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Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydial Heat Shock Protein 60 Stimulate Proliferation of Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells via Toll-Like Receptor 4 and p44/p42 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Activation
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An early component of atherogenesis is abnormal vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. The presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae in many atherosclerotic lesions raises the possibility that this organism plays a causal role in atherogenesis. In this study, C pneumoniae elementary bodies (EBs) rapidly activated p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and stimulated proliferation of VSMCs in vitro. Exposure of VSMCs derived from human saphenous vein to C pneumoniae EBs (3×107 inclusion forming units/mL) enhanced bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation 12±3-fold. UV- and heat-inactivated C pneumoniae EBs also stimulated VSMC proliferation, indicating a role of direct stimulation by chlamydial antigens. However, the mitogenic activity of C pneumoniae was heat-labile, thus excluding a role of lipopolysaccharide. Chlamydial hsp60 (25 μg/mL) replicated the effect of C pneumoniae, stimulating BrdU incorporation 7±3-fold. Exposure to C pneumoniae or chlamydial hsp60 rapidly activated p44/p42 MAPK, within 5 to 10 minutes of exposure. In addition, PD98059 and U0126, which are two distinct inhibitors of upstream MAPK kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2), abolished the mitogenic effect of C pneumoniae and chlamydial hsp60. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) act as sensors for microbial antigens and can signal via the p44/p42 MAPK pathway. Human VSMCs were shown to express TLR4 mRNA and protein, and a TLR4 antagonist abolished chlamydial hsp60–induced VSMC proliferation and attenuated C pneumoniae–induced MAPK activation and VSMC proliferation. Together these results indicate that C pneumoniae and chlamydial hsp60 are potent inducers of human VSMC proliferation and that these effects are mediated, at least in part, by rapid TLR4-mediated activation of p44/p42 MAPK.
- Chlamydia pneumoniae
- heat shock proteins
- vascular smooth muscle
- cell division
- mitogen-activated protein kinases
Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease, with the earliest stages characterized by the invasion of the intima by mononuclear phagocytes and by intimal hyperplasia.1 Accumulating evidence indicates that chronic infection with the ubiquitous respiratory pathogen Chlamydia pneumoniae, a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium, may be an additional risk factor for atherosclerosis. Macrophages are thought to become infected with C pneumoniae in the respiratory tract and then enter the circulation and cross the endothelium at sites of preexisting vascular inflammation. The first report linking C pneumoniae to atherosclerosis identified the organism by electron microscopy in coronary atherosclerotic plaques and localized it to intimal smooth muscle cells (SMCs).2 C pneumoniae has been found frequently in lesions of the aorta, iliac, carotid, and coronary arteries,3–5 but is rarely found in normal arterial tissue.6 In vitro evidence supports the notion that C pneumoniae can infect human arterial SMCs.7–9 However, it is not clear whether C pneumoniae organisms that have been identified within SMCs of human atheromas are actively replicating or viable. Irrespective of whether C pneumoniae replicates within SMCs in vivo, its presence in atherosclerotic lesions raises the issue of whether the organism plays a causal role or is an innocent bystander.3,10
Evidence supporting a causal role of chlamydia in atherogenesis comes from recent reports that C pneumoniae and chlamydial antigens can activate mononuclear phagocytes and vascular cells, including SMCs. A heat-stable component of C pneumoniae induces macrophage foam cell formation,11 and this effect is replicated by chlamydial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). On the other hand, a heat-labile component of C pneumoniae stimulates oxidation of LDL12 and synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)–1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–α,13 by human blood mononuclear cells. Heat shock protein 60 (hsp60) is a highly expressed chlamydial protein that can activate macrophages and vascular cells by mechanisms that are not well characterized. Chlamydial hsp60 mimics the ability of C pneumoniae to stimulate LDL oxidation by human blood mononuclear cells.12 Chlamydial hsp60 also induces synthesis of TNF-α and matrix-degrading metalloproteinases by mouse macrophages14 and expression of adhesion molecules by human endothelial cells.15 We undertook the present study to determine whether C pneumoniae or chlamydial hsp60 stimulates proliferation of human vascular SMCs (VSMCs), a process responsible for intimal hyperplasia in early atherosclerotic lesions.
A crucial component of signaling via classical growth factors involves sequential activation of Ras, Raf, and p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Exposure to C pneumoniae induces rapid activation of p44/p42 MAPK in human umbilical vein endothelial cells,16 although the signaling pathway that links chlamydia to MAPK activation is not known. Recent studies have documented the role of transmembrane Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in cellular activation by microbial pathogens.17 Microbial antigens may interact with the extracellular domain of TLRs and subsequently activate multiple intracellular signaling pathways. Bacterial LPS–induced activation of nuclear factor (NF)–κB and p44/p42 MAPK pathways has been extensively studied, and is now known to involve TLR4.18–21 An inhibitor of TLR4-mediated LPS signaling also abolished induction of inflammatory cytokine synthesis after exposure to Chlamydia trachomatis, a related species of chlamydia.22 The present study tested whether C pneumoniae stimulates human VSMC proliferation via activation of TLR4 and/or p44/p42 MAPK.
Materials and Methods
Human VSMC Culture
VSMCs were obtained by explant technique from saphenous veins harvested for coronary artery bypass surgery at New England Medical Center and from segments of pulmonary artery harvested from organ donors (National Disease Research Interchange, Philadelphia, PA). VSMCs were cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% FCS, glutamine, penicillin, streptomycin, and fungizone, and used at passages 2 to 6.
Propagation and Purification of C pneumoniae
The AR39 strain of C pneumoniae was inoculated into HEp-2 cells at a multiplicity of infection of 10. After 48 to 72 hours, HEp-2 cells were harvested on ice and sonicated. Elementary bodies (EBs) were purified from host cell lysates on discontinuous gradients of Renografin (E.R. Squibb and Sons) as described,23 and stored at −80°C. In some cases, EBs were inactivated by exposure to UV light (30 W, 15 cm, 30 minutes) or to heat (56°C, 30 minutes), as previously described.12,24
Chlamydial hsp60
Recombinant chlamydial hsp60 protein was a kind gift of Dr Richard P. Morrison (Montana State University, Bozeman, MT). C trachomatis serovar A hsp60, fused with 8 additional amino acids (arginine, serine, and 6 histidine residues) at the carboxyl terminus, was expressed in Escherichia coli, and recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography with nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid resin, as previously described.25 The endotoxin level of this preparation was <0.04 U/μg, as determined by Limulus amebocyte lysate assay (Associates of Cape Cod).
Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) Incorporation
VSMCs were plated on glass coverslips (5000 cells/cm2), incubated for 24 hours, and then exposed to C pneumoniae EBs or chlamydial hsp60 in DMEM/1% FCS. In some experiments, VSMCs were preincubated for 30 minutes with MAPK kinase (MEK) inhibitors PD98059 and U0126, or with vehicle (DMSO), before exposure to C pneumoniae. In others, the TLR4 antagonist Rhodobacter sphaeroides diphosphoryl lipid A (RSLA; 1 μg/mL) was added just before addition of C pneumoniae or hsp60. After 48 hours, BrdU was added and cells were incubated an additional 24 hours. To immunostain for BrdU, cells were washed in PBS, fixed in 3.7% formaldehyde (15 minutes), and permeabilized in ice-cold methanol (3 minutes). Nonspecific binding sites were blocked with 10% normal horse serum, and the cells were incubated for 90 minutes at 37°C with BrdU monoclonal antibody (mAb; Amersham) and DNase I (10 U/mL), and then 45 minutes at room temperature with Texas Red–coupled donkey anti-mouse IgG. Cell nuclei were stained with Hoechst 33342 and evaluated by epifluorescence microscopy. For each treatment group, 200 cells were analyzed by an observer blinded to the specimen treatment.
Cell Proliferation
VSMCs were plated in 12-well plates (5000 cells/cm2), incubated overnight, and the numbers of attached cells determined by hemocytometer (day 0 cell counts). VSMCs were then exposed to C pneumoniae or DMEM/1% FCS alone, and final cell counts were determined after 96 hours.
p44/p42 MAPK Phosphorylation
Cells were rapidly frozen in liquid nitrogen and then harvested in buffer containing (in mmol/L) NaCl 150, HEPES (pH 7.4) 50, NaVO4 1, and NaF 1; 1% Triton X-100; 10% glycerol; and proteinase inhibitor cocktail (Boehringer Mannheim). Cell lysates were gently rotated (15 minutes, 4°C), centrifuged (16 000g, 20 minutes, 4°C), and the supernatants stored at −80°C. Cell proteins (40 μg) were separated on a 12% SDS-polyacrylamide gel and transferred to nitrocellulose membranes. The membranes were incubated sequentially with 5% nonfat dry milk, rabbit antibodies specific for threonine- and tyrosine-phosphorylated p44/p42 MAPK (New England Biolabs), biotinylated goat anti-rabbit IgG, and streptavidin-biotinylated alkaline phosphatase complex. Blots were developed with nitroblue tetrazolium and 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate. To verify equivalency of cell extracts, replicate blots were incubated with rabbit antibodies specific for total p44/p42 MAPK. NIH Image 1.61 was used to quantify bands.
Reverse Transcriptase–Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) Analysis
Total RNA was isolated from VSMCs using an RNeasy kit (Qiagen). RNA (2 μg) was reverse-transcribed for 1 hour at 37°C with 200 units of Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase and oligo(dT) primer, in a volume of 20 μL. The reaction was terminated at 95°C, and 2 μL of first-strand cDNA added to each PCR reaction. The primer sets used to amplify TLR4 were 5′-TGCGGGTTCTACATCAAA-3′ and 5′-CCATCCGAAATTATAAGAAAAGTC-3′, yielding a 413-bp fragment, and 5′-TGGTGTCCCAGCACTTCATCC-3′ and 5′-TTCCTGCCAATTGCATCCTGTA-3′, yielding a 299-bp fragment. The primer sets used to amplify TLR2 were 5′-ACTTTGTGGATGGTGTGGGT-3′ and 5′-GAATATGCAGCC- TCCGGATT-3′, yielding a 949-bp fragment and 5′-AGGCTGCATTCCCAAGACACT-3′ and 5′-AGCCAGGCCCA- CATCATTTT-3′, yielding a 519-bp fragment. Primers were annealed at 55°C, and samples were amplified for 25 cycles.
