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Many studies over the years have shown that a large number of credit reports include at least one error. Some believe this number to be as high as 80 percent. So, with that in mind, the million dollar question is: when was the last time you reviewed your credit report for inaccuracies? If you do come across an error, it is very important that you take the proper steps in getting it fixed. Not only can you do this yourself, but it should not cost you any money other than postage.
Here are the steps to follow if you need to fix an error on your credit report:
0. Pull Your Credit Report. Pulling your credit report is step 0, because if you're searching for this information, you've probably already done this and realized there was an error on your credit report. I just wanted to clarify that FreeCreditReport.com is NOT the website offered by the federal government that gives you a free credit report each year. AnnualCreditReport.com is the correct website that allows you to pull your credit report from all three credit reporting agencies for FREE, once per calendar year.
1. Begin to track all of the steps that you take. Proper record keeping is important to ensure that you get your report fixed as soon as possible. This includes records of all phone conversations you have, as well as copies of letters, emails, and any other communication. By communicating primarily via certified mail, you will be in much better position to accurately track the steps you are taking. Along with this, you know for sure that the other party received the correspondence.
Any information that supports your claim of an error needs to be copied. In other words, do not send any original documentation. Proof can be anything from a canceled payment to a billing statement. By sending copies, you always have what you need as a backup if something goes wrong.
2. Inform the proper credit reporting agency of the error that you have found. The Federal Consumer Information Center strongly suggests that you include a copy of your credit report, showing which item(s) you are disputing. By law, the credit agency is required to investigate your claim within 30 days. It is their job to forward all the data from you to the lender, creditor, or other business that may have reported the inaccurate information. This will save you a lot of time.
Need help crafting a letter? Check out this sample credit report dispute letter.
Transunion Online Credit Dispute
Experian Online Credit Dispute
3. Get in touch with the business that made the mistake. Although the credit agency will forward some information, you want to do your part at the same time. Let them know that you have opened a dispute with the credit agency. It is important that you are clear in what you are asking for. Do you want an item deleted entirely from your report? Or does it just need to be updated with the proper information?
4. Wait for an answer. If you are successful, the credit agency will send you a written letter complete with a free copy of your report, showing the change. In most cases, this is the end of the line. You got what you wanted, and should be happy that your credit report is now 100 percent accurate. Keep the documentation just in case it ever becomes an issue in the future.
5. No progress? You have the right to take legal action if you still believe you are right and are not getting any satisfaction from the credit agency and/or business that is responsible for the error. Sometimes all it takes is a simple demand letter from an attorney stating that they are violating federal law to get the business to wake up and acknowledge that they're reporting a false debt on your credit report. If you need help finding an attorney who can represent you, get in touch with your state's attorney general's office. At this point, you will begin to spend money. Only you can decide if hiring an attorney is worth the time, money and hassle. As an alternative, you can also choose to write a letter threatening legal action before actually hiring an attorney.
While time consuming, you can fix any error on your credit report for free by following the steps above. Have any of you successfully done this in the past?
(photo credit: TrinityCreditServices)


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2013 is now over, and what a year it was.
In the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn we brought you our Forage and Feast Days in collaboration with Caroline Davey of Fat Hen. The great success of these coastal forays to uncover the wild food of St Ives Bay will be built on in 2014, with new dates now available to book.
With the St Ives Food and Drink Festival and the launch of our cookbook in May, the season got off to a fantastic start, followed by a long, hot summer in which guests on the terrace basked in sunshine day after day.
Other developments included the chance to experience a laid-back morning start in one of Cornwall's most stunning locations, with the introduction of our breakfast menu – returning again later this year.
The year was book-ended with awards – The Food Mag Reader's Awards in January for Best Cafe, and runner-up in the Cornwall Tourism Awards in the Best Restaurant category in November.
All in all, 2013 was one of our busiest and most successful years ever, and we are very proud of all our staff for what they have achieved, and for still wearing a smile at the end of each day!
We will be closed for our annual break from 6th Jan, reopening on the 14th Feb. The best way to book a table for 2014 is online, where you can also sign up to our network to receive news of events.
Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you again in 2014!

subset: commoncrawl


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Hi, how can I convert numbers into words without using arrays? or is it possible not to use arrays?
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Hi, how can I convert numbers into words without using arrays? or is it possible not to use arrays?
i think you should really use a list..
or check the API if theres any method that converts a number into a String/word
Integer.toString() converts an int to a string....after which you can stitch the strings together.
Last edited by copeg; December 30th, 2009 at 10:30 PM.
So, if I want to do the opposite, does String.toInteger () work?
see: how to convert string to int
hhaha i thought he was asking how to convert a number into a words LITERALLY
like 1 - one..! 1000 - one thousand.... deym...!
lol, no. I need to get the value of a string. In Olde BASIC (Sinclair, Commodore etc...) you would use something like VAL or VAL$. Ie, LET A=VAL "100" or LET B=VAL B$ would give you 100 or the literal value of B$ as long as B$ only contains numbers and not letters or other characters.


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They say two things in life are certain – death and taxes. As we grow ever closer to the tax filing deadline of April 15, you can count on a couple of other things as well: tax preparers will be working overtime, and the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division will continue to enforce workplace protections for them and any other employees burning the midnight oil.
Our agency means business when it comes to our mission of promoting and achieving compliance with federal labor standards to protect and enhance the welfare of the nation's workforce. In our effort to do so, we use a robust variety of enforcement tools, including subpoenas, search warrants, consent judgments, debarments, the assessment of liquidated damages, civil money penalties and garnishments where appropriate.
These tools led to the Bluefield, Va., accounting firm of Raymond A. Froy Jr., CPA, P.C., recently paying $22,006 in back wages and liquidated damages for minimum wage, overtime and record-keeping violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
As a certified public accountant and president of the firm, Mr. Froy advises a large clientele of businesses and accounting firms across a nine-state region on various issues, including, ironically, compliance with federal employment laws. During our investigation of his firm, Mr. Froy refused to cooperate, seemingly with the intent to avoid corrective action. Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common situation. The Wage and Hour Division persisted, however, and obtained the records we needed through a subpoena. The investigation found that, among other violations, the company paid tax preparers "straight-time" wages for all hours worked, rather than time and one-half their regular rates of pay for hours worked in excess of 40 per week, as required.
This case eventually escalated to litigation. The result? Froy's firm entered into a consent judgment with the department and agreed to pay $17,003 in back wages and liquidated damages to six employees. The consent judgment further stipulated that, if the terms of the agreement were not met, the firm would become liable for an additional $5,002 in liquidated damages. That is exactly what happened. Because the employer did not pay the full amount agreed upon, the Wage and Hour Division went back to court and secured a judge's garnishment order. We collected the additional liquidated damages and remaining unpaid back wages, bringing the total amount paid to $22,006.
As this case highlights, we mean business. We encourage other employers to learn from this case, to review their pay practices and to make diligent efforts to limit future liability by complying with the FLSA. The president recently highlighted the importance of these protections for the American workforce when he signed a memorandum on overtime directing the secretary of labor to update overtime regulations.
Employers can call the Wage and Hour Division confidentially at 1-866-4US-WAGE or visit www.dol.gov/whd to learn about the laws we enforce. In this season of tax preparation − and throughout the year − rest assured that if tax preparers, temporary workers or any other employees find themselves "taxed" by working overtime but not compensated, we will be watching to ensure that they are properly paid for their efforts. Like death and taxes, you can count on it.
John DuMont is the director of the Wage and Hour Division's district office in Pittsburgh, Pa., which conducted the investigation of Raymond Froy's accounting firm.
please contact OFCCP Consulting.com for more information.


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|Most popular in
|High demand for flights, 5% potential price rise
|Cheapest in
|Best time to find cheap flights, 3% potential price drop
|Average price
|Price for this month
|Cheapest price
|From Ho Chi Minh City to Moscow
Moscow Domodedovo Airport is located 42km (26 miles) from central Moscow. It serves the area alongside the depressing Sheremetyevo International Airport, offering passengers a modern and much more cheerful entry point to the proud culture and history of Russia.
Processing more than 22 million passengers each year, flights to Moscow Domodedovo Airport come from all over the world, including major cities such as London, Cairo, Hong Kong, Madrid, Athens, Berlin, Vienna, Dubai, Tokyo, Barcelona, Houston, Singapore, Lisbon, Washington DC, Tel Aviv and Doha.
The airport also serves a number of domestic routes, and many passengers pass a few hours here on their way to St Petersburg, Kaliningrad, Krasnoyarsk and other Russian cities. The huge numbers of passengers in a relatively small facility mean long queues are a common experience.
In early 2011 Moscow Domodedovo Airport was hit by a terrorist attack, so security has been much tighter ever since. It's best to leave plenty of extra time for delays when catching a flight from the airport.


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Russell Brunson – 108 Proven Split Test Winners
Sale Page: https://dotcomsecretslabs.com/free-book
This book will reveal 108 of my own proven split test winners.
Yes, if you have a website, then this will be the MOST IMPORTANT book that you'll ever read.
The book is called "DotComSecrets Labs" and it reveals 108 Simple Tweaks you can make to your Website, so you can make more money NOW!
You see over the past few years, I have been secretly saving every split test that we've run.
We have tests in almost every niche and industry you can dream of.
And that is important, because I currently sell products in the weight loss, dating, couponing, diabetic, network marketing, internet marketing, dog training, parenting, identity theft, and ever the potato gun markets.
I needed (and have) test that don't just work in the "make money" niche, I needed things that were universal.
I kept all of these tests in a secret folder on my desktop called "Secret Tests".
We have literally spent hundreds of thousands of dollars testing every element in our sales funnels.


