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A campaign's been launched to spread the water safety message, particularly to Pacific people.
Four Pacific Islanders have died in boating accidents since May. Now community leaders are joining forces with Maritime New Zealand to increase awareness of water safety.
The Folau Malu or "Journey Safely" Campaign has a life-saving message for recreational boaties.
"There's a lax attitude to it," says Peseta Sam Lotu-liga, Maungakiekie MP. "They see it as a bit of a hobby – we go out and enjoy the water – but you've also got to respect the water, particularly when conditions are adverse."
Recreational boatie Seti Tau Alupi brought his boat for a safety check, and he's just finished a skipper's course run by ACC.
"I think it's very important especially for our people, because at the moment lots of them are dying going out fishing."
Today's launch was just metres from where a father and son drowned in May this year after their dinghy capsized. A two-year-old from the boat was dragged from the water. Last month, two men drowned when their dinghy capsized off Waiheke Island.
"We don't want anybody else to go through what's been happening before," says Leau Peter Skelton of the Mangere-Otahuhu community board. "There are too many people drowning and the message is still not getting through to our community."
"It's pretty straightforward really," says Maritime New Zealand safety inspector Alistair Thomson. "Make sure you wear a life jacket, make sure you can communicate when you're in trouble, check the weather and no alcohol."
Sticking to those rules will mean a safer summer for everyone on the water.
3 News
source: newshub archive


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There's a new "cropper" in town.
Janet Jackson left London's Cecconi restaurant Wednesday, revealing a super-short, shaved haircut. The 43-year old singer-actress, who typically sports a hairstyle that falls below her shoulders, wore jeans, a black leather jacket and high black platform shoes.
PHOTO: See which Real Housewife may have gotten a nose job
The single star ended her seven-year relationship with music producer Jermaine Dupri last year and has maintained a fairly low profile since the death of her brother Michael last June. She released a new film, Why Did I Get Married, Too, in April.
Tell Us: What do you think of Jackson's shorter look?

subset: commoncrawl


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The New Year is almost upon us so now seems to be the time to resolve to start doing these every week again.
Episode 4 of our comedy short series, Things A Record Label Does. This episode features the song "World War II, Pt. 2" by Wax Fang, from their album La La Land.
We are excited to announce that on October 19th, Wax Fang will release a new single!
© 2010 Absolutely Kosher | All rights reserved


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As a leader in the Contract Furnishing industry, Foliot Furniture Inc. is a preferred and approved vendor for several multinational hotel brands, including Holiday Inn Express, Hampton by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton.
Foliot Furniture Inc. offers a massive variety of furniture lines which allows customers to create rooms entirely in their image. Our furniture designs and construction, tested time and again by a myriad of satisfied customers, creates well-balanced and welcoming environments. With over twenty five years of design and manufacturing experience, Foliot has helped create over 500,000 rooms in a variety of hotels, resorts, colleges, and universities throughout North America.
In constant expansion and always seeking opportunities to create new professional relationships, a Foliot Furniture representative will gladly answer any questions you may have.


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Free cut mp3 download
- How to convert M4A to WAV for free?
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- How to join WAV files?
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- How to convert RM to MP3?
- How to find MP3 duplicates by sound?
- Easy MP3 Joiner 5.0 - Merge Your Audio Easily
- How to fix ID3 tags?
Easy MP3 Cutter
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New York, NY, US
From an early age i learned to appreciate art in all its forms. I lived most of my life in Haiti where i developed an interest for art, design, construction, and dance. This interest led me to my studies by majoring in Architecture. There i have learned a lot more to a space and all its functions.
Architecture For Humanity, Port-au-Prince, HT, Drafting
Mostly work on revit and autocad.
New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), Old Westbury, NY, US, BArch, Architecture


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Dolce & Gabbana Dark Grey Stretch Wool Fitted Jacket
Dolce & Gabbana dark grey fitted jacket in stretch wool fabric with wide pinstripe.
2 button fastening with a peak lapel, 2 flap pockets and a centre rear vent.
Leopard print lining.
All deliveries are insured and dispatched using trackable courier services.
UK Delivery - Standard UK delivery takes 2-5 working days and costs £2.99, Next Day UK delivery is £10 and Saturday UK delivery is £20. Orders placed after 12 pm will be processed on the next working day.
International Delivery - Fixed international shipping and tax rates can be found by selecting the country of your choice on our checkout pages. If the country that you want your item posted to does not have a fixed shipping rate available please contact us and we will send you the shipping quote you require.
Please click here for more details of our shipping policy (or you can use the 'shipping' link available at the bottom of our website).
If you do have any specific queries regarding UK or International deliveries please call us on (+44) 1273 727 022 or send us your query using our contact form.


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Celebrity Birthdays for May 31 – Clint Eastwood, Brooke Shields and More
Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today:
Clint Eastwood
Age: 82
Occupation: Actor, Director and Producer
Known For: Starring in the 'Dirty Harry' film series, winning Oscars for directing and producing 'Unforgiven' and 'Million Dollar Baby,' being the acclaimed director of other movies including 'Mystic River,' 'Letters from Iwo Jima' and 'Changeling,' and probably never finding anyone brave enough to make his day
Celebrity Birthdays for May 30 – Wynonna Judd, Cee Lo Green and More
Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today:
Wynonna Judd
Age: 48
Occupation: Singer, Songwriter and Musician
Known For: Racking up 17 chart-topping country hits along with her mother Naomi as The Judds, solo hits including 'She Is His Only Need,' 'I Saw the Light' and 'No One Else on Earth,' and being the half-sister of actress Ashley Judd
This Day in History for May 29 – World War II Memorial Dedicated and More
Here's a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history:
1790 – Rhode Island becomes the last of the original US colonies to ratify the Constitution and is admitted as the 13th state (More info)
1942 – Bing Crosby records Irving Berlin's 'White Christmas,' the best-selling Christmas single in history (More info)
Celebrity Birthdays for May 29 – Annette Bening, Melissa Etheridge and More
Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today:
Annette Bening
Age: 54
Occupation: Actress
Known For: Being a four-time Oscar nominee for her roles in 'The Grifters,' 'American Beauty,' 'Being Julia' and 'The Kids Are All Right,' winning Golden Globe Awards for the latter two films, and her longtime marriage to former Hollywood lothario Warren Beatty
Celebrity Birthdays for May 25 – Ian McKellen, Mike Myers and More
Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today:
Ian McKellen
Age: 73
Occupation: Actor
Known For: His Oscar-nominated roles in 'Gods and Monsters' and as Gandalf in the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, starring in the 'X-Men' films and in 'The Da Vinci Code,' being knighted in 1991 for services to the performing arts, and, as a member of the GLBT community himself, actively working to advance gay rights
Psychiatrist Apologizes for Controversial 'Flawed' Study Suggesting Gay People Could Go Straight
A controversial decade-old study that seemed to suggest some gay people can become straight has been used by countless opponents of gay rights, who say it proves homosexuality is a chosen lifestyle.
But now the author of that study says it was flawed, and he's apologized to the gay community for the heartache it's caused them.
'Dancing with the Stars' Review: Finals Night (VIDEO)
This is it — the week we finally learn who wins 'Dancing with the Stars.' All three of the couples in the finals this year were excellent, so the margin of victory will be the narrowest of narrows.
Let's check out their Monday night performances … LIIIIIIIVE!
Students Won't 'Like' This — Elementary School Threatens Expulsion If Kids Use Facebook
A while back, we told you about the Jewish girls' school in Brooklyn that instituted a Facebook ban for its students, saying using the social media site violated its religious tenets.
Now an elementary school in Australia is following suit, but its demand that kids delete their Facebook pages has an entirely different reason: it's an attempt to wipe out cyber-bullying.
'Dancing with the Stars' Semifinals Elimination – Who Went Home? (VIDEO)
With so many amazing contenders in the 'Dancing with the Stars' semifinals, it was really anyone's guess who'd leave after Tuesday night's elimination show.
So which three couples will move on to next week's big finale?
Constantly Checking Your Work Email Could Be Harmful to Your Health
'Dancing with the Stars' Review: Semifinal Night
Last week saw two couples eliminated from the 'Dancing with the Stars' competition, leaving us with what may be the best semifinal group yet. And on Monday night, they all danced their perfectly-toned backsides off — so who's got the best shot at moving on to next week's finale extravaganza?
Let's find out … LIIIIIIIVE!
Celebrity Birthdays for May 14 – George Lucas, Mark Zuckerberg and More
Here's a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today:
George Lucas
Age: 68
Occupation: Writer, Producer and Director
Known For: Creating the 'Star Wars' franchise, endlessly tinkering with it to the great annoyance of fans, co-creating the 'Indiana Jones' franchise along with Steven Spielberg, directing films like 'American Graffiti,' and being the founder, chairman and CEO of Lucasfilm


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Black Diamond Anthemt Avalung Pack – 2014
Get it for: $175.47
All new for this year, this lightweight backpack with a built-in AvaLung is available in both small/medium (26 L) and medium/large (28 L) options. Insulated hydration routing keeps your water flowing, and an active suspension system perfectly balances the shoulder straps and hip belt for a more efficient and comfortable fit. Throw all your avy tools in the dedicated pocket and gain easy access to the main compartment through the back panel, keeping your back dry when you put your pack back on.