Immunostaining and Flow Cytometric Analysis
VSMCs were gently scraped from culture plates with a soft rubber scraper in PBS containing 1% BSA and 1 mmol/L EDTA. Cells were incubated 1 hour with HTA125 (αTLR4; a gift from K. Miyake, Saga Medical School, Saga, Japan), TL2.1 (αTLR226), or control mouse IgG (each 10 μg/mL), followed by FITC-labeled donkey anti-mouse IgG. Cells were then analyzed for intensity of FITC fluorescence in a FACSCalibur flow cytometer (Becton Dickinson). Immunoreactive TLR4 was localized in individual SMCs by epifluorescence microscopy after indirect immunofluorescent staining. VSMCs were fixed with formaldehyde and then incubated with goat polyclonal antibody specific for human TLR4 (Santa Cruz Biotechnology), followed by Texas Red–coupled donkey anti-goat IgG.
A Heat-Labile Component of C pneumoniae Induces Proliferation of VSMCs
BrdU incorporation was markedly increased 48 to 72 hours after exposure of saphenous vein SMC cultures to viable C pneumoniae EBs. Exposure to C pneumoniae (107 inclusion forming units [IFU]/mL) stimulated DNA synthesis 2.2-fold relative to control VSMCs (Figure 1A; n=5 experiments). Exposure to C pneumoniae (3×107 and 5×107 IFU/mL) produced 5.6-fold and 5.1-fold increases in BrdU incorporation, respectively. C pneumoniae (3×107 IFU/mL) produced maximal stimulation of VSMC proliferation and was chosen for further study. In 10 experiments with saphenous vein SMCs from different patients, C pneumoniae enhanced BrdU incorporation 12±3-fold (range 2.4- to 31-fold), with the largest increases elicited in cells with lower baseline proliferation rates. Exposure to C pneumoniae (3×107 IFU/mL) stimulated BrdU incorporation 3.4±0.1-fold in three experiments with SMCs derived from human pulmonary artery (BrdU-positive cells increased from 9.2±0.9% to 30.8±3.6%). Direct cell counting confirmed that C pneumoniae–induced DNA synthesis was followed by cell replication. The increment in cell number (from 4941 cells/cm2 on day 0) was ≈3-fold greater in saphenous vein SMCs incubated 96 hours with C pneumoniae (10 111±1526 cells/cm2), compared with VSMCs incubated in medium alone (DMEM/1% FCS; 3569±158 cells/cm2).
Mitogenic Effect of C pneumoniae Does Not Require Active Infection
The proliferative response elicited by viable C pneumoniae EBs could be triggered by a specific chlamydial antigen or may be secondary to an active infection within VSMCs. To determine whether infection of SMCs contributed to this mitogenic effect, the effect of viable EBs was compared with that of EBs that had been inactivated by exposure to UV light or heat (56°C). Exposure to C pneumoniae (3×107 IFU/mL) stimulated BrdU incorporation 5.6-fold, whereas exposure to UV-inactivated or 56°C-inactivated C pneumoniae stimulated BrdU incorporation 3.3-fold and 2.7-fold, respectively (Figure 1B; n=5 experiments). These results indicate that the effect of C pneumoniae is mediated, at least in part, via recognition of a chlamydial antigen, although infection may enhance this effect.
Molecular components of C pneumoniae that can activate cells include LPS, major outer membrane protein,27 and hsp60.15 The activity of LPS is not affected by heating to 100°C,28 whereas the activity of most proteins is destroyed. The mitogenic effect of C pneumoniae was abolished by heating to 100°C in five independent experiments (Figure 1B), consistent with a role of a chlamydial protein, and ruling out a primary role of LPS.
Chlamydial hsp60 Is a Heat-Labile Inducer of VSMC Proliferation
BrdU incorporation was markedly increased in human VSMCs exposed to chlamydial hsp60 for 72 hours. The percentage of cells that incorporated BrdU increased 5.3-fold, 6.7-fold, 20-fold, and 22.4-fold in VSMCs exposed to 5, 10, 25, and 50 μg/mL chlamydial hsp60, relative to control VSMCs (Figure 1C). Chlamydial hsp60 (25 μg/mL) produced near-maximal stimulation of VSMC proliferation and was chosen for further study. Notably, exposure to chlamydial hsp60 (25 μg/mL) produced a mitogenic effect similar to that of C pneumoniae (3×107 IFU/mL). In five experiments with VSMCs from different patients, chlamydial hsp60 enhanced BrdU incorporation 7±3-fold (range 2.2- to 20-fold), with the largest increases elicited in cells with low baseline proliferation rates. The effect of chlamydial hsp60 (25 μg/mL) was also abolished by heating to 100°C (Figure 1D).
C pneumoniae and Chlamydial hsp60 Activate p44/p42 MAPK in Human VSMCs
To determine whether exposure to C pneumoniae activates p44/p42 MAPK in VSMCs, cells were left untreated or were stimulated with C pneumoniae (3×107 IFU/mL) or chlamydial hsp60 (25 μg/mL) for 5 to 30 minutes. Cell lysates were analyzed by Western blot using a polyclonal antibody specific for the active, dually phosphorylated forms of p44/p42 MAPK. Levels of phosphorylated p44 and p42 MAPK were increased in VSMCs after only a 5-minute exposure to C pneumoniae, were maximally increased at 10 minutes (11-fold and 3-fold, respectively), and remained elevated after 30 minutes (Figure 2, left). The levels of phosphorylated p44 and p42 MAPK were likewise increased (3-fold and 2-fold, respectively) in VSMCs incubated 10 minutes with chlamydial hsp60 (25 μg/mL) (Figure 2, right). In contrast, total p44/p42 MAPK levels were similar in all groups. Phosphorylated p44 and p42 MAPKs were similarly increased in VSMCs incubated for 10 minutes with 10% FCS (6-fold and 2-fold, respectively; data not shown). These results indicate that MAPK is rapidly activated after exposure to C pneumoniae or chlamydial hsp60.
MEK Inhibition Abolishes C pneumoniae–Induced VSMC Proliferation
Two specific inhibitors of MEK, PD98059 and U0126, were used to assess the role of MEK-induced p44/p42 MAPK activation in the mitogenic effect of C pneumoniae. U0126 (10 μmol/L) largely attenuates p44/p42 MAPK activation and is equally effective at inhibiting MEK1 and MEK2.29 Concentrations of PD98059 5-fold to 10-fold higher are required to produce similar inhibition of MEK activity,30 and MEK1 is preferentially inhibited. VSMCs were pretreated for 30 minutes with vehicle, PD98059 (50 μmol/L), or U0126 (10 μmol/L) before exposure to C pneumoniae or medium alone. BrdU incorporation increased 8.6-fold in VSMCs exposed to C pneumoniae (3×107/mL) in the absence of a MEK inhibitor (Figure 3). The mitogenic effect of C pneumoniae was inhibited by 90% in VSMCs pretreated with PD98059 and was abolished in VSMCs pretreated with U0126. U0126 likewise inhibited the mitogenic effect of chlamydial hsp60 (25 μg/mL), by 73% and 100%, in two independent experiments (data not shown).
Human VSMCs Express TLR4 mRNA and Protein
RT-PCR analysis indicated that saphenous vein SMCs express TLR4 but not TLR2 mRNA. cDNA was prepared from VSMCs derived from three different patients and amplified by primers specific for TLR2 or TLR4. Each VSMC cDNA sample yielded TLR4 PCR product of similar size to that obtained from a human bone marrow cDNA library, when amplified with either TLR4 primer pair (Figure 4A). In contrast, two sets of primers specific for TLR2 produced no PCR product with cDNAs from VSMCs, but yielded the expected TLR2 PCR product when human bone marrow cDNA was amplified (data not shown).
Human VSMCs also expressed immunoreactive TLR4, but not TLR2, as determined by immunostaining followed by flow cytometric analysis or fluorescence microscopy. The mean relative fluorescent intensities of VSMCs were 81, 97, and 253, when incubated in the presence of control IgG, TLR2 mAb, or TLR4 mAb, respectively (Figure 4B). Flow cytometric analysis of VSMCs derived from a different patient yielded similar results (not shown). Microscopic analysis of VSMCs that were immunostained with polyclonal TLR4 antibodies revealed specific staining that appeared localized to the cell membrane (Figure 4C). In contrast, TLR2 antigen was not detected in VSMCs by immunostaining with TLR2 mAb (data not shown).
RSLA Inhibits C pneumoniae– and Chlamydial hsp60–Induced VSMC Proliferation
Diphosphoryl lipid A prepared from R. sphaeroides (RSLA) is a competitive antagonist of LPS signaling31 and thus may act as a competitive inhibitor of TLR4. Therefore, RSLA was used to investigate the role of TLR4 in recognition of C pneumoniae and hsp60 by VSMCs. Addition of RSLA (1 μg/mL) to VSMC cultures immediately before addition of chlamydial hsp60 abolished the subsequent proliferative response to the chlamydial protein (Figure 5; P<0.01; n=5 experiments). The mitogenic effect of FCS was not altered by addition of RSLA, indicating that the lipid A analogue does not have nonspecific effects on VSMC proliferation. RSLA attenuated proliferation induced by C pneumoniae by 46±16% (Figure 5; P<0.05, n=7 experiments). These results support the hypothesis that C pneumoniae and chlamydial hsp60 stimulate human VSMC proliferation via activation of TLR4.
Identification of subendothelial macrophages in early atherosclerotic lesions1 led to the hypothesis that atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease. More recently, correlative studies have supported a possible association between atherosclerosis and chronic infection with the Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium C pneumoniae. C pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory tract infections, with most adults experiencing several infections over the course of a lifetime.32 C pneumoniae bacteria occur frequently in atherosclerotic lesions, but only rarely in normal arterial tissue.3–6 Evidence that C pneumoniae can induce proatherogenic effects on mononuclear phagocytes and vascular cells supports a role for the organism in the pathogenesis of vascular disease. The present studies have four principal findings. First, C pneumoniae and chlamydial hsp60 are potent stimuli to human VSMC proliferation. Second, the mitogenic effect of C pneumoniae EBs is independent of chlamydial LPS and is likely mediated by a heat-labile chlamydial protein. Third, p44/p42 MAPK activation is crucial to C pneumoniae and chlamydial hsp60–induced VSMC proliferation. Finally, the mitogenic effects of both C pneumoniae and hsp60 involve TLR4.
