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Tea Party favorite Christine O'Donnell is a no-go for the new season of "Dancing with the Stars."
Instead, actress Kirstie Alley, talk show host Wendy Williams and reality star Kendra Wilkinson will spar with a former boxing champion and the original "Karate Kid" when ABC's dance competition returns in three weeks.
Sugar Ray Leonard, the former welterweight champ turned boxing analyst, was the first name "Dancing" co-hosts Tom Bergeron and Brook Burke unveiled midway through Monday's "The Bachelor."
U.S. & World
Leonard joined Ralph Macchio, star of 1984's "The Karate Kid," and the rest of the new cast, save Czech-born supermodel Petra Nemcova, for a live "press conference" following ABC's big reveal.
"I just have to point my toes this time," Macchio said when asked if having choreographing experience would help his chances.
The presser was a mostly low-key affair with O'Donnell's notable omission from the new cast. The controversial Delaware pol famous for her "I am not a witch" political ad had publicly toyed with joining the show and would have brought Bristol Palin-style intrigue to the ballroom.
In her absence, Kirstie Alley wasn't keen on projecting her own star power during a live Q &A.
She requested a "pass" when Bergeron asked why she finally accepted the gig after having refused past offers to lace up. Alley told another reporter her main goal was to "try not to fall on our butts the first week."
Also competing on the show's new season will be: Romeo, the son of rapper and "Dancing" alum Master P; Disney star Chelsea Kane; NFLer Hines Ward; "Love Line" host Mike Catherwood; and the WWE's Chris Jerico.


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Lemington, Vermont
|This article is a stub. Help us to expand it by contributing your knowledge. For county and town page guidelines, visit U.S. County Page Content Suggestions.
Lemington is a town in Essex county, Vermont. It was formed in 1762 in N.H. from Orange county. It has used the following other name(s): Limington. The probate and court district for Lemington is Essex. For more information, contact the town at 2549 River, Lemington 05903. On the attached map, Lemington is shown as 8 in Essex county.
For information about the state of Vermont see Vermont Family History Research.

subset: commoncrawl


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1351727457 - Vans Triple Crown of Surfing hydrated by vitaminwater
Related Links
(San Diego, CA) October 31st, 2012 – Reef is gearing up to host the 2012 Reef Hawaiian Pro, first gem of the Van's Triple Crown of Surfing, in addition to kick starting the iconic competition's 30th Anniversary. The dramatic showdown taking place at Ali'i Beach Park on the North Shore of Oahu November 12th-24th marks the beginning of the end of the 2012 competitive surfing season. The ASP Prime event will attract the world's elite all in search of valuable 2013 ASP World Championship Tour qualifying points, a $250,000 prize purse and the allure of winning one of Surfing's most prestigious events.
The 2012 Reef Hawaiian Pro marks Reef's 6th year hosting the event at one of the North Shore's most beloved beaches and revered surf breaks. Reef commissioned esteemed artist, Alex Weinstein, to create the 2012 event artwork and to depict the iconic spot. Weinstein is best known for his emotive paintings and sculptures in which he intimately explores the ever-changing mood of the ocean environment. A lifelong and avid surfer, the work speaks directly to the immersive experience of time spent in the ocean while keeping an ardent discourse with contemporary issues in art.
When asked about the inspiration behind the work, Weinstein added, "Hawaiian waves are heavy and the commitment is personal. For me, the Triple Crown is more about the physical and natural challenges facing the individual than it is about competition. The waves are the main attraction. It's about handling the immense power, in physical and historical terms, of Hawaiian waves. Again, it's personal."
The tradition of handcrafted artistry and community carries over into the rest of the event. For those competitors that place in the finals, a handcrafted ukulele, made by Joe Green, owner of Surf N' Sea in Haleiwa, will once again replace a traditional trophy as a gesture of thanks for participating in the 2012 Reef Hawaiian Pro. Reef is also proud to continue an ongoing partnership with North Shore Community Land Trust, a non-profit organization that aims to protect the natural landscapes, cultural heritage and rural characteristic of Ahupua'a from Kahuku Point to Ka'ena, as the official event beneficiary.
Alex Weinstein's is an avid surfer, sculptor and artist living in Los Angeles, California. His work has been exhibited throughout California as well as New York, France, England, Australia, Japan and Brazil. His work has been both featured and revewied in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Art in America, The Los Angles Times, The Providence Journal, The Surfer's Journal and Elle Decor Magazine to name a few. In 2012 his work will be the subject of a short flim by Eric Swenson. For more information about his work head to www.vaguestudio.com.


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I can't afford a gym membership for my boys. So three times a week, we go to Sport's Authority and I let the boys work out on the free weights. It has been seven months so far and I don't think the store workers have noticed. At least I don't think so...
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Posted by Ka`iana at 7:58 PM
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Friday is our day of rest, so we are at the pool! This week the excavations at the famous Neolithic settlement opened for the season. We are a joint team from Cardiff University UK, Stony Brook, US and Poznan, Poland looking at the faunal remains to understand the human:animal relationship at the site. This week we began the season by examining the bones from building 80 (late in the site but still about 7-8000 years ago). So far we have recorded domestic sheep and dogs, wild aurochs, boar, deer and horses as well as tortoise, stork and jackal. We have a worked aurochs scapula, maybe used as a shovel, a possible bone 'flute' and bone gouges.
Excavation is focusing on removing backfill from the previous years ready to start excavation in ernest next week. The focus this year is on a number of houses, some of which have already produced cattle horncore installations, wall paintings and human burials beneath the floors.
The team is building with 60ish of us so far, and increasing to about 150 by the end of next week. There are labs for human and animal bones, pots, stones, plants, conservation and finds as well as two separate excavation areas. It is hard to keep track of everyone, so we have posted our photos and names on our lab door so folk can ID us. The excavation is truly international with folk from Sweden, Poland, US, Canada, Turkey, Greece and of course Wales.
Our first day off is being spent at the lovely Dedeman Hotel by the pool using their internet (thanks!). There is extremely restricted internet access at the site. A highlight this week was the Tarkan concert – a Turkish singing sensation who performed to about 20k people in a mall carpark.
We are looking forward to the rest of the seasons excavations – and working with all the different specialists on-site. Rather than material being analysed months, or years after it is dug up, in different labs around the world we are all here together. Roll on the excavations – well, after just one more dip in the pool…..


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EDUCATIONAL, CERTIFICATE and LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Business, or a minimum of four (4) years experience in retail, or one year management experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
EXPERIENCE, SKILL and ABILITY REQUIREMENTS
The primary purpose of this position is to manage the operation of an individual store in particular markets in an efficient manner while maximizing sales, margin and profitability. Enforce company policies and procedures while ensuring directives and all daily activities deliver against the expected operating standards, merchandising programming and budgeted financial targets.
This position promotes and drives customer service. Successful performance of this position requires the performance of managerial tasks with independent judgment and discretion. The incumbent is also required to perform all tasks in a safe manner consistent with corporate policies and applicable laws.
In exercising his or her independent judgment and discretion, the associate is responsible for performing the functions below, in addition to other duties as assigned: Lead store associates through the execution of company business plans/objectives to drive sales, be profitable and provide a superior customer and associate experience. Attend to opening and closing the store and maintain proper accountability for cash handling and company banking.
Manage an individual store while meeting store retail budgeted sales, margin, labor, expenses and overall P&L monthly results to ensure operating EBITDA and income are achieved. Ensure via the use of Staffworks/Work Force Management that labor is scheduled to meet customer service needs and complete operating activities and ensure the same standards of operation are enforced in the pharmacy department. Interview, hire, train, direct, reward, and discipline associates; appraise associate performance; and resolve complaints.
Provide leadership and development for associates by communicating career opportunities, provide regular performance feedback, and demonstrate SMILE Manage adherence to all regulatory and compliance legislation and policies. Perform all job duties necessary to providing a clean, safe, and pleasing environment to customers and associates by following company standards for safety regulations and overall store appearance both inside and outside of the store; maintain and follow rules in Clutter Free. Maintain merchandise standards according to the POMP manual, profit planner, corporate plan-o-grams and on-going merchandise information.
Participate in and supervise the preparation and accountability of retail store physical inventory and develop action plans to achieve expected results. Manage store's vendor relationships. Responsible for price accuracy of goods in the store. This position directly supervises store associates and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Rite Aid policies and applicable laws.
*All duties described in this document are to be performed in keeping with the core values and service attributes consistent with the Rite Aid brand and strategy.
Rite Aid


