ripping through a succession of indelible roots rock'n'roll numbers with only a 1-2-3-4 count-in from The Boss.
Bruce Springsteen | Rating: **** | Hampden Park, Glasgow
Such was the enthusiasm for the latest of his famously marathon tour sets, that fans were quite prepared to turn up at teatime and risk sunburn on the pitch and DVT in the seats so as not to miss a thing.
The stadium sound was pretty soupy to start, the members of the redoubtable E Street Band competing at full tilt rather than blending like the family they are - saxophonist Jake Clemons, nephew of the late Clarence, was especially welcomed by the crowd – but they hit their peerless stride around the gospel theatre of Spirit In The Night. Other highlights across the next three-and-a-half hours included the rambunctious Rosalita, a gritty Because The Night and the more considered moments, such as the tragic torch song Point Blank, before a heroic Badlands ushered in the big guns encore.
While it is true that Springsteen requires none of the bells and whistles which usually accompany shows of this magnitude, there are conventions to his concerts – the waggling hands in the air which wave Born to Run on its way, the song requests daubed on odd bits of cardboard which are dutifully gathered in from the audience, the terrace drone of "Bruuuuuce" after each song which could be mistaken for the low rumble of discontent among the masses, were it not for the obvious jubilation throughout the crowd.
And, best of all, there's Springsteen's simple communion with the fans. He spent much of the time down among the front rows, pressing the flesh on a number of small podiums and occasionally inviting a lucky individual to join him on stage. He was almost upstaged in the opening minutes by a young girl in stars-and-stripes leggings who gamely belted out the chorus of Waitin' On A Sunny Day, and at the other end of the evening by a teenager strumming along with him on a borrowed acoustic and a touching pas de deux during Dancing In The Dark with a woman who, according to her homemade sign, had been waiting 40 years for this dance. Such things as dreams are made of.
The Scotsman's EU Referendum page: Keep up to date with latest news, polls and features.


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Price: $4.95
This trading card from Topps' STAR WARS GALAXY 5 series brands Matt Busch's vision of the Mos Eisley Cantina, and all the exotic alien creatures audiences were first treated to with the release of the movie in 1977.
The card comes signed by Matt Busch. (Signature not shown in above image.)
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Matt Busch Online Store is proudly powered by WordPress


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By Aaron Clarke (@Aaron_c91)
On Friday evening, Shelbourne extended their winless run at home to five games after Owen Heary's side squandered a first-half lead before drawing 1-1 against UCD. An early Chris Lyons goal was cancelled out by a second-half looping headed effort from Georgie Kelly, and after the game the Shels boss spoke about his side's performance. Continue reading "Shels boss Owen Heary "I'll sit down and talk to the fans no problem" "


text: While we're awaiting the US Open women's final between Serena Williams and Jelena Jankovic, let's give some time to the player missed most at this tournament – Maria Sharapova. You know Maria had to withdraw because of a persistent shoulder injury, and she might even be missing the rest of the season, but that doesn't mean the Russian fashionista hadn't prepared some cool outfits for the final Grand Slam of the year. Here are the Nike dresses Sharapova would have been wearing hadn't she skipped the event. The blue dress was supposed to be worn by day, while the black one was made for the night. (via Great Tennis Photos)


text: I have been involved in CNC Machine Tool Sales since 1991. I worked for Yamazen Inc and Meritage Inc (Ellison, Morris Group, Hartwig Inc), before starting BlueStar Machinery, which I ran for 15 years. I joined Machinery Network in 2016 as VP of CNC Sales, starting up a Midwest Division, out of the Chicago area. Working with new salesman on trades, buying and selling are my strengths. Go Cubbies!!!


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Missouri 4-H
4-h > projects and opportunities > Arts and communication > Public Speaking Academy > Overview
Public Speaking Academy
Youth who participate at this exciting invitational event are guided through the basics and finer points of writing and delivering a speech, in a non-competitive setting. The Public Speaking Academy is open to all youth ages 11-13 years of age who are interested in learning more about public speaking. One does not have to be a 4-H member to attend, but academy spaces are limited to a maximum of 20 and will be filled on a "first come" basis.
The academy takes place at the Central Methodist University campus, with caring adult chaperones there to help every step of the way.
Questions about the Public Speaking Academy may be directed to Patty Fisher at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Public Speaking Academy Brochure and registration information.
Cost is $100.
Registration is due by May 1, 2019.
How to print your Health Form from 4HOnline.
4-H Center for Youth Development
1110 South College Ave.
Columbia, MO 65211-3410
Phone: 573-882-9359
© 1993 to 2017 Curators of the University of Missouri, all rights reserved, DMCA and other copyright information
University of Missouri Extension is an equal opportunity/access/affirmative action/pro-disabled and veteran employer.
Who we are
Youth Development Academy
4-H Foundation
Join 4-H
Clover Kids
State 4-H Council
Mizzou 4-H
Standards of excellence
Peer competition
Progress toward personal goals
Club management
Hands-on learning
Volunteers and leaders
Recognition and awards
Community service and outreach
Research and evaluation
State staff
Missouri 4-H Foundation
Missouri Afterschool Network
State 4-H Council
County offices