Several observations support the hypothesis that the mitogenic effect of C pneumoniae is mediated, at least in part, by rapid recognition of a heat-labile component of the organism. First, p44/p42 MAPK is activated 5 minutes after exposure to the organism, and its activation is crucial to the subsequent increase in proliferation. Second, the mitogenic effect is mimicked by chlamydial hsp60. Third, the mitogenic effect can occur in the absence of active infection. The developmental cycle of C pneumoniae is biphasic.33 EBs released into the extracellular space are metabolically inactive, yet infectious, and can be taken up by cells. Once inside the cell, chlamydia reside within inclusions in the cytoplasm, utilizing the host cell's metabolic machinery to develop into mature reticulate bodies, divide, and create new infectious EBs, which are released on host cell lysis. In the present study, C pneumoniae EBs that were rendered noninfectious by exposure to UV light or heat (56°C) also stimulated proliferation of VSMCs, although the response was partially attenuated. These results suggest that the mitogenic effect can occur in the absence of secondary events linked to active infection. However, they do not rule out the possibility that active infection may contribute to SMC activation in other settings, either in SMCs cultured in vitro7–9 or in atherosclerotic lesions in vivo.2–4
The mitogenic activity of C pneumoniae was heat-labile, ruling out a primary role of chlamydial LPS. Evidence for a possible role of chlamydial hsp60 was provided by the fact that chlamydial hsp60 replicated the mitogenic effect of C pneumoniae. Recent studies suggest that chlamydial hsp60 can activate cells in a manner similar to IL-1 or LPS. Chlamydial hsp60 induces synthesis of TNF-α and matrix-degrading metalloproteinases by mouse macrophages,14 expression of adhesion molecules by human endothelial cells,15 and oxidation of LDL by human blood mononuclear cells.12 Chlamydial hsp60 is found in macrophage-rich areas of human atherosclerotic plaque.14 Whether the presence of chlamydial hsp60 is due to an active or persistent C pneumoniae infection or to the persistence of the hsp60 antigen is not known. It has been proposed that C pneumoniae can establish persistent infections that could serve as a source of antigen to chronic inflammatory responses. In this regard, it is interesting that the related organism, C trachomatis, continues to synthesize hsp60 during a persistent infection, whereas synthesis of major outer membrane protein and LPS is greatly reduced.34 The fact that chlamydial hsp60 is present in atherosclerotic lesions and is also a potent human VSMC mitogen supports a possible role of chlamydial hsp60 in intimal hyperplasia.
Recent evidence supports the hypothesis that hsp60 activates cells via TLRs, the sensors of the innate immune system. TLRs are transmembrane proteins with an extracellular domain consisting of leucine-rich repeats involved in recognition of microbial components. To date, nine TLRs have been identified in humans, but only a few of their ligands have been established.17 In one study, human hsp60 stimulated TNF-α and nitric oxide production in mouse macrophages, whereas macrophages derived from C3H/HeJ mice that express a nonfunctional form of TLR4 were nonresponsive to hsp60, supporting a role of TLR4 in human hsp60–induced cell activation.35 In another study,36 expression of CD14 conferred responsiveness to human hsp60 in U373 cells, an astrocytoma cell line that expresses TLR4 but not TLR2,37 thereby implicating a CD14-dependent TLR in hsp60 signaling. Human VSMCs used in the present study expressed TLR4 mRNA and protein but did not express TLR2 mRNA or protein, likewise suggesting a role of TLR4. Studies with RSLA, a lipid A analogue that antagonizes LPS-induced signaling,31 further supported a role of TLR4 rather than TLR2 in the mitogenic effect of both C pneumoniae and chlamydial hsp60. RSLA appears to be a specific inhibitor of TLR4, given that it markedly attenuates cellular activation by LPS,31 and by lipoteichoic acid,38 an active component of Gram-positive bacteria that can activate TLR4.39 In contrast, RSLA does not inhibit macrophage activation by either heat-killed Staphylococcus aureus or extracts of Mycobacterium tuberculosis,31 organisms that stimulate TLR2.40,41 However, it is possible that a distinct TLR is also expressed in VSMCs and is inhibited by RSLA. Further studies are required to establish whether RSLA attenuates signaling by other TLRs.
The cytosolic domains of TLRs have high homology with the intracellular domain of the type I IL-1 receptor. As predicted by this homology, TLRs and the IL-1 receptor recruit and activate common intermediate proteins, leading to activation of the p44/p42 MAPK pathway and NF-κB. After binding of their respective ligands, TLR4 and the IL-1 receptor associate with an adapter protein, MyD88,42 leading to recruitment of IL-1 receptor–associated kinases (IRAKs) to the receptor complex. IRAKs then interact with TRAF6, a member of the TNF receptor–associated factor family. TRAF6 activation, in turn, can lead to phosphorylation of p44/p42 MAPK by undefined mechanisms.43 The p44/p42 group of MAPKs is a central component of signaling via growth factors. Sequential activation of Ras and Raf activates MEK. MEK then activates MAPK by dual phosphorylation of key threonine and tyrosine residues, and MAPK in turn phosphorylates serine and threonine residues on several transcription factors, including c-Myc, activator protein-1, NF–IL-6, activating transcription factor-2, and Elk-1, leading ultimately to cell growth and differentiation.44 C pneumoniae induces rapid p44/p42 MAPK activation in human VSMCs, as previously reported in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.16 The mechanism of chlamydia-induced MAPK activation in human VSMCs and endothelial cells is not known, but given the rapidity of the effect, it is likely to be mediated by direct recognition of a chlamydial component, and in SMCs may involve chlamydial hsp60-induced activation of TLR4.
The present studies have shown that C pneumoniae is a potent stimulus for human VSMC proliferation. Furthermore, the mitogenic effect is mediated by rapid TLR4-mediated recognition of C pneumoniae, which may be due in part to recognition of chlamydial hsp60 and subsequent activation of p44/p42 MAPK. The mitogenic effect of C pneumoniae may contribute to intimal hyperplasia during the early stages of atherogenesis.
This work was supported by NIH Grants HL47569 (to D.B.); GM50870 (to N.Q.); and DK50305, GM54060, and AI32725 (to D.T.G.). We thank Dr Michael Mendelsohn for critical review of the manuscript.
Original received January 26, 2001; revision received May 11, 2001; accepted June 6, 2001.
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Vehmaan-Kreula P, Puolakkainen M, Sarvas M, Welgus HG, Kovanen PT. Chlamydia pneumoniae proteins induce secretion of the 92-kDa gelatinase by human monocyte-derived macrophages. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2001; 21: E1–E8.
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Rietschel ET. Chemistry of endotoxins. In: Rietschel ET, ed. Chemistry of Endotoxins. Vol 1. New York, NY: Elsevier; 1984: 1–417.
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Favata MF, Horiuchi KY, Manos EJ, Daulerio AJ, Stradley DA, Feeser WS, Van Dyk DE, Pitts WF, Earl RA, Hobbs F, Copeland RA, Magolda RL, Scherle PA, Trzaskos JM. Identification of a novel inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase. J Biol Chem. 1998; 273: 18623–18632.
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Alessi DR, Cuenda A, Cohen P, Dudley DT, Saltiel AR. PD 098059 is a specific inhibitor of the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase in vitro and in vivo. J Biol Chem. 1995; 270: 27489–27494.
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Golenbock DT, Hampton RY, Qureshi N, Takayama K, Raetz CRH. Lipid A -like molecules that antagonize the effects of endotoxins on human monocytes. J Biol Chem. 1991; 266: 19490–19498.
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Kauppinen M, Saikku P. Pneumonia due to Chlamydia pneumoniae: prevalence, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment. Clin Infect Dis. 1995; 21: S244–S252.
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Leinonen M. Pathogenetic mechanisms and epidemiology of Chlamydia pneumoniae. Eur Heart J. 1993; 14: 57–61.
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Beatty WL, Byrne GI, Morrison RP. Morphologic and antigenic characterization of interferon γ-mediated persistent Chlamydia trachomatis infection in vitro. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1993; 90: 3998–4002.
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Ohashi K, Burkart V, Flohe S, Kolb H. Cutting edge: heat shock protein 60 is a putative endogenous ligand of the Toll-like receptor-4 complex. J Immunol. 2000; 164: 558–561.
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Kol A, Lichtman AH, Finberg RW, Libby P, Kurt-Jones EA. Cutting edge: heat shock protein (HSP) 60 activates the innate immune response: CD14 is an essential receptor for HSP60 activation of mononuclear cells. J Immunol. 2000; 164: 13–17.
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Hirschfeld M, Kirschning CJ, Schwandner R, Wesche H, Weis JH, Wooten RM, Weis JJ. Cutting edge: inflammatory signaling by Borrelia burgdorferi lipoproteins is mediated by Toll-like receptor 2. J Immunol. 1999; 163: 2382–2386.
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Cleveland MG, Gorham JD, Murphy TL, Tuomanen E, Murphy KM. Lipoteichoic acid preparations of Gram-positive bacteria induce interleukin-12 through a CD14-dependent pathway. Infect Immun. 1996; 64: 1906–1912.
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Takeuchi O, Hoshino K, Kawai T, Sanjo H, Takada H, Ogawa T, Takeda K, Akira S. Differential roles of TLR2 and TLR4 in recognition of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial cell wall components. Immunity. 1999; 11: 443–451.
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Lien E, Sellati TJ, Yoshimura A, Flo TH, Rawadi G, Finberg RW, Carroll JD, Espevik T, Ingalls RR, Radolf JD, Golenbock DT. Toll-like receptor 2 functions as a pattern recognition receptor for diverse bacterial products. J Biol Chem. 1999; 274: 33419–33425.
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Underhill DM, Ozinsky A, Smith KD, Aderem A. Toll-like receptor-2 mediates mycobacteria-induced proinflammatory signaling in macrophages. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1999; 96: 14459–14463.
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Zhang FX, Kirschning CJ, Mancinelli R, Xu X-P, Jin Y, Faure E, Mantovani A, Rothe M, Muzio M, Ardit M. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide activates nuclear factor-κB through interleukin-1 signaling mediators in cultured human dermal endothelial cells and mononuclear phagocytes. J Biol Chem. 1999; 274: 7611–7614.
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- Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydial Heat Shock Protein 60 Stimulate Proliferation of Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells via Toll-Like Receptor 4 and p44/p42 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase ActivationSebastian Sasu, David LaVerda, Nilofer Qureshi, Douglas T. Golenbock and Debbie BeasleyCirculation Research. 2001;89:244-250, originally published August 3, 2001https://doi.org/10.1161/hh1501.094184Permalink:


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ISM Adamo Attack
$250, Ismseat.com
The draw: Same pressure relief, less hamstring rub
The latest refinement to the ISM's extremely popular Adamo saddle features a narrower rear section for better hamstring clearance and a longer central pressure relief channel. Both changes allow the rider to make better use of the whole seat while in aero and sitting upright. A few longtime Adamo users preferred this saddle to the original. As with all ISM saddles, this one features very long rails, which allow a lot of adjustability.
RELATED: 2013's Ultimate Tri Gear
Follow Triathlete on Twitter @Triathletemag for inspiration, new workout ideas, gear reviews from our editors and more.

subset: commoncrawl


text: my girlfriend and I are heading to a concert in philly, and I'm looking for suggestions for a pre-show meal. we're only looking to spend around $50 total for the meal, but I'm sure a great meal can be had for that. We're both pretty adventurous eaters, so unusual is better, but anyplace that puts out a good, affordable meal will do.


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Have you seen the news lately? Zombies are popping out of the woodwork.
Let's start with the face eating Zombie from Miami, Florida. A naked man, chewing on a homeless man's face. When asked nicely to stop chewing on the man's nose, Zombie turned around and growled at the cop, then went back to eating.The cop shot him, but our Zombie continued with his Sunday brunch. It took 6 shots to kill this guy. I don't know about you, but to me that sounds like a serious Zombie attack and it really freaks me out.
Then this morning, I read another Zombie stabbed himself and as the police were trying to subdue him, he started throwing pieces of his intestines and skin at them. Here is the important piece of information…the police sprayed him with pepper spray before he started the intestine toss and it did not phase him. Are you getting the picture, folks?
Maybe this will help spell it out for you if you are a little slow…http://theoatmeal.com/comics/zombie_how
We're screwed, bitches!
However if you start preparing now, chances are you might survive at least 2-3 days. Look, the world is going to come to a bloody nasty end soon, so you might as well rack up those credit cards buying preparation supplies or just buy a bunch of shit you have wanted for a long time, because you truly won't be around long enough to pay the bills.
***Note from the law office of French, Frye and Coke—She is joking. Our client will not be held accountable. Do not charge up your credit cards preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse. She is really dumb to believe all this crazy shit, but she pays us well.***
I will keep this short and sweet as I am busy putting together my list of supplies to survive this mess. If you need a cheat sheet to get started with your purchases here is what I have on my list so far…
Shotgun (duh)
bullets for shotgun
Monster truck (if you don't shoot very well at least you can run over them)
First aid kit
Many cases of Coke
Some of these so you can wipe the Zombie goo from your eye protection. Of course, Elton John is already prepared for the Zombie Apocalypse.
70 inch LED Flat screen (ok, that has nothing to do with Zombies…I just want one).
Friends like these that you won't feel bad about sacrificing to the Zombies…
***Do not sacrifice them until they have found you a nice hidey hole, killed a cow and butchered it all up into some nice T-bones and built you a fire. Then you can let the Zombies have them.***
This is some serious stuff and shouldn't be taken lightly. The next story I read about someone chowing on another human or using their own blood as paint, I am grabbing my Bug Out Bag (bit.ly/MZcvXA) and heading for the hills.


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I could not believe my luck. I met this sexy brunette in a car park and I tried it on with my fake advertising agency routine. She fall for it! She is stunning. I got her back to a hotel room and fucked her before she changed her mind!January 8, 2013
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Married at her parent's home in Nanoose, we then went to a local spot for the bridal party shoot, and then to Fairwinds Golf course for their reception.
Comments most welcome below! 🙂
CB Photography, Wedding & Portrait Photography on Vancouver Island
Married at her parent's home in Nanoose, we then went to a local spot for the bridal party shoot, and then to Fairwinds Golf course for their reception.
Comments most welcome below! 🙂
These make me so happy! Thank you Chris your the best! We had so much fun with you! Gorgeous photos!
Chris you really captured some special moments!
Beautiful photos! I especially like the candid forest kiss!
Absolutely ravishing! Love the mother and daughter one…really captured the spirit. Congratulations again Kristina and Steve!
Amazing photos! What a beautiful wedding!
Absolutely gorgeous! You are a stunning couple! I love the kiss on the rock with the reflection 🙂
These pictures are stunning!!!
Sweet! Can't wait for more.
Congratulations Shirley and Ian, on your gorgeous daughter and her groom's lovely day. The photos are spectacular. What a wonderful occasion, thank you for sharing. Love Laura
Wow these are amazing! I'm so happy to see them, can't wait to see more. What a special day. Thanks for capturing all the special moments.
WOW!!! Stunning photograph!!!! Kristina you look SO LOVELY and SO HAPPY!!! You and Steve fit together so well! BEAUTIFUL!!! Congratulations! Love, Anne and Garry
Beautiful bride and groom, beautiful day, beautiful photos!
Absolutely stunning photos! They captured the very essence of so many beautiful moments. Congratulations again Kristina and Steve!
The pictures are lovely of everyone. I especially loved the one with her mom helping her with her wedding gown that was done in black and white – it really captured how very beautiful her dress was.
What wonderful photos! Congratulations Kristina and Steve, Shirley and Ian.
Ohhh, wish we had been there. I too loved the photo of Kristina and Shirley. Ian, you look terrific walking Kristina down the aisle. Cheers, Deb
wow I have never seen a bride more beautiful!
Best and most beautiful couple on the island!!!