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NEW YORK — Jason Castro never got his moment, but the baseball world got its.
Castro had talked a lot in the 36 hours leading up to the All-Star Game about how much he'd love to catch Mariano Rivera. And while the Yankees closer stole the show and the MVP hardware with a perfect inning to help the American League to a 3-0 victory in his farewell Midsummer Classic, Castro didn't get to catch him or anybody else.
He was left on the bench as the third catcher behind Minnesota's Joe Mauer, who went the first six innings, and the Royals' Salvador Perez, who played the final three. The only time he saw the field after introductions was an aborted few steps to go catch some warmup pitches only to be called back to the dugout for "God Bless America."
It marks the second DNP in the last five All-Star Games for the Astros, who for the fourth straight year sent just one representative. Hunter Pence (2009) had been the most recent one not to play, and like Castro on Tuesday, that was his first career selection.
"I actually didn't really know what the plan was going to be," Castro said. "Toward the end there, I figured I was going to be just in case we went to extra innings — there were a few guys in that boat who didn't get a chance to get in there."
Indeed, the National League saved a catcher, too, in Brian McCann, and ex-Astros prospect Ben Zobrist was also left on the American League bench as a utility man available for emergencies. Castro handled the snub well.
"With so much at stake and what it means for the postseason implications, it's understandable how the rosters have to be used during the game," he said. "It was an awesome experience to be a part of this — my first All-Star Game — I really tried to take advantage and soak it all in. Being able to be in the dugout, to be able to watch Mariano's last All-Star game was pretty special."
Area players in the mix
Houston's homegrown All-Stars did take the field. The Woodlands High School alumnus Paul Goldschmidt of the Diamondbacks played five innings as a reserve and notched the National League's only extra-base hit — a double in the ninth inning. Elkins High School product Matt Carpenter of the Cardinals played four innings and went 0-for-2.
If you were looking for offense, the game was far from the most compelling of the game's 84 incarnations. The first two runs scored on outs — a Jose Bautista sacrifice fly in the fourth inning and a J.J. Hardy fielder's choice in the fifth — before Jason Kipnis doubled home a run off Craig Kimbrel in the eighth.
But the game was special for its showcasing of superstars and superstars-to-be who were born in the 1990s.
Even without Dodgers phenom Yasiel Puig, who finished second in the final vote to the disappointment of many, the game featured several players on track to be among the best players of the next decade. The 2012 Rookies of the Year Mike Trout and Bryce Harper were joined by 20-year-old Marlins upstart Jose Fernandez, who pitched a dazzling 1-2-3 seventh with two strikeouts, and 21-year-old Orioles third baseman Manny Machado, who made the play of the game, corralling a hot-shot grounder down the line and throwing across the diamond to rob Goldschmidt of a hit.
And the game got off to an adventurous start when Mets starter Matt Harvey — the first to start an All-Star Game in his home ballpark since Roger Clemens at Minute Maid Park in 2004 — gave up a first-pitch double to Trout and then hit crosstown rival Robinson Cano in the leg with a pitch. Cano was removed from the game but was deemed OK after X-rays were negative.
Defense on full display
But Harvey settled down, and eventually pitching became the story. And when the guys on the mound got in trouble, the fielders generally bailed them out with the losing side turning four double plays to keep things close.
Despite the lead, manager Jim Leyland didn't take any chances of a comeback that would cost Rivera the chance to throw an inning by not having a bottom of the ninth. Following a bizarre and out-of-place Neil Diamond rendition of "Sweet Caroline," the field cleared, and Rivera took to the mound alone to his trademark entrance music of "Enter Sandman."
"It was amazing — it almost made me cry," Rivera said of the latest of his many tributes. "I wasn't expecting this. I just wanted to pitch. The rest was a plus. The rest was indescribable."


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Injury management
Injuries are a part of any contact sport. Serious or life threatening injury in Rugby is, however, rare. The outcome of many injuries can often be improved by very simple first aid skills until emergency help arrives. For the majority of the Rugby-playing world, there is little qualified medical support available pitch side. Thus, first aid responsibility may fall to club officials, coaches, players, parents, or referees.
Often when faced with an injury, the issue is what not to do rather than what to do, i.e., 'do no further harm'. Many things improve with a little bit of time and, commonly, taking control of a situation and preventing panic is all that is needed until the player improves or more experienced help arrives. In certain circumstances, simple measures such as protecting the head and neck, ensuring an open airway or supporting an injured limb are often all that is needed in the immediate stages of injury management.
There are, of course, some conditions where the idea of simply supporting the player and waiting will be the wrong thing to do, e.g. cardiac arrest. These, while rare, do occur and are one reason for ensuring there is trained first aid support available at games and training.
World Rugby recommends that there is an appropriate level of first aid cover at every game and training session. World Rugby provides different levels of training and more details can be found at playerwelfare.worldrugby.org/firstaidinrugby
The general principles of looking after an injured player are:
- Do no further harm
- Take control
- Avoid unnecessary movement
- Speak to the player
- Call for help if needed
- Ensure more experienced help is on the way
- Recognise when you need to do more which may include calling an ambulance
Take control of the situation.
Preventing panic until the player improves or more experienced help arrives is fundamental to looking after an injured player.


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Free Man On The Land Daren Wayne of the Family McCormick, son of a Canadian Military Man, is originally from Northport, Nova Scotia. He has traveled all across Canada and Europe and it was in his travels that he met the infamous Mr. Rick Simpson.
He was introduced to Rick Simpson and saw what he had accomplished with Cannabis oil and he began growing "for the cause", to help seriously ill people, at virtually no charge. After Rick Simpson was raided and left Canada, Daren continued on.
The rest is becoming history…
Above: Rick Simpson, with the last plant left behind after the raid
Chris Harrigan has been following Daren's story closely and has documented the saga on video.
This first link to the video below gives the background of the story.
I will ask you to please watch the video's as they absolutely explain the situation at hand and why everyone should rally and support Daren in his unjust predicament. He is absolutely being targeted for giving away free Cannabis oil to seriously ill people.
The next video gives some information about the preliminary trial in Daren's last arrest which took place on April 3rd.
Below: April 3rd, after the Preliminary Trial
Daren has a very dedicated entourage of followers who believe in his cause and know of the injustice that has been inflicted upon him and they steadfastly remain by his side to support him.
Above: Daren's Cannabis garden, after the raid on August 23, 2017.
There is so much information available on Daren's cases that there is no way I could input it all here. Please use the links provided to see what has been published so far.
I will post any further information that I get.
Below: A Star Is Born!
Introducing the Cumberland Colchester Marijuana Party of Nova Scotia.
Pursuant to s448 (2)c; s449 of the Canada Elections Act, and s.127 (3.2) of the Income Tax Act;
[…is an electoral district association of the marijuana party & its AGENTS, ARE AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE OFFICIAL RECEIPTS…]
Corporate Structure, Formalization & Bylaws to be released shortly….
Meet the Rev Bros… REvenue Agents…
☆ stay tuned…
— attending Court Support Drop Charges Keep Daren Free! with Daren Mccormick, marijuana party and Miss Molly in Amherst, Nova Scotia.
Cannabis and Coffee…with Daren McCormick
"I think I had an undercover Cop in my driveway yesterday"…


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Stay Involved. Be Informed.
Welcome! GroWNC is…
The result?
Explore those strategies here. Follow the links in the green box to get started.
Latest News
GroWNC Receives National and State Awards
GroWNC Summary Brochure now available for printing/downloading
Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Final Report is now available!
GroWNC Regional Plan- Final Report and Executive Summary Now Available
GroWNC has added a section on the website that includes all of the Scenario maps and maps from the first round of Community Meetings. Click here to view the new Maps section.
Upcoming Events