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2016 International Day Gala
2016 International Day Gala
USCID held the third annual gala on December 1, in celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. At our gala, we honored leaders of the disability rights movement whose impact has been felt on the international stage—American policymakers are recipients of the Dole-Harkin Award, for distinction in public service to the global disability community, and an overseas disability rights advocate is honored for his/her outstanding work in advancing the rights, opportunities, and dignity of persons with disabilities.
USCID also recognized and honor corporations demonstrating leadership by instilling the best practices of the Americans with Disabilities Act throughout their companies' values, operations, and hiring practices.
The annual USICD gala brings together disability rights advocates, legislative leaders, new and long-term donors, business and philanthropic leaders, and other friends of the disability rights movement.
2016 Honorees
Dole-Harkin Award Recipients
Senator Al Franken
Senator Al Franken (D-MN) has been a tireless supporter of rights for people with disabilities since being elected to the Senate in 2008. His first piece of legislation was a bill to provide services dogs to wounded warriors, the Service Dogs for Veterans Act. Since then, his leadership has included co-sponsoring of the IDEA Full Funding Act and co-authoring of the Disability Pension Fairness Act, and he has been a supporter of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities treaty (CRPD).
Sen. Franken has also advocated for improving mental health in schools. After hearing from Minnesota parents, education leaders, and mental health experts about how important mental health services are to schools and to improving the lives of students and their families, he successfully pushed for millions of dollars for schools in Minnesota and across the country. The work was based on in his own Mental Health in Schools Act. Sen. Franken, who currently sits on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee; the Judiciary Committee; the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and the Committee on Indian Affairs, has built a successful record of legislative accomplishments by standing up for Minnesota's interests and finding commonsense, bipartisan solutions that improve people's lives. USICD is honored to present the Dole-Harkin Award to Senator Franken.
Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers
Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), a rising star in American politics, is Chair of the House Republican Conference. Since her son Cole was born in 2007 with Trisomy 21, she has become a staunch champion for people with disabilities, demonstrated by her legislative actions and leadership, including support of the U.S. ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). She co-led the effort to pass the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, and joined a bipartisan coalition in introducing ABLE 2.0, a package of bills building on the success of the ABLE Act to empower those with disabilities to seek meaningful and competitive employment.
In 2010, Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers was appointed to the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee and serves on its Health Subcommittee, where she plays an active role in advancing affordable, patient-centered health care reforms. She is co-chair of the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus, Co-Chair of the Neuroscience Caucus and the Rural Health Caucus, a member of the MS Caucus, and co-chair of these additional Congressional caucuses: Military Family, Lumber, and the Rural Health Coalition. An advocate for members of the military and their families, she co-founded the bipartisan Military Family Caucus to provide military spouses and children a voice in Congress. USICD is honored to present the Dole-Harkin Award to Rep. McMorris Rodgers.
International Advocate Award Recipient
Silvia Quan
Silvia Quan of Guatemala, born with a vision disability in Guatemala, is a champion for disability rights globally. She played an important role in the Ad Hoc Committee of the Organization of the United Nations, responsible for drafting the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) as an advisor to the Guatemalan delegation and a member of the Inter-American Institute on Disability and Inclusive Development (IIDDI).
From 2003-2013, she was head of the Ombudsman for Persons with Disabilities in the Office of Human Rights in Guatemala. She's worked at the Guatemalan Foundation for Children with Deaf-Blindness, and the Center for International Rehabilitation (USA) in the International Monitoring the Rights of Persons with Disabilities-Americas region. Silvia has also been coordinator of research projects on sexuality and gender and disability for the National Council for the Attention of Persons with Disabilities (CONADI) in Guatemala, was on the Global Advisory Panel and the Steering Committee of the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), and was an independent expert on the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She is an active contributor to the Latin American Network of Non-Governmental Organizations of Persons with Disabilities and their Families (RIADIS). USICD is honored to recognize Silvia Quan as this year's International Advocate Award recipient.
Please contact USICD if you are interested becoming an individual or corporate gala sponsor for our 2017 gala!
View photos from our 2016 Gala!
View photos from our 2015 Gala!


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How to Make an Oscar-Nominated Animated Film for Adults
Fernando Trueba is not a nostalgic man. Instead he chooses to constantly "fall in love" and rediscover pieces of culture, said the Spanish director. Which is why his newest film, "Chico & Rita," is a celebration of Havana and its music in the late 1940s. It also marks the director's first foray into animation.
Working with his longtime friend and illustrator Javier Mariscal, Trueba knew the differences between live action and animation before he begun the process. The casual sense of improvisation Trueba brings to his films sets disappeared, as animation requires months, often years of story-boarding and planning. But Trueba wanted to take the medium and change the audience. In turn, he made an animated film for adults.
Oscar nominated for best animated picture, "Chico & Rita" tells the story of Chico, a pianist, and Rita, a singer as they chase their musical dreams out of Havana and up to New York. The film also circles around Chico and Rita's relationship and themes of love, sex and betrayal.
"I fell in love with the story and then I went to work," said Trueba. To give his illustrators a clear sense of what he wanted, Trueba asked several Cuban actors to act out scenes from the film. "Cubans have a special way of communicating and a particular way of speaking," said Mariscal. The duo wanted to capture the Cuban essence in live action to ensure that it didn't get lost in animation.


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Who is TeleCheck?
For 50 years, TeleCheck has delivered industry-leading check acceptance, check processing and risk analytics services to merchants and financial institutions. We protect thousands of businesses and financial institutions from check-related losses and fraud.
How does TeleCheck safeguard consumers?
Fraud and identify theft are some of the fastest growing crimes in America. Our committed team of specialists helps merchants confidently accept checks from consumers safely and securely. This means that whether purchases occur in store, online or over the phone, consumers are safeguarded from unwarranted or unlawful use of their checking account information.
Learn more about TeleCheck
This site provides information and resources specifically for consumers. Click on any topic within the green box on the right side of the page to obtain additional information on that subject.
Are you a merchant looking to accept checks with TeleCheck?
If you are a merchant looking for more information regarding the products and services we offer, visit Firstdata.com.


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Fenêtre supports your organization with online sales solutions and business applications. They are a full service company delivering consultancy, design, software and business implementation. As an open company with a high service level, they focus on superb quality and user experience, using a clear business view.
Fenêtre is specialized in complex websites that integrate with social media tools, online services and business applications. They are keen on using innovations for business improvement and apply an agile project approach resulting in a 100% success rate, good cooperation and clear milestones.
Need help finding a partner?
Let us help you find the right partner.
Progress, Telerik, Sitefinity and certain product names used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Progress Software Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries or affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries.


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Adopt A Reserve - Become a Land Steward!
Cause Areas
WhenIt's flexible! We'll work with your schedule.
WhereThis is a Virtual Opportunity, with no fixed address.
Join our team of land stewards!
Like to hike? As the Coalition acquires more properties that are open to the public for recreation, it increases our stewardship responsibilities. Help protect these areas by adopting one or more of our properties or trails in Acushnet, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, or Wareham. Walk the grounds and trail networks weekly or monthly and notify us of any maintenance needs or vandalism. Training will be provided to all volunteers.
Adopt of one of our beautiful reserves or trails!
- The Sawmill (Acushnet)
- LaPalme Farm (Acushnet)
- Shaw Farm Trail (Fairhaven/Mattapoisett)
- The Bogs/Tripps Mill (Mattapoisett)
- Marks Cove (Wareham)
- Horseshoe Mill (Wareham)
Good Match For
Teens People 55+
Requirements & Commitment
- Must be at least 16
- Orientation or Training
- 2hrs per month


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CORRECTED: Two dead as ship sinks in Russia's Volga river: ministry
At least two people died when a ship carrying 173 people sank in Russia's Volga river Sunday, an emergency ministry spokesman said.
The ship with 140 passengers and 33 crew members aboard went down near the village of Syukeyevo in Russia's Tatarstan region, Oleg Zyugeyev told AFP.
Fifty-five people were rescued by a passing ship, he added, noting that an investigation was under way.


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"Hi Christine. Are you still looking for a hitting partner? I'm just getting back into tennis as well and am looking to get more practice in during the times you mentioned. I haven't played at Memorial, but am in Santa Monica all the time,…"
829 members30 Likes
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My Katie Loafer is the most comfortable and stylish loafer I have ever owned. It is unique by having a higher heel height and thinner heel than all the other loafers which are flat and low heeled. I buy mostly all my shoes at Payless. Their prices are outstanding, many times offering "buy one, get one half off". ~ Cindy, MA
Payless is again offering BOGO! Buy One, Get One Half-Off! Hurry, ends 2/26!


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|The Kindle is Amazon.com's electronic reader. (Reuters)
NEW YORK — An exclusive e-book deal between
Random House Inc. and the Wylie Agency said yesterday that "Invisible Man,'' "Rabbit Is Rich,'' and several other works were being "removed'' from a program brokered between Wylie and Amazon that offered them as e-books available only through the online retailer.
Instead, Random House, which had claimed electronic rights, will publish the books on a "nonexclusive basis,'' meaning that consumers can buy them through Amazon, Barnes & Noble.com, and other sellers of digital books.
The original deal had enraged publishers, who have fought for control of older works, and rival sellers and led to Random House's suspending new business with Wylie.
Yesterday's joint statement said that Random House was resuming normal relations with Wylie "for English-language manuscript submissions and potential acquisitions, and we both are glad to be able to put this matter behind us.''
E-editions of works represented by Wylie, but first released by publishers other than Random House, including Norman Mailer's "The Naked and the Dead'' and William Burroughs's "Junky,'' are still being sold exclusively through Amazon and released by Odyssey Editions, an e-publisher launched last month by Wylie.
An Amazon spokesman declined to comment. Telephone and e-mail requests for additional comment from Wylie were not immediately returned.


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Monthly Archives: November 2012
11-29-12: Three arrested after traffic stop…
At approximately 11:00pm, officers were sent to the 4200 block of SE 16th on a report of a man with a gun who was driving a white Toyota midsize car. While officers were responding to the area, they observed a … Continue reading
APD/PCSO Serve narcotic search warrant, one arrested…
On 11-29-12, at 8:00 PM, the Amarillo Police Narcotics Unit obtained a narcotic search warrant for a residence at 7521 Buckskin Road in Potter Co. The warrant was executed with the assistance of the Potter Co Sheriff's Office. Two WM's, … Continue reading
11-29-12: Man arrested in robbery of Sonic at 101 Tascosa Road
On 11-29-12, at 3:19 PM, officers were sent to the Sonic Drive-In at 101 Tascosa Road on an armed robbery of a car hop. Amarillo Emergency Communications had obtained a description of the suspect vehicle, a white Chevrolet Cavalier. The … Continue reading
APD investigating motor vehicle vs. pedestrian accident today…
On November 29, 2012 at approximately 8:45 AM, officers were dispatched to a motor vehicle vs. pedestrian collision in the 3800 block of East Amarillo Blvd. Upon their arrival they discovered that a 2009 Chevy 4-door driven by Rachel Burgess, … Continue reading
Local man, 73, arrested on multiple counts of sexual offenses
On July 16, 2012 the Amarillo Police Department received a report of possible child sexual exploitation that had occurred at on office on the 12th floor of the building at 600 S. Tyler. The abuse was reported to have occurred … Continue reading
Updated Media release, 11-24-12 shooting at 600 ABW
DATE: November 24, 2012 TIME: 3:30 AM CASE NUMBER: 12-532790 INCIDENT TYPE: Aggravated Assault OFFICER SUBMITTING RELEASE: Sgt. B. Harlan #295/Update by Sgt. Barbee, Crime Prevention Unit DETAILS: At approximately 3: 30 AM, officers were notified of a shooting … Continue reading
Increased patrol for holiday season
DETAILS: On Thanksgiving evening (11-22-2012), the Amarillo Police Department began the yearly Holiday Patrol program. Additional uniformed patrol officers that will not be assigned to normal calls for service will patrol parking lots that may attract criminals looking for a … Continue reading