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The President of the Association for Non-Violence in the Niger Delta (ANND), Kennedy Tonjo West and the President of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum (NDEF), Amaibi Ombi, have said Nigeria must be made safe for democracy.
They admonished Northerners to sheathe their swords and give peace a chance.
The ex-militants, yesterday at a joint briefing in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, said when it comes to electing leaders, people should not play God.
"The comments of some Northerners before the 2011 elections can be linked to the insecurity and wanton killings in the country. We do not need a seer to tell us, who the instigators of the insurgencies are."
The ex-agitators also stated that the six-year single tenure proposed by President Goodluck Jonathan was a step in the right direction, which they said would ensure unity and stability.
They condemned the calls for the arrest and prosecution of the Special Adviser to President Jonathan on Niger Delta, Kingsley Kuku, and the leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, for threatening mayhem, if the President was not reelected.


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North Cascades
My journey as an artist is intimately tied with the North Cascades. In 2010 I participated in a 12 day women's science, mountaineering, art, and leadership program with Inspiring Girls Expeditions. This was my first experience with field painting (plein air painting but in a wilderness setting) and is at the heart of my art practice today.
I return each year to the North Cascades to explore, create, and observe the changes in the landscape through art. In the last eight years, I have witnessed a noticeable recession of the Easton Glacier (painted and pictured below).
Easton Glacier painted during a rain storm from the moraine below the peak. 16x10in, 2017.


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At WWDC 2012 Apple announced upcoming version of it's mobile operating system iOS 6. iOS 6 has plenty of new features including Siri now available for iPad and supports more languages and Apple introduced new Maps app called "Flyover" instead of Google map. And one more sweetable news for all it's totally free, and easy to upgrade wirelessly on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with out any cost. iOS 6 may be available with in 3 to 4 months.
iOS 6 compatible with:
- iPhone 3GS
- iPhone 4
- iPhone 4S
- iPad 2
- New iPad
- iPod Touch (4th Gen)
New Features:
Siri: With iOS 6, Siri understands more languages, works in more countries, and is available on the new iPad.2 So you can get more things done in more places around the world. Want to know the latest scores and stats for your favorite teams and players? Thanks to iOS 6, Siri knows the answers. Or maybe it's movie night. Siri can show you the latest reviews and showtimes. Find the best restaurants in town and make reservations. Even open your apps for you — no tapping required. Say "Launch Flight Tracker" or "Open Where's My Water" and Siri does just that. You can even use Siri to post Facebook updates and tweet for you, too.
Maps: Maps will change the way you see the world.1 Map elements are vector based, so graphics and text are incredibly detailed — even when you zoom all the way in — and panning is smooth. Tilt and rotate to view an area, and Maps keeps the names of streets and places where they belong. Get visual and spoken turn-by-turn navigation and real-time traffic updates. Even soar over cityscapes to see the sights from the air in amazing, high-resolution quality.
Facebook integration: Now it's easier than ever to interact with the world's largest social network. And there's no need to leave your app to do it. Share a photo to Facebook right from Camera or Photos. Post your location right from Maps. Brag about a high score right from Game Center. If you have your hands full, just ask Siri to post for you. You need to sign in to Facebook only once, and you'll be off and sharing. Never miss another birthday or get-together, since Facebook events are integrated into Calendar. And your Facebook friends' profile information is integrated into Contacts, so when they update an email address or phone number you automatically stay up to date.
Pass book: Your boarding passes, movie tickets, retail coupons, loyalty cards, and more are now all in one place. With Passbook, you can scan your iPhone or iPod touch to check in for a flight, get into a movie, and redeem a coupon. You can also see when your coupons expire, where your concert seats are, and the balance left on that all-important coffee bar card. Wake your iPhone or iPod touch, and passes appear on your Lock screen at the appropriate time and place — like when you reach the airport or walk into the store to redeem your gift card or coupon. And if your gate changes after you've checked in for your flight, Passbook will even alert you to make sure you're not relaxing in the wrong terminal.
Go here to know the all new features from iOS 6, and iOS 6 download now available for developers in iOS Dev Center


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Beyond the Firearm – Part 2 is a significant step in exposing professionals and public alike to the very different concepts and fundamentally different approach to training in preparation for violence. The material presented takes all aspects of training with Kalashnikov rifles to the new level, examining many attributes and details of that training in unprecedented depth. Principles of movement in combat, ambidextrous manipulations of basic controls, "in-fight" methods of dealing with malfunctions, horizontal and vertical displacement, transitions to secondary weapons and many other attributes and skillsets are demonstrated, explained and examined in detailed manner, addressing the factors that are often overlooked. Intentionally focusing on the aspects of gunfighting training beyond that of marksmanship realm, the material, if learned and practiced, can have a significant positive influence on your marksmanship skills applied to the realm of CQB environment. Challenging the dogmatic status quo of modern combat rifle training, the material presented can take your ability to prevail in a gunfight beyond the level afforded by traditional training approaches.
Link zum Shop: "klicke hier"


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Fortum to acquire circular economy company Ekokem - purchase price EUR 700 million
Fortum to acquire circular economy company Ekokem - purchase price EUR 700 million
Fortum Corporation and the four biggest owners of Ekokem Corporation have announced today that they have signed an agreement whereby Fortum will acquire their shareholdings in Ekokem. These four biggest owners are the Finnish State, the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company and the Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority, HSY, who represent approximately 81% of the shares and voting rights. In total, Ekokem has about 400 shareholders.
The transaction will require competition authority clearances in Finland and in Sweden. Fortum estimates that the closing of the transaction will take place during the third quarter of 2016. Fortum has also announced that it will make a tender offer to all remaining shareholders at the same price (EUR 165 per share). The completion of the tender offer will be subject to Fortum obtaining the competition clearances and reaching a majority ownership in Ekokem. Having reached the necessary ownership thresholds, Fortum will proceed with a minority redemption process. The debt and cash-free purchase price for 100% of the company is EUR 700 million.
"During the last years, Ekokem has grown from a Finnish company into a Nordic environmental management service group. Our growth has been profitable, and the market offers plenty of opportunities to grow the business further. One example of our current growth initiatives is the Circular Economy Village that is currently being built in Riihimäki and which will refine recycled plastics, biogas and energy, among other things, from mixed municipal waste," says Ekokem CEO Karri Kaitue.
"Ekokem is a first-class company with experienced management and personnel. Supported by Fortum's competence in waste-to-energy and strong financial resources, a true Nordic circular economy champion will be formed. We see excellent international growth opportunities for the business and intend to invest in the further development of Ekokem's solutions," says Pekka Lundmark, Fortum President and CEO.
Image: Ekokem
Source: Ekokem