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29 Personal Assistants (PA) Jobs in Lincoln, NE – Salary 4000 USD Monthly
29 Personal Assistants (PA) Jobs in Lincoln – Salary 4000 USD Monthly
Our Client which is an international company looking for Personal Assistants (PA) who will be based in USA, PA needs to Provide administrative support to partners and management team.
Job Reference number: USA-1512- 03
Administrative Assistants!
The Company is looking to hire Personal Assistants (PA) in Lincoln, NE.
Our focus is on fostering a high performance culture, one that develops a top-notch talent pool with the skills and determination to deliver above and beyond.
Our employees benefit from this approach with the best opportunities to succeed and fulfill their professional aspirations. They do so knowing that they are part of a responsible and positive organizational culture. Our business services groups consist of professionals with a wide range of skills and backgrounds. We are currently seeking Administrative Assistants, to join our team.
- Provide administrative support to partners and practice management team
- Prepare client billings, time and expense reporting, coordinate travel, and arrange meetings
- Assist with invoicing and internet research
- Provide word processing support for general and external client related communications
- Minimum of three years of administrative experience; preferably in a professional services environment
- High school diploma or equivalent; completed coursework from an accredited college/university is preferred
- Must be Korean bilingual; proficient oral and written skills
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
- Ability to work overtime as needed.
The Personal Assistants (PA) will be responsible for the completion of assigned office and administrative tasks. Maintains confidentiality of client, employee, and financial information.
Satisfactory combination of education and experience.
Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, business writing skills, the ability to work well with others, and prioritize and take initiative. Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word and beginning level of Excel required.
- Manage the day-to-day office functions including office supplies, equipment maintenance, and janitorial activities.
- Coordinate document flow in the office to include receiving, routing, and filing of invoices, reports, correspondence, contracts and forms.
- Prepare reports, correspondence and forms and ensure timely and accurate reporting to outside entities.
- Perform other related duties as required.
- Office functions are efficient and operate smoothly.
- Correspondence is handled correctly, efficiently, and is routed to the appropriate person in a timely manner.
- Reports, correspondence and forms are completed accurately and sent to the appropriate internal or external entities in a timely manner.
- Related duties are performed completely, on time and accurately.
Make a living by making a difference. Apply online today!
One Firm. One Team. Countless Opportunities.
Apply Today
Apply Now & Send Your CV on: firstname.lastname@example.com,
please keep in mind that must write Job Reference number in your email as Subject.
1) Understand Your Boss's Expectations
PAs pack their boss's parachute on a daily basis so it is essential that PAs fully understand their boss's objectives. This includes understanding your boss's work style, expectations, and boundaries. In the same way that you would collect a list of preferences for a frequent traveller, you also need to have a frank conversation with your boss about his/her expectations.
2) Take Thorough Messages
When taking messages for your boss, use your questions effectively to drill down to the heart of the issue. Asking "who", "what", "why", "where" and "when" questions will help you to take a comprehensive message that your boss can act on without having to return the call. If you put yourself in your boss's shoes when taking the message and ask all the questions he/she if likely to ask, you will also prevent unnecessary meetings.
3) Understand The Company's Vision
It is essential that you understand the vision and mission of your organisation. These factors impact the decision-making of your boss and the wider organisation. Understanding the vision and mission will help you to make solid decisions on your boss's behalf.
4) Become Your Boss's Mentee
Ask your boss to mentor you; particularly if you are new to the organisation. This will encourage better teamwork and help your boss to understand your challenges and gaps in your understanding of the business.
5) Be a Problem Solver
Always provide a possible solution when delivering a message to your boss about a problem. Your boss has enough to worry about, so if you can offer solutions, that will take some of the pressure off your boss. It could be something as simple as saying that there is a problem with "X" but you have spoken to a team member about it and they are looking into it.
6) Be Your Boss's Memory
Be a mind of useful information. Get clued up on personal things like the names of the wives of your boss's main customers (and their birthdays if you can manage it).
7) Have a Plan For Continuous Development
Don't allow yourself to be overlooked for training and development, or for promotion. Set goals for your development and tell your boss what is needed to ensure that you keep up with the latest best practice in your profession. It's the PA's responsibility to have such a plan. It says that you are conscious of the need for new ideas in your role to ensure the effectiveness of your partnership.
Finally, advancing effortlessly from a not-so-senior Personal Assistant role to a Senior Executive Assistant role requires a thorough understanding of the senior EAs objectives and responsibilities. It also sets a bar for development to ensure that you are growing in the profession.
Personal assistant
Behind every manager or company director you'll find an organized, efficient personal assistant. Discover what this varied and dynamic career has to offer
As a personal assistant (PA) you will work closely with senior managerial or directorial staff to provide administrative support, usually on a one-to-one basis. You will help a manager to make the best use of their time by dealing with secretarial and administrative tasks.
PAs need extensive knowledge of the organization in which they work. You will need to know who key personnel are (both external and internal) and understand the organization's aims and objectives.
Managers often rely heavily on their PA, trusting that work will be handled efficiently in their absence. Discretion and confidentiality are therefore essential attributes for a successful PA.
A personal assistant is sometimes called an executive secretary, as well as a personal or private secretary.
As a PA, you will often act as the manager's first point of contact with people from both inside and outside the organization. Tasks are likely to include:
- devising and maintaining office systems, including data management and filing;
- arranging travel, visas and accommodation and, occasionally, travelling with the manager to take notes or dictation at meetings or to provide general assistance during presentations;
- screening phone calls, enquiries and requests, and handling them when appropriate;
- meeting and greeting visitors at all levels of seniority;
- organizing and maintaining diaries and making appointments;
- dealing with incoming email, faxes and post, often corresponding on behalf of the manager;
- carrying out background research and presenting findings;
- producing documents, briefing papers, reports and presentations;
- organizing and attending meetings and ensuring the manager is well prepared for meetings;
- liaising with clients, suppliers and other staff.
In addition to supporting managers, their team and departments, many PAs also have their own personal workload and responsibilities. The scope of the PA's role can be extensive and additional duties may include:
- carrying out specific projects and research;
- responsibility for accounts and budgets;
- taking on some of the manager's responsibilities and working more closely with management;
- deputizing for the manager, making decisions and delegating work to others in the manager's absence;
- being involved in decision-making processes.
Some PAs do all the secretarial work themselves; while others take responsibility for recruiting and training junior staff and delegate some of the less demanding and confidential work to them.
- The range of typical starting salaries falls between £17,000 and £25,000. In central London, starting salaries can range from £29,000 to around £29,000.
- Salaries at senior level or with experience are around £25,000 to £29,000. Salaries in central London can range from £29,000 to £50,000, depending on the level of experience and the type of business.
- – Salary 4000 USD Monthly
Salaries depend on the size and nature of the employing organization, as well as on geographical location.
Additional benefits may include a company pension scheme, season ticket loan, private health insurance, sports or gym membership and subsidized lunches.
Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Working hours
You will generally work from 9am to 5pm, depending on the type of organization. It may be necessary to work overtime during peak times and when deadlines are close.
Part-time work, flexible hours and career breaks are all possible.
What to expect
- There is frequent contact with people, either face-to-face or by phone or email.
- Some personal assistants choose to register with agencies and move between organizations on short-term contracts. Hourly rates vary but average around £15 to £25 an hour, depending on the location and sector. This provides less job security but more flexibility and the scope to gain a variety of experience.
- Despite the personal nature of the role, self-employment is possible for those with considerable experience. Virtual assistants work from home giving their time in blocks to a range of clients.
- Men are currently underrepresented in this occupation.
- Jobs are widely available in most large towns and cities, but less so in rural areas. The most prestigious posts tend to be based in London.
- The job may be very stressful at times, as it can sometimes involve dealing with difficult or demanding people, often at very senior levels, and the work is always focused on the needs of the manager. Being a PA means working very closely with one person and any problems they are having with their work may impact on you.
- The support nature of the role also means that the PA's contribution to projects may not always be recognized across the organization. Some PAs find this aspect of their work frustrating.
- Travel within a working day, absence from home overnight and overseas work or travel are uncommon but may be required to attend external meetings and conferences or to research facilities.
Executive assistant Qualifications
Although this area of work is open to all graduates and those with a HND, a degree in business or management may increase your chances. Some subjects are more relevant for certain industries, e.g. English literature for publishing and law for legal work.
For HND holders, the following subjects may increase your chances:
- administration;
- business;
- management;
- secretarial studies.
Entry without a degree, HND or foundation degree is possible as personal qualities, experience and general office skills are typically considered more important.
GCSE English and mathematics (or equivalent) are standard entry requirements for many positions. A qualification in IT may also be required.
It is unlikely, as a graduate to enter directly into a PA position due to the level of experience expected. However, it is not impossible and one way of increasing your chances would be to study for a relevant qualification. These courses are designed to equip students with the skills essential for this profession:
- Institute of Administrative Management (IAM) - Level 3 Award in Professional PA and Administration Skills;
- LCCI International Qualifications - Private and Executive Secretary's Diplomas;
- Pitman Training - Professional executive PA Diploma.
In addition to relevant experience and secretarial and administrative knowledge, you will need to show evidence of the following:
- exceptional written and oral communication skills;
- excellent word processing and IT skills, including knowledge of a range of software packages;
- the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines;
- good organizational and time management skills;
- the ability to research, digest, analyze and present material clearly and concisely;
- excellent interpersonal skills;
- the ability to work on your own initiative;
- honesty and reliability;
- attention to detail;
- flexibility and adaptability to juggle a range of different tasks and to work extra hours to meet deadlines;
- discretion and an understanding of confidentiality issues.
There are also a number of specific skills which may give you a competitive advantage. For example, shorthand and audio typing are still widely used. Teeline and Pitman courses teach industry-standard shorthand systems and typing speeds - for shorthand lessons see Teeline Online.
Relevant vocational qualifications in business and administration are provided by the OCR Examinations Board. Knowledge of a foreign language may be useful in some positions.
Work experience
Most positions will require a minimum of two years' relevant experience, which will generally have been gained in a more junior secretarial or administrative role.
Working as a temp, either during or after your studies, can provide the opportunity to acquire office experience and develop higher-level secretarial skills. Many PAs will have worked their way up from office junior and general secretarial roles.
Personal assistants work in a range of large, medium-sized and small organizations across all sectors. Positions can be found in:
- accountancy;
- agriculture, horticulture and related industries;
- the arts, entertainment and leisure;
- charities and the voluntary sector;
- corporate business and business consultancies;
- education;
- finance;
- health, social, medical and related services;
- hospitality and catering;
- law and related work;
- local and central government departments, including working for members of parliament (MPs);
- manufacturing and industrial organizations;
- marketing and advertising;
- media and communications;
- property;
- retail;
- science-related organizations;
- security and protective services.
Look for job vacancies at:
- Executive PA
- Local press.
- National press.
Specialist recruitment agencies and online jobsites commonly handle vacancies; see:
- Gordon Yates
- Secs in the City
- Secretarial Jobs Board
- Jobfindjobs.com
Larger and more general agencies also handle PA vacancies and are a good way of finding temping opportunities.
Look out for special events aimed at personal assistants, for example Office* - an annual exhibition and conference aimed at PAs, executive assistants and office managers.
Professional development
Training takes place mainly on the job. Experienced secretaries may supervise new entrants until they are competent in the work. Larger companies may provide an induction course, lasting a few days, to introduce you to the various areas of the business. They may also provide short courses in areas such as:
- word processing and database or spreadsheet software packages;
- industry procedures and business protocol;
- health and safety;
- first aid;
- Shorthand and effective minute taking.
In smaller companies, you will usually have to do training in your own time and on your own initiative, although employers may be willing to pay for relevant courses.
It is possible to undertake part-time study while you are working. The following organizations offer relevant qualifications, which can normally be studied over one or two years:
- LCCI International Qualifications - Level 3 Private Secretary's Diploma and Level 4 Executive Secretary's Diploma;
- OCR Examinations Board - business administration courses;
- Pitman Training - Executive PA Diploma and Professional Executive PA Diploma.
It is possible to take a business administration degree course.
Membership of a professional body, such as the Institute of Administrative Management (IAM), is also useful.
The IAM is now the leading professional body for business leaders, administration managers and professional administrators. It reflects the career aims of its administrator members who increasingly want to move into management and now have more responsibility for managing people. See the IAM website for information on membership, events, online training courses and details of endorsed qualifications, such as the Level 4 Diploma in Business and Administrative Management, available from relevant awarding bodies.
Career prospects
After gaining qualifications, skills and experience, PAs can join a relevant professional body, such as the IAM, which can be useful for career development and can provide access to advice and continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities.
Full membership of the IAM (MInstAM) is open to anyone who meets one of the following requirements:
- you have been employed for five years or more in any business where your duties involve administration or administration management;
- you hold a Level 4 or 5 qualification in a relevant field;
- you have completed 12 days of CPD in the last three years.
The IAM also offers student and affiliate membership for those in the early stages of their career. See their website for more details on the different levels of membership available.
You can apply for membership of the chartered or professional body of the sector within which you are working. For example:
- In marketing this would be the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM); and in human resources, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
With experience, progression can be rapid. PAs can work their way up to more senior posts with responsibility for junior staff. Promotion can be to PA for a more senior manager or in a larger or more prestigious company. Moves are also possible within the industry by developing the role, contacts and knowledge to move on from administration to other departments.
A PA can progress to an executive assistant (EA). This role combines the business-related role of the PA with the additional responsibility of organizing a manager's personal life. The salary is often higher than that of a PA but the hours may be longer and the role involves working very closely with a manager.
PA work can provide a unique insight into how a business operates and how decisions are made at the highest levels. This kind of experience can prove valuable for PAs who want to become managers themselves. The skills gained in PA work can be used in other sectors, such as human resources, marketing and public relations.
It is possible to specialize in a specific sector, for example as a legal or medical PA. These jobs may attract higher salaries but may require additional qualifications.
Some experienced PAs decide to work as virtual assistants on a self-employed basis. Virtual assistants work from home giving their time in blocks to a range of clients. Some PAs work as virtual assistants as part of a portfolio career, combining the role with other kinds of work, sometimes even developing a hobby into a business. This career flexibility can be appealing. For more information, see The UK Association of Virtual Assistants.
Self-employment is usually only possible for PAs with substantial experience.