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Cage Fighting Cake
For my husband's birthday. I know the little men are not to scale. I wanted to buy the guys instead of making them because I am not certain of my figure modeling skills. And my 6 year old son claimed them before I even put them on the cake! I made the cage out of RI and the logos are RI transfers. I broke 3 of the cage panels. My husband said he thought I made it like that on purpose so you could see inside better. He's so nice... Those darn things were just so fragile!


text: Hi, 14.02.2012 22:54, Samuel John kirjoitti: [clip] > Concerning arpack: I'm afraid that the arpack issues prevail in 0.10.1rc1. > I beg you to fix these (I am not able to). > scipy.test() log at https://gist.github.com/1830780 Thanks. The issues remaining seem to have just to do with the fact that iterative inversion inside iterative eigenvalue problem solver is too inaccurate in single precision (or, the tolerances used in the test are not OK). I think we'll just disable these tests for rc2, like here: https://github.com/pv/scipy-work/tree/bug/arpack-tol-0101 The ARPACK routines themselves run all the time in double precision, and the double precision test suite appears to pass without problems, so everything should be OK. Pauli


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Date and Time:
Friday, January 25, 2013 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Webinar (See instructions)
This is the first in a series of Webinars to describe in detail the proposed methodology for the San Diego Solar Cost of Service Study. More information about the meeting is provided below.
- Meeting Topic: This meeting will focus on the cost of Transmission-related services associated with SDG&E Cost of Service. They are "Transmission-related" since these are charges associated with the bulk power system. The cost components include:
- Energy
- Resource Adequacy Capacity
- Ancillary Services
- Grid Management
- Transmission Capacity
- Transmission O&M
- Meeting Materials: You can download a copy of the Webinar Presentation from the EPIC Website.
- Webinar Information: To access the Webinar, see the information below.
Audio Information
Telephone Conferencing
Choose one of the following:
- Start the Office Live Meeting client, and then in the Voice & Video pane, click Join Conference. The conferencing service will call you at the number you specify. (Recommended)
- Dial the conferencing service directly, and enter the participant code shown below:
Toll-free: +1-8776038688
Participant Code: 7196252
First-Time Users
To save time before the meeting, check your system to make sure it is ready to use Office Live Meeting.
Unable to join the meeting? Follow these steps:
- Copy this address and paste into your web browser:
- Copy and paste the required information:
Meeting ID: 8M7M5G
Entry Code: jS/s5:g
Location: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/bv
If you still cannot enter the meeting, contact support.


text:
Trezeguet double keeps Juve hopes ticking
ROME, Sept 30 (Reuters) - David Trezeguet grabbed his second two-goal haul in two matches to give Juventus a 2-0 win over Serie B rivals Piacenza on Saturday.
The French striker, who scored twice in a 4-0 rout of Modena last weekend, was on the mark in the 30th minute when he squeezed between two defenders to nod an Alessandro Del Piero cross over Piacenza keeper Fernando Coppola.
He scored again a minute before halftime, getting on the end of a Del Piero free kick to head in from close range and take his season's tally to five goals in four Serie B games.
The victory allowed Juventus to continue chipping away at the 17-point penalty handed down to them over the Serie A match-fixing scandal.
The club now has minus four points, 15 points behind division leaders Brescia, who drew 1-1 with Albinoleffe.
'I'm delighted, but like I've always said the important thing is how the team is doing,' Trezeguet told Italy's SKY television.
'And when the team is doing as well as it is at the moment, everything becomes much easier.'
In the other second division matches, Lecce climbed to second place on 10 points after a 3-2 win over Genoa, while Napoli rose to fifth on eight points with a 1-0 victory against Spezia.


text: Good Morning Gnexers! I hope you all had a great winter solsti-Christma-kwaanz-ukkah, and now I've had a chance to play with Nexus in a remote, 3G-only area. And I found some "issues": Signal strength sucks out loud. The Droids in the house had 2 bars of signal and 3G data in the house... I had to go out to the front porch to find a microscopic dot of signal to surf or make calls. Radio needs updated BADLY. 3G to 4G switching is rough. Had to switch in and out of Airplane mode to get data to restore. But OOOH, it was awfully nice to come home to 4G! Here are some speed tests I ran in both data modes: 3G: 1698 DL 824 UL 4G: 29778 DL 19351 UL!