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In 1995, imug consultancy emerged from the imug institute of the University of Hanover. To date, almost 40 employees provide consultancy and research services in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Socially Responsible Investment (SRI), market research and marketing.
The Sustainable Investment Division focuses on research analysis for funds that invest in companies with a particular social and environmental performance. In this regard, our customized systems of research criteria enable us to effectively meet customer needs and differentiate us from others.
Furthermore, we provide market research and communication projects in order to comprehensively address SRI issues.
Further information on our projects and clients can be found on our website.
Please do not hesitate to contact us in case of any questions you might have:
Head imug rating
imug rating. Senior Sustainability Analyst
Since 1998, imug cooperates with EIRIS, a worldwide leading provider of company ratings along social, environmental and ethical criteria. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, imug conducts research against the criteria system developed by EIRIS. A total of 60 analysts from various academic backgrounds and experiences worldwide are working on the rating of companies.
Established by the EIRIS Foundation, EIRIS is one of the global leaders in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) analysis of companies and states. With over 30 years of experience in the field of extra-financial research and the development of strategies for responsible investment, EIRIS today works with more than 200 asset managers and institutional investors worldwide.
EIRIS offers data that can be integrated into investor analysis processes in a simple and flexible manner offering real expertise on ESG issues that allows investors to understand and identify where the greatest risk lies and which companies are best responding to financially material sustainability challenges.
Based in London with offices in Paris and Washington DC, EIRIS offers a wide range of material environmental, social and governance criteria. Their analysis of over 3000 companies worldwide is available though a cutting edge online tool, the EIRIS Global Platform (or EGP) which allows customers to either utilize a default Sustainability Rating or to customize the analysis to meet their individual approach to responsible investment. EIRIS's research corresponds to the strictest quality standards and has been certified to the independent ARISTA® standard since 2009, the leading quality standard for research in responsible investment.
Founded in 2002 by Nicole Notat, Vigeo is a European expert in analysing the responsibility of organisations in terms of Environmental, Social and Governance factors. Vigeo's evaluation framework is based around six pillars of analysis; business behaviour, human rights, community involvement, environment, corporate governance and human resources.
Vigeo offers two types of service through two business units:
Vigeo rating – the way to responsible investment – offers a large range of products and services designed for investors and asset managers engaged in sustainable and responsible investment practices. Vigeo rating analyses over 3000 issuers, companies, local authorities and states included.
Vigeo enterprise – the way to responsible management – works with organizations of all sizes, from all sectors, public and private to support teams in the integration of ESG criteria into their business functions and strategic operations.
Vigeo's research corresponds to the strictest quality standards and has been certified to the independent ARISTA® standard since 2009, the leading quality standard for research in responsible investment.
Vigeo is present in Paris, Casablanca, Brussels, Milan, London, Tokyo, Montreal and Santiago-Chile has over 120 employees.
In autumn 2015, EIRIS and Vigeo announced the merger of the two entities. Both agencies are leaders in their markets with strong potential for further growth. The two agencies will build upon their reputations and strong brand names, as well as on their skills that have produced innovative methodologies and technologies. With a team of 180 employees, the new entity will analyse up to 10,000 issuers. The pooling of their resources and tools will further broaden the coverage of issuers rated on an annual basis to better serve the growing needs of their clients.
Based on methodologies that are synergetic and complementary, Vigeo – EIRIS will offer a wide product suite tailored to the needs of a range of global investors.
The reach of this new player, present from North America to Australia, Europe to South Korea, will allow it to play a leading role in promoting relations between issuers and investors going forward
The sustainability rating on behalf of the FairWorldFonds is independently conducted by imug. Hence, it may be that you will receive a survey from Vigeo-Eiris following the previously mentioned rating process, as well as an additional separate survey from imug (only for companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland). These processes will be further integrated in due course.
The FairWorldFonds has been launched in 2010 and is targeted at private and institutional investors. The fund is focusing on "development, international justice and sustainability" and applies a very strict set of criteria that is guided by a development perspective for all the covered asset classes. By defining such a set of criteria, development criteria have been introduced into ethical investment.
For equity investments the fund initiators are seeking to identify companies that actively take up their responsibility in developing and newly industrialized markets and whose activities are better compatible with the goal of development, justice and sustainability worldwide than those of many other actors.
Therefore, imug researches companies that either operate in one or more developing or newly industrialized countries or sell products that are (or might be) capable of stimulating development and poverty reduction. Thus, imug investigates the direct and indirect effects of company activities in developing and newly industrialized countries.
imug is continuously rating new companies that might be suitable titles for investment by the FairWorldFonds. Only companies that fulfill all fund criteria are considered as suitable titles. While imug is narrowing down the choice of titles, the Ethics Committee and the fund manager decide in which of these preselected titles the fund invests. The Ethics Committee is composed of renowned development and financial experts.
Once a company is considered as suitable title, an update of the rating is conducted every two years. Furthermore imug conducts a daily monitoring of all invested titles in order to be aware of actual controversial incidents. In case of a major incident which breaches the fund criteria a divest-decision can be taken by the funds Ethics Committee at any time of the year.
We generally accept sections in the survey or otherwise submitted information that is clearly marked as "confidential". Moreover, we do not transmit any internal documents such as employee handbooks or management manuals to third parties. We evaluate these documents and provide an overall assessment. Afterwards all documents are archived and only accessible for our analysts. Any modifications to the above can be discussed on an individual basis and we are happy to provide you with a standardized confidentiality agreement upon request.
Important: Since 2014, we can offer a save data room where all documents that are supposed to be submitted to us can be transmitted safely. For further Information on this please directly contact your responsible analyst.
We conduct our ratings on the basis of various sources (annual reports, sustainability reports, company website, expert opinions, media and internet research, survey etc.). Thus, the survey offers you the possibility to provide more detailed information on key issues. This can lead to a better rating based on better insight into company data. If the survey is not completed, we will only use publicly available information.


text: Did you know that placebo effects and nocebo effect can be evoked without a placebo; or how about the unspoken ethics code when it comes to prescribing placebos? In a talk by Dr Luana Colloca we learn about the conflicts, ethics and future use of the placebo effect in clinical practice. Here, we summarise some of the key ideas in Dr Colloca's talk.


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NTA Certifies Extramegreen Structural Sheathing Properties
August, 24 2016
NAPPANEE, INDIANA: NTA announces a new product listing report for Extremegreen Building Products, LLC. NTA Listing EGBP013015-3.
Extremegreen, a high density structural magnesium oxide board, was tested in accordance with over 15 different ASTM standards and specifications. The product was found to have an average mold growth rate of 0, as well as a flame spread index and smoke developed index of 0.
With the NTA Listing now complete, Extremegreen Building Products will be able to provide engineering and architectural design professionals with statistically established values for structural properties. "We are delighted to have concluded the first round of testing for Extremegreen. This represents a quantum shift for the magnesium oxide sector. Extremegreen is the only fully listed and certified magnesium oxide board on the market in the United States," Sam Catling, President, Extremegreen Building Products, LLC. Assembly-specific evaluation will soon be added to the report .
Extremegreen Building Products, LLC., based in Mobile, AL, manufactures a variety of building products designed to improve the built environment. Extremegreen's product range includes Extremegreen 'Multi-Purpose' and Extremegreen 'Fireboard', a high density structural magnesium oxide sheathing product, as well as magnesium oxide skinned Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs),. For more information, call 251.405.4717, email firstname.lastname@example.com, or visit www.extremegreenbp.com.
About NTA, Inc.: NTA, Inc., located in Nappanee, Indiana, provides building product certification, building code compliance review, engineering design services, inspection and product testing. The company has over 60 trained professional engineers, plan reviewers, technicians, consultants and design draftsmen with professional registrations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.


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All games will be available in HD, either via Premier Sports HD or FreeSport's new HD channel, which is now set to be on-air for July 2018, according to today's announcement.
The Guinness PRO14 is a professional Rugby Union tournament for clubs from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and South Africa. The agreement covers the 2018-21 seasons and includes all 152 games per season to be broadcast on Premier Sports and 21 games - or one per round - on FreeSports.
Premier Sports is available in 16 million UK homes across Sky and Virgin platforms and to everyone via the Premier Player https://www.premierplayer.tv/ while FreeSports will be available to 22 million UK homes from next season on most major TV platforms, and online via TVPlayer.com.
Martin Anayi, CEO of PRO14 Rugby, said:
"The partnership with Premier Sports will be a watershed moment for the Guinness PRO14, our clubs and their supporters. As an innovative global rugby championship full of world-class players we are always looking to raise our game and this relationship is a bold step for us. This will take coverage of the Guinness PRO14 to a new level and unlock the tournament's vast potential.
Richard Webb, Chief Operating Officer at Premier Sports & FreeSports, added:
"We are delighted to have concluded a deal to showcase what we consider to be the most exciting club rugby championship in the world. We believe having all 152 games from every round across our two Premier Sports channels for just £9.99 a month with high level, consistent production represents superb value and means that, for the first time, supporters have unprecedented access to every minute of the Guinness PRO14 all under one roof."
Where can I find Premier Sports and FreeSports?


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Most roofing companies do not require homeowners to vacate during the roofing process, although the noise and dust of the process may make some uncomfortable enough that they will choose to leave and return when the work is complete. Prior to the start of any roofing work, items in the attic should be covered or placed into containers to protect them from any dust or debris that may float down from the roof. Likewise, cars and other vehicles should be moved from the driveway or yard and relocated a small distance from the work site.
As a courtesy, many roofing companies will remove and then reattach any television dishes or antennae, but for any adjustments due to new roofing angles, homeowners would have to schedule a visit from their service provider.
To learn more about us and the areas we service, please click here, or feel free to contact us. Our customer service Help Desk would be happy to answer any questions that you might have.


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"When the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service. They will become flatterers instead of legislators; the instruments, not the guides, of the people."
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/e/edmund_burke_2.html#RqHv796o9Dyxzjcp.99
"All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue, and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter."
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/e/edmund_burke.html#DbW2OyO92QUgTYKI.99
Virginians are faced with a condrumn this coming November; we can vote for a candidate for Governor who epitomizes the first quote; or we can vote for a candidate who does not understand that governance involves involving all the people in the solutions that face a local, state, or national government and not representing just the interest of those who vote for them.
We have no real choice. That is wrong, but then democracy has never been a truly Virginia trait.


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Choosing healthy with Oleev Active
The only thing that can get me out of bed on a Sunday is food. I am not a great cook but excuse me for bragging, I'm an excellent helper in the kitchen-my mom agrees. Sunday breakfast for us is all about indulging in our favourite {mostly fried} Indian snacks which are usually not the best examples of healthy. This time, we collectively voted for Vada Pao. In this post, I'm going to give you my mom's kickass recipe for making vada pao and a simple trick to make it a lot healthier.
- 4 medium sized potatoes (makes 6-7 vadas)
- Spices: mustard seeds, red chilli, salt, turmeric, garam masala, coriander powder, dry mango powder
- 4 tablespoon gram flour
- Finely chopped garlic
- Green chillies
- Oleev Active oil
- Mint and coriander chutney
- Heat a bit of Oleev Active oil in a frying pan, and add mustard seeds and garlic.
- Add mashed boiled potatoes along with all the spices (as per your taste). Mix nicely and let it cook.
- Once the mixture cools down a bit, make small, round patties. Let the patties sit in the freezer for 4-5 minutes
- In the meanwhile, take the gran flour in a bowl, add water, salt, turmeric and red chilly powder and mix will. The consistency should be runny.
- Take the patties and dip them into the batter, coating them completely.
- Heat Oleev Active Oil in a deep-frying pan and fry the batter-coated patties till they are golden-brown.
- Split the pao and insert the vadas.(I usually like to use burger buns)
- Serve with fried green chillies and green chutney.
While the basic recipe is pretty standard, I switched to a healthier alternative to my regular cooking oil- Oleev Active. We've been using it at home since a week and have decided to switch to it permanently! The packaging is pretty handy and comes with an 'oilometer' to keep a check on how much oil you're consuming and when there's a need of restocking.
Why Oleev Active?
Oleev Active is an everyday cooking oil with the goodness of Olive oil, specially created for everyday Indian cooking. Unlike other oils, it has an EnergoculesTM formula that will ensure you stay active and energized throughout the day. It also comes with Oryzanol, a powerful natural anti-oxidant that helps maintain the cholesterol level, while taking care of other lifestyle conditions like diabetes and obesity. A big plus for me is that the absorption of oil is up to 20% less which automatically makes food lighter and healthier.
Price: INR 165/litre
Available at all leading departmental stores.
Check out more products from Oleev here.
1 comments
- Anonymous17 February 2017 at 04:12
Sound looks really healthy. Thanks for sharing.ReplyDelete