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According to Jacques Médecin, former mayor of Nice and an authority on its cuisine, the layer of onions on a pissaladière should be half as thick as the crust.
1/4 oz. active dry yeast
Extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups flour
1 tbsp. salt
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 1/2-3 lbs. onions, peeled and very thinly sliced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Bouquet garni of 2 sprigs each thyme and marjoram
and 1 sprig rosemary, tied with kitchen twine
1/3 cup niçoise olives
12 anchovy filets
1. For the dough: Dissolve yeast in 1 cup warm water in a small bowl, let stand for 5 minutes, then add 1/4 cup oil. Combine flour and salt in a medium bowl, add yeast mixture, and stir with a wooden spoon, adding a bit more water if necessary, until ingredients are well mixed. Turn out dough on a lightly floured work surface, dust hands with flour, and knead for several minutes until the dough has a smooth, firm, elastic character. Form dough into a ball, then place in a lightly oiled medium bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Allow dough to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour.
2. For the topping: Heat oil in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add onions and season generously with salt and pepper. Add bouquet garni and cover pan to let onions slowly simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and continue cooking until the moisture has evaporated and the onions cook down to a very tender marmalade-like consistency, 30-40 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Place pizza stone in oven and preheat to 450°. Roll dough out on a floured surface into a thin, flat rectangle. Transfer dough to a baker's peel or inverted baking sheet dusted with cornmeal. Cover dough with a damp cloth and allow to rest for 30 minutes.
4. Remove cloth from dough and spread onion mixture on top. Arrange olives and anchovy filets over the onions, season lightly with pepper, then slide onto hot pizza stone. Bake until crust has browned, 15-20 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, cut into wedges.
This article was first published in Saveur in Issue #32
If you've enjoyed this post and would like to get some more pizza love right in your inbox, consider signing up for the newsletter , would ya? If email isn't your thing, you can support this blog just by shopping on Amazon.com for the stuff you already buy by first clicking through from this site. Thanks for the support and talk to you soon!


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San Francisco Ocean Beach at Sunset
An old photo. A perfect sunset. A ways away. A different time. Sometimes I miss my hometown. I miss her especially when I see photos like this.
"As Though To Breathe Were Life"
"..For always roaming with a hungry heart Much have I seen and known; cities of men And manners, climates, councils, governments, Myself not least, but honoured of them all; And drunk delight of battle with my peers; Far on the ringing plains of windy Troy. I am a part of all that I have met.."


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(CNN) – It's Donald Trump's favorite subject at his post-election rallies. Not his upcoming agenda or his cabinet, but his victory.
Trump said, "By the way, as soon as the real polls came out, we won it in a massive landslide."
But it wasn't a landslide. Trump's electoral win is modest by historical standards. Still, the President-elect is pushing back on any critics who note he came up nearly 3 million voters short in the popular vote.
Trump explained, "I would have done even better in the election, if that is possible, if the winner was based on popular vote – but would campaign differently. Campaigning to win the Electoral College is much more difficult & sophisticated than the popular vote. Hillary focused on the wrong states!"
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich noted, "This is the football season. A team can have more yards and lose the game. What matters is how many points you put on the board. The Electoral College is the points."
But democrats aren't buying it, and accuse republicans of inflating their election win to justify a broad mandate.
Former Clinton campaign spokesman Jesse Ferguson wrote in Time Magazine: "If we don't fight back against unfounded claims of a mandate, or navel-gazing that this election was a total rejection of our party, we will be wondering why the republican agenda has gained momentum in just a few short months."
Trump is restarting the debate over his election win, just as questions are being raised about his business interests. The Trump family is distancing itself from a fundraiser that had been scheduled one day after inauguration, seeking donations of up to $1 million in exchange for hunting outings with Trump's sons.
Transition officials maintain the sons won't be involved despite the fact that the group holding the fundraiser lists Trump's sons Don Jr. And Eric as two of its directors.
Transition Spokesman Jason Miller said, "There is no involvement of this with Don Jr. or Eric, nor do they plan on being involved with it."
Other questions about conflicts of interest are being raised, like the Kuwaiti government's decision to hold an upcoming event at Trump's new D.C. hotel, which is just steps from the White House.
Top trump supporter Newt Gingrich says the President-elect doesn't even like his campaign catch phrase "drain the swamp" anymore.
Gingrich said, "I'm told he now just disclaims that. He now says it was cute, but he doesn't want to use it anymore."
Trump appears to be closing in on some important announcements on staffing at the White House.
The job of Press Secretary will be filled sometime over the next 48 hours, and that RNC spokesman Sean Spicer remains a favorite for the position.


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Alison Brie Shoe Size, Legs and Feet
Alison Brie Schermerhorn, 31, is a pretty American actress. She is attractive, sexy and adorable. Many people might dream to have a woman like her. She is so perfect. You can see from the photos how sexy and attractive she is. Alison has gorgeous face, busty and curvy body and also beautiful lower body (feet and legs). You might see her body measurements here.
Talking about her feet and legs, this beautiful actress actually has pretty one. She has got sexy and nice-look legs and also gorgeous feet. The shoe size that Alison wears is 7 (US). She has medium size of shoe. The toes and the soles also looked pretty
There's an interesting moment about her and her feet. Alison told it to the Late Show.
She told that, one day, she went to Grocery Store and suddenly she met a man who stopped her. That man explained that he wanted to stop her because of her feet. "Your feet are gorgeous", said that man. That man even claimed if Alison's feet looked more beautiful than her ex-girlfriends' sexy feet. She is impressed with that, even though she felt a bit weird.
If you take a look at the photos, you might feel the same reason to that man.


text: Sargent's makes a vaseline type salve that comes in a small square tin that is medicated and to use for "weed rash" chafted skin, bug bites, ect...........And Nichole picked it up as we were utterly desperate for poor Molly who'd all but shredded her body this year. I plastered this stuff all over her belly, legs......and Nichole risked dismemberment to apply it uber thick to her torn and shredded tail. I'll tell you what, this stuff works wonders. Prescriptions have failed. But this stuff has Molly's shredded tail healing, the rash on her belly is going away........and fleas had this foul smelling stuff. lol (short term with fleas jking) Because it's a petroleum base......it sticks where it needs to stay. Just though I'd pass it on. by the way I had like 5 min of easy child's internet. Now Nichole is begging me to go home. So got to run. But knew others were having this issue. You can find this at wallie world both over in dog section and cat section and it's about 8 bucks or so and well worth it. Miss you all horribly. Hugs


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Over 200 key figures from the publishing industry witnessed the event.
Singapore Business Review took home the crown as the Business/Professional Media of the Year at the 2016 Media Publishers Association of Singapore Awards and Media Ball. The annual Awards recognises best practices and top talents within Singapore's magazine publishing industry.
Published by the Charlton Media Group, the Singapore Business Review magazine showcases key analyses on the region's top issues and targets Singapore's business elite including CEOs and executives. It remains committed to producing top-notch content to its growing number of readers.
The Awards' judges were Shirlene Noordin, founder and co-director of Phish Communications;
Gilles Demptos, director for Asia, at the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA); Honey Lee, managing director at HEAT Pte. Ltd; Irene Ho, chief distribution officer at fin-exis advisory Pte Ltd; Joseph Barratt, founder and CEO at Mutant Communications, and; Marina Mathews, founder and managing director at Chrysler Communications.
The 10th MPAS Awards and Media Ball was held at the Fullerton Hotel Singapore last September 26, during Singapore Media Week. Among the guests of honour were Chee Hong Tat, minister of state, Ministry of Communications & Information, and Ministry of Health; Cavalier Giovanni Viterale, general manager, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore; and Ho Sum Kwong, founding president, Media Publishers Association Singapore.
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text:
Generics Cos. Ask Fed. Circ. To Nix Pfizer's Lyrica Patent
In his July ruling following a bench trial, Judge Gregory M. Sleet of the District of Delaware improperly construed the claims of the patent and should have found that Pfizer's patent was obvious in view...
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text:
The nike Xtreme dx11 black shoes260801.zip file you have requested: Add Ons / Big Files / nike Xtreme dx11 black shoes260801.zip - 125.31kb is not available. Perhaps try browsing all files for the game FIFA 2001 and upload any files you want to share or are missing. This is the only information we could locate:
Nike Xtreme DX11 black shoes for Fifa 2001 by Shlomy Sharabani installation: Copy & Paste Texture.big into Fifa/Data/Palyer Or install directlly from the Zip file using Fifamania Installer Enjoy! Shlomy
We recommend you return to the download list and browse the links from there. If the problem persists, contact us with the details.


text:
Welcome to Digital Technology Solutions
At Digital Technology Solutions (DTS) we aim to provide you with the right technology to suite your needs
DTS can provide your business with technology solutions that keep your business moving. Whether your business is starting out, looking for an upgrade, or is in need of a little fine tuning, DTS can help. We help take your ideas and make them a reality.
Services that we offer:
|© Copyright 2007-2008 Digital Technology Solutions. All Rights Reserved.
Designed by DTS


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Aston, PA — Sister Rose Anthony Brady, OSF, died in Assisi House on May 5. She was ninety-four years of age and had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for seventy-four years. Sister Rose Anthony was born in Philadelphia, where she was a member of St. Elizabeth Parish. Prior to her entrance into the congregation in 1930, she attended Hallahan High School and completed her high school studies after her entrance. She later earned both a B.S. in Education and an M.S. in Science and Math. She ministered primarily in education on both elementary and secondary levels. Following her retirement she served in parish ministry. Her leisure activities included art and writing. She also loved to travel.
Sister Rose Anthony ministered in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for thirty-three years. She taught at St. Benedict School (1943-1944, 1965-1967); St. Ludwig School (1944-1945, 1949-1955, 1963-1965); Resurrection School, Chester (1948-1949); Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Morton (1955-1956); St. Elizabeth School (1956-1961); Maria Goretti High School (1961-1963); St. Stanislaus School, Lansdale (1967-1968); and St. Aloysius School, Pottstown (1968-1969). In 1997 she moved to Assisi House in Aston where she served in prayer ministry until her death.
Sister Rose Anthony taught in the Dioceseof Allentown for eleven years: St. Fidelis School, Mahanoy City (1932-1933); St. Mary School, Minersville (1933-1936); St. Francis School, Allentown (1936-1940); St. Joseph School, Easton (1941-1943); and Sacred Heart School, Allentown (1969-1970).
Sister Rose Anthony's thirteen years of ministry in the Archdiocese of Baltimore included teaching at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel High School in Middle River (1970-1972) and doing volunteer work when she lived at St. Anthony Convent in Gardenville (1986-1997).
Her elevenyears in the Diocese of Harrisburg included teaching at St. Joseph School in Lancaster (1945-1948) and at York Catholic High School(1972-1980).
Sister Rose Anthony also ministered at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Spartanburg, South Carolina (1980-1983); Holy Spirit Parish, Jacksonville, North Carolina (1983-1984); and Our Lady of Fatima Parish, New Castle, Delaware (1984-1986).
All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on May 9. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 9:30 A.M followed by viewing. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 A.M. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Rose Anthony is survived by nieces and nephews and by her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to Franciscan Ministries Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.