text:
Ang-(1–7) (angiotensin-1–7), a peptide product of the recently described ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) homologue ACE2, opposes the harmful actions of AngII (angiotensin II) in cardiovascular tissues, but its role in liver disease is unknown. The aim of the present study was to assess plasma levels of Ang-(1–7) in human liver disease and determine its effects in experimental liver fibrosis. Angiotensin peptide levels were measured in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C. The effects of Ang-(1–7) on experimental fibrosis were determined using the rat BDL (bile-duct ligation) model. Liver histology, hydroxyproline quantification and expression of fibrosis-related genes were assessed. Expression of RAS (renin–angiotensin system) components and the effects of Ang-(1–7) were examined in rat HSCs (hepatic stellate cells). In human patients with cirrhosis, both plasma Ang-(1–7) and AngII concentrations were markedly elevated (P<0.001). Non-cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C had elevated Ang-(1–7) levels compared with controls (P<0.05), but AngII concentrations were not increased. In BDL rats, Ang-(1–7) improved fibrosis stage and collagen Picrosirius Red staining, and reduced hydroxyproline content, together with decreased gene expression of collagen 1A1, α-SMA (smooth muscle actin), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), CTGF (connective tissue growth factor), ACE and mas [the Ang-(1–7) receptor]. Cultured HSCs expressed AT1Rs (AngII type 1 receptors) and mas receptors and, when treated with Ang-(1–7) or the mas receptor agonist AVE 0991, produced less α-SMA and hydroxyproline, an effect reversed by the mas receptor antagonist A779. In conclusion, Ang-(1–7) is up-regulated in human liver disease and has antifibrotic actions in a rat model of cirrhosis. The ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/mas receptor axis represents a potential target for antifibrotic therapy in humans.
- angiotensin-(1–7)
- angiotensin-converting enzyme
- cirrhosis
- hepatic fibrosis
- renin–angiotensin system
Ang-(1–7) (angiotensin 1–7) is an alternative metabolite of the RAS (renin–angiotensin system) with actions that oppose those of AngII (angiotensin II). Interest in Ang-(1–7) has been invigorated by the discovery of the ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) homologue ACE2 [1,2]. This novel enzyme, although similar in structure to ACE, has distinct enzyme activity, and catalyses the conversion of AngII into Ang-(1–7) [3]. Although ACE2 is capable of generating Ang-(1–7) indirectly through the intermediary peptide Ang-(1–9) and subsequent enzymatic cleavage by ACE, in vitro evidence suggests this pathway is less important [4].
Ang-(1–7) has a number of important actions, including vasodilation [5,6] and inhibition of cell proliferation [7–9], as well as antihypertensive [10] and antiarrhythmic [11] effects. In addition, Ang-(1–7) has been implicated in the protection of tissues from chronic injury through direct effects on tissue fibrogenesis [8,12]. The effects of Ang-(1–7) appear to be mediated through the mas receptor [13], although other undefined receptor subtypes may well exist [14]. The ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/mas receptor axis therefore appears to represent a counter-regulatory arm of the RAS capable of protecting chronically damaged tissues from the harmful effects of locally produced AngII [15].
Despite considerable evidence supporting the beneficial effects of Ang-(1–7) in renal and cardiovascular disease, the effects of this peptide have not been studied in the liver. We have shown previously [16] that key components of the classical RAS are markedly up-regulated in chronic liver injury. More recently, we have shown that ACE2 gene and tissue activity are up-regulated by chronic liver injury in humans and the BDL (bile-duct-ligated) rat, and that Ang-(1–7) and mas receptor expression increase as liver injury progresses [17,18]. These studies suggest that in liver disease the ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/mas receptor axis is up-regulated in response to the effects of chronic damage, including activation of the ACE/AngII/AT1R (AngII type 1 receptor) arm of the RAS. Support for a possible protective role of Ang-(1–7) in liver disease has been provided by an in vivo animal experiment in which the mas receptor was pharmacologically inhibited [19]. However, to date, there has been no direct evidence that administration of the Ang-(1–7) peptide can influence hepatic fibrosis in animal models nor has there been confirmation that circulating levels of this peptide are increased in human liver disease. In this present study, we therefore measured circulating Ang-(1–7) and AngII plasma concentrations in cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C (CHC group) awaiting transplantation and compared them with non-cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C (NHC group) and healthy controls. Furthermore, we have examined the effect of Ang-(1–7) infusion on the fibrotic response to BDL in the rat and in cultured rat HSCs (hepatic stellate cells). The BDL model was chosen to determine whether Ang-(1–7) can moderate the injurious effects of AngII because it is a robust model of cholestatic disease, in which there is up-regulation of both classical and novel components of the RAS [17]. In BDL rats, serum AngII concentration are markedly increased [16], and AngII infusion exacerbates liver injury and bile-duct proliferation [20].
This research has future clinical implications since both Ang-(1–7) and a non-peptide orally active mas receptor agonist, AVE 0991, may constitute a new therapeutic option for the treatment of fibrotic diseases [21].
Human observational study
Patient recruitment
Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus and control subjects (n=54 total) provided written informed consent for the present study, which was designed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (2000) and was approved by the Austin Health Human Ethics Committee. The CHC group (n=9) were recruited from the liver transplant waiting list, and the NHC group (n=23) were recruited in an outpatient setting. The absence of cirrhosis in these patients was confirmed by liver biopsy, and the severity of liver fibrosis ranged from METAVIR fibrosis stage 0 to 3 (median, 2). Exclusion criteria included renal impairment (serum creatinine >120μmol/l), prior haemofiltration or haemodialysis in the preceding 1 month or significant cardiovascular disease, including hypertension. Patients were also excluded if they were taking medication known to influence the RAS [ACEIs (ACE inhibitors), ARBs (AT1R blockers) and β-blockers]. Control subjects for blood analysis were healthy volunteer healthcare professionals (n=13), and healthy liver samples for gene expression data were taken from patients (n=9) without liver fibrosis who were undergoing hepatic resection for non-hepatoma-related lesions. Five out of the patients in the CHC group subsequently underwent liver transplantation and samples of their explanted livers were snap frozen in liquid nitrogen prior to subsequent gene analysis.
Blood analysis
Blood was taken from subjects in the seated position. Blood for RIAs of angiotensin peptides was collected in a tube containing an enzyme inhibitor mix (50 mmol/l EDTA, 21000 units/ml aprotinin and 0.2 mol/l N-ethylmalaimide). All samples were immediately mixed, placed on ice and centrifuged. Plasma and serum samples were stored at −20 °C until the time of assay. The serum ACE activity assay was performed with a commercial method utilizing the hydrolysis of a synthetic substrate 3-(2-furylacrylol)-L-phenylalanylglycl-glycine (Beckman Coulter Unicell DXC 800 analyser). RIAs for AngII and Ang-(1–7) were performed on all plasma samples in duplicate (ProSearch International), as described previously [18]. Briefly, the RIAs for Ang-(1–7) and AngII were performed using an antibody raised in guinea-pig to Ang-(1–7) N-terminally conjugated to porcine thyroglobulin and Ang-(1–7) mono-iodinated with 125I, and an antibody raised in rabbit to AngII N-terminally conjugated with BSA and AngII mono-iodinated with 125I. The antibody-bound 125I-Ang-(1–7) was separated from free peptide by secondary antibody precipitation. The AngII–antibody antigen complexes were isolated using Dextran 10-coated charcoal absorption. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation for Ang-(1–7) and AngII were 4.5 and 10% respectively.
ACE2 gene expression
ACE2 hepatic gene expression was assessed in all five patients from the CHC group who underwent liver transplantation and were compared with healthy liver tissue from nine patients undergoing hepatic resection. Gene expression was quantified as outlined below.
Animal interventional study
Experimental design
Male Sprague–Dawley rats were housed in a controlled environment (12 h light/12 h dark; temperature, 22–24 °C), and fed standard rat chow (Norco) with water ad libitum. All animal experiments were conducted according to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Guidelines for Animal Experimentation, and the experimental protocol was approved by the Austin Health Animal Ethics Committee.
Biliary hepatic fibrosis was induced in 6-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rats by double ligation and transection of the common bile duct, as described previously [16,22]. Sham-operated animals acted as a control group. All rats were anaesthetized with an intraperitoneal injection of a ketamine/xylazine mixture (70 and 7 mg/kg of body weight respectively; Therapon) and were given a single dose of carprofen (2 mg/kg of body weight; Lyppard) subcutaneously prior to surgery in order to limit post-operative discomfort. Animals were divided into three groups each containing 11 rats. Osmotic pumps designed to deliver their contents over 2 weeks were implanted into the abdominal cavity of all animals (Model 2002; Alzet). Sham-operated rats received osmotic pumps containing saline. Osmotic pumps containing either saline or Ang-(1–7) (28 μg·kg−1 of body weight·h−1 intraperitoneally; Auspep) were implanted into BDL rats. The dose and mode of delivery of Ang-(1–7) was based on previous studies using osmotic pumps delivering similar concentration of Ang-(1–7) within the peritoneal cavity [23]. Animals were killed 2 weeks after surgery under lethal anaesthesia induced by sodium pentobarbital (60 mg/kg of body weight), and blood samples were taken for liver function tests. Body, liver and spleen weights were recorded, and tissue samples were taken from liver, snap frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −80 °C until assayed for gene expression and hydroxyproline content. Tissue sections were also collected in 4% paraformaldehyde for histological and immunohistochemical evaluations. Osmotic pumps were collected at the time of killing and the volumes of any residual contents were recorded.
Biochemical and histological assessment of liver injury and fibrosis
Plasma bilirubin, ALT (alanine aminotransaminase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase) and GGT (γ-glutamyl transpeptidase) were measured on a Beckman Coulter LX20 autoanalyser.
Sections of liver (4 μm) mounted on silane-coated glass slides were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and Picrosirius Red (Polysciences). Liver sections were assessed in random order by an experienced liver pathologist, who was blinded to the animal groups. Sections were assessed for METAVIR fibrosis score and the ductal proliferation score, as adapted from Miyoshi et al. [24]. The number of biliary infarcts was also documented for each field examined.
Collagen content of the liver was quantified using a hydroxyproline colorimetric assay and computerized quantification of Picrosirius Red staining, as described previously [25,26]. Picrosirius Red staining was assessed at ×100 magnification in a total of ten fields per animal, and was performed in a blinded fashion using computerized image capture (MCID; Imaging Research). Results are expressed as relative Picrosirius Red staining normalized to the sham+saline group, which was given the mean value of 1.
α-SMA (smooth muscle actin) immunohistochemistry
Immunohistochemical staining for α-SMA, a marker for activated HSCs, was performed on 4 μm sections of paraffin-embedded rat liver tissue-mounted on silane-coated glass slides. Specimens were de-waxed in histolene and dehydrated in graded ethanol, and endogenous peroxidase activity was removed by treating sections with 3% H2O2 in PBS for 20 min. Non-specific proteins were blocked with protein-blocking agent (Lipshaw-Immunon) diluted in distilled water. The primary antibody to α-SMA (monoclonal 1A4; DakoCytomation) at a dilution of 1:25 in 0.1% normal goat serum with PBS was applied and the slides were left overnight at 4 °C. The following day, sections were allowed to reach room temperature (18–22 °C) and were incubated with a biotinylated-conjugated secondary goat anti-(mouse IgG) antibody at a dilution of 1:100, followed by incubation with avidin–biotin horseradish peroxidase. Peroxidase conjugates were subsequently localized using DAB (diaminobenzidine; Sigma). The relative staining in each group was determined by computerized quantification (MCID) in a total of ten fields per animal at ×100 magnification.
in vitro ACE autoradiography
Frozen liver sections were cut to a thickness of 20 μm using a cryostat (Microtome Cryostat HM 550; MICROM) at −20 °C, and specimens were thaw-mounted on to slides. A specific radioligand, 125I-MK351A, was used for the ACE autoradiography as described previously [16]. Semi-quantitative analysis of the binding density was performed using computerized densitometry (MCID).
Q-PCR (quantitative PCR)
Q-PCR reactions were carried out using multiplexing with amplification of both the target gene and endogenous reference gene occurring in a single well and were analysed as described previously [18]. The details of dual-fluorescent labelled oligonucleotide probes and primers are given in Supplementary Table 1 (available at http://www.ClinSci.org/cs/117/cs1170375.htm).
HSC study
HSCs were isolated from rat livers as described previously [27]. Briefly, livers from Sprague–Dawley rats (n=3) weighing 400–500 g were perfused with HBSS (Hanks balanced salt solution; Invitrogen), followed by a solution containing 150 mg of pronase and 15 mg of collagenase A (Roche Diagnostics). Livers were removed and mechanically dispersed by gently mixing with 300 mg of pronase, 30 mg of collagenase A and 10 mg of Dnase (Roche Diagnostics) made up to a total volume of 100 ml of HBSS. This mixture was agitated constantly in an incubator at 37 °C for 45 min and filtered through a 100 μm nylon mesh to remove any undigested debris. The cell suspension underwent a series of centrifugation steps before density gradient separation with Nycodenz (Sigma). The total cell yield and viability was assessed by counting the number of dead and live cells, based on Trypan Blue exclusion. Cellular purity was confirmed by staining of cytospin preparations for the typical HSC markers desmin (Dako), vimentin (Santa Cruz Biotechnology) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (Chemicon International). Purity was assessed further by typical morphological features (vitmain A autofluorescence) and was determined to be between 80 and 90%.
HSCs were cultured in M199 medium (Invitrogen), supplemented with 10% (v/v) FCS (fetal calf serum) containing 100 units/ml penicillin and 100 μg/ml streptomycin (Invitrogen). Cells were treated with vehicle (normal saline), Ang-(1–7) (1×10−9, 1×10−7 and 1×10−5 mol/l), or the Ang-(1–7) mas receptor agonist AVE 0991 (1×10−6 mol/l; generously given by Sanofi-Aventis) three times a day from 2 days post-isolation until the day of collection. An additional group was pre-treated with 1×10−6 mol/l of the mas receptor antagonist A779 (Auspep) 30 min prior to 1×10−7 mol/l Ang-(1–7).
After 5 days of treatment, the culture medium supernatant was collected and the total protein content (bicinchoninic acid assay; Pierce) and hydroxyproline levels were measured as described previously [28]. Hydroxyproline content was expressed as a fraction of the total protein content and, for each animal, the treatments were standardized to the vehicle group, which was given the value of 100%. Cellular α-SMA was assessed by SDS/PAGE and immunoblotting using a mouse monoclonal antibody to α-SMA (DakoCytomation). Densitometry was performed on scanned images using ImageGauge version 3.46 (Science Labl Fuji Photo) with the concentration of α-SMA standardized to β-tubulin and normalized to the vehicle group, which was given the arbitrary value of 1. For determination of the gene expression of AT1R and mas receptor, HSCs were collected at day 2 (quiescent) and day 7 (activated) by washing culture plates with 1 ml of TRIzol® (Invitrogen). Q-PCR was performed as described above.
Results are means±S.E.M., unless otherwise stated. A Gaussian distribution was tested using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Normally distributed data were analysed by ANOVA, with a Newman–Keuls multiple comparison test and a two-tailed unpaired Student's t test, where appropriate. Non-parametric data were analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn's multiple comparison test. The assumption of equal variance was tested using Bartlett's test. Data sets with unequal variance were transformed to approximate the distribution to a Gaussian distribution. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 4 software for Macintosh.
Human observational study
Patient demographics
The characteristics of patients and control subjects are shown in Table 1. As expected, control subjects were generally younger than in the NHC group, who were in turn younger than those in the CHC group, and there were more males in the patient groups compared with the control group. However previous analyses of control subjects has demonstrated that AngII and Ang-(1–7) plasma levels are independent of either age or gender (J. S. Lubel, C. B. Herath, Z. Jia, D. Casley and P. W. Angus, unpublished work).
Plasma AngII and Ang-(1–7) levels
AngII plasma concentrations were significantly elevated in the CHC group compared with the NHC and control groups (P<0.01 and P<0.001 respectively; Table 2). However, there was no significant difference in AngII concentrations between the control and NHC groups. Furthermore, there was no correlation between age or gender and peptide concentrations in all of the groups studied. In contrast, plasma Ang-(1–7) levels were significantly (P<0.05) elevated in both the CHC and NHC groups compared with the control group (Table 2). In the CHC group, both AngII and Ang-(1–7) plasma levels failed to show any correlation with disease severity [MELD (Model for End-stage Liver Disease) score] or biochemical markers of liver injury. The Ang-(1–7)/AngII molar ratio was very low in the CHC group compared with both the NHC and control groups (P<0.001), whereas the NHC group had a similar molar ratio to that of the control group (Table 2).
Serum ACE activity levels
Serum ACE levels were significantly elevated in the CHC group compared with both the control and NHC groups (P<0.01), and the level in the NHC group was also higher than those in the control group (P<0.001; Table 2). There was no correlation between age and ACE level in any of the groups.
Hepatic ACE2 mRNA expression in human liver
ACE2 gene expression was increased more than 3-fold in the livers from the CHC group compared with healthy liver (3.450±1.272 compared with 1.000±0.273; P<0.05), confirming that this key regulator of Ang-(1–7) production in the alternative axis of the RAS is up-regulated in response to hepatic injury.
Animal interventional study
At the end of the 2 week period, all pumps had minimal (10–30 μl) residual content from the original volume of 200 μl, confirming that the contents had been appropriately delivered.
Body and organ weights
Initial body weights were similar in all three groups (Table 3). Following sham operation, rats continued to thrive and gained weight at a rate of 12% of initial body weight/week. Liver and spleen weights were significantly (P<0.001) elevated in both of the BDL groups, indicating that BDL resulted in hepatosplenomegaly (Table 3). There was no significant difference in spleen or liver weight between the two BDL groups. Only minimal ascites was present in the BDL rats.
Ang-(1–7) reduced histological fibrosis and hepatic hydroxyproline content
Both BDL groups had significantly (P<0.001) elevated liver function tests compared with the sham-operated group, confirming that BDL had been successfully performed; however, Ang-(1–7) infusion resulted in significantly (P<0.05) improved serum bilirubin and GGT (Table 3).
BDL resulted in significant histological changes, including expansion of portal tracts with extensive bileduct proliferation. There were also numerous regions of biliary infarction and extensive fibrosis with bridging and nodule formation (Figures 1A and 1B).
Treatment with Ang-(1–7) resulted in a significant (P<0.05) reduction in METAVIR and ISHAK fibrosis scores and bile-duct proliferation score compared with the BDL+saline group (n=11 each group; Table 3). There was no difference in the number of biliary infarcts observed in the two BDL groups.
The hepatic hydroxyproline content of the BDL+saline group was increased more than 2-fold compared with the sham-operated group (P<0.05). Infusion of Ang-(1–7) reduced this increase in hydroxyproline by 33% (P<0.05; Table 3). These changes in hepatic collagen were confirmed by proportional area assessment of Picrosirius Red staining, which demonstrated that Ang-(1–7) infusion reduced the relative Picrosirius Red staining from that observed in the BDL+saline group by more than 50% (P<0.001; Figure 1B and Table 3).
Ang-(1–7) reduced α-SMA staining
Increased α-SMA staining was observed in livers of BDL rats (Figures 1C and Figure 2). When the two BDL treatment groups were compared, there was a reduction in the staining for α-SMA cells in the Ang-(1–7)-infusion group compared with the BDL+saline group (P<0.05; Figure 1C and Figure 2). This result suggests that Ang-(1–7) attenuates fibrosis by suppression of HSC activation.
Ang-(1–7) reduced hepatic ACE as assessed by in vitro ACE autoradiography
Sham-operated animals had a low level of ACE radioligand binding, which increased 350% in the BDL+saline group (Figure 3). However, this was significantly (P<0.001) reduced in the BDL+Ang-(1–7) group to a level approaching that of the sham group (133%; Figure 3)
The hepatic gene expressions of key RAS components, together with markers of fibrosis and inflammation, are shown in Figure 4.
Gene expression of ACE2 was increased more than 30-fold following BDL (P<0.001), with minimal difference between the two BDL groups. ACE gene expression increased 55-fold in the BDL+saline group (P<0.001), but, in contrast with ACE2, ACE gene expression was significantly (P<0.05) reduced by Ang-(1–7) infusion. There was a small, but significant, increase in AT1R gene expression as a result of BDL (P<0.01) with no detectable difference with Ang-(1–7) treatment. mas was up-regulated in the BDL+saline group by approx. 10-fold with Ang-(1–7) infusion, resulting in a significant down-regulation of this gene compared with the BDL+saline group (P<0.01).
Collagen 1A1, α-SMA, CTGF (connective tissue growth factor) and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) genes were significantly (P<0.05) up-regulated by BDL. Importantly, infusion of Ang-(1–7) significantly (P<0.05) reduced the expression of these genes.
HSC study
HSC activation results in the increased expression of both AT1R and mas receptor
Both the AT1R and mas receptor, the key target receptors for AngII and Ang-(1–7) respectively, were expressed in HSCs. At 7 days of culture, there was marked increased expression of both AT1R and mas receptor gene expression compared with quiescent HSCs [AT1R, 6.296±1.199 compared with 1.000±0.193 respectively (P<0.05); mas receptor, 4.639±1.485 compared with 1.000±0.451 respectively (P<0.05)], indicating that both axes of the RAS are up-regulated by HSC activation.
Ang-(1–7) and AVE0991 reduce the cellular expression of α-SMA
In keeping with our findings in vivo, Ang-(1–7) treatment reduced HSC activation, as shown by a dose-dependent decrease in α-SMA concentration (P<0.005, as determined by ANOVA with a post-test for the linear trend; Figure 5). The greatest effect on α-SMA was observed with the Ang-(1–7) agonist AVE0991, which caused an 82±8% reduction in α-SMA compared with vehicle (P<0.05).
Ang-(1–7) reduces hydroxyproline production by HSCs via the mas receptor
Ang-(1–7) treatment also resulted in an overall decrease in collagen production, as reflected by a reduction in hydroxyproline levels in the supernatant compared with vehicle (Figure 6). The Ang-(1–7) receptor agonist AVE 0991 caused the greatest decrease in hydroxyproline levels (14% reduction; P<0.05). Pre-treatment with the mas receptor antagonist A779 abolished the Ang-(1–7)-dependent decrease in hydroxyproline (109±7%; P<0.05).
Indirect evidence for a beneficial role of Ang-(1–7) in hepatic fibrosis has been provided by a previous study examining the effects of the mas receptor antagonist A779 [19]. Treatment with A779 worsened experimental liver injury with increases in TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor-β1) and hydroxyproline levels, suggesting that mas receptor stimulation plays a protective role in liver fibrosis [19]. Although mas is the putative receptor for Ang-(1–7), it has been suggested that other receptors may mediate the effects of Ang-(1–7) [14]. In the present study, we therefore provide the first direct evidence that Ang-(1–7) ameliorates hepatic fibrosis in an in vivo animal model. Furthermore, we demonstrate that plasma Ang-(1–7) levels are markedly elevated in human liver disease. We found that Ang-(1–7) levels were elevated in both groups of patients with hepatitis C, not just those with cirrhosis, whereas only cirrhotic patients had elevated AngII levels. Cirrhotic patients in the present study had advanced hepatitis C-related cirrhosis and were on the liver transplant waiting list, and represent a subgroup of cirrhotic subjects with advanced liver disease associated with portal hypertension and its associated haemodynamic changes. Thus our present results suggest that elevated levels of circulating Ang-(1–7) are related to the presence of hepatitis C-mediated liver injury and fibrosis, rather than the haemodynamic effects of portal hypertension on the RAS. This is in keeping with a study in a rat model of liver fibrosis which showed that chronically injured liver expresses ACE2 and this is primarily responsible for elevated serum Ang-(1–7) levels [18].
The Ang-(1–7)/AngII molar ratio in cirrhotic patients was significantly lower than that of non-cirrhotic and control subjects. The likely explanation is that cirrhotic patients had elevated ACE levels and AngII concentrations due to the up-regulation of the vasoconstrictor arm of the RAS in response to portal hypertension and vasodilation [29]. The fact that, in cirrhotic patients, Ang-(1–7) concentrations were not increased in proportion to AngII makes it highly unlikely that serum Ang-(1–7) levels simply reflect the breakdown of circulating AngII. Indeed, the much lower Ang-(1–7)/AngII molar ratio in cirrhotic patients may reflect an increased ACE-mediated conversion of Ang-(1–7) into the inert peptide Ang-(1–5). These findings are in keeping with the hypothesis that relative angiotensin peptide levels are determined by the balance between ACE and ACE2 activity [15].
Infusion of Ang-(1–7) markedly attenuated hepatic fibrosis in the BDL rat, as assessed by blinded histological assessment using the METAVIR and ISHAK fibrosis scoring systems, and objective quantification of collagen content using a hydroxyproline colorimetric assay and computerized morphometric quantification of Picrosirius Red staining. In addition, treatment with this peptide reduced HSC activation as shown by decreases in α-SMA gene expression and staining for α-SMA in areas of active fibrogenesis. Ang-(1–7) infusion also resulted in the down-regulation of key genes involved in hepatic fibrosis and angiogenesis, including collagen 1A1, CTGF and VEGF. Many of these effects are in direct opposition to those observed in the normal and fibrotic rat liver following AngII infusion [20,30]. Thus, in keeping with findings in cardiovascular and renal disease, in the liver Ang-(1–7) appears to be a potent inhibitor of experimental tissue fibrosis [8].
Our findings in HSCs provide a potential explanation for the antifibrotic effects of Ang-(1–7) in the BDL liver. Previous studies have shown that HSCs express AT1Rs and that AngII up-regulates AT1R and α-SMA gene expression, leading to increased hydroxyproline production in these cells, an effect that is inhibited by AT1R blockade [31,32]. We were able to confirm that AT1R expression is increased during HSC activation; however, this is associated with a major up-regulation of mas, the putative Ang-(1–7) receptor, which mediates opposing actions to those of AT1R [13]. In keeping with these findings and its effects in the BDL liver, Ang-(1–7) caused a dose-dependent decrease in cellular α-SMA concentration, implying that it inhibits HSC activation. The non-peptide Ang-(1–7) mas receptor agonist AVE0991 at a dose of 1×10−6 mol/l produced the greatest decrease in α-SMA, perhaps reflecting its superior stability in culture. It also resulted in the largest decrease in collagen production as assessed using the hydroxyproline assay. Importantly, these effects were inhibited by pre-treatment with the mas receptor antagonist A779, suggesting that the antifibrotic effects of Ang-(1–7) are mediated via this receptor.
The functions and effects of ACE2 within the RAS are only now being realized [15,33]. This enzyme appears to play an important role in the response to cardiovascular [34,35] and renal [36] injury, and has also been identified as the receptor for the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) coronavirus [37]. In agreement with our previous studies [17,18], hepatic ACE2 mRNA expression was significantly up-regulated in livers from cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C and in fibrotic rat liver, suggesting that this enzyme may play an important role in liver disease by increasing both Ang-(1–7) production and AngII degradation. Thus it appears that the ACE2-dependent arm of the RAS is up-regulated in response to hepatic injury and may help protect the liver from deleterious effects of locally generated AngII [16,38].
Infusion of Ang-(1–7) caused the down-regulation of the mas receptor and the ACE gene, but had no effect on ACE2 gene expression. This is particularly interesting given that Ang-(1–7) is primarily degraded by ACE into the inactive peptide fragment Ang-(1–5). Hence delivery of Ang-(1–7) appears to inhibit gene expression of the enzyme responsible for its degradation. This apparent regulatory interplay between RAS enzymes and their peptide substrates has also been shown for AngII, which reduces ACE2 gene expression but has no effect upon ACE [39]. It appears quite plausible therefore that AngII and Ang-(1–7) impart differential transcriptional regulation upon ACE2 and ACE respectively. ACEIs and ARBs have been shown to moderate hepatic fibrosis in several animal models. It is known that ACEIs block Ang-(1–7) breakdown, whereas ARBs increase ACE2 expression, and both class of drugs increase Ang-(1–7) concentrations [40]. These observations raise the possibility that, as in other organs, some of the beneficial effects of ACEIs and ARBs in experimental liver injury result from increases in Ang-(1–7) concentrations, rather than solely from a decrease in AngII formation or receptor binding [41–45].
VEGF is an important angiogenic factor and HSC mitogen that is elevated in hepatic fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma [46,47]. Although Ang-(1–7) has been shown to have anti-angiogenic and antimitogenic properties in other tissues [7,48] the effects of Ang-(1–7) on the hypoxia-responsive VEGF gene have not previously been described in the liver. The present study has demonstrated for the first time that the VEGF gene is down-regulated by Ang-(1–7), an effect which is directly opposite to that observed previously with AngII [49]. This finding is in line with a previous study that showed that mice lacking the ACE2 gene had up-regulated hypoxia-responsive genes in the heart [50], which may be due, at least in part, to decreased Ang-(1–7) formation. Likewise, ACE2 overexpression protects cultured cardiac fibroblasts from hypoxia-induced gene regulation [51]. Similarly, in the present study, the gene expression of the important growth factor CTGF (CCN-2) was significantly reduced by Ang-(1–7) treatment. CTGF has been implicated in the pathogenesis of fibrosis and, as with VEGF, may be increased by environmental factors such as local tissue hypoxia [52]. Thus the down-regulation of both CTGF and VEGF represent possible mechanisms by which Ang-(1–7) ameliorates hepatic fibrosis.
There is considerable evidence that AngII, the principal effector peptide of the vasoconstrictor arm of the RAS, has a key role in the initiation and perpetuation of inflammation and fibrosis in experimental liver injury. Most of the research to date investigating the role of the RAS in liver disease has concentrated on manipulating this ACE/AngII/AT1R axis of the RAS by blocking either ACE or AT1R. The present study provides strong evidence that the alternative ACE2-dependent arm of the RAS is activated by liver injury in humans and that its major peptide product, Ang-(1–7), is increased. This peptide decreases hepatic fibrosis in the BDL model and reduces collagen secretion by cultured rat HSCs through mas-dependent pathways. These findings suggest that agents capable of modulating the ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/mas receptor axis of the RAS have therapeutic potential in chronic liver disease.
This work was supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Australia [grant number 359349]. J. S. L. was a recipient of an NHMRC (Australia) scholarship.
Abbreviations: ACE, angiotensin-converting enzyme; ACEI, ACE inhibitor; ALP, alkaline phosphatase; ALT, alanine aminotransaminase; AngII, angiotensin II; Ang-(1–7), angiotensin-(1–7); AT1R, AngII type 1 receptor; ARB, AT1R blocker; BDL, bile-duct ligation (ligated); CHC, cirrhotic patient with hepatitis C; CTGF, connective tissue growth factor; GGT, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase; HBSS, Hanks balanced salt solution; HSC, hepatic stellate cell; MELD, Model for End-stage Liver Disease; NHC, non-cirrhotic patient with hepatitis C; Q-PCR, quantitative PCR; RAS, renin–angiotensin system; SMA, smooth muscle actin; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor
- © The Authors Journal compilation © 2009 Biochemical Society