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Ian brings Kate a coffee at the square. She'll need it to get through their meeting with Madi and Brady. Ian's not concerned. Kate brings out the kinder, gentler side of him.
Brady, You're Flexing Your Muscles.
EJ supports Sami, Lucas gets Will to open up, and Brady makes a fool of himself after his drink is spiked.
Nicole is interrupted at home, reading a pregnancy book. EJ has chocolate for her. She sighs. That just bought him five minutes. EJ wants to discuss him taking over to help her since Rafe's death. Nic doesn't want anything to do with EJ and shows him the door. He reminds her he's a good father and professes his love for her. She doubts it. They argue about her ultimatum and Nicole asks him to let her find someone who loves her and won't hurt her the way he has. She wants nothing to do with him again.
At the safe house, Bo, Hope, Marlena and John fill Rafe in about Stefano's arms deal with Nevsky and their plan to go undercover and bust Stefano. Shane calls. Nevsky's refusing to meet with them. John thinks he can call in a favor.
At Sami's, Will has just confessed he's gay. This isn't the way he wanted it to come out. Sami goes into denial. She didn't know. Will reminds her she only thinks about number one. Sami thinks he's confused. Lucas yells that he's not confused. Lucas asks how long he has known. Will thinks deep down he always did. Lucas didn't see this coming, which makes Will chuckle. Sami's quiet and tells Will she can't do this right now. She runs away. Lucas asks Will to let Sami process but Will is hurt. Lucas is shocked and disappointed because he knows it's not going to be easy for Will to be gay. He knows it's not Will's choice. Will's been trying so hard to be straight and praying for these feelings to go away. Lucas is sorry he had to go through this alone. Will has come to terms with it though. Lucas is glad but worried about hate crimes. He wants his son to be happy and find someone to share his life with. Will can still do that. They talk about Mia and Gabi. Will had feelings for them and he was happy for a while but things changed. He comments on how supportive Sonny is but they're not dating. They talk about this being the hand Will was dealt.
Madison arrives at the Kiriakis mansion to find a shirtless Brady. She asks how he's doing and he shrugs. He's fine. She's surprised considering his father just died. Brady's about to tell her the truth when Ian and Kate interrupt. "Brady you're flexing your muscles. Are you going to a birthday party or... I assume you're not going to the meeting." Brady is going. He wants to make Basic Black a success. Both Kate and Ian give him their condolences and get to business. Kate comments on Brady's 'putrid looking slime' protein drink. Brady laughs. He has one each day. Kate and Madison leave and Brady goes off to shower while Ian sneakily pours drugs into Brady's drink and his protein jar. He hides and Brady drinks the rest of his 'slime'.
EJ bumps into Sami in the square. He can see she's tense. She confronts him about blackmailing William. He apologizes. He admits he's come to care a lot about William. Sami says Will's going through enough issues on his own. EJ assumes Will came out to her. "He told you..." No, EJ says it was clear. EJ's surprised it was news to her. She starts to cry. What's wrong with her? She feels like an idiot. EJ reminds her she has had a lot on her plate. Sami doesn't think it matters. Her son is supposed to be the most important thing. She doesn't know what to do. "I have been the worst mother to him. I think it's my fault that he's gay." EJ calls her absurd. "People are born gay. If poor mothering made children gay, then all of Kate's children would be running around waving rainbow flags at Pride festivals." Sami giggles and tries to make sense of it all. EJ remarks that being gay isn't the end of the world unless you're uncomfortable with sexuality. Sami's not homophobic. She also is overwhelmed by finding out Will shot EJ and EJ blackmailed him. EJ reminds her this is about William. She needs to go to him.