text:
S: Stephens Family Cook Book
FC: Stephens Family Cook Book
1: Stephens Family Cook Book Compiled by Mom Dedicated to Candice, Emily, & Charity
2: . | Quick and Easy Biscuits 2 cups self-rising flour 2/3 cup milk 1/3 oil Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Combine milk and oil and add to flour and gently mix until blended and mixture forms a dough. please dough on slightly floured surface and gently knead. Pat out to about 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick and cut into biscuits. Use all dough. Place biscuits on ungreased baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. Enjoy with butter and jelly.
3: Corn Bread 3/4 cup corn meal 1/2 cup self-rising flour 1 tablespoon sugar 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 large egg 3/4 cup milk Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Coat baking pan or muffin tins with oil and preheat. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and beat well with a spoon. Pour batter in pan or tins about 1/2 full. Bake until golden brown about 10-15 minutes. Serve hot withe butter.
4: Chili 1 lb ground beef 1 small onion 1 small can tomato paste 1 can chili beans (Bush) 1 can chopped tomatoes chili powder, salt, pepper Brown ground beef in medium pot, add chopped onion. Cook on medium heat until onion is soft and beef is brown. Drain off grease. Add all can ingredients. Add about 1/2 can water to get the chili consistency you like. Add seasonings as you like. Turn heat down to low and stir occasionally. Let simmer for 30 minutes to blend all flavors. Serve hot. You can add sprinkle cheese to individual bowls on top. You can also cook rice and top it with chili. Meatloaf 2 lbs ground beef 1 small onion Handful of saltine crackers or bread crumbs 1 can tomato paste Ketchup Heat over to 350 degrees. Put meat in large bowl, add chopped onions, tomato paste and crackers. Knead until well blended. Place meat shaped into a loaf on baking pan. Top meat with water, ketchup, or tomato paste. This helps prevent it from drying out. If you use ketchup, you should cover lightly with aluminum foil to prevent the ketchup from burning.
5: Cool Whip Salad 1 Container Cool Whip 1 Can Cherry Pie Filling 1 Can crushed pineapple (drained) 1 Small Package Jello (any flavor) Mix all ingredients and chill for an hour before serving. Brownies 1 stick butter (melted) 1/2 cup cocoa 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup flour 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup chopped nuts Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat eggs, add sugar, cocoa, and butter. Add flour nuts and vanilla. Bake in greased 8 x 8 inch pan for 20 minutes or until done. .
6: Really Easy Dishes | Tuna Casserole 1 box macaroni and cheese 1 can tuna 1 can cream of mushroom soup Cook macaroni and add tuna and soup. Place in casserole dish and bake for 20-25 minutes in oven set to 350 degrees. Chicken Casserole Cooked chicken or 2 cans chicken 1 box chicken flavored stuffing 1 can cream of chicken soup, or cream of mushroom, or cream of celery soup. 1 can green peas (drained) Prepare stuffing according to box directions. Add chicken, soup, and peas. Bake in casserole dish at 350 degrees of 30 minutes or until done. Tuna Salad 1 can tuna 1 boiled egg mayonnaise or salad dressing pickle relish Drain tuna and place in medium size bowl. Chop egg and add to tuna. Add mayonnaise or salad dressing and pickle relish to desired consistency. you can also add finely chopped onion. Chicken Salad 1 can chicken (drained) 1 container store bought chicken salad. Add canned chicken to store bought chicken salad. Enjoy.
7: Salmon Patties 1 Can Salmon (skin removed) 1 small onion chopped fine 1 egg Corn meal or flour Vegetable oil for frying Crumble salmon, add onion and egg, mix well. Form mixture into patties (6-8) sprinkle patties with flour or meal. Place in hot oil and (medium heat) and fry until thoroughly cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat and place on paper towels to drain oil. Mashed Potatoes 5 medium potatoes 1 cup milk 2 tablespoons butter (more if desired) salt to taste Wash and peel potatoes. Cut in to 1 inch pieces. Place in medium size pot with water and boil. Boil 20-30 minutes until potatoes are cooked. Drain water. Place potatoes in bowl and mash by hand or electric mixer, add milk and butter.
8: JIFFY CORN CASSEROLE 1 can whole kernel yellow corn, undrained 1 can cream style yellow corn 1 (8 oz.) carton sour cream 2 eggs, beaten 1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix 1 stick butter, melted Mix all together and pour into large, lightly oiled casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes. CHEESE GRITS 3/4 c. quick grits 3 c. water 1 tsp. salt 1/2 stick butter 2 eggs 1 tube garlic cheese 1 1/2 c. grated Cheddar cheese Milk Cook grits with water according to directions on package of grits. While still hot add the butter. Beat the eggs and add enough milk to make 1 cup. Mix with grits and put into greased casserole. Chop up garlic cheese, add to grits and top with grated Cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Serves 6.
9: Swiss Steak 1/4 cup flour 1 pound round steak 2 tablespoons oil 1 can onion soup + 1/2 can water 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2" pieces 4 medium potatoes, washed and cut in half Rub flour into steak. Brown steak in frying pan in oil on medium high. Put browned steak in casserole or baking dish. Add soup, water, carrots and potatoes. Cover and bake 1 hour 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Then uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes. Green Bean Casserole 2 Cans Green Beans 1/2 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup 1 can Durkee Onion Rings Drain beans and place in casserole dish. Add soup and 1/2 can onion
10: Children make meals fun | DAY 1: Pork Chops and Creamy Potatoes Fresh Green Beans DAY 2: Awesome Oven Fried Chicken Creamy bow tie pasta & peas DAY 3: Easy Fajitas with Mexican Onions Fruit Salad DAY 4: Easy Chicken with Broccoli and Sun-dried Tomatoes DAY 5: Quick & Easy Delicious Beef Stroganoff egg noodles French style green beans
11: Sisters | Always a Hit Vegetable beef soup and grilled cheese sandwiches
12: Daily Menus ***** Day 1***** *Breakfast: Smoothie (blend 1 mashed banana and 8 ounces low-fat milk); whole-grain toast with peanut butter *Lunch: Lean beef or turkey hamburger on whole-grain bun; coleslaw; fresh fruit *Snack: Toasted bagel with honey *Supper: Lean pork chops; baked potato with butter and chives; broccoli ***** Day 2***** *Breakfast: Scrambled eggs cooked with non-stick cooking spray; whole-grain toast with jelly; fresh fruit *Lunch: Chicken-salad sandwich on whole-grain bread (chopped chicken, light mayo) with lettuce and tomato; fresh plums *Snack: Soft whole-wheat pretzel *Supper: Chili; whole-wheat crackers; spinach salad with salad dressing ***** Day 3***** *Breakfast: Whole-grain English muffin, topped with baked ham and cheese; fresh fruit *Lunch: Roast beef hoagie (lean roast beef, provolone cheese, hoagie roll, lettuce, tomato); fresh fruit *Snack: fresh grapes *Supper: Tacos, hard or soft (ground beef or turkey, cheddar cheese, salsa, romaine lettuce, tomato, avocado)
13: ***** Day 4***** *Breakfast: Whole-grain toast topped with Monteray Jack cheese; banana; soy milk or low-fat cow's milk *Lunch: Cheese and vegetable pizza; fresh fruit; cucumber sticks *Snack: NutriGrain bars *Supper: Spaghetti with meat sauce; salad with dressing; garlic cheese bread ***** Day 5***** *Breakfast: 100% fruit juice; oatmeal with raisins and honey; soy milk or low-fat cow's milk *Lunch: Grilled chicken sandwich (grilled chicken on french bread with honey-mustard dressing); fresh fruit *Snack: frozen yogurt *Supper: Chinese stir-fry (Skinless chicken breast; fresh chopped vegetables, stir-fried in olive oil and light soy sauce); steamed brown rice ***** Day 6***** *Breakfast: Blueberry buttermilk pancakes; real maple syrup and butter; banana; soy milk or low-fat cow's milk *Lunch: Ham sandwich (lean ham, rye bread, lettuce, tomato, mayo or brown mustard), honeydew melon *Snack: Pretzels and yogurt *Supper: Turkey burger on a whole-grain bun with lettuce, tomato, mayo; oven-roasted potatoes; 1/2 cup coleslaw
14: ***** Day 7***** *Breakfast: 100% fruit juice; omelet (eggs, chopped tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, onions); English muffin with jelly *Lunch: Chicken-vegetable soup; whole-wheat roll with butter; tossed salad with chickpeas and salad dressing; fresh fruit *Snack: oatmeal cookies; soy milk or low-fat cow's milk *Supper: Meatloaf made with lean turkey, venison, or lean beef; peas and corn; steamed carrots ***** Day 8***** *Breakfast: 100% fruit juice; whole-grain bagel with cream cheese; light fruited yogurt; banana or orange *Lunch: Chef salad (sliced turkey, ham and provolone cheese; boiled eggs; salad dressing); whole-wheat roll; cantaloupe *Snack: Pudding *Supper: Chicken Parmesan (skinless chicken breast, spaghetti sauce, mozzarella cheese); rigatoni with spaghetti sauce; broccoli
15: ***** Day 9***** *Breakfast: Waffles with butter and real maple syrup; applesauce; soy milk or low-fat cow's milk *Lunch: Smoked turkey sandwich (turkey breast, whole-grain bread, light mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato); apple *Snack: Fresh fruit; popcorn *Supper: Flounder sauteed in olive oil; baked potato with sour cream and fresh chives; steamed carrots and peas ***** Day 10***** *Breakfast: Whole-grain English muffin with poached egg and provolone cheese; fresh fruit cup; soy milk or low-fat cow's milk *Lunch: Chili; nacho chips; fresh avocado slices; grapes *Snack: Celery sticks with peanut butter *Supper: Grilled lean steak; steamed brown rice; steamed vegetables in season; tossed salad with oil and vinegar dressing ***** Day 11***** *Breakfast: Whole-grain cereal with strawberries; low-fat milk; chilled grapefruit juice; whole wheat toast with fruit spread *Lunch: Lemony chicken salad on whole wheat bread; zucchini and red pepper strips; fresh pineapple chunks; oatmeal raisin cookie *Snack: (From the local deli or grill): Vegetarian burger on whole wheat bun with lettuce and tomato; Three bean salad *Supper: Tuscany bean soup; crusty whole grain roll; tossed green salad with sliced oranges; peach yogurt ***** Day 12***** *Breakfast: Whole wheat blueberry muffin; yogurt with chopped papaya; chilled orange juice *Lunch: Warm veggie pizza; spinach salad; red grapes *Snack: (Middle Eastern Take-out): Hummus with whole wheat pita bread; Tabouli salad *Supper: Chicken pot pie with garlic mashed potatoes; sauteed kale; whole grain bread sticks; cantaloupe with cranberry sorbet
16: **** Day 13***** *Breakfast: Hot oatmeal with raisins and cinnamon; whole grain toast with fruit spread; chilled citrus juice *Lunch: Tomato lentil soup; turkey breast sandwich with red peppers, romaine lettuce and sliced cucumber; sliced kiwi fruit *Snack: (Rotisserie Restaurant Sampler): Side orders - baked beans; red potatoes; steamed vegetables; whole wheat roll *Supper: Teriyaki stir-fry; garden salad, autumn apple-cranberry crisp ***** Day 14***** *Breakfast: Berry special waffles; sliced strawberries; chilled grape juice *Lunch: California Burrito Wrap; black bean and rice salad, tropical fruit salad *Snack: Black tortilla chips with salsa *Supper: Baked salmon; rice pilaf; fresh green beans; three melon wedges garnished with mint leaves ***** Day 15***** *Breakfast: Whole grain bagel with light cream cheese; grapefruit half *Lunch: Sesame noodles with shrimp; green salad; fresh peach slices with ginger molasses cookies *Snack: (Quick Salad Bar Take-out): Variety of greens, chopped veggies and beans; whole grain bread; fruit salad *Supper: Italian stuffed eggplant; couscous with peas; warmed whole wheat pita wedges; chilled pears ***** Day 16 Dinner ***** *Eggplant Parmesan (vegetarian) *Pasta of Choice *Steamed Broccoli *Orange Crescents http://www.momsmealconnection.com/family_meal_planning.html
17: Memories | ***** Dinner Day 17***** *Meatball Stew *Bread Bowls *Fruit Salad with Yogurt Dressing *Buckeye Chocolate Chippers http://www.momsmealconnection.com/family_meal_planning.html
18: ***** Dinner Day 18***** *Weeknight Seafood Bouillabaisse *Rolls or Baguette of Choice *Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches http://www.momsmealconnection.com/family_meal_planning.html ***** Dinner Day 19***** *Hot Chicken Salad *Sliced Apples with Grapes *Chocolate Nut Toffee http://www.momsmealconnection.com/family_meal_planning.html ***** Dinner Day 20***** *Mexi-Mac Chicken with Double Cheese *Fresh Green Beans *Cookie S'mores http://www.momsmealconnection.com/family_meal_planning.html *****Dinner Day 21***** *Slow Cooked Pulled Pork (crock pot) *Buns and Condiments *Black-Eyed Pea Salad *Cheesecake Filled Pears http://www.momsmealconnection.com/family_meal_planning.html
21: How To Create The Perfect Family © Katy You will need: 1 large house 3-6 people, depending on how long you want to wait for it to be done 3 cups of pets 2 cups of patience 3 ounces of anger/frustration 3 quarts of laughter 4 teaspoons of trust And last but definitely not least, Lots and lots of love First, open the house, and make sure that it will be the right size for your family. Mix the desired amount of people with the pets, carefully so you don't damage them. In a separate bowl, stir the love and laughter together. Set aside. Taking each person separately, evenly distribute the patience and trust, making sure that each one gets an equal amount (Failure to distribute evenly may lead to different recipe! Carefully open the bottle of anger/frustration. Using a Q-tip, dab small portions of the anger/frustration onto each person. Lastly, take the love and laughter and sprinkle it all over the house, pets, and people. Let sit until all parts of the recipe are thoroughly combined, and voila! Your Perfect Family is complete. Source: Recipe For Perfect Family, Funny Life Poems http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/funny/poetry.asp?poem=20649#ixzz0hAcFHZoM