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Fine payments may be made by mail, in person or online
Payment Information
Payment of Court fines and fees may be made in-person, by mail or on-line. RESTITUTION PAYMENTS NOT ALLOWED ON-LINE.
Traffic School: Those wishing participate in Traffic School in order to possibly keep a traffic ticket off their driving record should refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on the court's main page. Please note that the On-line payment option is not available for those who wish to be considered for Traffic School. Traffic citation holders should contact the court during business hours Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. to discuss eligibility for traffic school.
Payment by Mail: Please do not send cash. Please include case number or citation number on cheques or money orders.
Payment In-Person: Payments in person may be made 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday- Friday. (excluding most state and national holidays)
On-Line Payment: (effective July 1, 2013)
On-Line payments are processed through the Utah Courts Internet Payment System.
The court accepts Visa, MasterCard and Discover Card Credit and Debit Cards.
Attention Debit card Users: Please note that a hold may be placed on your funds by your financial institution when using your debit card. Please contact your financial institution about holds. The Court is not responsible for placing or removing holds.
Convenience Fee: On-line credit card and debit card payments will be assessed a $3.00 convenience fee.
To Access the On-Line payment system you must know your case number or the citation number. To connect please click the following link:www.utcourts.gov/payments.


text:
On Monday, May 14th, the world began to sample the newest collaboration between Uniqlo and the world's most iconic beverage brand, Coca Cola; the 2012 UTGP collection of 10 t-shirts.
And they want to give a FAB reader one!
The ten winning designs form the culmination of Uniqlo's 8th Annual UT Grand Prix (UTGP) T-shirt design contest.
They draw inspiration from the beverage brand's illustrious design heritage, referencing everything from the contour bottle to its world-renowned logo and historic campaign slogans. Underlying all the designs is a focus on the happiness and optimism values that have been at the heart of the brand for over 125 years.
6,288 design submissions were received in total.
The overall winner is Karrie Lee (Lee Lai Yan) from Hong Kong. She was selected by a panel of judges which included Tadashi Yanai, Chairman of Uniqlo.
Her design features a friend of her's sipping on a can of Coke through a straw, graphically arranged in a zig-zag pattern down the front of a black and red T.
If you've never been to Uniqlo, the stores are located in Manhattan and sell a variety of interesting clothing that I can best compare to American Apparel at a better price point.
These shirts will be sold in store and online for $19.90.
If you'd like to win one, you have two ways to enter;
#1 Tweet the Following:
Cool new t-shirt collection from @UniqloUSA and you can win one from @immrfabulous I want it! http://wp.me/p1mskh-1r4
#2 Comment Below:
Tell me "Whats your favorite Coca-Cola branded drink?"
A winner will be chosen randomly and prize mailed out anywhere in the world!
I wish I could have entered!
Mr. Fab iqlo


text: Giant Sea Turtle boat more like it. Rolandius (talk - contr) 04:22, 2 December 2008 (UTC) The Half Shell is one also but is currently moored. Rolandius (talk - contr) 08:39, 7 January 2009 (UTC) Retrieved from "http://wowwiki.wikia.com/wiki/Talk:Turtle_boat?oldid=1731798" Ad blocker interference detected! Wikia is a free-to-use site that makes money from advertising. We have a modified experience for viewers using ad blockers Wikia is not accessible if you've made further modifications. Remove the custom ad blocker rule(s) and the page will load as expected.


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Many people lament the approach of their fortieth birthday--over the hill and all that. Gone the youthful thirties maybe? Not me. My outlook often falls outside the mainstream, and turning forty is no different. While these outlying perspectives used to create anxiety, I now embrace them as being uniquely me. That's what turning forty does, … [Read more...]
Okay Forty, Let's Do This!
When Things Don't Go As Planned
The peppermint brownies were baked, their aroma wafting through my kitchen. Lemon hummus and citrus water kept them company on the refreshment table. My house was clean. Decluttered, vacuumed, and swept. A royal blue tablecloth decorated my dining room table, with an array of DIY supplies arranged on top: glass jars, Epsom salt, spray bottles, … [Read more...]


text:
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our page. If you continue we assume that you consent to receive all cookies on our website. Read more here.
We bring Scandinavian Design to you
Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 16.00 (CET)
This lovely Swedish Grace teapot from Rörstrand has a timeless design with a sober relief pattern, designed by Louise Adelborg and Pia Törnell. Invite your friends for a tea party with freshly baked scones and biscuits. With this teapot it will be a real success!
Swedish Grace
Swedish Grace


text:
Credit card companies have default clauses that allow them to charge you late fees, over-the-limit fees and increase your interest rate when you do default. Many, though, are now including something called a universal default clause.
The most disastrous effect of defaulting on your credit card is related to a universal default clause. Is a universal default clause written into your agreement with your credit card company? If so, this clause gives your creditor the right to increase your interest rate should you be late on a payment. Unfortunately, it also gives this creditor the right to increase your interest rate should you default on any account.
Once you agree to a credit card with the universal default clause, it is typical for your credit to be monitored. It is monitored to see if you default on any account – e.g., your electric bill, your car payment, your mortgage payment, or any payment to any creditor. You can even trip triggers with this creditor if you have too much credit.
If anything occurs that is considered a default, then the creditor of the credit card with the universal default clause can increase your interest rate. Your rate can lawfully be raised to the default interest rate indicated in your agreement. Sometimes that is two or three times the original interest rate.
Video: Suze Orman - Universal Default - Credit Cards
Credit card companies can influence your credit report in a positive or a negative way. They have the ability to insert information and initiate activity on your credit report without you even knowing it. By law, though, you are allowed one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus. You should take advantage of this to ensure your credit report reflects accurate information.
Reporting from credit card companies can hinder you or exclude you from being considered for a car loan, a mortgage loan or any loan. The same reporting can also set you up for the best interest rates if you are reported as paying on time consistently. The way you treat your credit cards will reflect on your credit report and your credit rating used for future loans. Respect and protect your credit and your credit will open doors for you that, otherwise, would not have been opened.
There are legal practices that a collection agency may conduct to collect on your account, and there are illegal practices that some agencies attempt in order to collect. You need to understand your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Collection agencies are allowed to pursue collection for household, personal and family debts. They are to abide by the legal practices laid out by the FDCPA. Some general activities they are allowed to initiate are as follows:
Video: Illegal Debt Collection Tactics (ABC)
There are illegal practices that the FTC has prosecuted certain collections agencies for in the recent past. Don't fall prey to these predators.
If credit reporting agencies are acting illegally, file an online complaint with the FTC to immediately notify them of the specific illegal activity. Notify the credit agencies committing the illegal practices that you have filed the online complaint form and reported the activity to the FTC. Also inform them that you will report every additional incident from that point forward. It will be more effective if you notify the representatives calling, and send a letter of your intent to the company. Make sure you mail it Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested. You will be armed with evidence to assist the FTC, should a decision be made to take action against the agency.