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Filling A Cake With A Soft Center
Decorating By Declansmama Updated 15 Jul 2012 , 6:19pm by pippilotta
I was wondering how do you go about filling a cake with a "Soft" center filling. I maked a carrot cake with a soft cream cheese icing and when I covered it in fondant the cake seemed to squish the filling out a little..even with the dam...and the cake was no longer a good shape. So, I was wondering how exactly you fill a cake with something like cherry filling or cream cheese icing. Oh, and can you use a pudding for a filling ? I had a person ask me. Thanks
Did you use the same frosting for the dam as you did for the filling? If the frosting you used for the dam was not a firm frosting, this could be your problem.
I know some that have used pudding as a filling, but I've personally never tried it.
Thank you for your reply, I can't remember what I used for the dam but I will be sure to use a stiff icing time. I was just afraid to have the cake "Squish out" and be at a loss again as to what to do. I have just been using buttercream to be safe but wanted other options. Thanks again
You can stiffen the cream cheese icing that goes between the layers. Have your cakes ready before you mix this up.
Beat in 2 tablespoons of the powdered instant cheesecake mix to your icing for each cup of icing. IMMEDIATELY fill all the layers. This will not change the flavour, but adding the mix will stiffen your filling enough to prevent it squishing out.
DO NOT use this stiffened icing for covering the cake, it will make problems.
I use either Jello brand or the bulk pack in Canada which is the same stuff.
I will have to try that one Does the cake have to be refrigerated then?
I often fill my cakes with very soft fillings like whipped cream with fruits and don't like a thick damn with sweet, stiff icing.
I cut a ring out of cake and fill the cake IN the ring
On my blog is a tutorial for this methode:


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T.I., Feat. Ludacris and B.O.B., 'On Top of the World (Remix)' — New Song
Though he originally sang the hook, Grand Hustle signee B.OB. drops a crazy verse on this 'remix' of a track from T.I.'s 'Paper Trail.' We're not sure if this verse was originally submitted and Tip opted to replace it or if B.O.B. just did this on his own, but he murked it.
"I remember listening to 'Chicken -N- Beer' when I was/Failin my classes with all of my peers and I/Remember listening to 'King Of The South' and 'Trap Music'/And now I know what this is about."
Listen to the 'On Top Of The World' Remix here.


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From the Hearts & Hands of Artisans ®
Safari Animal Accent Table
Availability: Ships in 1-2 weeks from the artisan.
e Exclusive
While you may not find Kathuluni Village on any map of Africa, it is here that Akamba tribesman David hand carves our safari animal accent table from native jacaranda wood. Taught by his father and now a master carver in his own right, David sands each piece to a smooth finish, hand paints with natural colored dyes, and hand finishes with clear wax. Each a unique work of art. 16 in. x 26 in.


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Washington, Sept 11 (ANI): Khole Kardashian's private investigators have revealed that her husband Lamar Odom had 5 mistresses.
The 29-year-old reality star had her basketball player husband followed by a private eye to investigate the cheating rumours, due to an infidelity clause in the pair's pre-nup agreement, Radar Online reported.
The investigator uncovered evidence which stated that Odom indeed cheated on her with 5 different women.
Only names of two women, Polina Polonsky and Jennifer Richardson, had surfaced earlier, regarding their relationship with Odom.
A source has revealed that the 'Keeping Up With The Kardashian' star not only has photographic proof that her husband cheated on her, but also possesses copies of text messages between him and the 5 women.
The insider said that Kardashian is a very smart woman and knew that she had to get the proof.
The source added that Odom now might be forced to pay Kardashian a "very large lump sum of cash, or a very hefty spousal support" if the couple does end up getting a divorce. (ANI)