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Category: Template, Business Cards
Template >> Business Card - Art Business Card 18555 by Calwin @ CreativeMarket
File Size: 2.24 MB; Tileable: Yes; Requirements: Adobe CS1+; Layered: Yes; DPI: 300 DPI; Dimensions: 3.5 x 2 in.
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text:
Accorhotels, a leading hotel operator, has announced the signing of a management agreement with Al Jassim Group, one of the leading diversified business groups in Qatar, to operate the first Majlis Grand Mercure hotel in Doha, Qatar.
Kuwait has announced that the work on the long-delayed $7-billion metro project will finally kick off next year, said a report. The announcement comes following the recent appointment of new advisers for the ambitious project, reported The National.
Alfardan Properties has unveiled its new assortment of bespoke properties at the most sought after addresses in Doha, offering personalised services to enhance tenant's lifestyles.
UK-based Exova, a global testing, calibration and advisory services provider, said it has won a 33-month contract to provide specialist testing for the construction of the New Orbital Highway and Truck Route in Qatar.
A total of 44 companies are in the race to prequalify for a 200-MW solar power plant project in Egypt which will be set up on a build-own-operate (BOO) basis, said a report. All of them have obtained the tender conditions for the project proposed by the government, reported the Daily News Egypt, citing sources in the Ministry of Electricity.
Peri, a leading German manufacturer of formwork and scaffolding, held a construction safety drive in the UAE and Oman aimed at improving operations and ensuring high safety standards at work sites.
State-owned Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) has named four companies as the preferred bidders for three of the four packages for its $5.2-billion Liwa Plastics Industries Complex (LPIC) project, a report said.
Mall of Qatar, the country's largest leisure, entertainment and shopping complex, will cost QR5.4 billion ($1.48 billion) and will open in 2016. Poised to become one of the largest shopping destinations in the world, Mall of Qatar spans 550,000 sq m, and aims to attract a footfall of 20 million customers annually.
Qatar Rail has floated tenders for developing 12 proposed metro stations, according to a report. Qatar Rail's tendering committee is seeking competent consultants and contractors to carry out the project, said The Peninsula report.
Glasspoint Solar, a US maker of solar steam generators for the oil and gas industry, will start work on its giant solar park project in Oman from this month, said a report. The 1GW solar-thermal project, which aims to turn water into steam for injection into the Amal oilfield, is due for completion in late 2017, reported the Muscat Daily.
Qatar has become the world's richest country per capita measured by the value of its built environment, according to the latest Global Built Asset Wealth Index published by Arcadis, the leading global design and consultancy firm for natural and built assets.
Consortiums led by Spanish water services giant Valoriza Agua and Japanese conglomerate Itochu Corporation have been selected by the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) to develop two major independent water projects (IWPs) worth about $1 billion in the sultanate, a report said.
India-based Oberoi Group is planning two new luxury properties in Qatar – a 250-key luxury hotel in the West Bay area of Doha and a 148-key luxury serviced apartment in Lusail. The construction work on both the projects will start early next year and is expected to be completed in mid-2018.
AECOM, a global provider of professional technical and management support services, has emerged as the lowest bidder to provide engineering consultancy services for the second phase of North Manama Causeway and Busaiteen Link in Bahrain.
AECOM, a global, integrated infrastructure services company, has secured a primary infrastructural designing contract for the Diyar Al Muharraq project in Bahrain.
Raimondi supports tower project Raimondi, a leading designer and producer of cranes, has completed the installation of the last of the 10 tower cranes supplied to a mixed lifestyle project in Istanbul, Turkey.
Oman has prequalified nine leading global marine engineering firms to construct a major bulk liquid berths terminal at the Port of Duqm on the sultanate's Wusta coast, said a report.
The GCC will increase its total seawater desalination capacity by nearly 40 per cent by 2020 in an effort to meet the increasing demand for potable water in the region, said organisers of the upcoming International Water Summit, which will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, next year (January 18 to 21).