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A gorgeously soft inner, a relaxed loose shape and a vibrant print makes the Graphic Birds Sweatshirt a Spring must-have. The playful, exclusive Graphic Bird Print been a firm favourite from day one - ideal to add a little springtime to the last of the chilly winter days. The extra special Graphic Bird Print was created in our seaside studio, so you won't find it anywhere else.
Fabric: 99% COTTON, 1% POLYESTER.
Wash care: Delicate Machine Wash at 30 degrees with similar colours, dry Flat and reshape when damp, iron on low temperature, do not tumble dry, do not bleach.
Model wears: UK size 8. Model height: 5ft7 inches/170cm. Length of sweater, from shoulder seam to hem approx 66cm.
Please note : All orders made after 12pm on the 22nd of December will be dispatched from the 27th of December.
Shopping for Christmas? Please click here for our Christmas Delivery Dates and Extended Returns Policy
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Bioware is a game developer and their games are character driven narratives. In the world of gaming characters are usually shallow and conform neatly into the plot and this list is to celebrate those who are a bit more. I've pulled 11 of Bioware's best characters and lined them up in some sort of digital meat market. How is this list determined? Well first off I want to point out I used the word 'best', not 'favorite'. Is the character particularily unique? Does the character invest the player in the process? Does the character present a meaning beyond 'the main antagonist really screwed me over'?
You may get to the end of this list and think, "this is pretty skewed to newer games", and you'd be right. Newer games are on an unfair playing field; their budgets are much larger and their characters are fully voiced. A powerful voice performance on top of a well written script goes a long way in humanizing an image on a screen. I can safely say voice preformance got at least one of these characters in the top 11. Take heart though, this list does include the old games. The other note is while I have played and really enjoyed Neverwinter Nights and Jade Empire I'm not super familiar with their characters' story arcs anymore.
11. Miranda Lawson (Mass Effect 2)
"Omega. What a pisshole."
Miranda isn't the most likable in the Mass Effect series, but she's not suppose to be. You meet her right away and her role in the story is doubly important from the developer's standpoint in terms of the consumers who played the original Mass Effect game. If you didn't play the first game and just jumped in it is no big deal. If you did play the original you shut down some fairly twisted Cerberus operations. Making the Shepard even standing next to Cerberus narrative believable falls on her.
Mass Effect took some heat from critics involving a few butt shots with Miranda. I always thought that critique was shallow. Yes close ups of her quite shapely posterior existed, but they were there to further the character, not to titilate. How do you describe a character as a strong and having black widow feel without just coming out and saying it? Imagery, but we'll save the aesthetics talk for a different post.
10. Mordin Solus (Mass Effect 2)
"I have killed many Shepard. Many methods: gunfire, knives, drugs, tech attacks, once with farming equipment, but not with medicine."
Mordin was always in danger of being the mad scientist cliche. Thankfully it never happened. Hewas different, but never foolish. His comedic injections were never silly slapstick, but presented in an oddly serious way. He was a character you probably used a lot if only to hear his party banter.
9. Sera (Dragon Age: Inquisition)
"*giggling* They don't got no breeches!"
Sera is easily my favorite character in Dragon Age: Inquisition to listen to. Hyper violent, hyper sexual, just plainhyper. Her English accent is thick and she speaks quickly so sometimes I've had to hit the subtitle button. Thankfully it's just a thumbclick away. Getting her going on class warfare or Qunari women is always good for a chuckle. In a title full of memorable characters being so different and making it work gets you on the list, right up there with Lord Poncyfonts.
8. Canderous Ordo/Mandalore (Knights of the Old Republic 1 and 2)
"You had us outnumbered five to one. You had more ships, more troops, more supplies and the Jedi on your side. And we still made the Republic tremble before we fell!"
Canderous is his name and Mandalore is the title he goes by in KOTOR 2. I put them both, because the games don't directly connect them. Until this game most RPGs came out of Japan, and most of the bad asses in those games were between 15 or 20 years old. Even when I was young it was hard to me to wrap my head around the idea of some high school aged kid with a pound of styling gel in his hair as some incredible combat hero. Knights of the Old Republic does it right and Canderous is what you'd expect an experienced war vet and mercenary to be. He's older, somewhat past his physical prime, gruff, and most importantly, not moody. He doesn't hide what he's done; doesn't brag about what he's done. A big plus comes when you bring him along with you to the Sith Academy on Korriban. Hearing him perfectly retort the students' threats is grand.
7. Anders (Dragon Age 2)
"Ser Pouncealot hated the Deep Roads."
Anders is the character whose voice actor (Adam Howden) secured his place on this list. Anders slowly unravels throughout the game and his mental turmoil and increasing zealousness never would have been captured through text alone, nor taken seriously by a poor or even okay voicing. You get through the game and think, "A lot of the things he said means something a lot different now." Anders becomes more important to the plot than the main character and the player starts to see that develop early in the 2nd act.
6. Varric Tethras (Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age: Inquisition)
"Bianca (crossbow)? She's one of a kind. There's a hidden shop in Kirkwall called the Black Emporium. I found her in a barrel labeled 'swag.' The owner sold her to me for a ham sandwich and a pair yellow ruffled pants."
Varric is kind of a hero's sidekick. He's the first of that type on the list, but won't be the last. I don't mean a Batman and Robin thing either, more like a Luke and Han Solo relationship. You know Luke is the Jedi and has all the powers, but Han is still important on his own. He's a Dwarf, but he doesn't have a beard, doesn't smith, and doesn't use a two handed ax. But that doesn't make him just a short human. Storyteller, nickname giver, and chest hair owner… he has it all.
5. Morrigan (Dragon Age)
"There are two things men are always willing to believe about a woman: 1. That she is weak. 2.She finds him attractive."
The writers for Dragon Age did a lot when it came to name play. Most of the character's names have some hidden meaning in other languages or cultures. Morrigan comes from Irish/Celtic lore meaning in short a witch and seducer, which is what she is in the game. I still remember how floored I was when she walked out on us right before the finale when I turned down her ritual request. I don't know why I was shocked. The more she liked you the more she talked about how it will make the future more difficult, how she was sent with you for a reason. But she's pretty and I wanted some of that raven haired witch. Should have pursued Leliana, she does threesomes… foursomes, or if you're female and you worked Alister a certain way.
4. HK-47 (Knights of the Old Republic 1 & 2)
(in translating a Jawa's speech) "…two per cent probability that the miniature organic is simply looking for trouble and needs to be blasted. That may be wishful thinking on my part, master."
HK is a fan favorite for good reason. He's like Sheldon of The Big Bang Theory, but instead of physics it's murder and assassination. HK-47 truly is the droid you're looking for. Party banter with Canderous and HK is wonderful. He is very quick to attempt to convince you to slaughter your enemies… or random organics. He is the only one dimensional character on this list, but he's really good at it. HK-47 is our last entry from the KOTOR series.
3. Minsc *and Boo* (Baldur's Gate 1 & 2)
"Go for the eyes Boo, go for the eyes! *SQUEAK!*"
We have to go all the way back to the beginning of Bioware's catalog to find Minsc. Minsc is a barbarian ranger and Boo is his miniature space hamster. Everyone around him believes Boo to be a normal sized, earthbound hamster, but Minsc has none of that. A normal hamster wouldn't be able to tell him how to do things like Boo does. Minsc is quick to rage in the name of good and honor and quick to love on Boo. It's actually quite adorable. The two of then are even referenced in the Mass Effect games: you can buy a specifically described normal sized pet space hamster for your captain's cabin and while in combat Tali will at times tell her drone to "go for the optics Chiktika!"
2. Garrus Vakarian (Mass Effect series)
"If this ends with the both of us dying in a giant explosion killing a Reaper, just remember. I took the kill shot."
Garrus tops off the characters from the Mass Effect series. Truth be told, Garrus and the top spot on this list are basically a tie, but for one minor caveat. Garrus is one of the two squad mates who join up with you all three games, and even though he doesn't have Tali's hips he sure is a great companion. The player develops and respect and bond with Garrus. It was very visible as before the cast of Mass Effect 3 was announced there was a huge campaign to get Garrus included as a playable character. As a testament to the strength of the character, I never could romance him (Garrus became a possible romantic partner to FemShep in ME 2 and 3). I could never get past that idea that he was Shepard's friend. The others were squad-mates, but Garrus was the real deal. Brandon Keener who voiced Garrus also did an incredible job in relaying the character. All around a perfect character.
1. Alistar Theirin (Dragon Age)
"…I was sent to the larder more times than I can count. (pause) And that's a lot I can count pretty high."
Garrus or Alistar? In a lot of ways they're similar. Both would be the stars of the story if not for the main character. Steve Valentine did an excellent job voicing the character. The reason I pick Alistar over Garrus comes down to the decisions in game at Denerim's Landsmeet. If you're evil enough, and I don't mean just your character but you as a person, you can get Alistar executed. That's cold! This guy takes you on, helps you do Warden stuff, everyone but you and him get killed, and you fight your way the whole game to get out of the ground and as soon as you
achieve victory you betray him!? What?! I felt terrible enough choosing Loghain the two times to get those endings. I've beat the game over ten times and never went the kill Alistar route.
Like with Garrus I always thought Alistar was the main character's friend and the rest, while great, were just squad-mates. Alistar and the Warden also have a more obvious bond than Shepard and Vakarian. Being the only Wardens, both rookies, in a devastated country will do that.
There you have it, the best of the best! Feel I slighted someone? No worries I feel it too. "You don't have XYZ on here, this list is crap!". I hear ya. I wanted Isebella and Tali on the list, but we ran out of room.
Andrew Koerwitz is a freelance writer and comedian. He has found publishing success writing about small furry things and his work can be seen in Guinea Pig Magazine.


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A Patient Journey
A patient's My Health Record can provide important information for healthcare providers in every step of an individual's health journey. For Brian, beyond the emergency department, supplementary information in the discharge summary was visible in his My Health Record – helping inform other healthcare providers involved in his care.
Select the stages of Brian's journey below to reveal his story:


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Canyonlands by Night and Day Testimonials from Happy Customers
Canyonlands by Night and Day loves getting mail and hearing about your trip experience. We enjoy sharing your experience with others. Just look at what some of our friends have said! Send us your comments by mail or fill out our testimonial contact form and we'll be happy to include your kind words!


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It's actually one of the only decent superhero movies I've ever seen, among which are the original Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Captain America (only because of the WWII slant). Why wasn't it more popular? Hell, I even liked it better than "The Avengers" (which I thought was a pretty overrated movie, anyways).
Most Helpful Girl
I never seen it. So I take your word for it.00|00|0
Most Helpful Guy
Barely any action, there was nothing interesting happening to the movie, characters were bland, green lantern looked kinda lame, and no real emotional feel00|00|0


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Well, at one time we were. Whether you were a n00b or a noob, it makes all the difference. I can honestly say that I was the biggest n00b ever when I first joined in '05. This was my first forum, so I didn't know exactly how to behave (or that I couldn't say swear words >.<).
So anyway, This is a thread about any n00bishness that you remember. If you go to your profile and click on "All posts made by ______" then you can see the last 500 posts you made. Now, if your n00bishness was less than 500 posts ago, then use that. If not, you may want to check your rep archive in the User CP.
The most n00bish stuff I found in my last 500 posts (which are more about lolz when I was bored than being n00bish):
The cell phones of Japan
o ur rite those fones wil make u so fresh congrats man im jealousAlright, stop what you're doingyea totaly sic gangsta i bet all da hos be tripin all up on ur gril if you get wit one of dem i liek da black one cuz dem be the kind pimps be got
What I found when checking neg rep archive >.<:You look funny, and yo you're makin' money, see. [2 points]
This thread is loopid.
Question about swearing
What's Your Dirty Little Secret #2Ooooooooh, I love your sig! I'm not sure if you can, I think so but I'm not 100%. A mod will probably post soon.
The rest are stupid reps. oO I wish I had better examples of my great n00bishness, but this is all I was bad repped for. lolhahaha Me too!
Anyway, share!