Nicole runs into Brady outside the pub. She tells him she had an issue with EJ today. He offers to break his face if she wants. Nicole grimaces. Is he okay? "Have you been drinking?" Brady's confused and sober. He tells her he's thinking of having a couple of pops afterward because that's the only way he can get through this meeting. Nicole becomes more concerned and makes Brady wait for a moment while she gets Madison. She runs inside and interrupts the meeting. Brady barges in and makes a fool of himself in front of Serge while Nicole cringes. Brady dribbles water down his suit and then accidentally spills water down Serge's jacket. "Oh it's a party! It's a party," Brady says. Serge goes nuts because this is a one-of-a-kind jacket. Brady jokes that he'll buy him 18 after the profits they'll make from this plan. Things get more chaotic as Brady mocks Serge and Madi asks Nicole to get Brady out of there. Brady apologizes and Nic drags him out as Madi apologizes to Kate and Serge. Bottom line, Serge won't support the project with Brady on board. Outside, Nicole stops Brady from going back inside. Madison finds them and asks Brady if he's drunk or high. Brady's confused. Ian turns up and Madi tells him Brady's not feeling well. Nicole will take Brady home.
John, Hope, Bo and Rafe meet Nevsky and his two goons. "I'm Greene. These are my associates: Mr. O'Toole, his wife Charity, Mr. Garcia." John wants to buy and has something to offer that's much more substantial than the competition. Nevsky hasn't heard of them before but is willing to hear their offer. However, he warns that he doesn't like games. Nevsky likes the compensation but worries about his original buyer. They seem to have a deal until Nevsky gets a text telling him who they really are and why they're there.
Sneak peek!
Sami goes to Will but before she can tell him she loves him, she gets on him about praising Marlena.
Will storms out on Sami.
Lexi wants to go to Paris.
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Awarded 2016 Top Workplace Honor By Pittsburgh Post-Gazette!
Learn why we're the best provider of home care for seniors in the greater Pittsburgh area
Comfort Keepers is pleased to announce that our agency was awarded a Top Workplace as announced in the August 21, 2106 edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The award is based solely on caregiver feedback. Our care aides also placed our offices as one of the top workplaces in the Pittsburgh area in 2012 and 2014.
Our home health care agency takes great pride in offering the finest care for seniors available in the greater Pittsburgh, PA area. We could not do so without the devotion and compassion our care aides bring to work each day. Each home care provider plays an integral role in the health, wellness, safety and satisfaction of those we serve. It is a critical component to our business model that not only are our clients happy, but so too are those who provide our services.
"The caregivers are the heartbeat of our business," said Tom Donohue, a Certified Senior Advisor and co-owner of our agency in Pittsburgh, PA. "Receipt of this award indicates that Comfort Keepers is successful in building a strong employer/employee relationship and the significant growth of our business indicates that our caregivers are building strong bonds with our clients."
Our care providers are highly trained and work hard to uphold our rigorous standards. They provide services that range from companionship care to dementia care, respite care, end of life care and much more. They are truly there for our clients and their families when they need help the most. Without their dedication and love of the job, we could not assist the many seniors we care for throughout the Pittsburgh community. We thank them for their hard work, devotion and compassion.
If you would like more information about our home care for seniors or would like to learn how to become a caregiver at our Pittsburgh, PA location, contact our office today at (412) 203-5217 or submit an application online.
Welcome to our new office in Pittsburgh! We are proud to offer services where seniors need us most. Visit us at:
5165 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Comfort Keepers of Pittsburgh and South Hills, PA provides in home care and senior care services in the following cities:
Baldwin, Bethel Park, Bloomfield, Belle Vernon, Bentleyville, Bon Air, Brentwood, Brookline, Carrick, Castle Shannon, Charleroi, Clairton, Donora, Downtown Pittsburgh, Dravosburg, Duquesne, Duquesne Heights, East Liberty, Elizabeth, Elizabeth Township, Elrama, Etna, Finleyville, Friendship, Garfield, Glassport, Glen Hazel, Greenfield, Hays, Hazelwood, Highland Park, Homestead, Homewood, Jefferson Hills, Jefferson, Knoxville, Lawrenceville, Larimer, Library, Lincoln Place, McKeesport, Millvale, Monessen, Monongahela, Morningside, Mount Lebanon, Mount Washington, Munhall, New Eagle, Oakland, Overbrook, Penn Hills, Pleasant Hills, Point Breeze, Polish Hill, Scott Township, Shadyside, Smithton, South Park, Southside, Squirell Hill, Stanton Heights, Strip District, Swissvale, West Elizabeth, West Homestead, West Mifflin, West Newton, Wilkinsburg, Whitehall, PA