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Rivals.com focuses on some of the impressive juniors attending the 2005 ABCD Camp in Teaneck, NJ. From the big surprises like 6-foot-2 guard Corey Chandler from Newark, NJ to the big names like O.J. Mayo the younger players are raising the level of play at the camp after the first couple of days.
6-foot-2 1/2G from Eastside HS in Newark, NJ. Chandler was a last minute add-on to the camp and he has taken full advantage of the opportunity, averaging 13.5 points per game and 2.8 steals, both in the Top 10 overall after 4 games. Chandler is a very good shooter, and is very tough off the dribble. Similar in style of play to current Villanova and former Eastside star Randy Foye.
Devin Ebanks
6-foot-8 WF from Bishop Loughlin HS in Brooklyn, NY. Ebanks has used his quickness and explosive leaping ability around the basket to average 11.7 points and 4 rebounds per contest. Improving rapidly, Ebanks will be a major national target before it's all said and done.
6-foot-1 PG from Bishop Loughlin HS in Brooklyn, NY. Gabriel is going to transfer to prep school (likely South Kent) and re-classify. He's leading the camp in assists at 4.8 and generally playing as well as any point guard in the camp. He's not shooting the ball here like he's capable, but with three years to get stronger in prep school, the sky is the limit.
6-foot-5 G/F from St. John Bosco HS in Downey, CA. Hackett, a big-bodied guard from California, has picked up where he left off last summer, averaging 12 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. He's shooting the ball extremely well here, both attacking the basket and from the perimeter. Makes great hustle plays.
6-foot-7 WF from Mater Dei HS in Santa Ana, CA. King has quickly re-established himself as one of the elite players in the Class of 2007. He's in the Top 10 in the camp in scoring (14 ppg.) and top 5 in rebounding (7.5 rpg.). Although his perimeter shooting has been erratic, he's found ways to score by attacking the glass and running the floor.
6-foot-9 C/F from Lake Oswego HS in Oregon. After a rough start in game one against Greg Oden, Love has returned to his NBPA Camp form. He's #3 in the camp in scoring (16.3 ppg.) and #5 in rebounding (7.3 rpg.). There probably isn't another player in the camp that possesses his combination of skills, toughness, and raw physical power.
6-foot-4 PG from North College Hills HS in Cincinnati,OH. Mayo has firmly established himself as the most skilled and productive player in the camp, and perhaps in the nation regardless of class. He's #2 in scoring at 16.8 ppg. and tied for 2nd in assists at 4.5 per game. He makes it look easy most of the time, but can take over a game and dominate when so motivated (as Lance Stephenson found out on day one). He is probably the biggest attraction here, and has lived up to the incredible hype in each game he's played at the camp.
6-foot-9 C/F from Aliquippa HS in Pennsylvania. Pope has continued to be a force on the glass and defensively here. He's averaging 10.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, and the future Pittsburgh Panther is one of the few campers who's been a force at both ends of the floor. He's a sure fire impact player at the next level.
Rakim Sanders
6-foot-5 G/F from St. Andrew's School in Barrington, RI. Sanders exploded onto the AAU scene this past spring and he's had an excellent camp this week. He's a very good three point shooter, but he's impressed with his ability to take the ball to the rack here. Big time college/pro body who'll only get better.
6-foot-5 G/F from St. Benedict's in Newark, NJ. Stokes has cooled off somewhat from his fast start on day one. However, he's still averaging 14.7 points and 5 rebounds per contest. Great shooter with NBA range. Showing his ability to slash along the baseline and get on the glass. Probably the Northeast's top junior performer this spring and summer.
5-foot-8 PG from Curtis HS in Tacoma, WA. Thomas, despite his diminutive stature, has been a superb scorer, both shooting the ball from the perimeter and taking it inside amongst the trees. He's averaging 14 points and 4.5 assists per game, both in the Top 10, and is one of the big surprises this week.


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Following the acquisition, Zipcar will operate as a subsidiary of Avis Budget Group and will continue with its planned move to new headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts. Avis Budget anticipates that key members of the Zipcar management team, including Mr. Griffith and Mark Norman, president and chief operating officer, will continue to set the overall direction and run day-to-day operations of Zipcar.Avis Budget Group expects to fund the purchase price primarily with incremental corporate debt borrowings, as well as available cash. As of September 30, 2012, Avis Budget Group had cash and marketable securities of approximately $554 million, and Zipcar had cash and marketable securities of approximately $82 million, or approximately $2 per Zipcar share. Citigroup is acting as financial advisor, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is acting as legal counsel, to Avis Budget Group. Morgan Stanley is acting as financial advisor, and Latham & Watkins LLP is acting as legal counsel, to Zipcar. Separately, Avis Budget Group today reiterated its previous estimates of its full-year 2012 results. Avis Budget continues to expect that its full-year 2012 revenue will be approximately $7.3 billion, a 24% increase compared to 2011, and that its 2012 Adjusted EBITDA will be approximately $825 million to $840 million, excluding certain items, an increase of 35% to 38% compared to the prior year. Avis Budget also continues to expect that its 2012 pretax income will be $450 million to $465 million and that its diluted earnings per share will be approximately $2.35 to $2.45, excluding certain items. Investor Conference Call Avis Budget Group and Zipcar will host a conference call to discuss the transaction on January 2, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. (ET). Investors may access the call live at ir.avisbudgetgroup.com or ir.zipcar.com or by dialing 415-228-4734 and providing the access code "Avis Budget." Investors are encouraged to dial in approximately 10 minutes prior to the call. A web replay will be available at ir.avisbudgetgroup.com and at ir.zipcar.com following the call. A telephone replay will be available from 12:00 noon (ET) on January 2 until 8:00 p.m. (ET) on January 16 at 203-369-1604, access code: "Avis Budget."
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PRZOOM - /newswire/ -
Lodz, Poland, 2014/11/10 - The Lodz-based chocolate plant of Barry Callebaut, the worlds leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, is soon to be expanded to include two additional modern production lines for chocolate manufacturing - Barry-Callebaut.com. BARN
Investment totalling nearly PLN 96m ( 22.8m) over two years;
Planned employment increase by 80 new hires;
Ground stone laying ceremony to be held on 12 November 2014.
The Lodz-based chocolate plant of Barry Callebaut, the worlds leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, is soon to be expanded to include two additional modern production lines for chocolate manufacturing. The planned investment worth nearly PLN 96m ( 22.8m) will create 80 new jobs over the coming two years. The plant which was built nearly twenty years ago is located in the Special Economic Zone.
The ground stone laying ceremony will be held on November 12, 2014 and will be attended by representatives of Barry Callebauts Regional Management Board and the City of Lodz Office, including the Mayor of Lodz, Hanna Zdanowska. The first new production line will be operational in the summer of 2015. The whole investment will be completed by the end of 2016 and create 80 additional jobs, bringing up the total number of jobs to 200.
The expansion of our plant in Lodz is a vital element in Barry Callebauts growth strategy in Central and Western Europe. Our operations in Poland are a cornerstone in our mid- and long-term plans and the expansion of our production capacity and development of modern methods for chocolate production are key to maintaining our leading market position, said Philipp Schoeller, Vice President FM Europe Central, Member of the Management Board of Barry Callebaut Manufacturing Polska.
Barry Callebauts investment project in Lodz is conducted in the citys Special Economic Zone, which is recognized as one of the most dynamic SEZ in Poland. Barry Callebauts plant expansion is one of the largest projects among all investments approved for implementation in SEZ in 2014.
About Barry Callebaut Group
With annual sales of about CHF 4.9 billion (EUR 4.0 billion / USD 5.2 billion) in fiscal year 2012/13, the Zurich-based Barry Callebaut Group (barry-callebaut.com) is the worlds leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products from sourcing and processing cocoa beans to producing the finest chocolates, including chocolate fillings, decorations and compounds. The Group runs more than 50 production facilities worldwide and employs a diverse and dedicated global workforce of over 9,000 people.
The Barry Callebaut Group serves the entire food industry, from industrial food manufacturers to artisanal and professional users of chocolate, such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakers, hotels, restaurants or caterers. The two global brands catering to the specific needs of these Gourmet customers are Callebaut® and Cacao Barry®.
The Barry Callebaut Group is committed to sustainable cocoa production through its Cocoa Horizons initiative to help ensure future supplies of cocoa as well as improve farmer livelihoods.
Agency / Source: Barry Callebaut AG
Availability: All Regions (Including Int'l)
Traffic Booster: [/] Quick PRZOOM - Press & Newswire Visibility Checker
Distribution / Indexing: [+] / [Company listed above is a registered member of our network. Content made possible by PRZOOM / PRTODAY indexing services]


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Disclaimer Information: Please confirm with seller accuracy of information. Mileage recorded at time of listing. Taxes and license are not included in listing price.
Remote Releases, Front-wheel Drive, 5 Person Seating Capacity, Power Locks/windows...plus Much More!! Massive Used Inventory Month on now at Dueck Richmond. Nobody Beats a Dueck Deal! The 2015 Nissan Sentra is a top safety pick, which is certain to appeal to families. With its near-midsize car accommodations for passengers and shockingly large trunk, the Sentra will appeal to many shoppers. This seventh-generation Sentra keeps you in the loop with the available Nissan Navigation System (featuring Voice Recognition), available hands-free text messaging assistant, standard Bluetooth hands-free calling and streaming audio, plus an iPod/USB input.This sedan has 47078 kms. It's super black in colour and is completely accident free based on the CarProof Report . It has an automatic transmission and is powered by a 1.8L I4 16V MPFI DOHC engine. This vehicle also has the following features: Remote Releases, Front-wheel Drive, 5 Person Seating Capacity, Power Locks/windowsplus Much More!. To apply right now for financing use this link https://gmcldealersecureforms.com/dueckrichmond/FinancePreQualForm?originalDomain=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dueckrichmond.com%2FvisitorI Easy financing : NO CREDIT, BAD CREDIT, BANKRUPT - All are welcome! Dueck Richmond -The Power of Trust, Serving Western Canada Since 1926! Nobody Beats a Dueck Deal!! We are located at 12100 Featherstone Way, 604-273-1311 (1-800-992-1311). Disclaimer: Although every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information above, due to the possibility of human error, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the displayed information. Prices displayed for Vehicles do not include additional fees and costs of closing, including government fees and taxes, any finance charges, dealer documentation fees of $549, any emissions testing fees or other fees. All prices, specifications and availability subject to change without notice. Contact Dealer for most current information. Dealer# 81093 VSA# 30455 Come by and check out our fleet of 60+ used cars and trucks and 320+ new cars and trucks for sale in Richmond. o~o
For this vehicle based on mileage, region and options.
This graph compares the vehicle to the average market price for a 2015 Nissan Sentra in your area based on recent listings on autoTRADER.ca. It is intended only as a guide. Factors such as vehicle condition can affect prices.