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Effective purification and quantification of DNA and RNA is an essential step in many experimental workflows. To achieve this, many DNA and RNA extraction and purification kits are available, each effective for different starting materials and applications.
With further options available for quantification of purified DNA and RNA, this free eBook download provides expert insight to help guide you through buying DNA and RNA extraction, purification and quantification equipment.
Purification and quantification of DNA and RNA are essential for key downstream applications in life sciences, clinical diagnostics, forensics and drug discovery research.
Many different kits are available for the extraction and purification of DNA and RNA. These have varying components depending on the starting material and the application of the purified product. The purified DNA and RNA can be quantified using electrophoresis or spectrophotometers.
This SelectScience® how-to-buy eBook provides you with an overview of the key technologies and considerations when purchasing kits for DNA and RNA purification and analysis.
1.1 Sample Source
The starting material for DNA extraction often determines the types of buffers and mechanical steps you need to use. The sources of DNA vary by field types. For life sciences, it can include bacteria, cells, rodent tails, human tissues, formalin-fixed human tissues; for clinical laboratories it can include blood/plasma samples, stools, biopsies and fine needle aspirates, while for forensics, it can include dried blood spots, buccal swabs, hair and fingerprints.
Below, we've listed some key considerations for different sample sources.
(i) Tissue Samples
Isolation of DNA/RNA from tissue samples such as heart, skeletal muscle, skin or tail tissue can be difficult due to the abundance of contractile proteins, connective tissue, and collagen. In order to remove these proteins, which can interfere with DNA/RNA isolation, the sample needs to be treated with a protease or phenol-containing lysis reagent.
(ii) FFPE Tissue Samples
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues represent a valuable and extensive source of material for genetic and molecular analyses across a wide range of cohorts. With an increasing number of researchers turning toward molecular analysis of FFPE samples, it is becoming increasingly important to develop specific protocols that take into consideration the unique nature of these samples.
Due to fixation and embedding conditions, nucleic acids in FFPE samples are usually heavily fragmented and chemically modified by formaldehyde. The degree of fragmentation depends on the type and age of the sample and on the conditions for fixation, embedding and storage of the sample. Although formaldehyde modification cannot be detected in standard quality control assays, such as gel electrophoresis or lab-on-a-chip analysis, it does strongly interfere with enzymatic analyses. Steps can be taken to minimize the effects of FFPE storage on the nucleic acids, such as use of thin tissue samples, not over-fixing tissue slices, use of quality paraffin embedding reagents, avoidance of sample staining, and storage at low temperatures.
(iii) Blood Samples
Nucleic acid isolation from blood requires a method to provide high-quality DNA or RNA without contaminants or enzyme inhibitors. Blood contains a number of enzyme inhibitors that can interfere with downstream analysis. In addition, common anticoagulants used in the collection step, such as heparin and EDTA, can interfere with downstream assays.
Erythrocytes, i.e. red blood cells (RBCs), do not contain nuclei and are therefore not important for DNA/RNA. The target of isolation from whole blood is leukocytes, i.e. white blood cells (WBCs). Since healthy blood contains approximately 1,000 times more RBCs than WBCs, removing the RBCs simplifies the isolation process. This can be accomplished by selective lysis of RBCs, which are more susceptible to hypotonic shock than WBCs and burst rapidly in the presence of a hypotonic buffer.
A common alternative to RBC lysis is Ficoll density-gradient centrifugation. In contrast to RBC lysis procedures, Ficoll density-gradient centrifugation only recovers mononuclear cells, i.e. lymphocytes and monocytes, and removes granulocytes. Mononuclear cells isolated by Ficoll density-gradient centrifugation can then be processed for nucleic acid isolation.
(iv) Plant Samples
Isolation of DNA and RNA from plant material presents a special challenge: several plant metabolites have chemical properties that are similar to nucleic acids, making them difficult to remove from sample preparations. Therefore, commonly used techniques require adaptation before they can be used with plant samples. Co-purified metabolites, such as polysaccharides, polyphenolics, and flavones, and contaminants introduced by the purification procedure, such as salts or phenol, can inhibit enzymatic reactions or cause variations in UV spectrophotometric measurements and gel migration. Another consideration in the process of nucleic acid isolation is potential pipetting errors due to increased viscosity.
(v) Viral Samples
(v) Viral Samples Viruses from clinical samples are often isolated from cell-free body fluids, where their titer can be very low. Virus particles may need to be concentrated before nucleic acid isolation by ultracentrifugation, ultrafiltration, or precipitation.
1.2 Downstream Applications
When selecting an extraction kit for nucleic acids, it's important to note that the resulting quality and purity of the extracted nucleic acids should be suitable for your intended downstream application. Different applications, ranging from routine PCR genotyping, to next-generation sequencing (NGS), to restriction endonuclease digestions are all influenced by the purity of the nucleic acid yield.
1.3 Sample Quantity
Your choice of nucleic acid extraction kit will also depend on the quantity of the starting sample. For example, confluency of cultured cells, milligrams of tissue biopsies, or volume of blood, and so on. For precious samples, ensure that the kit is first tried on control samples and optimized for use before proceeding.
In order to extract the DNA from a cell or tissue sample, the cells need to be disrupted by cell lysis. This is usually achieved by chemical and physical methods, such as homogenization or sonication. During the cell lysis process, the membrane lipids are removed by adding a detergent or surfactants. A protease is often used to remove cellular or histone proteins bound to the DNA, and RNases are often used to remove unwanted RNA. The raw DNA product is then purified to remove the detergents, proteins, salts and reagents used during cell lysis step.
2.1 Common Procedures
The most commonly used procedures are:
1. Ethanol precipitation, usually by ice-cold ethanol or isopropanol. Since DNA is insoluble in these alcohols, it will aggregate together, forming a pellet upon centrifugation. Precipitation of DNA is improved by increasing ionic strength, usually by adding sodium acetate.
2. Phenol-chloroform extraction, in which phenol denatures proteins in the sample. After centrifugation of the sample, denatured proteins stay in organic phase. The aqueous phase containing nucleic acid is then mixed with the chloroform which removes phenol residues from solution.
3. Mini-column purification relies on the fact that the nucleic acids are adsorbed to a solid phase such as silica, depending on the pH and the salt content of the buffer.
There are refinements to this technique, which include adding a chelating agent to sequester divalent cations such as Mg2+ and Ca2+; this prevents enzymes such as DNase from degrading the DNA.
After isolation, the DNA is usually dissolved in slightly alkaline buffer or in ultrapure water.
|DNA extraction technologies
|Silica membrane
|Magnetic particles
|Solid-phase, anion-exchange chromatography
|Selective adsorption to silica membranes
|Binding to magnetic silica particles under controlled ionic conditions
|Binding and elution: variable salt and pH Requires alcohol precipitation
|Binding: high salt Elution: low salt Ready-to-use eluate
|Binding: high salt Elution: low salt Ready-to-use eluate
|Delivers ultrapure, transfection-grade DNA for optimal results in sensitive applications
|Delivers high-purity nucleic acids for use in most downstream applications
|Delivers high-purity nucleic acids for use in most downstream applications
The most commonly used DNA extraction kits have a variation of three different types of technology, as outlined in Table 1.
2.2 Common DNA Extraction Technologies:
Anion-exchange methods yield DNA of a purity and biological activity equivalent to at least two rounds of purification in CsCl gradients, in a fraction of the time. Purified nucleic acids are of the highest possible quality and are ideal for sensitive downstream biological applications, such as transfection, microinjection, sequencing, and gene therapy research.
Silica-membrane technology yields high-purity nucleic acids, suitable for most molecular biology and clinical research applications, such as restriction digestion, ligation, labeling, amplification, and radioactive and fluorescent sequencing.
Magnetic-particle technology also yields high-purity nucleic acids suitable for most molecular biology applications. Magnetic-particle technology can often be automated to enable fast and economical nucleic acid purification procedures. Magnetic beads are rapidly being adopted in genomics and are replacing filtration kits. Corning® offers a comprehensive line of magnetic bead-based kits for fast, rapid isolation of genomic DNA from various starting samples.
2.3 DNA Isolation Considerations:
(i) Plasmid DNA Isolation
Plasmid DNA isolation is a basic technique that is performed in most molecular biology laboratories. Multi-sample processing is often required to complete both plasmid isolation and subsequent downstream experimentation.
The Genopure Plasmid Maxi Kit by MilliporeSigma helps prepare transfection-grade plasmid DNA in large quantities (up to 500 μg plasmid) from bacterial cultures. The isolated plasmid is suitable for most molecular biology applications such as transfection, Southern blotting, sequencing, PCR, restriction digestion and cloning.
This downloadable application note describes how to obtain high-yield plasmid DNA using miniprep. The GenElute™ Five-Minute Plasmid Miniprep by MilliporeSigma offers a quick, streamlined protocol to yield up to 5µg of high-quality DNA in five minutes.
(ii) Genomic DNA Isolation
Genomic DNA can be extracted from a variety of samples including tissue, cells, blood, serum, plants and forensic samples. Kits compatible with high-throughput capabilities are available for your automation needs.
(iii) Plant DNA Isolation
There are a number of suitable kits for extraction of DNA from plant matter. Again, consider the sample and the purity of the extracted DNA required for the analysis and downstream application. QIAGEN's DNeasy 96 Plant Kit yields up to 15µg per well of total cellular DNA from plant tissue.
Purified RNA is used for many downstream applications. DNA extraction methods cannot be directly applied to RNA, as RNA is structurally very different from DNA. RNA is single-stranded, while DNA is mostly double-stranded. It is often difficult to isolate intact RNA. RNases, a group of enzymes that degrade RNA molecules, are abundant in the environment, including on hands and on surfaces, and it is difficult to completely remove/destroy RNases. RNA isolation therefore requires cautious handling of samples and good aseptic techniques. It is important to use only RNase-free solutions during the extraction, as well as RNase-free pipette tips and glassware.