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Turner networks dominated the race for key adult demos last week, scoring first-place finishes with adults 18-34 and adults 18-49 in primetime and total day, as well as adults 25-54 in total day. Demonstrating the power of Turner networks in drawing young adult viewers, TNT, Adult Swim and TBS ranked as basic cable's Top 3 networks in primetime among adults 18-34.
TNT rode strong NBA and movie performances to the top as basic cable's #1 network among adults 18-34 and adults 18-49 in primetime. TNT also ranked #1 among adults 25-54 in total day.
TNT's Sunday night presentation of the mega-blockbuster The Dark Knight drew more than 2.1 million viewers. Building anticipation for the release of Warner Bros.' The Dark Knight Rises this summer, The Dark Knight on TNT ranked as basic cable's #1 movie for the week among key adult demos, with adults 18-34 (762,000); adults 18-49 (1.3 million); and adults 25-54 (1.2 million).
With the NBA Playoffs set to begin on TNT this weekend (one week later than last year), fans are turning up the heat. Thursday-night NBA on TNT coverage of the Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat brought in more than 3.4 million viewers and scored a 2.2 U.S. household rating. The game was the #1 show on all television for the night among men 18-34 and the #2 show (behind American Idol) with men 18-49. It was also basic cable's top sporting event for the week among adults 18-34 and ranked among the Top 10 programs for the week among adults 18-49. Overall, Thursday night's double-header scored a 1.8 U.S. household rating.
Through 41 games, TNT's NBA coverage is on pace to deliver its most-viewed regular season. The NBA on TNT is averaging a 1.7 U.S. household rating (+6% vs. 1.6 last year); 1,977,000 households (+10% vs. 1,797,000); and 2,594,000 total viewers (+8% vs. 2,397,000). The top five NBA regular-season games on cable have all aired on TNT.
Source: Nielsen Media Research. Based on Live+SD. NBA Regular Season on TNT STD; 41 games vs.32 games. (12/25/2011-4/19/2012) vs. (12/30/2010-4/12/2011).
Through 93 games, NBA TV's 2011-12 regular-season continues to deliver double-digit successes with an average of 335,000 total viewers (+32%) and 264,000 households (+33%) compared to the corresponding time of last year's regular season.
Adult Swim
Adult Swim ranked as basic cable's #1 network last week for Total Day Delivery of young adult and young men demos - adults 18-34, 18-49 & 18-24, as well as men 18-34, 18-49 & 18-24. The network also ranked #2 for the week (behind TNT) in Prime Time for delivery of targeted adults 18-34. Among its highlights, Adult Swim's Prime Time (9-11 p.m.) average delivery of adults 18-34 (442,000) grew by 5% and adults 18-24 (226,000) by 8%, while average Total Day delivery among adults 18-34 (533,000) also grew by 5% and adults 18-24 (301,000) by 11%.
Thursday night's new episode of the Adult Swim original series Eagleheart (12 a.m.) ranked #1 in its time period among adults 18-34, 18-49 & 18-24, and among men 18-24. Compared to the same time period last year, average delivery of adults 18-34 (802,000) increased by 38%, adults 18-49 (1,043,000) by 21% and adults 18-24 (562,000) by 89%.
On Sunday night, original series Loiter Squad (11:30 p.m.) ranked #1 in its time period among adults 18-34, 18-24 and men 18-34, 18-24. Average adults 18-24 delivery (463,000) grew by 30% and men 18-24 (273,000) by 14%, vs. last year's time period.
Adult Swim programming - including Family Guy, Eagleheart, Loiter Squad, Robot Chicken, The Boondocks and American Dad - accounted for 23 of the top 50 telecasts for the week on basic cable among adults 18-34 (more than any other network), and 24 of the top 50 among men 18-34, also more than any other network.
The Big Bang Theory on TBS once again dominated basic cable's weekly sitcom rankers, delivering basic cable's Top 10 most-watched sitcom telecasts for the week. Four episodes climbed to more than 3 million viewers.
TBS's late-night series CONAN brought in more than 1 million viewers in Live + Same Day delivery last week, a hefty +14% boost over the prior week. The show also averaged 334,000 adults 18-34 and 616,000 adults 18-49, the latter rising 6% over the previous week. Meanwhile in time-shifted viewing for the week of April 2, CONAN grew to 1.1 million viewers in Live + 7 delivery, with 382,000 adults 18-34 and 743,000 adults 18-49.
TBS's Saturday afternoon telecast of Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself delivered more than 2.1 million viewers and ranked as one of basic cable's Top 5 movies of the week with adults 18-49.
Cartoon Network
While once again (every week in April) claiming television's #1 network for weekly delivery of boys 2-11, 6-11 & 9-14, Cartoon Network also scored as the #2 network last week for early prime (7-9 p.m.) delivery of kids 6-11 & 9-14. This new early prime claim was achieved by significant double-digit delivery growth among all kids demos vs. the same time period last year - average kids 6-11 delivery (664,000) grew by 29%, kids 9-14 (546,000) by 45% and kids 2-11 (897,000) by 11%.
For the fourth week this month, Cartoon Network was television's #1 network in early prime on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night for all boys 2-11, 6-11 & 9-14, while also the #1 network for boys 6-11 on Sunday night. Each weeknight grew by mostly double digits across key kids and boys demos vs. the same time period last year.
Among its key programming highlights, Regular Show (Monday, 8 p.m.) scored as the #1 telecast of the week among all boys, and #1 in its time period among all kids 2-11, 6-11 & 9-14. Preceding this, a premiere episode of Adventure Time (Monday, 7:30 p.m.) was #1 in its time period among kids 6-11, 9-14 and all boy demos, earning double and triple-digit delivery gains across the board. Monday night's MAD (8:30 p.m.) also ranked #1 in its time period among all boys. Trend-wise, Cartoon Network nearly "owned" the 8 p.m. timeslot among boys on weeknights, as Level Up (Tuesday, 8 p.m.), Ninjago (Wednesday, 8 p.m.) and Cartoon Planet (Friday, 8 p.m.) each scored as the #1 program in their time periods among all boys.
truTV's breakout hit Hardcore Pawn continued to shine, delivering more than 2 million viewers on Tuesday night at 9:30 p.m. The show ranked among basic cable's Top 5 programs in the timeslot with viewers, adults 18-49, men 18-34 and men 18-49. It also helped truTV rank among basic cable's Top 10 networks for the night among men 18-49.
Impractical Jokers drew more than 1.7 million fans Thursday night at 10 p.m. The show ranked among basic cable's Top 5 programs in its timeslot for adults 18-49 and adults 18-34, beating out such competitors as History, Comedy and Discovery. The episode also landed among basic cable's Top 5 programs in the timeslot with M18-49. Impractical Jokers led truTV to rank among basic cable's Top 10 networks for the night with adults 18-49 and men 18-49. The show also drew a median age of only 33.


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Greg Laurie on the Message America Hasn't Heard Yet
Greg Laurie on the Message America Hasn't Heard Yet
Pastor Greg Laurie on Sunday shared about the essence of the Book of Jonah, telling his congregation at Harvest Church in Riverside, Calif., that the message that the minor prophet was asked to deliver to the people of Nineveh is what even America needs but is yet to hear.
Laurie's message, titled, "The Message We Must Proclaim," was based on Chapter 3 of Jonah, which contains the essence of the book.
The pastor said the story of the book is not just about a whale swallowing Johan, but about "a man who was given a second chance, and a city that was given a second chance." It's about "a man used by God to bring about a revival, the greatest in human history... a great God who shows a great love."
The book tells us that God gives second chances, and that even one man or one woman can make a difference, Laurie said. "Jonah was called to preach in Nineveh. We have also been called to preach, not to Nineveh, but to our country," he said. "We have our marching orders, as Jonah had his marching orders."
The method is also the same, the pastor said. We go and preach, as the Great Commission also tells us to do. "Am I doing what God called me to do?" he asked.
Laurie said the book has two big lessons for the believers.
The first, he said, is, "To reach our culture, we must preach the Gospel." Jonah was not asked to go and be a good example, the pastor stressed. But you don't have to yell; preaching can be conversational, he clarified. You can even preach through an email or a Facebook page. "The emphasis is on communicating the content of the Gospel… on verbally communicating the Gospel."
But some churches have moved away from evangelistic preaching and biblical teaching, Laurie said. The secret of the first century Church in changing the world was that the believers continued in the Apostles' doctrine. "They offered a theology without an apology, and we should do the same."
When Jesus started his ministry, he was a preacher of the Word, as mentioned in Matthew 4:7, the pastor said. Matthew 10:7 says Jesus also sent his disciples to preach.
Why preach? "Because preaching is God's primary way in reaching people." While God is all-powerful and do anything to reach the world, He has chosen to use "people like you and me."
The second lesson of the book, according to Laurie, is, "We are to preach the message He has given." God asked Jonah to preach the message that "I tell you."
But Jonah first experienced a second chance himself, and then he was to preach that to others, the pastor cautioned. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:23, "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you."
"Nothing is going to go through you until it first happens to you," Laurie emphasized. "It is a great thing to go through the Bible, but it is a greater thing if the Word has gone through you."
We don't need to edit the message so that it doesn't offend anyone, Laurie went on to say. "Don't mess with the message of the Gospel. There is explosive power in the essential message of the Gospel... To make the Bible relevant, we need to understand that the Bible is relevant."
It is the job of all believers to preach, Laurie said, as the Bible says your sons and daughters will prophesy. The definition of "prophesy" is to speak for another, he explained. "Jonah was God's prophet to speak to his culture, and you are God's prophets to speak to your culture," he told the congregants.
Who is a true prophet?
God's representative or prophet is usually an ordinary person, Laurie said. "God choses unlikely candidates so that He will get the glory… He is not looking for flawless, fearless... or perfect... people."
God's prophet speaks for someone else, he added. We are like "delivery boys and girls" who deliver newspapers to people's homes – they are not the writers of the news. "If our message is rejected, we don't take it personally. And when the message is accepted, we don't take that personally." We don't take the blame or the credit for the response. A true prophet recognizes the results are up to the Lord.
Our message must be delivered with urgency, Laurie said. Our message must be clear and definite – even a child should be able to understand it.
Jonah's message had a warning, Laurie said. "Whenever God gives a warning, that's a good thing," because he also offers hope.
"Do you think God is warning America to turn back to Him?" the pastor asked, and then answered the question himself, saying, "I believe He is. I believe He is very gracious to us." Is America listening to that warning? "I don't think so."
However, "if God can bring a mighty revival in Nineveh with no better representative than Jonah and no more Gospel than he preached in their streets, the Lord can surely do the same in America," Laurie added.
"My opinion is that most Americans have never heard an accurate Gospel presentation," the pastor said. For if we only tell the people God loves them, we have not given them the full Gospel. If we only tell the people God will judge them, we have really not given them the whole Gospel, he said.
The Gospel should have all its elements, he stressed. We are all sinners, as 1 John 1:8 and James 2:10 tell us, he said. But good news is that Jesus died for us, as Romans 5:6-8 says, he added. And Jesus, who resurrected from the dead, is the only way to God, as mentioned in John 14:6, Acts 4:12 and 1 Timothy 2:5, he said.
Has America heard this message? Most Americans have heard only bits of the Gospel, Laurie suggested. It is the mandate of the believers to deliver the full message, as Jonah did, he concluded.