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Member Exclusive
U.S.-Africa Energy Ministers Meeting
Tucson, Arizona, December 15, 1999
The Ministers responsible for energy for the countries of the African continent or their representatives (listed below) and the Secretary of Energy of the United States, hereby referred to as the Energy Ministers, met in Tucson, Arizona, on December 13-15, 1999, and discussed the unique needs of Africa, including its serious energy shortages, limited access to exploitation and consumption of energy, and heavy dependence on traditional energy resources, taking into account its diversity and enormous potential .
As a result, the Energy Ministers agree to initiate a sustained cooperative effort, through governmental leadership and participation of the private, business and other sectors, including regional and sub-regional economic, intergovernmental, multilateral, and non-governmental organizations, to support the growth of adequate, accessible, environmental safe and sound, secure, and affordable energy supplies.
The Energy Ministers stress the importance of the energy sector's role in poverty alleviation, social and economic development, and enhancing overall environmental protection on a local, national, regional, and global basis to improve people's health and education, promote sustainable economic development, and improve the overall quality of life in the 21st century and beyond.
The Energy Ministers recognize energy's importance in economic development and in order to succeed in making sustainable energy development a reality, continued and aggressive efforts are needed to: promote the development of energy sources through exploration and production and through research and development; increase energy production and access to affordable energy; remove impediments to energy trade and investment; promote projects that address local, regional and global environmental concerns, including desertification and deforestation; promote institutional and infrastructure development and human capacity building; and further increase opportunities for African employment and for private sector participation in the development of energy industry partnerships.
Toward these ends, the Energy Ministers are committed to continue strengthening their cooperation in their effort to integrate their energy sector, economic social, and environmental policies.
The Energy Ministers, recognizing the priorities of development for Africa, agree that sustainable energy policies and development are integral elements of any strategy to minimize or reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to reduce Africa's vulnerability to the negative impacts to the climate change. Within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, all signatory countries have undertaken common, but differentiated responsibilities to address climate change. The Energy Ministers recognize that effective energy policies are fundamental to meeting these responsibilities.
Thus, the energy Ministers reaffirm their commitment to the implementation of effective energy policies and to take concrete steps to establish policies and programs that will enhance investment and partnerships in clean energy technologies and the efficient production and utilization of traditional energy sources, and increase access to energy for Africa's people. The Energy Ministers also recognize the value of technology transfer and the use of market-based mechanisms among others to address climate change. The Energy Ministers further recognize that countries may elect, through their commitments, to take full advantage of these mechanisms, if they wish to do so.
Regional Energy Integration: programs and activates, among government and public and private sectors, to promote:
Rural Electrification and Energy Supply: urgent action, involving cooperation of government, public and private sectors, and multilateral institutions, to increase the means of production and access to affordable energy and to bring clean and cost-effective energy systems to Africa's rural areas using grid-connected and off-grid technologies, self-contained systems, distribution, and end-use technologies.
Clean Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency: programs, with cooperation, among government and public and private sectors, to promote cooperation among African nations and the U.S. on:
Urban Air Quality: programs with governmental cooperation on energy-related air pollution issues in such areas as air quality monitoring, development and implementation of emissions standards, housing (codes, building materials, heating, and cooking), and the reduction of lead from gasoline and other harmful air pollutants; and enhanced business sector involvement in natural gas infrastructure development, coal gasification, manufacture and use of energy efficient homes, appliances and vehicles, emissions monitoring equipment, and improved and alternative vehicle fuels.
The Energy Ministers actively support international, multilateral, regional, and bilateral cooperation in targeted fields; welcome investment and economic and technology cooperation throughout Africa on open and reciprocal terms to meet energy needs and protect the environment in a sustained way; and will develop and progressively implement energy policies and regulatory measures that enhance the climate for trade and investment in energy and environmental projects, taking into account the particular circumstances in their countries.
The Energy Ministers will pursue measures to enhance private sector participation in their energy sector development. Measures could include promoting the use of cost-competitive, environmentally friendly energy technologies.
The Energy Ministers intend to examine, use, and transfer environmentally sound energy technologies, while taking into consideration life-cycle and environmental impact costing, options for retrofitting, and innovative financing mechanisms.
Activities under this Joint Statement could accelerate the deployment of clean energy projects and the appropriate transfer of related technologies by identifying project opportunities and necessary training to use those technologies and leveraging public and private sources of capital. It is anticipated that these activities will set the stage for broader cooperation on economic, social and global environmental issues.
The Energy Ministers, individually, and collectively, will take steps to support implementation of activities under this Joint Statement.
The applicable implementation by Energy Ministers will be in collaboration with all environmental and other related agencies in their respective governments.
The Energy Ministers welcome the assistance of the U.S. Department of Energy to help leverage private sector participation in the U.S. and African countries' energy sector development, including through the demonstration and technology transfer of U.S. and African cost-competitive, environmentally friendly energy technologies and increased support for U.S. programs under the Trade and Development Agency, the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation, the U.S. Export-Import Bank, and the U.S. Agency for International Development that would expand energy trade and investment opportunities in the U.S. and Africa.
Within the frame of this Joint Statement, representatives of the U.S. Department of Energy and the African Energy Ministries will conduct concrete discussions on cooperative efforts; enter into relevant memoranda of understanding and arrangements; and report regularly to the Energy Ministers and, as appropriate, to the leaders of their respective governments on progress in the implementation of activities under this Joint Statement.
The Energy Ministers and their representatives will immediately consult and work within relevant regional, sub-regional, and intergovernmental organizations to develop action plans that will address the principles described herein, with a view towards defining and developing joint proposals and implementing joint projects and programs.
Updated on 8-17-2000
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related issues
Register now for EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK 2018
- forums
- mobility
- date
- 08-06-2018
This year's campaign for sustainable mobility is taking multimodal transport as its theme and calling all cities organising activities between 16-22 September to register them online now.
The focus for this year's EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK is a response to the call by the EU Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc for 2018 to be the 'Year of Multimodality'. Named 'Mix and Move!', the campaign is encouraging cities to test and get feedback on the use of different modes of transport on the same journey and for different trips, for both freight and passenger transport.
If your city is organising activities celebrating sustainable transport and wants to get involved, it only needs to meet one of these three participation criteria to register:
- organising activities during the week of 16-22 September
- implementing new permanent measures
- celebrating a Car-Free Day.
You can register your city's activities on the official EU website.
To reinforce the European dimension of the campaign, participating EUROCITIES members are invited to use the common visual identity available here.