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The bedroom can get boring in a long term relationship. You've got the same parts, going in the same places, and there's only so many Karma Sutra positions you can try without getting a cramp.
Why not add a little spice to your bedroom with some exciting new toys. You can find most of these toys through a quick Amazon search or on the Adam and Eve web site.
The Jack Rabbit
This is the Rolls Royce of vibrators (vibrators and dildos are different – keep reading!). It includes a rotating shaft with beads to stimulate the lips of the vagina as well. The rabbit piece (yes it's shaped like a rabbit) has two vibrating speeds for clitoral stimulation. Turn your partner on by having them watch you use the new toy. It can be like a real-life sexy-time movie to watch you pleasure yourself with a toy that's both interesting to watch and a guaranteed great orgasm.
Vibrating Tongue Ring
If your partner has his or her tongue pierced, this is a great toy. It looks similar to a regular tongue ring but when you attach the bottom piece, it begins to vibrate. The combination of moisture and vibration can be an incredible sensation for oral sex. You can also buy a vibrating tongue ring attachment that slides over the tongue and provides the same impact without actually piercing the tongue.
Dildos and strap ons
For lesbian couples, try a double sided dildo that you both can enjoy at the same time. There is also a dildo strap on that includes an internal piece. The piece sits in the crotch of the apparatus and stimulates the partner wearing the strap as well.
For any coupler, there is another dildo that you strap on to your head. You can have a dildo attachment on your chin and give oral sex at the same time – stimulating the g-spot and the clitoris at the same time.
A finger rimmer with a small dildo (about the size of a sharpened crayon but with more girth) can provide entertainment for couples that enjoy anal stimulation. You slide the toy onto your finger and use it to stimulate your partner anally while having sex.
A Swing
Swings provide a range a new range of motion and open the door to new positions. Imagine how much thrust or power your partner will have (or you will have) if you no longer have to hold your partner up on the door. The swing can be hung from the ceiling or attached to a door.
Wireless Underwear
What if you could give your partner an orgasm with no warning? Perhaps at the dinner table? Wireless underwear are vibrators that can be word like regular thong underwear. You give your partner the remote and go on about your day around the house. At any moment your partner could press the button and send you to the big O right as you are rinsing off the dishes.
Vaginal or Anal Balls
Perhaps the idea of a dildo is a turn off. Not everyone enjoys plastic penis. Vaginal/Anal balls look like balls on a string. You insert them into the vagina or anus and press the vibrating tool. It allows you to feel sensation throughout the canal without it being an actual penis. Some sex toy users find these balls to be more comfortable.
You can even find some that do not vibrate. The ones that do not vibrate help you build up your vaginal muscles. Use a lubricant to slide the balls in and hold them in while standing for 10-15 minutes. You will strengthen your vaginal or anal muscles and thus provide more enjoyment for your partner during your next sex session.
Liberator Wedge and Sex Strap
Let's admit we are sometimes tired and need help maintaining those sexy positions our partner enjoys. A liberator wedge looks like a small, cushy ramp. It helps you to be more elevated for the doggy style position or to be at a new angle for different sex acts. If you are penetrating, you can reach new areas in the vagina or anus with the help of this wedge.
A sex strap can come in many forms. It's usually a black elastic band with cuffs at the end. Your partner can use this to lift you up (while giving you a break from holding yourself up) or to tie you up. There's also a strap that goes around the back of your neck and attaches to your feet. You can keep your legs in a certain position without exerting much effort to keep them there. Just be sure to stretch first.
There are literally hundreds of toys with different functions and all types of fun colors. Surprise your partner by introducing a little plastic joy into the bedroom. You may be surprised at all the new ways you can find to orgasm.
Read more from Dee Rene at LaughCryCuss.com


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Re: Virgil Yonts Family, Letcher Co., KY
In reply to:
Virgil Yonts Family, Letcher Co., KY
if you go to www.nii.net/~yonts you will find the Yonts Family Center site, it is full of information.Virgil's name is listed on there along with his brothers and sisters and their spouse's My ggrandmother was Nancy Chancy Yonts from Neon,Ky., born Apr.15,1878, died Nov. 27,1927, in Waynesburg,Ky. she married Archibald Lincoln Meade on Aug. 6,1895 in Neon.
if i can be of any more help let me known


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Sanliv Square Design Hand Held Shower Head H862 with On-Off button, it is easy to use. Revolutionize the showering experience with this high pressuare shower head. Easy installation – no assembly required. The shower head is suitable for square design bathroom shower faucet or square shower mixer set.


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CHICAGO – They talked about the need to compete better, the importance of getting pucks deep, the significance of going hard to the net.
They were two Blackhawks players. I'm not sure which two, exactly, but I am certain it didn't really make a difference.
All the Blackhawks who spoke publicly Friday said the same four or five things. Just like all the Ducks did. And all the Rangers and Lightning players, too, I'm sure.
So, after the two Blackhawks in question walked out of the news conference room at the United Center, I considered determining their identity before realizing I could make them be anyone I wanted them to be and who would know any better?
A couple journalists complained this week after Golden State's Stephen Curry brought his daughter, Riley, to his postgame news conference, the 2-year-old overshadowing her MVP father by being staggeringly adorable.
I understand the frustrations of those journalists, both of whom were roundly criticized for being humorless grumps and depicted as possessing hearts the size of Hitler's. But you know what? They were right to speak up.
We all have jobs to do and, in many cases, our employers are paying good money to send us to these events. There is a time and place for everyone and everything, and an NBA news conference really isn't the time or place for a toddler, adorable or not.
But, for my purposes at least, I wouldn't mind at all if one of the Ducks brought along his daughter to a postgame news conference. Heck, if I had my way, one of the Ducks would bring along Riley Curry.
"She really stole the show, huh?" Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler said. "By the end of it, more people were focused on her than him. She's a really cute kid."
My job, though, is just a little different. And, depending on the subject, I often don't use a lot of quotes. I figure, hey, if the Register is paying me $10 million a year, I should be able to say it better than most athletes anyway.
I don't know Stephen Curry well, but I'm certain his daughter was more entertaining on that night in that setting than he is on his best nights in that setting.
Again, though, I can attend an NBA game or an NHL game and write about a 2-year-old. Other journalists with other assignments are obligated to stick to the game developments and offer analysis on what's happening between the lines.
That's why, on a trip like this one, we have Eric Stephens and Rich Hammond here to provide the majority of the hockey coverage. Trust me, we're all better off if they're the ones giving you the hardcore details and I'm the one renting a bike and riding it to the arena, just because.
Yes, among the many great things about this job is the chance to experience different places all over the world – sometimes on two wheels – a terrifically impossible opportunity made even more dumbfounding by the fact someone else is, in fact, willing to pay the bill.
This perk is one that never disappoints. I've been to Chicago dozens of times, but it wasn't until Friday that I noticed, while pedaling to the United Center, a company named Lyon & Healy, where they manufacture … harps!
Not sure about you, but I never even thought about where harps come from. Seriously. Had I been asked before Friday, I probably would have guessed heaven.
Because of the contributions of unrelenting pros like Stephens and Hammond – and others when the Ducks are playing at home – I'm allowed to stagger off on various tangents, some of which, at times, are even semi-relevant.
So far in this series, I've had some fun with Blackhawks fans, and they've reciprocated, although, I would have thought the Register's email system would include a filter stingy enough to catch responses that suggest doing things that are, anatomically, just impossible.
I'm not going to rehash everything here, but, after Game 3, there is something I absolutely feel the need to mention.
Somewhat oddly, among all my comments about Blackhawks fans, the one that resonated most was a crack I made about how they practice questionable hygiene, as if they would have a reason to smell worse than any other team's fans.
The remark was 100 percent fact-free and made in jest, just a gratuitous, after-the-whistle, Corey Perry-like poke intended to draw a reaction.
But then, during the first intermission Thursday, they ran a commercial on the United Center video boards for Fresh Wave, a product that, according to a company publicist, is the "official deodorizer" of the Blackhawks, and I honestly I couldn't have made up anything better myself.
Before seeing the advertisement, I had no idea such a connection existed. I mean, how many professional sports teams openly tout having an "official deodorizer?"
Among other things, Fresh Wave is used to rid a room of the musky smell that comes from pungent athletic equipment, like sweaty hockey gear or, just maybe, sweaty hockey fans. Come on, Blackhawks faithful, even you have to admit this is entirely too perfect.
It's a beautiful thing, isn't it, a tangent circling all the way back to become something relevant again?
Sure makes things easier for me, and, believe it, most days this job is child's play, no tougher than laughing along with an adorable 2-year-old.
Contact the writer: email@example.com