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|Artist: Dawn
|Date Added: November 20, 2008
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Description: Okay well so far today I showed you all how to draw an arctic fox, Christmas bells, mistletoe, and a waterfall. With this next tutorial I will be showing you how to draw a Christmas stocking step by step. Now for those of you that celebrate Christmas you already know what these oversized soft feeling stockings are used for. They are typically hung over the fireplace with care, or on the walls of living rooms or parlors if you don't have a fireplace. Christmas stockings come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and textures. The most common color is a red stocking with the top fold a white color. These colors resemble Santa's suit because as you know jolly Saint Nick wears a white and red suit and the white is usually fluffy and soft. As the custom goes, on Christmas Eve Santa comes down the chimney and fills the stockings with toys, books, candy, teddy bears, and other fun and exciting things that children and even adults enjoy. I wanted to stuff my sketch of a Christmas stocking with a bunch of presents and candy. So what I did was draw a teddy bear along with a candy cane and two Christmas gifts. I think that this drawing came out super cute and I know you will all love this drawing lesson as much as I did. This tutorial will show you how to draw a Christmas stocking step by step. The instructions are easy to read and the steps are simple to follow which makes learning how to draw this cartoon looking Christmas stocking fun and easy. Stay tuned fellas because I will be back with two more drawing tutorials in a bit.


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In multiple sclerosis, the pathological interaction between autoreactive Th cells and mononuclear phagocytes in the CNS drives initiation and maintenance of chronic neuroinflammation. Here, we found that intrathecal transplantation of neural stem/precursor cells (NPCs) in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) impairs the accumulation of inflammatory monocyte-derived cells (MCs) in the CNS, leading to improved clinical outcome. Secretion of IL-23, IL-1, and TNF-α, the cytokines required for terminal differentiation of Th cells, decreased in the CNS of NPC-treated mice, consequently inhibiting the induction of GM-CSF–producing pathogenic Th cells. In vivo and in vitro transcriptome analyses showed that NPC-secreted factors inhibit MC differentiation and activation, favoring the switch toward an antiinflammatory phenotype. Tgfb2–/– NPCs transplanted into EAE mice were ineffective in impairing MC accumulation within the CNS and failed to drive clinical improvement. Moreover, intrathecal delivery of TGF-β2 during the effector phase of EAE ameliorated disease severity. Taken together, these observations identify TGF-β2 as the crucial mediator of NPC immunomodulation. This study provides evidence that intrathecally transplanted NPCs interfere with the CNS-restricted inflammation of EAE by reprogramming infiltrating MCs into antiinflammatory myeloid cells via secretion of TGF-β2.
Donatella De Feo, Arianna Merlini, Elena Brambilla, Linda Ottoboni, Cecilia Laterza, Ramesh Menon, Sundararajan Srinivasan, Cinthia Farina, Jose Manuel Garcia Manteiga, Erica Butti, Marco Bacigaluppi, Giancarlo Comi, Melanie Greter, Gianvito Martino
Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is induced during pregnancy to support rapid expansion of maternal blood volume. EMH activation requires hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) proliferation and mobilization, processes that depend upon estrogen receptor α (ERα) in HSCs. Here we show that treating mice with estradiol to model estradiol increases during pregnancy induced HSC proliferation in the bone marrow but not HSC mobilization. Treatment with the alternative ERα ligand 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC) induced ERα-dependent HSC mobilization and EMH but not HSC division in the bone marrow. During pregnancy, 27HC levels increased in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells as a result of CYP27A1, a cholesterol hydroxylase. Cyp27a1-deficient mice had significantly reduced 27HC levels, HSC mobilization, and EMH during pregnancy but normal bone marrow hematopoiesis and EMH in response to bleeding or G-CSF treatment. Distinct hematopoietic stresses thus induce EMH through different mechanisms. Two different ERα ligands, estradiol and 27HC, work together to promote EMH during pregnancy, revealing a collaboration of hormonal and metabolic mechanisms as well as a physiological function for 27HC in normal mice.
Hideyuki Oguro, Jeffrey G. McDonald, Zhiyu Zhao, Michihisa Umetani, Philip W. Shaul, Sean J. Morrison
Teriparatide, a recombinant form of parathyroid hormone (PTH), is the only approved treatment for osteoporosis that increases the rate of bone formation. Teriparatide increases osteoblast numbers by suppressing osteoblast apoptosis and activating bone-lining cells. No direct evidence for teriparatide's actions on early cells of the osteoblast lineage has been demonstrated. Here, we have employed a lineage-tracing strategy that uses a tamoxifen-dependent, promoter-driven cre to mark early cells of the osteoblast lineage in adult mice. We show that teriparatide increases the numbers of osteoblast precursors and drives their differentiation into mature osteoblasts. Unexpectedly, following withdrawal of teriparatide therapy, bone marrow adipocytes increased dramatically in number. Some of these adipocytes derived from cells marked by Sox9-cre expression weeks earlier. Continued therapy with teriparatide prevented the appearance of adipocytes. Selective, inducible deletion of the PTH receptor in Sox9-cre cells demonstrated that PTH receptor expression is required for teriparatide-mediated increases in early osteoblast precursors. The increase in early precursors after teriparatide administration was associated with robust suppression of precursor apoptosis without affecting their rate of proliferation. Thus, teriparatide increases the numbers of early cells of the osteoblast lineage, hastens their differentiation into osteoblasts, and suppresses their differentiation into adipocytes in vivo.
Deepak H. Balani, Noriaki Ono, Henry M. Kronenberg
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare and intractable disease characterized by extraskeletal bone formation through endochondral ossification. Patients with FOP harbor point mutations in ACVR1, a type I receptor for BMPs. Although mutated ACVR1 (FOP-ACVR1) has been shown to render hyperactivity in BMP signaling, we and others have uncovered a mechanism by which FOP-ACVR1 mistransduces BMP signaling in response to Activin-A, a molecule that normally transduces TGF-β signaling. Although Activin-A evokes enhanced chondrogenesis in vitro and heterotopic ossification (HO) in vivo, the underlying mechanisms have yet to be revealed. To this end, we developed a high-throughput screening (HTS) system using FOP patient–derived induced pluripotent stem cells (FOP-iPSCs) to identify pivotal pathways in enhanced chondrogenesis that are initiated by Activin-A. In a screen of 6,809 small-molecule compounds, we identified mTOR signaling as a critical pathway for the aberrant chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stromal cells derived from FOP-iPSCs (FOP-iMSCs). Two different HO mouse models, an FOP model mouse expressing FOP-ACVR1 and an FOP-iPSC–based HO model mouse, revealed critical roles for mTOR signaling in vivo. Moreover, we identified ENPP2, an enzyme that generates lysophosphatidic acid, as a linker of FOP-ACVR1 and mTOR signaling in chondrogenesis. These results uncovered the crucial role of the Activin-A/FOP-ACVR1/ENPP2/mTOR axis in FOP pathogenesis.
Kyosuke Hino, Kazuhiko Horigome, Megumi Nishio, Shingo Komura, Sanae Nagata, Chengzhu Zhao, Yonghui Jin, Koichi Kawakami, Yasuhiro Yamada, Akira Ohta, Junya Toguchida, Makoto Ikeya
Accumulating evidence suggests that glioma stem cells (GSCs) are important therapeutic targets in glioblastoma (GBM). In this study, we identified NIMA-related kinase 2 (NEK2) as a functional binding protein of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) that plays a critical role in the posttranslational regulation of EZH2 protein in GSCs. NEK2 was among the most differentially expressed kinase-encoding genes in GSC-containing cultures (glioma spheres), and it was required for in vitro clonogenicity, in vivo tumor propagation, and radioresistance. Mechanistically, the formation of a protein complex comprising NEK2 and EZH2 in glioma spheres phosphorylated and then protected EZH2 from ubiquitination-dependent protein degradation in a NEK2 kinase activity–dependent manner. Clinically, NEK2 expression in patients with glioma was closely associated with EZH2 expression and correlated with a poor prognosis. NEK2 expression was also substantially elevated in recurrent tumors after therapeutic failure compared with primary untreated tumors in matched GBM patients. We designed a NEK2 kinase inhibitor, compound 3a (CMP3a), which efficiently attenuated GBM growth in a mouse model and exhibited a synergistic effect with radiotherapy. These data demonstrate a key role for NEK2 in maintaining GSCs in GBM by stabilizing the EZH2 protein and introduce the small-molecule inhibitor CMP3a as a potential therapeutic agent for GBM.
Jia Wang, Peng Cheng, Marat S. Pavlyukov, Hai Yu, Zhuo Zhang, Sung-Hak Kim, Mutsuko Minata, Ahmed Mohyeldin, Wanfu Xie, Dongquan Chen, Violaine Goidts, Brendan Frett, Wenhao Hu, Hongyu Li, Yong Jae Shin, Yeri Lee, Do-Hyun Nam, Harley I. Kornblum, Maode Wang, Ichiro Nakano
Generation of functional hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) has been a long-sought-after goal for use in hematopoietic cell production, disease modeling, and eventually transplantation medicine. Homing of HSPCs from bloodstream to bone marrow (BM) is an important aspect of HSPC biology that has remained unaddressed in efforts to derive functional HSPCs from human PSCs. We have therefore examined the BM homing properties of human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived HSPCs (hiPS-HSPCs). We found that they express molecular effectors of BM extravasation, such as the chemokine receptor CXCR4 and the integrin dimer VLA-4, but lack expression of E-selectin ligands that program HSPC trafficking to BM. To overcome this deficiency, we expressed human fucosyltransferase 6 using modified mRNA. Expression of fucosyltransferase 6 resulted in marked increases in levels of cell surface E-selectin ligands. The glycoengineered cells exhibited enhanced tethering and rolling interactions on E-selectin–bearing endothelium under flow conditions in vitro as well as increased BM trafficking and extravasation when transplanted into mice. However, glycoengineered hiPS-HSPCs did not engraft long-term, indicating that additional functional deficiencies exist in these cells. Our results suggest that strategies toward increasing E-selectin ligand expression could be applicable as part of a multifaceted approach to optimize the production of HSPCs from human PSCs.
Jungmin Lee, Brad Dykstra, Joel A. Spencer, Laurie L. Kenney, Dale L. Greiner, Leonard D. Shultz, Michael A. Brehm, Charles P. Lin, Robert Sackstein, Derrick J. Rossi
The esophageal lumen is lined by a stratified squamous epithelium comprised of proliferative basal cells that differentiate while migrating toward the luminal surface and eventually desquamate. Rapid epithelial renewal occurs, but the specific cell of origin that supports this high proliferative demand remains unknown. Herein, we have described a long-lived progenitor cell population in the mouse esophageal epithelium that is characterized by expression of keratin 15 (
Véronique Giroux, Ashley A. Lento, Mirazul Islam, Jason R. Pitarresi, Akriti Kharbanda, Kathryn E. Hamilton, Kelly A. Whelan, Apple Long, Ben Rhoades, Qiaosi Tang, Hiroshi Nakagawa, Christopher J. Lengner, Adam J. Bass, E. Paul Wileyto, Andres J. Klein-Szanto, Timothy C. Wang, Anil K. Rustgi
It has been postulated that during human fetal development, all cells of the lung epithelium derive from embryonic, endodermal, NK2 homeobox 1–expressing (NKX2-1+) precursor cells. However, this hypothesis has not been formally tested owing to an inability to purify or track these progenitors for detailed characterization. Here we have engineered and developmentally differentiated NKX2-1GFP reporter pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) in vitro to generate and isolate human primordial lung progenitors that express NKX2-1 but are initially devoid of differentiated lung lineage markers. After sorting to purity, these primordial lung progenitors exhibited lung epithelial maturation. In the absence of mesenchymal coculture support, this NKX2-1+ population was able to generate epithelial-only spheroids in defined 3D cultures. Alternatively, when recombined with fetal mouse lung mesenchyme, the cells recapitulated epithelial-mesenchymal developing lung interactions. We imaged these progenitors in real time and performed time-series global transcriptomic profiling and single-cell RNA sequencing as they moved through the earliest moments of lung lineage specification. The profiles indicated that evolutionarily conserved, stage-dependent gene signatures of early lung development are expressed in primordial human lung progenitors and revealed a CD47hiCD26lo cell surface phenotype that allows their prospective isolation from untargeted, patient-specific PSCs for further in vitro differentiation and future applications in regenerative medicine.
Finn Hawkins, Philipp Kramer, Anjali Jacob, Ian Driver, Dylan C. Thomas, Katherine B. McCauley, Nicholas Skvir, Ana M. Crane, Anita A. Kurmann, Anthony N. Hollenberg, Sinead Nguyen, Brandon G. Wong, Ahmad S. Khalil, Sarah X.L. Huang, Susan Guttentag, Jason R. Rock, John M. Shannon, Brian R. Davis, Darrell N. Kotton
Pulmonary vascular disease is characterized by remodeling and loss of microvessels and is typically attributed to pathological responses in vascular endothelium or abnormal smooth muscle cell phenotypes. We have challenged this understanding by defining an adult pulmonary mesenchymal progenitor cell (MPC) that regulates both microvascular function and angiogenesis. The current understanding of adult MPCs and their roles in homeostasis versus disease has been limited by a lack of genetic markers with which to lineage label multipotent mesenchyme and trace the differentiation of these MPCs into vascular lineages. Here, we have shown that lineage-labeled lung MPCs expressing the ATP-binding cassette protein ABCG2 (ABCG2+) are pericyte progenitors that participate in microvascular homeostasis as well as adaptive angiogenesis. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, either autonomously or downstream of decreased BMP receptor signaling, enhanced ABCG2+ MPC proliferation but suppressed MPC differentiation into a functional pericyte lineage. Thus, enhanced Wnt/β-catenin signaling in ABCG2+ MPCs drives a phenotype of persistent microvascular dysfunction, abnormal angiogenesis, and subsequent exacerbation of bleomycin-induced fibrosis. ABCG2+ MPCs may, therefore, account in part for the aberrant microvessel function and remodeling that are associated with chronic lung diseases.
Christa F. Gaskill, Erica J. Carrier, Jonathan A. Kropski, Nathaniel C. Bloodworth, Swapna Menon, Robert F. Foronjy, M. Mark Taketo, Charles C. Hong, Eric D. Austin, James D. West, Anna L. Means, James E. Loyd, W. David Merryman, Anna R. Hemnes, Stijn De Langhe, Timothy S. Blackwell, Dwight J. Klemm, Susan M. Majka
Congenital heart disease (CHD) represents the most prevalent inborn anomaly. Only a minority of CHD cases are attributed to genetic causes, suggesting a major role of environmental factors. Nonphysiological hypoxia during early pregnancy induces CHD, but the underlying reasons are unknown. Here, we have demonstrated that cells in the mouse heart tube are hypoxic, while cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) expressing islet 1 (ISL1) in the secondary heart field (SHF) are normoxic. In ISL1+ CPCs, induction of hypoxic responses caused CHD by repressing
Xuejun Yuan, Hui Qi, Xiang Li, Fan Wu, Jian Fang, Eva Bober, Gergana Dobreva, Yonggang Zhou, Thomas Braun