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Commercial and Business Banking Team
Meet Our People
Bank of Tennessee's Commercial and Business Banking team specialize in what you're looking for; an adviser that understands your business needs and can help you reach your long term goals. Simply stated, we care about you. We care about your business.
We'll help tailor our comprehensive suite of products and services to support your business today, and for the future. No matter what your business needs are, our experienced team can help you find solutions. Find a Business Banker in East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, or Western North Carolina.


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"Whenever two people meet, there are really six people present. There is each man as he sees himself, each man as the other person sees him, and each man as he really is."
-- William James
A rivulet of water ran down my mirror,
splitting my image in two.
I thought I could see them both in that scene,
Mr. Me, and Mr. Who.
Mr. Me, is on the outside,
he's always looking in.
Mr. Who is on the inside
looking out at his old friend.
Mr. Me is aging,
he thinks of getting old.
Mr. Who is just a boy,
his age is still on hold.
Mr. Me is what you see
when you look my way.
Mr. Who is what I think,
sometimes what I say.
Mr. Me, and Mr. Who
have been there from the start.
One looking in, the other out,
they'll never live apart.
If you see me on the street
and, if I should see you,
you'll shake hands with Mr. Me,
but be seen by Mr. Who.
Dennis Price


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Free next working day delivery to UK mainland on all orders over £100 (ex. VAT) placed via the website before 5pm, subject to stock (simply select "Next Working Day" under "Free Shipping" at checkout).
We are the 3D printing arm of a larger company called Express Group Ltd. Fixing printers since 1988, today we are a Specialist Parts Distributor and Experts in 3D Printing.
We take quality control very seriously, which is why we are audited for ISO9001:2015 certification, this helps ensure we provide great customer service.
Please fill out the details below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Get in touch and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
The Robo R2 is an advanced, high-performance smart desktop 3D printer. It offers outstanding value for money, and makes 3D printing easier than ever.
Connects to Wi-Fi
Connect to the Robo R2 via Wi-Fi using your mobile or tablet via the Robo app.
Heated Print Bed
The heated print bed prevents warping of materials such as ABS, which can happen otherwise. This in turn allows you even more filament options to print with.
Integrated Model Slicing
The R2 boasts integrated model slicing, which simplifies and shortens the path to 3D printing, by eliminating the need for STL, 3MF, OBJ files to be sliced beforehand.
Print From Your Mobile
You can also control your Robo R2 using the free Robo App, available to download for iOS, MacOS and Windows devices (Android support is coming soon). With the Robo App you can send files to print from anywhere with an internet connection as well as monitor and control prints in real-time from your devices. Prepare, manage and monitor your prints, including all relevant settings, quickly and easily with this free application.
On-Board Camera
Log in from your mobile device to check how your print is coming along.
Large Build Volume
Designed to tackle large-scale projects with ease, the Robo R2 has a spacious 203 mm x 203 mm x 254 mm build volume.
Advanced Features - Simple Operation
The Robo R2 is an advanced 3D printer, but it's also one of the easiest and simplest to use on the market. It is controlled via a 5" colour touchscreen, which lets you adjust printer settings and control every detail of prints in real-time.
Filament Run-Out Detection
Ensure you use every last bit of filament, without this you'd perhaps end up wasting the last few grams of filament. Instead the R2 will simply pause your print when it has used all of the filament, allowing you to change your reel and resume printing without losing your print.
Add A 2nd Extruder
With the option of purchasing a 2nd extruder you can print in more than one colour, material or even take advantage of dissolvable support structure giving you a clean finish to any complex prints.
Automatic Self-Leveling Print Bed
Another task that the Robo R2 does for you is to level the print bed automatically. Not only does this save time, but it increases print success rate as you know the print bed is level for every print.
Dual High Speed Fans
Dual high-speed fans cool prints down quickly to improve quality and consistency.
Print Faster
With a movement speed of 250 mm/s and a print speed of up to 16 mm³/s you'll be able to print whatever you need quickly.
Swappable Modules
Improve the functionality of the Robo R2 even further with alternative, swappable extruder modules.
30+ Materials
Reliable and stylish, the Robo R2 prints over 30 different filaments. You can print with PLA, PET-G, Nylon, Flexible TPE, Flexible TPU and many more materials, including Robo's own PLA and ABS filaments which can mimic real wood or glow in the dark.
What People Say
"3D printing helped us in design iterations by reducing our cost per iteration by 97% as well as time savings of about 93%. This helped us rapidly innovate and bring new unique brake systems to market that fit different bike sizes and manufacturer customizations so we can make the kids biking world safer."
– Brian Riley, Co-Founder Guardian Bikes
"The students have gained experience designing with 3D modeling programs, which in turn gives them the edge on students not using 3D printers for future jobs in the real world."
– Matt Anderson, Teacher, Joe Walker Middle School
Atomic Fidget Spinner - this print took 2 hours and used just 16g of filament costing just under £0.60.
Here's some downloads we think you might be interested in that relate to this product:


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Get Lucky
Think, Dog Productions presents:
Waiting for Godot at the Pub Theater
Located above the Heorot in DWNTWN Muncie
Performances are September 16,17, 23, 24, and 30 at 7:30pm
Tickets are $10 ($5 with student ID) and can be reserved in advance and purchased at the door (cash or card). Message or comment to reserve your tickets, as seating is limited. To reserve tickets by phone, call (765) 741-0591.
Samuel Beckett's WfG tells the simple and unconventional tale of two clownish wayfarers and their fruitless pursuits. Occasionally joined by an imperious master and his downcast slave, Vladimir and Estragon do their best to pass the time while they wait.
An icon of the Absurdist genre, described as "the quintessence of existentialism," WfG is firstly one of the funniest and most absorbing pieces of drama we've yet to bring you!
Tom Cherry as Vladimir
Barry McMullen as Estragon
Sean Orlosky as Lucky
Bob Green as Pozzo
Cody Lee as the Boy
Directed by Lysa Franklin
Photograph by Thomas Nelson III
Labels: Barry McMullen, Bob Green, Cody Lee, Lysa Franklin, photograph, Samuel Beckett, Sean Orlosky, Think Dog! Productions, Thomas Nelson III, Tom Cherry, Waiting for Godot