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Apple's event this week will reportedly feature new iPads, OS X Yosemite, and a new, high-resolution iMac, but not a long-rumored Retina MacBook Air.
More →
The Retina iPad mini has an LED-backlit LCD screen with in-plane switching (IPS) for a wide viewing angle. It also has a 2048x1536 display crammed down to 326ppi to fit into a 7.9-inch screen. That's the same pixel count as the iPad Air, the same density as the iPhone 5s, and the same screen size as the original iPad mini. (And yes, the same narrow color gamut as the original iPad mini as well.) So what does all this mean for the stuff we look at all day, the icons, the comics and graphics, and the text?
The Retina iPad mini promises all the pixels of the iPad Air at the density of the iPhone 5s. That's 2048x1536 at 326ppi. If that sounds like a screen-dream come true, in many ways it is. Unfortunately, the Retina iPad mini only provides the same, narrower color gamut of the original iPad mini. That translates into reds that appear slightly less saturated on the Retina iPad mini than they do on any of the full-sized Retina iPads, or Retina iPhones. Anand Lal Shimpi ran his usual, comprehensive battery of tests for AnandTech:
Apple has just announced a retina iPad mini which will push the same amount of pixels as its older sibling, the iPad Air. It will also feature the same 10 hours of battery life as well.
Small tablets are back in the news this week with Google's new, 1080p capable Nexus 7, prompting many folk to question why Apple can't do the same with the iPad mini. It isn't quite as simple as slapping on a 1080p display, and there are many things to consider in a theoretical Retina equipped iPad mini. One big one is battery life; Apple won't ship until they've managed to get the battery life to their liking, so we're asking you guys. What's more important to you for the next iPad mini, battery life or a Retina Display.
Marble-rolling games have been around for iOS ever since developers learned how to use accelerometer controls - there are countless examples of labyrinth games and other ball rollers, enough to make your eyes glaze over. One has always stood apart for me: the Dark Nebula series. Now it's back and better than ever in HD, with new levels.
Samsung does make some great displays, for sure, though while they've taken on the Retina Display on mobile, their laptop displays pale in comparison next to the MacBook Pro's Retina Display. In truth, only Google's Chromebook Pixel and Toshiba's new Kirabook can really sit at the same table as the Retina MacBook Pro. Samsung is looking to change all that with the announcement of their new panel with a staggering 276 PPI.
Last weekend it was iPhone 5 displays, now it's iPad 4 displays, and just as before, we have a sensational headline attributed to a couple of anonymous sources, with only the most superficial context and analysis provided far, far below in the body. This time, according to Reuters, production of iPad 4 displays at Sharp is being kept at levels only sufficient to keep the line running. However:
The iPad mini doesn't have a Retina display, and that's left it and Apple open to a lot of criticism. It's easy to say the iPad mini should have a Retina display, but unfortunately for Apple and for us, it's not so easy to engineer. It comes at a cost. I've mentioned that before in passing, but given the press it's still getting, over a week over launch, it bears repeating.
The iPad mini is the first non-Retina display iOS device Apple has introduced since the iPad 2 in the spring of 2011. The iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, and iPhone 5 are all Retina devices, as are the iPod touch 4 and iPod touch 5. There's are a lot of technical reasons why Apple made that choice. Lighting, powering, and paying for a 2048x1536 panel would have resulted in a substantial thicker, heavier, more expensive iPad mini. But how much of a difference does it really make?


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I'd just like to add that I think ALL covered (finned & gloved) forearms have a cut joint like Roboto/Horde Prime to maximize swap-ability.
Skeletor, Drego-Man, King hiss/Hordak ect. So nothing like this could ever prevent collectors from having what they want. Same goes for shoulders. If all the figures had interchangeable limbs like Trap Jaw we wouldn't have ever had a problem with Roboto & King Hiss to begin with.


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Tuesday, April 01, 2014
Music is lodged in your heart
People tune out commercials but music can grab.
Looking at the popular songs, they found some themes that seem to resonate with people. They are: loss, desire, aspiration, breakup, pain, inspiration, nostalgia, rebellion, jaded, desperation, escapism and confusion.
Not all were popular at the same time--Rebellion was big in the 60s and 70s, and was not even in the Top 10 in the 80s.
Desperation and inspirational leapt onto the list in the 00s. From Sept 11?
The other day a commercial played a snatch of Zorba's Dance from the movie Zorba the Greek, a big favorite of mine. I almost jumped off the couch.
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Stomach + Liposonix
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Liposonix - 140 Joules Total Enough?
Got several shots of pain medication on stomach&flanks via very thin needles. procedure started right away. Didn't feel numb. Started w/ 50... READ MORE
How Big is the Area Treated?
Hi, Is there a predefined area that will be treated with Liposonix per session? For example, is it possible that doctor A will treat a smaller portion... READ MORE
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Minor Stomach issues. Love handles. Small amount of bra fat when I twist my torso. READ MORE
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Sunday, Oct 5, 2008. Varanasi
As raw as Varanasi seems, there's a humor to it. It takes a while to find, but if you do, you might just fall in love with this city.
This is something a fellow backpacker, a U.K. gent, told me on my first day in Varanasi after the initial culture shock had settled into me and I was contemplating getting the next flight back to Delhi. I'm glad I remembered what he said because I remember it to this day and this is the best way I can explain Varanasi to others.Afterall, what can you possibly find funny about a polluted city, dirty and raggedy streets occupied by lazy cows, dodging touts and sketchy folk, who spit betelnut juice out in front of you?
Well, somehow if you look, you do find the humor in Varanasi, as you do with a lot of India.
And it invites you just laugh with this city…
Mr. Uday Singh and The Underbelly Temple Tour
NOT having a patience for touristy things, I walk the streets and come upon Uday Singh, a "palmist" who tries to read my palm… badly. Then he tries to tell me he's a tour guide.
We go to his "friend's" store on the main road and from the surprised looks I get from his friends, I know he's trying to play a fiddle with a banjo! It's likely he's not either.
Yup, live scam here and I'm his first fish.
But Uday, I assess, is a harmless 'storytelling' (aka 'liar') sort, whom I quickly realize can fill my day with a few theatrics and possibly unique experiences. I decide to let Uday work for his 100 Rs ($2) and tell Uday that while he doesn't have to be accurate, he does have to be entertaining.
With that, he proceeds to show me the "unofficial" sights of Varanasi.
First, Uday took me on a tour of his friends' house temples . Many of these houses were small rooms with open doors and window. Despite the openness, some were still quite dark. Family altars ranged from minimal to ornate. Hindu followers put much into their daily devotion.
But then we started to get too deep into the alleyway homes and less where tourists roam, I started to feel reluctant. Varanasi's wat neighborhoods can be a maze of alleys. I didn't like that I could get lost and if I got too far off the main drag, I'd easily be vulnerable to possible danger. Uday could lure me into trouble, perhaps a scam, or into a house, where I could be raped. I wasn't about to take chances.
I told him I wanted to leave and go the bigger temples.
Temple street feet and the number one rule of Hindu temples:
Uday acquiesced and so we also walked to larger community temples (photo below). Uday's explanations of temple rituals and regaling stories in truth, were entertaining.
When entering temples, … YOU HAVE TO TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF!
Sorry, but it's an unavoidable rule. With all the cow poo and pissing that goes on in the streets, removing footwear is the last thing I wanted to do. So, I walked with cupped feet.
Devotees brought Ganga water in tiny cup bowls for worship, using it to anoint statues of their gods. They offer anything from flower garlands, thrown petals and sweets. Thousands make pilgrimages throughout the day, trekking in and out of temples with Varanasi "street feet". (Street feet is my word for it. Your feet dipped in ganga water and street dirt is enough to make a slightly gross watery mud, which you will put back into your sock or shoes)
An explanation of 'How Indians perform their temple ritual' | from the Uday Singh Tour
Leading me through a Shiva temple, Uday begins…
After you enter the temple…
1) "You ring bell as if ringing the doorbell of a house you wish to enter. Here, you are calling on God's house"
( knock-knock, ring bell) "Hello God- are you home?"
2) "Stand in front of altar and make your offering of flowers-food-money"
"God- I bring you a housewarming gift "
3) "Touch statue & then lightly touch between your brows and then to heart. This is prayer for the spirit of god to enter you."
'God, you are in my heart & spirit"
4) "Make your prayer and tell God what you want"
5) Take Prasad from the priest. (Prasad is like an exchange "gift" in the form of a red tikka or dot between the eyebrows, a sweet or a rope tie)
God says "Thank you, please come again"
Uday is pretty damned good, right?
But then, Uday Singh touched a dripping Ganga altar with his hands and roughly smears the Ganga water all over my face. (ewww… Ganga water is technically very filthy…) Then he took prasad from bowl and force fed it into my pursed germaphobe lips.
Our last stop was the popular Monkey Temple, where there were ongoing rituals and devotees, waiting for worship service to begin.
The day was coming to a quick close and I could tell by Uday's anxiousness, that he was starting to wonder how he could make more money off of me. His jovial nature turned dark and irritable when I didn't agree to being taken anywhere else. I could feel his growing desperation. Then he asked me to pay 200 rupees vs. our agreed 100 rupees. I told him I'd pay what we agreed upon and he wasn't happy. It wasn't going well.
It was time for me to make a quick exit before his temper rose. I put the 100 rupees in his hand and quickly walked away.
Haggling for a rickshaw and getting left in No Man's Land
The shitty thing about being a traveler is that you never know the actual lay of the land. You don't know how far or close things are from where you're at. It makes you feel helpless and vulnerable.
From the temple, I decided to take a rickshaw back to my guesthouse. I haggled with the driver. He wanted me to pay 80 ruppees, but I knew locals were only paying 40 ruppees (I actually asked Uday how much it cost to get back before I left him). So I was stubborn with 40 ruppees. Fine, the rickshaw driver sulkily agreed.
Five minutes he dropped me off in nowhere remotely recognizable. I felt stranded. He refused to go further and just left. I was pissed.
So I went around asking locals for directions back to the wat neighborhood I was at. I decide to make the best of being lost and do some leisurely exploring. Then, when it started to get dark, I followed several pointing fingers back to the main ghat, which would put me back in the perspective of knowing where my guesthouse was at.
On a lighter note…
The Rising Ganges and it's water height
An interesting fact in Varanasi is that the water height changes. On the ghats, you see temples and guesthouses/hotels, etc… raised high and with steps leading up to it answering the call of a really challenging Step-Aerobics class. This is because during monsoon season the water levels can get pretty high and half of the original ghats in Varanasi are submerged under water.
Tonight I am off to attend the evening Aarti at the main ghat with Lee. The performance starts at 7P ; I hear it's beautiful and not to be missed. I shall take dinner and then get dressed and go. Have to run now.
Related Varanasi Posts:
• Ghat Life in Varanasi
• Varanasi Stains
• The Lessons of a first-time Solo Traveler in India
• Nightmare Hotel in Varanasi
• Video: "Sunrise on the Ganges", Varanasi
• Video: Varanasi's Ganga Aarti
• Photo Essay: Dostana
• Travel Tips for India