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Bassinets that pose a suffocation hazard to infants because of a faulty locking mechanism and booster seats that can fail to lock are among the consumer products recalled this week. Others include faulty tree stands for hunters and air rifles with a faulty mechanism.
Here's a more detailed look:
DETAILS: Eddie Bauer Rocking Wood Bassinets made by Dorel Juvenile Group. "Eddie Bauer" is printed on a metal plate on the bassinet's footboard. They have a dial at the base of the footboard that locks and unlocks the rocking motion of the bassinet. Recalled bassinets have the following model numbers: 10632, 10639, 10832, 10835, 10839 and BT021. The model number is located under the mattress, on the top surface of the mattress support board, or on the wash and care label. They were sold from December 2007 through January 2011.
WHY: The bottom locking mechanism can fail to lock properly if a spring is not installed, allowing the bassinet to tip to one side and cause infants to roll to the side of the bassinet. This poses a suffocation hazard to infants.
INCIDENTS: 17 reports of incidents involving infants primarily younger than three months old. In two of the incidents, infants were reported to have had breathing difficulties after they rolled into the side of their bassinets.
HOW MANY: About 97,000.
FOR MORE: Call Dorel at 877-416-0165 or visit www.djgusa.com and click on Safety Notices for more information.
DETAILS: ValcoBaby "Joey" booster toddler seats for strollers. The toddler seat, both single and twin, is designed to attach to Valco "Tri-Mode" and "Zee" strollers. Only booster seats with batch numbers 3111, 7819, 7822 and 7831 and model number TOD1058, TOD9109 and ZEE0649 are included in the recall. The batch and model numbers are printed on a label attached to the product frame. They were sold from June 2011 through June 2012.
WHY: The spring button mechanism securing the seat to the baby stroller can disengage, allowing for the carried toddler to fall.
INCIDENTS: Two reports of a child falling from the booster toddler seat after it disengaged from the stroller. No injuries were reported.
HOW MANY: About 975.
FOR MORE: Call ValcoBaby at 800-610-7850 or visit www.valcobaby.com/warranty-registration/recall-joey.html, or send e-mail to recall(at)valcobaby.com
DETAILS: Hatsan Striker air rifles imported by HatsanUSA Inc. and made by Hatsan Arms Company of Turkey. They were sold at sporting goods stores and gun shops from November 2011 through July 2012. "Striker" is printed on the top of the gun's barrel behind the rear sight. Serial numbers of recalled rifles begin with one of the following sets of numbers: 0511, 0811, 0911, 1011, 0112, 0212, 0312, or 0412. The serial numbers are printed on the air rifle's barrel block on the left side just in front of the rear sight.
WHY: The air rifles can fire unexpectedly when closing the action during the cocking process.
INCIDENTS: One report of an air rifle that unexpectedly discharged. No injuries reported.
HOW MANY: About 2,400.
FOR MORE: Call HatsanUSA at 877-278-4448 or visit www.hatsanusa.com/striker-recall
DETAILS: Tree Stands for Hunters imported by Rivers Edge Tree Stands Inc. They were sold as sporting goods stores nationwide from May to September 2012. The Rivers Edge Big Foot, model numbers RE500, RE501, RE506, RE507, RE510 and RE511, Lite Foot model number RE503 and Baby Big Foot model number RE504 tree stands are used for bow and rifle hunting. Recalled models have the date "2012" on the round ID tag located on the crossbar beneath the seat and do not have an orange dot and an "X'' stamped on the snap-hook. Model numbers are located on a black sticker on the seat post just below the seat and on the product packaging.
WHY: The snap-hook assemblies can fail and cause the tree stand to fall to the ground.
INCIDENTS: Three reports of incidents of snap-hook assemblies failing; one caused minor bumps and bruises and one caused a broken toe and lacerated hand.
HOW MANY: About 14,000.
FOR MORE: Call Rivers Edge at 866-527-9690 visit www.riversedgesafetyrecall.com
DETAILS: Crush Series tree stands for hunters made by Summit Treestands. The recalled hunters' tree stands have the following names and item numbers: Crush Series Perch, number 82069; Crush Series Stoop, number 82070; and Crush Series Ledge number 82071. They were sold from July through August 2012.
WHY: The tree stand's hanging strap assembly could dislodge from the tree stand or fail to restrain or hold properly on the tree, posing a fall hazard.
INCIDENTS: None reported.
HOW MANY: About 2,900.
FOR MORE: Call Summit Treestands at 855-373-9808 or visit www.summitstands.com and click on the Recall icon for more information.
DETAILS: JELD-WEN and Reliabilt interior bifold doors. The doors have a white panel and flush natural wood grain and they run on upper tracks and lower pivot pins. The lower pivot pin is a metal screw that fits into a white plastic sleeve that is inserted into the bottom edge of the door during the installation process. Only doors with pivot pins that have 12 rectangular indentations in the collar at the end of the sleeve are subject to the recall. They were sold from February through March 2012
WHY: The lower pivot pin can break, causing the door to disengage from the overhead track, posing an impact hazard.
INCIDENTS: 12 incidents of broken pivot pins causing the bifold doors to disengage from the overhead track, including three involving minor injuries.
HOW MANY: About 170,800.
FOR MORE: Call JELD-WEN at 877-228-4888 between, or visit www.jeld-wen.com , or go directly to the product safety page at: www.jeld-wen.com/newhardware for more information.
DETAILS: Easy Reach by Gorilla Ladders 3-Step Pro Series step stools imported by Tricam Industries Inc. They were sold exclusively at Home Depot from April through August 2012. The step stools have three plastic steps, a steel tubular frame and a plastic-molded tool holder. The model number HB3-PRO is located on the underside of the middle step on a blue label. The label also states that the step stools are rated to support 225 pounds. The step stools have a "J'' stamped into the underside of the top step and/or the underside of the tool holder.
WHY: The top step/standing platform can break, posing a fall hazard to consumers.
INCIDENTS: Five reports of the standing platform breaking, one of which included a report of scrapes and abrasions to a consumer.
HOW MANY: About 84,000.
FOR MORE: Call Tricam Industries at 855-336-0360 or visit www.gorillaladders.net
DETAILS: FLO Cycling LLC rim tape. The tape is a yellow plastic strip that was provided for free with the purchase of FLO 60, FLO 90 and FLO DISC wheels. The number 700X18 A/V is printed on the tape. The serial number is located either on the wheel rim under the tube or on the outer edge of the disc wheel. They were sold exclusively at FLO Cycling's web site from May through July of 2012.
WHY: The rim tape can fail and break under pressure. When this happens, the inner tube of the bicycle can puncture or burst. This poses a fall hazard to the rider.
INCIDENTS: Four reports of exploding inner tubes and flat tires. No injuries were reported.
HOW MANY: About 800.
FOR MORE: Call FLO Cycling at 800-959-8312 or visit http://www.flocycling.com for more information.