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Two More All-American Honors For Track & Field Team At Indoor Nationals
March 15, 2008
Junior Boldizsar Kocsor and freshman Tori Anthony highlighted the Bruin track and field teams on Saturday on the final day of the NCAA Indoor Championships as both earned All-American honors in their respective events. The men's team finished the meet in 14th-place with 13.50 points as all but one competitor earned All-American honors during the two-day meet. Arizona State won both the men's and women's indoor crowns.
Kocsor finished seventh in the weight throw with a lifetime-best throw of 70-1.50. He opened up the competition with that mark and held on to finish in a scoring position for the Bruins. He becomes the first Bruin since Danny Ames in 2004 to earn All-American honors in the weight throw. He is also the third thrower of the meet to earn National honors.
'I'm really excited about being All-American,' said Kocsor. I thought I could place higher, but I'm stll happy. I threw a PR on my first attempt and just couldn't get a bigger throw after that. I think it's cool to have three All-Americans on the throws side. This gives me and the team a lot of confidence heading into the outdoor season.'
'This was one of our best indoor performances in recent years,' said head coach Art Venegas. 'All but one athlete improved on their rank coming in and that gives us a lot of confidence for the coming months. I'm really proud of Boldi and how he competed today. It's great to see him get his first All-American honor and we look foward to seeing this weekend's success carry over into the outdoor season.'
Freshman Tori Anthony also tallied the first All-American honor of her young career as she tied for eighth in the pole vault with a mark of 13-5.25. Anthony, who had come into the meet with a top mark of 13-6, was the sole competitor for the Bruin women's team and made the most of it as she finished in a scoring position in her first NCAA meet.
Anthony's finish marked the third consecutive season and the seventh time in eight years that a Bruin woman has earned indoor All-American honors in the pole vault.
'I'm fired up,' said vault coach Anthony Curran. 'Two All-Americans for the vault group this weekend and I'm fired up about that. Tori jumped really well at 13-9 and barely hit it on the way down. Unfortunately she got caught under on her third attempt and couldn't clear the bar. Had she cleared it, I have a feeling she would have been one of the top-three finishers.
'Tori got a late start to the season because she had to rehab a back injury most of the fall, and for her to come out and compete like a veteran today was great to see.'
'In the fall, we didn't try to rush back into practice or competition,' said Anthony. 'It's great to finish in the top-eight and get All-American honors after the slow start to my season. I got better each week and was really ready to go for it today. I had some unlucky vaults at 13-9, but I feel pretty confident heading into the outdoor season.'
The men's final competitor of the meet, Austin Ramos, finished 15th in the 3000m in a time of 8:14.25. The senior had only competed in one indoor meet this season (back on Feb. 2) as he rehabbed a stress reaction in his leg during the last month and a half. During the first half of the race, Ramos was running in the top-four, but fell back towards the end of the 3000m.
'He was diagnosed with a stress reaction the week after he broke the school record back in February,' said distance coach Eric Peterson. 'He's been training sporadically and mostly cross-training until this past week when we were able to get him out on the track and test his leg. We knew there was a chance he might not run well, but we needed to take that chance. He's a senior and earned the right to compete and he decided on his own to run.
'I'm proud of him for making a run at it and giving it another try. We need to make sure he heals completely and get ready for the outdoor season.'


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Credit.fr, co-founded by Truffle Capital in 2014, is a crowdfunding platform for SME lending. This financing method allows individuals to invest in companies through peer-to-peer lending platforms under. Credit.fr has been approved by the relevant French authority (Orias) with the IFP status (intermediary in crowdfunding).
Bernard-Louis Roques is a a member of the Supervisory Board of Credit.fr.
You can find all the different video programmes of credit.fr on WebTV Credit.fr.


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Sooo, remarkably, I'm keeping up with my blog. It might be from the excitement of actually having a blog. I promise to write at least once a week... or at least I promise to try xD If those of you from Seattle don't mind reminding me, I'll be your personal slave. Or something less creepy...but its the idea that counts, right? I'm really liking the shout out idea, and now, I want to give a shout out to Macey, for supporting me 250% of the way. You don't know how much I appreciate it. I'm super stoked, especially because when I come back I'll be speaking French (albeit a different dialect of it) like a PRO! :D I know at first I was bummed because I really Really REALLY wanted to go to Morocco for a year, but I've come to realize that this is for the best. For one, I've never been out of the country before. Going away for a whole year is a bit daunting. Not to mention I would miss my family and my special (oh so special) friends <3 Plus, its my senior year. I'd hate to miss prom, hehe.
Some facts about Mali. The Official name is Republique du Mali (accent egu on the first e) and their official language is French. They also speak Bambara, and the students from 2 years ago picked up some of that, so I assume I'll come back knowing a few words, too (Yeah, Languages!!! \(^o^)/ ) The capital is Bamako (that's where I will be! Hence, the URL: to Bamako and back) and the Northern border is in the middle of the Sahara desert (did you know that Sahara means desert in Arabic? That means that we Americans call it the desert desert, everybody else just calls it the Sahara. We pronounce it wrong, too. Way to go us) Anyhoo, continuing my original thought, this means that I will be in the sun Sun SUN!!!!! (Bamako is actually in the South, but I still expect to get a tan when I come back teehee)
A little bit on Kenya: Their official languages are Swahili and English, but because I am ME, the wonderful (or should I say Amazing to keep up with the list of A words?) Andrea, I have been collecting words in Swahili. Did you know that they share some words with the Arabic language? An example is the word Tafadali. In Arabic, it gives permission (to a female) and in Swahili it means please. I thought it was interesting because although these two languages use the same language, they are used in almost opposite meanings. I also know that Jambo means Hi (LIKE WAKA WAKA!!!) Maybe when I'm in Kenya I can learn the meaning to the words in the song, and perhaps I can learn the dance too ;) That would be quite nice, don't you think?
Because this post is getting VERY long, I will stop here. I promise to try my hardest at posting at least once next week, and every week after that. Au Revoir!