Ribonucleases (RNases) are very stable and active enzymes that generally do not require cofactors to function. Since RNases are difficult to inactivate, and even minute amounts are sufficient to destroy RNA, no plastic or glassware should be used without first eliminating possible RNase contamination. Great care should be taken to avoid inadvertently introducing RNases into the RNA sample during or after the purification procedure. In order to create and maintain an RNase-free environment, precautions must be taken during pre-treatment and use of disposable and non-disposable vessels and solutions while working with RNA.
Isolation of noncoding RNAs, functional RNA molecules that do not translate into proteins, may be desired in some applications. Such RNAs include tRNA and rRNA, as well as small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNA), microRNAs (miRNA), short interfering RNAs (siRNA) and piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNA). They are often involved in the regulation of gene expression. Specialized kits for isolation of noncoding RNAs are available, such as the High Pure miRNA Isolation Kit by MilliporeSigma.
In a recent SelectScience® interview, Dr. Michael Bianchi, of Empire Genomics, shares his experience at isolating RNA from FFPE tissue samples.
RNA isolation from bacteria: Bacterial mRNAs differ from eukaryotic mRNAs in a number of essential features. Prokaryotic mRNAs have no 5' cap and only rarely have poly-A tails. The absence of a poly-A tail means that mRNA isolation by hybrid capture is not possible. In addition, oligo-dT primers cannot be used to prime first-strand cDNA synthesis, so random primers need to be used instead. In addition, bacterial mRNAs are highly unstable, with an average half-life of about three minutes for fast-growing bacteria. Sometimes the bacterial mRNA begins to degrade while it is still being translated. This can be a big problem for researchers trying to isolate mRNA from bacteria. Since mRNAs are very rapidly turned over in bacteria, gene expression studies are even more difficult in prokaryotes than in eukaryotes. To accurately preserve gene expression patterns and to maximize the amount of fully intact mRNA isolated, samples need to be stabilized prior to sample harvesting and processing.
Cell-free RNA in plasma, serum or other bodily fluids: RNA, especially miRNA, associated with proteolipids (vesicles) or proteins can be found in bodily fluids, including plasma, serum, urine and cell culture supernatants. The concentration is much lower than that of cellular RNA, but approximately tenfold higher than cell-free DNA in human plasma. The RNA is relatively stable, with a half-life of about two days in human whole blood. Nonetheless, the RNA can be degraded by repeated freeze-thaw cycles. As with viral RNA in cell-free body fluids, addition of carrier RNA may be necessary during RNA isolation of this RNA.
4.1 Gel Electrophoresis
Gel imaging and nucleic acid binding dyes are widely used in today's life science laboratories to visualize DNA fragments and identify mutations using agarose gel electrophoresis. Employed routinely for genotyping and animal transgenics, the nucleic acid staining dyes currently available can detect as little as 20 picograms of dsDNA or 3 nanograms of RNA.
This application note by UVP describes a method for safer visualization of DNA fragments, protecting both researchers and their DNA samples from damaging UV rays. Stay up-to-date with the latest in electrophoresis by visiting our life sciences community on SelectScience.
4.2 Spectrophotometers
Quantification of nucleic acid samples prior to analysis is an important step in order to verify suitability for downstream molecular applications, such as qPCR, RT-qPCR, SNP genotyping and DNA sequencing.
As you make a decision on what spectrophotometer works best for your laboratory, here are a few considerations:
Cuvette-based versus microvolume spectrophotometer: Increasingly, researchers are moving towards microvolume spectrophotometers so as to use limited volume of their precious samples when quantifying nucleic acids. In a multi-functioning lab, it is possible that cuvette-based absorbance measurements are also often made, especially for protein-based applications. Depending on your projects, you can either consider a microvolume-only spectrophotometer or a dual mode one, where users can toggle between using a cuvette or making microvolume measurements, as needed.
Concentration versus purity measurements: Nucleic acid samples display a characteristic absorption spectrum at 260 nm. This yields the concentration of the sample. The purity of your sample is determined by the ratio of the absorbance at 260 nm and 280 nm (A260/A280), where the absorbance at 280 nm detects proteins present from the nucleic acid extraction process. A secondary measurement of contamination is the ratio of A260/A230, where the absorbance at 230 reflects guanidine and phenol residues present from the extraction process.
Built-in apps on spectrophotometers can not only provide the precise concentration without the need for dilutions, but also give feedback on the purity of the sample. With the Sample ControlTM technology, for example, if the sample is not clean, a warning symbol will be displayed providing information about potential contaminants to help optimize the purification steps in the extraction protocol.
|Nucleic Acid Type
|Approximate A260/A280 ratios
|Pure DNA
|Pure RNA
Novel spectrophotometers can offer concentration as well as purity measurements in the same readouts, so you get the most information for your downstream application choices. The NanoPhotometer® NP80, for example, offers a pre-programmed 'nucleic acid' method with options to measure all types of nucleic acids like dsDNA, ssDNA, RNA, miRNA and oligos, all with a single measurement.
Mobility: Traditionally, spectrophotometers have remained anchored in one corner of the lab, while you need to carry your sample tubes, pipettes, pipette tips and wipes to a fixed location. If, however, your lab uses particular samples involving a high risk of contamination, such as isolated RNA, it might be suitable to consider a portable, mobile spectrophotometer that can be brought to your DNase/RNase-free benchtop as and when you desire. These would also help busy facilities such as genotyping centers or DNA cores at universities. Portable spectrophotometers work on rechargeable battery packs. In the off-chance that your facility has a power cut, these enable your experiments to keep going.
Data storage and sharing: In a large team or in a shared facility, data storage often becomes a key consideration. In shared rooms, where all the data is stored on a single drive, it often becomes difficult to access your data if the instrument is being used by another user. Enquire about options for data storage and sharing before purchasing. Modern day spectrophotometers offer data transfer over Wi-Fi, ethernet or USB connections, so you can easily access your own readouts any time. An interface option such as a REST API enables you to transfer data, auto-populate fields and control the spectrophotometer from your laboratory information management system (LIMS). Comprehensive data storage and sharing packages are offered by NanoPhotometer®. Autosave, network functionality and other user-friendly features will help streamline your workflow, saving crucial time in the lab.
Recalibration and servicing: Spectrophotometers can be sold with service packages. Although these packages tend to be expensive, they are often necessary to cover the cost of recalibration and reconditioning of the instrument. Spectrophotometers utilizing a stepper motor to move between pathlengths will experience pathlength drift over time. To maintain accuracy, these units will require recalibration. Most manufacturers recommend a recalibration once a year. Consider these future maintenance issues before investing in a spectrophotometer.
If you notice a spectrophotometer is listed as 'recalibration free', you can request a letter from the manufacturer stating that fact. Such a letter would come in handy should there be a reason to recalibrate the spectrophotometer in the future.
Some spectrophotometers have now been designed to completely eliminate the need for recalibration. For example, the NanoPhotometer® NP80 offers two precisely defined pathlengths using fixed anchor points that do not change over the lifetime of the instrument. A magnet is used to move between the two pathlengths, eliminating the need for a motor function. Such a magnetic system ensures accuracy and prevents internal mechanical strain, thereby increasing the longevity of the instrument and making it recalibration-free for its lifetime..
Figure 1: The NanoPhotometer® NP80 uses fixed anchor points to offer two pathlengths. The magnetic system ensures accuracy and prevents internal mechanical strain, thereby eliminating the need for recalibration over the lifetime of the spectrophotometer.
Request a demo: With the advent of touch screens, cloud storage and smaller footprints, spectrophotometers too have become modern and innovative. Did you know that some spectrophotometers are now compatible with your cell phones and tablets across different operating systems? Or that the touch screens, as with the NP80, are optimized to work with your lab gloves on? A lot of technological development has happened since the traditional cuvette-based systems were launched decades ago. You can request a demo with the manufacturers of the latest spectrophotometers and test them for your lab before you make an investment solely based on traditional wisdom.
SelectScience® has plenty of resources you can use when deciding the best spectrophotometer choice for your lab.
In this video, see what scientists from around the world have to say about using Implen's NanoPhotometer for their unique research applications and laboratory needs.
We interviewed Dr. Stephen Chanock, the Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the NIH, on how his lab performs retroactive studies over several decades using FFPE samples. Read the interview here.
Dr. Michael Bianchi, Empire Genomics, takes us back to basics: the foundation to complex experiments begins with simple, reproducible nucleic acid extraction methods. Read the interview here.
Read an interview with Dr. Laura Lindsey-Boltz, Associate Research Professor in the Nobel Prize-winning Sancar laboratory, and find out about their research on DNA damage and repair.
Plus, SelectScience® has numerous product reviews shared by your peers.
Expert advice:
In this SelectScience® interview, Dr. Voula Kodoyianni, product manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific, describes the unique features of the NanoDrop One and how it can help advance your research.
All your FAQs on FFPE tissues are answered: Read this helpful Q&A with Dr. Jung Doh, application scientist at Beckman Coulter Life Sciences.
High risk, high pay-off: This video profiling Dr. Alejandra Perotti, University of Reading, discusses the sensitivity required to quantify DNA extracted from a single mite, especially when the samples belong to a collection started by Charles Darwin.
Extracted and purified DNA is used for many downstream applications in a number of fields, including clinical diagnostics, basic research, life sciences and forensics.