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Harris Boys' Academy East Dulwich
Academy Specialisms
Sport and Enterprise
Academy Description
Harris Boys' Academy East Dulwich is a purpose built 11-18 school for boys which opened in September 2009. The Academy will accommodate 1,000 boys when full. Harris Boys' benefits from a state-of-the-art purpose built building with the very latest facilities and equipment. The Academy offers a co-educational Post 16 with the nearby Harris Girls' Academy, together comprising capacity for 400 Sixth Formers. Harris Boys' was judged to be an outstanding school by Ofsted in December 2011.
Academy Ethos
We encourage our students to be critical thinkers and promote these skills throughout the curriculum. A student at Harris Boys' Academy will learn how to engage critically with foreign affairs, religion and society, issues of citizenship and the media, so they acquire the skills, and recognise the value of, thinking for yourself and thinking in a well-reasoned manner.
PrincipalPeter GrovesHarris Boys' Academy East Dulwich
Academy Contact
Peckham Rye
East Dulwich
London SE22 0AT


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Overwhelmed by the canned-foods aisle at the supermarket? We understand. So what gets tossed in your cart, and what gets left on the shelf? Here's some HG help...
The most basic of all canned soups is, of course, broth. We use fat-free broth in recipes all the time, from soups to sauces and stuffings. Most broths ARE super-low in fat, even if they don't say so on the front of the can -- so check the nutritional panel on the back. In terms of soup packed with things like veggies and beans, light soups like the ones from Progresso and Campbell's Healthy Request are good... especially those with some fiber. But before you slurp, click to read about serving-size info when it comes to canned soup! Finally, there's chili. Look for low-fat turkey or vegetarian chili -- kinds by Health Valley, Amy's, and Hormel are good. Click here for a big page full of chili info!
TOP PICK: Amy's Organic Chunky Tomato Bisque
This soup is the best. Not only is it amazing as a straight-up spoonable selection, but it also works well as a marinara sauce substitute. Don't give us that look -- it's REALLY good! Click for lots of info on this incredibly versatile soup...
Canned beans that deserve some love? Garbanzo beans, a.k.a. chickpeas. They're good for so much more than just hummus (though hummus does rock) -- try 'em in stuffed tomatoes, slaws, and even baked falafel balls! Kidney beans, both white (a.k.a. cannellini) and red, are delicious, especially in soups and salads. And fat-free refried beans are fantastic in a variety of recipes; plus, you can find them pre-seasoned -- Rosarita makes really good ones. BTW: Did you know that when you drain and rinse beans packed in water you can rinse away at least 20 percent of the sodium? It's TRUE.
TOP PICK: Black Beans
We're big black-bean fans. A half-cup serving has about 105 calories, half a gram of fat, and around 5.5 grams of fiber -- a total nutritional bargain. Plus, black beans are a good source of protein, and they taste REALLY good. Our latest favorite way to enjoy 'em? In these Bean 'n Veggie PattyCakes!
It's hard to think of a canned veggie/fruit that's quite as turbo-popular as the tomato. It appears in so many forms -- crushed, diced, stewed, seasoned, etc. -- and we use lots of them. Crushed tomatoes make a great base for a DIY marinara sauce; just season to your liking. Early/young peas are essential for making our lightened-up guacamole. Sweet corn is great as a salad topper, and cream-style corn works well in chowder-style soups and corn muffins. For some less conventional picks, we'd like to direct your attention to artichoke hearts, beets, and hearts of palm (click for a salad with the last two!). When it comes to fruit, stick with kinds packed in juice, NOT syrup. Pineapple is popular, with good reason, both as an ingredient and as a snack. Crushed pineapple is especially useful, but chunks and rings are good to have around too. (Throw those rings in a grill pan!) Mandarin orange segments work great in salads and wraps, and peach slices are especially delicious in desserts.
TOP PICK: Pure Pumpkin
Seriously, everything you need to know about canned pumpkin is just a click away. Read up and be astounded by this squash's versatility. It's not just for Thanksgiving pies, people. Speaking of pumpkin pie, do NOT confuse pure pumpkin with pumpkin pie filling/mix... the pie kind is loaded with calories and sugar.
Convenient shelf-stable proteins we love include salmon and chicken breast. Try salmon in scoopable salads and sandwich wraps. (Yes, we know one of those recipes calls for pouched salmon, but canned works too!) And canned chicken is NOT scary. Use it to make some Wonton 'Quitos, Saucy Chick BBQ Nachos, Exploding Chicken Taquitos, or Buff Chick Hot Wing Dip. You'll see!
TOP PICK: Tuna in Water
OK, to be totally honest, we're pretty into the stuff packed in pouches these days (especially the flavored kinds from StarKist), but canned tuna is still totally valid. Just be careful not to accidentally grab tuna packed in oil. We prefer albacore, BTW. Click here for HG tuna recipes...
Looking to skimp on sodium?
Click for some salt-slashed brands in cans!
Think canned foods can't be natural?
Many of these picks can be found at natural-foods markets like Whole Foods. Click here for more natural-foods favorites!
Get your hands on our latest best seller, Hungry Girl Supermarket Survival: Aisle By Aisle, HG-Style! It takes the guesswork out of guilt-free grocery shopping. Click here to browse around for GREAT deals online, or just grab a copy wherever books are sold!
Send your pal a message of positive vibes -- a whole email full of "CAN!" (Sorry. That was bad.) Click "Send to a Friend" now.
It's February 24th, which is National Tortilla Chip Day. Guiltless Gourmet makes our favorite baked corn chips -- try some dunked into this roasted veggie dip!
SmartPoints® value not what you expected? Click here for more info on how the values are calculated, plus more FAQs about PointsPlus® and SmartPoints® values on our website.