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Need to get in touch?
Baltimore Concert Opera
11 West Mount Vernon Place Suite 307
Baltimore, MD, 21201
office: 443-445-0226
Monday – Friday: 10AM – 4PM
Please leave a voicemail to ensure a speedy reply! We want to hear from you!
Brendan Cooke, Artistic Director
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Courtney Kalbacker, Managing Director
General Inquiries
Please use form below:


text: Using photos in your presentations is much more effective for learning than displaying your speaker notes. Here are a few photo websites you can use to gather copyright-free photos. Be sure to follow the guidelines for attributing ownership of the images. Not only is it the right thing to do, it is great modeling for students to see how to legally use other people's artwork, especially after they have graduated. And of course, your own camera is also free for you to use – no attribution needed!


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Pinus Lambertiana (SUGAR PINE)
- At August 24, 2012
- By chestervews
- In Botanic, Chester Califorina, Forestry, Hiking, Horticulture
- 1
I was traveling into Chester, and in an area where the Pacific Trail crosses Hwy 36, I noticed these giant pine cones hanging on the ends of the Pinus Lambertiana (SUGAR PINE). These large-scale pine cones can reach 22" in length. When the light strikes the sugar resin, it looks like the pine cone are wearing bling. Shiny glistening diamonds on the pine cones was an amazing sight.
Sugar Pine trees have long graceful arms and soft fluffy needles. The long pine cones on the very tips gave me the impression of a lady's arm holding a lantern. So I was surprised to learn the tree held the title of "The King of Pines" as they can grow 100-160 feet tall!!. To learn more about the pine tree I started to study the bark. It has a reddish cinnamon color with deep vertical furrows But the most surprising aspect of the tree is what you find under it – jigsaw puzzle pieces of bark. When the tree bark flakes off small flat pieces of bark shaped like puzzle pieces are stacked at the base of each tree along with those long sculpted pines cones.
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greatMarch 28, 2017
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I have been using Windows 8 as an early adopter and I have been learning many new things about it whenever I use it more and more. So I am pretty much learning with it in a natural way. In this article, I share with you a very convenient way of installing any missing device drivers in Windows 8 PC. You maybe using Windows 8 on a laptop or desktop or a tablet PC. Most likely, you may not need to install drivers if the PC came pre-installed with Windows 8 as most OEMs also install device drivers in Windows PCs. But in case you have clean installed the PC with Windows 8 or your Windows 8 device went bad and you re-installed Windows 8 on it, you might need to install drivers for Windows 8.
While Windows 8 will automatically support most of the existing devices with bundled default drivers, you may still need some extra drivers. One of the most convenient and automatic ways of installing Windows 8 missing drivers is through the action center. In the right bottom of the screen on the Desktop view of Windows 8, you can see a small flag, which is the action center icon. Click on it and it will open the action center.
In case the action center finds some missing drivers, it will show under maintenance, click on show message details.
In maintenance message details, it will show you what drivers are missing and will give you a direct download link to the missing driver file.
Simply click the download link and run the downloaded file.
Once you run the installation file, it is much like installing any new driver in regular way. You need to watch carefully for the steps involved as it may require some inputs or settings from you.
Simply proceed with the installation and your drivers will be installed.
In most cases, a new device driver installation will require you to re-start your Windows 8 computer, so save your unsaved work, re-start and your device drivers will come into effect. Hope you find this procedure simple and easy to follow. Check out some more Windows 8 Tips and Tutorials by Trouble Fixers.


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BAT Series
USD 19.80 / pair (1 piece in a bottle)
One Year Disposable
Manufactured by DollyEye (Dueba, GNG & Vassen)
Normal Retail Price
Our Discounted Price USD 19.80 only
INSTANT SAVING of up to USD 5.20
|45% polymacon
|Water Content:
|In Stock Usually ships within 2 business days
3D design lenses are now available in 6 exciting colors. Its design is unique where the design will give the look of a 3 dimensionally effect giving a stunning and confident look. BAT lenses are manufactured using polymacon with 55% water to give you the comfort.
BAT series is designed in 15mm diameter and with its outer circle dark ring, BAT series give you the desired bigeye effect.
The price quoted is for 2 pieces OR one pair and whenever you key in 1 (one) as quantity, that will mean you purchase 2 pieces or 1 pair. Should you require special order of 1 pair of different powers, please place order as if you are ordering 1 pair for same powers and drop an email to email@example.com to notify the actual prescriptions you want in the pair. Do not forget to give order number as the reference. We will try to accommodate your request the best we can.
Color Toric For Astigmatism
Colourvue Toric Color - 3 months
Maxim B Color Toric Color - 3 months
Color Daily
Acuvue Define With Lacreon- 30 pieces
Acuvue Define - 30 pieces
Colourvue Crazy Color
My-contactlens.com is a marketing arm sells contact lenses and other related products online/in an e-business environment. Customers are required to obtain a valid prescription by their Optometrist or Optician before placing order on this web site and confirm that the order placed is in accordance to the said valid prescription as stipulated by their Optometrist or Optician.