Depending on the purity and quantity of the nucleic acids, applications include PCR and RT-PCR, restriction digestion and cloning, sequencing, array CGH, gene expression microarray, SDS-PAGE, Northern and Southern blotting. Some of these are covered here.
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique used to amplify DNA sequences, and is widely used for many applications, such as molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, diagnostics, clinical laboratories, forensic science, environmental science, food science, hereditary studies and paternity testing. The downloadable PCR Technology Buying Guide provides more information about PCR kits and thermal cycling equipment.
Learn more about how to quantify purified PCR samples with this application note. Also, this method details multiplexing RT-PCR.
Northern Blot Analysis
The Northern blot is a technique used in molecular biology research to study gene expression by detection of RNA (or isolated mRNA) in a sample. With Northern blotting it is possible to determine gene expression levels during differentiation, morphogenesis, as well as abnormal or diseased conditions. This application note compares different membranes and fixation methods for Northern blot analyses.
RNA Sequencing
RNA sequencing, also called whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing (WTSS), is a technology that uses the capabilities of next-generation sequencing to reveal a snapshot of RNA presence and quantity from a genome at a given moment in time. This note outlines the various applications for high-end mRNA sequencing, and here is an overview of single-cell RNA-seq solutions from Illumina.
Microarray Analysis
Microarray-based gene expression hybridization is a powerful and proven technique for studying differential gene expression signatures, and is especially valid for cancer research. This method describes how the sciPOLY3D by Scienion enables covalent and robust immobilization of unmodified DNA oligonucleotides for multiplex detection of RNA and DNA analytes.
Next-Generation Sequencing
Next-generation sequencing is a necessary requirement for today's high-throughput research and clinical needs. One of the bottlenecks for NGS is the amount of time and resources required for library preparation; this is true whichever sequencing instrument you choose. For a comprehensive review of NGS sequencers and library construction kits, please read the SelectScience Next-Generation Sequencing How-to-Buy eBook.
Forensic Investigation
DNA and RNA extracted from various materials, plants, hair, cells and tissues from a crime scene are used to gain data and evidence about the crime. Technologies for PCR, sequencing, electrophoresis and other analysis tools are used frequently.
For example, in 2015, the FBI granted approval for the Promega PowerPlex Fusion 6C System for use in laboratories that generate DNA records for the National DNA Index System (NDIS). A noteworthy mention from SelectScience editorial archives is the cutting-edge DNA coding technology used by leading forensic geneticist, Dr. Jari Louhelainen, of Liverpool John Moores University, UK, to discover the identity of the notorious London serial killer 'Jack the Ripper', almost 126 years after the last murder victim was discovered. Plus, learn how 50-year old DNA samples are being analyzed to identify the missing from the Vietnamese war.
Molecular Diagnostics
DNA/RNA can be extracted from a wide range of biological patient specimens such as blood, plasma, swabs, saliva, urine, stool and biopsy preparations. The first application of PCR in clinical diagnostics was in testing for genetic disease mutations. Molecular diagnostic laboratories routinely test for a large variety of mutations, such as those found in hematological disorders, for example Factor V Leiden, cancer mutations such as epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) in non-small cell lung cancers, KRAS in colorectal cancer, and prenatal testing by amniocentesis, to name a few. Extracted genetic material can also be used for procedures such as tissue typing in transplant patients.
The field of infectious diseases has been revolutionized by advances in PCR and nucleic extraction methods. Compared to traditional serology or culture techniques, PCR tests are capable of detecting extremely low levels of infection. The rapid detection of infectious disease pathogens in blood samples, enabled by RT-PCR, allows for faster, more specific identification, which can aid the therapeutic choices made by the clinician.
The use of extracted DNA and RNA in various applications and research fields is widening every year. With the need for high-throughput analysis and downstream applications such as NGS, automation is making its way into laboratories and facilities.
Automation: Many DNA/RNA isolation kits are now compatible with and can be integrated into automation systems. For speedy and reproducible sample processing, robotic liquid handling systems are used for dilutions and washing steps. These eliminate manual errors and offer walkaway features, opening up time for other experiments. It is important, however, that the kits you choose can also be used in manual applications so as to optimize and troubleshoot in the initial phases of the study.
DNA and RNA co-extraction: To make the most of a sample, kits are being developed where DNA and RNA can be extracted at the same time. These systems alleviate the need for separate kits and save time for downstream processing techniques such as RT-PCR.
DNA barcoding: Similar to barcodes used in grocery stores to identify a product, DNA barcodes are used to identify the species that the DNA belongs to. DNA barcoding has become a routine application in the food industry to test contaminants and to characterize the true source of fish and meat.
Isothermal nucleic acid amplification: Eliminating the need for a thermocycler and controlled temperature fluctuations, isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology — known as recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) — is making waves. Best suited for field studies and resource-poor settings, RPA is employed by scientists and clinicians alike. Read our interview with a scientist who uses RPA on a 'mobile laboratory' as he travels across the world.
Many different types of DNA and RNA purification kits and quantification systems exist in the market. Selecting the correct kit or system for your starting material and downstream application may seem like an overwhelming task, but by applying a few simple considerations, you should find choosing the right kit or system much easier.
Visit the SelectScience® product directory for an overview of the latest DNA and RNA Purification and Analysis technology from leading manufacturers and read user reviews. Keep up-to-date with the latest purification methods by visiting the SelectScience application note and video libraries in life sciences, drug discovery and clinical community.
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text: DigitalInterview with Elements: A New Kind of Twitter?By Kristen Nicole|January 14, 2009 ShareBy Kristen Nicole|January 14, 2009 Share A new product called elements launched this week from the team behind Lunarr, and elements bears the same simplicity and effortlessness that its parent company is known for. At first glance elements may appear to be a media-updating tool akin to Twitter or Tumblr, but at its core lacks a specific design that evokes a method of fluid and continual sharing that can also be used for very specific ways of giving and gaining information from a select group of people.To get a better understanding of what elements is, how it works and how it's different, I interviewed co-founder Hideshi Hamaguchi. Kristen Nicole of Social Times: What is elements exactly, and how does it work?Hideshi Hamaguchi of elements: Elements is a toy for inspiration. It will aid in the first phase of concept building – the moment of inspiration. Elements offers you the room to be inspired without reservation, without limits, and without distractions. You will see a box and 4 big buttons. The box holds one element at a time – either an image or a quote. The buttons allow you to take four actions:Explore – proceed to the next elementI like it – save this element to your personal elements pageCast it – broadcast this element to your followers and those I'm followingCreate – upload your own elements, or clip them from the webYou also have the option to follow other element users and browse their personal element pages to view their approach to inspiration.However, the elements you'll view are not all random. Every action you take will factor into an algorithm that will customize the elements you'll see. The more actions you take and the more followers/followees you have, the deeper your personal element customization will get.Kristen Nicole: How does it tie in with LUNARR themes?Hideshi Hamaguchi: There are three phases of concept building and project management:The first phase is to come up with your grand idea. You might need to start a project while lacking a firm direction, so you brainstorm and conjure up various inspirations to get started.The second phase is to organize your elements of inspiration.The third phase is centered around creating concrete items (documents, designs, etc.) and managing them until you have a finished product.LUNARR elements takes care of the first phase, while LUNARR themes covers the third phase. We'll eventually add another service to house the second phase, but each service will have the ability to work alone, or together as a 3-tiered suite.Kristen Nicole: You can follow and be followed on elements, and the interface is simple and effective. Are there any conceptual similarities between elements and Twitter or Tumblr when it comes to the social components of elements? Hideshi Hamaguchi: Yes, but they are just similarities. With Twitter, you're shown an entire page of words thrown at you from all those whom you are following. It's fun, and it's chaotic. While using elements, the contents are brought to you one at a time. You might have 200 followers, but the actions that factor into bringing you each specific element remain uncertain to you, increasing your sensitivity to each picture or quote. Our system is based on human experience. While you're on elements, the reactions gathered from you and everyone else will influence the next element you see.Kristen Nicole: Why do you mark public elements by "late afternoon," "evening," etc? Hideshi Hamaguchi: We built this tool for people to come use it without a clear objective, therefore our tool had to be non-objective. To do that, we sprinkled uncertainty throughout the system to keep it vague. Maybe the blurred timestamp is too extreme? We can tune it later if we need to, but for now, it keeps the system and the experience very relaxed. Kristen Nicole: For sharing elements through the "cast" option or submitting an element, are there any plans to integrate these options with other third party apps, or publishing platforms? Hideshi Hamaguchi: It's very possible and we're open to those options. Right now, we do not have any plan in the works, but we'll keep an open mind.Kristen Nicole: What are your end goals with elements?Hideshi Hamaguchi: To adequately provide a space for expansive inspiration. We'll think about the business model after we've accomplished that. In short, we'd like to make your daily morning coffee-time more fruitful and inspirational. And to top it off, allow you to help make your friends' morning coffee-time equally as wonderful. Sharehttp://adweek.it/2k7offd copy Adweek Adweek