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An insurance analyst says recent action by the Federal Reserve Board regarding MetLife and its bank implies the Fed may be rethinking the use of bank metrics in regulating insurance companies.
"I don't believe the Fed intends to force insurance companies designated as systemically significant (SIFI) into the bank stress test model and metrics without at least some adjustments to reflect some of the key differences in their business models (duration of liabilities, lower liquidity risk, etc.)," concluded John Nadel of Sterne Agee & Leach, Inc., New York.
He made his comments through an investor's note prompted by the MetLife securities filing indicating that the Fed has granted its request for an extension through Jan. 5, 2013 of its need to refile data related to the 2012 stress test that MetLife underwent.
"We believe the granting of an extension through Jan. 5 is specifically designed to ensure that MetLife will not have to submit to another stress test as a bank holding company," Nadel said.
"And we believe this is good news not just for MetLife, but for all potential systemically significant insurance companies," Nadel said.
The extension "is a clear indication that the Fed has little, if any, interest in regulating MetLife as a bank," Nadel said.
The Fed acted because the current MetLife extension ended September 30.
And, on Friday, the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) disclosed that it had asked several non-banks to file financial data needed to determine whether they should be designated as a non-bank SIFI.
Another analyst said Friday that he believed that AIG, MetLife and Prudential are amongst the non-banks the FSOC is evaluating as potential SIFIs.
AIG today confirmed that it has been asked to provide the so-called Stage 3 or final step, data that the Dodd-Frank Act requires the FSOC to use in determining whether a non-bank should be designated as a SIFI.
In regard to a SIFI designation, Nadel said Sterne Agee analysts believe "it's likely" that insurance company SIFIs will be designated before the end of 2012 (although formally MetLife cannot be designated a non-bank SIFI until it officially sheds its bank holding company status), and as such are likely to be part of a stress testing process in early 2013 similar to the time line currently applied to bank SIFIs.
"In and of itself, this is not a significant concern; it's far more important that the Fed make certain adjustments to the bank stress testing model to be more applicable/appropriate for an insurance company," Nadel said.
"Our sense is the probability of a more positive outcome for insurance companies is improving," Nadel said.
He said Sterne Agee analysts believe that the Fed and other officials recognize that the stress test, as currently designed for banks, "is flawed when applied to non-bank institutions."
"If we're right in our assessment that the Fed is acting to avoid testing MetLife as a bank, then it stands to reason the Fed is unlikely to want to stress test other potential insurance company SIFIs as banks," Nadel said.
"This could be a positive development in that it suggests, in our view, that the Fed is open to potential adjustments to the bank-designed exam to better reflect some of the key structural differences between a bank and a large life/annuity insurance company," Nadel said.
The issue arose because as a result of the stress test, the Fed declined to allow MetLife to raise its dividend or buy back its stock. MetLife was required to take the test because it is classified as a bank holding company.
MetLife, seeking to escape Fed regulation as a SIFI, sold its bank to GE Capital last December. But, the sale is pending because MetLife has been unable to win approval of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for sale of the bank.
Now, MetLife has restricted the deal and has applied to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to sell the bank.
In the note, Nadel said that Sterne Agee analysts believe the Jan. 5 date should provide sufficient time for the OCC to review and approve the pending sale of MetLife's depository institution to a subsidiary of GE Capital.
"Moreover, we believe it's increasingly likely that MetLife will not have to submit to another stress test (either resubmission of 2012 or submission for 2013) as a bank holding company, so long as the deal gains approval at some point before the Jan. 5 extension," Nadel said.


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"In our red rental car, we passed 617 white-knuckle switchbacks, 56 one-lane bridges, and tons of waterfalls as we traveled away from civilization," says Kim Binsted, an astrobiology professor at the University of Hawaii who last month drove the length of Maui's Hana Highway — one of the most heart-clutching and beautiful drives on the planet — with her best friend.
"To everyone in this country, the car represents freedom, mobility, and the control you feel over your destiny/destination," says Callie Khouri, Oscar-winning screenwriter of Thelma & Louise.
From the dramatic California coast to history-lined thoroughfares of New England, there are countless scenic drives across the country — and some stellar standouts. We've picked the American routes with heart-stopping views. On the winding Blue Ridge Parkway, for example, don't be surprised if the morning mists seduce you like a country melody. The 469-mile road, which turned 75 years old last year, wends its way past limestone caverns, clear mountain springs, and Appalachian majesty, offering different panoramic vistas depending on the season.
But sometimes it's the man-made sights that make the trip. As you cruise on Chicago's Lake Shore Drive, the view to the west includes the greatest hits of American architecture, such as Willis Tower, better known as the Sears Tower, once the tallest building in the world. To the east, there are 26 miles of Lake Michigan beaches.
And on U.S. 1 from Key Largo to Key West, travelers are treated to a good time, Florida style. The island chain's stretch of road encompasses everything from underwater coral reefs and 7 Mile Bridge, one of the longest in the world, to marinas where you can hand-feed tarpon, and beach bars filled with Jimmy Buffett fans drinking margaritas.
So bring a friend or your family and hit the road. In Khouri's words — go see what America tastes like.


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This week we were so happy to welcome Emily Richards back to the
kitchen lab. You might recall that she's worked with the boys before – showing them how to make gnocchi from scratch last December and then strawberry and rhubarb pies in June.
Her visit this time just happened to fall the week after I had the privilege of attending an event where Emily was one of the chefs – showcasing Natural Delights Medjool dates. Where I ate the dish in the photo above as part of a seven (!) course tasting menu featuring dates in each dish. It was an excellent meal, although I know a few of us were eying the sticky toffee pudding on the menu and wondering how on earth we would manage to fit that in. Well, we shouldn't have worried because once it appeared in front of us, there was no question of whether we would have "just one bite". Nope, there were clean plates all round on this one. It was so good. So very good that I asked Emily if she would show the boys how to make this one. They are always asking to make desserts and this one is a classic – plus it's so easy and elegant – perfect for little hands!
So, we had a "date" with Emily. She spoke with the boys briefly about dates, letting them taste one each before they got started working with them. Over the past week, thanks to the folks at Natural Delights, I've learned a lot about dates, including the fact that there are few fruits as labour intensive. Here' s a summary of the process from field to fork – a year in the life of a date, so to speak…
Depending on the size of the date palm, about 800 to 1,600 thorns are cut off each tree using large curved knives. This takes place in January and February. Offshoots are taken off the mother palm, placed in the nursery and then planted to create a new date garden. Each flower bunch must be pollinated evenly on both sides and to ensure even and complete absorption, the pollen is applied in February and March. One male palm can pollinate 48 to 50 female trees. From April to May date bunches are thinned, allowing for proper ventilation and more room to grow. Bunches are tied and secured firmly to the trees to prevent wind and weight damage. This also allows for better spacing and continued ventilation. In June and July a ring is placed in the centre of each bunch to allow for ventilation. Sacks are placed on the bunches and tied firmly to prevent birds from picking at the ripe fruit and to keep the dates from falling to the ground. The dates are picked as they mature. Workers go up into the tall trees (date palms are often 9 to 12 metres tall, and can reach heights of 20 metres or more! ) many times during the harvest season, each time only picking the tree-ripe fruit and re-bagging bunches to let them ripen further. Each date is carefully sorted and graded, first by hand, and then by machine to ensure quality.
What the boys retained? 1. They taste like candy. 2. They grow on palm trees. 3. They are sticky. 4. They go mushy in boiling water. 5. You can't taste them in the sticky toffee pudding. All the important stuff, right?
(here, some of the boys are working with non-Medjool dates – a brand safe for those with nut allergies)
The recipe is so very easy, the boys had it prepared and ready to bake in plenty of time…
While the puddings baked, Emily showed the boys how to make date "truffles" – basically dates (stuffed with something if you wish), rolled in chocolate. Um, yeah!
We also made the butterscotch sauce. Cream, sugar, butter, golden syrup? Yes please. With a straw!
Once the puddings were out of the oven, some of us couldn't resist the "sniff test". Of course, they were declared to be smelling "amazing" 😉
Emily had bought the boys puddings already baked (! they are so spoiled!) so they each brought home two, topped with the luscious butterscotch sauce…
Mine, by the time I got to it after dismissal and cleanup, didn't quite look as elegant as Emily's had the week before at the dinner, but I ate it anyway. It was superb.
I'll be making these again. Soon.
Sticky toffee pudding
Easy sticky toffee pudding.
- Medjool Date Cake
- 1 cup (250 mL) water
- 1 cup (250 mL) Natural Delights Medjool Dates, chopped and pitted
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (150 mL) packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla
- 1 1/3 cups (325 mL) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) baking powder
- 1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda
- Butterscotch Sauce
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) butter
- 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) packed brown sugar
- 2/3 cup (150 mL) 35% whipping cream
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) golden syrup
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C).
- To prepare Medjool date cake: In a saucepan, bring water and Medjool dates to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 2 minutes; set aside to cool.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and soda. Stir into butter mixture until well combined. Stir in cooled Medjool date mixture until no streaks remain.
- Spread into parchment paper lined loaf pan. Bake for about 35 minutes or until tester inserted in centre comes out clean. Let cool in pan on rack for about 15 minutes before turning out to serve.
- To prepare butterscotch sauce: In a saucepan, set over medium heat; bring butter, sugar, cream and golden syrup to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally for 3 minutes.
- Slice toffee pudding and spoon sauce over each slice to serve.
- Tip: To make individual sticky toffee puddings divide batter among 14½ cup (124.5 mL) ovenproof tins or ramekins and bake on baking sheet for about 16 minutes or until tester inserted in centre comes out clean.
Emily – thank you SO much for satisfying the boys' (and my) sweet tooth tendencies. We so appreciate the generosity of people like you who volunteer their time to work with the boys each week.
Check out Emily's latest cookbook "Get in The Kitchen and COOK!" – a book to get you in the kitchen preparing tasty meals quickly so you can enjoy time with family and friends both for weeknight meals as well as casual kitchen entertaining with friends. Check out what Emily's up to by visiting her website or check out her blog and follow her on Twitter ERiscooking.
Disclosure: I attended the Natural Delights dinner as a media guest. I received a gift bag containing dates and date products courtesy of Natural Delights. I was not obliged to write about the dinner, nor make one of the recipes. It was a happy accident that Emily was coming to cook with us anyway and menu choices for the Petits Chefs are always my own.
Current Canadian giveaways
Win a SodaStream Source plus Ocean Spray flavours (value $150). Closes November 29th 2013 at 6am EST.
Win a KitchenAid Architect® Series Stand Mixer with 5 quart glass bowl in Raspberry Ice! Ends December 6th 2013 at 6pm EST. Enter here!
I'm fundraising for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation KitchenAid Cook for the Cure Culinary Showdown event on December 7, 2013. Support me here.


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Book Direct with the Owner at Waltowa SA with Accommodation Sunshine Coast Agent in Waltowa, for all your Dining, Dancing and things to do.
Address: Princes Highway, Meningie SA 5264
Address: 3 Fiebig Rd, Meningie SA 5264
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