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Olympus has registered a new camera under the code name of "IM002" at the Taiwan Radio Certification Authority (NCC). This upcoming camera will use a new BLH-1 battery and a corresponding BCH-1 battery charger. It's expected that is camera under the code name may be the Olympus EM1 II, means the successor of E-M1.
Via- Digicameinfo


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Richard Linklater was originally known for making films that took place in a single day. This was the case with his first Indie hit, Slacker (1991), and the cult success, Dazed and Confused (1993). The idea is crucial to his popular romantic trilogy – Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Before Midnight – which charts three days in the life of a couple, spread out over nine year intervals.
With Boyhood Linklater has taken a contrary path: the movie took 12 years to make, with cast and crew ageing in real time. It is an experiment that unfolds with amazing naturalness, as one segment morphs seamlessly into the next. It is not like watching one of those Michael Apted documentaries which began with Seven Up! (1964). The characters in Boyhood are fictional and all the lines are scripted. If it feels convincingly realistic that is a tribute to the director and his actors.
It is one of Linklater's trademarks that his best films have contained strong echoes of his own experiences growing up in Texas. In Bernie (2012) he retailed a true story in the form of a docu-drama. In Boyhood, he makes fiction into the mirror of reality. The project bears no resemblance to so-called reality TV, which is usually more false and calculated than any soap opera. In one of the personal touches, Linklater's own daughter, Lorelei, plays Samantha, the sister of the lead character.
The star of the movie is Mason, whom we meet as a six-year old, and leave almost three hours later, when he enters college at the age of 18. Ellar Coltrane, who plays Mason, has said he doesn't remember anything about his life before he began working on this film. Coltrane has literally grown up on screen, looking forward to the annual 3-4 day shoots that came to feel like a family reunion.
The character of Mason closely reflected aspects of Coltrane's life, with Linklater making constant adjustments to the role to incorporate changes that had taken place in his lead actor. The line between reality and fiction grew so blurred Coltrane says there were times when he couldn't remember whether he had experienced an event in actuality or on film.
The plot is as loose as life itself. When we meet Mason he is a precocious little boy who lives with his mother, Olivia (Patricia Arquette) and older sister, Samantha. His father, Mason senior (the ubiquitous Ethan Hawke), has just re-entered their lives after a sustained absence. Any hopes the older Mason held of patching it up with Olivia are soon dashed. For the rest of the story he will drift in and out of his kids' lives as a sympathetic but slightly gormless presence.
It's a touching performance by Hawke, who plays the kind of man who never really wanted to grow up. He lives opportunistically, taking on various jobs, while writing songs in his spare time. He loves his children but doesn't seem to have the stamina for family life.
Patricia Arquette's Olivia is just as complex: a single mother determined to forge a career for herself, who always makes the wrong relationship choices. When she moves the family from a small Texas town to Houston, she remarries, to a professor named Bill (Marco Perella) who already has two small children of his own. It's not long, however, before Bill's urbane persona slips away to reveal an aggressive drunk.
By the time Bill is out of the way, Mason is immersed in the hermetically sealed world of adolescence. We watch him discovering his own personality and interests. His hair is longer or shorter with each year. He becomes more centred, but also anxious for the future. It's exactly the state of mind that every teenager experiences, but it may never before have been captured so accurately on film.
I can imagine some readers thinking: "So what? Shouldn't a film take us to places that ordinary lives don't go?" But it is precisely the ordinariness of Mason's life that holds us fast. Every viewer will recognise flashes of their own histories, and identify with Mason as he undergoes the confusion and elation of the teenage years.
The beauty of Boyhood is that it stages the process of growing up as a kind of epic adventure embedded in the everyday. It's not just the characters but the look of the movie that is so mesmeric. Linklater, along with cinematographers Lee Daniels and Shane Kelly, has created a vision of suburban life that seems transfused with colour and energy. It begins with the young Mason lying on the grass staring at the sky, and ends with another scene that suggests this being who has absorbed our attention for three hours, is only part of a vast cosmic tapestry.
One has to admire Linklater's ability to find grandeur in the mundane. The celebrated Russian filmmaker, Andrei Tarkovsky once claimed that his greatest cinematic influences were Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky. On the strength of this film, Linklater could find his progenitor in Walt Whitman.
Written & directed by Richard Linklater
Starring Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Lorelei Linklater, Libby Villari, Marco Perella
USA, rated M, 165 mins
Published in the Australian Financial Review, Saturday 6th September, 2014.
Richard Linklater was originally known for making films that took place in a single day. This was the case with his first Indie hit, Slacker (1991), and the cult success, Dazed and Confused (1993). The idea is crucial to his popular romantic trilogy – Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Before Midnight – which charts three days in the life of a couple, spread out over nine year intervals.